Conferences
Presentations
Download E-galleys
Books for Teens
Reviews & Publicity
LibraryReads
We Love Books About Books

We Love Books About Books

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Anne Spieth
Who can resist books about books and libraries? We can't! Here's just a few of the latest titles we're into (Caution: some books may include kittens):

WHY I READ: The Serious Pleasure of Books by Wendy Lesser
Founder of the Threepenny Review, Lesser's "delectably sophisticated inquiry into why reading is a constant source of pleasure and provocation" (Booklist) is as much a memoir as it is about the craft of literature. Written in "erudite, beautiful passages," WHY I READ "will speak to booklovers of all types." – Publishers Weekly, starred review. If you're attending ALA Midwinter, make sure to meet Wendy Lesser in booth #622!

WHAT MAKE THIS BOOK SO GREAT by Jo Walton
This collection of Tor.com blog posts from Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Walton about her favorites works of sci-fi and fantasy is "...akin to a genre version of Nancy Pearl's BOOK LUST." (Library Journal, starred review) "For readers unschooled in the history of SF/F, this book is a treasure trove; for those who recognize every title, Walton evokes the joy of returning to a well-worn favorite." – Publishers Weekly, starred review

THE SHELF: From LEQ to LES: Adventures in Extreme Reading by Phyllis Rose
No, this isn't reading while rappelling down a mountain like we hoped, but it is still an extreme library sport: to read through an entire shelf of library books. In Rose's case, her randomly chosen shelf of fiction from LEQ to LES contained a classic she has not read, a remarkable variety of authors, and a range of literary styles from mystery to humor. Perhaps it'll inspire similar challenges in your library!

Now that we're thinking about cats, here are 21 cats who are secretly excellent readers!

[...]

Know More...

Happy #BookBday (1/7/14 Edition)

Happy #BookBday (1/7/14 Edition)

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Anne Spieth
It's our first #BookBday of the new year! We couldn't be more proud of these new releases:

RADIANCE OF TOMORROW by Ishmael Beah
This lyrical, haunting novel about a village trying to reclaim peace after war is a January Indie Next pick and is getting tons of media attention from the Washington Post, the New York Times Book Review, USA Today, TIME magazine, People magazine, NPR's "Morning Edition," "The Colbert Report," Shelf Awareness, and much more. Don't miss your chance to hear Beah speak at ALA Midwinter 2014 in Philadelphia!

THE EXILES RETURN by Elisabeth de Waal
Set in the ashes of post-World War II Vienna, de Waal's stunning novel follows a number of exiles, each coming to terms with a city in painful recovery. "De Waal’s acid, eyewitness drama of malignant prejudice, innocence betrayed, the disintegration of the old order, and love transcendent has the same jolting immediacy as the novels of Iréne Némorisky as well as deeply archetypal dimensions. Another de Waal triumph of illumination." – Booklist

BEFORE I BURN by Gaute Heivoll
Heivoll's "thrilling and poetic novel" (Booklist, starred review) that "reads like a top-tier crime story" (Publishers Weekly, starred and boxed review) was inspired by a real-life arson spree that deeply affected him as he grew up in Norway. You'll see another rave review in the January issue of Harper's magazine, with more attention to come from the New York Times Book Review, the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Tribune, the L.A. Times, and NPR's "Weekend All Things Considered."

DREAMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE by Carrie Vaughn
In this "worthy, rich and thoughtful sequel" (Booklist) to AFTER THE GOLDEN AGE, Celia West is now a mother and a powerful businesswoman who works hard to keep her city and her daughters Anna and Bethy safe. Meanwhile Anna and her friends are practicing to become a team of vigilante superheroes–something that comes to good use when Celia discovers a new archvillain, the Executive.

[...]

Know More...

Downton Abbey Fever!

Downton Abbey Fever!

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Anne Spieth
Huzzah! The new season of "Downton Abbey" is here! Can't wait six more days for a new episode? Don't fret, love, we've got you covered with these delightful books:

THE WORLD OF DOWNTON ABBEY by Jessica Fellowes, foreword by series creator Julian Fellowes
This gorgeous book is a lavish look at the secret history and the behind-the-scenes drama–of “Downton Abbey,” thanks to illustrations and research from the production team, as well as on-set photographs from Seasons 1 and 2.

THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY by Jessica Fellowes and Matthew Sturgis, foreword by Julian Fellowes
An evocative combination of inside story, history, and behind-the-scenes drama, THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY examines the motivations, actions and inspirations behind every important member of the Crawley family in Season 3. 

BEHIND THE SCENES AT DOWNTON ABBEY by Emma Rowley, foreword by executive producer Gareth Neame
Straight from the director’s chair, this expertly crafted Season 4 tie-in book features never-before-seen photos from props to wardrobe to on-set locations, as well as in-depth interviews from the actors and the creative team behind the award-winning drama.  

BELOW STAIRS by Margaret Powell
Brilliantly evoking the long-vanished world of masters and servants portrayed in “Downton Abbey” and “Upstairs, Downstairs,” Margaret Powell's classic memoir of her time in service is, “An irresistible inside account of life ‘in service’ and a fascinating document of a vanished time and place.” — Kirkus Reviews

DOWNTRODDEN ABBEY: The Interminable Saga of an Insufferable Family by Gillian Fetlocks
This wickedly funny parody of the beloved show features everyone's favorite characters, including the Crawfish sisters, Brace the valet, and scheming lady's maid “Potatoes” O'Grotten in their battle for the deed to Downtrodden Abbey.

cat loving downton abbey  [...]

Know More...

Three stars for THE TASTEMAKER

Three stars for THE TASTEMAKER

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Anne Spieth
TGIF, friends! Our first #FridayReads of the year is THE TASTEMAKER: Carl Van Vechten and the Birth of Modern America by Edward White.

New York City in the early twentieth century was a hotbed of vice and creativity, and the critic, novelist, and photographer Carl Van Vechten was at the center of it all. This juicy biography has already racked up an impressive three starred pre-publication reviews:

“In his immensely entertaining and vivid first book, White tackles the life and times of Carl Van Vechten, one of the most influential figures in American culture in the early 20th century. White’s biography offers absorbing anecdotes and insights into New York society and culture as seen through the life of an ‘archetypal American modernist.’” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“In orderly chapters, White tackles this complicated, multifaceted, tremendously fascinating and contradictory subject: a married gay man, an alcoholic and always a ‘catalyst for outrage and argument.’ A vigorous, fully fleshed biography of an important contributor to American culture.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“White’s engaging biography adeptly depicts America as a burgeoning cultural powerhouse, one that Van Vechten helped build. A marvelously written, masterful portrait of an exceptionally complex person.” — Booklist, starred review

[...]

Know More...

Happy New Year 2014!

Happy New Year 2014!

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Anne Spieth
new years kittensHappy New Year! We hope your holidays were wonderful. We're rested, rejuvenated and ready for all that 2014 will bring!

Want to know what our New Year's Resolution is? It's for all the librarians we know to participate in LibraryReads!

Do you love to read? Do people often ask you what book they should read next? Are you a public librarian? If you answered yes to all of these, then my friend, you are ready for LibraryReads.

LibraryReads logoWhat is this magical LibraryReads thing we speak of? It's a monthly list of the Top Ten newly released must-read books, voted on by librarians like you! By harnessing the value of "library staff picks" into a single nation-wide discovery tool, you can help connect books to as many readers as possible.

If you're ready to start, nominations are now being accepted for books publishing in March 2013 (due February 1). Here are some titles we recommend:

SHOTGUN LOVESONGS by Nickolas Butler
TEMPTING FATE by Jane Green
PRECIOUS THING by Colette McBeth
THE HAVEN by Carol Lynch Williams
THE CAIRO AFFAIR by Olen Steinhauer
DECODED by Mai Jia 
NOTORIOUS by Allison Brennan 
THE REVENANT OF THRAXTON HALL by Vaughn Entwistle
THE MIDNIGHT WITCH by Paula Brackston
THE OTHER HALF by Sarah Rayner 
ALWAYS UNIQUE by Nikki Turner 
QUEEN ELIZABETH'S DAUGHTER by Anne Clinard Barnhill 
CODE ZERO by Jonathan Maberry
I REMEMBER YOU by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
NOTES FROM THE INTERNET APOCALPYSE by Wayne Gladstone
PROVIDENCE RAG by Bruce DeSilva

To vote, you must be an Edelweiss user and registered as a public librarian. If so, then you’re all set! To recommend a title, find the book page while logged into Edelweiss and click on “Your Review.” You will see the check the “Submit to LibraryReads” box on the bottom right of that box; click on it when saving your review to nominate that title.

If you are already an Edelweiss user, and logged in, but don’t see the option to “Submit to LibraryReads” when you click on “Your Review,” you may be in an Edelweiss organization that is not classified as a public library. In this case, please email support@abovethetreeline.com for help.
If you are not an Edelweiss user, please register for Edelweiss using the Organization Type “Library – Public” to join the LibraryReads community. 

Read in any format you like–paper or digital–but please submit all your reviews electronically, via Edelweiss.

Speaking of Edelweiss, did you know you can get whitelisted* for access to Macmillan e-galleys? It's true! Here's how to get pre-approved:

1. Register for Edelweiss with your library-issued e-mail address.
2. Send Anne an email that includes the e-mail address you registered with, your full name, and your current library (subject: Edelweiss).
3. Wait for Anne to send you a confirmation message, then download to your heart's delight and nominate titles you love for LibraryReads

*Whitelisting is only available to librarians currently employed in the U.S. 

For more on Edelweiss, including reading recommendations, click here. Want to know even more about LibraryReads? Check out our FAQ for nomination deadlines, guidelines for writing reviews, details on how each list gets decided, and FREE marketing materials for your library. Happy reading and happy nominating!

[...]

Know More...

While We’re Away…

While We’re Away…

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Anne Spieth
♫♪♫♫♪ 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the Flatiron Building,
Not a publicist was pitching, not even a phone a ringing.
The books were already put up on the shelves with care,
Because no one at Macmillan would be there.  ♫♪♫♫♪ 

kitten in stockingMacmillan's offices are closed from 1:00pm on Tuesday, Dec. 24 through New Year's Day and we intend to do a lot of reading while we're off for a long, winter break! We hope you do, too. Remember to get whitelisted* on Edelweiss for access to Macmillan e-galleys. Here's how:

1. Register for Edelweiss with your library-issued e-mail address.
2. Send Anne an email that includes the e-mail address you registered with, your full name, and your current library (subject: Edelweiss).
3. Wait for Anne to send you a confirmation message, then download to your heart's delight and nominate titles you love for LibraryReads
*Whitelisting is only available to librarians currently employed in the U.S.

And now, let the feverish downloading begin! 

THE SNOW QUEEN by Michael Cunningham
A darkly luminous new novel about two brothers searching for transcendence from the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of THE HOURS. Coming May 6 from Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

BONE DUST WHITE by Karin Salvaggio
When a young woman witnesses the murder of her mother who had abandoned her as a child, Detective Macy Greeley must return to solve the murder and stop a killer in this incredible debut. Coming May 13 from Minotaur Books.

THE HOLLOW GROUND by Natalie S. Harnett
Set amongst the deadly coal mine fires of 1960s Pennsylvania, THE HOLLOW GROUND is an extraordinary debut that will “grab you by the brisket and not let go.” (Gary Shteyngart) OK for YA! Coming May 13 from Thomas Dunne Books.

THE SHELF: From LEQ to LES: Adventures in Extreme Reading by Phyllis Rose
Phyllis Rose embarks on a grand literary experiment—to read her way through a random shelf of library books, LEQ–LES. Coming May 13 from Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

MY REAL CHILDREN by Jo Walton
The new novel from the author of the Hugo and Nebula Award–winning AMONG OTHERS: a powerful tale of one woman who has lived two lives. Coming May 20 from Tor Books.

DARK AEMILIA by Sally O'Reilly
A tale of sorcery and passion in 17th century London—where witches haunt William Shakespeare and his dark lady, the playwright's muse and one true love. Coming May 27 from Picador.

THE DEVIL MAY CARE by David Housewright
The search for a suddenly missing man entangles unlicensed P.I. Rushmore McKenzie with one of the most powerful—and ruthless—local families. Coming June 3 from Minotaur Books.

THE GLASS KITCHEN by Linda Francis Lee
Three sisters move from Texas to New York City to open a restaurant in this novel about food, family, and finding true love from the author of EMILY AND EINSTEIN. Coming June 17 from St. Martin's Press.

ONE EVENING IN PARIS by Nicolas Barreau
In a little cinema in Paris, dreams suddenly come true, and Nicolas Barreau shows us again that every love has its own special secret. Coming July 1 from St. Martin's Griffin.

HIGH AS THE HORSES BRIDLES by Scott Cheshire
An urgent, electric debut novel about inheritance, belief, and a father and son divided by a dangerous prophecy. Coming July 8 from Henry Holt.

We hope you all have a lovely holiday and a safe,
happy New Year. We'll see you all again in 2014!
library cookies
[...]

Know More...

It’s a COZY Thursday (12/19/13)

It’s a COZY Thursday (12/19/13)

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Anne Spieth
Thursdays are usually reserved for hearty and heaping dishes of thrillers...  And our policy has always been, the bloodier the better! But we’re feeling festive and just generally smiley—or in Anne the “Sweet Teeth” Spieth’s case, coated in flour and sugar thanks to her baking adventures—so, we’ve decided to swap our gruesome reads for a few picks from Macmillan’s cozier shelves: 

HEIRS OF THE BODY by Carola Dunn
In this next book in the Daisy Dalrymple series, one of four potential claimants to the title of Lord Dalrymple dies a sudden, nasty death. Was it murder? It's up to Daisy to find out.

MURDER AND MOONSHINE by Carol Miller
This debut mystery set in the heart of moonshine country brims with Southern charm courtesy of our young heroine, Daisy. Working as a diner waitress, Daisy overhears lots of secrets, but not one as dangerous as the one old man Dickerson spills before he drops dead in the diner.

ROSEMARY AND CRIME by Gail Oust
Recently divorced, Piper Prescott has got a new lease on life. She's moved down to Georgia from the north and fulfilled a life long dream by opening a spice shop. But Piper’s grand opening goes awry when the local chef who’s agreed to do a cooking demo is found stabbed and Piper is suspect #1.

MURDER AS A SECOND LANGUAGE by Joan Hess
In the next Claire Malloy mystery, Claire now finds herself a married woman with free time on her hands. Attempts at volunteering and cooking don't do well, but when her husband Deputy Chief Peter Rosen asks for her help in a murder investigation, Claire finds she's right back where she belongs. 

What are you reading this #ThrillerThursday? Share your picks with us @MacmillanLib. 

[...]

Know More...

Holiday Cheer!

Holiday Cheer!

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Anne Spieth
Christmas is only one week away! Why not take some "me" time and curl up with a mug of hot cocoa and one of these Christmas books:

THE DOGS OF CHRISTMAS by W. Bruce Cameron
OY THAT FACE!! We may prefer felines over here, but just try to resist those sweet puppy-dog eyes!
The story is a sweet one too: a guy falls for a gal at the animal shelter AND the litter of Christmas puppies he's fostering. Awwwwww! And as our brilliant friend Annie Mazes from HarperCollins’ Library Lovefest says: totes adorbs!! 

ON STRIKE FOR CHRISTMAS by Sheila Roberts
Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to go on a Christmas strike-no wrapping, shopping, cooking, or decorating for them! But as Christmas Day approaches, the ladies and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together. 

CHRISTMAS BLISS by Mary Kay Andrews
Savannah antique dealer Weezie Foley is doubly distracted by her upcoming Christmas wedding to her longtime love, chef Daniel Stipanek and by the fact that her best friend and maid-of-honor BeBe Loudermilk is due to give birth any day—and is still adamantly refusing to marry her live-in-love Harry. 

CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKES by Donna VanLiere
This collection of two bestselling books in one includes THE CHRISTMAS SHOES and THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING. Young Nathan Andrews lost his mother to cancer as a child, and dreams of being a doctor. Later, as a medical student in his third year, Nathan continues to learn lessons about faith, blessings, and sacrifice.

If you've still got shopping to do, check out our gift ideas!

[...]

Know More...

We Love the Ava Lee Mysteries

We Love the Ava Lee Mysteries

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Anne Spieth
Today we’re thrilled to share with you Ian Hamilton’s mystery series starring Ava Lee, a forensic accountant who also happens to be a deadly martial artist with a taste for luxury and a mind like a steel trap. Yeah girl! 

Ava made her debut in THE DISCIPLE OF LAS VEGAS which Booklist called, "Slick, fast-moving escapism reminiscent of Ian Fleming, with more to come in what shapes up as a high-energy, high-concept series.” DISCIPLE was followed by another globetrotting follow-the-money adventure, THE WILD BEASTS OF WUHAN.

Now, Ava must rescue her family from gangsters and bankruptcy in the third book in the series, THE RED POLE OF MACAU (available Dec. 31), which is getting terrific reviews:

"Hamilton delivers a fantastic read once again. Recommended for mystery and crime thriller fans." – Library Journal, starred review

"Asian locales and action increasing to a deadly climax add to the appeal...in Hamilton’s surefire series." – Booklist 

"Hamilton delivers colorful snapshots of Hong Kong and Macau, a well-paced plot, and a smart and capable heroine who’ll make you see accounting in a whole new light." – Kirkus Reviews

Can't get enough of Ava Lee? The fourth book in the series, THE WATER RAT OF WANCHAI is coming in May 2014, but the e-galley is available now. Get whitelisted and download your copy. [...]

Know More...

Best Books of 2013!

Best Books of 2013!

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Anne Spieth
We've had an amazing year in books and are thrilled to be represented on so many Best of 2013 lists. Here's a look at the highlights:
BOOKLIST

Arts & Literature
     IN THE BODY OF THE WORLD by Eve Ensler

Biography
     JACK LONDON by Earle Labor

Health & Medicine
     IN THE KINGDOM OF THE SICK by Laurie Edwards

History
     THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE by David Finkel 

Social Sciences
     EBONY AND IVY by Craig Steven Wilder
     GOSPEL OF FREEDOM by Jonathan Rieder
     HOPE AGAINST HOPE by Sarah Carr
     IN THE NAME OF GOD by Cameron Stauth
     THE UNWINDING by George Packer

Adult Books for Young Adults  
     A CHANCE TO WIN by Jonathan Schuppe
     THE GAMAL by Ciarán Collins

Books for Youth 
     ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell
     IF YOU FIND ME by Emily Murdoch

Audio for Adults 
     HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN by Louise Penny

 

KIRKUS REVIEWS 

Best Fiction
     LOOKAWAY, LOOKAWAY by Wilton Barnhardt
     BOX OFFICE POISON by Phillipa Bornikova
     GHOSTS OF BUNGO SUIDO by P.T. Deutermann
     MIDNIGHT by Kevin Egan
     JEEVES AND THE WEDDING BELLS by Sebastian Faulks
     HAVISHAM by Ronald Frame
     TRANSCENDENTAL by James Gunn
     GOOD PEOPLE by Ewart Hutton
     SOMEONE by Alice McDermott  
     THE NIGHT GUEST by Fiona McFarlane
     SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT by Ian Tregillis
     THE LAND ACROSS by Gene Wolfe
     QUEEN VICTORIA’S BOOK OF SPELLS by Ellen Datlow 

Best Teen 
     ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell 

Best Nonfiction  
     THE GUNS AT LAST LIGHT by Rick Atkinson
     REPORT FROM THE INTERIOR by Paul Auster
     SHOUTING WON'T HELP by Katherine Bouton
     MORTAL SINS by Michael D'Antonio
     THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE by David Finkel
     THE SEARCHERS by Glenn Frankel
     THE GREAT DISSENT by Thomas Healy
     THE BOOK OF MY LIVES by Aleksandar Hemon
     THE BROTHERS by Stephen Kinzer
     A FORT OF NINE TOWERS by Qais Akbar Omar
     THE UNWINDING by George Packer
     MEN WE REAPED by Jesmyn Ward
     EBONY AND IVY by Craig Steven Wilder

 

LIBRARY JOURNAL

Top 10 Best Books of 2013   
     THE SEARCHERS by Glenn Frankel 

More of the Best 
     JACK LONDON by Earle Labor
     OWNING THE EARTH by Andro Linklater

Best Books 2013: Memoir 
     HER by Christa Parravani

Best Books 2013: Consumer Health 
     MIDLIFE EATING DISORDERS by Cynthia M. Bulik 

Best Books 2013: Sci-Tech  
     BUG MUSIC by David Rothenberg

Best Books 2013: Audio  
     LOOKAWAY, LOOKAWAY by Wilton Barnhardt
     HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN by Louise Penny

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Top 10 Best Books of 2013  
     MEN WE REAPED by Jesmyn Ward  

Best Fiction  
     PERCIVAL EVERETT BY VIRGINIA RUSSELL by Virgil Russell
     SOMEONE by Alice McDermott

Best Mystery  
     HOUR OF THE RED GOD by Richard Crompton
     HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN by Louise Penny
     ENIGMA OF CHINA by Qiu Xiaolong

Best Poetry  
     METAPHYSICAL DOG by Frank Bidart
     INCARNADINE by Mary Szybist

Best SF/Fantasy/Horror  
     TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY SCIENCE FICTION, edited by David G. Hartwell and Patrick Nielsen Hayden
     VICIOUS by V.E. Schwab

Best Comics
     THE PROPERTY by Rutu Modan

Best Nonfiction  
     MEN WE REAPED by Jesmyn Ward
     MORTAL SINS by Michael D'Antonio
     THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE by David Finkel
     FORTY-ONE FALSE STARTS by Janet Malcolm
     SCARCITY by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir
     THE UNWINDING by George Packer

Best Children's Fiction  
     ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell

Best Religion  
     MY BRIGHT ABYSS by Christian Wiman


SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL  

Best Fiction
     ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell
     FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell

LibraryReads logoAnd here are all of our LibraryReads’ selections from 2013:

September list 
     #1: FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell
     #2: HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN by Louise Penny

November list
     #2: THROUGH THE EVIL DAYS by Julia Spencer-Fleming
     #8: THE RAVEN'S EYE by Barry Maitland

December list 
     #7: DANGEROUS WOMEN, edited by George R.R. Martin & Gardner Dozois
     #9: THE TRIP TO ECHO SPRING by Olivia Laing

While it's not technically a "Best of 2013" list, NPR's Book Concierge is definitely a collection of favorites throughout the year. 

[...]

Know More...

css.php The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.