December 12, 14 & 15, 2007
T is for Trespass Sue Grafton Putnam
“The long wait is over and it was worth the wait. Grafton delivers again with the latest installment of detective Kinsey Millhone. The author proves again why she is one of the best writers of any genre today.”
Stone Cold David Baldacci Grand Central
“The author of the popular series featuring the Camel Club strikes again. This time, the club must track down a killer who will do anything to disrupt the security of the U.S.A. Conspiracy fans will love this book.”
Communion of 'Sistahs' Dr. Harriette Bias-Insignares JWC Publications
“The perfect book for the poetry lover.”
Historic Photos of Nashville Jan Duke Turner Publishing
“A gorgeous book, these photographs of one of the world's most interesting cities makes this book a real joy for the photography collector.”
Historic Photos Grand Ole Opry Turner Publishing
“The best photographic book of the Grand Ole Opry. A must have for the country music lover.”
Jack Kerouac's American Journey:The Real-Life Odyssey of On the Road Paul Maher, Jr. Thunder's Mouth Press
“What map did Kerouac use to plan On the Road? See how the Beat Generation viewed America. Read Maher's book to learn the real story.”
Things Held Dear Roy Herron Volunteer Books
“Herron proves in this book that there are politicians with the right kind of character. Things Held Dear is a wonderful and inspiring gift book.”
Madison Avenue Maxi Elke Gazzara Carroll & Graf
“For every parent who ends up raising their child's unwanted pet. Enjoy how Maxi the dog, captivates his grandparents and becomes an indispensable part of their home.”
The Quiet Girl Peter Hoeg Farrar Straus & Giroux
“Part mystery, part thriller, part science project and part modern fiction, The Quiet Girl is the perfect book for fans of Hoeg's previous best seller, Smilla's Sense of Snow.”
Send David Shipley & Will Schwalbe Knopf
“Do you know someone who drives you crazy with their email? Then rush out and buy this book immediately. Give them a copy of Send, which should be required reading for anyone who uses email.”
The Long Embrace Raymond Chandler and the Woman He Loved Judith Freeman Pantheon
“Who was the mysterious woman that Chandler described over and over again in his books? Could it have been his wife Cissy? The perfect book for any Chandler fan.”
Glassmaker Stephen Rolfe Powell Kentucky
“Powell was a remarkable artist and Glassmaker is an amazing sample of his work.”
George C. Marshall Stewart Husted Stackpole Books
“A great book for business leaders who want to apply the successful aspects of military leadership.”
Traditional Archery From Six Continents Charles Grayson University Missouri Press
“Did you know that the bow was used for both hunting food and as a weapon? Traditional Archery is a beautifully illustrated book about how archery shaped civilization for many centuries.”
Speaking of Faith Krista Tippett Highbridge Audio
“The perfect book to listen to when you think religion should be used as a force of good instead of a force of evil.”
On Harper Lee Essays and Reflections Alice Hall Petry University of Tennessee Press
“On Harper Lee is a compilation of everything you wanted to know about one of the greatest writers ever.”
New England White Stephen L. Carter Knopf
“Carter, the author of The Emperor of Ocean Park proves again why he is one of the greatest story tellers today. New England White is a glimpse of what goes on behind the façade of the haves and the have nots.”
The Mercy Seller Brenda Rickman Vantrease St. Martin's Press
“The Best Historical Fiction of 2007!”
The Voyage of the Vizcaina Klaus Brinkbaumer Harcourt
“What really happened to the last voyage of Christopher Columbus? This is a great story of history, politics and exploration.”
50 Uncommon Birds of the Upper Midwest Nancy Overcott University Iowa
“Even ugly ducklings are beautifully illustrated in this amazing book.”
Karl Bodmer's Studio Art The Newberry Library Bodmer Collection W. Raymond Wood University Illinois
“A stunning summary of Bodmer's artwork with a captivating narrative.”
Freud's Wizard Ernest Jones & the Transformation of Psychoanalysis Brenda Maddox Da Capo
“Ernest Jones was a psychoanalyst who saved Sigmund Freud from the Nazis and Freud's Wizard is a comprehensive study of their personal and professional relationship.”
The Sweet Potato Queen's Guide to Raising Children Jill Conner Browne Simon & Schuster
“Browne, the author of The Sweet Potato Queen books, explains how to start while your children are young if you want them to succeed as a real Sweet Potato Queen.”
Run Ann Patchett Harper
“Anne Patchett proves again why she is the best modern fiction writer today.”
Double Cross James Patterson Little, Brown
“Another mesmerizing and terrifying chapter in the life of Detective Alex Cross.”
Protect & Defend Vince Flynn Atria
“In the thriller world of books, it just does not get any better. Flynn scores again in this story of thermonuclear threats and Middle Eastern intrigue.”
Hither & Yon A Travel Guide for the Spiritual Journey Becca Stevens Dimensions
“The perfect book for the reader on a spiritual search.”
The Misunderstood Jew Amy Jill Levine HarperOne
“The perfect guide for the frank discussion between Christians and Jews.”
A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini Riverhead Books
“The author of The Kite Runner scores another great work of literature. If you want to understand family relationships and politics in Afghanistan then read A Thousand Splendid Suns. Hosseini is one of the great writers of this decade.”
November 27, 2007
Best Sellers
Bridge of Sighs Richard Russo Knopf
“Russo continues to prove why he is one of our top writers. His depiction of the inner souls and motivations of seemingly real people is the heart of American writing.”
On Chesil Beach Ian McEwan Nan Talese/Doubleday
“McEwan weaves another masterpiece. He can pack more into one 24-hour day than any other writer.”
Atonement Ian McEwan Nan Talese/Doubleday
“A must read before you see the movie. McEwan narrates his most unforgettable and moving story in Atonement.”
Run Ann Patchett Harper
“Anne Patchett proves again why she is the best modern fiction writer today.”
Three Cups of Tea Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin Penguin
“Required reading for those who truly want world peace. A must have for all bookclubs.”
Protect & Defend Vince Flynn Atria
“In the thriller world of books, it just does not get any better. Flynn scores again in this story of thermonuclear threats and Middle Eastern intrigue.”
Schulz & Peanuts A Biography David Michaelis Harper
“A masterpiece about a genius with appropriate comic strip panels to illustrate the good parts.”
Blonde Faith Walter Mosley Little, Brown
“Easy Rawlins returns in another story about southern California, the Mouse, and the real meaning of grace and redemption. Start the petitions now to beg Mosley not to end the Rawlins series.”
The Uncommon Reader Alan Bennett Farrar, Straus and Giroux
“The perfect book to give to your favorite nonreader. This book will surely make anyone appreciate the joy of reading.”
The Abstinence Teacher Tom Perrotta St. Martin's Press
“Sure to be at the top of required reading for all bookclubs. Perrotta is one of today's most compelling story tellers.”
The Pillars of the Earth Ken Follett New American Library
“One of the greatest historical novels of all time. Make sure you have an entire weekend with nothing else to do but read when you start this book.”
World Without End Ken Follett Dutton
“This sequel to The Pillars of the Earth was worth the wait. Follett just keeps getting better and better.”
Rhett Butler's People Donald McCaig St. Martin's Press
“Did Rhett Butler get enough ink in the original Gone with the Wind? McCaig does not think so and with the blessing of the Margaret Mitchell estate devotes this entire book to what made Rhett tick.”
Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows J.K. Rowling Scholastic
“This is the alleged ending of the Harry Potter epic, with all the pleasure and disappointment that brings.”
The Luxe Anna Godbersen Harper Collins
“Appearance and wealth are all that matters in this story of the haves and the have nots of New York City. Anna Godbersen joins the ranks of Plum Sykes with this first book. Can't wait for the sequel.”
Portraits and Observations Truman Capote Random House
“Capote was one of the best writers ever even when his lifestyle was in the pits. This collection of essays prove it.”
Mystery & Thrillers
Dark of the Moon John Sandford Putnam
“Again Sandford shows us the difference between a crime novel and a mystery in this character study that happens to involve murder.”
Protect & Defend Vince Flynn Atria
“In the thriller world of books, it just does not get any better. Flynn scores again in this story of thermonuclear threats and Middle Eastern intrigue.”
Blonde Faith Walter Mosley Little, Brown
“Easy Rawlins returns in another story about southern California, the Mouse, and the real meaning of grace and redemption. Start the petitions now to beg Mosley not to end the Rawlins series.”
Double Cross James Patterson Little, Brown
“Another mesmerizing and terrifying in the chapter in the life of Detective Alex Cross.”
I am Legend Richard Matheson Tor
“One of the top 10 science fiction short stories of all time.”
Cottonwood Fall Gary Slaughter Fletcher House
“This World War II hometown adventure ranges from German P.O.W.'s to squirrel hunting to a tour of Chicago in the celebration of American values and true heroes.”
Genesis Paul Chafe Baen
“A superior tale of revolution on a colony spaceship.”
Better to Beg Forgiveness Michael Williamson Baen
“A fast moving science fiction military war where there are no rules.”
Biographies & History & Historical Fiction
The Mitfords edited by Charlotte Mosley Harper
“Only a relative could do justice to the latest about the fascinating Mitford sisters. What sisters! What letters! The perfect book for the anglophile.”
Dark Victory - The Life of Bette Davis Ed Sikov Henry Holt
“Fasten your seatbelts. Every thing about Bette Davis was bumpy and Dark Victory is the best bio about her yet.”
Schulz & Peanuts A Biography David Michaelis Harper
“A masterpiece about a genius with appropriate comic strip panels to illustrate the good parts.”
Queen of Fashion What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution Caroline Weber Picador
“Weber explains as she only can why Marie Antoinette and her wardrobe continue to fascinate us in the 21st century.”
The Star Machine Jeanine Basinger Knopf
“The author of A Woman's View tells all about who became a star and what men and women had to do to succeed in during the 1930s, 40s and 50s.”
Otto Preminger The Man Who would be King Foster Hirsch Knopf
“The director of the movies The Man with the Golden Arm, Anatomy of a Murder and Carmen Jones was a genius. Hirsch tells all including Preminger's determination to film movies about African Americans with Carmen Jones and gays in Advise and Consent.”
Antony and Cleopatra Collen McCullough Simon & Schuster
“The author of the The Thorn Birds writes a compelling version of one of the greatest love story's of all time with this sequel to The October Horse.”
The Pillars of the Earth Ken Follett New American Library
“One of the greatest historical novels of all time. Make sure you have an entire weekend with nothing else to do but read when you start this book.”
World Without End Ken Follett Dutton
“This sequel to The Pillars of the Earth was worth the wait. Follett just keeps getting better and better.”
And Only to Deceive Tasha Alexander Harper
“Fans of Philipa Gregory will love this new historical fiction author.”
From A Standing Start My Tennessee Political Odyssey Winfield Dunn Magellan Press
“Impossible to put down. Dunn shares his secrets of how he became Tennessee's first Republican governor in 50 years. A must read for anyone who loves politics and history.”
The Fred Factor How Fred Thompson May Change the Face of the '08 Crowd Steve Gill Music City News Publishing
“The leading expert on Fred Thompson explains the mystery behind the man and what Thompson must do to be the next President.”
I Am America (And so Can You!) Stephen Colbert Hachette Book Group
“Colbert is just as funny in print as he is on television. Be forewarned that it is impossible to remain quiet while reading I Am America. You will laugh out loud.”
On the Road Jack Kerouac Penguin
“A classic and amazing novel of Kerouac's life that has inspired generations.”
BookClub Selections
Run Ann Patchett Harper
“Anne Patchett proves again why she is the best modern fiction writer today.”
Atonement Ian McEwan Nan Talese/Doubleday
“A must read before you see the movie. McEwan narrates his most unforgettable and moving story in Atonement.”
Walking the Wind John Lewis Harcourt Brace
Hither & Yon A Travel Guide for the Spiritual Journey Becca Stevens Dimensions
“The perfect book for the reader on a spiritual search.”
The Misunderstood Jew Amy Jill Levine HarperOne
“The perfect guide for the frank discussion between Christians and Jews.”
Home to the Big Stone Gap Adriana Trigiani Ballantine
Eat Pray Love Elizabeth Gilbert Penguin
The Memory Keeper's Daughter Kim Edwards Penguin
The Yiddish Policemen's Union Michael Chabon HarperCollins
The Pillars of the Earth Ken Follett New American Library
“One of the greatest historical novels of all time. Make sure you have an entire weekend with nothing else to do but read when you start this book.”
Classics & Literature
Collected Works Jane Austen
The Big Sleep Raymond Chandler
The Maltese Falcon Dashiell Hammett
The Sound & The Fury William Faulkner
Farewell to Arms Ernest Hemingway
The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
East of Eden John Steinbeck
The Annotated Archy and Mehitabel Don Marquis and Michael Sims
Collected Works Flannery O'Connor
A Room of One's Own Virginia Woolf
A Tale of Two Cities Charles Dickens
Complete Works William Shakespeare
November 2, 2007
Run Ann Patchett Harper
“Anne Patchett proves again why she is the best modern fiction writer today.”
Craig Claiborne's Southern Cooking University of Georgia
“Claiborne, the infamous food critic for the New York Times dishes out a tasteful and delightful compilation of the best food from the south.”
Book of the Dead Patricia Cornwell Putnam
“Kay Scarpetta is back with another dark mystery featuring an especially sick and twisted killer.”
Wealtheow Her Telling of Beowulf Ashley Crownover Turner
“An exciting first novel that creates the feminine take on the monster Grendel story.
Ask Me Now Sascha Feinstein Indiana University Press
“These 20 opinions from music giants make this the perfect book for the serious jazz lover.”
Waiting to Surface Emily Listfield Atria
“An unusual book for the mystery lover. Waiting to Surface is about the alleged disappearance of a husband who leaves behind only an airline ticket, pieces of a sculpture and two drawings. Is it an accident, suicide, homicide or something else? Listfield keeps you guessing to the very last page.”
The Dirt on Clean Katherine Ashenburg FSG
“The perfect gift for the compulsive neat freak in your family. Ashenburg spreads around the real dirt on centuries of cleanliness.”
Putting America on the Map Seymour Schwartz Prometheus
“Want to know what 10 million dollars looks like? It's the first map naming us as 'America' instead of Columbus. This map was lost for four centuries before it was discovered in a German castle and eventually sold to the Library of Congress for 10 million dollars.”
Reading Comics Douglas Wolk DeCapo
“Want to know what your children are reading and what it means to them? Modern day graphic novels, what we used to call comic books, are all the rage and author Wolk interprets them even better than Freud on Dreams.”
Halting State Charles Stross Ace
“Want to know what people spend all that time on the internet doing? Many are creating virtual worlds with characters named after themselves. Halting State is an absorbing novel about a bank robbery in that virtual world.”
Dead Men Tell no Tales Joseph Gibbs University of South Carolina
“The murderous pirate Charles Gibbs plundered his way across the Caribbean, boasting and bellowing all the way. Buy this book for every Walter Mitty daydreamer in your life.”
The Eiger Obsession John Harlin III Simon & Schuster
“The north face of the Eiger Mountain in the European Alps has taken the life of many climbers. The author's father fell 4,000 feet to his death when he was almost at the summit. This is the unforgettable story of conquering your fears and making an IMAX movie.”
Clapton Eric Clapton Broadway
“Finally, the tell all story of one of the very best rock musicians ever.”
Now & Then Robert Parker Putnam
“Spenser is back again. This time it is a divorce case where three people are dead and both Spenser and Susan by a terrorist cell. Robert Parker never disappoints.”
Terminal Andrew Vachss Pantheon
“No one is tougher or colder than Burke in this 17th book in the series. If you have not discovered Burke and his outlaw family, then run, don't walk, to the nearest bookstore.”
Beowulf - The Script Book Neil Gaiman & Roger Avary Harper
“Who will save the Danish warriors from the monster Grendel? Find out at the movies or read the script version co-authored by Gaiman, the world's leading fantasy writer.”
oPtions Daniel Lyons Da Capo
“Author Lyons is a fake Steve Jobs who gives crazy advice and makes outrageous claims as he wheels and deals through his business life in this satire of politics, Hollywood and the Apple World of corporate America.”
September 4, 2007
Loving Frank Nancy Horan Ballantine
“Outstanding debut novel, the most talked about book of the fall and a sure pick for bookclubs everywhere.”
Play Dirty Sandra Brown Simon & Schuster
“Brown proves again why her mysteries are impossible to put down. Play Dirty features former Dallas Cowboy Griff Burkett who must fight again to clear his name.”
Live Fast - Love Hard The Faron Young Story Diane Diekman University Illinois Press
“The true story of one of Nashville's most infamous honky tonk leaders. Diekman tells all about Faron Young and his claim to fame as one of the Grand Ole Opry favorites.”
The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus Amy-Jill Levine Harper
“A must read for the serious student of the history of Christianity. Vanderbilt Divinity Scholar offers a compelling narrative of the relationship between the Jewish and Christian faith.”
The Art & Architecture Of Mesopotamia & The Art & Architecture of Persia edited by Giovanni Curatola Abbeville Press
“These beautifully-made books illustrate the richness of ancient civilizations and their culture in ways that illuminate and educate."
The Best of Robert E. Howard Ballantine/Del Rey
“In the tradition of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Howard's writing inspired Stephen King and left a series of stories about a bloodthirsty and crude fantasy world. This is a must have for any fantasy collector.”
The Sleeping Doll Jeffery Deaver Simon & Schuster
“A mass murderer escapes and the manhunt is on in this terrifying psychological story that is all too close to the real-life Charles Manson cult.”
Last Breath George Shuman Simon & Schuster
“A serial killer novel with a twist as the investigator is a blind woman with the ability to see the final living moments of a dead body.”
Crusade Robyn Young Dutton
“Intrigue and conspiracy in the Middle East drive this story set in 1274 A.D. that features a mysterious religious group known as the Brethren and the battle for the Holy Land.”
July 3, 2007
A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini Riverhead Books
“The author of The Kite Runner scores another great work of literature. If you want to understand family relationships and politics in Afghanistan then read A Thousand Splendid Suns. Hosseini is one of the great writers of this century.”
Suite Francaise Irene Nemirovsky Vintage
“The most talked about book of the summer of 2007. Suite Francaise is a must read for bookclubs everywhere.”
American Gospel Jon Meacham Random House
“Do politics and religion ever mix? Were they ever meant to in the United States? American Gospel is the ultimate book about what the Founding Fathers really meant about the separation of church and state. If you only read one history book this year, then select this highly entertaining and engrossing truth by Meacham, the editor of Newsweek."
The Shadow Catcher Marianne Wiggins Simon & Schuster
"Edward Sheriff Curtis was a photographer who was known for his pictures of Native Americans. Wiggins blends fact and fiction to create a spell binding narrative of the vanishing west of the United States by incorporating the life of Curtis into a current effort to make a movie about him in Hollywood. Impossible to put down.”
Montage of a Dream The Art & Life of Langston Hughes John Edgar Tidwell & Cheryl R. Ragar University of Missouri Press
“The definitive book for literary criticism fans of Langston Hughes, one of the country's most important and gifted writers.”
Lulu Meets God & Doubts Him Danielle Ganek Viking
“What really goes on behind the scenes of the Art World? Mix art and murder in the delicious story of intrigue by first time novelist and artist Ganek and the result is one of the most talked about books of the year. Read this book and then anticipate the movie.”
The Tin Roof Blowdown James Lee Burke Simon & Schuster
“Really it's enough to say this is a Dave Robicheaux novel. A tragic mixture of crime, faith and mystery in New Orleans that could not have been written by anyone but Burke.”
No Excuses Robert Shrum Simon & Schuster
“The senior strategist of Gore for President in 2000 and Kerry for President in 2004 explains what really happened to derail, hex, and just plain foul up those campaigns. A must read for every politico or aspiring politician."
The Emperor's Children Claire Messud Vintage
“The Emperor's Children was rightly selected by the New York Times Book Review as Best Book of the Year and the paperback is sure to shoot to the top of every bookclub's reading list. Impossible to put down, highly entertaining and offers one heck of an ending.”
The Scroll Cat LeDevic Ecadamy-Press.com
“Fans of The DaVinci Code will love this novel by a Nashville author where the plot device is the struggle over an ancient scroll that leads the heroine from France to the United States to the Middle East."
Spare Change Robert B. Parker Putnam
“Pictures of seven dead bodies, four men and three women, with three coins on the ground near their head produce media headlines about the Spare Change killer and the police task force that pursued him. Now years later Boston private investigator Sunny Randall helps her father crack the case.”
Museum: Behind the Scenes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Danny Danziger Viking
“These are interviews of the people who have helped make the Met the greatest museum in the world. They range from the director to the security guard to the cleaner along with the multimillionaire benefactors. The perfect gift for the art critic and art lover.”
The Cigarette Century Allan M. Brandt Basic Books
“How did smoking tobacco come to dominate our culture? Has it changed in the last 30 years? Why do we continue to spend tax dollars to finance overseas promotions of smoking? Could all these questions be related to a conspiracy by the tobacco companies to intentionally mislead? Today that answer seems obvious but as Professor Brandt makes clear, for hundreds of years tobacco was an accepted and welcome part of our lives.”
Fallen Founder The Life of Aaron Burr Nancy Isenberg Viking
“How could one of the founding fathers go so wrong or is this an unfair description of the most controversial founder? Fallen Founder attempts to take Burr out of the villain category and return him to the status of a genuine hero.”
June 5, 2007
Lethally Blond Kate White Warner Books
“White delivers another fun read featuring the always well dressed and accessorized Bailey Weggins.”
The Mosaic Crimes Giulio Leoni Harcourt
“Leoni is a must read for fans of historical mysteries. What did Dante Alighieri do before he wrote his masterpiece, The Divine Comedy? Leoni writes that he solved mysteries in this story of the death of an artist.”
The Overlook Michael Connelly Little, Brown
“His 19th book. His best book ever. The best mystery of the year as Harry Bosch tangles with the FBI in a radioactive web of deceit and desire.”
Obsession Jonathan Kellerman Ballantine Books
“Brilliant detection and strange characters make this a nourishing mystery. Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis combine their talents again to explore the secrets of the past in a young woman's tragic life."
Bad Luck and Trouble Lee Child Delacorte Press
“His 11th book. His best book ever. The best thriller in years as Reacher assembles his old special unit to protect and preserve his friends from a mysterious conspiracy.”
Invisible Prey John Sandford Putnam
“Sandford is simply the best mystery and suspense writer in America. This time Lucas Davenport learns just how bloody and violent the little old lady antique business really is. You won't see this plot on Antique Roadshow.'"
Do You! Russell Simmons Gotham
“This story about the leading Hip Hop artist and entrepreneur is astounding with its insights and intelligence that ring true.”
The Alpine Scandal Mary Daheim Ballantine Books
“If you like Murder She Wrote you will love this mystery set in the Cascade Mountains of Washington.”
The Dying Crapshooter's Blues David Fulmer Harcourt
“The close relationship between police officers and street criminals in the 1920's is the focus of this Atlanta mystery. Fulmer is an award winning mystery writer and proves why in this impossible to put down book.”
The Unquiet John Connolly Atria
“A murderous tale of betrayal and revenge will grab the reader literally by the throat in John Connolly's newest and most terrifying Charlie Parker story.”
Lying with Strangers James Grippando Harper Collins
“Peyton is a first-year resident at a Boston Hospital when she is rescued by a stranger in an automobile accident. No one believes her account of the events as she must confront those closest to her in this psychological thriller. Grippando continues to write the most realistic fiction about crime and criminals.”
The Fourth Order Stephen Frey Ballantine Books
“National security thrillers are about treachery and power and no one writes these mysteries better than Frey in this story about a secret government agency working to combat terrorism.”
The Second Objective Mark Frost Hyperion
“In 1944 Hitler makes a last desperate effort to halt the American armies through secret assassinations. This World War II thriller is based on a true German operation and is impossible to put down.”
May 1, 2007
Boy Shopping Nia Stephens Dafina Books/Kensington Publishing
"The must read book this summer for every teenager and young adult. Impossible to put down, a real page turner, canít wait for the next book from this sure to be best selling author."
He ís A Rebel Mark Ribowsky Da Capo
"Truth is really stranger than fiction. While Phil Spectorís murder trial continues in real life (with the TV movie sure to come), you can read the true life story of a rock n roll legend who is now on trial for his life."
Heart-Shaped Box Joe Hill Morrow
"New author Joe Hill proves that growing up with a father who keeps the heart of a small child on his desk leads to depravity, weirdness and great story telling as this son of Stephen King scares and scores with his first novel about addiction and obsession."
Hershey Michael DíAntonio Simon & Schuster
"This book is almost as good as the chocolate bar. This biography of Milton S. Hershey and the chocolate company shows how hard work, ingenuity, and just plain luck produced the worldís largest chocolate factory. The only thing that would have made this book better would have been a free sample of the product."
American Sideshow Marc Hartzman Tarcher/Penguin
"The dazzling real lives of the bearded ladies, the dog faced boys, the camel girl, the lobster boy, the frog boy, the lizard man and all the other strange carnival and sideshow performers."
Muses, Madmen & Prophets Daniel B. Smith The Penguin Press
"Those who hear voices and what they hear in their hallucinations is examined thoroughly and almost explained in this penetrating study."
The King of Methlehem Mark Lindquist Simon & Schuster
"Mix identity theft, a ladies man, and a meth lab and this crime novel cooks up a potent brew of gritty chaos and dark events."
The Call of the Weird Louis Theroux Da Capo
"Vonnegut type craziness plus televisionís version of reality gives this book a chance to define what is really weird from UFO cults to gurus to drug-crazed musicians."
Tourism in the Mountain South C. Brenden Martin University of Tennessee Press
"From Victorian culture in the Highland South to mountain crafts and the economics of tourism, this book is a well researched study, rich with examples of the origin of resorts and the development of destinations such as Gatlinburg."
Mexican Days Toni Cohan Broadway Books
"A great guide for and to both the old and the new Mexico."
Good Girls & Wicked Witches Amy M. Davis Indiana University Press
"If you think the ideal of American womanhood was established by Doris Day and other goody two shoes, then think again and read this enthralling exploration of the women in the Walt Disney films from Sleeping Beauty to Alice in Wonderland to the Little Mermaid and Pocahontas."
Nineteen Minutes Jodi Picoult Atria
"Picoult proves again why she is todayís most popular author. Nineteen Minutes, like her other books, is intriguing, sickening, emotionally draining and worth reading."
Little Pink Slips Sally Koslow Putnam
"Little Pink Slips is the journalism version of The Devil Wears Prada except this time the editor is the star. Sally Koslow makes great use of her background as editor of McCalls to share all the dirt about what really happened when a television star takes over a magazine."
No! I Don't Want To Join a Book Club Virginia Ironside Viking
"Why do people try to force 60-year old-women into a bookclub? No! I Don't Want to Join a Book Club is the funny and endearing story about what happens to one woman who rebels against the norm."
The Next Thing on My List Jill Smolinski Shaye Areheart Books
"What happens if you are the heir to someone elseís dream list and that person just died? The Next Thing on My List is the great story of how June Parkerís life changes when she decides to carry out the last request of someone else."
Forever a Hustlerís Wife Nikki Turner Ballantine
"Nikki Turner proves again why her books are so popular. Forever a Hustlerís Wife is the beach read book of 2007."
The Canon Natalie Angier Highbridge Audio
"The best audio book in years, perfect for every frustrated or want to be scientist. Angier explains all of the why questions."
Miss Read- Village School Miss Read/Dora Saint Houghton Mifflin
"The perfect series for fans of Jan Karonís Mitford books. Miss Read lives in England and even provides a map for the quaint little town where her characters live. If the word charming is a plus, then this series is a must read."
April 3, 2007 - Mysteries
Dry Ice Stephen White Dutton
“The best Steven White book ever. There is a shock and a twist in every chapter.”
Daddy's Girl Lisa Scottoline Harper Collins
“Scottoline just keeps getting better. Natalie Greco - like Scottoline- is on the faculty of a prestigious law school. When she tries to help the defenseless she finds herself right in the middle of a riveting murder.”
The Woods Harlan Coben Dutton
“Four teenagers die or disappear and 20 years later the mysteries really begin with a new Jersey prosecutor still mourning his missing sister in this taut fast moving novel."
Looks to Die For Janice Kaplan Touchstone
“Murder happens even in Beverly Hills and Kaplan - author of the Botox Diaries - delivers a great whodunit. When Lacy Fields husband - who happens to be a famous plastic surgeon, is accused of murder, Lacy must use her combination of style and beauty to prove his innocence.”
Hunter's Moon Randy Wayne White Putnam
“White is a true successor to John D. MacDonald and all who are captivated by Sanibel Island and the Florida Keys. Once again Doc Ford triumphs through an assassination and deceit.”
Storm Runners T. Jefferson Parker Morrow
“Nobody's better than Parker at viewing cops and robbers from the drunken bottom of a bottle and bringing them back in that Southern California lifestyle.”
The Mysterious Affair at Styles Agatha Christie Random House
“Eighty-seven years ago the grande dame created Hercule Poirot to solve with logic and deduction the murder and he has been with us ever since. A must read for the true mystery lover.”
Hurricane Punch Tim Dorsey Morrow
“Dorsey is king of the hard edged, humorous serial killer spree thriller and proves it here again.”
The Blade Itself Marcus Sakey St. Martin's/Minotaur
“Move over James Lee Burke, Sue Grafton, and John Sandford, there's a new kid in town and he is Chicago tough and prison hard in this debut novel. Better reserve a high place in the mystery writer's Hall of Fame for Sakey.”
The Watchman Robert Crais Simon & Schuster
“It just does not get bloodier, colder, or more delightfully real than Joe Pike and Elvis Cole in Crais's series set in the always dark and brooding underbelly of a Los Angeles full of lying cops and arrogant rich kids. No heroes here, just great characters.”
The Alibi Man Tami Hoag Bantam
“Hoag is always on the best-seller list because she is the Princess of Darkness with enough deceit and dead bodies for every warped appetite.”
Wolf Canyon J.F. Whiteaker Authorhouse
“Kaitlyn Grant is a woman who is not afraid of anything. When her best friend dies in her arms, she stops at nothing to find his killer. A real page-turner.”
March 6, 2007
The Mercy Seller Brenda Rickman Vantrease St. Martin's Press
“The most anticipated sequel of the year. Fans of The Illuminator will find The Mercy Seller enthralling and impossible to put down. The best historical fiction of 2007.”
Self-Storage Gayle Brandeis Ballantine
“The novel that is getting all of the buzz, look for this on the best of 2007 fiction.”
Shopaholic & Baby Sophie Kinsella Dial Press
“At last, another saga in the on-going life of loveable spendaholic Becky Bloomwood - this time featuring Becky as a mother.”
Because She Can Bridie Clark Warner
“The most talked about book of the year. Because She Can tells all about the business of publishing like The Devil Wears Prada exposed the business of fashion.”
A More Perfect Union How I Survived the Happiest Day of My Life Hana Schank Atria
“The wedding obsessed story of a bride to be who believes that matching napkins colors to bridesmaid dresses will determine her future happiness - hilarious!”
The Illuminated Life Heidi Ardizzone Norton
“The very secret life of Belle de Costa Greene who organized and created the famous Pierpont Morgan Library in New York. The best biography this spring.”
The Annotated Pride & Prejudice Jane Austen Anchor
“What can I say? A genuine classic now available with every footnote and factoid known to every woman and man.”
Staying Sane When You Are Going Through Menopause Pam Brodowsky & Evelyn Fazio Da Capo
“Hot flashes, weight gain & romance, not necessarily in that order at a critical time in life. The perfect book for the bedside.”
Naked on the Page Jane Ganahl Viking
“The real truth about being middle aged, a mother and single. A must read for the dating hopeful.”
Goodbye, My Friend Celebrating the Memory of a Pet Devon O'Day Rutledge Hill Press
“Poignant keepsake for the grief stricken pet owner.”
A Year in the World Frances Mayes Broadway
“Continuing saga of the life of the author of Under the Tuscan Sun - this time sharing her tales from all around the Mediterranean and beyond.”
Sliver of Truth Lisa Unger Shaye Areheart Books
“Much like Red Dragon this suspenseful and fast moving thriller will make you question your everyday activities.”
The Spellman Files Lisa Lutz Simon & Schuster
“This debut private eye novel reminds me of Janet Evanovich at her very best - full of comedy, irreverence, and suspense.”
Yellowcake Ann Cummins Houghton Mifflin
“This debut novel is full of characters we all recognize who are trying to escape their past 20 years after a uranium mine in the southwest closes.”
b-Mother Maureen O'Brien Harcourt
“When her brother dies, Hillary seeks consolation and winds up pregnant at age 16. Now years later she searches for the baby she gave up for option in this emotionally satisfying tale.”
City of Glory Beverly Swerling Simon & Schuster
“Fans of historical fiction will delight in this rich tale of imagery and characters fighting the British blockade and searching for love.”
Innocent Trader A Novel of Lady Jane Grey Alison Weir Ballantine
“For those who cannot get enough of the intrigue in the court of Henry the VIII, a riveting story of the teenager who lasted nine days on the throne.”
A Thousand and One Nights Lara Tupper Harcourt
“Fun book about a not-so-good entertainer who is hired to sing and dance in third rate locations around the world.”
February 6, 2007
The Audacity of Hope Barack Obama Crown
"First a President from Hope and now a want to President with Hope. Learn more about one of the rising stars in politics."
A Hand to Guide Me Denzel Washington with Daniel Paisner Meredith
“One of Hollywood's nicest people reaches out again to help others.”
Cross James Patterson Little Brown
"African-American detective Alex Cross returns in search of his wife's killer."
The Measure of a Man Sidney Poitier Harper San Francisco
“A fascinating look at a career about a man that everyone would like to have as a dinner guest.”
The Making of a Lynching Culture William Carrigan University of Illinois
“The graphic history of one of the worst times and places in our country.”
Rough Justice Lynching & American Society Michael Pfeifer University of Illinois
“A close examination of race, gender and class in the criminal justice system.”
Josephine Baker in Art & Life Bennetta Jules-Rosette University of Illinois
“The life and shocking story of the icon who danced her way to fame and infamy in Paris.”
Black Muslim Religion in the Nation of Islam Edward E. Curtis, IV University of North Carolina
“The rituals, theology, and discipline of this political and religious movement.”
Toussaint Louverture Madison Smart Bell Pantheon
“Nashville's own Madison Smart Bell writes an amazing biography (after three fictional accounts) of the man who led the most successful slave revolt in history.”
Equiano the African Vincent Carretta Penguin
“A slave, slave trader and then an abolitionist, Equiano was the best known African in the 18th Century.”
New Orleans after the Promises Kent Germany University of Georgia
“A history of modern New Orleans from the 1960s to the present with all its disappointments and reconstruction.”
The Ex Factor Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker Ballantine
“Whitaker tells the story of three half-sisters including their love lives, their relationships to each other and what makes these women so special.”
Short Stories of the Civil Rights Movement Edited by Margaret Whitt University of Georgia
“Stories so terrible that only fiction can suffice, but filled with hope.”
The Avenger Takes His Place Howard Means Harcourt
“The first six weeks in office of Andrew Johnson, an accidental president whose time in office is a train wreck for the nation.”
Unveiled Voices Unvarnished Memories Adelaide Cromwell University of Missouri
“A compelling story from a family's records and letters about the slave markets of Maryland and their escape to professional careers over three generations.”
January 2, 2007
Hannibal Rising Thomas Harris Delacorte
“The brilliant and deadly beginning of evil - the early years of Hannibal the Cannibal.”
Brother Odd Dean Koontz Bantam
“Koontz is even better than King at evoking the thrill of strangeness in this third book about Odd Thomas.”
The Boleyn Inheritance Phillipa Gregory Touchstone
“The best writer of historical fiction today, Gregory delivers another page turner about deception in the court of King Henry, VIII."
Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook Clarkson Potter/Crown/Random
“The best book ever for those who struggle with keeping their homes in order.”
Feel the Fear & Do It Anyway Susan Jeffers Ballantine
“Feel the Fear is the perfect book to help you keep all of your New Year's resolutions.”
Decca - The Letters of Jessica Mitford Peter Sussman Knopf
“Impossible to put down, Mitford narrates her opinions about everything to the rich and sometimes infamous.”
The Song is You Megan Abbott Simon & Schuster
“This historical fiction about a 1949 disappearance of a Hollywood starlet is solved by her publicist. Impossible to put down, Abbott follows up her first book, Die A Little, with another winner.”
The Amnesia Clinic James Scudamore Harcourt
“This is magical realism at its finest."
The Community House Don Hildebrand iUniverse
“A stirring and dramatic story that focused the nations attention on a 1900 bank robbery trial that divided and then brought together a small Midwestern town. You will read it in one sitting.”
The Norse Myths Kevin Crossley-Holland Pantheon
“The panoramic story of the Viking view of creation told with courage and poetry.”
Devil's Gate Tom Rea University of Oklahoma
“This historical narrative about the lynching of a woman and the Oregon trail in central Wyoming is startling and informative.”
Lighthouses Sara Wermiel Norton
“A beautiful book about the majesty and romance of lighthouses.”
Ask the Parrot Richard Stark Mysterious Press
“Stark delivers the hardest punches of any mystery writer with his anti-hero Parker. Read each and every one of the 26 novels in this series.”
Skullduggery Pleasant Derek Landy Harper Collins
“The perfect book for that young adult in the family who needs to be hooked on a lifetime of reading.”
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