Dear Readers,

We know you’re out there, lurking in the cyber shadows. Occassionally, a few of you pop out and say “hello” or comment on the latest post we’ve made. We are always so happy to hear your thoughts and feedback. A few weeks ago we decided to treat those who dare to speak up by raffling off 5 copies of the runaway hit The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. As a special thank you to all who responded we are extending our offer to include all who entered! You should be receiving an e-mail soon to get the ball rolling.

For those of you who thought about commenting but didn’t or for those who thought perhaps they wouldn’t win so why bother, we appreciate you too! You never know when something like this might happen so we encourage you not to be shy and say “hello”.

Sincerely,

Marcia, Jen, Erica, Dave and Marie

It’s almost Friday. Almost but not quite.

To help you get through the day we’re giving away 5 copies of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society!

If you aren’t yet familiar with this book, you need to be. The little book that could, it has proven to be a powerhouse, delighting us all with several weeks spent on the New York Times best seller list. Now available in paperback, it makes a great addition to any book group. Visit the website for more information (and a recipe for potato peel pie, if you dare). Also check out our previous blog post.

For your chance to win, leave a comment.

No matter where you are chances are IT IS COLD. Winter is in full swing and Spring seems oh so far away so we are issuing a call to all librarians and collection developers. Make sure your shelves are stocked with great stories; stories your patrons will want to delve into with hot cocoa in hand next to a roaring fire (feel free to mentally add a other great cliches if need be). A few of Random House’s newest offerings (both in paperback and hardcover) as well as some out in the coming weeks are below. Stay warm!

-Marie

The starred review in Library Journal said of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, “This marvelous debut novel, sure to have book club appeal, is highly recommended for all collections. “  Well, we agree.  We’ve chosen this as our Featured Reading Group Guide of the month.  Can’t get enough of Guernsey?  Check out the official website for audio excerpts, a listing of author events, author bios and more.  Oh, and we have a video too!

–Jen

Ah August!  Sun, surf and extra time for reading.  Here’s what the Random House, Inc. Library Marketing Staff is bringing on vacation.

Jen:

Sherry Thomas DELICIOUS: This top-notch (though not cookie-cutter) historical romance will surely heat up your beach blanket, even on a cloudy day.  Library Journal just gave it a starred review.

Erica:

Catherine Sanderson PETITE ANGLAISE: If Bridget Jones had been a real woman living in Paris, juggling a dying romance with the demands of motherhood, she too might have discovered escape, excitement, and–possibly–true love, though not in a diary, but through the click of a mouse as…Petite Anglaise.

Marci:

Rita Rudner I STILL HAVE IT…I JUST CAN’T REMEMBER WHERE I PUT IT: If you’ve ever seen Rita live in Las Vegas, or on one of her PBS fund-raisers you’ll know why this will have people nearby in their beach chairs looking at you laughing away as you read this.  Seriously hilarious.

Marie:

Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY: Written in letter form and set against the back drop of post-WWII Britain, this is a light and endearing story of friendship met with humor and warmth.  A quick, fun read.  check out the official Guernsey site.

Dave:

Haruki Murakami WHAT I TALK ABOUT WHEN I TALK ABOUT RUNNING: If you find it strange that I chose a book about running for best beach reads, you’re probably not alone, but Murakami’s dream-like prose is perfect for slipping in and out of consciousness–and besides, reading about someone else running while you’re sipping lime-aid is just unbeatable.