If you have ever felt truly touched by music, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto should be on the top of your list of new books to read.
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New Romance Novels | November 10
Great authors like Colleen Hoover and Lora Leigh have new release romance novels this week!
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New Thriller & Mystery Books | November 10
New books to read for mystery and thriller fans include Robert Crais' new release, The Promise. Looking for some sexy suspense? Pick up Sidney Sheldon's Reckless.
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New Biographies & Memoirs | November 10
Hungry for a celebrity memoir of the musical sort? This week's new books are chop full of tonal tales.
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Gifts for History Buffs: US History Books To Gift in 2015
One great thing about history buffs? They're easy to buy gifts for. History gifts run the gamut of presents, from artifacts to tomes. We think books are great gifts for history buffs, since to love history is to love information. We pulled together some of the best new US History books from Fall 2015 - all of them make great gifts for history lovers, and they're brand new. We pulled nonfiction for this set of recommendations, but you can check out our historical fiction picks here.
Gifts for History Buffs: US History Books To Gift in 2015
Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History
Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger
Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates reads like an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but is the true story of a little-known war. Thomas Jefferson's presidency began in 1801 amidst turmoil in the Barbary states. American soldiers were being captured in the North African seas and being help for ransom at exhorbitant costs.
Buy it for: the history buff whose bookshelves are filled with Vince Flynn and Brad Thor.
The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government
David Talbot
Allen Dulles was the longest-standing director of the CIA. He is painted with espionage, conspiracy, and corruption in The Devil's Chessboard. This new release is highly critical of Dulles and the CIA's rise as a powerful agency in the United States in the 20th century.
Buy it for: the modern history buff and national security critic.
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States
Sarah Vowell
The Marquis de Lafayette was George Washington's highly-decorated general. Sarah Vowell tackles the dense topic of a general in the Revolutionary War with humor and irreverence in Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, a must-read for fans of war stories.
Buy it for: the Revolutionary War history buff.
War of Two: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the Duel that Stunned the Nation
John Sedgwick
Alexander Hamilton's infamous duel is stuff of legend. John Sedgwick brings the true story to life in War of Two, digging into the motives and rivalry of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. It's a compelling tale of competition and a feud that lasted decades.
Buy it for: the founding father enthusiast.
Humans of New York: Stories
Brandon Stanton
Humans of New York blends modern history and modern anthropology in a beautiful and compelling book. Photographer Brandon Stanton tells the stories of real people in New York, touching on every major issue that has shaped America in the past several decades. Note: we recommend the hardcover - this book is full of pictures!
Buy it for: the person who loves to hear the stories of others.
Looking for more gifts for book lovers? Check out our entire collection here.
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Interview with Sandra Block, author of The Girl Without a Name
Tell us a little bit about your new release, The Girl Without a Name.
Here's the elevator pitch: Zoe Goldman, our intrepid psychiatrist-in-training, is back in action. When a teenage girl is brought in off the streets in a catatonic state, Zoe must find out Jane Doe's identity before it's too late. Because someone wants to make sure she never remembers.
I don't give away any spoilers, so you can read this before Little Black Lies (the first Zoe Goldman book). But some readers have recommended reading them in order. Either way is fine, just as long as you buy both books. 🙂
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer - I'm mean it! I took a little doctor detour along the way, but eventually got back to my middle school dreams.
Which books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?
I own every book written about the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And I feel no shame.
How does your career as a neurologist affect your writing?
My current day-to-day work as a sleep doctor doesn't play much into the books. But my memories of my neurology residency and psych cases certainly do. Those were formative years for me, as well as Zoe.
If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?
I would exercise every single day, not just when I had the chance. I love this Barre class, but only have two days a week to fit it in.
What's on your writing desk?
This is a trick question, because I have no writing desk. I write on my iPad, anywhere and everywhere - parking lot, coffee shop, kid's piano lesson or my kitchen table.
What's rocking your world this month?
The SABRES!!!! Yes, yes, yesssss! They're back!
What's your favorite quote or scene from The Girl Without a Name?
My favorite quote is from Leonard Cohen: "There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." As Dr. Berringer (one of the main characters) explains, we are all broken, but that's what makes us human, and beautiful.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
'You're never too old, never too bad, never too late and never too sick to start from the scratch once again.'
- Bikram Choudry
I actually wrote a post on this quote. If you're feeling inspired - check it out!
Sandra Block is the author of the new book The Girl Without a Name.
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Realistic Fiction Books to Gift to Book Lovers in 2015
Having a book lover in your life can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes time for gift giving. Books make great gifts, but finding something that your bibliophile hasn't already read but will still love is a big challenge. We're here to help you choose the perfect gift for book lovers who love realistic fiction books.
The basic characteristics of realistic fiction books are a basis in the current world, with believable characters that don't have any appetites for dark nights and human blood, or don't brew recipes in their cauldron at night. Basically, books about modern life in a realistic setting! And we've got you covered for recommendations.
Realistic Fiction Books to Gift to Book Lovers in 2015
His Whole Life
Elizabeth Hay
His Whole Life is a coming of age novel that explores the complex relationship between mother and son, past and present, and place and self. Set in Quebec in the mid 1990s, His Whole Life charts several decades with son Jim and his mother amidst sadness, growth, and the struggle for togetherness agains the backdrop of Quebec's struggle for secession from Canada. Realistic fictions readers will love following Jim and his family's struggles over several years, and how Quebec's political struggle affects and reflects their own personal narratives and relationships.
Smoke
Catherine McKenzie
In Smoke, protagonists Elizabeth and Mindy are forced to choose what to keep and what to lose in the face of natural disaster. As a forest fire rages through their small town in the Rockies, each woman must face their own relationships, marriages, lives, and desires. Realistic fiction readers will love this relatable struggle, set against an exceptional situation.
Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of a Man, His Wife, and Her Alligator
Homer Hickman
Carrying Albert Home is perfect for the realistic fiction book lover who appreciates how fantastical life can be, even in a realistic setting. Hickman tracks the relationship of Homer and Elsie through the comical and also tragic setting of their struggle with a most unusual wedding gift: an alligator.
And West Is West
Ron Childress
And West Is West is a great gift for the technophile. Ron Childress' new release tackles the topic of how technology is engrained in our everyday lives. Technology can bring us together, but it can also isolate us. This novel is terrifyingly real and powerfully political.
Pretending to Dance
Diane Chamberlain
Pretending to Dance deals in secrets - secrets that could destroy a marriage, an adoption, and a woman's life as she knows it. Molly Arnette is trying to make peace with a past that haunts her, all while lying to the man she loves (and the adoption agency that's running countless background checks).
Looking for more gifts for book lovers? Check out our entire collection here.
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Best Historical Fiction Books to Buy for Gifts in 2015
The best historical fiction books make fantasic gifts for book lovers. Historical fiction is a wildly popular genre, and is generally a safe bet if you know a book lover but don't know the genres she reads. Historical Fiction is quite accessible and is beloved by readers of all genres.
We pulled together the best historical fiction books to buy as gifts for book lovers this year. All of these historical fiction books are brand new (in late 2015), so your favorite book lover is unlikely to own them already!
Gifts for Books Lovers: the Best Historical Fiction to Gift in 2015
White Collar Girl: A Novel
Renée Rosen
Explore the price of ambition and a powerhouse woman who is breaking into male-domintated journalism in White Collar Girl, set in 1950's Chicago. This is an unforgettable read from the bestselling author of historical fiction like Dollface and What the Lady Wants.
Buy it for: the feminist businesswoman who loves Mad Men.
The Japanese Lover
Isabel Allende
Isabel Allende is a household name, and her new masterpiece The Japanese Lover makes a fantastic literary gift. Allende's new book deals with identity, constant turbulence, star crossed lovers, race, and fate in the context of World War Two.
Buy it for: the literary fiend who likes stories of the people caught up in wartime.
Wherever There Is Light: A Novel
Peter Golden
1920's America is a popular era for literary fiction than manages to run the gamut of tone and topic. This new book deals with immigration, race, and love that transcends time.
Buy it for: the F Scott Fitzgerald fan who loves a good love story.
The Hours Count: A Novel
Jillian Cantor
Ethel and Julius Rosenberg are famous for espionage - but what about the people who knew and loved the Rosenbergs? The Hours Count blends fiction with historical fact and explores the naivety of Millie, Ethel's friend and the Rosenbergs' neighbor.
Buy it for: the American History buff.
Buffalo Trail: A Novel of the American West
Jeff Guinn
Books that celebrate the wildness and adventure of Frontier-era America make wonderful gifts. Buffalo Trail is the new release from New York Times Bestselling Western author Jeff Guinn, and is an adventure that won't disappoint.
Buy it for: that person who'd rather sit at the kid's table at Thanksgiving to play Cowboys and Indians than talk about 401Ks at the adult's table.
Looking for more gifts for book lovers? Check out our entire collection here.
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Gifts for Cooks: Best Cookbooks for Your Favorite Foodie
One great thing about buying gifts for cooks: you have so many options. Appliances, tools, and cookbooks galore. Our favorite cooking gifts are cookbooks, because you're giving your favorite cook lots of new food memories (in book form). We pulled together the best cookbooks to buy as gifts for cooks this year. All of these cookbooks are brand new, so your favorite epicurean is unlikely to have them already!
Gifts for Cooks: Best Cookbooks for Your Favorite Foodie
Happy Cooking: Make Every Meal Count ... Without Stressing Out
Giada De Laurentiis
Giada De Laurentiis is the curren queen of modern Italian cooking. Her recipes are flavorful, simple, and approachable (even for non-experts). Giada's newest cookbook is all about the joy of food - creating a meal without the stress.
Buy it for: the frenetic Italian-food lover.
Sea and Smoke: Flavors from the Untamed Pacific Northwest
Blaine Wetzel, Joe Ray
Sea and Smoke is a cookbook, but also a travelogue. It is a blend of travel journalism and hyperlocal cooking in the harsh atmosphere of the PNW. Salt, sea, smoke, and fog come together in this celebration of flavor.
Buy it for: the true foodie who revels in flavor.
Simply Nigella: Feel Good Food
Nigella Lawson
Nigella Lawson's philosophy: food should always be a joy and a pleasure. Her newest cookbook, Feel Good Food, brings a new set of favorite meals to your favorite foodie.
Buy it for: the foodie who often feeds a crowd.
NOPI: The Cookbook
Yotam Ottolenghi, Ramael Scully
Nopi is an acclaimed restaurant in London. The head chef and owner have teamed up to bring Middle Eastern and Far Eastern flavors in this creative and innovative work.
Buy it for: the foodie who is always chasing what's new and now in international flavor.
Everyday Super Food
Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver calls this new cookbook the "most personal book I've ever written." It's a cookbook full of healthy, well-rounded, nutritious meals that are full of flavor and are sure to be new favorites.
Buy it for: the healthy eater who doesn't sacrifice flavor.
Looking for more gifts for book lovers? Check out our entire collection here.
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Gifts for a Baker: the Best New Baking Cookbooks to Gift
If you need gift ideas for a baker, we have an idea - why not a new cookbook? We're admittedly biased, but we think books make great gifts for a baker. Gifting a cookbook is gifting a baker lots of new ideas and experiences and moments of joy in a kitchen.
There are lots of brand new cookbooks out this year, and we've pulled together the best baking cookbooks to gift to the budding patissier in your life.
Gifts for a Baker: the Best Baking Cookbooks for 2015
The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook: Artisanal Baking from Around the World
Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez, Julia Turshen
Bread is, in many ways, the cornerstone of a meal. It's a wonderful medium for exploring flavor and expressing creativity. Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez and Julia Turshen's new release bring the iconic Hot Bread Kitchen's multiethnic breads to your kitchen.
Buy it for: the bread fiend who is known for her amazing sourdough.
Game of Scones: All Men Must Dine: A Parody
Jammy Lannister
Dinner is coming. A Game of Scones is a witty parody with punny jokes and clever recipes inspired by the Game of Thrones series.
Buy it for: the joke-cracker with a sweet tooth and a weakness for HBO's wildly popular series (or books that kill off all your favorite characters).
Sea Salt Sweet
Heather Baird
Sugar is a beautiful thing, but requires a balance in order to truly shine. Heather Baird explores the art of using artisenal salts (like French Grey Salt and Maldon Sea Salt) to complement sweet treats.
Buy it for: the person whose favorite Christmas treat is a fleur de sel caramel. Include a few artisenal salts in the gift!
The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: Sweet Treats for the Geek in All of Us
Rosanna Pansino
Rosanna Pansino's new cookbook is clever, creative, and a celebration of all things nerdy. Bakers with an affinity for whimsy will love creating geode cupcakes, robot cake pops, and s'mores that look like books.
Buy it for: the baker who loves crafting quirky things out of sweet treats
Payard Cookies
François Payard
A cookie sounds so simple, until you start experimenting with flavors and shapes and textures. François Payard, a third-generation pastry chef and owner of several patisseries in NYC, brings his recipes to you in Payard Cookies.
Buy it for: the more advanced baker who wants to stretch her technical skills.
Looking for more gifts for book lovers? Check out our entire collection here.
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