Think of a number and then click here and play along.

It guessed my number correctly! I’m a sucker for this kind of stuff.

While you’re at it read more about the book, Think of a Number by John Verdon (out in July).

-Marie

So far, according to The Daily Beast, the top movie critics have been highly approving of “Green Zone,” an adaptation of bestselling book Imperial Life in the Emerald City by Rajiv Chandrasekaran. We’re very excited to have a re-titled movie-tie-in edition! If the good reviews keep coming, look for holds in your library.

-David

For anyone who’s planning on going to the Public Library Association conference this year, we’ll be there in full force at booth 2570. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

Author appearances by Nicholas D. Kristof (Half the Sky), Lisa Grunwald (The Irresistible Henry House), Karin Slaughter (Broken; TripTych), and Beth Kendrick (Second Time Around).

The Book Buzz with Nancy Pearl, Marcia Purcell, and the heads of other publishing houses’ library departments. Find out what all the big books for next season are at 10:30AM on Wednesday March 24!

Spotlight ARC Giveaways including Alexanader McCall-Smith’s Corduroy Mansions, Anna Quindlen’s Every Last One, Lisa Unger’s Fragile and a brand-new historical fiction title, By Fire, By Water. Check your PLA programs!

Hope to see everyone there!

Marci, Jen, David, and Erica

Today I come to you with open ears (well, eyes) and an open heart. I have a problem and am in need of your help.

I. am in. a reading. rut.

Tragic, I know.

The books I’ve picked up the last couple of nights just aren’t doing it for me and I’m kind-of, sort-of know what I’m in the mood for but nothing I grab off the shelves satisfies me. Don’t you hate that? So I figured I would lean on you, my one-stop circulation specialist shop, to see what you recommend I delve into next.

Last week I was reading something fairly modern with a mystery twist to it. And it lost me. For now anyway. I want something rooted a bit more in history but not too historical fiction-y (Read – no Tudors, princesses, or queens right now. I love them but they can wait.) Perhaps I want a contemporary classic? I do love coming-of-age stories. Or since we are flirting with Spring here in New York City, maybe I’m in the mood for something light and airy but not too fluffy? It is hard to say.

So, please give me the best you got and I promise I will take all your wonderful suggestions to heart. Also, if you are in the same boat I am, unburden your heart and perhaps someone can throw you a line.

Thanks in advance!

-Marie

PS – Don’t worry about crossing publisher lines. We have been known to cheat a little here. I won’t tell if you won’t!

Image credit

A couple of readers recently commented (thanks!) on my review of the new memoir, I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced. Since this book has sparked conversation and contemplation, I thought I’d share this recent op-ed piece in The New York Times  by Pulitzer-Prize winner Nicholas D. Kristof whose book, Half the Sky, is a Random House, Inc. bestseller.

Feel free to comment and let me know what you think! I’d love to discuss.

-Marie

As we all know, the Academy Awards took place last night. Congrats to all of the book-to-movie Random House, Inc. winners!

Best Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique from Precious based on the novel Push by Sapphire

Best Animated Film: Up

Best Adapted Screenplay: Precious based on the novel Push by Sapphire

Among the other nominees were The Last Station, Up in the Air, and Julie & Julia (partially based on My Life in France by Julia Child).

Be sure to stock up on these titles as you will surely have patrons who have to read the book first!

If not, you should. Read it Forward is the monthly book group focused e-newsletter produced by our friends up in the Crown Publishing Group. In this month’s newsletter is a wonderfully original feature on the “editor-model hybrid.” Yes, you read right. And I thought meeting authors and going to ALA were a cool job perks. Click here to find out how an editor landed on a book cover! 

Visit the Read It Forward website for more fun stuff and to subscribe to the e-newsletter.

Oh, and sign up for our Library and Book Group e-newsletters while you’re at it.

Happy Friday, everyone!

-Marie

Random House, Inc. has announced that Knopf is publishing former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s memoir, out in September.

“Tony Blair: The Journey will break new ground in prime ministerial memoirs just as Blair himself broke the mould of British politics,” said Gail Rebuck, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Random House Group.  “His book is frank, open, revealing, and written in an intimate and accessible style.  As an account of the nature and uses of power, it will have a readership that extends well beyond politics, to all those who want to understand the challenge of leadership in today’s world.” 

Be sure to add this one to your lists for your politically focused patrons! 

Knowing about the book and what an incredible story it is, it came as no surprise to me when it was announced today that Wes Moore, the dashing, charismatic, and intelligent author of “The Other Wes Moore,” would be appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show and on CBS Sunday Morning.

Here is the editorial description for the book:

Two kids with the same name were born blocks apart in the same decaying city within a year of each other. One grew up to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated combat veteran, White House Fellow, and business leader. The other is serving a life sentence in prison. Here is the story of two boys and the journey of a generation. 

Don’t be surprised if these appearances result in even more publicity for this great story. This one might just take off.

-David

For more on this exciting common reading adoption, visit the new Common Reads blog, dedicated to connecting schools and communites through one book.

There you will also find feedback from program coordinators; videos, links and other author extras; the latest adoption news within the One Book, One Community and First-Year Experience communities; and FREE giveaways (including this one).

If you, or your colleagues, are a part of your community’s One Book program, you do not want to miss this new resource. You may also request or download the new One Book, One Community catalog.

-Marie