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The News in Books | July 10

Movies, Miscavige, Mockingbirds and more in this week's News in Books!

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee is coming out next Tuesday! It is the most pre-ordered book in her publisher's history (our team definitely accounts for a few of those pre-orders!) But Harper once vowed never to publish this book, what changed? Read More ↦

The Guardian is live blogging the pre-release of the first chapter today, Friday July 10th. Read More ↦

Jack Black is giving us Goosebumps

R.L. Stine is the most prolific children's author in history, and Jack Black is the lead in a movie adaptation of his books.

The Newest in the Paper vs eReader Debate

Which is better: reading on paper, or on an eReader? The research consistently shows that reading physical books is better for comprehension. Why? Because we have adapted to a more "scanning" reading style on screens, and the physicality of a book helps us remember the plot. Read More ↦

Woman Receives Library Card 73 Years After Rejection

Mrs. Pearl Thompson was denied the right to check a book out of the Raleigh, NC public library in 1942, during the Jim Crow era. In a special ceremony on July 8th, she was awarded a library card at the age of 92, from the same institution that had denied her one so many years ago. CELEBRATE! Read More ↦

RIP European Nook Books and Expensive iBooks

Barnes and Noble announced that they are officially doing away with their international eBooks division. This is likely spelling the beginning of the end for the once big time book retailer. Read More ↦

Apple lost the lawsuit against the US Department of Justice, which found them guilty of illegal price-fixing back in 2013. They will pay out $450million to consumers. Read More ↦

Scientology Scandal on the Books!

Ronald Miscavige, the father of David Miscavige, the current leader of The Church of Scientology, has signed a publishing deal with St. Martin's Press for his upcoming memoir. No publication date has been announced, but in light of some.. lets just say familial strife... in recent years, it is known that Ronald's stories are unlikely to be flattering for the controversial church. Read More ↦

Interview with Lori Lansens, author of The Mountain Story

The Mountain Story is about the ordinary becoming extraordinary. Captivated by this tale of beauty, truth, life and death, we reached out to learn more:

Tell us a little bit about your new release, The Mountain Story.

It’s a story about four hikers lost together in the mountain wilderness that overlooks Palm Springs. Four people. Five days. Three survivors. Eighteen-year-old Wolf Truly goes up the mountain with the intention of taking his life and instead meets three strangers who change him forever.

What is the one movie that you can quote the most?

The Fault in Our Stars. My daughter is twelve. We shared the book, then the movie. Love. Sigh.

Are you an avid hiker?

We – my family and I – were city people until we moved to the Santa Monica Mountains in southern California. Here I fell in love with nature, the palms and the cactus, the bobcats in my backyard, the wild parrots and screech owls, the coyotes that prowl the creek beside the house. I don’t have as much time to hike as I’d like, but do enjoy a walk down the winding road in the canyon where I live.

Ever made a trip up the mountain yourself?

I made numerous trips up the mountain in the tram. I hiked on the mountain with a member of Riverside Mountain Search and Rescue, Matt Jordon, a guy who really knows the mountain and could answer my questions about logistics and believability. We hiked a few times a year over the course of my writing the book. He was a valuable advisor.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I can remember wanting to be a writer from the time I was six years old and my mother gave me Hans Christen Anderson’s The Little Mermaid for my birthday.

What are you currently craving?

I am craving balance. Life feels so all or nothing.

If you had to pick one place to vacation for the rest of your life, where would you choose?

I’d go back to my hometown, Chatham, Ontario. It’s where I became a writer, where I set my first 3 books, where my family, my two brothers and my folks still live.

What's on your writing desk?

A jar of dry erase markers that I use to update my schedule on the big white board above my plain black desk.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Quit. Encouragement is important but sometimes your greatest motivation comes from the detractors.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

My husband and I have been together for more than thirty years and spent the first half of our union living like starving artists. I was writing and acting and he was acting and making short films. Our motto is and always has been, “We’re up now but we’ll down again.” In The Mountain Story, Wolf’s family motto is, “There will be sway.” Similar in that it’s a reminder that the pendulum swings wildly and randomly and we’re all just along for the ride.

Lori Lansens is the author of the new book The Mountain Story.

Connect with Lori
Author Website
Twitter

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Our Favorite Recent Posts from Book Bloggers

Ever wished you knew people who love books as much as you do? Welcome to the beautiful world of book blogging, where everyone is passionate about books. We picked out some of our favorite posts to introduce you to all that the book blogosphere has to offer.

The Bucket List quenches our Wanderlust with this series dedicated to books in a specific place or country.

Kate Tilton knows how to have fun, whether it’s through author interviews entirely made of gifs or when she’s discussing book boyfriends on #K8Chat with her favorite authors, you’re sure to burst out in laughter while reading her posts.

Maura4u writes captivating book reviews and ponders ideas that speak to the mind, heart and soul. You will leave this site feeling rejuvenated and empowered.

Books is Wonderful has reviews, called The Book Buzz, that will leave you wanting more, which she supplies via frequent giveaways of the most recent book she’s reviewed.

Kel at Booked til Tuesday will keep you updated on the hottest YA books, and the best memes in the book blogosphere like Art it Up or Top Ten Tuesday.

About to Read takes on the old phrase “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” head on, and tells us to Go ahead and judge. Her column Monday Musings are full of insightful comments about literary themes.

The RITA Nominees that you MUST Read if You Love Romance

The RITA awards, the Romance publishing industry's highest award of distinction, are awarded on the 25th of July. So this month, we are taking a look at the top contenders for the award, and reading as many as we can! Check out the 2015 RITA award nominees.

Category one: The Debut

These authors broke into the genre with flying colors. Who will end up on top? We shall see..

1) The Scot

To Scotland With Love by Patience Griffin is a sweet, small town romance with a second chance theme. When Caitriona returns to the small, seaside Scottish town of Gandlegow after finding her husband dead in his mistress' bed, she expects to spend some quality time with her gran... not spending time entangled with the sexist man alive!

2) The Spy

The Smuggler Wore Silk by Alyssa Alexander is an exciting, sexy, adventure filled Regency Romance. Forget swooning socialites, Miss Grace Hannah has a whole second life that is sure to get her into trouble with British spy, Earl Julian Travers.

3) The Submissive

Purely Professional by Ella Winters follows Columnist Bridget Hartwell as she does some research for her newest article... off the clock. She needs to learn the "ropes" of BDSM fast... before her editor calls her on her bluff.

4) The Poignant

For Such a Time by Kate Breslin tells the story of a Jewess who doubts her faith as she is saved from the firing squad only to be handed over into the personal service of SS-Kommandant Aric van Schmidt. Hadassah struggles to appeal to the Kommandant's sympathetic nature while attempting to keep just a few of the prisoners safe and battling growing attraction for Aric, a man she should despise.

5) The Belle of the Ball

The Dress Thief by Natalie Meg Evans pulls the readers into the 1930's Parisian Fashion scene. Full of high fashion, secrets, intrigue and passion, Alix Gowe's story will suck you in.

6) The Globetrotter

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev should be at the top of your #weneeddiversebooks reading list. The story of a small town indian girl, her failed arranged marriage, and the Bollywood director that goes beyond the call of duty in making her feel at home while she struggles to reconcile traditions with her newfound freedom.

Interview with Lisa Jakub, author of You Look Like That Girl

Tell us a little bit about your new release, You Look Like That Girl.

The book is a memoir about my unusual childhood growing up working in the film
industry. I appeared in more than forty TV shows and films, such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, Matinee, Rambling Rose, as well as some super cheesy movies-of-the-week and a couple of projects that ended up entirely on the cutting room floor. Being on set was my life.

The book also chronicles my decision to retire from the film industry at the age of twenty-two, after an eighteen-year career. I realized that I didn't want to be one of those stereotypical child actor cautionary tales. I had enjoyed acting for a while, but when I realized that my passion for the job was gone, it was time for something new. So, I left Los Angeles to search for a different path for myself.

It’s about the universal search for who we really are, and the challenges and rewards of living a life that feels authentic. We all struggle with how to live truthfully within the constraints and expectations of life. We all need to figure out who we want to be when we grow up.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

I worked with Robert Duval when I was 11 year old and I absolutely adored him. He would just sit with me and talk about life and acting. He told me to never forget that “it’s only a movie.” He didn’t want me to get too caught up in the rollercoaster of the actor’s life. When I was thinking about leaving the film industry, and was worried that everyone would think I was crazy – I remembered his advice. It’s only a movie. There is so much more to life than just a job title, even if that job involves movies.

Do you listen to anything while you write? If so, what's your audio of choice?

I prefer quiet when I write. But I am pretty much always serenaded by my dog snoring under my desk.

You now host a talk show (congrats). Who would be your first guest?

I have been completely enamored with Brené Brown lately. Her work on vulnerability and courage feels particularly relevant to me these days. Curling up with one of her books feels like grabbing a cup of tea with a particularly insightful best friend. I’d like to interview her and try to convince her to be my real life BFF.

Who is your favorite fictional character from literature?

This is such a fantastic question. It might be Owen from A Prayer For Owen Meany. Although I have a lingering crush on Theo from The Goldfinch.

How do you like to spend a rainy day?

Cuddled up on the couch with my husband, my dog and my books. Alternating reading with napping is the best way to spend any day.

Who was your childhood hero?

Nelson Mandela. I was pretty obsessed with South Africa when I was a kid. I still am, actually.

What's on your writing desk?

Two plants, lip balm, a million scraps of paper with writing ideas scribbled on them and an essential oil diffuser.

What's your favorite quote from You Look Like That Girl?

“To J, everyday” – the dedication to my husband.

(That’s my sweet answer. All my other favorite lines contain bad language.)

Do you have a favorite local bookstore we can give a shoutout to?

I love New Dominion Bookshop in Charlottesville, VA

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

I have a door in my office that is covered in my all of favorite quotes, so it’s hard to pick just one. But this one sums it up for me.
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
― Howard Thurman

Lisa Jakub is the author of the new book You Look Like That Girl.

Connect with Lisa
Author Website
Twitter
Facebook

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"At the age of twenty-two, Lisa Jakub had what she was supposed to want: she was a working actor in Los Angeles. She had more than forty movies and TV shows to her name, she had been in blockbusters like Mrs. Doubtfire and Independence Day, she walked the red carpet and lived in the house she bought when she was fifteen."
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Our Favorite Romance Bloggers

Ahh, love! Do you like to read your romance novels out in the open, or are you relieved that you can secretly read Fifty Shades of Grey on your Kindle? Either way, romance novels are, officially, the most popular fiction genre. This week we celebrate romance with our favorite romance book blogs!

Smexy Books

The best part about Smexy Books is that they don’t just review romance, they review all of its sub-genres as well. So whether you like traditional, historical, LGBT, or erotic romance literature, Smexy Books will have great content for you to read!

The Book Vixen

The smuttier the novel, the better! That is what The Book Vixen lives by—they review anything from contemporary to paranormal romance. Along with the standard five-star rating system, The Book Vixen also determines romance novels by a “sensuality rating system,” so whether you’re looking for an erotic or innocent romance read, The Book Vixen has rated it for you.

Romance Novels for Feminists

Romance Novels for Feminists strives to review books that encourage feminist values. They review all sub-genres of romance, and reviews are released on Tuesdays. Their tagline says it all: Romance Novels for Feminists is “for readers who like a little equality with their love.”

Book Chick City

Book Chick City reviews many sub-genres of romance but also reviews urban fantasy novels! Besides having a trendy theme with guest posts, interviews and other author features, Book Chick City also expands into a Youtube channel and hosts its very own #LetsTalkRomance tag.

All About Romance

Not only does All About Romance review books, but they have book “cover conversations,” reader’s choice features, a list of the top 100 romance novels, and author interviews. All About Romance is a very interactive website for people who like romance fiction.

BONUS!

Laters, Baby

The Fifty Shades of Grey series cannot be denied as a worldwide phenomenon, with E.L. James’ newest novel Grey selling 1.1 million copies in just four days. Laters, Baby! is a blog/fan site for fans of Fifty Shades, and it has everything an E.L. James fan needs: recommendations of similar books, related news, and even a “Fifty Shades Podcast” where fans get together each week to discuss topics related to the series.

Giveaway: Win the Author of The Paris Wife's New Book

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain enthralled us (and countless other readers). We loved the magical setting of 1920s-era Chicago and the captivating characters. Lucky for us, the author of The Paris Wife has a new book slated for release on July 28th. We got our hands on a few advance copies, and we're giving them away to four lucky readers.

Enter to win a copy of the not-yet-released Circling the Sun below.

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About The Book

Publication Date: July 28, 2015

If you love The Paris Wife, check out this new release by the same author.

Circling The Sun is a fictional memoir that takes you into the life of Beryl Markham, a record-setting aviator, in 1920's Kenya. Set against a majestic backdrop of colonial-era Africa, this novel is sure to captivate readers of historical fiction.

Beryl Markham is a wild child caught in a love triangle. Her curious spirit leads her to incredible adventures, and her story makes for a passionate novel about a woman who was ahead of her time.

If you liked The Paris Wife, can't get enough historical fiction, and idolize Amelia Earhardt, you'll love Circling the Sun.

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Other Books by Paula McLain

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Kathy Reichs New Book: Win an Advance Copy!

We got our hands on a few advance copies of Kathy Reichs new book, and we're sharing (you're welcome). If you love Temperance Brennan, binge watch the TV show BONES, and can't wait to read the next installment of Kathy Reichs' Bones series, you're in for a treat.

We recommend reading Kathy Reichs books in order before you read the new release, but each book is great on its own. Whether you're a loyal Temperance Brennan series reader or new to the world of Bones, you'll enjoy the adventure and mystery of Speaking in Bokes.

Enter to win a copy of the not-yet-released Speaking in Bones below.

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About The Book

Publication Date: July 21, 2015

Temperance Brennan is back and better than ever.

When Temperance Brennan is in forensic anthropologist mode, she's on fire. She's the best at what she does and doesn't miss a beat. At home, however? That's another story.

Follow Temperance Brennan as she decides how to handle Andrew Ryan's marriage proposal, all while solving another murder.

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Other Books by Kathy Reichs

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Summer Themed Instagram Giveaway

New Book Releases in Literary Fiction | July 7

Travel the world with An Englishman in Madrid by Eduardo Mendoza and French Concession by Xiao Bai this week. Or, experience the fantastic and strange in Speak, Bell Weather, and Letters to Zell.

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