We’re thrilled to be an official sponsor of Teen Read Week 2009. In honor of that, we’re giving away 10 sets of 5 “Beyond Reality” reads to round out your stacks.

Enter to win a set of  five “Beyond Reality” reads!

Download Shelf Help for fantastic Teen Read Week selections!  Shelf Help is our latest effort to give you the tools you need  to create a thorough collection for your patrons.  Each month we will be featuring a new category.  Feel free to request a theme! We’re YOUR resource!

Gesine Bullock-Prado’s memoir is out today and she has provided Reading Group Choices with a recipe for whoopie pies! It’s official.  My baked good of choice, straight from my grandmother’s Maine kitchen is now officially nationally known.  Famous even.  Gone are the explanations and descriptions that have plagued me for years.  Roommates and coworkers have all needed to be initiated, which my grandmother has always been happy to assist with.

For your next book group meeting, whip up some whoopie!

-Erica (and the fact that she is related to Sandra Bullock makes me love her even more. Sandra Bullock knows about whoopie pies?! Yes, I am that easy to impress.)

While I feel as though I am missing out on all the back to school enthusiasm, I have plenty of teacher friends who sound  a bit overwhelmed, yet happy to be back in the swing of things.  So, while my heart and thoughts are with you as the new school year begins, here is some inspiration for YOU as you heroically mold young minds each and every day.

-Erica

After watching the movie trailer for The Informant, I am elevating Matt Damon to Tom Hanks status.  You are all my witnesses, I will now officially go see any movie starring Matt Damon.  His choices have been spot on for a while now and The Informant looks to deliver another fantastic performance.  Love him!

-Erica

While attending ALA Midwinter in Denver last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth Yarnell, author of GLORIOUS ONE-POT MEALS.  This new title from Broadway Books features Elizabeth’s patented approach to easy cooking with a Dutch Oven.  Ever since chatting with this charismatic and personable author, I am excited to try out my new Dutch Oven.  It won’t collect dust any longer!

To learn more about Elizabeth Yarnell and her innovative cooking method visit her website.

-Erica

With the wonderful news that attendance for this year’s Midwinter conference in Denver is on track, don’t miss what the Random House, Inc. booth #1220 has to offer!

Francine Mathews (aka Stephanie Barron) – A FLAW IN THE BLOOD

Abraham Verghese – CUTTING FOR STONE

Elizabeth Yarnell – GLORIOUS ONE-POT MEALS

Shana Abé – THE TREASURE KEEPER

Random House, Inc. Booth #1220 is your destination at Midwinter for Authors, Giveaways, and MORE! 

Safe Travels! – Erica

Today a co-worker sent me a link to a YouTube video featuring a reunion between a lion and his human caretakers. If you haven’t seen it yet, it might bring a few tears to your eyes as it is incredibly sweet (and is even set to sappy music… don’t say I didn’t warn you!)

Next Spring, Broadway will publish A Lion Called Christian, a memoir written by Christian’s human friends. This book will surely interest your animal loving patrons and Marley and Me fans. Keep an eye out for it!  

-Marie

Did you know Rue McClanahan originally auditioned for Rose, and Betty White nearly played Blanche???

Rue McClanahan’s New York Times bestselling memoir – My First Five Husbands…And the Ones Who Got Away  Now available in paperback, the infamous Golden Girl’s hilarious romp through the loves and losses, hits and flops that have shaped her life in Hollywood, and the lessons she learned along the way.

-Erica