News
Announcements: 22 September 2016
Countdown to THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN Movie Opening on October 7
Get your popcorn ready. Two weeks to go before the film adaptation of THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN hits theaters everywhere on Friday, October 7. Since going on sale from Riverhead Books last year, this “train” engineered by author Paula Hawkins has been unstoppable, approaching 6 million copies sold in the US. THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller in all formats, including hardcover, trade paperback, mass market, and eBook, for a grand total of 88 weeks and counting on the NYT lists. expand
Announcements: 22 September 2016
Robert A. Caro to Receive 2016 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters
The National Book Foundation has announced that this year’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters will be presented to Robert A. Caro, the award-winning, bestselling Knopf/Vintage author of such books as THE POWER BROKER and The Years of Lyndon Johnson biographies. Our warm congratulations to Mr. Caro and everyone at Knopf and Vintage. expand
Robert A. Caro. Photo by Joyce Ravid
Announcements: 20 September 2016
There’s a Book for That: Banned Books Week
Stand Up For Your Right to Read. This sentiment comes to you directly from the American Library Association in honor of Banned Books Week (September 25-October 1).
This year’s Banned Books Week is celebrating diversity. Below is a selection of books by diverse authors or containing diverse content that have been frequently challenged and/or banned. expand
“While diversity is seldom given as a reason for a challenge, it seems, in fact, to be an underlying and unspoken factor. These challenged works are often about people and issues which include LGBTQIA, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities—people or issues that, perhaps, challengers would prefer not to consider.” (bannedbooksweek.org)
To learn more and for free resources visit: ala.org
FEATURED TITLES
A LESSON BEFORE DYING by Ernest J. Gaines
From the author of A Gathering of Old Men and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman comes a deep and compassionate novel. A young man who returns to 1940s Cajun country to teach visits a black youth on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Together they come to understand the heroism of resisting.
PERSEPOLIS: THE STORY OF A CHILDHOOD by Marjane Satrapi
Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
HABIBI by Craig Thompson
At once contemporary and timeless, Habibi gives us a love story, in the form of a graphic novel, of astounding resonance: a parable about our relationship to the natural world, the cultural divide between the first and third worlds, the common heritage of Christianity and Islam, and, most potently, the magic of storytelling.
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOLM X
In the searing pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement to veteran writer and journalist Alex Haley. In a unique collaboration, Haley worked with Malcolm X for nearly two years, interviewing, listening to, and understanding the most controversial leader of his time.
THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS by Isabel Allende
In one of the most important and beloved Latin American works of the twentieth century, Isabel Allende weaves a luminous tapestry of three generations of the Trueba family, revealing both triumphs and tragedies.
THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL by Anne Frank, Otto M. Frank…
Since its publication in 1947, ANNE FRANK: THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL has been read by tens of millions of people all over the world. It remains a beloved and deeply admired testament to the indestructible nature of the human spirit.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by Mark Haddon
An instant classic—both poignant and funny—about an autistic boy who sets out to solve the murder of a neighbor’s dog and discovers unexpected truths about himself and the world.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
I AM JAZZ by Jessica Herthel, Jazz Jennings, Shelagh McNicholas; Ages 4 to 8
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere.
“This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions. I found it deeply moving in its simplicity and honesty.”—Laverne Cox (who plays Sophia in “Orange Is the New Black”)
HOOPS by Walter Dean Myers, John Ballard; Ages 12 And Up
All eyes are on seventeen-year-old Lonnie Jackson while he practices with his team for a city-wide basketball Tournament of Champions. His coach, Cal, knows Lonnie has what it takes to be a pro basketball player because he, too, once had the chance—but sold out.
TWO BOYS KISSING by David Levithan; Ages 14 And Up
Based on true events—and narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS—TWO BOYS KISSING follows Harry and Craig, two seventeen-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record.
For more information on these and other banned/challenged titles visit: Banned Books Week, 2016
A LESSON BEFORE DYING by Ernest J. Gaines
From the author of A Gathering of Old Men and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman comes a deep and compassionate novel. A young man who returns to 1940s Cajun country to teach visits a black youth on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Together they come to understand the heroism of resisting.
PERSEPOLIS: THE STORY OF A CHILDHOOD by Marjane Satrapi
Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
HABIBI by Craig Thompson
At once contemporary and timeless, Habibi gives us a love story, in the form of a graphic novel, of astounding resonance: a parable about our relationship to the natural world, the cultural divide between the first and third worlds, the common heritage of Christianity and Islam, and, most potently, the magic of storytelling.
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOLM X
In the searing pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement to veteran writer and journalist Alex Haley. In a unique collaboration, Haley worked with Malcolm X for nearly two years, interviewing, listening to, and understanding the most controversial leader of his time.
THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS by Isabel Allende
In one of the most important and beloved Latin American works of the twentieth century, Isabel Allende weaves a luminous tapestry of three generations of the Trueba family, revealing both triumphs and tragedies.
THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL by Anne Frank, Otto M. Frank…
Since its publication in 1947, ANNE FRANK: THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL has been read by tens of millions of people all over the world. It remains a beloved and deeply admired testament to the indestructible nature of the human spirit.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by Mark Haddon
An instant classic—both poignant and funny—about an autistic boy who sets out to solve the murder of a neighbor’s dog and discovers unexpected truths about himself and the world.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
I AM JAZZ by Jessica Herthel, Jazz Jennings, Shelagh McNicholas; Ages 4 to 8
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere.
“This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions. I found it deeply moving in its simplicity and honesty.”—Laverne Cox (who plays Sophia in “Orange Is the New Black”)
HOOPS by Walter Dean Myers, John Ballard; Ages 12 And Up
All eyes are on seventeen-year-old Lonnie Jackson while he practices with his team for a city-wide basketball Tournament of Champions. His coach, Cal, knows Lonnie has what it takes to be a pro basketball player because he, too, once had the chance—but sold out.
TWO BOYS KISSING by David Levithan; Ages 14 And Up
Based on true events—and narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS—TWO BOYS KISSING follows Harry and Craig, two seventeen-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record.
For more information on these and other banned/challenged titles visit: Banned Books Week, 2016 Announcements: 19 September 2016
Knopf Poetry Editor Deb Garrison on Sharon Olds’ ODES
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Sharon Olds, honored by the Academy of American Poets with the Wallace Stevens Award this month, is the author of this week’s Igloo Book Buzz title, ODES, published by Alfred A, Knopf on Tuesday (9/20). When asked how her eleventh book came to be, Ms. Olds says, “Pablo Neruda’s Odes to Common Things inspired praise songs to occur to me – songs to a different set of common things!” expand
(from left to right) Deb Garrison and Sharon Olds
“I think readers have come to expect this from Sharon – none of it is tame! But it’s all profound. An ‘Ode to the Penis’ or an ‘Ode of Withered Cleavage’ is not meant to shock but to help us see what we don’t normally see, the rich materials that are unsung all around us. (To the penis, she says, ‘I’m just saying / I like you – not as object but / a subject, a prime mover, a working / theory of plumbing and ecstasy.’) The variety is wonderful – ‘Hip Replacement Ode,’ ‘Pine Tree Ode,’ ‘Real Estate Ode,’ ‘Single Lady’s Ode.’ It’s an ultra-modern book of gratitude for what surrounds us, what is us.” Announcements: 19 September 2016
On Sale This Week
On Sale This Week previews a selection of Penguin Random House fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young readers books being published each week. The choices are a mix of titles by both bestselling and emerging authors. We hope this serves as a useful reference for hot new reads hitting shelves everywhere. expand
FICTION
HOME by Harlan Coben (Dutton)
A decade ago, kidnappers grabbed two boys from wealthy families and demanded ransom, then went silent. No trace of the boys ever surfaced. For ten years their families have been left with nothing but painful memories and a quiet desperation for the day that has finally, miraculously arrived: Myron Bolitar and his friend Win believe they have located one of the boys, now a teenager. Where has he been for ten years, and what does he know about the day, more than half a life ago, when he was taken? And most critically: What can he tell Myron and Win about the fate of his missing friend? Drawing on his singular talent, Harlan Coben delivers an explosive and deeply moving thriller about friendship, family, and the meaning of home.
INFERNO by Dan Brown (Anchor)
Now a major motion picture, the #1 worldwide bestseller is now available in a new movie tie-in edition. Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon awakens in an Italian hospital, disoriented and with no recollection of the past thirty-six hours, including the origin of the macabre object hidden in his belongings. With a relentless female assassin trailing them through Florence, he and his resourceful doctor, Sienna Brooks, are forced to flee. Embarking on a harrowing journey, they must unravel a series of codes, which are the work of a brilliant scientist whose obsession with the end of the world is matched only by his passion for one of the most influential masterpieces ever written, Dante Alighieri’s The Inferno.
REPUTATIONS by Juan Gabriel Vasquez (Riverhead)
Javier Mallarino is a living legend. He is his country’s most influential political cartoonist, the consciousness of a nation. A man capable of repealing laws, overturning judges’ decisions, destroying politicians’ careers with his art. His weapons are pen and ink. Those in power fear him and pay him homage. At sixty-five, after four decades of a brilliant career, he’s at the height of his powers. But this all changes when he’s paid an unexpected visit from a young woman who upends his sense of personal history and forces him to re-evaluate his life and work, questioning his position in the world.
THRICE THE BRINDED CAT HATH MEW’D by Alan Bradley (Delacorte Press)
In spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar’s wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man’s body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation.
NONFICTION
HERO OF THE EMPIRE by Candice Millard (Doubleday)
From New York Times bestselling author Candice Millard, a thrilling narrative of Winston Churchill’s extraordinary and little-known exploits during the Boer War. Churchill would later remark that this period, “could I have seen my future, was to lay the foundations of my later life.” Millard spins an epic story of bravery, savagery, and chance encounters with a cast of historical characters—including Rudyard Kipling, Lord Kitchener, and Mohandas Gandhi—with whom he would later share the world stage. But Hero of the Empire is more than an adventure story, for the lessons Churchill took from the Boer War would profoundly affect 20th-century history.
MAKING SENSE OF GOD: An Invitation to the Skeptical by Timothy Keller (Viking)
We live in an age of skepticism. Our society places such faith in empirical reason, historical progress, and heartfelt emotion that it’s easy to wonder: Why should anyone believe in Christianity? What role can faith and religion play in our modern lives? In this thoughtful and inspiring new book, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller invites skeptics to consider that Christianity is more relevant now than ever. As human beings, we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet these needs. Written for both the ardent believer and the skeptic, MAKING SENSE OF GOD shines a light on the profound value and importance of Christianity in our lives.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY by Norm Macdonald (Spiegel & Grau)
Wild, dangerous, and flat-out unbelievable, here is the incredible memoir of the actor, gambler, raconteur, SNL veteran, and one of the best stand-up comedians of all time. As this book’s title suggests, Norm Macdonald tells the story of his life—more or less—from his origins on a farm in the-back-of-beyond Canada and an epically disastrous appearance on Star Search to his account of auditioning for Lorne Michaels and his memorable run as the anchor of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live—until he was fired because a corporate executive didn’t think he was funny. But BASED ON A TRUE STORY is much more than a memoir; it’s the hilarious, inspired epic of Norm’s life.
HOW TO MAKE A SPACESHIP: A Band of Renegades, an Epic Race, and the Birth of Private Spaceflight by Julian Guthrie (Penguin Press)
From the age of eight, when Peter Diamandis watched Apollo 11 land on the Moon, his singular goal was to get to space. When he realized NASA was winding down manned space flight, Diamandis set out on one of the great entrepreneurial adventure stories of our time. If the government wouldn’t send him to space, he would create a private space flight industry himself. The story of the bullet-shaped SpaceShipOne, and the other teams in the hunt, is an extraordinary tale of making the impossible possible. It is driven by outsized characters—Burt Rutan, Richard Branson, John Carmack, Paul Allen—and obsessive pursuits. In the end, as Diamandis dreamed, the result wasn’t just a victory for one team; it was the foundation for a new industry and a new age.
EYES ON THE STREET by Robert Kanigel (Knopf)
EYES ON THE STREET is a revelation of the phenomenal woman who raised three children, wrote seven groundbreaking books, saved neighborhoods, stopped expressways, was arrested twice, and engaged at home and on the streets in thousands of debates–all of which she won. Here is the child who challenged her third-grade teacher; the high school poet; the journalist who honed her writing skills at Iron Age, Architectural Forum, Fortune, and other outlets, while amassing the knowledge she would draw upon to write her most famous book, THE DEATH AND LIFE OF GREAT AMERICAN CITIES. Here, too, is the activist who helped lead an ultimately successful protest against Robert Moses’s proposed expressway through her beloved Greenwich Village; and who, in order to keep her sons out of the Vietnam War, moved to Canada, where she became as well known and admired as she was in the United States.
POETRY
ODES by Sharon Olds (Knopf)
Following the Pulitzer prize-winning collection STAG’S LEAP, Sharon Olds gives us a stunning book of odes. Opening with the powerful and tender “Ode to the Hymen,” Olds addresses and embodies, in this age-old poetic form, many aspects of love and gender and sexual politics in a collection that is centered on the body and its structures and pleasures. The poems extend parts of her narrative as a daughter, mother, wife, lover, friend, and poet of conscience that will be familiar from earlier collections, each episode and memory burnished by the wisdom and grace and humor of looking back. Olds treats us to an intimate examination that, like all her work, is universal, by turns searing and charming in its honesty.
YOUNG READERS
OWL SEES OWL by Laura Godwin and Rob Dunlavey (Schwartz & Wade)
With just three or four words per page, this story follows a baby owl one night as he leaves the safety of his nest (Home/Mama/Brother/Sister) and explores the starry world around him (Soar/Glide/Swoop/Swoosh). Inspired by reverso poetry, the words reverse in the middle when the baby owl is startled upon seeing his reflection in the pond (Owl/Sees/Owl). Afraid of it, little owl takes off toward home, soaring over farms and forests (Swoosh/Swoop/Glide/Soar) until he is finally safely home again (Sister/Brother/Mama/Home).
OTIS AND THE KITTENS by Loren Long (Philomel)
On the farm where Otis the tractor lives, it hasn’t rained in a long time and farmers all over the valley have grown anxious with water in such short supply. One hot afternoon, when Otis and his friends are resting beneath the shade of the apple tree, Otis spots something moving down in the valley—an orange tabby cat headed straight for the old barn. But then Otis sees something else that causes his engine to sputter . . . a swirl of smoke coming from the same barn. A fire! Told with a sense of play and devotion, this is a heartwarming tale that reminds readers that sometimes even those who we count on to help us need a little help themselves.
THE GOLDEN COMPASS GRAPHIC NOVEL, VOLUME 2 by Philip Pullman (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
The eagerly awaited second volume in the graphic novel adaptation of Philip Pullman’s international bestseller THE GOLDEN COMPASS. This second volume of the graphic novel finds Lyra in the far North. With the help of Gyptian fighters, newfound witch allies, and the armored bear Iorek Byrnison, she means to rescue the children held captive by the notorious Gobblers. The stunning full-color art offers both new and returning readers a chance to experience the story of Lyra, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary role to play in the fates of multiple worlds, in an entirely unique way.
KIDS OF APPETITE by David Arnold (Viking Books for Young Readers)
Victor Benucci and Madeline Falco have a story to tell. It begins with the death of Vic’s father. It ends with the murder of Mad’s uncle. The Hackensack Police Department would very much like to hear it. But in order to tell their story, Vic and Mad must focus on all the chapters in between. This is a story about: a coded mission to scatter ashes across New Jersey, the momentous nature of the Palisades in winter, one dormant submarine, two songs about flowers, being cool in the traditional sense, sunsets & ice cream & orchards & graveyards, simultaneous extreme opposites, a narrow escape from a war-torn country, a story collector, how to listen to someone who does not talk, falling in love with a painting, falling in love with a song, and falling in love.
HOME by Harlan Coben (Dutton)
A decade ago, kidnappers grabbed two boys from wealthy families and demanded ransom, then went silent. No trace of the boys ever surfaced. For ten years their families have been left with nothing but painful memories and a quiet desperation for the day that has finally, miraculously arrived: Myron Bolitar and his friend Win believe they have located one of the boys, now a teenager. Where has he been for ten years, and what does he know about the day, more than half a life ago, when he was taken? And most critically: What can he tell Myron and Win about the fate of his missing friend? Drawing on his singular talent, Harlan Coben delivers an explosive and deeply moving thriller about friendship, family, and the meaning of home.
INFERNO by Dan Brown (Anchor)
Now a major motion picture, the #1 worldwide bestseller is now available in a new movie tie-in edition. Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon awakens in an Italian hospital, disoriented and with no recollection of the past thirty-six hours, including the origin of the macabre object hidden in his belongings. With a relentless female assassin trailing them through Florence, he and his resourceful doctor, Sienna Brooks, are forced to flee. Embarking on a harrowing journey, they must unravel a series of codes, which are the work of a brilliant scientist whose obsession with the end of the world is matched only by his passion for one of the most influential masterpieces ever written, Dante Alighieri’s The Inferno.
REPUTATIONS by Juan Gabriel Vasquez (Riverhead)
Javier Mallarino is a living legend. He is his country’s most influential political cartoonist, the consciousness of a nation. A man capable of repealing laws, overturning judges’ decisions, destroying politicians’ careers with his art. His weapons are pen and ink. Those in power fear him and pay him homage. At sixty-five, after four decades of a brilliant career, he’s at the height of his powers. But this all changes when he’s paid an unexpected visit from a young woman who upends his sense of personal history and forces him to re-evaluate his life and work, questioning his position in the world.
THRICE THE BRINDED CAT HATH MEW’D by Alan Bradley (Delacorte Press)
In spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar’s wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man’s body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation.
NONFICTION
HERO OF THE EMPIRE by Candice Millard (Doubleday)
From New York Times bestselling author Candice Millard, a thrilling narrative of Winston Churchill’s extraordinary and little-known exploits during the Boer War. Churchill would later remark that this period, “could I have seen my future, was to lay the foundations of my later life.” Millard spins an epic story of bravery, savagery, and chance encounters with a cast of historical characters—including Rudyard Kipling, Lord Kitchener, and Mohandas Gandhi—with whom he would later share the world stage. But Hero of the Empire is more than an adventure story, for the lessons Churchill took from the Boer War would profoundly affect 20th-century history.
MAKING SENSE OF GOD: An Invitation to the Skeptical by Timothy Keller (Viking)
We live in an age of skepticism. Our society places such faith in empirical reason, historical progress, and heartfelt emotion that it’s easy to wonder: Why should anyone believe in Christianity? What role can faith and religion play in our modern lives? In this thoughtful and inspiring new book, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller invites skeptics to consider that Christianity is more relevant now than ever. As human beings, we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet these needs. Written for both the ardent believer and the skeptic, MAKING SENSE OF GOD shines a light on the profound value and importance of Christianity in our lives.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY by Norm Macdonald (Spiegel & Grau)
Wild, dangerous, and flat-out unbelievable, here is the incredible memoir of the actor, gambler, raconteur, SNL veteran, and one of the best stand-up comedians of all time. As this book’s title suggests, Norm Macdonald tells the story of his life—more or less—from his origins on a farm in the-back-of-beyond Canada and an epically disastrous appearance on Star Search to his account of auditioning for Lorne Michaels and his memorable run as the anchor of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live—until he was fired because a corporate executive didn’t think he was funny. But BASED ON A TRUE STORY is much more than a memoir; it’s the hilarious, inspired epic of Norm’s life.
HOW TO MAKE A SPACESHIP: A Band of Renegades, an Epic Race, and the Birth of Private Spaceflight by Julian Guthrie (Penguin Press)
From the age of eight, when Peter Diamandis watched Apollo 11 land on the Moon, his singular goal was to get to space. When he realized NASA was winding down manned space flight, Diamandis set out on one of the great entrepreneurial adventure stories of our time. If the government wouldn’t send him to space, he would create a private space flight industry himself. The story of the bullet-shaped SpaceShipOne, and the other teams in the hunt, is an extraordinary tale of making the impossible possible. It is driven by outsized characters—Burt Rutan, Richard Branson, John Carmack, Paul Allen—and obsessive pursuits. In the end, as Diamandis dreamed, the result wasn’t just a victory for one team; it was the foundation for a new industry and a new age.
EYES ON THE STREET by Robert Kanigel (Knopf)
EYES ON THE STREET is a revelation of the phenomenal woman who raised three children, wrote seven groundbreaking books, saved neighborhoods, stopped expressways, was arrested twice, and engaged at home and on the streets in thousands of debates–all of which she won. Here is the child who challenged her third-grade teacher; the high school poet; the journalist who honed her writing skills at Iron Age, Architectural Forum, Fortune, and other outlets, while amassing the knowledge she would draw upon to write her most famous book, THE DEATH AND LIFE OF GREAT AMERICAN CITIES. Here, too, is the activist who helped lead an ultimately successful protest against Robert Moses’s proposed expressway through her beloved Greenwich Village; and who, in order to keep her sons out of the Vietnam War, moved to Canada, where she became as well known and admired as she was in the United States.
POETRY
ODES by Sharon Olds (Knopf)
Following the Pulitzer prize-winning collection STAG’S LEAP, Sharon Olds gives us a stunning book of odes. Opening with the powerful and tender “Ode to the Hymen,” Olds addresses and embodies, in this age-old poetic form, many aspects of love and gender and sexual politics in a collection that is centered on the body and its structures and pleasures. The poems extend parts of her narrative as a daughter, mother, wife, lover, friend, and poet of conscience that will be familiar from earlier collections, each episode and memory burnished by the wisdom and grace and humor of looking back. Olds treats us to an intimate examination that, like all her work, is universal, by turns searing and charming in its honesty.
YOUNG READERS
OWL SEES OWL by Laura Godwin and Rob Dunlavey (Schwartz & Wade)
With just three or four words per page, this story follows a baby owl one night as he leaves the safety of his nest (Home/Mama/Brother/Sister) and explores the starry world around him (Soar/Glide/Swoop/Swoosh). Inspired by reverso poetry, the words reverse in the middle when the baby owl is startled upon seeing his reflection in the pond (Owl/Sees/Owl). Afraid of it, little owl takes off toward home, soaring over farms and forests (Swoosh/Swoop/Glide/Soar) until he is finally safely home again (Sister/Brother/Mama/Home).
OTIS AND THE KITTENS by Loren Long (Philomel)
On the farm where Otis the tractor lives, it hasn’t rained in a long time and farmers all over the valley have grown anxious with water in such short supply. One hot afternoon, when Otis and his friends are resting beneath the shade of the apple tree, Otis spots something moving down in the valley—an orange tabby cat headed straight for the old barn. But then Otis sees something else that causes his engine to sputter . . . a swirl of smoke coming from the same barn. A fire! Told with a sense of play and devotion, this is a heartwarming tale that reminds readers that sometimes even those who we count on to help us need a little help themselves.
THE GOLDEN COMPASS GRAPHIC NOVEL, VOLUME 2 by Philip Pullman (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
The eagerly awaited second volume in the graphic novel adaptation of Philip Pullman’s international bestseller THE GOLDEN COMPASS. This second volume of the graphic novel finds Lyra in the far North. With the help of Gyptian fighters, newfound witch allies, and the armored bear Iorek Byrnison, she means to rescue the children held captive by the notorious Gobblers. The stunning full-color art offers both new and returning readers a chance to experience the story of Lyra, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary role to play in the fates of multiple worlds, in an entirely unique way.
KIDS OF APPETITE by David Arnold (Viking Books for Young Readers)
Victor Benucci and Madeline Falco have a story to tell. It begins with the death of Vic’s father. It ends with the murder of Mad’s uncle. The Hackensack Police Department would very much like to hear it. But in order to tell their story, Vic and Mad must focus on all the chapters in between. This is a story about: a coded mission to scatter ashes across New Jersey, the momentous nature of the Palisades in winter, one dormant submarine, two songs about flowers, being cool in the traditional sense, sunsets & ice cream & orchards & graveyards, simultaneous extreme opposites, a narrow escape from a war-torn country, a story collector, how to listen to someone who does not talk, falling in love with a painting, falling in love with a song, and falling in love. Announcements: 15 September 2016
Friday Reads: Batman Day!
It’s the third annual Batman Day! This fan-favorite event began with the character’s 75th anniversary, and has continued to grow in popularity. In celebration of Batman Day this 9/17, we’ve collected books all about the Dark Knight. Whether you want to start with his creation or get caught up in the latest adventure, here’s everything you could ever want to know about our favorite superhero. expand
FEATURED TITLES
BATMAN:The Story of the Dark Knight by Ralph Cosentino
THE ESSENTIAL BATMAN ENCYCLOPEDIA by Robert Greenberger
BATMAN: A VISUAL HISTORY by DK BATMAN CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA by DK
BATMAN! (DC SUPER FRIENDS) by Billy Wrecks and Ethen Beavers
View additional Batman related titles by clicking here.
BATMAN TRIVIA
- How much do you know about Batman? Try your hand at these questions.
- What is the name of Batman’s alter ego?
- What is Batman’s other hero name?
- Who is Batman’s closest ally?
- Who is Batman’s sidekick?
- Which city does Batman protect?
- What is the name of Bruce Wayne’s house?
- Where does Batman hide his secret base?
- What is the name of the current Robin?
- Which arch villain lives in Gotham City?
- What is the name of Batman’s feline foe?
- Bruce Wayne
- The Dark Knight
- Alfred Pennyworth
- Robin
- Gotham City
- Wayne Manor
- The Batcave
- Damian Wayne
- The Joker
- Catwoman
Announcements: 14 September 2016
Penguin Random House to Publish Zayn’s First Book This Fall
Global superstar Zayn will be releasing his first autobiography worldwide on November 1, 2016 via Penguin Random House. Delacorte Press, a Random House Children’s imprint, is publishing the book in conjunction with Penguin Random House UK imprint Michael Joseph, the acquiring publisher. expand
Titled ZAYN, the artist’s only official book will share a photographic journey of his life, presenting a collection of thoughts, inspirations, personal stories, notes and drawings, and never-before-seen personal photographs.
Within the first few pages, Zayn reveals the impetus behind publishing his first book: “I’m going to show you as much as I can so that you can judge me on my own terms, not on what the press or anyone else says.”
From a normal childhood in Bradford to the unprecedented fame of One Direction and solo superstardom, this beautifully illustrated book encapsulates his outlook on life: his inspirations, experiences and his candid thoughts on fame, success and music.
Announcements: 13 September 2016
There’s a Book for That: Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th through October 15th during which time we honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also expand
celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12th. Enjoy the following array of titles – memoir, history, poetry and fiction – to mark the occasion.
For more information visit: http://www.hispanicheritagemonth.org/
FEATURED TITLES
AN ORGANIZER’S TALE: SPEECHES by Cesar Chavez, edited by Ilan Stavans
The first major collection of writings by civil rights leader Cesar Chavez
One of the most important civil rights leaders in American history, Cesar Chavez was a firm believer in the principles of nonviolence, and he effectively employed peaceful tactics to further his cause. Through his efforts, he helped achieve dignity, fair wages, benefits, and humane working conditions for hundreds of thousands of farm workers.
A HOUSE OF MY OWN: STORIES FROM MY LIFE by Sandra Cisneros
A richly illustrated jigsaw autobiography and an intimate album of a literary legend’s life and career—
From the Chicago neighborhoods where she grew up—and which inspired her groundbreaking novel, The House on Mango Street—to the region of Mexico where her “ancestors lived for centuries,” the places Sandra Cisneros has resided have provided inspiration for her now-classic works of fiction and poetry.
THE GHOSTS OF HERO STREET: HOW ONE SMALL MEXICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY GAVE SO MUCH IN WORLD WAR II AND KOREA by Carlos Harrison
This is the compelling and inspiring account of a street in Silvis, Illinois, and the families who sent more than fifty-seven of their own to fight in World War II and Korea—and who would not be denied their dignity or their honor.
LATINO AMERICANS: THE 500-YEAR LEGACY THAT SHAPED A NATION by Ray Suarez
Latino Americans chronicles the rich and varied history of Latinos, who have helped shaped our nation and have become, with more than fifty million people, the largest minority in the United States. This companion to the landmark PBS miniseries vividly and candidly tells how the story of Latino Americans is the story of our country.
LATIN AMERICAN FOLKTALES: STORIES FROM HISPANIC AND INDIAN TRADITIONS edited by John Bierhorst
The wisdom and artistry of Latin America’s storytellers preserve one of the world’s richest folktale traditions—combining the lore of medieval Europe, the ancient Near East, and pre-Columbian America.
PLACES LEFT UNFINISHED AT THE TIME OF CREATION by John Phillip Santos
Finalist for the National Book Award! In this beautifully wrought memoir, award-winning writer John Philip Santos weaves together dream fragments, family remembrances, and Chicano mythology, reaching back into time and place to blend the story of one Mexican family with the soul of an entire people
FOR YOUNGER READERS
YES! WE ARE LATINOS: POEMS AND PROSE ABOUT THE LATINO EXPERIENCE by Alma Flor Ada, F. Isabel Campoy, David Diaz
Thirteen young Latinos and Latinas living in America are introduced in this book celebrating the rich diversity of the Latino and Latina experience in the United States. Free-verse fictional narratives from the perspective of each youth provide specific stories and circumstances for the reader to better understand the Latino people.
PORTRAITS OF HISPANIC AMERICAN HEROES by Juan Felipe Herrera, Raul Colon
This visually stunning book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latino American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science, humanitarianism, and athletics. Gorgeous portraits complement sparkling biographies of Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, Ellen Ochoa, Roberto Clemente, and many more.
RETURN TO SENDER by Julia Alvarez
After Tyler’s father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Tyler isn’t sure what to make of these workers. Are they undocumented? And what about the three daughters, particularly Mari, the oldest, who is proud of her Mexican heritage but also increasingly connected to her American life.
DOÑA FLOR: A TALL TALE ABOUT A GIANT WOMAN WITH A GREAT BIG HEART by Pat Mora, Raul Colon
Doña Flor is a giant woman who lives in a puebla with lots of families. She loves her neighbors–she lets the children use her flowers for trumpets, and the families use her leftover tortillas for rafts. So when a huge puma is terrifying the village, of course Flor is the one to investigate.
For more on these and related titles, visit the collection: Hispanic Heritage Month titles
AN ORGANIZER’S TALE: SPEECHES by Cesar Chavez, edited by Ilan Stavans
The first major collection of writings by civil rights leader Cesar Chavez
One of the most important civil rights leaders in American history, Cesar Chavez was a firm believer in the principles of nonviolence, and he effectively employed peaceful tactics to further his cause. Through his efforts, he helped achieve dignity, fair wages, benefits, and humane working conditions for hundreds of thousands of farm workers.
A HOUSE OF MY OWN: STORIES FROM MY LIFE by Sandra Cisneros
A richly illustrated jigsaw autobiography and an intimate album of a literary legend’s life and career—
From the Chicago neighborhoods where she grew up—and which inspired her groundbreaking novel, The House on Mango Street—to the region of Mexico where her “ancestors lived for centuries,” the places Sandra Cisneros has resided have provided inspiration for her now-classic works of fiction and poetry.
THE GHOSTS OF HERO STREET: HOW ONE SMALL MEXICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY GAVE SO MUCH IN WORLD WAR II AND KOREA by Carlos Harrison
This is the compelling and inspiring account of a street in Silvis, Illinois, and the families who sent more than fifty-seven of their own to fight in World War II and Korea—and who would not be denied their dignity or their honor.
LATINO AMERICANS: THE 500-YEAR LEGACY THAT SHAPED A NATION by Ray Suarez
Latino Americans chronicles the rich and varied history of Latinos, who have helped shaped our nation and have become, with more than fifty million people, the largest minority in the United States. This companion to the landmark PBS miniseries vividly and candidly tells how the story of Latino Americans is the story of our country.
LATIN AMERICAN FOLKTALES: STORIES FROM HISPANIC AND INDIAN TRADITIONS edited by John Bierhorst
The wisdom and artistry of Latin America’s storytellers preserve one of the world’s richest folktale traditions—combining the lore of medieval Europe, the ancient Near East, and pre-Columbian America.
PLACES LEFT UNFINISHED AT THE TIME OF CREATION by John Phillip Santos
Finalist for the National Book Award! In this beautifully wrought memoir, award-winning writer John Philip Santos weaves together dream fragments, family remembrances, and Chicano mythology, reaching back into time and place to blend the story of one Mexican family with the soul of an entire people
FOR YOUNGER READERS
YES! WE ARE LATINOS: POEMS AND PROSE ABOUT THE LATINO EXPERIENCE by Alma Flor Ada, F. Isabel Campoy, David Diaz
Thirteen young Latinos and Latinas living in America are introduced in this book celebrating the rich diversity of the Latino and Latina experience in the United States. Free-verse fictional narratives from the perspective of each youth provide specific stories and circumstances for the reader to better understand the Latino people.
PORTRAITS OF HISPANIC AMERICAN HEROES by Juan Felipe Herrera, Raul Colon
This visually stunning book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latino American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science, humanitarianism, and athletics. Gorgeous portraits complement sparkling biographies of Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, Ellen Ochoa, Roberto Clemente, and many more.
RETURN TO SENDER by Julia Alvarez
After Tyler’s father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Tyler isn’t sure what to make of these workers. Are they undocumented? And what about the three daughters, particularly Mari, the oldest, who is proud of her Mexican heritage but also increasingly connected to her American life.
DOÑA FLOR: A TALL TALE ABOUT A GIANT WOMAN WITH A GREAT BIG HEART by Pat Mora, Raul Colon
Doña Flor is a giant woman who lives in a puebla with lots of families. She loves her neighbors–she lets the children use her flowers for trumpets, and the families use her leftover tortillas for rafts. So when a huge puma is terrifying the village, of course Flor is the one to investigate.
For more on these and related titles, visit the collection: Hispanic Heritage Month titles Announcements: 12 September 2016
On Sale This Week
Our Igloo feature On Sale This Week previews a selection of Penguin Random House fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young readers books being published each week. The choices are a mix of titles by both bestselling and emerging authors. We hope this serves as a useful reference for hot new reads hitting shelves everywhere. expand
FICTION
NUTSHELL by Ian McEwan (Nan. A Talese)
Trudy has betrayed her husband, John. She’s still in the marital home—a dilapidated, priceless London townhouse—but John’s not there. Instead, she’s with his brother, the profoundly banal Claude, and the two of them have a plan. But there is a witness to their plot: the inquisitive, nine-month-old resident of Trudy’s womb. Told from a perspective unlike any other, Nutshell is a classic tale of murder and deceit from one of the world’s master storytellers and the bestselling author of ATONEMENT and THE CHILDREN ACT.
LITTLE NOTHING by Marisa Silver (Blue Rider Press)
In an unnamed country at the beginning of the last century, a child called Pavla is born to peasant parents. Her arrival, fervently anticipated and conceived in part by gypsy tonics and archaic prescriptions, stuns her parents and brings outrage and scorn from her community. Pavla has been born a dwarf, beautiful in face, but as the years pass, she grows no farther than the edge of her crib. When her parents turn to the treatments of a local charlatan, his terrifying cure opens the floodgates of persecution for Pavla. Little Nothing unfolds across a lifetime of unimaginable, magical transformation in and out of human form, as an outcast girl becomes a hunted woman whose ultimate survival depends on the most startling transfiguration of them all.
THE TEA PLANTER’S WIFE by Dinah Jefferies (Crown)
THE TEA PLANTER’S WIFE is the #1 International bestselling novel by Dinah Jeffries set in 1920s Ceylon. The novel is about a young Englishwoman who marries a charming tea plantation owner and widower, only to discover he’s keeping terrible secrets about his past, including what happened to his first wife, that lead to devastating consequences.
AN OBVIOUS FACT: A Longmire Mystery by Craig Johnson (Viking)
In the midst of the largest motorcycle rally in the world, a young biker is run off the road and ends up in critical condition. When Sheriff Walt Longmire and his good friend Henry Standing Bear are called to Hulett, Wyoming—the nearest town to America’s first national monument, Devils Tower—to investigate, things start getting complicated. As competing biker gangs; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; a military-grade vehicle donated to the tiny local police force by a wealthy entrepreneur; and Lola, the real-life femme fatale and namesake for Henry’s ’59 Thunderbird come into play, it rapidly becomes clear that there is more to get to the bottom of at this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally than a bike accident.
ROBERT B. PARKER’S DEBT TO PAY by Reed Farrel Coleman (Putnam)
All is quiet in Paradise, except for a spate of innocuous vandalism. Good thing, too, because Jesse Stone is preoccupied with the women in his life, both past and present. As his ex-wife, Jenn, is about to marry a Dallas real-estate tycoon, Jesse isn’t too sure his relationship with former FBI agent Diana Evans is built to last. But those concerns get put on the back burner when a major Boston crime boss is brutally murdered. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Jesse suspects it’s the work of Mr. Peepers, a psychotic assassin who has caused trouble for Jesse in the past.
NONFICTION
BIG BAD BREAKFAST by John Currence (Ten Speed Press)
From the James Beard Award winner, Top Chef Masters contestant, and acclaimed author comes this fun, festive, and highly caffeinated ode to the joys and rituals of the Southern breakfast, with 75 recipes inspired by the author’s popular restaurant in Oxford, Mississippi. John Currence is one of the most celebrated and well-loved chefs in the South. Among his string of highly successful restaurants in Oxford, Mississippi, Big Bad Breakfast holds a special place in diners’ hearts: It is a gathering place where people from all walks come together to share the most important meal of the day, breakfast.
GOOD VIBRATIONS by Mike Love (Blue Rider Press)
As a founding member of The Beach Boys, Mike Love has spent an extraordinary fifty-five years, and counting, as the group’s lead singer and one of its principal lyricists. The Beach Boys, from their California roots to their international fame, are a unique American story — one of overnight success and age-defying longevity; of musical genius and reckless self-destruction; of spirituality, betrayal, and forgiveness — and Love is the only band member to be part of it each and every step. His own story has never been fully told, of how a sheet-metal apprentice became the quintessential front man for America’s most successful rock band, singing in more than 5,600 concerts in 26 countries.
TASTE & TECHNIQUE by Naomi Pomeroy (Ten Speed Press)
Naomi Pomeroy knows that the best recipes are the ones that make you a better cook. A twenty-year veteran chef with four restaurants to her name, she learned her trade not in fancy culinary schools but by reading cookbooks. From Madeleine Kamman and Charlie Trotter to Alice Waters and Gray Kunz, Naomi cooked her way through the classics, studying French technique, learning how to shop for produce, and mastering balance, acidity, and seasoning. In TASTE & TECHNIQUE, Naomi shares her hard-won knowledge, passion, and experience along with nearly 140 recipes that outline the fundamentals of cooking.
WHEN IN FRENCH: Love in a Second Language by Lauren Collins (Penguin Press)
A language barrier is no match for love. Lauren Collins discovered this firsthand when, in her early thirties, she moved to London and fell for a Frenchman named Olivier—a surprising turn of events for someone who didn’t have a passport until she was in college. But what does it mean to love someone in a second language? Collins wonders, as her relationship with Olivier continues to grow entirely in English. Are there things she doesn’t understand about Olivier, having never spoken to him in his native tongue? Does “I love you” even mean the same thing as “je t’aime”? When the couple, newly married, relocates to Francophone Geneva, Collins—fearful of one day becoming “a Borat of a mother” who doesn’t understand her own kids—decides to answer her questions for herself by learning French.
YOUNG READERS
WHEN THEY FADE by Jeyn Roberts (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
TATUM is the only person at school who knew the truth about the affair her best friend, Claudette, has been having with Mr. Paracini, their married teacher. And at the time, confiding in an adult seemed like the right thing to do. But now, everyone in town has turned against Tatum. As the bullying from her classmates escalates, it seems that nowhere is safe for her anymore. MOLLY was brutally murdered in the early 1970s, but there is no afterlife for her. Molly is able to fade back to earth for a few fleeting moments, and when she fades, she finds herself hitchhiking along a lonely road, telling the unsuspecting drivers who stop for her things about their future that only she can see. One foggy night, Tatum sneaks out for a drive. The teenage hitchhiker she picks up doesn’t talk much, until she suddenly turns to Tatum and says: “You’re going to die. It will hurt and you’ll be alone. And no one will help you.” And then she disappears.
THE READER by Traci Chee (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers)
Sefia knows what it means to survive. After her father is brutally murdered, she flees into the wilderness with her aunt Nin, who teaches her to hunt, track, and steal. But when Nin is kidnapped, leaving Sefia completely alone, none of her survival skills can help her discover where Nin’s been taken, or if she’s even alive. The only clue to both her aunt’s disappearance and her father’s murder is the odd rectangular object her father left behind, an object she comes to realize is a book—a marvelous item unheard of in her otherwise illiterate society. With the help of this book, and the aid of a mysterious stranger with dark secrets of his own, Sefia sets out to rescue her aunt and find out what really happened the day her father was killed—and punish the people responsible.
BEAUTIFUL BLUE WORLD by Suzanne LaFleur (Wendy Lamb Books)
Sofarende is at war. For twelve-year-old Mathilde, it means food shortages, feuding neighbors, and bombings. Even so, as long as she and her best friend, Megs, are together, they’ll be all right. But the army is recruiting children, and paying families well for their service. If Megs takes the test, Mathilde knows she will pass. Megs hopes the army is the way to save her family. Mathilde fears it might separate them forever. This touching and suspenseful novel is a brilliant reimagining of war, where even kindness can be a weapon, and children have the power to see what adults cannot.
THE BILL THE CAT STORY: A BLOOM COUNTY EPIC by Berkeley Breathed (Philomel)
Almost thirty-five years ago Berkeley Breathed launched a little-known comic strip called “Bloom County.” Bloom County’s popularity soared, it was soon syndicated nationally, had millions of daily readers, and before long its creator was awarded a Pulitzer Prize. Then, nine years later, “Bloom County” sadly came to a close. It had simply ceased being fun for Berkeley Breathed. Now, more than twenty-five years after it ended, “Bloom County” has returned in full force online, with an ever-growing fan base every bit as zealous as it was in the strip’s heyday.
THE UNGRATEFUL DEAD by Rose Cooper (Delacorte Books for Young Readers)
Middle school is a life and death experience for Annabel Craven, a girl able to communicate with the spirit world with her phone. From the author of I TEXT DEAD PEOPLE! All Annabel Craven wants is to be normal. But that’s hard to do when ghosts keep texting her. And keeping her secret from her nosy new stepsister isn’t going to be easy. When a ghost girl named Harper begs Anna to help her rejoin the living, Anna warns her that it’s impossible. Once you’re dead, you can’t just start living again . . . or can you?
NUTSHELL by Ian McEwan (Nan. A Talese)
Trudy has betrayed her husband, John. She’s still in the marital home—a dilapidated, priceless London townhouse—but John’s not there. Instead, she’s with his brother, the profoundly banal Claude, and the two of them have a plan. But there is a witness to their plot: the inquisitive, nine-month-old resident of Trudy’s womb. Told from a perspective unlike any other, Nutshell is a classic tale of murder and deceit from one of the world’s master storytellers and the bestselling author of ATONEMENT and THE CHILDREN ACT.
LITTLE NOTHING by Marisa Silver (Blue Rider Press)
In an unnamed country at the beginning of the last century, a child called Pavla is born to peasant parents. Her arrival, fervently anticipated and conceived in part by gypsy tonics and archaic prescriptions, stuns her parents and brings outrage and scorn from her community. Pavla has been born a dwarf, beautiful in face, but as the years pass, she grows no farther than the edge of her crib. When her parents turn to the treatments of a local charlatan, his terrifying cure opens the floodgates of persecution for Pavla. Little Nothing unfolds across a lifetime of unimaginable, magical transformation in and out of human form, as an outcast girl becomes a hunted woman whose ultimate survival depends on the most startling transfiguration of them all.
THE TEA PLANTER’S WIFE by Dinah Jefferies (Crown)
THE TEA PLANTER’S WIFE is the #1 International bestselling novel by Dinah Jeffries set in 1920s Ceylon. The novel is about a young Englishwoman who marries a charming tea plantation owner and widower, only to discover he’s keeping terrible secrets about his past, including what happened to his first wife, that lead to devastating consequences.
AN OBVIOUS FACT: A Longmire Mystery by Craig Johnson (Viking)
In the midst of the largest motorcycle rally in the world, a young biker is run off the road and ends up in critical condition. When Sheriff Walt Longmire and his good friend Henry Standing Bear are called to Hulett, Wyoming—the nearest town to America’s first national monument, Devils Tower—to investigate, things start getting complicated. As competing biker gangs; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; a military-grade vehicle donated to the tiny local police force by a wealthy entrepreneur; and Lola, the real-life femme fatale and namesake for Henry’s ’59 Thunderbird come into play, it rapidly becomes clear that there is more to get to the bottom of at this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally than a bike accident.
ROBERT B. PARKER’S DEBT TO PAY by Reed Farrel Coleman (Putnam)
All is quiet in Paradise, except for a spate of innocuous vandalism. Good thing, too, because Jesse Stone is preoccupied with the women in his life, both past and present. As his ex-wife, Jenn, is about to marry a Dallas real-estate tycoon, Jesse isn’t too sure his relationship with former FBI agent Diana Evans is built to last. But those concerns get put on the back burner when a major Boston crime boss is brutally murdered. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Jesse suspects it’s the work of Mr. Peepers, a psychotic assassin who has caused trouble for Jesse in the past.
NONFICTION
BIG BAD BREAKFAST by John Currence (Ten Speed Press)
From the James Beard Award winner, Top Chef Masters contestant, and acclaimed author comes this fun, festive, and highly caffeinated ode to the joys and rituals of the Southern breakfast, with 75 recipes inspired by the author’s popular restaurant in Oxford, Mississippi. John Currence is one of the most celebrated and well-loved chefs in the South. Among his string of highly successful restaurants in Oxford, Mississippi, Big Bad Breakfast holds a special place in diners’ hearts: It is a gathering place where people from all walks come together to share the most important meal of the day, breakfast.
GOOD VIBRATIONS by Mike Love (Blue Rider Press)
As a founding member of The Beach Boys, Mike Love has spent an extraordinary fifty-five years, and counting, as the group’s lead singer and one of its principal lyricists. The Beach Boys, from their California roots to their international fame, are a unique American story — one of overnight success and age-defying longevity; of musical genius and reckless self-destruction; of spirituality, betrayal, and forgiveness — and Love is the only band member to be part of it each and every step. His own story has never been fully told, of how a sheet-metal apprentice became the quintessential front man for America’s most successful rock band, singing in more than 5,600 concerts in 26 countries.
TASTE & TECHNIQUE by Naomi Pomeroy (Ten Speed Press)
Naomi Pomeroy knows that the best recipes are the ones that make you a better cook. A twenty-year veteran chef with four restaurants to her name, she learned her trade not in fancy culinary schools but by reading cookbooks. From Madeleine Kamman and Charlie Trotter to Alice Waters and Gray Kunz, Naomi cooked her way through the classics, studying French technique, learning how to shop for produce, and mastering balance, acidity, and seasoning. In TASTE & TECHNIQUE, Naomi shares her hard-won knowledge, passion, and experience along with nearly 140 recipes that outline the fundamentals of cooking.
WHEN IN FRENCH: Love in a Second Language by Lauren Collins (Penguin Press)
A language barrier is no match for love. Lauren Collins discovered this firsthand when, in her early thirties, she moved to London and fell for a Frenchman named Olivier—a surprising turn of events for someone who didn’t have a passport until she was in college. But what does it mean to love someone in a second language? Collins wonders, as her relationship with Olivier continues to grow entirely in English. Are there things she doesn’t understand about Olivier, having never spoken to him in his native tongue? Does “I love you” even mean the same thing as “je t’aime”? When the couple, newly married, relocates to Francophone Geneva, Collins—fearful of one day becoming “a Borat of a mother” who doesn’t understand her own kids—decides to answer her questions for herself by learning French.
YOUNG READERS
WHEN THEY FADE by Jeyn Roberts (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
TATUM is the only person at school who knew the truth about the affair her best friend, Claudette, has been having with Mr. Paracini, their married teacher. And at the time, confiding in an adult seemed like the right thing to do. But now, everyone in town has turned against Tatum. As the bullying from her classmates escalates, it seems that nowhere is safe for her anymore. MOLLY was brutally murdered in the early 1970s, but there is no afterlife for her. Molly is able to fade back to earth for a few fleeting moments, and when she fades, she finds herself hitchhiking along a lonely road, telling the unsuspecting drivers who stop for her things about their future that only she can see. One foggy night, Tatum sneaks out for a drive. The teenage hitchhiker she picks up doesn’t talk much, until she suddenly turns to Tatum and says: “You’re going to die. It will hurt and you’ll be alone. And no one will help you.” And then she disappears.
THE READER by Traci Chee (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers)
Sefia knows what it means to survive. After her father is brutally murdered, she flees into the wilderness with her aunt Nin, who teaches her to hunt, track, and steal. But when Nin is kidnapped, leaving Sefia completely alone, none of her survival skills can help her discover where Nin’s been taken, or if she’s even alive. The only clue to both her aunt’s disappearance and her father’s murder is the odd rectangular object her father left behind, an object she comes to realize is a book—a marvelous item unheard of in her otherwise illiterate society. With the help of this book, and the aid of a mysterious stranger with dark secrets of his own, Sefia sets out to rescue her aunt and find out what really happened the day her father was killed—and punish the people responsible.
BEAUTIFUL BLUE WORLD by Suzanne LaFleur (Wendy Lamb Books)
Sofarende is at war. For twelve-year-old Mathilde, it means food shortages, feuding neighbors, and bombings. Even so, as long as she and her best friend, Megs, are together, they’ll be all right. But the army is recruiting children, and paying families well for their service. If Megs takes the test, Mathilde knows she will pass. Megs hopes the army is the way to save her family. Mathilde fears it might separate them forever. This touching and suspenseful novel is a brilliant reimagining of war, where even kindness can be a weapon, and children have the power to see what adults cannot.
THE BILL THE CAT STORY: A BLOOM COUNTY EPIC by Berkeley Breathed (Philomel)
Almost thirty-five years ago Berkeley Breathed launched a little-known comic strip called “Bloom County.” Bloom County’s popularity soared, it was soon syndicated nationally, had millions of daily readers, and before long its creator was awarded a Pulitzer Prize. Then, nine years later, “Bloom County” sadly came to a close. It had simply ceased being fun for Berkeley Breathed. Now, more than twenty-five years after it ended, “Bloom County” has returned in full force online, with an ever-growing fan base every bit as zealous as it was in the strip’s heyday.
THE UNGRATEFUL DEAD by Rose Cooper (Delacorte Books for Young Readers)
Middle school is a life and death experience for Annabel Craven, a girl able to communicate with the spirit world with her phone. From the author of I TEXT DEAD PEOPLE! All Annabel Craven wants is to be normal. But that’s hard to do when ghosts keep texting her. And keeping her secret from her nosy new stepsister isn’t going to be easy. When a ghost girl named Harper begs Anna to help her rejoin the living, Anna warns her that it’s impossible. Once you’re dead, you can’t just start living again . . . or can you?
Announcements: 8 September 2016
#FridayReads: Anna Dewdney
“When we read books with children, we share other worlds, and even more importantly, we share ourselves. Reading with children makes an intimate, human connection that teaches that child what it means to be alive as one of many beings on the planet.”
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These are the sentiments Anna Dewdney expressed in her essay “How Books Can Teach Your Child to Care.” Anna tragically passed away this week at the age of fifty after a battle with brain cancer. Dewdney was a passionate educator and strong advocate for literacy. In addition to being an author of many favorite children’s books, including the popular Llama Llama series, she also illustrated numerous other children’s stories. She was force in the world of children’s literature that will be greatly missed. In lieu of a funeral service, she asked that people read to a child instead. Therefore, our FridayReads suggestions are an arrangement of Anna Dewdney’s books that we strongly encourage you to read with a child this weekend in her honor and memory.
In lieu of a funeral service, Anna asked that people read to a child instead. Therefore, our FridayReads suggestions are an arrangement of Anna Dewdney’s books that we encourage you to read with a child this weekend in her honor and memory.
Selected Anna Dewdney Books:
LLAMA LLAMA SERIES
These best-selling picture books feature pre-schooler Llama Llama whose adventures include bedtime drama, a first day of school, and a sleepover at Gram and Grandpa’s. The fun-to-read rhyming text, gentle humor, and familiar situations are extremely comforting and helpful to young children.
LLAMA LLAMA MISSES MAMA
It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool! And Llama Llama’s mama makes sure he’s ready. They meet the teachers. See the other children. Look at all the books and games. But then it’s time for Mama to leave. And suddenly Llama Llama isn’t so excited anymore. Will Mama Llama come back?
NOBUNNY’S PERFECT
In simple sentences and sweet illustrations, Nobunny’s Perfect is an ideal introduction to behavior that young children will understand and enjoy. And, most importantly, it will make a bunny proud to be the best bunny he can be!
GRUMPY GLORIA
Poor Gloria the bulldog thinks she has lost her best friend when the little girl who owns her receives a doll as a birthday present. Suddenly the girl Gloria does everything with now does everything with her new doll! But Gloria can’t exactly tell anyone why she’s upset, so the girl’s brother and sister figure that Gloria just needs some cheering up.
LLAMA LLAMA RED PAJAMA
In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn’t come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to set things right.
Learn more about Anna Dewdney and her books by visiting these links:
http://www.llamallamabook.com/
Anna Dewdney Titles Edelweiss Collection
LLAMA LLAMA SERIES
These best-selling picture books feature pre-schooler Llama Llama whose adventures include bedtime drama, a first day of school, and a sleepover at Gram and Grandpa’s. The fun-to-read rhyming text, gentle humor, and familiar situations are extremely comforting and helpful to young children.
LLAMA LLAMA MISSES MAMA
It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool! And Llama Llama’s mama makes sure he’s ready. They meet the teachers. See the other children. Look at all the books and games. But then it’s time for Mama to leave. And suddenly Llama Llama isn’t so excited anymore. Will Mama Llama come back?
NOBUNNY’S PERFECT
In simple sentences and sweet illustrations, Nobunny’s Perfect is an ideal introduction to behavior that young children will understand and enjoy. And, most importantly, it will make a bunny proud to be the best bunny he can be!
GRUMPY GLORIA
Poor Gloria the bulldog thinks she has lost her best friend when the little girl who owns her receives a doll as a birthday present. Suddenly the girl Gloria does everything with now does everything with her new doll! But Gloria can’t exactly tell anyone why she’s upset, so the girl’s brother and sister figure that Gloria just needs some cheering up.
LLAMA LLAMA RED PAJAMA
In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn’t come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to set things right.
Learn more about Anna Dewdney and her books by visiting these links:
http://www.llamallamabook.com/
Anna Dewdney Titles Edelweiss Collection Announcements: 8 September 2016
Nathan Hill’s THE NIX to Become TV Series Starring Meryl Streep
Nathan Hill’s acclaimed, bestselling debut novel THE NIX, published by Knopf last week, will be adapted into a new television series starring and produced by Meryl Streep with JJ Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) for Warner Bros Television. “The news broke on Deadline this morning and is currently lighting up both coasts,” reports Paul Bogaards, Executive Vice President, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. expand
Announcements: 7 September 2016
There’s a Book for That: Classical Music Month
A little Bach anyone? Or perhaps Debussy is more your cup of tea? The sounds of strings and winds are rising to meet September…it’s Classical Music Month. Classical Music Month was first proclaimed by President Clinton in 1994. The proclamation eloquently states:
“Classical music is a celebration of artistic excellence…This month we exalt the many talented composers, conductors, and musicians who bring classical music to our ears. Whether in new American works or in the masterpieces of the great expand
composers of old, music is a unifying force in our world, bringing people together across vast cultural and geographical divisions. Classical music speaks both to the mind and to the heart, giving us something to think about as well as to experience.”
Read the entire, rhapsodic, proclamation here:
FEATURED TITLES
BACH: MUSIC IN THE CASTLE OF HEAVEN by John Eliot Gardiner
From one of the greatest living interpreters of Bach’s music: a landmark study that explains in wonderful detail how the composer worked, how his music is constructed, how it achieves its effects—and what it can tell us about Bach the man.
MOZART: A LIFE by Paul Johnson
Mozart’s music has enthralled listeners for centuries. In this brilliant biography, acclaimed historian Paul Johnson draws upon his expert knowledge of the era and Mozart’s own private letters to conjure Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life and times in rich detail.
CONVERSATIONS WITH BEETHOVEN by Sanford Friedman, Richard Howard
Deaf as he was, Beethoven had to be addressed in writing, and he was always accompanied by a notebook in which people could scribble questions and comments. Conversations with Beethoven, in a tour de force of fictional invention, tells the story of the last year of Beethoven’s life almost entirely through such notebook entries
WHY MAHLER?: HOW ONE MAN AND TEN SYMPHONIES CHANGED OUR WORLD by Norman Lebrecht
Following Mahler’s every footstep from birthplace to grave, scrutinizing his manuscripts, talking to those who knew him, Lebrecht constructs a compelling new portrait of Mahler as a man who lived determinedly outside his own times.
SECRET LIVES OF GREAT COMPOSERS: WHAT YOUR TEACHERS NEVER TOLD YOU ABOUT THE WORLD’S MUSICAL MASTERS by Elizabeth Lunday, Mario Zucca
True tales of murder, riots, heartbreak, and great music…Secret Lives of Great Composers recounts the seamy, steamy, and gritty history behind the great masters of international music.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR IN MUSIC by Aaron Copland
In this fascinating analysis of how to listen to both contemporary and classical music analytically, eminent American composer Aaron Copland offers provocative suggestions that will bring readers a deeper appreciation of the most viscerally rewarding of all art forms.
LETTERS by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; edited by Michael Rose, Peter Washington
Mozart’s remarkable life was well and richly documented in letters: his own and those concerning him written by others. This volume brings together a fascinating selection, giving us a detailed portrait of the composer’s life and times.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: The 50 Greatest Composers and Their 1,000 Greatest Works by Phil G. Goulding
When author Phil Goulding first tried to learn about classical music, he found himself buried in an avalanche of technical terms and complicated jargon–so he decided to write the book he couldn’t find. The result is a complete classical music education in one volume. Comprehensive, discriminating, and delightfully irreverent!
FOR YOUNG READERS
SERGEI PROKOFIEV’S PETER AND THE WOLF: With a Fully-Orchestrated and Narrated CD by Sergei Prokofiev, Janet Schulman, Peter Malone; Ages 3 to 7
THERE IS NO better way to introduce children to classical music than with Prokofiev’s musical fairy tale of the little boy (played by all the strings of the orchestra) who, with the help of a bird (played by the flute), outsmarted the big, bad wolf (played by the French horns). And now with this book and CD package, children can look and listen all at the same time.
FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC: THE REMARKABLE STORY OF MARIA ANNA MOZART by Elizabeth Rusch, Lou Fancher, Steve Johnson; Ages 5 to 8
By the time she was 12, she was considered one of the finest pianists in Europe, but today few people know her name. Maria Mozart, like her famous brother Wolfgang, was a musical prodigy.
For more on these and related titles visit: Classical Music Month
BACH: MUSIC IN THE CASTLE OF HEAVEN by John Eliot Gardiner
From one of the greatest living interpreters of Bach’s music: a landmark study that explains in wonderful detail how the composer worked, how his music is constructed, how it achieves its effects—and what it can tell us about Bach the man.
MOZART: A LIFE by Paul Johnson
Mozart’s music has enthralled listeners for centuries. In this brilliant biography, acclaimed historian Paul Johnson draws upon his expert knowledge of the era and Mozart’s own private letters to conjure Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life and times in rich detail.
CONVERSATIONS WITH BEETHOVEN by Sanford Friedman, Richard Howard
Deaf as he was, Beethoven had to be addressed in writing, and he was always accompanied by a notebook in which people could scribble questions and comments. Conversations with Beethoven, in a tour de force of fictional invention, tells the story of the last year of Beethoven’s life almost entirely through such notebook entries
WHY MAHLER?: HOW ONE MAN AND TEN SYMPHONIES CHANGED OUR WORLD by Norman Lebrecht
Following Mahler’s every footstep from birthplace to grave, scrutinizing his manuscripts, talking to those who knew him, Lebrecht constructs a compelling new portrait of Mahler as a man who lived determinedly outside his own times.
SECRET LIVES OF GREAT COMPOSERS: WHAT YOUR TEACHERS NEVER TOLD YOU ABOUT THE WORLD’S MUSICAL MASTERS by Elizabeth Lunday, Mario Zucca
True tales of murder, riots, heartbreak, and great music…Secret Lives of Great Composers recounts the seamy, steamy, and gritty history behind the great masters of international music.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR IN MUSIC by Aaron Copland
In this fascinating analysis of how to listen to both contemporary and classical music analytically, eminent American composer Aaron Copland offers provocative suggestions that will bring readers a deeper appreciation of the most viscerally rewarding of all art forms.
LETTERS by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; edited by Michael Rose, Peter Washington
Mozart’s remarkable life was well and richly documented in letters: his own and those concerning him written by others. This volume brings together a fascinating selection, giving us a detailed portrait of the composer’s life and times.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: The 50 Greatest Composers and Their 1,000 Greatest Works by Phil G. Goulding
When author Phil Goulding first tried to learn about classical music, he found himself buried in an avalanche of technical terms and complicated jargon–so he decided to write the book he couldn’t find. The result is a complete classical music education in one volume. Comprehensive, discriminating, and delightfully irreverent!
FOR YOUNG READERS
SERGEI PROKOFIEV’S PETER AND THE WOLF: With a Fully-Orchestrated and Narrated CD by Sergei Prokofiev, Janet Schulman, Peter Malone; Ages 3 to 7
THERE IS NO better way to introduce children to classical music than with Prokofiev’s musical fairy tale of the little boy (played by all the strings of the orchestra) who, with the help of a bird (played by the flute), outsmarted the big, bad wolf (played by the French horns). And now with this book and CD package, children can look and listen all at the same time.
FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC: THE REMARKABLE STORY OF MARIA ANNA MOZART by Elizabeth Rusch, Lou Fancher, Steve Johnson; Ages 5 to 8
By the time she was 12, she was considered one of the finest pianists in Europe, but today few people know her name. Maria Mozart, like her famous brother Wolfgang, was a musical prodigy.
For more on these and related titles visit: Classical Music Month Announcements: 6 September 2016
Three Questions for Crown’s Amanda Cook on WEAPONS OF MATH DESTRUCTION
In this “Three Questions for an Editor” Igloo feature, Amanda Cook, Vice President, Executive Editor, Crown, offers personal insights into her work with author Cathy O’Neil on her newly published book, WEAPONS OF MATH DESTRUCTION, subtitled “How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy.” expand
Announcements: 6 September 2016
Anna Dewdney, Author/Illustrator of LLAMA LLAMA Series, 1965-2016
Penguin Young Readers joins the world in mourning the passing of Anna Dewdney, the author and illustrator of the beloved multi-million-copy bestselling Llama Llama children’s book series. She died in her Vermont home on Saturday, September 3, 2016, after a fifteen-month battle with brain cancer. She was fifty. expand
Dewdney’s soothing tales are synonymous with calming early-childhood anxiety. She was praised by the Chicago Tribune as a “geographer extraordinaire of the emotional terrain of preschoolers and their mothers.” Books in her Llama Llama series, which have almost ten-million-copies in print, include LLAMA LLAMA RED PAJAMA, LLAMA LLAM,A HOLIDAY DRAMA, LLAMA LLAMA MISSES MAMA, and LLAMA LLAMA TIME TO SHARE. LLAMA LLAMA RED PAJAMA was chosen as Jumpstart’s Read for the Record book in 2011, setting the world benchmark for the most readings of a single book in one day.
Dewdney was also the author/illustrator of Nobunny’s Perfect and NELLY GNU AND DADDY TOO. She had just completed work on a new picture book, LITTLE EXCAVATOR, scheduled for publication in June 2017 by Viking Children’s Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers. Netflix is in production with an animated Llama Llama series, scheduled for release in 2017.
Jen Loja, President, Penguin Young Readers said, “The entire Penguin Young Readers family is heartbroken. And as we grieve, we also celebrate Anna’s life, in dedicating ourselves to carrying forward her mission of putting books into as many little hands as possible. We will miss her so, but consider ourselves so lucky to be her publishing family and her partner in her legacy.”
Ken Wright, Vice President and Publisher, Viking Children’s Books commented, “Anna was an extraordinary talent. But much more than that, she was a dear, dear friend to so many of us at Viking and Penguin, and she will be deeply and personally missed by her entire Penguin family.”
Anna Dewdney was born in New York City on December 25, 1965. Before becoming a full-time author and illustrator, she worked as a rural mail carrier and taught at a boys’ boarding school for many years. She lived with her family and three dogs in a restored home from 1820 on the site of an old stone mill, where she actively worked on the gardens.
She was an outspoken advocate of literacy, and believed that the act of reading to a child fostered empathy and kindness in that child. In a 2013 article for The Wall Street Journal, she wrote, “When we read books with children, we share other worlds, and even more importantly, we share ourselves. Reading with children makes an intimate, human connection that teaches that child what it means to be alive as one of many beings on the planet.”
In lieu of a funeral service, she asked that people read to a child instead.
Anna Dewdney is survived by her partner Reed Duncan, and two grown daughters, Berol and Cordelia Dewdney.
Dewdney was also the author/illustrator of Nobunny’s Perfect and NELLY GNU AND DADDY TOO. She had just completed work on a new picture book, LITTLE EXCAVATOR, scheduled for publication in June 2017 by Viking Children’s Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers. Netflix is in production with an animated Llama Llama series, scheduled for release in 2017.
Jen Loja, President, Penguin Young Readers said, “The entire Penguin Young Readers family is heartbroken. And as we grieve, we also celebrate Anna’s life, in dedicating ourselves to carrying forward her mission of putting books into as many little hands as possible. We will miss her so, but consider ourselves so lucky to be her publishing family and her partner in her legacy.”
Ken Wright, Vice President and Publisher, Viking Children’s Books commented, “Anna was an extraordinary talent. But much more than that, she was a dear, dear friend to so many of us at Viking and Penguin, and she will be deeply and personally missed by her entire Penguin family.”
Anna Dewdney was born in New York City on December 25, 1965. Before becoming a full-time author and illustrator, she worked as a rural mail carrier and taught at a boys’ boarding school for many years. She lived with her family and three dogs in a restored home from 1820 on the site of an old stone mill, where she actively worked on the gardens.
She was an outspoken advocate of literacy, and believed that the act of reading to a child fostered empathy and kindness in that child. In a 2013 article for The Wall Street Journal, she wrote, “When we read books with children, we share other worlds, and even more importantly, we share ourselves. Reading with children makes an intimate, human connection that teaches that child what it means to be alive as one of many beings on the planet.”
In lieu of a funeral service, she asked that people read to a child instead.
Anna Dewdney is survived by her partner Reed Duncan, and two grown daughters, Berol and Cordelia Dewdney. Announcements: 6 September 2016
Viking’s Paul Slovak and Author Amor Towles on A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW
This week’s Igloo Book Buzz title, A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW, published by Viking on Tuesday (9/6), is a transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel. The book’s author, Amor Towles, and Paul Slovak, Vice President, Executive Editor, Viking, offer fascinating insights into the creation of this remarkable book. expand
Amor Towles: “When RULES OF CIVILITY came out in 2011 and Viking contracted to publish my second novel, I wasn’t sure what my second novel was going to be. At the time, I shared with my editor, Paul Slovak, a number of different ideas and he encouraged me to go with my instincts. So, I did just that; and without much of a rationale, I chose to pursue the rather odd premise (that I had come up with some years before) of a Russian aristocrat living under house arrest in Moscow a luxury hotel.
“In retrospect, I see that my choice was probably influenced by an unconscious desire for change and the resulting artistic challenges that change presents–because RULES OF CIVILITY and A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW are a study in contrasts. Where the former takes place over a single year, the latter spans thirty-two. Where the former roves across a city, the latter takes place in one building. Where the former is from the perspective of a young working class woman on the rise, the latter is from the perspective of an aging gentleman who has lost everything. And where the former is virtually free of children and parents, the latter is very much concerned with generational relationships. One last difference is that A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW is much longer than RULES OF CIVILITY; but it has the same cover price, so you get 50% more words for your money!
“Recently, Viking/Penguin contracted to publish my next two novels and I couldn’t be more thrilled. During the publication of RULES, I had the pleasure of meeting a wide variety of Viking/Penguin people in New York and across the country. To a person I found them professional, friendly, and devoted to books. When Penguin and Random House merged, to be honest, I felt a moment of trepidation. But I needn’t have worried. The majority of the people I worked with on RULES have been a part of the team launching A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW; and we have the added benefit of some fabulous new team members thanks to the merger. And, yes, Lydia Hirt has dragged me to the gates of social media and pushed me in; so there’s that, too.
“In a few days, I will be leaving New York for almost two months on the road, thanks to the publicity team. Would I prefer to stay at home and watch Netflix? Yes. But I figure if I’m going to spend four years writing a book, I should be willing to spend a year helping it find its audience. While I will not be able to start writing my next novel until I’ve finished touring, I have been developing several ideas in some detail. As to which idea I’ll pursue, I expect I’ll once again take Paul’s advice and follow my instincts.”
When asked, “What was it that enabled Amor to create such a vivid fictional world in his new novel?” Paul Slovak responded, “To put it simply, it is because he is an exquisite storyteller with a dazzling imagination, a writer of great artistry, sophistication, and elegance who excels on every level. What both RULES and GENTLEMAN share, and what makes Amor such a captivating and talented writer, and a joy to work with, are finely drawn, unforgettable characters who practically leap off the page; sharp, utterly memorable dialogue; vivid scene setting; splendid atmosphere; precise observations of manners, refinement, and taste; and a flawless command of voice, style, and structure, all of which make for the most completely pleasurable reading experience. But Amor is also a writer who likes to set new challenges for himself; with GENTLEMAN, it wasn’t just tackling an entirely different setting, time period, and narrative voice, but the whole notion of trapping his main character, and his readers, inside a single building for thirty-two years – how do you make such a confined life interesting, and fulfilling? Amor pulls it off brilliantly, and impressively. Above all, he has a deep understanding of human nature, and an unparalleled ability to get inside his characters’ minds and hearts and to transmit that to the page in the most memorable and magical of ways.”
Meredith Burks, Manager, Publicity, Viking/Penguin, provides an overview of the publicity campaign for A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW:
“We have an incredible media lineup that’s already started to roll out. GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW has appeared in Town & Country, Conde Nast Traveler, Vanity Fair, Esquire, Marie Claire, Virtuoso Life, and DuJour Magazine’s September issues. O, The Oprah Magazine will include the book in its October issue. Amor will be profiled in The Wall Street Journal’s Fall Books Preview, and The New York Times’ “What I Love” column, and interviewed by Lynn Neary for NPR’s Morning Edition, and PBS-TV’s Well Read. We have reviews confirmed in theNew York Times Book Review, Washington Post, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Refinery29, The Millions, NRP.org, and more regional print and online outlets. Amor will launch the book with an event at the Upper East Side Barnes & Noble in New York and set out on a national tour with over 30 events in 26 cities.”
A sampling of praise for A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW:
“The same gorgeous, layered richness that marked Towles’ debut, RULES OF CIVILITY, shapes this novel about an early-20th-century Russian count sentenced by a Bolshevik tribunal to spend the rest of his life in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel.” —Entertainment Weekly
“House arrest has never been so charming as in Towles’s second novel, an engaging 30-year saga set almost entirely inside the Metropol, Moscow’s most luxurious hotel...empathetic, and entertaining.” —Publishers Weekly
“The book moves briskly from one crisp scene to the next, and ultimately casts a spell as captivating as RULES OF CIVILITY, a book that inhales you into its seductively Gatsby-esque universe.”—Town & Country
“In all ways a great novel, a nonstop pleasure brimming with charm, personal wisdom, and philosophic insight . . . this book more than fulfills the promise of Towles’ stylish debut, RULES OF CIVILITY.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred)
“As urbane, cultured, and honey-smooth as the Count himself, even as his situation inevitably creates suspense, this enthralling work is highly recommended.” —Library Journal (starred)
Amor Towles
Paul Slovak
Announcements: 6 September 2016
On Sale This Week
Our Igloo feature On Sale This Week previews a selection of Penguin Random House fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young readers books being published each week. The choices are a mix of titles by both bestselling and emerging authors. We hope this serves as a useful reference for hot new reads hitting shelves everywhere. expand
FICTION
RAZOR GIRL by Carl Hiaasen (Knopf)
RAZOR GIRL is the new full-tilt, unstoppably hilarious and entertaining novel from the best-selling author of SKINNY DIPand BAD MONKEY, Carl Hiaasen. When Lane Coolman’s car is bashed from behind on the road to the Florida Keys, what appears to be an ordinary accident is anything but (this is Hiaasen!). Behind the wheel of the other car is Merry Mansfield–the eponymous Razor Girl–and the crash scam is only the beginning of events that spiral crazily out of control while unleashing some of the wildest characters Hiaasen has ever set loose on the page.
A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW: A Novel by Amor Towles (Viking)
A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW immerses us in an elegantly drawn era with the story of Count Alexander Rostov. When, in 1922, he is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, the count is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him a doorway into a much larger world of emotional discovery.
DEAR MR. M by Herman Koch (Hogarth)
Once a celebrated writer, M had his greatest success with a suspense novel based on a real-life disappearance. Upon publication, M’s novel was a runaway bestseller, one that marked his international breakthrough. That was years ago, and now M’s career is fading. But not when it comes to his bizarre, seemingly timid neighbor who keeps a close eye on him and his wife. Why? From alternating points of view, where no one is to be trusted, Herman Koch weaves together an intricate tale of a writer in decline, a teenage couple in love, a missing teacher, and a single book that entwines all of their fates.
APPRENTICE IN DEATH by J.D. Robb (Berkley)
The shots came quickly, silently, and with deadly accuracy. Within seconds, three people were dead at Central Park’s ice-skating rink. Eve Dallas has seen a lot of killers during her time with the NYPSD but never one like this. When Eve’s husband, Roarke’s computer program leads her to the location of the sniper, she learns a shocking fact: There were two—one older, one younger. Someone is being trained by an expert in the science of killing, and they have an agenda. Central Park was just a warm-up. And as another sniper attack shakes the city to its core, Eve realizes that though we’re all shaped by the people around us, there are those who are just born evil.
NONFICTION
THE PIGEON TUNNEL: Stories from My Life by John le Carré (Viking)
From his years serving in British Intelligence during the Cold War, to a career as a writer that took him from war-torn Cambodia to Beirut on the cusp of the 1982 Israeli invasion to Russia before and after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, bestselling author John le Carré has always written from the heart of modern times. In this, his first memoir, le Carré is as funny as he is incisive, reading into the events he witnesses the same moral ambiguity with which he imbues his novels. Best of all, le Carré gives us a glimpse of a writer’s journey over more than six decades.
WEAPONS OF MATH DESTRUCTION by Cathy O’Neil (Crown)
A former Wall Street quant sounds an alarm on the mathematical models that pervade modern life — and threaten to rip apart our social fabric. We live in the age of the algorithm. Increasingly, the decisions that affect our lives—where we go to school, whether we get a car loan, how much we pay for health insurance—are being made not by humans, but by mathematical models. In theory, this should lead to greater fairness: Everyone is judged according to the same rules, and bias is eliminated. But as Cathy O’Neil reveals in this urgent and necessary book, the opposite is true.
MARTHA STEWART’S VEGETABLES by Editors of Martha Stewart Living (Clarkson Potter)
In this beautiful book, Martha Stewart—one of America’s best-known cooks, gardeners, and all-around vegetable lovers—provides home cooks with an indispensable resource for selecting, storing, preparing, and cooking from the garden and the market. The 150 recipes, many of which are vegetarian, highlight the flavors and textures of everyday favorites and uncommon varieties alike. Martha Stewart’s Vegetables makes eating your greens (and reds and yellows and oranges) more delicious than ever.
THE RED BANDANNA by Tom Rinaldi (Penguin Press)
When Welles Crowther was a young boy, his father gave him a red handkerchief for his back pocket. Welles kept it with him that day, and just about every day to come; it became a fixture and his signature. Fresh from college, he took a Wall Street job on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, with the dream of becoming a firefighter with the FDNY. When the Twin Towers fell, Welles’s parents had no idea what happened to him. Eight months after the attacks, Welles’s mother read a news account from several survivors, badly hurt on the 78th floor of the South Tower, who said they and others had been led to safety by a stranger, carrying a woman on his back, down nearly twenty flights of stairs. The survivors didn’t know his name, but despite the smoke and panic, one of them remembered a single detail clearly: the man was wearing a red bandanna.
SUBSTITUTE by Nicholson Baker (Blue Rider Press)
In 2014, after a brief orientation course and a few fingerprinting sessions, Nicholson Baker became an on-call substitute teacher in a Maine public school district. He awoke to the dispatcher’s five-forty a.m. phone call and headed to one of several nearby schools; when he got there, he did his best to follow lesson plans and help his students get something done. What emerges from Baker’s experience is a complex, often touching deconstruction of public schooling in America: children swamped with overdue assignments, overwhelmed by the marvels and distractions of social media and educational technology, and staff who weary themselves trying to teach in step with an often outmoded or overly ambitious standard curriculum.
BEST. STATE. EVER. By Dave Barry (Putnam)
We never know what will happen next in Florida. We know only that, any minute now, something will. Every few months, Dave Barry gets a call from some media person wanting to know, “What the hell is wrong with Florida?” Somehow, the state’s acquired an image as a subtropical festival of stupid, and as a loyal Floridian, Dave begs to differ. Sure, there was the 2000 election. And people seem to take their pants off for no good reason. And it has flying insects the size of LeBron James. But it is a great state, and Dave is going to tell you why. Join him as he celebrates Florida from Key West at the bottom to whatever it is that’s at the top, from the Sunshine State’s earliest history to the fun-fair of weirdness that it is today.
POETRY
POEMS ABOUT SCULPTURE Foreword by Robert Pinsky, Edited by Murray Dewart (Everyman’s Library)
Sculpture has the longest memory of the arts: from the Paleolithic era, we find stone carvings and clay figures embedded with human longing. And poets have long been fascinated by the idea of eternity embodied by the monumental temples and fragmented statues of ancient civilizations. From Keats’s Grecian urn and Shelley’s “Ozymandias” to contemporary verse about Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Janet Echelman’s wind-borne hovering nets, the pieces in this collection convert the physical materials of the plastic arts—clay, wood, glass, marble, granite, bronze, and more—into lapidary lines of poetry.
YOUNG READERS
COME OVER TO MY HOUSE by Dr. Seuss (Random House Books for Young Readers)
This delightful Dr. Seuss book has come back—with a brand new look! Written in 1966, this multi-cultural Beginner Book about home and friendship features the good doctor’s signature rhyme and all-new, charming artwork by award-winning illustrator Katie Kath. A great choice for beginning readers as well as for read-alouds, the message of the book—that kids are the same all over the world—is as true today as it was 50 years ago. Perfect for expanding a child’s worldview—and home library—it’s ideal for birthdays, holidays, and happy occasions of all kinds!
TALES OF THE PECULIAR by Ransom Riggs (Dutton Books for Young Readers)
Wealthy cannibals who dine on the discarded limbs of peculiars. A fork-tongued princess. These are but a few of the truly brilliant stories in Tales of the Peculiar—the collection of fairy tales known to hide information about the peculiar world, including clues to the locations of time loops—first introduced by Ransom Riggs in his #1 bestselling Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series. Riggs now invites you to share his secrets of peculiar history, with a collection of original stories as collected and annotated by Millard Nullings, ward of Miss Peregrine and scholar of all things peculiar.
SIX DOTS: A STORY OF YOUNG LOUIS BRAILLE by Jen Bryant (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read. Award-winning writer Jen Bryant tells Braille’s inspiring story with a lively and accessible text, filled with the sounds, the smells, and the touch of Louis’s world. Boris Kulikov’s inspired paintings help readers to understand what Louis lost, and what he was determined to gain back through books.
I AM GEORGE WASHINGTON by Bred Meltzer; illustrated by Christopher Eliopolous (Dial Books for Young Readers)
We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this New York Times Bestselling picture book biography series from historian and author Brad Meltzer. Learn all about George Washington, America’s first president. George Washington was one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known. He was never afraid to be the first to try something, from exploring the woods around his childhood home to founding a brand new nation, the United States of America. With his faith in the American people and tremendous bravery, he helped win the Revolutionary War and became the country’s first president.
LUCY AND LINH by Alice Pung (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Lucy is a bit of a pushover, but she’s ambitious and smart, and she has just received the opportunity of a lifetime: a scholarship to a prestigious school. She is soon welcomed into the Cabinet, the supremely popular trio who wield influence over classmates and teachers alike. Linh is blunt, strong-willed, and fearless—everything Lucy once loved about herself. She is also Lucy’s last solid link to her life before private school, but she is growing tired of being eclipsed by the glamour of the Cabinet. As Lucy floats further away from the world she once knew, her connection to Linh—and to her old life—threatens to snap. Sharp and honest, Alice Pung’s novel examines what it means to grow into the person you want to be without leaving yourself behind.
UGLY by Robert Hoge (Viking Books for Young Readers)
When Robert Hoge was born, he had a tumor the size of a tennis ball in the middle of his face and short, twisted legs. Surgeons removed the tumor and made him a new nose from one of his toes. Amazingly, he survived—with a face that would never be the same. Strangers stared at him. Kids called him names, and adults could be cruel, too. Everybody seemed to agree that he was “ugly.” But Robert refused to let his face define him. This poignant memoir about overcoming bullying and thriving with disabilities shows that what makes us “ugly” also makes us who we are.
RAZOR GIRL by Carl Hiaasen (Knopf)
RAZOR GIRL is the new full-tilt, unstoppably hilarious and entertaining novel from the best-selling author of SKINNY DIPand BAD MONKEY, Carl Hiaasen. When Lane Coolman’s car is bashed from behind on the road to the Florida Keys, what appears to be an ordinary accident is anything but (this is Hiaasen!). Behind the wheel of the other car is Merry Mansfield–the eponymous Razor Girl–and the crash scam is only the beginning of events that spiral crazily out of control while unleashing some of the wildest characters Hiaasen has ever set loose on the page.
A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW: A Novel by Amor Towles (Viking)
A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW immerses us in an elegantly drawn era with the story of Count Alexander Rostov. When, in 1922, he is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, the count is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him a doorway into a much larger world of emotional discovery.
DEAR MR. M by Herman Koch (Hogarth)
Once a celebrated writer, M had his greatest success with a suspense novel based on a real-life disappearance. Upon publication, M’s novel was a runaway bestseller, one that marked his international breakthrough. That was years ago, and now M’s career is fading. But not when it comes to his bizarre, seemingly timid neighbor who keeps a close eye on him and his wife. Why? From alternating points of view, where no one is to be trusted, Herman Koch weaves together an intricate tale of a writer in decline, a teenage couple in love, a missing teacher, and a single book that entwines all of their fates.
APPRENTICE IN DEATH by J.D. Robb (Berkley)
The shots came quickly, silently, and with deadly accuracy. Within seconds, three people were dead at Central Park’s ice-skating rink. Eve Dallas has seen a lot of killers during her time with the NYPSD but never one like this. When Eve’s husband, Roarke’s computer program leads her to the location of the sniper, she learns a shocking fact: There were two—one older, one younger. Someone is being trained by an expert in the science of killing, and they have an agenda. Central Park was just a warm-up. And as another sniper attack shakes the city to its core, Eve realizes that though we’re all shaped by the people around us, there are those who are just born evil.
NONFICTION
THE PIGEON TUNNEL: Stories from My Life by John le Carré (Viking)
From his years serving in British Intelligence during the Cold War, to a career as a writer that took him from war-torn Cambodia to Beirut on the cusp of the 1982 Israeli invasion to Russia before and after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, bestselling author John le Carré has always written from the heart of modern times. In this, his first memoir, le Carré is as funny as he is incisive, reading into the events he witnesses the same moral ambiguity with which he imbues his novels. Best of all, le Carré gives us a glimpse of a writer’s journey over more than six decades.
WEAPONS OF MATH DESTRUCTION by Cathy O’Neil (Crown)
A former Wall Street quant sounds an alarm on the mathematical models that pervade modern life — and threaten to rip apart our social fabric. We live in the age of the algorithm. Increasingly, the decisions that affect our lives—where we go to school, whether we get a car loan, how much we pay for health insurance—are being made not by humans, but by mathematical models. In theory, this should lead to greater fairness: Everyone is judged according to the same rules, and bias is eliminated. But as Cathy O’Neil reveals in this urgent and necessary book, the opposite is true.
MARTHA STEWART’S VEGETABLES by Editors of Martha Stewart Living (Clarkson Potter)
In this beautiful book, Martha Stewart—one of America’s best-known cooks, gardeners, and all-around vegetable lovers—provides home cooks with an indispensable resource for selecting, storing, preparing, and cooking from the garden and the market. The 150 recipes, many of which are vegetarian, highlight the flavors and textures of everyday favorites and uncommon varieties alike. Martha Stewart’s Vegetables makes eating your greens (and reds and yellows and oranges) more delicious than ever.
THE RED BANDANNA by Tom Rinaldi (Penguin Press)
When Welles Crowther was a young boy, his father gave him a red handkerchief for his back pocket. Welles kept it with him that day, and just about every day to come; it became a fixture and his signature. Fresh from college, he took a Wall Street job on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, with the dream of becoming a firefighter with the FDNY. When the Twin Towers fell, Welles’s parents had no idea what happened to him. Eight months after the attacks, Welles’s mother read a news account from several survivors, badly hurt on the 78th floor of the South Tower, who said they and others had been led to safety by a stranger, carrying a woman on his back, down nearly twenty flights of stairs. The survivors didn’t know his name, but despite the smoke and panic, one of them remembered a single detail clearly: the man was wearing a red bandanna.
SUBSTITUTE by Nicholson Baker (Blue Rider Press)
In 2014, after a brief orientation course and a few fingerprinting sessions, Nicholson Baker became an on-call substitute teacher in a Maine public school district. He awoke to the dispatcher’s five-forty a.m. phone call and headed to one of several nearby schools; when he got there, he did his best to follow lesson plans and help his students get something done. What emerges from Baker’s experience is a complex, often touching deconstruction of public schooling in America: children swamped with overdue assignments, overwhelmed by the marvels and distractions of social media and educational technology, and staff who weary themselves trying to teach in step with an often outmoded or overly ambitious standard curriculum.
BEST. STATE. EVER. By Dave Barry (Putnam)
We never know what will happen next in Florida. We know only that, any minute now, something will. Every few months, Dave Barry gets a call from some media person wanting to know, “What the hell is wrong with Florida?” Somehow, the state’s acquired an image as a subtropical festival of stupid, and as a loyal Floridian, Dave begs to differ. Sure, there was the 2000 election. And people seem to take their pants off for no good reason. And it has flying insects the size of LeBron James. But it is a great state, and Dave is going to tell you why. Join him as he celebrates Florida from Key West at the bottom to whatever it is that’s at the top, from the Sunshine State’s earliest history to the fun-fair of weirdness that it is today.
POETRY
POEMS ABOUT SCULPTURE Foreword by Robert Pinsky, Edited by Murray Dewart (Everyman’s Library)
Sculpture has the longest memory of the arts: from the Paleolithic era, we find stone carvings and clay figures embedded with human longing. And poets have long been fascinated by the idea of eternity embodied by the monumental temples and fragmented statues of ancient civilizations. From Keats’s Grecian urn and Shelley’s “Ozymandias” to contemporary verse about Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Janet Echelman’s wind-borne hovering nets, the pieces in this collection convert the physical materials of the plastic arts—clay, wood, glass, marble, granite, bronze, and more—into lapidary lines of poetry.
YOUNG READERS
COME OVER TO MY HOUSE by Dr. Seuss (Random House Books for Young Readers)
This delightful Dr. Seuss book has come back—with a brand new look! Written in 1966, this multi-cultural Beginner Book about home and friendship features the good doctor’s signature rhyme and all-new, charming artwork by award-winning illustrator Katie Kath. A great choice for beginning readers as well as for read-alouds, the message of the book—that kids are the same all over the world—is as true today as it was 50 years ago. Perfect for expanding a child’s worldview—and home library—it’s ideal for birthdays, holidays, and happy occasions of all kinds!
TALES OF THE PECULIAR by Ransom Riggs (Dutton Books for Young Readers)
Wealthy cannibals who dine on the discarded limbs of peculiars. A fork-tongued princess. These are but a few of the truly brilliant stories in Tales of the Peculiar—the collection of fairy tales known to hide information about the peculiar world, including clues to the locations of time loops—first introduced by Ransom Riggs in his #1 bestselling Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series. Riggs now invites you to share his secrets of peculiar history, with a collection of original stories as collected and annotated by Millard Nullings, ward of Miss Peregrine and scholar of all things peculiar.
SIX DOTS: A STORY OF YOUNG LOUIS BRAILLE by Jen Bryant (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read. Award-winning writer Jen Bryant tells Braille’s inspiring story with a lively and accessible text, filled with the sounds, the smells, and the touch of Louis’s world. Boris Kulikov’s inspired paintings help readers to understand what Louis lost, and what he was determined to gain back through books.
I AM GEORGE WASHINGTON by Bred Meltzer; illustrated by Christopher Eliopolous (Dial Books for Young Readers)
We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this New York Times Bestselling picture book biography series from historian and author Brad Meltzer. Learn all about George Washington, America’s first president. George Washington was one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known. He was never afraid to be the first to try something, from exploring the woods around his childhood home to founding a brand new nation, the United States of America. With his faith in the American people and tremendous bravery, he helped win the Revolutionary War and became the country’s first president.
LUCY AND LINH by Alice Pung (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Lucy is a bit of a pushover, but she’s ambitious and smart, and she has just received the opportunity of a lifetime: a scholarship to a prestigious school. She is soon welcomed into the Cabinet, the supremely popular trio who wield influence over classmates and teachers alike. Linh is blunt, strong-willed, and fearless—everything Lucy once loved about herself. She is also Lucy’s last solid link to her life before private school, but she is growing tired of being eclipsed by the glamour of the Cabinet. As Lucy floats further away from the world she once knew, her connection to Linh—and to her old life—threatens to snap. Sharp and honest, Alice Pung’s novel examines what it means to grow into the person you want to be without leaving yourself behind.
UGLY by Robert Hoge (Viking Books for Young Readers)
When Robert Hoge was born, he had a tumor the size of a tennis ball in the middle of his face and short, twisted legs. Surgeons removed the tumor and made him a new nose from one of his toes. Amazingly, he survived—with a face that would never be the same. Strangers stared at him. Kids called him names, and adults could be cruel, too. Everybody seemed to agree that he was “ugly.” But Robert refused to let his face define him. This poignant memoir about overcoming bullying and thriving with disabilities shows that what makes us “ugly” also makes us who we are. Announcements: 2 September 2016
#FridayReads: Corseted Covers
Your weekend reading is clinched, literally. Here are a handful of our favorite books with corsets on the cover, perfect for accompanying you during the end of carefree summer days, preparing you for a return to tight schedules and unyielding school and work demands, and leading into NYC Fashion Week. expand
Announcements: 1 September 2016
Ransom Riggs’ TALES OF THE PECULIAR to Launch with Nationwide Celebrations
This Saturday, September 3, marks the highly anticipated launch of Ransom Riggs’ new collection of fairy tales, TALES OF THE PECULIAR (Dutton Books for Young Readers) with celebrations taking place in over a thousand bookstores nationwide. Loop Day (September 3) is a holiday observed by the characters of the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series and in the lead up to Loop Day, Riggs has been unveiling photos and letters from expand
Announcements: 1 September 2016
Three of Our Debut Authors Make 2016 First Novel Prize Shortlist
The Center for Fiction’s seven-title shortlist for its annual First Novel Prize includes three of our authors and their books published by Penguin Random House imprints:
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Announcements: 30 August 2016
There’s a Book for That: Suicide Prevention Week
It’s a troubling, but necessary, topic with many hopeful and happy outcomes: National Suicide Prevention Week is September 5 through September 11th. A plethora of books have been written about suicide – both personal accounts and professional guides. We’ve curated the following excellent titles that offer help and insight to sufferers. expand
For more information visit: national-suicide-prevention-week
FEATURED TITLES
NIGHT FALLS FAST: UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE by Kay Redfield Jamison
From the author of AN UNQUIET MIND, this is a book that helps us to understand the suicidal mind, to recognize and come to the aid of those at risk, and to comprehend the profound effects on those left behind. It is critical reading for parents, educators, and anyone wanting to understand this tragic epidemic.
THE BURN JOURNALS by Brent Runyon
I don’t want to get out of bed. I’m so stupid. I did so many things wrong. I don’t know what to do. I’m going to be in so much trouble. What am I going to do? I’m completely screwed.
In 1991, fourteen-year-old Brent Runyon came home from school, doused his bathrobe in gasoline, put it on, and lit a match. He suffered third-degree burns over 85% of his body and spent the next year recovering in hospitals and rehab facilities. During that year of physical recovery, Runyon began to question what he’d done, undertaking the complicated journey from near-death back to high school, and from suicide back to the emotional mainstream of life.
NO TIME TO SAY GOODBYE: SURVIVING THE SUICIDE OF A LOVED ONE by Carla Fine
Suicide would appear to be the last taboo. Even incest is now discussed freely in popular media, but the suicide of a loved one is still an act most people are unable to talk about–or even admit to their closest family or friends. This is just one of the many painful and paralyzing truths author Carla Fine discovered when her husband, a successful young physician, took his own life in December 1989.
ON SUICIDE by Emile Durkheim
Émile Durkheim, one of the fathers of modern sociology, was the first to suggest that suicide might be as much a response to society as an act of individual despair. When he looked at social, religious, or racial groups that had high incidences of suicide, he discovered that abnormally high or low levels of social integration increase the likelihood of suicide.
REASONS TO STAY ALIVE by Matt Haig
Matt Haig’s positive, accessible, and life-saving memoir of his struggle with depression, and how his triumph over the illness taught him to live again.
YOUNG ADULT
ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES by Jennifer Niven; Ages 14 and Up
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning!
Theodore Finch is fascinated by death. Every day he thinks of ways he might kill himself, but every day he also searches for—and manages to find—something to keep him here, and alive, and awake.
HOLD STILL by Nina LaCour, Mia Nolting ; Ages 12 And Up
In the wake of her best friend Ingrid’s suicide, Caitlin is left alone, struggling to find hope and answers. When she finds the journal Ingrid left behind for her, she begins a journey of understanding and broadening her horizons that leads her to new friendships and first love.
I WAS HERE by Gayle Forman; Ages 14 and up
After her best friend drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody travels to Tacoma to pack up Meg’s college room. Investigating her friend’s final days, Cody uncovers mysterious emails on Meg’s computer, eventually leading her to an online suicide “support” group. Forman has written an ultimately redemptive story about redefining the meaning of family and finding a way to move forward even in the face of unspeakable loss.
MORE HAPPY THAN NOT by Adam Silvera; Ages 14 and Up
In the months after his father’s suicide, it’s been tough for sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto to find happiness again—but he’s still gunning for it. With the support of his girlfriend Genevieve and his overworked mom, he’s slowly remembering what that might feel like. But grief and the smile-shaped scar on his wrist prevent him from forgetting completely.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher; Ages 12 and Up
“Thirteen Reasons Why will leave you with chills long after you have finished reading.” —Amber Gibson, NPR’s “All Things Considered”
A WORLD WITHOUT YOU by Beth Revis; Ages 12 and Up
After the unexpected loss of his girlfriend, a teenage boy suffering from delusions is convinced that he can travel through time to save her, in this gripping new novel from New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis.
For more on these and related titles, visit the edelweiss collection: Suicide Prevention Week Titles
NIGHT FALLS FAST: UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE by Kay Redfield Jamison
From the author of AN UNQUIET MIND, this is a book that helps us to understand the suicidal mind, to recognize and come to the aid of those at risk, and to comprehend the profound effects on those left behind. It is critical reading for parents, educators, and anyone wanting to understand this tragic epidemic.
THE BURN JOURNALS by Brent Runyon
I don’t want to get out of bed. I’m so stupid. I did so many things wrong. I don’t know what to do. I’m going to be in so much trouble. What am I going to do? I’m completely screwed.
In 1991, fourteen-year-old Brent Runyon came home from school, doused his bathrobe in gasoline, put it on, and lit a match. He suffered third-degree burns over 85% of his body and spent the next year recovering in hospitals and rehab facilities. During that year of physical recovery, Runyon began to question what he’d done, undertaking the complicated journey from near-death back to high school, and from suicide back to the emotional mainstream of life.
NO TIME TO SAY GOODBYE: SURVIVING THE SUICIDE OF A LOVED ONE by Carla Fine
Suicide would appear to be the last taboo. Even incest is now discussed freely in popular media, but the suicide of a loved one is still an act most people are unable to talk about–or even admit to their closest family or friends. This is just one of the many painful and paralyzing truths author Carla Fine discovered when her husband, a successful young physician, took his own life in December 1989.
ON SUICIDE by Emile Durkheim
Émile Durkheim, one of the fathers of modern sociology, was the first to suggest that suicide might be as much a response to society as an act of individual despair. When he looked at social, religious, or racial groups that had high incidences of suicide, he discovered that abnormally high or low levels of social integration increase the likelihood of suicide.
REASONS TO STAY ALIVE by Matt Haig
Matt Haig’s positive, accessible, and life-saving memoir of his struggle with depression, and how his triumph over the illness taught him to live again.
YOUNG ADULT
ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES by Jennifer Niven; Ages 14 and Up
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning!
Theodore Finch is fascinated by death. Every day he thinks of ways he might kill himself, but every day he also searches for—and manages to find—something to keep him here, and alive, and awake.
HOLD STILL by Nina LaCour, Mia Nolting ; Ages 12 And Up
In the wake of her best friend Ingrid’s suicide, Caitlin is left alone, struggling to find hope and answers. When she finds the journal Ingrid left behind for her, she begins a journey of understanding and broadening her horizons that leads her to new friendships and first love.
I WAS HERE by Gayle Forman; Ages 14 and up
After her best friend drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody travels to Tacoma to pack up Meg’s college room. Investigating her friend’s final days, Cody uncovers mysterious emails on Meg’s computer, eventually leading her to an online suicide “support” group. Forman has written an ultimately redemptive story about redefining the meaning of family and finding a way to move forward even in the face of unspeakable loss.
MORE HAPPY THAN NOT by Adam Silvera; Ages 14 and Up
In the months after his father’s suicide, it’s been tough for sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto to find happiness again—but he’s still gunning for it. With the support of his girlfriend Genevieve and his overworked mom, he’s slowly remembering what that might feel like. But grief and the smile-shaped scar on his wrist prevent him from forgetting completely.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher; Ages 12 and Up
“Thirteen Reasons Why will leave you with chills long after you have finished reading.” —Amber Gibson, NPR’s “All Things Considered”
A WORLD WITHOUT YOU by Beth Revis; Ages 12 and Up
After the unexpected loss of his girlfriend, a teenage boy suffering from delusions is convinced that he can travel through time to save her, in this gripping new novel from New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis.
For more on these and related titles, visit the edelweiss collection: Suicide Prevention Week Titles Announcements: 29 August 2016
Razorbill’s Publisher, Editor and Author on A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT
This week’s Igloo Book Buzz, Sabaa Tahir’s A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT, released by Razorbill on Tuesday (8/30), features personal insights from the YA novel’s publisher and editor as well as the author herself. TORCH is the follow up to Tahir’s New York Times bestselling, critically acclaimed debut, AN EMBER IN THE ASHES. Set in a world inspired by ancient Rome, Ember tells the story of Laia and Elias, a slave fighting for her family and a soldier fighting for expand
his freedom under the harsh rule of the Martial Empire. The book garnered comparisons to such cultural touchstones as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones, won the first-ever People’s Choice Best Fantasy Book Award, and appeared on a dozen different “Best of 2015” lists.
A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT is even better than Tahir’s groundbreaking debut, says Ben Schrank, President & Publisher of Razorbill: “Even now, I’m astonished at the complexity of the journey Sabaa Tahir takes us on in A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT. It’s rare that an author grows so much between a debut and a sequel and Sabaa, by her own admission, is overjoyed at how much deeper and more dramatic her storytelling is in Torch. I’ve been desperate to share her achievement ever since I read the first draft so I’m very proud and happy now that this book is finally out in the world.”
The increased intensity of TORCH is no accident. Tahir picked up her own pace in writing it, and decided to approach the book as more than a sequel: “It took me six years, a boatload of research, and a relentless kind of stubbornness to write AN EMBER IN THE ASHES. It took two years, an unmentionable amount of chocolate, and a crazed kind of obsession to write A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT,” says Tahir. “I realized early on that I didn’t want TORCH to feel like the second book in a series. While it was essential to follow Laia and Elias as they grew and changed, it was also important to show that their struggle is no less harrowing now that they’ve left Blackcliff. I truly hope that the result is a story that will have readers biting their nails until the wee hours.”
Tahir will celebrate the release of TORCH with a launch event at Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park, CA, followed by a national tour that will feature guest appearances by such buzzed about YA authors as Stephane Garber (Caraval), Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke and Bone series), Renee Ahdieh (The Wrath and the Dawn), Jennifer Lynne Barnes (The Fixer), and Nicola Yoon (Everything, Everything). Tahir’s fans, who call themselves “Emberlings,” will be able to meet the author at her events in Seattle, Portland, Raleigh, D.C., NYC, Greater Boston / Providence, St. Louis, Chicago, Oklahoma City, and Los Angeles, as well as at appearances throughout the fall at major consumer festivals such as the Decatur Book Festival (Atlanta), Texas Teen Book Festival (Austin), and YallFest (Charleston).
Marissa Grossman, Assistant Editor at Razorbill and part of Tahir’s editorial team, says the hype is justified: “No one keeps me turning the pages like Sabaa Tahir. Since devouring the first draft of A Torch Against the Night, I’ve jumped at every chance to discuss the novel with early readers and fellow Emberlings. But now is the moment I’ve been waiting for: the day when anyone and everyone can read Torch and experience this exquisite, terrifying, and epic sequel that I can’t stop talking about.”
Early raves for the Indie Next Pick offer a consensus—A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT is a triumphant return for Tahir:
“Spectacular.”—Entertainment Weekly
“The plot runs like a well-oiled machine, ratcheting up the tension with every chapter.”—NPR.org
« “Even higher stakes than its predecessor . . . thrilling.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
« “Tahir proves to be a master of suspense and a canny practitioner of the cliffhanger, riveting readers’ attention throughout. . . . [An] action-packed, breathlessly paced story.”—Booklist, starred review
“If you thought book one was tension-filled, just wait for this one.”—Bustle.com
“As heartbreaking as it is action-packed, delivering a worthy second installment in Tahir’s bestselling series.”—Paste
With more major media coverage still to come, including a full-page profile in Entertainment Weekly and interviews on NPR’s “Weekend Edition” and PRI’s “The World,” one thing is for sure: reviewers Schrank and Grossman won’t be the only ones who can’t stop talking about A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT, a book being positioned as the biggest YA fantasy release of the year.
Sabaa Tahir
Announcements: 29 August 2016
Employee Blog from Markus Dohle: Subway Reads Promotion Brings Our Titles to NYC Commuters
I’m proud to have now called myself a New Yorker for over eight years. Like many of you, the subway has become a regular part of my travel within the city. Over five million New Yorkers ride the subway every day, and for a countless many of them reading is as much a part of their ride as mariachi bands, dance performers, and the cozy quarters of rush hour. expand
Now, Governor Cuomo is adding WiFi to that list, and I am excited to announce that we have partnered with the MTA and Transit Wireless to create ‘Subway Reads,’ an in-transit reading experience for all those New York City subway riders. The promotion launches on August 29, and runs for eight weeks.
Transit Wireless has already equipped 175 stations with WiFi and plans to complete all 278 by the end of the year. Penguin Random House is doing what we do best, providing great reads – over 175 e-book samples and five free e-short stories from a variety of authors – Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Alexander McCall Smith, Colson Whitehead, Junot Diaz, Jacqueline Woodson… just to name a few. There is a story for every New Yorker.
Visit SubwayReadsNY.com to learn more, and to see the breadth and depth of literary content we’re offering: from travel guides to today’s bestsellers, poetry to New Yorker essays, children’s and YA titles to New York history. The selection totals 50+ hours of reading – enough content to ensure great reads on a daily commute from Downtown Brooklyn to Midtown Manhattan for the entire length of the promotion. And no matter what your subway trip, you can use the ‘Read Time’ function to pick a text based on the duration. For traveling between Hudson Street and 1745 the 20 minute reads are perfectly timed.
Subway Reads serves our mission to foster a universal passion for reading and to connect our stories with readers everywhere – even underground. In a city as fast-paced and electric as New York, we can celebrate the opportunity to get lost in a good book, for however long or short your ride may be. So when you’re on the subway, rest assured that the next time you hear a street musician come aboard your car shouting “It’s showtime!,” you have over 175 stories to take you away – without the weight of a single book in your bag.
Transit Wireless has already equipped 175 stations with WiFi and plans to complete all 278 by the end of the year. Penguin Random House is doing what we do best, providing great reads – over 175 e-book samples and five free e-short stories from a variety of authors – Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Alexander McCall Smith, Colson Whitehead, Junot Diaz, Jacqueline Woodson… just to name a few. There is a story for every New Yorker.
The Transit Wireless mobile landing page
Announcements: 29 August 2016
On Sale This Week
Our Igloo feature On Sale This Week previews a selection of Penguin Random House fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young readers books being published each week. The choices are a mix of titles by both bestselling and emerging authors. We hope this serves as a useful reference for hot new reads hitting shelves everywhere. expand
FICTION
THE NIX by Nathan Hill (Knopf)
A Nix can take many forms. In Norwegian folklore, it is a spirit who sometimes appears as a white horse that steals children away. It’s 2011, and Samuel Andresen-Anderson—college professor, stalled writer—has a Nix of his own: his mother, Faye. He hasn’t seen her in decades, not since she abandoned the family when he was a boy. In Nathan Hill’s remarkable first novel, a Nix is anything you love that one day disappears, taking with it a piece of your heart. From the suburban Midwest to New York City to the 1968 riots that rocked Chicago and beyond, THE NIXexplores—with sharp humor and a fierce tenderness—the resilience of love and home, even in times of radical change.
THE DARKEST SECRET by Alex Marwood (Penguin Books Original)
When a child goes missing at an opulent house party, it makes international news. But what really happens behind closed doors? Twelve years ago, Mila Jackson’s three-year-old half-sister Coco disappeared during their father’s fiftieth birthday party. Her identical twin Ruby was left behind as the only witness. The girls’ father, Sean, was wealthy and influential, as were the friends gathered at their seaside vacation home for the weekend’s debauchery. The case ignited a media frenzy and forever changed the lives of everyone involved.
RUSHING WATERS by Danielle Steel (Delacorte Press)
Danielle Steel fearlessly tackles a catastrophe and its aftermath with characters who are joined together by accident, then share their vulnerabilities, regrets, losses, and hopes. Hurricane Ophelia is bearing down on New York City. And in a matter of hours, six people, along with their families, friends, and millions of other New Yorkers living around them, will be caught up in the horrific flooding it unleashes. Keenly observed and brilliantly told, this is an unforgettable story that proves that while life can change in an instant, even the darkest storm can bring forth courage, resilience, unexpected joy, and new life.
THE ENGLISH TEACHER by Yiftach R. Atir (Penguin Books Original)
After attending her father’s funeral, former Mossad agent Rachel Goldschmitt empties her bank account and disappears. But when she makes a cryptic phone call to her former handler, Ehud, the Mossad sends him to track her down. Finding no leads, he must retrace her career as a spy to figure out why she abandoned Mossad before she can do any damage to Israel. But he soon discovers that after living under cover for so long, an agent’s assumed identity and her real one can blur, catching loyalty, love, and truth between them. In the midst of a high-risk, high-stakes investigation, Ehud begins to question whether he ever knew his agent at all.
NONFICTION
VICTUALS by Ronni Lundy (Clarkson Potter)
VICTUALS explores the diverse and complex food scene of the Mountain South through recipes, stories, traditions, and innovations. Each chapter explores a specific defining food or tradition of the region–such as salt, beans, corn (and corn liquor). The essays introduce readers to their rich histories and the farmers, curers, hunters, and chefs who define the region’s contemporary landscape. Sitting at a diverse intersection of cuisines, Appalachia offers a wide range of ingredients and products that can be transformed using traditional methods and contemporary applications.
THE BRIDGE TO BRILLIANCE: How One Principal in a Tough Community Is Inspiring the World by Nadia Lopez with Rebecca Paley (Viking)
When thirteen-year-old Vidal Chastanet told photographer Brandon Stanton that his principal ,“Ms. Lopez,” was the person who most influenced his life, it was the pebble that started a whirlwind for Nadia Lopez and her small, new public school in one of Brooklyn’s most wretched communities. The posting on Stanton’s wildly popular site Humans of New York (HONY) went mega-viral. Lopez found herself in the national spotlight and headed for a meeting with Obama, as well as the beneficiary of a million-dollar IndieGoGo campaign for the school. Here is her first-person account of what it took to get to that moment.
ALL UNDER HEAVEN by Carolyn Phillips (Ten Speed Press)
Vaulting from ancient taverns near the Yangtze River to banquet halls in modern Taipei, ALL UNDER HEAVEN is the first cookbook in English to examine all 35 cuisines of China. Drawing on centuries’ worth of culinary texts, as well as her own years working, eating, and cooking in Taiwan, Carolyn Phillips has written a spirited, symphonic love letter to the flavors and textures of Chinese cuisine. With hundreds of recipes–from simple Fried Green Onion Noodles to Lotus-Wrapped Spicy Rice Crumb Pork–written with clear, step-by-step instructions, ALL UNDER HEAVEN serves as both a handbook for the novice and a source of inspiration for the veteran chef.
NATURALLY, DELICIOUS: 100 Recipes for Healthy Eats That Make You Happy by Danny Seo (Pam Krauss Books)
In his wildly popular new magazine, Naturally, Danny Seo, editor-in-chief Danny Seo presents a modern and stylish take on green living, and in his first cookbook, he extends that fresh approach into the kitchen. NATURALLY, DELICIOUS will show home cooks that preparing healthy, delicious food on a daily basis doesn’t have to feel like an expensive, time-consuming chore.
HEAD BALL COACH by Steve Spurrier (Blue Rider Press)
College football’s most colorful, endearing, and successful pioneer, Steve Spurrier, shares his story of a life in football — from growing up in Tennessee to winning the Heisman Trophy to playing and coaching in the pros to leading the Florida Gators to six SEC Championships and a National Championship to elevating the South Carolina program to new heights — and coaching like nobody else. He’s been called brash, cocky, arrogant, pompous, egotistical, and hilarious, but, mostly, he’s known as the Head Ball Coach, a self-ordained term introduced to the lexicon of football by none other than the man, himself, Steve Spurrier.
YOUNG READERS
A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT by Sabaa Tahir (Razorbill)
A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT is the astonishing sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller, AN EMBER IN THE ASHES. Elias and Laia are running for their lives. Following the events of the Fourth Trial, an army led by Masks hunts the two fugitives as they escape the city of Serra and journey across the vast lands of the Martial Empire. Laia is determined to break into Kauf—the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison—and save her brother, whose knowledge of Serric steel is the key to the Scholars’ future. And Elias is determined to stay by Laia’s side…even if it means giving up his own chance at freedom.
GIRL IN PIECES by Kathleen Glasgow (Delacorte Press)
Charlotte Davis is in pieces. At seventeen she’s already lost more than most people do in a lifetime. But she’s learned how to forget. The broken glass washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm. You don’t have to think about your father and the river. Your best friend, who is gone forever. Or your mother, who has nothing left to give you. A deeply moving portrait of a girl in a world that owes her nothing, and has taken so much, and the journey she undergoes to put herself back together. Kathleen Glasgow’s debut is heartbreakingly real and unflinchingly honest. It’s a story you won’t be able to look away from.
BETWEEN WORLDS by Skip Brittenham (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers)
The town of Eden Grove has a legend: In the center of a pine forest there is an aspen grove, and in the center of the aspen grove is an ancient, magnificent tree. Mayberry and Marshall have heard the stories about the Wishing Tree, but they know nothing like that could really exist near their dreary town. Misunderstood and restless, the teenagers wish for a lot of things, including being on another planet altogether. Somewhere with magic and adventure—someplace where they can be heroes. And then the unlikeliest thing happens: On a hike through the forest, they find the Wishing Tree. The pair make their wish, fall asleep and wake up on Nith, a world that is exactly what they asked for.
FURTHERMORE by Tahereh Mafi (Dutton Books for Young Readers)
There are only three things that matter to twelve-year-old Alice Alexis Queensmeadow: Mother, who wouldn’t miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. The day Father disappears from Ferenwood he takes nothing but a ruler with him. But it’s been almost three years since then, and Alice is determined to find him. She loves her father even more than she loves adventure, and she’s about to embark on one to find the other. On her quest to find Father, Alice must first find herself—and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss.
THE NIX by Nathan Hill (Knopf)
A Nix can take many forms. In Norwegian folklore, it is a spirit who sometimes appears as a white horse that steals children away. It’s 2011, and Samuel Andresen-Anderson—college professor, stalled writer—has a Nix of his own: his mother, Faye. He hasn’t seen her in decades, not since she abandoned the family when he was a boy. In Nathan Hill’s remarkable first novel, a Nix is anything you love that one day disappears, taking with it a piece of your heart. From the suburban Midwest to New York City to the 1968 riots that rocked Chicago and beyond, THE NIXexplores—with sharp humor and a fierce tenderness—the resilience of love and home, even in times of radical change.
THE DARKEST SECRET by Alex Marwood (Penguin Books Original)
When a child goes missing at an opulent house party, it makes international news. But what really happens behind closed doors? Twelve years ago, Mila Jackson’s three-year-old half-sister Coco disappeared during their father’s fiftieth birthday party. Her identical twin Ruby was left behind as the only witness. The girls’ father, Sean, was wealthy and influential, as were the friends gathered at their seaside vacation home for the weekend’s debauchery. The case ignited a media frenzy and forever changed the lives of everyone involved.
RUSHING WATERS by Danielle Steel (Delacorte Press)
Danielle Steel fearlessly tackles a catastrophe and its aftermath with characters who are joined together by accident, then share their vulnerabilities, regrets, losses, and hopes. Hurricane Ophelia is bearing down on New York City. And in a matter of hours, six people, along with their families, friends, and millions of other New Yorkers living around them, will be caught up in the horrific flooding it unleashes. Keenly observed and brilliantly told, this is an unforgettable story that proves that while life can change in an instant, even the darkest storm can bring forth courage, resilience, unexpected joy, and new life.
THE ENGLISH TEACHER by Yiftach R. Atir (Penguin Books Original)
After attending her father’s funeral, former Mossad agent Rachel Goldschmitt empties her bank account and disappears. But when she makes a cryptic phone call to her former handler, Ehud, the Mossad sends him to track her down. Finding no leads, he must retrace her career as a spy to figure out why she abandoned Mossad before she can do any damage to Israel. But he soon discovers that after living under cover for so long, an agent’s assumed identity and her real one can blur, catching loyalty, love, and truth between them. In the midst of a high-risk, high-stakes investigation, Ehud begins to question whether he ever knew his agent at all.
NONFICTION
VICTUALS by Ronni Lundy (Clarkson Potter)
VICTUALS explores the diverse and complex food scene of the Mountain South through recipes, stories, traditions, and innovations. Each chapter explores a specific defining food or tradition of the region–such as salt, beans, corn (and corn liquor). The essays introduce readers to their rich histories and the farmers, curers, hunters, and chefs who define the region’s contemporary landscape. Sitting at a diverse intersection of cuisines, Appalachia offers a wide range of ingredients and products that can be transformed using traditional methods and contemporary applications.
THE BRIDGE TO BRILLIANCE: How One Principal in a Tough Community Is Inspiring the World by Nadia Lopez with Rebecca Paley (Viking)
When thirteen-year-old Vidal Chastanet told photographer Brandon Stanton that his principal ,“Ms. Lopez,” was the person who most influenced his life, it was the pebble that started a whirlwind for Nadia Lopez and her small, new public school in one of Brooklyn’s most wretched communities. The posting on Stanton’s wildly popular site Humans of New York (HONY) went mega-viral. Lopez found herself in the national spotlight and headed for a meeting with Obama, as well as the beneficiary of a million-dollar IndieGoGo campaign for the school. Here is her first-person account of what it took to get to that moment.
ALL UNDER HEAVEN by Carolyn Phillips (Ten Speed Press)
Vaulting from ancient taverns near the Yangtze River to banquet halls in modern Taipei, ALL UNDER HEAVEN is the first cookbook in English to examine all 35 cuisines of China. Drawing on centuries’ worth of culinary texts, as well as her own years working, eating, and cooking in Taiwan, Carolyn Phillips has written a spirited, symphonic love letter to the flavors and textures of Chinese cuisine. With hundreds of recipes–from simple Fried Green Onion Noodles to Lotus-Wrapped Spicy Rice Crumb Pork–written with clear, step-by-step instructions, ALL UNDER HEAVEN serves as both a handbook for the novice and a source of inspiration for the veteran chef.
NATURALLY, DELICIOUS: 100 Recipes for Healthy Eats That Make You Happy by Danny Seo (Pam Krauss Books)
In his wildly popular new magazine, Naturally, Danny Seo, editor-in-chief Danny Seo presents a modern and stylish take on green living, and in his first cookbook, he extends that fresh approach into the kitchen. NATURALLY, DELICIOUS will show home cooks that preparing healthy, delicious food on a daily basis doesn’t have to feel like an expensive, time-consuming chore.
HEAD BALL COACH by Steve Spurrier (Blue Rider Press)
College football’s most colorful, endearing, and successful pioneer, Steve Spurrier, shares his story of a life in football — from growing up in Tennessee to winning the Heisman Trophy to playing and coaching in the pros to leading the Florida Gators to six SEC Championships and a National Championship to elevating the South Carolina program to new heights — and coaching like nobody else. He’s been called brash, cocky, arrogant, pompous, egotistical, and hilarious, but, mostly, he’s known as the Head Ball Coach, a self-ordained term introduced to the lexicon of football by none other than the man, himself, Steve Spurrier.
YOUNG READERS
A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT by Sabaa Tahir (Razorbill)
A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT is the astonishing sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller, AN EMBER IN THE ASHES. Elias and Laia are running for their lives. Following the events of the Fourth Trial, an army led by Masks hunts the two fugitives as they escape the city of Serra and journey across the vast lands of the Martial Empire. Laia is determined to break into Kauf—the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison—and save her brother, whose knowledge of Serric steel is the key to the Scholars’ future. And Elias is determined to stay by Laia’s side…even if it means giving up his own chance at freedom.
GIRL IN PIECES by Kathleen Glasgow (Delacorte Press)
Charlotte Davis is in pieces. At seventeen she’s already lost more than most people do in a lifetime. But she’s learned how to forget. The broken glass washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm. You don’t have to think about your father and the river. Your best friend, who is gone forever. Or your mother, who has nothing left to give you. A deeply moving portrait of a girl in a world that owes her nothing, and has taken so much, and the journey she undergoes to put herself back together. Kathleen Glasgow’s debut is heartbreakingly real and unflinchingly honest. It’s a story you won’t be able to look away from.
BETWEEN WORLDS by Skip Brittenham (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers)
The town of Eden Grove has a legend: In the center of a pine forest there is an aspen grove, and in the center of the aspen grove is an ancient, magnificent tree. Mayberry and Marshall have heard the stories about the Wishing Tree, but they know nothing like that could really exist near their dreary town. Misunderstood and restless, the teenagers wish for a lot of things, including being on another planet altogether. Somewhere with magic and adventure—someplace where they can be heroes. And then the unlikeliest thing happens: On a hike through the forest, they find the Wishing Tree. The pair make their wish, fall asleep and wake up on Nith, a world that is exactly what they asked for.
FURTHERMORE by Tahereh Mafi (Dutton Books for Young Readers)
There are only three things that matter to twelve-year-old Alice Alexis Queensmeadow: Mother, who wouldn’t miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. The day Father disappears from Ferenwood he takes nothing but a ruler with him. But it’s been almost three years since then, and Alice is determined to find him. She loves her father even more than she loves adventure, and she’s about to embark on one to find the other. On her quest to find Father, Alice must first find herself—and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss. Announcements: 26 August 2016
Our 2 PEN Center USA Awards Winners
The winners of this year’s PEN Center USA Awards, which recognize the best writing in the western U.S., have been announced and include two of our authors and their books:
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Announcements: 26 August 2016
#FridayReads: Writing Workshop
As students return to the classroom and teachers present their expectations for course writing, we turn our sights to what can be learned from – and sparked by – books about writing. Here are some of the best guides and revelations from revered authors and editors: Consider it a syllabus for a Writer’s Workshop given by the likes of Eudora Welty, Wallace Stegner and Anne Lamott. It’s a choose-your-own classroom invitation (meadow, café, cabin…) to an inspirational writing retreat! expand
“Greater than scene is situation. Greater than situation is implication. Greater than all of these is a single, entire human being, who will never be confined in any frame.” – Eudora Welty
FEATURED TITLES
HOW TO WRITE LIKE TOLSTOY: A JOURNEY INTO THE MINDS OF OUR GREATEST WRITERS by Richard Cohen
From critically acclaimed author Richard Cohen comes an essential, engrossing book about writing—what makes good prose, how to create it, and a lively account of the difficult lessons that even the greatest writers have had to learn.
ON WRITING by Eudora Welty
Eudora Welty was one of the twentieth century’s greatest literary figures. For as long as students have been studying her fiction, writers have been looking to her to answer the profound questions of what makes a story good, a novel successful novel, and a writer an artist. On Writing presents the answers in seven concise chapters.
THE ACCIDENTAL LIFE: AN EDITOR’S NOTES ON WRITING AND WRITERS by Terry McDonell
A celebration of the writing and editing life, as well as a look behind the scenes at some of the most influential magazines in America (and the writers who made them what they are).
WRITING DOWN THE BONES: FREEING THE WRITER WITHIN by Natalie Goldberg, Julia Cameron
With insight, humor, and practicality, Natalie Goldberg inspires writers and would-be writers to take the leap into writing skillfully and creatively. She offers suggestions, encouragement, and solid advice on many aspects of the writer’s craft: on writing from “first thoughts” (keep your hand moving, don’t cross out, just get it on paper) to listening (writing is ninety percent listening; the deeper you listen, the better you write and more…
BIRD BY BIRD: SOME INSTRUCTIONS ON WRITING AND LIFE by Anne Lamott
“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’”
WOE IS I: THE GRAMMARPHOBE’S GUIDE TO BETTER ENGLISH IN PLAIN ENGLISH by Patricia T. O’Conner
With chapters on spelling and punctuation, and fresh insights into the rights, wrongs, and maybes of English grammar and usage, Woe Is I offers down-to-earth explanations and plain-English solutions to the language mysteries that bedevil all of us delivered with lively humor.
WRITING IN RESTAURANTS by David Mamet
Temporarily putting aside his role as playwright, director, and screen-writer, David Mamet digs deep and delivers thirty outrageously diverse vignettes.
WHY WE WRITE: 20 ACCLAIMED AUTHORS ON HOW AND WHY THEY DO WHAT THEY DO edited by Meredith Maran
In Why We Write, twenty well-known authors candidly share what keeps them going and what they love most—and least—about their vocation. Contributors include: Isabel Allende, Walter Mosley, Jennifer Egan, Armistead Maupin, Jane Smiley and Sara Gruen.
ON TEACHING AND WRITING FICTION by Wallace Stegner, edited by Lynn Stegner
Wallace Stegner founded the acclaimed Stanford Writing Program-a program whose alumni include such literary luminaries as Larry McMurtry, Robert Stone, and Raymond Carver. Here Lynn Stegner brings together eight of Stegner’s previously uncollected essays-including four never-before-published pieces -on writing fiction and teaching creative writing.
FOR YOUNGER WRITERS
WRITE YOUR OWN BOOK by DK Publishing
Write Your Own Book is filled with creative writing prompts to help kids tell their stories. Young writers can design their own cover and fill up the notebook with their own exciting and creative stories, completely unique to themselves.
WOE IS I, JR.: THE YOUNGER GRAMMARPHOBE’S GUIDE TO BETTER ENGLISH IN PLAIN ENGLISH Patricia T. O’Conner, Tom Stiglich
Just like Woe Is I, O’Conner’s national bestseller for adults, this junior version uses conversational language and witty, entertaining examples to show how fun and easy it can be to use good English.
For more on these and related titles, visit the edelweiss collection: Writing Workshop
HOW TO WRITE LIKE TOLSTOY: A JOURNEY INTO THE MINDS OF OUR GREATEST WRITERS by Richard Cohen
From critically acclaimed author Richard Cohen comes an essential, engrossing book about writing—what makes good prose, how to create it, and a lively account of the difficult lessons that even the greatest writers have had to learn.
ON WRITING by Eudora Welty
Eudora Welty was one of the twentieth century’s greatest literary figures. For as long as students have been studying her fiction, writers have been looking to her to answer the profound questions of what makes a story good, a novel successful novel, and a writer an artist. On Writing presents the answers in seven concise chapters.
THE ACCIDENTAL LIFE: AN EDITOR’S NOTES ON WRITING AND WRITERS by Terry McDonell
A celebration of the writing and editing life, as well as a look behind the scenes at some of the most influential magazines in America (and the writers who made them what they are).
WRITING DOWN THE BONES: FREEING THE WRITER WITHIN by Natalie Goldberg, Julia Cameron
With insight, humor, and practicality, Natalie Goldberg inspires writers and would-be writers to take the leap into writing skillfully and creatively. She offers suggestions, encouragement, and solid advice on many aspects of the writer’s craft: on writing from “first thoughts” (keep your hand moving, don’t cross out, just get it on paper) to listening (writing is ninety percent listening; the deeper you listen, the better you write and more…
BIRD BY BIRD: SOME INSTRUCTIONS ON WRITING AND LIFE by Anne Lamott
“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’”
WOE IS I: THE GRAMMARPHOBE’S GUIDE TO BETTER ENGLISH IN PLAIN ENGLISH by Patricia T. O’Conner
With chapters on spelling and punctuation, and fresh insights into the rights, wrongs, and maybes of English grammar and usage, Woe Is I offers down-to-earth explanations and plain-English solutions to the language mysteries that bedevil all of us delivered with lively humor.
WRITING IN RESTAURANTS by David Mamet
Temporarily putting aside his role as playwright, director, and screen-writer, David Mamet digs deep and delivers thirty outrageously diverse vignettes.
WHY WE WRITE: 20 ACCLAIMED AUTHORS ON HOW AND WHY THEY DO WHAT THEY DO edited by Meredith Maran
In Why We Write, twenty well-known authors candidly share what keeps them going and what they love most—and least—about their vocation. Contributors include: Isabel Allende, Walter Mosley, Jennifer Egan, Armistead Maupin, Jane Smiley and Sara Gruen.
ON TEACHING AND WRITING FICTION by Wallace Stegner, edited by Lynn Stegner
Wallace Stegner founded the acclaimed Stanford Writing Program-a program whose alumni include such literary luminaries as Larry McMurtry, Robert Stone, and Raymond Carver. Here Lynn Stegner brings together eight of Stegner’s previously uncollected essays-including four never-before-published pieces -on writing fiction and teaching creative writing.
FOR YOUNGER WRITERS
WRITE YOUR OWN BOOK by DK Publishing
Write Your Own Book is filled with creative writing prompts to help kids tell their stories. Young writers can design their own cover and fill up the notebook with their own exciting and creative stories, completely unique to themselves.
WOE IS I, JR.: THE YOUNGER GRAMMARPHOBE’S GUIDE TO BETTER ENGLISH IN PLAIN ENGLISH Patricia T. O’Conner, Tom Stiglich
Just like Woe Is I, O’Conner’s national bestseller for adults, this junior version uses conversational language and witty, entertaining examples to show how fun and easy it can be to use good English.
For more on these and related titles, visit the edelweiss collection: Writing Workshop Announcements: 25 August 2016
Featured Author Event: Naomi Jackson
Naomi Jackson will present her debut novel THE STAR SIDE OF BIRD HILL (Penguin Books) at 7:00 p.m. at Community Bookstore in Brooklyn on Tuesday, August 30. Joining Jackson in conversation will be Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winner and author of BROWN GIRL DREAMING (Nancy Paulsen Books). expand
While studying at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Ms. Jackson was awarded the Maytag Fellowship for Excellence in Fiction to complete her first novel, THE STAR SIDE OF BIRD HILL. Penguin Press first published the book in June 2015; most recently, a Penguin paperback edition was released. The novel, which follows two sisters who are suddenly sent from their home in Brooklyn to Barbados to live with their grandmother, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award in Debut Fiction and was long-listed for the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Prize and the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Jackson’s book has been reviewed and praised by several publications including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Kirkus Reviews, Oprah.com, NPR.org and more.
Fellow Penguin Random House author Jacqueline Woodson will be joining Jackson for a discussion. Ms. Woodson is the author of the New York Times Bestselling and National Book Award-winning memoir, BROWN GIRL DREAMING as well as more than two dozen other award-winning books for young readers. Woodson is a four-time Newbery Honor winner, a three-time National Book Award finalist, and a two-time Coretta Scott King Award winner. Woodson was also recently named the Young People’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation. Announcements: 24 August 2016
There’s a Book for That: Dinosaurs
This month in paleontology news… a well-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex skull was found in Montana. It has been dubbed the “Tufts-Love Rex” in honor of the volunteer paleontologists who first saw bones sticking out of a hillside: Burke Museum’s Jason Love and Luke Tufts. The researchers unearthed ribs, hips, jaw bones and vertebrae and the skull, which is about 4 feet long. Estimated to have lived 66.3 million years ago, “Tufts-Love Rex” will be displayed at Burke expand
Museum in Seattle. Dinosaurs are perpetually fascinating to all ages and we recommend the following books to meet rekindled interest.
Headlines: T. rex with Well-Preserved Skull Found in Montana’s Hell Creek Formation(Scientific American)
FEATURED TITLES
GRAVE SECRETS OF DINOSAURS: SOFT TISSUES AND HARD SCIENCE by Phillip Manning
Dr. Manning takes us on a thrilling, globe-spanning tour of dinosaur mummy finds—from the first such excavation in 1908 forward.
JURASSIC PARK: A Novel by Michael Crichton
An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now humankind’s most thrilling fantasies have come true: This is the classic thriller of science run amok that took the world by storm.
HOW TO BUILD A DINOSAUR: THE NEW SCIENCE OF REVERSE EVOLUTIONby Jack Horner and James Gorman
A world-renowned paleontologist reveals groundbreaking science that trumps science fiction: how to grow a living dinosaur
T-REX TRYING: THE UNFORTUNATE TRIALS OF A MODERN PREHISTORIC FAMILY by Hugh Murphy
From the author of the sleeper hit T-Rex Trying, a sweetly funny new collection of drawings of T-Rex and his family being stymied by the modern world—and their unfortunately short arms.
DINOSAUR ART: THE WORLD’S GREATEST PALEOART by Philip J. Currie, Steve White, Scott D. Sampson
In Dinosaur Art, ten of the top contemporary paleoartists reveal a selection of their work and exclusively discuss their working methods and distinct styles. Filled with breathtaking artwork – some never before seen – and cutting edge paleontology, this is a treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts, art lovers and budding illustrators.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
SEA REX by Molly Idle; Ages 3-5
Following in the extremely large and funny footsteps of Tea Rex and Camp Rex, Sea Rex stars Cordelia and her Cretaceous comrades as they spend what Cordelia hopes will be a pleasant day at the beach. Between scaly sunburns and dino-sized waves, will Cordelia get her perfect beach day?
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DINOSAURS by DK Publishing; Ages 7-10
Packed with images, games, size comparisons, timelines, a glossary, an index, and more, Everything You Need to Know about Dinosaurs will satisfy the curious minds of dinosaur-crazed kids, and be a trusted source for parents wanting to introduce their young readers to the world of dinosaurs.
DINOSAURS BEFORE DARK (Magic Tree House # 1) Mary Pope Osborne; Ages 6-9
the mysterious tree house whisks Jack and Annie to the prehistoric past. Now they have to figure out how to get home. Can they do it before dark…or will they become a dinosaur’s dinner?
Visit the Magic Tree House website magictreehouse.com
DINOSAUR!; Ages 8-12
Created in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution and packed with fun facts on fossils, amphibians, sea creatures, woolly mammoths, Neanderthals, insects and more, Dinosaur! will intrigue readers and provide an experience that will redefine natural history for kids.
For more on these and related titles, visit the edelweiss collection: Dinosaurs
GRAVE SECRETS OF DINOSAURS: SOFT TISSUES AND HARD SCIENCE by Phillip Manning
Dr. Manning takes us on a thrilling, globe-spanning tour of dinosaur mummy finds—from the first such excavation in 1908 forward.
JURASSIC PARK: A Novel by Michael Crichton
An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now humankind’s most thrilling fantasies have come true: This is the classic thriller of science run amok that took the world by storm.
HOW TO BUILD A DINOSAUR: THE NEW SCIENCE OF REVERSE EVOLUTIONby Jack Horner and James Gorman
A world-renowned paleontologist reveals groundbreaking science that trumps science fiction: how to grow a living dinosaur
T-REX TRYING: THE UNFORTUNATE TRIALS OF A MODERN PREHISTORIC FAMILY by Hugh Murphy
From the author of the sleeper hit T-Rex Trying, a sweetly funny new collection of drawings of T-Rex and his family being stymied by the modern world—and their unfortunately short arms.
DINOSAUR ART: THE WORLD’S GREATEST PALEOART by Philip J. Currie, Steve White, Scott D. Sampson
In Dinosaur Art, ten of the top contemporary paleoartists reveal a selection of their work and exclusively discuss their working methods and distinct styles. Filled with breathtaking artwork – some never before seen – and cutting edge paleontology, this is a treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts, art lovers and budding illustrators.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
SEA REX by Molly Idle; Ages 3-5
Following in the extremely large and funny footsteps of Tea Rex and Camp Rex, Sea Rex stars Cordelia and her Cretaceous comrades as they spend what Cordelia hopes will be a pleasant day at the beach. Between scaly sunburns and dino-sized waves, will Cordelia get her perfect beach day?
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DINOSAURS by DK Publishing; Ages 7-10
Packed with images, games, size comparisons, timelines, a glossary, an index, and more, Everything You Need to Know about Dinosaurs will satisfy the curious minds of dinosaur-crazed kids, and be a trusted source for parents wanting to introduce their young readers to the world of dinosaurs.
DINOSAURS BEFORE DARK (Magic Tree House # 1) Mary Pope Osborne; Ages 6-9
the mysterious tree house whisks Jack and Annie to the prehistoric past. Now they have to figure out how to get home. Can they do it before dark…or will they become a dinosaur’s dinner?
Visit the Magic Tree House website magictreehouse.com
DINOSAUR!; Ages 8-12
Created in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution and packed with fun facts on fossils, amphibians, sea creatures, woolly mammoths, Neanderthals, insects and more, Dinosaur! will intrigue readers and provide an experience that will redefine natural history for kids.
For more on these and related titles, visit the edelweiss collection: Dinosaurs Announcements: 23 August 2016
Why THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR is the Book You Can’t Put Down
This week’s Igloo Book Buzz is a clear candidate for “most buzzed about book of the summer” honors. THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR by Shari Lapena, on sale Tuesday (8/23), has generated wild enthusiasm from every corner. Pamela Dorman, Vice President, Publisher, Pamela Dorman Books, recalls, “When (Viking President & Publisher) Brian Tart handed me Shari Lapena’s THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR, he told me that once I read the first chapter, expand
Announcements: 23 August 2016
Bertelsmann Award Recognizing Our Integration Efforts Completes Tour of Westminster and Crawfordsville
In June, Penguin Random House received the Bertelsmann Award for Strategy Execution for its outstanding work on the post-merger integration at this year’s Bertelsmann Management Meeting in Germany, as we reported in an article on Igloo. The award has completed its tour of departments in Westminster and Crawfordsville, and what a terrific tour it was! Over the course expand
of 8 weeks, this stunning glass award was passed between all departments, including IT, In-House Sales, Human Resources, Finance and Fulfillment, in those locations.
Akin to how National Hockey League Stanley Cup-winning team players possess the prized trophy for one day each, our colleagues were able to enjoy and feel great pride in their work, accomplishments and this recognition during their time with this award. The only stipulation was that they take photos to commemorate their day with the award. A selection of these fun pics are featured with this article. Congratulations to all.
Crawfordsville Employees
Westminster Employees
Westminster Employees
Announcements: 22 August 2016
On Sale This Week
Our Igloo feature On Sale This Week previews a selection of Penguin Random House fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young readers books being published each week.The choices are a mix of titles by both bestselling and emerging authors. We hope this serves as a useful reference for hot new reads hitting shelves everywhere. expand
FICTION
SURRENDER, NEW YORK by Caleb Carr (Random House)
Caleb Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author, returns with a contemporary, edge-of-your-seat thriller featuring the brilliant but unconventional criminal psychologist Dr. Trajan Jones. In the small town of Surrender in upstate New York, Dr. Jones, a psychological profiler, and Dr. Michael Li, a trace evidence expert, teach online courses in profiling and forensic science from Jones’s family farm. Once famed advisors to the New York City Police Department, Trajan and Li now work in exile, having made enemies of those in power. Protected only by farmhands and Jones’s unusual “pet,” the outcast pair is unexpectedly called in to consult on a disturbing case.
THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR: A Novel by Shari Lapena (Pamela Dorman Books)
How well do you know the couple next door? Or your husband? Or even—yourself? Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately focuses on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story. Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they’ve kept for years.
BEHOLD THE DREAMERS by Imbolo Mbue (Random House)
Jende Jonga, a Cameroonian immigrant living in Harlem, has come to the United States to provide a better life for himself, his wife, Neni, and their six-year-old son. In the fall of 2007, Jende can hardly believe his luck when he lands a job as a chauffeur for Clark Edwards, a senior executive at Lehman Brothers. Clark demands punctuality, discretion, and loyalty—and Jende is eager to please. With these opportunities, Jende and Neni can at last gain a foothold in America and imagine a brighter future. When the financial world is rocked by the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the Jongas are desperate to keep Jende’s job—even as their marriage threatens to fall apart. As all four lives are dramatically upended, Jende and Neni are forced to make an impossible choice.
THE DOLLHOUSE by Fiona Davis (Dutton)
“The Dollhouse. . . . That’s what we boys like to call it. . . . The Barbizon Hotel for Women, packed to the rafters with pretty little dolls. Just like you.” Fiona Davis’s stunning debut novel pulls readers into the lush world of New York City’s glamorous Barbizon Hotel for Women, where in the 1950’s a generation of aspiring models, secretaries, and editors lived side-by-side while attempting to claw their way to fairy-tale success, and where a present-day journalist becomes consumed with uncovering a dark secret buried deep within the Barbizon’s glitzy past.
NONFICTION
THE TERROR YEARS by Lawrence Wright (Knopf)
With the Pulitzer Prize–winning THE LOOMING TOWER, Lawrence Wright became generally acknowledged as one of our major journalists writing on terrorism in the Middle East. Here, in ten powerful pieces first published in The New Yorker, he recalls the path that terror in the Middle East has taken, from the rise of al-Qaeda in the 1990s to the recent beheadings of reporters and aid workers by ISIS. On the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11, THE TERROR YEARS is at once a unifying recollection of the roots of contemporary Middle Eastern terrorism, a study of how it has grown and metastasized, and, in the scary and moving epilogue, a cautionary tale of where terrorism might take us yet.
THE IRAN WARS by Jay Solomon (Random House)
For more than a decade, the United States has been engaged in a war with Iran as momentous as any other in the Middle East—a war all the more significant as it has largely been hidden from public view. Through a combination of economic sanctions, global diplomacy, and intelligence work, successive U.S. administrations have struggled to contain Iran’s aspirations to become a nuclear power and dominate the region—what many view as the most serious threat to peace in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran has used regional instability to its advantage to undermine America’s interests. THE IRAN WARS is an absorbing account of a battle waged on many levels—military, financial, and covert.
THE CYBER EFFECT by Mary Aiken (Spiegel & Grau)
Mary Aiken is the world’s leading expert in forensic cyberpsychology—a discipline that combines psychology, criminology, and technology to investigate the intersection where technology and human behavior meet. In this, her first book, Aiken has created a starting point for all future conversations about how the Internet is shaping development and behavior, societal norms and values, children, safety, security, and our perception of the world. Cyberspace is an environment full of surveillance, but who is looking out for us? THE CYBER EFFECT offers a fascinating and chilling look at a future we can still do something about.
BLOOD IN THE WATER by Heather Ann Thompson (Pantheon)
The first definitive account of the infamous 1971 Attica prison uprising, the state’s violent response, and the victims’ decades-long quest for justice—including information never released to the public—published to coincide with the forty-fifth anniversary of this historic event. Heather Ann Thompson sheds new light on one of the most important civil rights stories of the last century, exploring every aspect of the uprising and its legacy from the perspectives of all of those involved in this forty-five-year fight for justice: the prisoners, the state officials, the lawyers on both sides, the state troopers and corrections officers, and the families of the slain men.
YOUNG READERS
SPONTANEOUS by Aaron Starmer (Dutton Books for Young Readers)
Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until—wa-bam!—fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the seniors continue to pop like balloons and the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Whip-smart and blunt, Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, “Snooze Button™,” Bon Jovi, and the filthiest language you’ve ever heard from the President of the United States.
SQUISH #8: POD VS. POD by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (Random House Books for Young Readers)
From the New York Times bestselling, Eisner-winning creators of Babymouse, it’s green . . . it’s blobby . . . it’s gross . . . it’s SQUISH(!), a comic-book-loving amoeba whose adventures are perfect for fans of Captain Underpants. Uh-oh! Squish’s friend Pod just hasn’t been himself lately. One minute he’s happy-dancing; the next he’s sobbing in his soup. What’s going on? (Hint: “mitosis” is the process that splits single-celled organisms. That’s right, splits.) It is truly pod vs. pod—and may the best pod, umm, win?
THIEVING WEASELS by Billy Taylor (Dial Books for Young Readers)
Cameron Smith attends an elite boarding school and has just been accepted to Princeton University alongside his beautiful girlfriend, Claire. Life for Cameron would be perfect, except that Cameron Smith is actually Skip O’Rourke, and Skip O’Rourke ran away from his grifter family four years ago…along with $100,000 of their “earnings” (because starting a new life is not cheap). But when his uncle Wonderful tracks him down, Skip’s given an ultimatum: come back to the family for one last con, or say good-bye to life as Cameron.
NOT AS WE KNOW IT by Tom Avery (Schwartz & Wade)
Twins Jamie and Ned do everything together. But Ned is sick with cystic fibrosis, and he may someday leave Jamie behind. One day the boys find a strange animal on the beach: smooth flesh on one end, scales at the other, and short arms and legs with long webbed fingers and toes. Could it be a merman, like in the old stories Granddad tells? Together, the boys name the creature Leonard and decide to hide him in a tub in their garage. But why is Leonard here? Jamie hopes he might bring some miracle that will stop his brother from going where he can no longer follow. But Ned, who grows closer to Leonard every day, doesn’t seem to be getting any better.
SURRENDER, NEW YORK by Caleb Carr (Random House)
Caleb Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author, returns with a contemporary, edge-of-your-seat thriller featuring the brilliant but unconventional criminal psychologist Dr. Trajan Jones. In the small town of Surrender in upstate New York, Dr. Jones, a psychological profiler, and Dr. Michael Li, a trace evidence expert, teach online courses in profiling and forensic science from Jones’s family farm. Once famed advisors to the New York City Police Department, Trajan and Li now work in exile, having made enemies of those in power. Protected only by farmhands and Jones’s unusual “pet,” the outcast pair is unexpectedly called in to consult on a disturbing case.
THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR: A Novel by Shari Lapena (Pamela Dorman Books)
How well do you know the couple next door? Or your husband? Or even—yourself? Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately focuses on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story. Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they’ve kept for years.
BEHOLD THE DREAMERS by Imbolo Mbue (Random House)
Jende Jonga, a Cameroonian immigrant living in Harlem, has come to the United States to provide a better life for himself, his wife, Neni, and their six-year-old son. In the fall of 2007, Jende can hardly believe his luck when he lands a job as a chauffeur for Clark Edwards, a senior executive at Lehman Brothers. Clark demands punctuality, discretion, and loyalty—and Jende is eager to please. With these opportunities, Jende and Neni can at last gain a foothold in America and imagine a brighter future. When the financial world is rocked by the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the Jongas are desperate to keep Jende’s job—even as their marriage threatens to fall apart. As all four lives are dramatically upended, Jende and Neni are forced to make an impossible choice.
THE DOLLHOUSE by Fiona Davis (Dutton)
“The Dollhouse. . . . That’s what we boys like to call it. . . . The Barbizon Hotel for Women, packed to the rafters with pretty little dolls. Just like you.” Fiona Davis’s stunning debut novel pulls readers into the lush world of New York City’s glamorous Barbizon Hotel for Women, where in the 1950’s a generation of aspiring models, secretaries, and editors lived side-by-side while attempting to claw their way to fairy-tale success, and where a present-day journalist becomes consumed with uncovering a dark secret buried deep within the Barbizon’s glitzy past.
NONFICTION
THE TERROR YEARS by Lawrence Wright (Knopf)
With the Pulitzer Prize–winning THE LOOMING TOWER, Lawrence Wright became generally acknowledged as one of our major journalists writing on terrorism in the Middle East. Here, in ten powerful pieces first published in The New Yorker, he recalls the path that terror in the Middle East has taken, from the rise of al-Qaeda in the 1990s to the recent beheadings of reporters and aid workers by ISIS. On the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11, THE TERROR YEARS is at once a unifying recollection of the roots of contemporary Middle Eastern terrorism, a study of how it has grown and metastasized, and, in the scary and moving epilogue, a cautionary tale of where terrorism might take us yet.
THE IRAN WARS by Jay Solomon (Random House)
For more than a decade, the United States has been engaged in a war with Iran as momentous as any other in the Middle East—a war all the more significant as it has largely been hidden from public view. Through a combination of economic sanctions, global diplomacy, and intelligence work, successive U.S. administrations have struggled to contain Iran’s aspirations to become a nuclear power and dominate the region—what many view as the most serious threat to peace in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran has used regional instability to its advantage to undermine America’s interests. THE IRAN WARS is an absorbing account of a battle waged on many levels—military, financial, and covert.
THE CYBER EFFECT by Mary Aiken (Spiegel & Grau)
Mary Aiken is the world’s leading expert in forensic cyberpsychology—a discipline that combines psychology, criminology, and technology to investigate the intersection where technology and human behavior meet. In this, her first book, Aiken has created a starting point for all future conversations about how the Internet is shaping development and behavior, societal norms and values, children, safety, security, and our perception of the world. Cyberspace is an environment full of surveillance, but who is looking out for us? THE CYBER EFFECT offers a fascinating and chilling look at a future we can still do something about.
BLOOD IN THE WATER by Heather Ann Thompson (Pantheon)
The first definitive account of the infamous 1971 Attica prison uprising, the state’s violent response, and the victims’ decades-long quest for justice—including information never released to the public—published to coincide with the forty-fifth anniversary of this historic event. Heather Ann Thompson sheds new light on one of the most important civil rights stories of the last century, exploring every aspect of the uprising and its legacy from the perspectives of all of those involved in this forty-five-year fight for justice: the prisoners, the state officials, the lawyers on both sides, the state troopers and corrections officers, and the families of the slain men.
YOUNG READERS
SPONTANEOUS by Aaron Starmer (Dutton Books for Young Readers)
Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until—wa-bam!—fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the seniors continue to pop like balloons and the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Whip-smart and blunt, Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, “Snooze Button™,” Bon Jovi, and the filthiest language you’ve ever heard from the President of the United States.
SQUISH #8: POD VS. POD by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (Random House Books for Young Readers)
From the New York Times bestselling, Eisner-winning creators of Babymouse, it’s green . . . it’s blobby . . . it’s gross . . . it’s SQUISH(!), a comic-book-loving amoeba whose adventures are perfect for fans of Captain Underpants. Uh-oh! Squish’s friend Pod just hasn’t been himself lately. One minute he’s happy-dancing; the next he’s sobbing in his soup. What’s going on? (Hint: “mitosis” is the process that splits single-celled organisms. That’s right, splits.) It is truly pod vs. pod—and may the best pod, umm, win?
THIEVING WEASELS by Billy Taylor (Dial Books for Young Readers)
Cameron Smith attends an elite boarding school and has just been accepted to Princeton University alongside his beautiful girlfriend, Claire. Life for Cameron would be perfect, except that Cameron Smith is actually Skip O’Rourke, and Skip O’Rourke ran away from his grifter family four years ago…along with $100,000 of their “earnings” (because starting a new life is not cheap). But when his uncle Wonderful tracks him down, Skip’s given an ultimatum: come back to the family for one last con, or say good-bye to life as Cameron.
NOT AS WE KNOW IT by Tom Avery (Schwartz & Wade)
Twins Jamie and Ned do everything together. But Ned is sick with cystic fibrosis, and he may someday leave Jamie behind. One day the boys find a strange animal on the beach: smooth flesh on one end, scales at the other, and short arms and legs with long webbed fingers and toes. Could it be a merman, like in the old stories Granddad tells? Together, the boys name the creature Leonard and decide to hide him in a tub in their garage. But why is Leonard here? Jamie hopes he might bring some miracle that will stop his brother from going where he can no longer follow. But Ned, who grows closer to Leonard every day, doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Announcements: 19 August 2016
#FridayReads: Bee Happy!
Bee happy it’s Friday! In honor of National Honeybee Day on August 20th, here are a few books on bees to enjoy.
Bee population decline has been in the news for years now, but the good news is that, according to a report issued this week by Friends of the Earth, nurseries are selling fewer harmful, pesticide-treated “bee-friendly” plants.
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Announcements: 18 August 2016
Employee Milestone Spotlight: Sue Grimshaw
Each month, Milestone Spotlight features an interview with a recent recipient of a Penguin Random House Milestone Award, which is given out to employees who have reached 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, etc. years of service with the company. The Employee Milestone Spotlight interview allows us celebrate our colleagues’ service by highlighting their successes within the company, and, is a chance for them to share some fun and personal information about themselves! expand
This month, we shine the spotlight on Sue Grimshaw, Category Specialist and Editor at Large, who celebrated her fifth year with the company on March 28, 2016! Get the scoop on Sue by checking out her interview below:
Describe your role at Penguin Random House.
My title is Category Specialist and Editor at Large. I’m an acquiring editor for the digital division for the Loveswept and Flirt imprints and have also acquired for Bantam during my five years of employment.
Why did you decide to join Penguin Random House?
The first sixteen years of employment in the book industry were as romance buyer for Borders Incorporated. A year before their closing, Scott Shannon contacted me asking if I’d be interested in working in a new division. The timing was perfect.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I love working with our team; the digital division has the best group of people. I also enjoy my authors and their amazing stories.
What would people never guess you do in your role?
In my previous job, as a book buyer, I’ve always been very focused on the entire vertical process of buying, marketing and selling books — good or bad, that has not changed today. I’m forever promoting on my social media pages enticing readers to buy our books.
What is your proudest moment at Penguin Random House?
Definitely achieving my first New York Times bestseller, that’s something no editor forgets.
Before working at Penguin Random House, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I was a cosmetic buyer for Kmart prior to Borders, and I enjoyed traveling overseas where we worked with vendors to produce cosmetic accessories. Long flights but always a great time.
What advice would you give to recent new hires?
Be passionate about what you do and be patient. Good things take time and the harder you work the more you’ll achieve.
What is an ability you wish you had?
A photographic memory would be wonderful 
If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?
Australia — there is so much to see, so much that appeals to me. It’s on my bucket list.
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Fearless — I’ll leave it at that.
Romantic Times 2016 dinner with some of our attending authors
In action off-road riding in Michigan (2015)
If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?
Australia — there is so much to see, so much that appeals to me. It’s on my bucket list.
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Fearless — I’ll leave it at that. Announcements: 18 August 2016
Clarkson Potter’s Doris Cooper Shares Her Favorite Summer Reads and Rituals
Doris Cooper, Vice President, Associate Publisher, Clarkson Potter, shares her favorite summer reading rituals, exciting upcoming titles from Clarkson Potter, and her top summer reads of all time. Get inspired by Doris’ summer reading recommendations and find out about hot new cookbooks. expand
What are your favorite summer reading rituals?
When I’m on vacation, I love waking up in the morning and reading before I get out of bed. Picking up my book, right where I left off the night before, and not having the usual get-dressed-make-breakfast-make-lunch-get-out-the-door extravaganza ahead of me is a luxury. I also love a pilgrimage to the Montague Book Mill, a rambling used bookstore off of Route 63 in Western Massachusetts. It’s set on the banks of the Sawmill River, and the peace of the place is enhanced by the creaky floor-boards. Their motto is “Books you don’t need in a place you can’t find.”
What are some of the titles on your current Clarkson Potter list that excite you the most?
In the early fall, there’s POWER VEGETABLES! by Peter Meehan and the editors of Lucky Peach. As you can probably tell from the lava lamps on the cover, the vibe is “so wrong it’s right.” I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard reading a cookbook. Pete calls it “all-caps cooking” for people who want to eat more vegetables. Not a hard sell. He always brings me in for the food, but I stay for the laughs; his is a humor that’s one part lovable downtown cool dude, and one part grown-up who never takes himself too seriously. Pete’s gift—the whole charm of Lucky Peach, I think—is in creating great recipes that keep it real. I know someone who has all the ingredients used in LUCKY 
PEACH PRESENTS 101 EASY ASIAN RECIPES on his kitchen counter so that every recipe is within arm’s reach. I admire that, but am glad I don’t live with it!
Our most transporting summer cookbook is VICTUALS by Ronni Lundy. It’s really a sui generis oral history of Appalachia. Each chapter opens with an essay about a particular tradition like salt making, or pickling, or seed saving. Ronni brings grace to difficult subjects, too, such as Appalachia’s role in slavery and shows the vibrancy and rich lives of a people who have been written off as unsophisticated and poor. It’s fashionable to say that the food of Appalachia is being rediscovered by a new generation, but that notion isn’t right: what Ronni shows us is that it never disappeared. And the photography! It’s so beautiful: grounding like the best documentary photography, but also exuding that special, stay-for-dinner Southern warmth. Francis Lam, Ronni’s editor, is wildly knowledgeable about the South and Southern food and Stephanie Huntwork, the book’s designer, hails from West Virginia. Their collaborative magic is on every page.
What are two of your all-time favorite summer reads and why?
It’s tough to pick just two. Middlesex, A FINE BALANCE, THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS, A DEATH IN THE FAMILY, Heat, BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS. I can’t not mention those. But if I had to pick just two: The summer before my senior year in college, I was lucky to have landed an internship at FSG. They were just about to publish John McPhee’s Looking for a Ship. I remember taking the galley into Union Square Park during lunch one day and coming across a sentence that compared the size of the merchant ship on which McPhee’s subject, Andy Chase, finds a job, to that of Union Square Park. I was tickled by the immediacy of the passage and the thought that perhaps McPhee had written that sentence after leaving his publisher one afternoon. 
And I was exhilarated, too, by the idea that someone would put a book into your hands after having just waved goodbye to the author. That was the summer I discovered and fell in love with the romance of publishing.
Last summer I read A LITTLE LIFE. I had an attachment to it that I can’t remember having had in a long time. Why? I suppose because it’s a story of remarkable friendships and the rhythms of those friendships that sometimes ebb and flow in all the wrong ways—and then sometimes do so with musical perfection. I was so engrossed in the book, I became deluded, thinking the four main characters were my friends, too. That last page was like an anguished goodbye. It’s also such a courageous book. Yanagihara writes the unspeakable. But not just unspeakable tragedy; she also writes unspeakable love. I brought the hardcover on a family vacation and read whenever we had even the briefest downtime. My kids started bringing their books on our sightseeing trips, too. There’s a picture from the trip of three of us reading: my son has Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, my daughter is buried in a Judy Moody and I have A LITTLE LIFE. I’d like to caption that shot, “The family that reads together sticks together…”
PEACH PRESENTS 101 EASY ASIAN RECIPES on his kitchen counter so that every recipe is within arm’s reach. I admire that, but am glad I don’t live with it!
Our most transporting summer cookbook is VICTUALS by Ronni Lundy. It’s really a sui generis oral history of Appalachia. Each chapter opens with an essay about a particular tradition like salt making, or pickling, or seed saving. Ronni brings grace to difficult subjects, too, such as Appalachia’s role in slavery and shows the vibrancy and rich lives of a people who have been written off as unsophisticated and poor. It’s fashionable to say that the food of Appalachia is being rediscovered by a new generation, but that notion isn’t right: what Ronni shows us is that it never disappeared. And the photography! It’s so beautiful: grounding like the best documentary photography, but also exuding that special, stay-for-dinner Southern warmth. Francis Lam, Ronni’s editor, is wildly knowledgeable about the South and Southern food and Stephanie Huntwork, the book’s designer, hails from West Virginia. Their collaborative magic is on every page.
What are two of your all-time favorite summer reads and why?
It’s tough to pick just two. Middlesex, A FINE BALANCE, THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS, A DEATH IN THE FAMILY, Heat, BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS. I can’t not mention those. But if I had to pick just two: The summer before my senior year in college, I was lucky to have landed an internship at FSG. They were just about to publish John McPhee’s Looking for a Ship. I remember taking the galley into Union Square Park during lunch one day and coming across a sentence that compared the size of the merchant ship on which McPhee’s subject, Andy Chase, finds a job, to that of Union Square Park. I was tickled by the immediacy of the passage and the thought that perhaps McPhee had written that sentence after leaving his publisher one afternoon. And I was exhilarated, too, by the idea that someone would put a book into your hands after having just waved goodbye to the author. That was the summer I discovered and fell in love with the romance of publishing.
Last summer I read A LITTLE LIFE. I had an attachment to it that I can’t remember having had in a long time. Why? I suppose because it’s a story of remarkable friendships and the rhythms of those friendships that sometimes ebb and flow in all the wrong ways—and then sometimes do so with musical perfection. I was so engrossed in the book, I became deluded, thinking the four main characters were my friends, too. That last page was like an anguished goodbye. It’s also such a courageous book. Yanagihara writes the unspeakable. But not just unspeakable tragedy; she also writes unspeakable love. I brought the hardcover on a family vacation and read whenever we had even the briefest downtime. My kids started bringing their books on our sightseeing trips, too. There’s a picture from the trip of three of us reading: my son has Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, my daughter is buried in a Judy Moody and I have A LITTLE LIFE. I’d like to caption that shot, “The family that reads together sticks together…” Announcements: 17 August 2016
Penguin Random House Editors Volunteer with Our Scholarship Winners
Each year the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards present more than $100,000 in scholarships to a group of New York City public high school writers. These award recipients are also invited each summer to attend and participate in a summer-writers retreat held at our uptown offices. expand
Part of the Penguin Random House Foundation mission to nurture the next generation of readers and writers, the Creative Writing Awards program operates internally with essential support from our 
team of talented editors, designers, published authors and employee volunteers. After two mornings spent volunteering their time to brainstorm, write, and edit dialogue with some of our 2016 student recipients, Kelly Delaney, Random House Children’s Editorial; Camille Dewing-Vallejo, Random House Marketing; Eryn Levine, Digital Publishing Group (Pictured with student Tajrean Rahman); and Deanna Masselli, Information Technologies, read aloud the completed scenes for an invited group of their Penguin Random House colleagues.
Tackling a broad range of topics from friendship to infidelity to gender identity to critical conflicts, it was hard to believe that the mature dialogue in this staged reading of original scenes was written by recent high school graduates.
Phillip Stamper-Halpin, Publishing Development and Author Platforms, also volunteered his time to meet with these Summer Writers to discuss his experience both promoting and developing authors, as well as sharing his own perspective as a Penguin Random House employee by day, author by night. “Speaking with the winners was an incredible experience. They’re such an ambitious group, and—though their writing styles are wonderfully diverse—they all speak with a passion for writing and telling their stories. I’m excited to follow their writing careers and learn of the successes that will come from both the scholarships and the retreat.”
Creative writing awards recipient Ha Young Ahn, summarized her experience best on the final morning free write, “It only took six days — six days for me to fall in love with writing again. This summer wasn’t filled with the adventurous vacations in foreign countries that I had dreamed of. I didn’t grow taller or learn a cool new hobby or anything like that. But I did fall in love, with writing. And it’s not just a summer romance. That, I can assure you.”
Are you interested in working with young writers? The Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards’ program will kick off the new academic year this October with more than 50 writing workshops in NYC public high schools. Volunteers are needed to attend workshops and distribute student applications and promotional materials. If you’re interested in learning more about the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards click here.
About the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards
Penguin Random House is passionate about fostering the freedom to create for our authors and our employees. This freedom to create is at the very heart of the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards. Looking for writing with a strong, clear voice, by authors who are daring, original and unafraid to take risks; we want to know what the kids of New York City public high schools have to say. We believe in the power of books to connect and change lives, and recognize the unique vision and voices of New York City high school seniors with scholarship awards while inspiring student writers and educators with empowering opportunities for their voices to be heard. We believe in the power of books to connect and change lives, and recognize the unique vision and voices of New York City high school seniors with scholarship awards while inspiring student writers and educators with empowering opportunities for their voices to be heard.
team of talented editors, designers, published authors and employee volunteers. After two mornings spent volunteering their time to brainstorm, write, and edit dialogue with some of our 2016 student recipients, Kelly Delaney, Random House Children’s Editorial; Camille Dewing-Vallejo, Random House Marketing; Eryn Levine, Digital Publishing Group (Pictured with student Tajrean Rahman); and Deanna Masselli, Information Technologies, read aloud the completed scenes for an invited group of their Penguin Random House colleagues.
Tackling a broad range of topics from friendship to infidelity to gender identity to critical conflicts, it was hard to believe that the mature dialogue in this staged reading of original scenes was written by recent high school graduates.
Phillip Stamper-Halpin, Publishing Development and Author Platforms, also volunteered his time to meet with these Summer Writers to discuss his experience both promoting and developing authors, as well as sharing his own perspective as a Penguin Random House employee by day, author by night. “Speaking with the winners was an incredible experience. They’re such an ambitious group, and—though their writing styles are wonderfully diverse—they all speak with a passion for writing and telling their stories. I’m excited to follow their writing careers and learn of the successes that will come from both the scholarships and the retreat.”
Creative writing awards recipient Ha Young Ahn, summarized her experience best on the final morning free write, “It only took six days — six days for me to fall in love with writing again. This summer wasn’t filled with the adventurous vacations in foreign countries that I had dreamed of. I didn’t grow taller or learn a cool new hobby or anything like that. But I did fall in love, with writing. And it’s not just a summer romance. That, I can assure you.”
Illustration by First Place Graphic Novel Winner David Ortiz
Announcements: 16 August 2016
There’s a Book for That: Farming
We were inspired this week by notice of the 200th Farmer’s Almanac – that indispensable guide for those who make their livelihood off the land. But farming has gone urban as we know… and the “farm to table movement” is still going strong. So we’ve compiled titles for a range of folks and ages: from those who cultivate crops, no matter their acreage or locale, to farm-fresh food lovers, to kids who like farm animals and equipment; And there’s always the armchair farmer who gets the feel of turning soil by turning pages. expand
FEATURED TITLES:
THE BLACKBERRY FARM COOKBOOK: FOUR SEASONS OF GREAT FOOD AND THE GOOD LIFE by Sam Beall Molly O’Neill
Nestled in the blue mists of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, the 10,000-acre bucolic refuge of Blackberry Farm houses a top-rated small inn with one of the premier farm-to-table restaurants in the country. This sumptuous cookbook offers a collection of recipes that are as inspired by the traditional rustic cooking of the mountainous south as they are by a fresh, contemporary, artistic sensibility.
THE FARM ON THE ROOF: WHAT BROOKLYN GRANGE TAUGHT US ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP, COMMUNITY, AND GROWING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS by Anastasia Cole Plakias
The founders of Brooklyn Grange, the world’s largest green-rooftop farm, share their inspirational story of changing the world through entrepreneurship.
COLD COMFORT FARM by Stella Gibbons
The deliriously entertaining Cold Comfort Farm is “very probably the funniest book ever written” (The Sunday Times, London). When the recently orphaned socialite Flora Poste descends on her relatives at the aptly named Cold Comfort Farm in deepest Sussex, she finds a singularly miserable group in dire need of her particular talent: organization.
FARM CITY: THE EDUCATION OF AN URBAN FARMER by Novella Carpenter
What starts out as a few egg-laying chickens leads to turkeys, geese, and ducks. Novella Carpenter offers a charming memoir, full of hilarious moments, fascinating farmer’s tips, and a great deal of heart, Farm City offers a beautiful mediation on what we give up to live the way we do today.
A CHICKEN IN EVERY YARD: THE URBAN FARM STORE’S GUIDE TO CHICKEN KEEPING by Robert and Hannah Litt
Robert and Hannah Litt have dispensed advice to hundreds of urban and suburban chicken-keepers from behind their perch at Portland’s Urban Farm Store, and now they’re ready to help you go local and sustainable with your own backyard birds. In this handy guide to breeds, feed, coops, and care, the Litts take you under their experienced wings.
BACKYARD HOMESTEADING: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY by Kim Pezza
Backyard Farming: Homesteading is your all-in-one guide to successfully turning your rural property, suburban home, or urban dwelling into a productive food oasis.
FOR YOUNGER READERS:
DOUG UNPLUGS ON THE FARM by Dan Yaccarino; Ages 5 to 9
When Doug’s family journey is interrupted by some sheep in the road, he goes from downloading information about farm animals to actually interacting with them! Kids will enjoy this lively celebration of farm life and the value of hands-on learning which encourages them to go screen-free and explore the real world!
A YEAR ON THE FARM by Sue Unstead; Ages 5 to 7
Follow the busy lives of Mr. and Mrs. Farmer through A Year on the Farm, looking after the animals and growing crops. Look out for the busy Red Tractor who’s helping out!
BABY FARM ANIMALS by Garth Williams; Ages 2 to 5
No one has illustrated animals with as much warmth, humor, and realism as Garth Williams. This classic–full of piglets, kittens, calves, and bunnies–is one of his best. Simple, humorous text identifies each fuzzy, furry, or feathery farm animal capering about the farm.
MY FARM FRIENDS by Wendell Minor; Ages 3 to 5
Wendell Minor’s bright, bold artwork and jaunty verse celebrate the wonders of our farm friends, and a list of fun facts gives curious animal-lovers even more to enjoy.
For more information on these and related titles visit the collection: Farming
THE BLACKBERRY FARM COOKBOOK: FOUR SEASONS OF GREAT FOOD AND THE GOOD LIFE by Sam Beall Molly O’Neill
Nestled in the blue mists of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, the 10,000-acre bucolic refuge of Blackberry Farm houses a top-rated small inn with one of the premier farm-to-table restaurants in the country. This sumptuous cookbook offers a collection of recipes that are as inspired by the traditional rustic cooking of the mountainous south as they are by a fresh, contemporary, artistic sensibility.
THE FARM ON THE ROOF: WHAT BROOKLYN GRANGE TAUGHT US ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP, COMMUNITY, AND GROWING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS by Anastasia Cole Plakias
The founders of Brooklyn Grange, the world’s largest green-rooftop farm, share their inspirational story of changing the world through entrepreneurship.
COLD COMFORT FARM by Stella Gibbons
The deliriously entertaining Cold Comfort Farm is “very probably the funniest book ever written” (The Sunday Times, London). When the recently orphaned socialite Flora Poste descends on her relatives at the aptly named Cold Comfort Farm in deepest Sussex, she finds a singularly miserable group in dire need of her particular talent: organization.
FARM CITY: THE EDUCATION OF AN URBAN FARMER by Novella Carpenter
What starts out as a few egg-laying chickens leads to turkeys, geese, and ducks. Novella Carpenter offers a charming memoir, full of hilarious moments, fascinating farmer’s tips, and a great deal of heart, Farm City offers a beautiful mediation on what we give up to live the way we do today.
A CHICKEN IN EVERY YARD: THE URBAN FARM STORE’S GUIDE TO CHICKEN KEEPING by Robert and Hannah Litt
Robert and Hannah Litt have dispensed advice to hundreds of urban and suburban chicken-keepers from behind their perch at Portland’s Urban Farm Store, and now they’re ready to help you go local and sustainable with your own backyard birds. In this handy guide to breeds, feed, coops, and care, the Litts take you under their experienced wings.
BACKYARD HOMESTEADING: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY by Kim Pezza
Backyard Farming: Homesteading is your all-in-one guide to successfully turning your rural property, suburban home, or urban dwelling into a productive food oasis.
FOR YOUNGER READERS:
DOUG UNPLUGS ON THE FARM by Dan Yaccarino; Ages 5 to 9
When Doug’s family journey is interrupted by some sheep in the road, he goes from downloading information about farm animals to actually interacting with them! Kids will enjoy this lively celebration of farm life and the value of hands-on learning which encourages them to go screen-free and explore the real world!
A YEAR ON THE FARM by Sue Unstead; Ages 5 to 7
Follow the busy lives of Mr. and Mrs. Farmer through A Year on the Farm, looking after the animals and growing crops. Look out for the busy Red Tractor who’s helping out!
BABY FARM ANIMALS by Garth Williams; Ages 2 to 5
No one has illustrated animals with as much warmth, humor, and realism as Garth Williams. This classic–full of piglets, kittens, calves, and bunnies–is one of his best. Simple, humorous text identifies each fuzzy, furry, or feathery farm animal capering about the farm.
MY FARM FRIENDS by Wendell Minor; Ages 3 to 5
Wendell Minor’s bright, bold artwork and jaunty verse celebrate the wonders of our farm friends, and a list of fun facts gives curious animal-lovers even more to enjoy.
For more information on these and related titles visit the collection: Farming Announcements: 16 August 2016
President Obama’s 2016 Summer Reading List Features Three Penguin Random House Titles
On Friday, August 12, the White House unveiled President Barack Obama’s 2016 summer reading list. President Obama chose five books to read during his annual vacation on Martha’s Vineyard and among them are three titles published by Penguin Random House imprints. Obama selected THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Colson Whitehead (Doubleday) as one of his picks along with the #1 New York Times bestseller THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN by Paula Hawkins (Riverhead), and William Finnegan’s Pulitzer Prize-winning surf memoir BARBARIAN DAYS: A Surfing Life (Penguin Books). expand
Announcements: 15 August 2016
Featured Author Event: Yaa Gyasi
On Thursday, August 18 at 7:30pm, author Yaa Gyasi will present her acclaimed New York Times bestseller HOMEGOING (Knopf) at Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn. Fellow Penguin Random House author Imbolo Mbue (BEHOLD THE DREAMERS) will be introducing Gyasi’s presentation. expand
HOMEGOING, Yaa Gyasi’s first novel, quickly made its way onto several must-read lists of 2016 including the Wall Street Journal’s “Most Exciting Fiction Reads,” Elle Magazine’s “19 Summer Books 
That Everyone Will Be Talking About,” and The Millions’ “Most Anticipated Books of 2016.” The book traces the story of two half-sisters who were involuntarily separated, with one sold into slavery and the other married to a British slaver. Gyasi elucidates the legacy of slavery as she follows the descendants of each sister from the plantations of the South, all the way through present day. Acclaimed author of BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME, Ta-Nehisi Coates says of the book “I think I needed to read a book like this to remember what is possible. I think I needed to remember what happens when you pair a gifted literary mind to an epic task. HOMEGOING is an inspiration.”
Introducing Gyasi will be Imbolo Mbue, author of the forthcoming novel BEHOLD THE DREAMERS (Random House). In BEHOLD THE DREAMERS, Mbue beautifully writes of a Cameroonian family’s path to living the American dream as immigrants, pulling from her own experiences as a Cameroonian native. In both of their debut novels, Gyasi and Mbue present readers with the opportunity to view race, class, and the world in a new light.
That Everyone Will Be Talking About,” and The Millions’ “Most Anticipated Books of 2016.” The book traces the story of two half-sisters who were involuntarily separated, with one sold into slavery and the other married to a British slaver. Gyasi elucidates the legacy of slavery as she follows the descendants of each sister from the plantations of the South, all the way through present day. Acclaimed author of BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME, Ta-Nehisi Coates says of the book “I think I needed to read a book like this to remember what is possible. I think I needed to remember what happens when you pair a gifted literary mind to an epic task. HOMEGOING is an inspiration.”
Introducing Gyasi will be Imbolo Mbue, author of the forthcoming novel BEHOLD THE DREAMERS (Random House). In BEHOLD THE DREAMERS, Mbue beautifully writes of a Cameroonian family’s path to living the American dream as immigrants, pulling from her own experiences as a Cameroonian native. In both of their debut novels, Gyasi and Mbue present readers with the opportunity to view race, class, and the world in a new light. Announcements: 15 August 2016
THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT Turns the “Current War” into a Thriller
Imagine being in New York, circa 1888, when gas lamps still flickered in the city streets and the miracle of electric light was in its infancy. That is the world in which Random House author Graham Moore sets his new book, THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT, this week’s Igloo Book Buzz selection. Mr. Moore offers his insight: “One of the things I got most excited about, over the years of research that went into this novel, was trying to get inside the minds of people living through a real hinge moment in history. They were seeing electric lights for the first expand
Announcements: 15 August 2016
On Sale This Week
Our Igloo feature On Sale This Week previews a selection of Penguin Random House fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young readers books being published each week. The choices are a mix of titles by both bestselling and emerging authors. We hope this serves as a useful reference for hot new reads hitting shelves everywhere. expand
FICTION
THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT by Graham Moore (Random House)
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Eddie Redmayne,THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT a thrilling novel based on actual events, about the nature of genius, the cost of ambition, and the battle to electrify America—from the Oscar-winning screenwriter of The Imitation Game, Graham Moore. New York, 1888. Gas lamps still flicker in the city streets, but the miracle of electric light is in its infancy. The person who controls the means to turn night into day will make history—and a vast fortune. A young untested lawyer named Paul Cravath, fresh out of Columbia Law School, takes a case that seems impossible to win. Paul’s client, George Westinghouse, has been sued by Thomas Edison over a billion-dollar question: Who invented the light bulb and holds the right to power the country?
ARROW OF GOD by Chinua Achebe (Penguin Books)
First published in 1964 and now available in a new paperback edition, ARROW OF GOD is regarded by Chinua Achebe as his greatest achievement. ARROW OF GOD is a tale of the generation that came after Okonkwo as they took up their own struggle between continuity and change. Spare and powerful, ARROW OF GOD is an unforgettable portrayal of the loss of faith, and the downfall of a man in a society forever altered by colonialism. ARROW OF GOD is the second novel in Chinua Achebe’s masterful African trilogy, following THINGS FALL APART (a classic of international literature) and preceding NO LONGER AT EASE.
THE GENTLEMAN by Forrest Leo (Penguin Press)
When Lionel Savage, a popular poet in Victorian London, learns from his butler that they’re broke, he marries the beautiful Vivien Lancaster for her money, only to find that his muse has abandoned him. Distraught and contemplating suicide, Savage accidentally conjures the Devil — the polite “Gentleman” of the title — who appears at one of the society parties Savage abhors. The two hit it off: the Devil talks about his home, where he employs Dante as a gardener; Savage lends him a volume of Tennyson. But when the party’s over and Vivien has disappeared, the poet concludes in horror that he must have inadvertently sold his wife to the dark lord. Newly in love with Vivien, Savage plans a rescue mission to Hell.
CURIOUS MINDS by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton (Bantam)
Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, teams up with Emmy-winning writer Phoef Sutton for a brand-new series of mysteries featuring Emerson Knight and Riley Moon, a dynamic duo with instant and undeniable chemistry. Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little to no sense of social etiquette. Riley Moon’s aggressive Texas spitfire attitude has helped her land her dream job as a junior analyst with mega-bank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job, until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight. What starts off as an inquiry about missing bank funds in the Knight account leads to inquiries about a missing man, missing gold, and a life-and-death race across the country.
NONFICTION
TROUBLED REFUGE by Chandra Manning (Knopf)
Drawing on records of the Union and Confederate armies, the letters and diaries of soldiers, transcribed testimonies of former slaves, and more, Chandra Manning allows us to accompany the black men, women, and children who sought out the Union army in hopes of achieving autonomy for themselves and their communities. Ranging from the stories of individuals to those of armies on the move to debates in the halls of Congress, TROUBLED REFUGE probes the particular and deeply significant reality of the contraband camps: what they were really like and how former slaves and Union soldiers warily united there, forging a dramatically new but highly imperfect alliance between the government and African Americans.
THE ART OF RIVALRY by Sebastian Smee (Random House)
Pulitzer Prize–winning art critic Sebastian Smee tells the fascinating story of four pairs of artists—Manet and Degas, Picasso and Matisse, Pollock and de Kooning, Freud and Bacon—whose fraught, competitive friendships spurred them to new creative heights. Rivalry is at the heart of some of the most famous and fruitful relationships in history. THE ART OF RIVALRY follows eight celebrated artists, each linked to a counterpart by friendship, admiration, envy, and ambition. All eight are household names today. But to achieve what they did, each needed the influence of a contemporary—one who was equally ambitious but possessed sharply contrasting strengths and weaknesses.
THE BOY WHO RUNS by John Brant (Ballantine Books)
The extraordinary odyssey of Julius Achon takes a barefoot twelve-year-old boy from a village in northern Uganda to the rebel camp of the notorious Lord’s Resistance Army, where he was made a boy soldier, and then, miraculously, to a career as one of the world’s foremost middle-distance runners. But when a devastating tragedy prevents Julius from pursuing the gold at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, he is once again set adrift and forced to forge a new path for himself, finally finding his true calling as an internationally recognized humanitarian. Today, Julius is the director of the Achon Uganda Children’s Fund, a charity whose mission is to improve the quality of life in rural Uganda through access to healthcare, education, and athletics. Written by award-winning sportswriter John Brant, THE BOY WHO RUNS is an empowering tale of obstacles overcome, challenges met, and light wrested from darkness.
SEVEN SKELETONS by Lydia Pine (Viking)
Over the last century, the search for human ancestors has spanned four continents and resulted in the discovery of hundreds of fossils. While most of these discoveries live quietly in museum collections, there are a few that have become world-renowned celebrity personas—ambassadors of science that speak to public audiences. In SEVEN SKELETONS, historian of science Lydia Pyne explores how seven such famous fossils of our ancestors have the social cachet they enjoy today. Drawing from archives, museums, and interviews, Pyne builds a cultural history for each celebrity fossil—from its discovery to its afterlife in museum exhibits to its legacy in popular culture.
YOUNG READERS
THE FLAME NEVER DIES by Rachel Vincent (Delacorte Press)
Nina Kane was born to be an exorcist. And since uncovering the horrifying truth—that the war against demons is far from over—seventeen-year-old Nina and her pregnant younger sister, Mellie, have been on the run, incinerating the remains of the demon horde as they go. In the badlands, Nina, Mellie, and Finn, the fugitive and rogue exorcist who saved her life, find allies in a group of freedom fighters. They also face a new threat: Pandemonia, a city full of demons. But this fresh new hell is the least of Nina’s worries. The well of souls ran dry more than a century ago, drained by the demons secretly living among humans, and without a donor soul, Mellie’s child will die within hours of its birth.
PIPER GREEN AND THE FAIRY TREE: THE SEA PONY by Ellen Potter (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Move over Junie B. Jones! Get to know Piper Green as she discovers the ordinary magic right outside her front door. Piper Green is in for another adventure when she finds an unusual whistle hidden inside the Fairy Tree in her front yard. But Piper doesn’t want a whistle… she wants a pony! On a trip with her dad to check the family’s lobster traps, the whistle attracts the attention of an unexpected friend. Could the fairy whistle working its magic after all?
THE EDGE OF THE LIGHT by Elizabeth George (Viking Books for Young Readers)
Since his beloved grandfather’s stroke, Seth has been focused on getting Grand home again, before his aunt can take advantage of the situation to get her hands on Grand’s valuable real estate. Seth would also like to get his relationship with Prynne on solid ground. He loves her, but can he believe she has her drug use under control? Meanwhile, things are complicated for the other Whidbey Island friends. Derric has found Rejoice, the sister he left behind in Uganda, but no one – including Rejoice – knows she is his sister. Jenn is discovering feelings for her teammate Cynthia, feelings her born-again Christian mother would never find acceptable. And Becca, hiding under a false identity since her arrival on the island, is concealing the biggest secret of all.
88 INSTRUMENTS by Chris Barton, illustrated by Louis Thomas (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
From New York Times bestselling author Chris Barton and new illustrator Louis Thomas comes a fun, rhythmic picture book about finding the music that is perfect for you! A boy who loves to make noise gets to pick only one instrument (at his parents urging) in a music store, but there is too much to choose from! There’s triangles and sousaphones! There’s guitars and harpsichords! Bagpipes and cellos and trombones! How can he find the one that is just right for him out of all those options?
THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT by Graham Moore (Random House)
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Eddie Redmayne,THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT a thrilling novel based on actual events, about the nature of genius, the cost of ambition, and the battle to electrify America—from the Oscar-winning screenwriter of The Imitation Game, Graham Moore. New York, 1888. Gas lamps still flicker in the city streets, but the miracle of electric light is in its infancy. The person who controls the means to turn night into day will make history—and a vast fortune. A young untested lawyer named Paul Cravath, fresh out of Columbia Law School, takes a case that seems impossible to win. Paul’s client, George Westinghouse, has been sued by Thomas Edison over a billion-dollar question: Who invented the light bulb and holds the right to power the country?
ARROW OF GOD by Chinua Achebe (Penguin Books)
First published in 1964 and now available in a new paperback edition, ARROW OF GOD is regarded by Chinua Achebe as his greatest achievement. ARROW OF GOD is a tale of the generation that came after Okonkwo as they took up their own struggle between continuity and change. Spare and powerful, ARROW OF GOD is an unforgettable portrayal of the loss of faith, and the downfall of a man in a society forever altered by colonialism. ARROW OF GOD is the second novel in Chinua Achebe’s masterful African trilogy, following THINGS FALL APART (a classic of international literature) and preceding NO LONGER AT EASE.
THE GENTLEMAN by Forrest Leo (Penguin Press)
When Lionel Savage, a popular poet in Victorian London, learns from his butler that they’re broke, he marries the beautiful Vivien Lancaster for her money, only to find that his muse has abandoned him. Distraught and contemplating suicide, Savage accidentally conjures the Devil — the polite “Gentleman” of the title — who appears at one of the society parties Savage abhors. The two hit it off: the Devil talks about his home, where he employs Dante as a gardener; Savage lends him a volume of Tennyson. But when the party’s over and Vivien has disappeared, the poet concludes in horror that he must have inadvertently sold his wife to the dark lord. Newly in love with Vivien, Savage plans a rescue mission to Hell.
CURIOUS MINDS by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton (Bantam)
Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, teams up with Emmy-winning writer Phoef Sutton for a brand-new series of mysteries featuring Emerson Knight and Riley Moon, a dynamic duo with instant and undeniable chemistry. Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little to no sense of social etiquette. Riley Moon’s aggressive Texas spitfire attitude has helped her land her dream job as a junior analyst with mega-bank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job, until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight. What starts off as an inquiry about missing bank funds in the Knight account leads to inquiries about a missing man, missing gold, and a life-and-death race across the country.
NONFICTION
TROUBLED REFUGE by Chandra Manning (Knopf)
Drawing on records of the Union and Confederate armies, the letters and diaries of soldiers, transcribed testimonies of former slaves, and more, Chandra Manning allows us to accompany the black men, women, and children who sought out the Union army in hopes of achieving autonomy for themselves and their communities. Ranging from the stories of individuals to those of armies on the move to debates in the halls of Congress, TROUBLED REFUGE probes the particular and deeply significant reality of the contraband camps: what they were really like and how former slaves and Union soldiers warily united there, forging a dramatically new but highly imperfect alliance between the government and African Americans.
THE ART OF RIVALRY by Sebastian Smee (Random House)
Pulitzer Prize–winning art critic Sebastian Smee tells the fascinating story of four pairs of artists—Manet and Degas, Picasso and Matisse, Pollock and de Kooning, Freud and Bacon—whose fraught, competitive friendships spurred them to new creative heights. Rivalry is at the heart of some of the most famous and fruitful relationships in history. THE ART OF RIVALRY follows eight celebrated artists, each linked to a counterpart by friendship, admiration, envy, and ambition. All eight are household names today. But to achieve what they did, each needed the influence of a contemporary—one who was equally ambitious but possessed sharply contrasting strengths and weaknesses.
THE BOY WHO RUNS by John Brant (Ballantine Books)
The extraordinary odyssey of Julius Achon takes a barefoot twelve-year-old boy from a village in northern Uganda to the rebel camp of the notorious Lord’s Resistance Army, where he was made a boy soldier, and then, miraculously, to a career as one of the world’s foremost middle-distance runners. But when a devastating tragedy prevents Julius from pursuing the gold at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, he is once again set adrift and forced to forge a new path for himself, finally finding his true calling as an internationally recognized humanitarian. Today, Julius is the director of the Achon Uganda Children’s Fund, a charity whose mission is to improve the quality of life in rural Uganda through access to healthcare, education, and athletics. Written by award-winning sportswriter John Brant, THE BOY WHO RUNS is an empowering tale of obstacles overcome, challenges met, and light wrested from darkness.
SEVEN SKELETONS by Lydia Pine (Viking)
Over the last century, the search for human ancestors has spanned four continents and resulted in the discovery of hundreds of fossils. While most of these discoveries live quietly in museum collections, there are a few that have become world-renowned celebrity personas—ambassadors of science that speak to public audiences. In SEVEN SKELETONS, historian of science Lydia Pyne explores how seven such famous fossils of our ancestors have the social cachet they enjoy today. Drawing from archives, museums, and interviews, Pyne builds a cultural history for each celebrity fossil—from its discovery to its afterlife in museum exhibits to its legacy in popular culture.
YOUNG READERS
THE FLAME NEVER DIES by Rachel Vincent (Delacorte Press)
Nina Kane was born to be an exorcist. And since uncovering the horrifying truth—that the war against demons is far from over—seventeen-year-old Nina and her pregnant younger sister, Mellie, have been on the run, incinerating the remains of the demon horde as they go. In the badlands, Nina, Mellie, and Finn, the fugitive and rogue exorcist who saved her life, find allies in a group of freedom fighters. They also face a new threat: Pandemonia, a city full of demons. But this fresh new hell is the least of Nina’s worries. The well of souls ran dry more than a century ago, drained by the demons secretly living among humans, and without a donor soul, Mellie’s child will die within hours of its birth.
PIPER GREEN AND THE FAIRY TREE: THE SEA PONY by Ellen Potter (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Move over Junie B. Jones! Get to know Piper Green as she discovers the ordinary magic right outside her front door. Piper Green is in for another adventure when she finds an unusual whistle hidden inside the Fairy Tree in her front yard. But Piper doesn’t want a whistle… she wants a pony! On a trip with her dad to check the family’s lobster traps, the whistle attracts the attention of an unexpected friend. Could the fairy whistle working its magic after all?
THE EDGE OF THE LIGHT by Elizabeth George (Viking Books for Young Readers)
Since his beloved grandfather’s stroke, Seth has been focused on getting Grand home again, before his aunt can take advantage of the situation to get her hands on Grand’s valuable real estate. Seth would also like to get his relationship with Prynne on solid ground. He loves her, but can he believe she has her drug use under control? Meanwhile, things are complicated for the other Whidbey Island friends. Derric has found Rejoice, the sister he left behind in Uganda, but no one – including Rejoice – knows she is his sister. Jenn is discovering feelings for her teammate Cynthia, feelings her born-again Christian mother would never find acceptable. And Becca, hiding under a false identity since her arrival on the island, is concealing the biggest secret of all.
88 INSTRUMENTS by Chris Barton, illustrated by Louis Thomas (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
From New York Times bestselling author Chris Barton and new illustrator Louis Thomas comes a fun, rhythmic picture book about finding the music that is perfect for you! A boy who loves to make noise gets to pick only one instrument (at his parents urging) in a music store, but there is too much to choose from! There’s triangles and sousaphones! There’s guitars and harpsichords! Bagpipes and cellos and trombones! How can he find the one that is just right for him out of all those options? Announcements: 10 August 2016
Farewell and Thank You from Our 2016 Summer Interns
As the summer winds down, I’m not only bidding farewell to the warm weather and Central Park strolls, but to an incredible internship experience as well. As an intern in Corporate Communications, I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to get to know an amazing department. From working on news posts for Igloo, to going through the submissions of the High School Creative Award recipients, I was always eager for the projects that awaited me. I loved expand
knowing that I was surrounded by people who share my same passion for creativity, and of course the scent of a new book. Being a part of the Penguin Random House internship program has allowed me and the other interns to truly immerse ourselves in the publishing process. Thanks to the Brown Bag Lunches and networking events, we all feel more confident than ever to go out there and strive for our future careers. To show our gratitude, some of the interns have shared their experiences. Thank you for a fun and unforgettable internship, Penguin Random House employees. This summer was one for the books (pun-intended)! – Carolyn Garcia
Name: Annette Lee Department: Knopf Art & Design
What kind of projects did you work on?
Mainly, designers would make a book cover and I would design the back cover, spine and flaps of books. It was challenging because I had to design everything based on the front cover, asking myself, “What would the designer have done?” Nevertheless, it was fun, and such a privilege. It is still so surreal to think my designs are going to be on actual books sold to the public!! That feeling will never get old. Additionally, I was in charge of the Instagram posts for knopfjackets. (It is our new instagram, go follow!!)
What did you enjoy the most about this internship?
I enjoyed the atmosphere and people the most. Everyone is so welcoming and nice the minute you enter the building. There is a very relaxed and cozy feeling that everyone radiates, and I love it. My many mentors were no exception of course, they were the nicest people ever! Always willing to help and see how I was doing. They were so patient and trusted me to do the projects, so I could learn from experience. It was a wonderful and positive environment, in which to grow.
Favorite Memory:
My favorite memory would have to be the time I went on a photo shoot. Two mentors and I went into a filming studio and had a photo shoot with books for our Instagram page. We brought so many books that filled a huge cart. People would learn what we were doing and get excited, giving us more and more things to photograph! The pictures came out amazing, and we still use them for the Instagram.
Favorite book from the take-away shelf: DARK MATTER by Blake Crouch. It is a thriller about a man who travels across multi-universes. It really had me thinking about my life choices and how it affects me. Deep… Everyone go read it!
What’s next for you?
I will probably cry myself to sleep on the last day at Knopf, but I will return! I was hired as a part-time designer at another imprint here: Dutton. I start there soon, so I am excited to experience more at Penguin Random House.
Name: Kristin Salazar Department: International Finance
What kind of projects did you work on?
This summer, I researched various book publishing-business models and publishing companies. I’ve also had the chance to look over Penguin Random House’s strategic business plan, which sets a baseline for the company’s financial status for the next few years.
What did you enjoy the most about this internship?
I loved the environment of people with diverse backgrounds and passions. Most of the students at my school are business majors, and although I can work with numbers, patterns, and financial data, I appreciate being constantly surrounded by people who are as passionate about creativity, stories, and ideas as I am..
Favorite Memory:
During a lunch break with a few other interns in Central Park, we were stopped by New York Times journalists for a video interview because we were playing Pokémon Go.
Favorite book from the take-away shelf:
I was happy to stumble upon THE LOWLAND by Jhumpa Lahiri, who wrote my favorite short story collection, “Interpreter of Maladies”.
What’s next for you?
I’m heading to Boston to work for a Bentley University Multicultural orientation for incoming freshmen. After that, I’ll fly to Paris to begin my semester studying abroad in Rouen, France!
Name: Tanner Garrity Department: Puffin Editorial
What kind of projects did you work on?
Puffin is a Penguin Young Readers paperback imprint, so I got to do a little bit of everything. I read manuscripts and wrote reader’s reports, worked on interior and cover copy, wrote discussion questions, attended design and production meetings, helped improve the metadata for many books on our backlist, and (most importantly) helped clean the book room! My most difficult assignment, though, was coming up with taglines. Settling on five or six clever words to put on a book cover can take an entire afternoon.
What did you enjoy the most about this internship?
Easily the people. From the wonderful Dana Leydig, Editor at Puffin Books, to my fellow interns and endlessly patient coworkers, to Rob, who brushes his teeth at the same time as me in the bathroom, everyone was inviting, helpful and genuinely excited about my time here from day one. An industry full of employees really passionate about something as important as reading definitely attracts some of the best and wackiest people around.
Favorite Memory:
Tough to pick just one. The first few times I really felt like I was contributing in a big way to Puffin stand out: I wrote discussion questions for EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR and FISH IN A TREE; both are beautifully written novels and I really wanted to do them justice.
Favorite book from the take-away shelf:
DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD by Roald Dahl
What’s next for you?
I’m looking forward to what should be an exciting last year at Georgetown University, and then I’m hoping to get back into the publishing world for my career! I’m also working on a book in my spare time, so if that pans out, Igloo readers, you heard it here first.
Name: Danielle Finnegan Department: Legal
What kind of projects did you work on?
I mainly assisted on the creation of a digital archive for the legal department. I helped collect and organize documents for this project, and added them to the online database. I also compared contracts and created a physical archive of past litigations.
What did you enjoy the most about this internship?
I’ve enjoyed learning about publishing from the Legal department and all the other departments that I was able to encounter. Working in publishing has been something I have wanted to do since I discovered, back in middle school, that it was an actual job. It’s been an amazing experience being here, and learning about the process (and of course all the free books).
Favorite Memory:
Having lunch in Central Park with the other interns that I have been lucky enough to meet and get to know.
What’s next for you?
Back to school at Rutgers in the fall for my final year. After that, I hope to be able to work full time in publishing.
Name: Jazmin Lesane
Department: Viking Publicity
What kind of projects did you work on?
During my time at Penguin Random House, my supervisors really challenged my intern experience and gave me the chance to explore every aspect of the publicity department. For my first project, I was able to conduct independent research and reach out to hundreds of book review bloggers. In addition, I was able to write and create pitches, galley letters, and press releases for amazing summer titles, like WHEN WATCHED and THE HIKE. Oh, and of course I did lots of mailings!
What did you enjoy the most about this internship?
While I enjoyed bonding with my colleagues and fellow interns during lunch breaks, what I enjoyed the most was the respect and responsibility I was given as an intern. My department really put a lot of value and purpose behind each of my projects, which made me feel as if I was truly a full-time member of the team. Working in such an inviting environment made working very enjoyable.
Favorite Memory:
My favorite memory was definitely when I got to meet Leopolinde Core, author of WHEN WATCHED, during an author’s event. Being able to see the mastermind behind a title I helped work on during the summer was incredible.
Favorite book from the take-away shelf:
Hands down DARK MATTER and THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN!
What’s next for you?
After this internship, I will be returning back to Indiana to finish my last year at DePauw University, and will be completing my studies in Communications and French. After college, who knows, maybe I’ll be right back here!
Name: Annette Lee Department: Knopf Art & Design
What kind of projects did you work on?
Mainly, designers would make a book cover and I would design the back cover, spine and flaps of books. It was challenging because I had to design everything based on the front cover, asking myself, “What would the designer have done?” Nevertheless, it was fun, and such a privilege. It is still so surreal to think my designs are going to be on actual books sold to the public!! That feeling will never get old. Additionally, I was in charge of the Instagram posts for knopfjackets. (It is our new instagram, go follow!!)
What did you enjoy the most about this internship?
I enjoyed the atmosphere and people the most. Everyone is so welcoming and nice the minute you enter the building. There is a very relaxed and cozy feeling that everyone radiates, and I love it. My many mentors were no exception of course, they were the nicest people ever! Always willing to help and see how I was doing. They were so patient and trusted me to do the projects, so I could learn from experience. It was a wonderful and positive environment, in which to grow.
Favorite Memory:
My favorite memory would have to be the time I went on a photo shoot. Two mentors and I went into a filming studio and had a photo shoot with books for our Instagram page. We brought so many books that filled a huge cart. People would learn what we were doing and get excited, giving us more and more things to photograph! The pictures came out amazing, and we still use them for the Instagram.
Favorite book from the take-away shelf: DARK MATTER by Blake Crouch. It is a thriller about a man who travels across multi-universes. It really had me thinking about my life choices and how it affects me. Deep… Everyone go read it!
What’s next for you?
I will probably cry myself to sleep on the last day at Knopf, but I will return! I was hired as a part-time designer at another imprint here: Dutton. I start there soon, so I am excited to experience more at Penguin Random House.
Name: Kristin Salazar Department: International Finance
What kind of projects did you work on?
This summer, I researched various book publishing-business models and publishing companies. I’ve also had the chance to look over Penguin Random House’s strategic business plan, which sets a baseline for the company’s financial status for the next few years.
What did you enjoy the most about this internship?
I loved the environment of people with diverse backgrounds and passions. Most of the students at my school are business majors, and although I can work with numbers, patterns, and financial data, I appreciate being constantly surrounded by people who are as passionate about creativity, stories, and ideas as I am..
Favorite Memory:
During a lunch break with a few other interns in Central Park, we were stopped by New York Times journalists for a video interview because we were playing Pokémon Go.
Favorite book from the take-away shelf:
I was happy to stumble upon THE LOWLAND by Jhumpa Lahiri, who wrote my favorite short story collection, “Interpreter of Maladies”.
What’s next for you?
I’m heading to Boston to work for a Bentley University Multicultural orientation for incoming freshmen. After that, I’ll fly to Paris to begin my semester studying abroad in Rouen, France!
Name: Tanner Garrity Department: Puffin Editorial
What kind of projects did you work on?
Puffin is a Penguin Young Readers paperback imprint, so I got to do a little bit of everything. I read manuscripts and wrote reader’s reports, worked on interior and cover copy, wrote discussion questions, attended design and production meetings, helped improve the metadata for many books on our backlist, and (most importantly) helped clean the book room! My most difficult assignment, though, was coming up with taglines. Settling on five or six clever words to put on a book cover can take an entire afternoon.
What did you enjoy the most about this internship?
Easily the people. From the wonderful Dana Leydig, Editor at Puffin Books, to my fellow interns and endlessly patient coworkers, to Rob, who brushes his teeth at the same time as me in the bathroom, everyone was inviting, helpful and genuinely excited about my time here from day one. An industry full of employees really passionate about something as important as reading definitely attracts some of the best and wackiest people around.
Favorite Memory:
Tough to pick just one. The first few times I really felt like I was contributing in a big way to Puffin stand out: I wrote discussion questions for EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR and FISH IN A TREE; both are beautifully written novels and I really wanted to do them justice.
Favorite book from the take-away shelf:
DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD by Roald Dahl
What’s next for you?
I’m looking forward to what should be an exciting last year at Georgetown University, and then I’m hoping to get back into the publishing world for my career! I’m also working on a book in my spare time, so if that pans out, Igloo readers, you heard it here first.
Name: Danielle Finnegan Department: Legal
What kind of projects did you work on?
I mainly assisted on the creation of a digital archive for the legal department. I helped collect and organize documents for this project, and added them to the online database. I also compared contracts and created a physical archive of past litigations.
What did you enjoy the most about this internship?
I’ve enjoyed learning about publishing from the Legal department and all the other departments that I was able to encounter. Working in publishing has been something I have wanted to do since I discovered, back in middle school, that it was an actual job. It’s been an amazing experience being here, and learning about the process (and of course all the free books).
Favorite Memory:
Having lunch in Central Park with the other interns that I have been lucky enough to meet and get to know.
What’s next for you?
Back to school at Rutgers in the fall for my final year. After that, I hope to be able to work full time in publishing.
Name: Jazmin Lesane
Department: Viking Publicity
What kind of projects did you work on?
During my time at Penguin Random House, my supervisors really challenged my intern experience and gave me the chance to explore every aspect of the publicity department. For my first project, I was able to conduct independent research and reach out to hundreds of book review bloggers. In addition, I was able to write and create pitches, galley letters, and press releases for amazing summer titles, like WHEN WATCHED and THE HIKE. Oh, and of course I did lots of mailings!
What did you enjoy the most about this internship?
While I enjoyed bonding with my colleagues and fellow interns during lunch breaks, what I enjoyed the most was the respect and responsibility I was given as an intern. My department really put a lot of value and purpose behind each of my projects, which made me feel as if I was truly a full-time member of the team. Working in such an inviting environment made working very enjoyable.
Favorite Memory:
My favorite memory was definitely when I got to meet Leopolinde Core, author of WHEN WATCHED, during an author’s event. Being able to see the mastermind behind a title I helped work on during the summer was incredible.
Favorite book from the take-away shelf:
Hands down DARK MATTER and THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN!
What’s next for you?
After this internship, I will be returning back to Indiana to finish my last year at DePauw University, and will be completing my studies in Communications and French. After college, who knows, maybe I’ll be right back here! Announcements: 10 August 2016
Penguin’s Meg Leder on Editing Johanna Basford, “The Queen of Coloring”
Meg Leder, Executive Editor, Penguin Books, takes us inside the world of adult coloring books, one of the hottest segments in publishing. She edits “The Queen of Coloring,”Johanna Basford, whose newest title, MAGICAL JUNGLE, is published by Penguin Books on August 9. Meg has brought her unique editorial skills to a diverse range of titles at Penguin since 2004. While at Perigee Books, she acquired such titles as Keri expand
Smith’s WRECK THIS JOURNAL, Tyler Knott Gregson’s CHASERS OF THE LIGHT: Poems From the Typewriter Series, and Lisa Currie’s ME, YOU, US. Now at Penguin Books, she continues to work with Keri Smith, as well as publishing Johanna Basford’s coloring books, among other titles. Meg’s editorial enthusiasm rings true in our Igloo interview with her.
In your view, what accounts for the adult coloring book craze and what separates Johanna Basford from the adult coloring book artist pack?
I think the adult coloring book crazy has taken hold for several reasons: (1) It’s a welcome respite from the world of computer screens. Coloring is a distinctly physical activity, and there’s something imminently relaxing about putting marker or colored pencil to paper, instead of spending time with screens. (2) It’s an inherently democratic hobby. All you need is a book and a coloring tool—you don’t need to spend a lot of money on supplies or time learning skills. (3) And I think it speaks to 
something a lot of us did when we were kids—weloved it then, so it makes sense we’d love it now, especially with the more intricate designs!
I think New York Magazine dubbed Johanna the “Queen of Coloring” for a number of reasons. She was one of the first people out there to invite adults into the coloring book realm. She’s got a marvelous artistic vision—she’s so exceptionally talented at creating intricate work that inspires colorists. And she’s also extremely generous, both as a person and as a creator. She’s said a number of times that she just starts the masterpieces, and her fans finish them. I think that generosity shows in her art and resonates with all her fans.
Watch Joanna Basford’s “Magical Jungle – An Inky Expedition & Coloring Book” video:
How did you come to acquire and edit your first adult coloring book and how did the process compare with how you work with Johanna on her books?
When I was at Perigee, I acquired my first two coloring books at roughly the same time: OUTSIDE THE LINES by Souris Hong, and COLOR ME GIRL CRUSH by Mel Elliott. Rather than the fact that they were coloring books, what drew me to both of these was the subject matter (street art and Ryan Gosling, respectively!) and the fact that they expanded notions of creativity. And then, luckily, they both really benefitted from the adult coloring book craze timing-wise.
In the years since, the coloring book audience has become a lot more opinionated and sophisticated about what they want in a coloring book, so with Johanna’s titles, we’ve spent a lot of time with our amazing production team looking at paper weight, opacity, etc. When I worked on those first two books, I never imagined that several years down the line, I’d be spending as much time talking about the merits of white vs ivory paper as I do now. But we want to keep those colorists happy!
In addition to adult coloring books, what are a couple of the upcoming titles you are editing that are of most interest and what do you hope will distinguish them in the consumer marketplace?
I’m publishing a book called CARRY THIS BOOK from Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson this fall. It’s a marvelous illustrated book detailing the contents of real people’s and fictional characters’ bags. It’s one of the most wonderfully weird and weirdly wonderful projects I’ve worked on since I started publishing, and I think readers will be really intrigued by this glimpse into the way Abbi’s mind and creative process work. Abbi’s a spectacularly creative and cool person, and it shows on the page.
I’m also really excited about two other books I have coming out this fall: TREE OF TREASURES: A Life in Ornaments and THE WASP THAT BRAINWASHED THE CATERPILLAR. The former is a gift book that explores the way ornaments tell the stories of our lives, and the latter looks at all the strange animals that evolution has created, including the antechinus, whose males have so much sex during their three-week mating session that runaway testosterone levels make them bleed internally, go blind, and drop dead! I love that my list at Penguin has room for such a wide spectrum of books, and my hope is that readers will enjoy reading them as much as I loved editing them.
something a lot of us did when we were kids—weloved it then, so it makes sense we’d love it now, especially with the more intricate designs!
I think New York Magazine dubbed Johanna the “Queen of Coloring” for a number of reasons. She was one of the first people out there to invite adults into the coloring book realm. She’s got a marvelous artistic vision—she’s so exceptionally talented at creating intricate work that inspires colorists. And she’s also extremely generous, both as a person and as a creator. She’s said a number of times that she just starts the masterpieces, and her fans finish them. I think that generosity shows in her art and resonates with all her fans.
Watch Joanna Basford’s “Magical Jungle – An Inky Expedition & Coloring Book” video:
How did you come to acquire and edit your first adult coloring book and how did the process compare with how you work with Johanna on her books?
When I was at Perigee, I acquired my first two coloring books at roughly the same time: OUTSIDE THE LINES by Souris Hong, and COLOR ME GIRL CRUSH by Mel Elliott. Rather than the fact that they were coloring books, what drew me to both of these was the subject matter (street art and Ryan Gosling, respectively!) and the fact that they expanded notions of creativity. And then, luckily, they both really benefitted from the adult coloring book craze timing-wise.
In the years since, the coloring book audience has become a lot more opinionated and sophisticated about what they want in a coloring book, so with Johanna’s titles, we’ve spent a lot of time with our amazing production team looking at paper weight, opacity, etc. When I worked on those first two books, I never imagined that several years down the line, I’d be spending as much time talking about the merits of white vs ivory paper as I do now. But we want to keep those colorists happy!
In addition to adult coloring books, what are a couple of the upcoming titles you are editing that are of most interest and what do you hope will distinguish them in the consumer marketplace?
I’m publishing a book called CARRY THIS BOOK from Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson this fall. It’s a marvelous illustrated book detailing the contents of real people’s and fictional characters’ bags. It’s one of the most wonderfully weird and weirdly wonderful projects I’ve worked on since I started publishing, and I think readers will be really intrigued by this glimpse into the way Abbi’s mind and creative process work. Abbi’s a spectacularly creative and cool person, and it shows on the page.
I’m also really excited about two other books I have coming out this fall: TREE OF TREASURES: A Life in Ornaments and THE WASP THAT BRAINWASHED THE CATERPILLAR. The former is a gift book that explores the way ornaments tell the stories of our lives, and the latter looks at all the strange animals that evolution has created, including the antechinus, whose males have so much sex during their three-week mating session that runaway testosterone levels make them bleed internally, go blind, and drop dead! I love that my list at Penguin has room for such a wide spectrum of books, and my hope is that readers will enjoy reading them as much as I loved editing them. Announcements: 9 August 2016
There’s a Book for That: Let’s All Go Back to School!
Are you counting the days until the kids go back to school? Or maybe you are long past that point, and have a little yearning when you see the backpack-laden youngsters going past your window? Do you miss your school days? Just a bit? The smell of freshly sharpened pencils, the allure of a new, blank notebook and, best of all, expand
the promise of learning something new? If these feelings ring a bell, it's your lucky day. We have put together a sample curriculum for you, chock full of books about Reading, ‘Riting, ‘Rithmatic, and more. So, let’s all go back to school!
Class schedule: choose one from each period. Additional selections may be read for extra credit. Click here to view the entire curriculum on Edelweiss.
PERIOD ONE – MATH
A TOUR OF THE CALCULUS by David Berlinsky
THE CALL OF THE PRIMES: SURPRISING PATTERNS, PECULIAR PUZZLES, AND OTHER MARVELS OF MATHEMATICS by Owen O’Shea
A DOUBTER’S ALMANAC by Ethan Canin
PERIOD TWO – ENGLISH
THE DIALOGUES OF PLATO by Plato
BEOWULF ON THE BEACH by Jack Murnighan
THE DIVINE COMEDY by Dante Alighieri
CHAUCER’S TALE: 1386 AND THE ROAD TO CANTERBURY by Paul Strohm
FILTHY SHAKESPEARE: SHAKESPEARE’S MOST OUTRAGEOUS SEXUAL PUNS by Pauline Kiernan
CHARLOTTE BRONTË by Claire Harman
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A COLORING CLASSIC by Jane Austen and Chellie Carroll
THE COMPLETE STORIES OF ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON by Robert Louis Stevenson
PERIOD THREE – SCIENCE: PHYSICS, BIOLOGY, BOTANY
SEVEN BRIEF LESSONS ON PHYSICS by Carlo Rovelli
INSTANT BIOLOGY by Boyce Rensenberger
BOTANY OF DESIRE by Michael Pollan
WOMEN IN SCIENCE: 50 FEARLESS PIONEERS WHO CHANGED THE WORLD by Rachel Ignotofsky
LAB GIRL by Hope Jahren
PERIOD FOUR – GYM
THE MOBILITY WORKOUT HANDBOOK by William Smith et al
BORN TO RUN: A HIDDEN TRIBE, SUPERATHLETES, AND THE GREATEST RACE THE WORLD HAS NEVER SEEN by Christopher McDougall
THE HIKE by Drew Magary
PERIOD FIVE – ART
DRAWING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN by Betty Edwards
COLOR: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE PALLETTE by Victoria Finlay
LOOKING AT MINDFULNESS: 25 PAINTINGS TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU LIVE by Christopher Andre
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?: THE SURPRISING, SHOCKING, AND SOMETIMES STRANGE STORY OF 150 YEARS OF MODERN ART by Will Gompertz
WAYS OF SEEING by John Berger
LUNCH – FREE PERIOD
A SUPER UPSETTING COOKBOOK ABOUT SANDWICHES by William Wegman
EFFORTLESS BENTO by Shufu-no-Tomo
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE by Fannie Flagg
FOOD RULES: AN EATER’S MANIFESTO by Michael Pollan
DELICIOUS! by Ruth Reichl
KITCHENS OF THE GREAT MIDWEST by J. Ryan Stradal
PERIOD SIX – GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD by DK
EIGHTY DAYS: NELLIE BLY AND ELIZABETH BISLAND’S HISTORY-MAKING RACE AROUND THE WORLD by Matthew Goodman
REFERENCE WORLD ATLAS by DK
GEOGRAPHY: A VISUAL ENCYCLOPEDIA by DK
PERIOD SEVEN – SOCIOLOGY
THEORY OF THE LEISURE CLASS by Thorstein Veblen
BOOK OF PEOPLES OF THE WORLD: A GUIDE TO CULTURES by Wade Davis
THE WORLD AS 100 PEOPLE: A VISUAL GUIDE TO 7 BILLION HUMANS by Aileen Lord
THE SOCIOLOGY BOOK by DK
PERIOD EIGHT – AMERICAN HISTORY
A IS FOR AMERICAN by Jill Lepore
NAMES ON THE LAND by George R. Stewart
VALIANT AMBITION: GEORGE WASHINGTON, BENEDICT ARNOLD, AND THE FATE OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Nathaniel Philbrick
1491: NEW REVELATIONS OF THE AMERICAS BEFORE COLUMBUS by Charles C. Mann
PERIOD NINE – WORLD HISTORY
A DISTANT MIRROR by Barbara Tuchman
THE DISCOVERERS by Daniel Boorstin
THE PENGUIN HISTORY OF THE WORLD by J. M. RobertsNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ALMANAC OF WORLD HISTORY, 3RD EDITION by Patricia S. Daniels and Stephen G. Hyslop
HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 1,000 OBJECTS by DK
A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING by Bill Bryson
PERIOD ONE – MATH
A TOUR OF THE CALCULUS by David Berlinsky
THE CALL OF THE PRIMES: SURPRISING PATTERNS, PECULIAR PUZZLES, AND OTHER MARVELS OF MATHEMATICS by Owen O’Shea
A DOUBTER’S ALMANAC by Ethan Canin
PERIOD TWO – ENGLISH
THE DIALOGUES OF PLATO by Plato
BEOWULF ON THE BEACH by Jack Murnighan
THE DIVINE COMEDY by Dante Alighieri
CHAUCER’S TALE: 1386 AND THE ROAD TO CANTERBURY by Paul Strohm
FILTHY SHAKESPEARE: SHAKESPEARE’S MOST OUTRAGEOUS SEXUAL PUNS by Pauline Kiernan
CHARLOTTE BRONTË by Claire Harman
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A COLORING CLASSIC by Jane Austen and Chellie Carroll
THE COMPLETE STORIES OF ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON by Robert Louis Stevenson
PERIOD THREE – SCIENCE: PHYSICS, BIOLOGY, BOTANY
SEVEN BRIEF LESSONS ON PHYSICS by Carlo Rovelli
INSTANT BIOLOGY by Boyce Rensenberger
BOTANY OF DESIRE by Michael Pollan
WOMEN IN SCIENCE: 50 FEARLESS PIONEERS WHO CHANGED THE WORLD by Rachel Ignotofsky
LAB GIRL by Hope Jahren
PERIOD FOUR – GYM
THE MOBILITY WORKOUT HANDBOOK by William Smith et al
BORN TO RUN: A HIDDEN TRIBE, SUPERATHLETES, AND THE GREATEST RACE THE WORLD HAS NEVER SEEN by Christopher McDougall
THE HIKE by Drew Magary
PERIOD FIVE – ART
DRAWING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN by Betty Edwards
COLOR: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE PALLETTE by Victoria Finlay
LOOKING AT MINDFULNESS: 25 PAINTINGS TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU LIVE by Christopher Andre
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?: THE SURPRISING, SHOCKING, AND SOMETIMES STRANGE STORY OF 150 YEARS OF MODERN ART by Will Gompertz
WAYS OF SEEING by John Berger
LUNCH – FREE PERIOD
A SUPER UPSETTING COOKBOOK ABOUT SANDWICHES by William Wegman
EFFORTLESS BENTO by Shufu-no-Tomo
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE by Fannie Flagg
FOOD RULES: AN EATER’S MANIFESTO by Michael Pollan
DELICIOUS! by Ruth Reichl
KITCHENS OF THE GREAT MIDWEST by J. Ryan Stradal
PERIOD SIX – GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD by DK
EIGHTY DAYS: NELLIE BLY AND ELIZABETH BISLAND’S HISTORY-MAKING RACE AROUND THE WORLD by Matthew Goodman
REFERENCE WORLD ATLAS by DK
GEOGRAPHY: A VISUAL ENCYCLOPEDIA by DK
PERIOD SEVEN – SOCIOLOGY
THEORY OF THE LEISURE CLASS by Thorstein Veblen
BOOK OF PEOPLES OF THE WORLD: A GUIDE TO CULTURES by Wade Davis
THE WORLD AS 100 PEOPLE: A VISUAL GUIDE TO 7 BILLION HUMANS by Aileen Lord
THE SOCIOLOGY BOOK by DK
PERIOD EIGHT – AMERICAN HISTORY
A IS FOR AMERICAN by Jill Lepore
NAMES ON THE LAND by George R. Stewart
VALIANT AMBITION: GEORGE WASHINGTON, BENEDICT ARNOLD, AND THE FATE OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Nathaniel Philbrick
1491: NEW REVELATIONS OF THE AMERICAS BEFORE COLUMBUS by Charles C. Mann
PERIOD NINE – WORLD HISTORY
A DISTANT MIRROR by Barbara Tuchman
THE DISCOVERERS by Daniel Boorstin
THE PENGUIN HISTORY OF THE WORLD by J. M. RobertsNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ALMANAC OF WORLD HISTORY, 3RD EDITION by Patricia S. Daniels and Stephen G. Hyslop
HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 1,000 OBJECTS by DK
A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING by Bill Bryson
Announcements: 8 August 2016
Why Readers Everywhere are Raving About THE GLORIOUS HERESIES
This week’s Igloo Book Buzz selection, THE GLORIOUS HERESIES by Lisa McInerney, has already won the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction as well as the Desmond Elliott Prize, and went on sale from Tim Duggan Books last Tuesday, August 9. “Lisa McInerney has proven herself to be a virtuoso on the page, writing with incredible confidence, exuberance, and originality,” says Publisher Tim Duggan. “I’ve never come across a voice quite like this – it pulled me expand
in from the very beginning, and kept me riveted until the very end. This is a big, sweeping, state-of-the-nation novel about a nation that lost its bearings. It’s a side of Ireland you don’t often see, and it’ll be hard to forget.”
Lisa McInerney says, “I’m so pleased that THE GLORIOUS HERESIES has found such a great home Stateside with Tim Duggan Books and Penguin Random House; and I’m excited to find out what American readers think of an Ireland drastically different to the picture-postcard image we love to present to the world – an Ireland of irreverence, lively language and rebellious acts.”
THE GLORIOUS HERESIES galleys distributed in NYC on St. Patrick’s Day
THE GLORIOUS HERESIES was featured in The Wall Street Journal's summer preview, and coverage is forthcoming in The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post,and O, the Oprah Magazine, among other outlets.
The marketing campaign for THE GLORIOUS HERESIES kicked off in March on St. Patrick’s Day when galleys were distributed as part of a cross-promotion with The Irish Arts Center at locations across New York City. The early read campaign continued with an extensive pre-pub push for readers and early reviews on GoodReads and Amazon Vine. At on sale, the marketing campaign will consist of advertising on GoodReads (specifically targeted readers of past Baileys Women’s Prize winners like Lionel Shriver) as well as advertising and social media promotions on LitHub.com. The Irish Arts Center will also continue to promote the book.
Here are excerpts from U.S. and international praise for Lisa McInerney and THE GLORIOUS HERESIES:
THE GLORIOUS HERESIES galleys distributed in NYC on St. Patrick’s Day
THE GLORIOUS HERESIES was featured in The Wall Street Journal's summer preview, and coverage is forthcoming in The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post,and O, the Oprah Magazine, among other outlets.
The marketing campaign for THE GLORIOUS HERESIES kicked off in March on St. Patrick’s Day when galleys were distributed as part of a cross-promotion with The Irish Arts Center at locations across New York City. The early read campaign continued with an extensive pre-pub push for readers and early reviews on GoodReads and Amazon Vine. At on sale, the marketing campaign will consist of advertising on GoodReads (specifically targeted readers of past Baileys Women’s Prize winners like Lionel Shriver) as well as advertising and social media promotions on LitHub.com. The Irish Arts Center will also continue to promote the book.
Here are excerpts from U.S. and international praise for Lisa McInerney and THE GLORIOUS HERESIES:
- “In the style of Colm Tóibín, there is great intensity to McInerney’s prose … This gritty, urban character study will be perfect for readers favoring strong blends of literary and crime fiction, overlaid with striking dark comedy.” —Booklist
- “Biting … McInerney displays a clear knack for dramatic flourish and witty turns of phrase.” —Publishers Weekly
- “The Glorious Heresies heralds the arrival of a glorious, foul-mouthed, fizzing new talent.” —The Sunday Times
- “A spectacular debut … Tough and tender, gothic and lyrical, it is a head-spinning, stomach-churning state-of-the-nation novel about a nation falling apart.” —The Telegraph
Announcements: 3 August 2016
On Sale This Week
Our Igloo feature On Sale This Week previews a selection of Penguin Random House fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young readers books being published each week. The choices are a mix of titles by both bestselling and emerging authors. We hope this serves as a useful reference for hot new reads hitting shelves everywhere. expand
FICTION
THE GLORIOUS HERESIES by Lisa McInerney (Tim Duggan Books)
THE GLORIOUS HERESIES is a searing debut novel about life on the fringes of Ireland’s post-crash society. When grandmother Maureen Phelan is surprised in her home by a stranger, she clubs the intruder with a Holy Stone. The consequences of this unplanned murder connect four misfits struggling against their meager circumstances. Ryan is a fifteen-year-old drug dealer desperate not to turn out like his alcoholic father, Tony, whose feud with his next-door neighbor threatens to ruin his family. Georgie is a sex worker who half-heartedly joins a born-again movement to escape her profession and drug habit. And Jimmy Phelan, the most fearsome gangster in the city and Maureen’s estranged son, finds that his mother’s bizarre attempts at redemption threaten his entire organization.
THE GIRL BEFORE by Rena Olsen (Putnam)
Clara Lawson is torn from her life in an instant. Without warning, her home is invaded by armed men, and she finds herself separated from her beloved husband and daughters. In chapters that alternate between past and present, the novel slowly unpeels the layers of Clara’s fractured life. We see her growing up, raised with her sisters by the stern Mama and Papa G, becoming a poised and educated young woman, falling desperately in love with the forbidden son of her adoptive parents. We see her now, sequestered in an institution, questioned by men and women who call her a different name—Diana—and who accuse her husband of unspeakable crimes. As recollections of her past collide with new revelations, Clara must question everything she thought she knew, to come to terms with the truth of her history.
RESULTS MAY VARY by Bethany Chase (Ballantine Books)
She never saw it coming. Without even a shiver of suspicion to warn her, art curator Caroline Hammond discovers that her husband is having an affair with a man—a revelation that forces her to question their entire history together, from their early days as high school sweethearts through their ten years as a happily married couple. In her now upside-down world, Caroline begins envisioning her life without the relationship that has defined it: the loneliness of being an “I” instead of a “we”; the rekindled yet tenuous closeness with her younger sister; and the unexpected—and potentially disastrous—attraction she can’t get off her mind. Caroline always thought she knew her own love story, but as her husband’s other secrets emerge, she must decide whether that story’s ending will mean forgiving the man she’s loved for half her life, or facing her future without him.
WHEN WATCHED by Leopoldine Core (Penguin Books)
A sly, provocative, and psychologically astute debut story collection from a 2015 Whiting Award winner. Refreshing, witty, and absolutely close to the heart, Core’s twenty stories, set in and around New York City, have an other-worldly quality along with a deep seriousness—even a moral seriousness. What we know of identity is smashed and in its place, true individuals emerge, each bristling with a unique sexuality, a belief-system all their own. Reminiscent of Jane Bowles, William Burroughs, and Colette, her writing glows with an authenticity that is intoxicating and rare. Dirty and squalid, poetic and pure, Core bravely tunnels straight to the center of human suffering and longing.
GOOD MORNING, MIDNIGHT by Lily Brooks-Dalton (Random House)
Augustine, a brilliant, aging astronomer, is consumed by the stars. For years he has lived in remote outposts, studying the sky for evidence of how the universe began. At his latest posting, in a research center in the Arctic, news of a catastrophic event arrives. At the same time, Mission Specialist Sullivan is aboard the Aether on its return flight from Jupiter. The astronauts are the first human beings to delve this deep into space, and Sully has made peace with the sacrifices required of her. So far the journey has been a success. But when Mission Control falls inexplicably silent, Sully and her crewmates are forced to wonder if they will ever get home. As Augustine and Sully each face an uncertain future against forbidding yet beautiful landscapes, their stories gradually intertwine in a profound and unexpected conclusion.
NONFICTION
MAGICAL JUNGLE by Johanna Basford (Penguin Books)
Follow ink evangelist Johanna Basford down an inky trail through the Magical Jungle and discover a forgotten world of flora and fauna just waiting to be colored in this new coloring book for adults. Through intricate pen and ink illustrations, color-inners of all ages are invited to explore an exotic rainforest teeming with creatures large and small. Encounter speckled tree frogs and dainty hummingbirds, prowling tigers and playful monkeys. Let your imagination run wild in the leafy treetop canopy or find yourself drawn to the delicate world of sensational blossoms and tropical plants below.
KNOWN AND STRANGE THINGS by Teju Cole (Random House Trade Paperbacks)
With this collection of more than fifty pieces on politics, photography, travel, history, and literature, Teju Cole solidifies his place as one of today’s most powerful and original voices. On page after page, deploying prose dense with beauty and ideas, he finds fresh and potent ways to interpret art, people, and historical moments, taking in subjects from Virginia Woolf, Shakespeare, to Instagram and Barack Obama. Cole brings us new considerations of James Baldwin in the age of Black Lives Matter; the African American photographer Roy DeCarava, who, forced to shoot with film calibrated exclusively for white skin tones, found his way to a startling and true depiction of black subjects; and the White Savior Industrial Complex, the system by which African nations are sentimentally aided by an America “developed on pillage.”
TEXTBOOK AMY KROUSE ROSENTHAL by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Dutton)
In the ten years since the publication of her beloved, groundbreaking Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, #1 New York Times bestselling author Amy Krouse Rosenthal has been quietly tinkering away. Using her distinct blend of nonlinear narrative, wistful reflections, and insightful wit, she has created a modest but mighty new work. Not exactly a memoir, not just a collection of observations, TEXTBOOK AMY KROUSE ROSENTHAL is an exploration into the many ways we are connected on this planet and speaks to the awe, bewilderment, and poignancy of being alive.
PATIENT H.M. by Luke Dittrich (Random House)
In 1953, a twenty-seven-year-old factory worker named Henry Molaison—who suffered from severe epilepsy—received a radical new version of the then-common lobotomy, targeting the most mysterious structures in the brain. The operation failed to eliminate Henry’s seizures, but it did have an unintended effect: Henry was left profoundly amnesic, unable to create long-term memories. Over the next sixty years, Patient H.M., as Henry was known, became the most studied individual in the history of neuroscience, a human guinea pig who would teach us much of what we know about memory today. PATIENT H.M. combines the best of biography, memoir, and science journalism to create a haunting, endlessly fascinating story, one that reveals the wondrous and devastating things that can happen when hubris, ambition, and human imperfection collide.
YOUNG READERS
MY FRIEND MAGGIE by Hannah E. Harrison (Dial Books for Young Readers)
MY FRIEND MAGGIE is a sweet and heart-tugging story about bullying, friendship, and fitting in, perfect for readers of STAND TALL, MOLLY LOU MELON. Paula and Maggie have been friends forever. Paula thinks Maggie is the best—until mean girl Veronica says otherwise. Suddenly, Paula starts to notice that Maggie is big and clumsy, and her clothes are sort of snuggish. Rather than sticking up for Maggie, Paula ignores her old friend and plays with Veronica instead. Luckily, when Veronica turns on Paula, Maggie’s true colors shine through.
DR. FELL AND THE PLAYGROUND OF DOOM by David Neilsen (Crown Books for Young Readers)
When the mysterious Dr. Fell moves into the abandoned house that had once been the neighborhood kids’ hangout, he immediately builds a playground to win them over. But as the ever-changing play space becomes bigger and more elaborate, the children and their parents fall deeper under the doctor’s spell. Only Jerry, Nancy, and Gail are immune to the lure of his extravagant wonderland. And they alone notice that when the injuries begin to pile up on the jungle gym, somehow Dr. Fell is able to heal each one with miraculous speed. Now the three children must find a way to uncover the doctor’s secret power without being captivated by his trickery.
THE TROUBLE WITH TWINS by Kathryn Siebel (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Imagine two twin sisters, Arabella and Henrietta—nearly identical yet with nothing in common. They’re the best of friends, until one day they aren’t. Plain and quiet Henrietta has a secret plan to settle the score, and she does something outrageous and she can’t take it back. When the deed is discovered, Henrietta is quickly banished—sent to live with her eccentric great-aunt Priscilla on Chillington Lane, where black cats roam the dark rooms and tonight’s menu is fish-head stew! Suddenly life with pretty, popular Arabella doesn’t seem so awful. And, though she’s been grievously wronged, Arabella longs for her sister, too. So she hatches a plan of her own and embarks on an unexpected journey to reunite with her other half.
10 BUSY BROOMS by Carole Gerber, Illustrated by Michael Fleming (Doubleday Books for Young Readers)
Celebrate Halloween with this bright and adventurous picture book! Fans of ROOM ON THE BROOM will want to fly the night sky with these ten little witches in this fun and festive Halloween counting book! Whether zooming past rattling skeletons, buzzing by pie-stealing mummies, or soaring over a werewolf with bad breath, readers will be cheering for this exciting group of witches and their high-flying Halloween adventures! Plus, play a game of I Spy and find the cat and owl on every page!
THE GLORIOUS HERESIES by Lisa McInerney (Tim Duggan Books)
THE GLORIOUS HERESIES is a searing debut novel about life on the fringes of Ireland’s post-crash society. When grandmother Maureen Phelan is surprised in her home by a stranger, she clubs the intruder with a Holy Stone. The consequences of this unplanned murder connect four misfits struggling against their meager circumstances. Ryan is a fifteen-year-old drug dealer desperate not to turn out like his alcoholic father, Tony, whose feud with his next-door neighbor threatens to ruin his family. Georgie is a sex worker who half-heartedly joins a born-again movement to escape her profession and drug habit. And Jimmy Phelan, the most fearsome gangster in the city and Maureen’s estranged son, finds that his mother’s bizarre attempts at redemption threaten his entire organization.
THE GIRL BEFORE by Rena Olsen (Putnam)
Clara Lawson is torn from her life in an instant. Without warning, her home is invaded by armed men, and she finds herself separated from her beloved husband and daughters. In chapters that alternate between past and present, the novel slowly unpeels the layers of Clara’s fractured life. We see her growing up, raised with her sisters by the stern Mama and Papa G, becoming a poised and educated young woman, falling desperately in love with the forbidden son of her adoptive parents. We see her now, sequestered in an institution, questioned by men and women who call her a different name—Diana—and who accuse her husband of unspeakable crimes. As recollections of her past collide with new revelations, Clara must question everything she thought she knew, to come to terms with the truth of her history.
RESULTS MAY VARY by Bethany Chase (Ballantine Books)
She never saw it coming. Without even a shiver of suspicion to warn her, art curator Caroline Hammond discovers that her husband is having an affair with a man—a revelation that forces her to question their entire history together, from their early days as high school sweethearts through their ten years as a happily married couple. In her now upside-down world, Caroline begins envisioning her life without the relationship that has defined it: the loneliness of being an “I” instead of a “we”; the rekindled yet tenuous closeness with her younger sister; and the unexpected—and potentially disastrous—attraction she can’t get off her mind. Caroline always thought she knew her own love story, but as her husband’s other secrets emerge, she must decide whether that story’s ending will mean forgiving the man she’s loved for half her life, or facing her future without him.
WHEN WATCHED by Leopoldine Core (Penguin Books)
A sly, provocative, and psychologically astute debut story collection from a 2015 Whiting Award winner. Refreshing, witty, and absolutely close to the heart, Core’s twenty stories, set in and around New York City, have an other-worldly quality along with a deep seriousness—even a moral seriousness. What we know of identity is smashed and in its place, true individuals emerge, each bristling with a unique sexuality, a belief-system all their own. Reminiscent of Jane Bowles, William Burroughs, and Colette, her writing glows with an authenticity that is intoxicating and rare. Dirty and squalid, poetic and pure, Core bravely tunnels straight to the center of human suffering and longing.
GOOD MORNING, MIDNIGHT by Lily Brooks-Dalton (Random House)
Augustine, a brilliant, aging astronomer, is consumed by the stars. For years he has lived in remote outposts, studying the sky for evidence of how the universe began. At his latest posting, in a research center in the Arctic, news of a catastrophic event arrives. At the same time, Mission Specialist Sullivan is aboard the Aether on its return flight from Jupiter. The astronauts are the first human beings to delve this deep into space, and Sully has made peace with the sacrifices required of her. So far the journey has been a success. But when Mission Control falls inexplicably silent, Sully and her crewmates are forced to wonder if they will ever get home. As Augustine and Sully each face an uncertain future against forbidding yet beautiful landscapes, their stories gradually intertwine in a profound and unexpected conclusion.
NONFICTION
MAGICAL JUNGLE by Johanna Basford (Penguin Books)
Follow ink evangelist Johanna Basford down an inky trail through the Magical Jungle and discover a forgotten world of flora and fauna just waiting to be colored in this new coloring book for adults. Through intricate pen and ink illustrations, color-inners of all ages are invited to explore an exotic rainforest teeming with creatures large and small. Encounter speckled tree frogs and dainty hummingbirds, prowling tigers and playful monkeys. Let your imagination run wild in the leafy treetop canopy or find yourself drawn to the delicate world of sensational blossoms and tropical plants below.
KNOWN AND STRANGE THINGS by Teju Cole (Random House Trade Paperbacks)
With this collection of more than fifty pieces on politics, photography, travel, history, and literature, Teju Cole solidifies his place as one of today’s most powerful and original voices. On page after page, deploying prose dense with beauty and ideas, he finds fresh and potent ways to interpret art, people, and historical moments, taking in subjects from Virginia Woolf, Shakespeare, to Instagram and Barack Obama. Cole brings us new considerations of James Baldwin in the age of Black Lives Matter; the African American photographer Roy DeCarava, who, forced to shoot with film calibrated exclusively for white skin tones, found his way to a startling and true depiction of black subjects; and the White Savior Industrial Complex, the system by which African nations are sentimentally aided by an America “developed on pillage.”
TEXTBOOK AMY KROUSE ROSENTHAL by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Dutton)
In the ten years since the publication of her beloved, groundbreaking Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, #1 New York Times bestselling author Amy Krouse Rosenthal has been quietly tinkering away. Using her distinct blend of nonlinear narrative, wistful reflections, and insightful wit, she has created a modest but mighty new work. Not exactly a memoir, not just a collection of observations, TEXTBOOK AMY KROUSE ROSENTHAL is an exploration into the many ways we are connected on this planet and speaks to the awe, bewilderment, and poignancy of being alive.
PATIENT H.M. by Luke Dittrich (Random House)
In 1953, a twenty-seven-year-old factory worker named Henry Molaison—who suffered from severe epilepsy—received a radical new version of the then-common lobotomy, targeting the most mysterious structures in the brain. The operation failed to eliminate Henry’s seizures, but it did have an unintended effect: Henry was left profoundly amnesic, unable to create long-term memories. Over the next sixty years, Patient H.M., as Henry was known, became the most studied individual in the history of neuroscience, a human guinea pig who would teach us much of what we know about memory today. PATIENT H.M. combines the best of biography, memoir, and science journalism to create a haunting, endlessly fascinating story, one that reveals the wondrous and devastating things that can happen when hubris, ambition, and human imperfection collide.
YOUNG READERS
MY FRIEND MAGGIE by Hannah E. Harrison (Dial Books for Young Readers)
MY FRIEND MAGGIE is a sweet and heart-tugging story about bullying, friendship, and fitting in, perfect for readers of STAND TALL, MOLLY LOU MELON. Paula and Maggie have been friends forever. Paula thinks Maggie is the best—until mean girl Veronica says otherwise. Suddenly, Paula starts to notice that Maggie is big and clumsy, and her clothes are sort of snuggish. Rather than sticking up for Maggie, Paula ignores her old friend and plays with Veronica instead. Luckily, when Veronica turns on Paula, Maggie’s true colors shine through.
DR. FELL AND THE PLAYGROUND OF DOOM by David Neilsen (Crown Books for Young Readers)
When the mysterious Dr. Fell moves into the abandoned house that had once been the neighborhood kids’ hangout, he immediately builds a playground to win them over. But as the ever-changing play space becomes bigger and more elaborate, the children and their parents fall deeper under the doctor’s spell. Only Jerry, Nancy, and Gail are immune to the lure of his extravagant wonderland. And they alone notice that when the injuries begin to pile up on the jungle gym, somehow Dr. Fell is able to heal each one with miraculous speed. Now the three children must find a way to uncover the doctor’s secret power without being captivated by his trickery.
THE TROUBLE WITH TWINS by Kathryn Siebel (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Imagine two twin sisters, Arabella and Henrietta—nearly identical yet with nothing in common. They’re the best of friends, until one day they aren’t. Plain and quiet Henrietta has a secret plan to settle the score, and she does something outrageous and she can’t take it back. When the deed is discovered, Henrietta is quickly banished—sent to live with her eccentric great-aunt Priscilla on Chillington Lane, where black cats roam the dark rooms and tonight’s menu is fish-head stew! Suddenly life with pretty, popular Arabella doesn’t seem so awful. And, though she’s been grievously wronged, Arabella longs for her sister, too. So she hatches a plan of her own and embarks on an unexpected journey to reunite with her other half.
10 BUSY BROOMS by Carole Gerber, Illustrated by Michael Fleming (Doubleday Books for Young Readers)
Celebrate Halloween with this bright and adventurous picture book! Fans of ROOM ON THE BROOM will want to fly the night sky with these ten little witches in this fun and festive Halloween counting book! Whether zooming past rattling skeletons, buzzing by pie-stealing mummies, or soaring over a werewolf with bad breath, readers will be cheering for this exciting group of witches and their high-flying Halloween adventures! Plus, play a game of I Spy and find the cat and owl on every page! Announcements: 3 August 2016
Featured Author Event: Julie Barton
On Friday, August 5, Julie Barton will talk about her memoir DOG MEDICINE: How My Dog Saved Me from Myself (Penguin Books) from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the Rare Book Room at Strand Book Store in Manhattan.
One year after she graduated from college, Julie Barton found herself collapsed on her kitchen floor. She was 22 years old, living in Manhattan, and severely depressed. After moving home to expand
Ohio, more dark days followed and Barton plunged into suicidal depression. Therapy wasn’t working, 
the efforts of her psychiatrists and family members weren’t helping either. When Barton decided to adopt a Golden Retriever puppy named Bunker, things finally started to turn around and Barton began the path to recovery. DOG MEDICINE is at once a love story and an illustration of the healing power of animals. Barton transcends the difficult subject matter and provides hope that even troubled minds and hearts can be mended.
Joining Barton for the reading will be New York Therapy Animals, the NYC affiliate of R.E.A.D.® Reading Education Assistance Dogs® children’s literacy program. Come meet Barton, some furry friends, and find out anything you’d like to know about therapy animals. This event is free and open to the public, please RSVP here.
the efforts of her psychiatrists and family members weren’t helping either. When Barton decided to adopt a Golden Retriever puppy named Bunker, things finally started to turn around and Barton began the path to recovery. DOG MEDICINE is at once a love story and an illustration of the healing power of animals. Barton transcends the difficult subject matter and provides hope that even troubled minds and hearts can be mended.
Joining Barton for the reading will be New York Therapy Animals, the NYC affiliate of R.E.A.D.® Reading Education Assistance Dogs® children’s literacy program. Come meet Barton, some furry friends, and find out anything you’d like to know about therapy animals. This event is free and open to the public, please RSVP here. Announcements: 1 August 2016
Random House’s Porscha Burke on Her Favorite Summer Reads and Traditions
Porscha Burke, Publishing Manager, Associate Editor, Random House Publishing Group, shares her perfect summer books, her current reading list, and her favorite summer traditions. During her twelve years at Random House, Ms. Burke has acquired works by Dr. Maya Angelou, Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, and Black Girl Nerds founder Jamie Broadnax. She has also spearheaded new editions of THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOLM X and THE BLACK BOOK. A University of Virginia graduate, she is pursuing an MFA in Creative Nonfiction at Goucher College. Enjoy a glimpse into Porscha’s summer. expand
In your view, what are some of the qualities that characterize the best summer reads?
My perfect summer reads completely consume me – books that make me lose all track of time and physical space. (Of course, some exceptions are books about a place I’m visiting – say reading Naomi Jackson’s THE STAR SIDE OF BIRD HILL while on a beach in the Caribbean, where the reading experience is enhanced by taking in the sights and sounds she describes in the scenery and accents all around me.) My favorite summertime literary adventures trend toward the mysterious and are generally of a perfect length to pack in a suitcase and finish over the course of a long day (or weekend) of waterfront lounging. And given our current incredible sociopolitical landscape, some nonfiction works grappling with issues facing the nation and critical conversations about improving our world and interior lives also make my vacation shortlist.
What books are on your current summer reading list and why were you attracted to them?
My current summer reading list includes books my colleagues have been celebrating since launch and that I’m finally excited to read as they go on sale: THE GIRLS by Emma Cline and WE ARE NOT SUCH THINGS by Justine van der Leun. I’m also enjoying Colson Whitehead’s upcoming novel, THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD – where the celebrated novelist brings his sharp wit and descriptive intensity to the slave plantations and swamps along the path toward freedom in nineteenth-century America. And I am still charged from reading THE FIRE THIS TIME: A New Generation Speaks on Race, edited by Jesmyn Ward and featuring some of my favorite essayists, including Kiese Laymon, Claudia Rankine, and Clint Smith. These powerful writers and thought leaders are pushing the conversation on race out of the ivory tower and think tanks to on-the-ground reckoning and action – an absolute must-read.
What are two of your all-time favorite beach reads and why?
One of my all-time favorite beach reads is Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler, where she transported me into worlds I imagine my ancestors once traveled–the rich jungles of Africa, the unforgiving colonial Americas–and beautifully rendered (using science fiction conceits) the magic and strength they held in their bones that allowed their descendants and their stories to survive. Another favorite? DEFENDING JACOB by William Landay – that crime drama and intense family story was better than watching a riveting episode of Law & Order while sitting (on the edge of my seat) outdoors.
What are your favorite summer vacation destinations and summer traditions?
My favorite summer traditions are watching fireworks with my mom (ice cream cones with sprinkles in our hands) and getting away to a tropical beach with my homegirls (sipping Red Stripes in Jamaica or mai tais in Maui).
What books are on your current summer reading list and why were you attracted to them?
My current summer reading list includes books my colleagues have been celebrating since launch and that I’m finally excited to read as they go on sale: THE GIRLS by Emma Cline and WE ARE NOT SUCH THINGS by Justine van der Leun. I’m also enjoying Colson Whitehead’s upcoming novel, THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD – where the celebrated novelist brings his sharp wit and descriptive intensity to the slave plantations and swamps along the path toward freedom in nineteenth-century America. And I am still charged from reading THE FIRE THIS TIME: A New Generation Speaks on Race, edited by Jesmyn Ward and featuring some of my favorite essayists, including Kiese Laymon, Claudia Rankine, and Clint Smith. These powerful writers and thought leaders are pushing the conversation on race out of the ivory tower and think tanks to on-the-ground reckoning and action – an absolute must-read.
What are two of your all-time favorite beach reads and why?
One of my all-time favorite beach reads is Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler, where she transported me into worlds I imagine my ancestors once traveled–the rich jungles of Africa, the unforgiving colonial Americas–and beautifully rendered (using science fiction conceits) the magic and strength they held in their bones that allowed their descendants and their stories to survive. Another favorite? DEFENDING JACOB by William Landay – that crime drama and intense family story was better than watching a riveting episode of Law & Order while sitting (on the edge of my seat) outdoors.
What are your favorite summer vacation destinations and summer traditions?
My favorite summer traditions are watching fireworks with my mom (ice cream cones with sprinkles in our hands) and getting away to a tropical beach with my homegirls (sipping Red Stripes in Jamaica or mai tais in Maui). Announcements: 1 August 2016
On Sale This Week
Our Igloo feature On Sale This Week previews a selection of Penguin Random House fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young readers books being published each week. The choices are a mix of titles by both bestselling and emerging authors. We hope this serves as a useful reference for hot new reads hitting shelves everywhere. expand
FICTION
BRIGHT, PRECIOUS DAYS by Jay McInerney (Knopf)
Even decades after their arrival, Corrine and Russell Calloway still feel as if they’re living the dream that drew them to New York City in the first place: book parties or art openings, high-society events; jobs they care about; twin children whose birth was truly miraculous; a loft in TriBeCa and summers in the Hamptons. But all of this comes at a fiendish cost. Russell, an independent publisher, has superb cultural credentials yet minimal cash flow. Meanwhile, instead of chasing personal gain in this incredibly wealthy city, Corrine devotes herself to helping feed its hungry poor, and she and her husband soon discover they’re being priced out of the newly fashionable neighborhood they’ve called home for most of their adult lives. Then Corrine’s world is turned upside down when the man with whom she’d had an ill-fated affair in the wake of 9/11 suddenly reappears. As the novel unfolds across a period of stupendous change the Calloways will find themselves and their marriage tested more severely than they could have imagined.
THE SIXTH IDEA by P.J. Tracy (Putnam)
The peaceful Christmas season in Minneapolis is shattered when two friends, Chuck Spencer and Wally Luntz, scheduled to meet in person for the first time, are murdered on the same night, two hours and several miles apart, dramatically concluding winter vacation for homicide detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth. An hour north of Minneapolis, Lydia Ascher comes home to find two dead men in her basement. When Leo and Gino discover her connection to their current cases, they suspect that she is a target, too. Then, after more inexplicable events occur, the detectives dive sixty years into the past to search for answers—and straight to Grace MacBride’s Monkeewrench, a group of eccentric computer geniuses who devote their time and resources to helping the cops solve the unsolvable. What they find is an unimaginable horror—a dormant Armageddon that might be activated at any moment unless Grace and her can find a way to stop it.
SWEET TOMORROWS by Debbie Macomber (Ballantine)
Nine months ago, Mark Taylor abruptly left Cedar Cove on a perilous mission to right a wrong from his past. Though Mark finally confessed his love for her, innkeeper Jo Marie Rose is unsure if he’s ever coming back. Determined to move forward, she begins dating again, and finds companionship when she takes on a boarder who is starting a new chapter herself. Recovering from a twice-broken heart, Emily Gaffney, is staying at the inn while she looks for a home of her own. Having given up on marriage, Emily dreams of adopting children someday. She has her eye on one house in particular—with room for kids. Although Emily’s inquiries about the house are rudely rebuffed, her rocky start with the owner eventually blossoms into a friendship. But when the relationship verges on something more, Emily will have to rethink what she truly wants and the chances she’s willing to take. The inn seems to be working its magic again—Emily opening herself up to love, Jo Marie moving on—until Jo Marie receives shocking news.
HARMONY by Carolyn Parkhurst (Pamela Dorman Books)
How far will a mother go to save her family? The Hammond family is living in DC, where everything seems to be going just fine, until it becomes clear that the oldest daughter, Tilly, is developing abnormally–a mix of off-the-charts genius and social incompetence. Once Tilly–whose condition is deemed undiagnosable–is kicked out of the last school in the area, her mother Alexandra is out of ideas. The family turns to Camp Harmony and the wisdom of child behavior guru Scott Bean for a solution. But what they discover in the woods of New Hampshire will push them to the very limit. Told from the alternating perspectives of both Alexandra and her younger daughter Iris (the book’s Nick Carraway), this is a unputdownable story about the strength of love, the bonds of family, and how you survive the unthinkable.
THE HIKE: A Novel by Drew Magary (Viking)
When Ben, a suburban family man, takes a business trip to rural Pennsylvania, he decides to spend the afternoon before his dinner meeting on a short hike. Once he sets out into the woods behind his hotel, he quickly comes to realize that the path he has chosen cannot be given up easily. With no choice but to move forward, Ben finds himself falling deeper and deeper into a world of man-eating giants, bizarre demons, and colossal insects. On a quest of epic, life-or-death proportions, Ben finds help comes in some of the most unexpected forms, including a profane crustacean and a variety of magical objects, tools, and potions. Desperate to return to his family, Ben is determined to track down the “Producer,” the creator of the world in which he is being held hostage and the only one who can free him from the path. At once bitingly funny and emotionally absorbing, Magary’s novel is a remarkably unique addition to the contemporary fantasy genre, one that draws as easily from the world of classic folk tales as it does from video games.
NONFICTION
AMERICAN HEIRESS by Jeffrey Toobin (Doubleday)
From New Yorker staff writer and bestselling author Jeffrey Toobin, the definitive account of the kidnapping and trial that defined an insane era in American history. The saga of Patty Hearst highlighted a decade in which America seemed to be suffering a collective nervous breakdown. Based on more than a hundred interviews and thousands of previously secret documents, AMERICAN HEIRESS thrillingly recounts the craziness of the times (there were an average of 1,500 terrorist bombings a year in the early 1970s). Toobin portrays the lunacy of the half-baked radicals of the SLA and the toxic mix of sex, politics, and violence that swept up Patty Hearst and re-creates her melodramatic trial. AMERICAN HEIRESS examines the life of a young woman who suffered an unimaginable trauma and then made the stunning decision to join her captors’ crusade. Or did she?
I’M SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU FROM ALL THIS by Nadja Spiegelman (Riverhead Books)
For a long time, Nadja Spiegelman believed her mother was a fairy. More than her famous father, Maus creator Art Spiegelman, her mother—Françoise Mouly—exerted a force over reality that was both dazzling and daunting. As Nadja’s body changed and “began to whisper to the adults around me in a language I did not understand,” their relationship grew tense. Unwittingly, they were replaying a drama from her mother’s past, a drama Nadja sensed but had never been told. Then, after college, her mother suddenly opened up to her. Françoise recounted her turbulent adolescence caught between a volatile mother and a playboy father. The weight of the difficult stories she told her daughter shifted the balance between them. Nadja made moved to Paris determined to get to know the woman her mother had fled. Her grandmother’s memories contradicted her mother’s at nearly every turn, but beneath them lay a difficult history of her own. Nadja emerged with a deeper understanding of how each generation reshapes the past in order to forge ahead. Every reader will recognize herself and her family in this memoir, which helps us to see why sometimes those who love us best hurt us most.
THE ACCIDENTAL LIFE by Terry McDonell (Knopf)
You might not know Terry McDonell, but you certainly know his work. Among the magazines he has top-edited: Outside, Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated. In this revealing memoir, McDonell talks about what really happens when editors and writers work with deadlines ticking (or drinks on the bar). His stories about the people and personalities he’s known are both heartbreaking and bitingly funny—playing “acid golf” with Hunter S. Thompson, practicing brinksmanship with David Carr and Steve Jobs, working the European fashion scene with Liz Tilberis, pitching TV pilots with Richard Price. Here, too, is an expert’s practical advice on how to recruit—and keep—high-profile talent; what makes a compelling lede; how to grow online traffic that translates into dollars; and how, in whatever format, on whatever platform, a good editor really works, and what it takes to write well.
NAVIGATING LIFE by Margaux Bergen (Penguin Press)
You learn a few useful things at school–the three Rs come in handy, and it’s good to know how to perform under pressure and wait your turn–but most of what matters, what makes you into a functioning human being, able to hold your own in conversation, find your path, know what to avoid in relationships and secure a meaningful job, no teacher will ever tell you. This diamond-sharp, gut-punchingly honest book of hard-earned wisdom is one mother’s effort to equip her daughter for survival in the real world. Wise, heartbreakingly funny, and resonantly true,NAVIGATING LIFE has invaluable lessons for students of life of all ages. It will challenge you to lead a more meaningful life and to tackle the bumps along the way with grace, grit, style, and ingenuity
LAND OF ENCHANTMENT by Leigh Stein (Plume)
When Leigh Stein received a call from an unknown number in July 2011, she let it go to voice mail, assuming it would be her ex-boyfriend Jason. Instead, the call was from his brother: Jason had been killed in a motorcycle accident. He was twenty-three years old. She had seen him alive just a few weeks earlier. Leigh first met Jason at an audition for a tragic play. He was nineteen and troubled and intensely magnetic, a dead ringer for James Dean. Within months, they had fallen in love and moved to New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” a place neither of them had ever been. But what was supposed to be a romantic adventure quickly turned sinister, as Jason’s behavior went from playful and spontaneous to controlling and erratic, eventually escalating to violence. Now New Mexico was marked by isolation and the anxiety of how to leave a man she both loved and feared. Even once Leigh moved on to New York, throwing herself into her work, Jason and their time together haunted her. LAND OF ENCHANTMENT lyrically explores the complexity of why the person hurting you the most can be impossible to leave.
POETRY
COLLECTED POEMS by Marie Ponsot (Knopf)
Marie Ponsot’s COLLECTED POEMS is the stunning lifework of the prizewinning poet, gathered in one volume: the world she has made of life’s fire for sixty years. The present celebratory volume covers nearly all of her published work, from True Minds (1956), which was number five in the famous City Lights Pocket Poets series, through the 2009 EASY, her most recent collection; it also includes some new work, written in the years since. Here is the lyrical joy, the full range of Ponsot’s gift for constructing the pleasures and pains of a riddle that the music and wit of her language solve just in the nick of time, in the “hand-span skill” that is the poem. In examining the powerful life of women, her poetry is as practical as it is profound.
YOUNG READERS
FIVE CHILDREN ON THE WESTERN FRONT by Kate Saunders (Delacorte Books for Young Readers)
The sand fairy, also known as the Psammead, is merely a creature from stories Lamb and Edith have heard their older brothers and sisters tell . . . until he suddenly reappears. Lamb and Edith are pleased to have something to take their minds off the war, but this time the Psammead’s magic might have a serious purpose. Before their adventure ends, all will be changed, and the Lamb and Edith will have seen the Great War from every possible viewpoint—that of factory workers, soldiers and sailors, and nurses. But most of all, the war’s impact will be felt by those left behind, at the very heart of their family.
THE BOYS IN THE BOAT (YOUNG READERS ADAPTATION) by Daniel James Brown (Puffin)
The #1 New York Times bestseller freshly adapted for the next generation, now with brand new content including an author Q&A and never-before-seen photographs. Out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler. At the center of the tale is Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, whose personal quest captures the spirit of his generation—the generation that would prove in the coming years that the Nazis could not prevail over American determination and optimism.
A MOST MAGICAL GIRL by Karen Foxlee (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Annabel Grey is primed for a proper life as a young lady in Victorian England. But when her mother suddenly disappears, she’s put in the care of two eccentric aunts who thrust her into a decidedly un-ladylike life, full of potions and flying broomsticks and wizards who eat nothing but crackers. Magic, indeed! Who ever heard of such a thing? Before Annabel can assess the most ladylike way to respond to her current predicament, she is swept up in an urgent quest. Annabel is pitted against another young witch, Kitty, to rescue the sacred Moreover Wand from the dangerous underworld that exists beneath London. The two girls outsmart trolls, find passage through a wall of faerie bones, and narrowly escape a dragon, but it doesn’t take long for Annabel to see that the most dangerous part of her journey is her decision to trust this wild, magical girl.
LEGO CITY: Build Your Own Adventure (DK Children’s Books)
A book with bricks that inspires kids to build, play, and learn, LEGO CITY: Build Your Own Adventure combines more than 50 inspirational ideas for building with enthralling story starters from the world of LEGO City. Organized into five chapters structured around different environments from the city world, readers will use their builds to aid a sunken boat in the city’s marina and help control a forest fire in a nearby park. Model ideas will inspire readers of various ages and abilities, with an appropriate mix of easy, medium, and harder models. LEGO CITY: Build Your Own Adventure will get kids inspired to build and play out adventures of their own, and comes with bricks and instructions to build an exclusive LEGO City model to add to their collection.
THE IMAGINATION BOX by Martyn Ford (Delacorte Press)
What if everything you imagined could become real? It all starts when Professor Eisenstone, scientist and inventor, creates a box that’s supposed to turn whatever you imagine into reality. There’s only one problem: he can’t get it to work. Until Tim shows up. An orphan with an especially keen imagination, Tim brings to life Phil, an eloquent finger monkey with a dry sense of humor. Tim and Professor Eisenstone work in secret to make the box more powerful. But when Eisenstone is kidnapped along with his contraption, Tim, Phil, and the professor’s granddaughter, Dee, must find the criminals before they use the box to turn their imagined evil into something all too real. Creating a miniature monkey is all well and good. But in order to rescue his friend, Tim will have to face his darkest fears and unleash the true potential of his own mind.
BRIGHT, PRECIOUS DAYS by Jay McInerney (Knopf)
Even decades after their arrival, Corrine and Russell Calloway still feel as if they’re living the dream that drew them to New York City in the first place: book parties or art openings, high-society events; jobs they care about; twin children whose birth was truly miraculous; a loft in TriBeCa and summers in the Hamptons. But all of this comes at a fiendish cost. Russell, an independent publisher, has superb cultural credentials yet minimal cash flow. Meanwhile, instead of chasing personal gain in this incredibly wealthy city, Corrine devotes herself to helping feed its hungry poor, and she and her husband soon discover they’re being priced out of the newly fashionable neighborhood they’ve called home for most of their adult lives. Then Corrine’s world is turned upside down when the man with whom she’d had an ill-fated affair in the wake of 9/11 suddenly reappears. As the novel unfolds across a period of stupendous change the Calloways will find themselves and their marriage tested more severely than they could have imagined.
THE SIXTH IDEA by P.J. Tracy (Putnam)
The peaceful Christmas season in Minneapolis is shattered when two friends, Chuck Spencer and Wally Luntz, scheduled to meet in person for the first time, are murdered on the same night, two hours and several miles apart, dramatically concluding winter vacation for homicide detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth. An hour north of Minneapolis, Lydia Ascher comes home to find two dead men in her basement. When Leo and Gino discover her connection to their current cases, they suspect that she is a target, too. Then, after more inexplicable events occur, the detectives dive sixty years into the past to search for answers—and straight to Grace MacBride’s Monkeewrench, a group of eccentric computer geniuses who devote their time and resources to helping the cops solve the unsolvable. What they find is an unimaginable horror—a dormant Armageddon that might be activated at any moment unless Grace and her can find a way to stop it.
SWEET TOMORROWS by Debbie Macomber (Ballantine)
Nine months ago, Mark Taylor abruptly left Cedar Cove on a perilous mission to right a wrong from his past. Though Mark finally confessed his love for her, innkeeper Jo Marie Rose is unsure if he’s ever coming back. Determined to move forward, she begins dating again, and finds companionship when she takes on a boarder who is starting a new chapter herself. Recovering from a twice-broken heart, Emily Gaffney, is staying at the inn while she looks for a home of her own. Having given up on marriage, Emily dreams of adopting children someday. She has her eye on one house in particular—with room for kids. Although Emily’s inquiries about the house are rudely rebuffed, her rocky start with the owner eventually blossoms into a friendship. But when the relationship verges on something more, Emily will have to rethink what she truly wants and the chances she’s willing to take. The inn seems to be working its magic again—Emily opening herself up to love, Jo Marie moving on—until Jo Marie receives shocking news.
HARMONY by Carolyn Parkhurst (Pamela Dorman Books)
How far will a mother go to save her family? The Hammond family is living in DC, where everything seems to be going just fine, until it becomes clear that the oldest daughter, Tilly, is developing abnormally–a mix of off-the-charts genius and social incompetence. Once Tilly–whose condition is deemed undiagnosable–is kicked out of the last school in the area, her mother Alexandra is out of ideas. The family turns to Camp Harmony and the wisdom of child behavior guru Scott Bean for a solution. But what they discover in the woods of New Hampshire will push them to the very limit. Told from the alternating perspectives of both Alexandra and her younger daughter Iris (the book’s Nick Carraway), this is a unputdownable story about the strength of love, the bonds of family, and how you survive the unthinkable.
THE HIKE: A Novel by Drew Magary (Viking)
When Ben, a suburban family man, takes a business trip to rural Pennsylvania, he decides to spend the afternoon before his dinner meeting on a short hike. Once he sets out into the woods behind his hotel, he quickly comes to realize that the path he has chosen cannot be given up easily. With no choice but to move forward, Ben finds himself falling deeper and deeper into a world of man-eating giants, bizarre demons, and colossal insects. On a quest of epic, life-or-death proportions, Ben finds help comes in some of the most unexpected forms, including a profane crustacean and a variety of magical objects, tools, and potions. Desperate to return to his family, Ben is determined to track down the “Producer,” the creator of the world in which he is being held hostage and the only one who can free him from the path. At once bitingly funny and emotionally absorbing, Magary’s novel is a remarkably unique addition to the contemporary fantasy genre, one that draws as easily from the world of classic folk tales as it does from video games.
NONFICTION
AMERICAN HEIRESS by Jeffrey Toobin (Doubleday)
From New Yorker staff writer and bestselling author Jeffrey Toobin, the definitive account of the kidnapping and trial that defined an insane era in American history. The saga of Patty Hearst highlighted a decade in which America seemed to be suffering a collective nervous breakdown. Based on more than a hundred interviews and thousands of previously secret documents, AMERICAN HEIRESS thrillingly recounts the craziness of the times (there were an average of 1,500 terrorist bombings a year in the early 1970s). Toobin portrays the lunacy of the half-baked radicals of the SLA and the toxic mix of sex, politics, and violence that swept up Patty Hearst and re-creates her melodramatic trial. AMERICAN HEIRESS examines the life of a young woman who suffered an unimaginable trauma and then made the stunning decision to join her captors’ crusade. Or did she?
I’M SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU FROM ALL THIS by Nadja Spiegelman (Riverhead Books)
For a long time, Nadja Spiegelman believed her mother was a fairy. More than her famous father, Maus creator Art Spiegelman, her mother—Françoise Mouly—exerted a force over reality that was both dazzling and daunting. As Nadja’s body changed and “began to whisper to the adults around me in a language I did not understand,” their relationship grew tense. Unwittingly, they were replaying a drama from her mother’s past, a drama Nadja sensed but had never been told. Then, after college, her mother suddenly opened up to her. Françoise recounted her turbulent adolescence caught between a volatile mother and a playboy father. The weight of the difficult stories she told her daughter shifted the balance between them. Nadja made moved to Paris determined to get to know the woman her mother had fled. Her grandmother’s memories contradicted her mother’s at nearly every turn, but beneath them lay a difficult history of her own. Nadja emerged with a deeper understanding of how each generation reshapes the past in order to forge ahead. Every reader will recognize herself and her family in this memoir, which helps us to see why sometimes those who love us best hurt us most.
THE ACCIDENTAL LIFE by Terry McDonell (Knopf)
You might not know Terry McDonell, but you certainly know his work. Among the magazines he has top-edited: Outside, Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated. In this revealing memoir, McDonell talks about what really happens when editors and writers work with deadlines ticking (or drinks on the bar). His stories about the people and personalities he’s known are both heartbreaking and bitingly funny—playing “acid golf” with Hunter S. Thompson, practicing brinksmanship with David Carr and Steve Jobs, working the European fashion scene with Liz Tilberis, pitching TV pilots with Richard Price. Here, too, is an expert’s practical advice on how to recruit—and keep—high-profile talent; what makes a compelling lede; how to grow online traffic that translates into dollars; and how, in whatever format, on whatever platform, a good editor really works, and what it takes to write well.
NAVIGATING LIFE by Margaux Bergen (Penguin Press)
You learn a few useful things at school–the three Rs come in handy, and it’s good to know how to perform under pressure and wait your turn–but most of what matters, what makes you into a functioning human being, able to hold your own in conversation, find your path, know what to avoid in relationships and secure a meaningful job, no teacher will ever tell you. This diamond-sharp, gut-punchingly honest book of hard-earned wisdom is one mother’s effort to equip her daughter for survival in the real world. Wise, heartbreakingly funny, and resonantly true,NAVIGATING LIFE has invaluable lessons for students of life of all ages. It will challenge you to lead a more meaningful life and to tackle the bumps along the way with grace, grit, style, and ingenuity
LAND OF ENCHANTMENT by Leigh Stein (Plume)
When Leigh Stein received a call from an unknown number in July 2011, she let it go to voice mail, assuming it would be her ex-boyfriend Jason. Instead, the call was from his brother: Jason had been killed in a motorcycle accident. He was twenty-three years old. She had seen him alive just a few weeks earlier. Leigh first met Jason at an audition for a tragic play. He was nineteen and troubled and intensely magnetic, a dead ringer for James Dean. Within months, they had fallen in love and moved to New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” a place neither of them had ever been. But what was supposed to be a romantic adventure quickly turned sinister, as Jason’s behavior went from playful and spontaneous to controlling and erratic, eventually escalating to violence. Now New Mexico was marked by isolation and the anxiety of how to leave a man she both loved and feared. Even once Leigh moved on to New York, throwing herself into her work, Jason and their time together haunted her. LAND OF ENCHANTMENT lyrically explores the complexity of why the person hurting you the most can be impossible to leave.
POETRY
COLLECTED POEMS by Marie Ponsot (Knopf)
Marie Ponsot’s COLLECTED POEMS is the stunning lifework of the prizewinning poet, gathered in one volume: the world she has made of life’s fire for sixty years. The present celebratory volume covers nearly all of her published work, from True Minds (1956), which was number five in the famous City Lights Pocket Poets series, through the 2009 EASY, her most recent collection; it also includes some new work, written in the years since. Here is the lyrical joy, the full range of Ponsot’s gift for constructing the pleasures and pains of a riddle that the music and wit of her language solve just in the nick of time, in the “hand-span skill” that is the poem. In examining the powerful life of women, her poetry is as practical as it is profound.
YOUNG READERS
FIVE CHILDREN ON THE WESTERN FRONT by Kate Saunders (Delacorte Books for Young Readers)
The sand fairy, also known as the Psammead, is merely a creature from stories Lamb and Edith have heard their older brothers and sisters tell . . . until he suddenly reappears. Lamb and Edith are pleased to have something to take their minds off the war, but this time the Psammead’s magic might have a serious purpose. Before their adventure ends, all will be changed, and the Lamb and Edith will have seen the Great War from every possible viewpoint—that of factory workers, soldiers and sailors, and nurses. But most of all, the war’s impact will be felt by those left behind, at the very heart of their family.
THE BOYS IN THE BOAT (YOUNG READERS ADAPTATION) by Daniel James Brown (Puffin)
The #1 New York Times bestseller freshly adapted for the next generation, now with brand new content including an author Q&A and never-before-seen photographs. Out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler. At the center of the tale is Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, whose personal quest captures the spirit of his generation—the generation that would prove in the coming years that the Nazis could not prevail over American determination and optimism.
A MOST MAGICAL GIRL by Karen Foxlee (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Annabel Grey is primed for a proper life as a young lady in Victorian England. But when her mother suddenly disappears, she’s put in the care of two eccentric aunts who thrust her into a decidedly un-ladylike life, full of potions and flying broomsticks and wizards who eat nothing but crackers. Magic, indeed! Who ever heard of such a thing? Before Annabel can assess the most ladylike way to respond to her current predicament, she is swept up in an urgent quest. Annabel is pitted against another young witch, Kitty, to rescue the sacred Moreover Wand from the dangerous underworld that exists beneath London. The two girls outsmart trolls, find passage through a wall of faerie bones, and narrowly escape a dragon, but it doesn’t take long for Annabel to see that the most dangerous part of her journey is her decision to trust this wild, magical girl.
LEGO CITY: Build Your Own Adventure (DK Children’s Books)
A book with bricks that inspires kids to build, play, and learn, LEGO CITY: Build Your Own Adventure combines more than 50 inspirational ideas for building with enthralling story starters from the world of LEGO City. Organized into five chapters structured around different environments from the city world, readers will use their builds to aid a sunken boat in the city’s marina and help control a forest fire in a nearby park. Model ideas will inspire readers of various ages and abilities, with an appropriate mix of easy, medium, and harder models. LEGO CITY: Build Your Own Adventure will get kids inspired to build and play out adventures of their own, and comes with bricks and instructions to build an exclusive LEGO City model to add to their collection.
THE IMAGINATION BOX by Martyn Ford (Delacorte Press)
What if everything you imagined could become real? It all starts when Professor Eisenstone, scientist and inventor, creates a box that’s supposed to turn whatever you imagine into reality. There’s only one problem: he can’t get it to work. Until Tim shows up. An orphan with an especially keen imagination, Tim brings to life Phil, an eloquent finger monkey with a dry sense of humor. Tim and Professor Eisenstone work in secret to make the box more powerful. But when Eisenstone is kidnapped along with his contraption, Tim, Phil, and the professor’s granddaughter, Dee, must find the criminals before they use the box to turn their imagined evil into something all too real. Creating a miniature monkey is all well and good. But in order to rescue his friend, Tim will have to face his darkest fears and unleash the true potential of his own mind. Announcements: 28 July 2016
#FridayReads: Favorite Last Lines
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
It was inevitable: the scent of bitter almonds always reminded him of the fate of unrequited love.
Call me Ishmael.
expand
The right opening line can make the hairs on the back of your head stand up. They are quoted, stitched into samplers, made into posters. Immortal.
Just as bewitching though, is the right last line. If the opener entices us, and gives us a sense of the bounty to come, then the closer is the final thought that will linger, long after we close the book. Many are strong enough to make us turn right back to page one, then and there. Here are 20 of our favorite last lines in literature. We hope they beckon you as they do us.
FEATURED TITLES
MY ANTONIA by Willa Cather
“Whatever we had missed, we possessed together the precious, the incommunicable past.”
WHITE NOISE by Don Delillo
“Everything we need that is not food or love is here in the tabloid racks. The tales of the supernatural and the extraterrestrial. The miracle vitamins, the cures for cancer, the remedies for obesity. The cults of the famous and the dead.”
ATONEMENT by Ian McEwan
“But now I must sleep.”
THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak
“LAST NOTE FROM YOUR NARRATOR. I am haunted by humans”
ON THE ROAD by Jack Kerouac
“So in America when the sun goes down and I sit on the old broken-down river pier watching the long, long skies over New Jersey and sense all that raw land that rolls in one unbelievable huge bulge over to the West Coast, and all that road going, all the people dreaming in the immensity of it, and in Iowa I know by now the children must be crying in the land where they let the children cry, and tonight the stars will be out, and don’t you know that God is Pooh Bear? The evening star must be drooping and shedding her sparkler dims on the prairie, which is just before the coming of complete night that blesses the earth, darkens all rivers, cups the peaks and folds the final shore in, and nobody, nobody knows what’s going to happen to anybody besides the forlorn rags of growing old, I think of Dean Moriarty, I even think of Old Dean Moriarty the father we never found, I think of Dean Moriarty.”
A VISIT FROM THE GOON SQUAD by Jennifer Egan
“A sound of clicking heels on the pavement punctured the quiet. Alex snapped open his eyes, and he and Bennie both turned-whirled, really, peering for Sasha in the ashy dark. But it was another girl, young and new to the city, fiddling with her keys.”
C by Tom McCarthy
“The wake itself remains, etched out across the water’s surface; then it fades as well, although no one is there to see it go”
CANDIDE by Voltaire
“’Excellently observed,’ answered Candide; ‘but we must cultivate our garden.’”
THE WIND-UP BIRD CHRONICLE by Haruki Murakami
“In a place far away from anyone or anywhere, I drifted off for a moment.”
IF ON A WINTER’S NIGHT A TRAVELER by Italo Calvino
“And you say, ‘Just a moment, I’ve almost finished If on a winter’s night a traveler by Italo Calvino.’”
THE END OF THE AFFAIR by Graham Greene
“I wrote at the start that this was a record of hate, and walking there beside Henry towards the evening glass of beer, I found the one prayer that seemed to serve the winter mood: O God, You’ve done enough, You’ve robbed me of enough, I’m too tired and old to learn to love, leave me alone forever.”"I wrote at the start that this was a record of hate, and walking there beside Henry towards the evening glass of beer, I found the one prayer that seemed to serve the winter mood: O God, You’ve done enough, You’ve robbed me of enough, I’m too tired and old to learn to love, leave me alone forever.”
THE HANDMAID’S TALE by Margaret Atwood
“Are there any questions?”
THE AWAKENING by Kate Chopin
“There was the hum of bees, and the musky odor of pinks filled the air.
ULYSSES by James Joyce
“I was a Flower of the mountain yes when I put the rose in my hair like the Andalusian girls used or shall I wear a red yes and how he kissed me under the Moorish wall and I thought well as well him as another… then he asked me would I yes to say yes my mountain flower and first I put my arms around him yes and drew him down to me so he could feel my breasts all perfume yes and his heart was going like mad and yes I said yes I will Yes.”
INVISIBLE MAN by Ralph Ellison
“Who knows but on the lower frequencies, may I speak for you?”
PETER PAN by J.M. Barrie
“When Margaret grows up she will have a daughter, who is to be Peter’s mother in turn; and thus it will go on, so long as children are gay and innocent and heartless.”
LOLITA by Vladimir Nabokov
“I am thinking of aurochs and angels, the secret of durable pigments, prophetic
sonnets, the refuge of art. And this is the only immortality you and I may share, my Lolita.”
MIDDLEMARCH by George Eliot
“But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.”
THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN by Mark Twain
“But I reckon I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she’s going to adopt me and sivilize me and I can’t stand it. I been there before.”
TO THE LIGHTHOUSE by Virginia Woolf
“Yes, she thought, laying down her brush in extreme fatigue, I have had my vision.”
For more on these titles visit the collection: Favorite Last Lines
Announcements: 27 July 2016
There’s a Book for That: Vice Presidents
Have you been immersed in Republican and Democratic National Convention coverage? What are your thoughts about the Presidential nominees’ picks for Vice President? Do you understand the role of Vice President? Well, we’ve nominated the following titles to elucidate the position. These are standout books by and about former Vice Presidents – some of whom ascended to be Presidents and others who did not. expand
FEATURED TITLES
THE AMERICAN VICE PRESIDENCY: FROM IRRELEVANCE TO POWER by Jules Witcover
This all-inclusive examination of the vice presidency throughout American history, by acclaimed political journalist and author Jules Witcover, chronicles each of the 47 vice presidents, including their personal biographies and their achievements—or lack thereof—during their vice presidential tenures.
WRITE IT WHEN I’M GONE: REMARKABLE OFF-THE-RECORD CONVERSATIONS WITH GERALD R. FORD by Thomas M. DeFrank
In 1974, Newsweek correspondent Thomas M. DeFrank was interviewing Gerald Ford when the Vice President blurted out something astonishingly indiscreet. He then extracted a promise not to publish it. “Write it when I’m dead” Ford said, and thus began a thirty-two-year relationship.
DESTINY AND POWER: THE AMERICAN ODYSSEY OF GEORGE HERBERT WALKER BUSH by Jon Meacham
From Pulitzer Prize winner Jon Meacham comes a brilliant biography of George H.W. Bush based on rigorous research, hours of private interviews with Bush, and exclusive access to his diaries
THE PASSAGE OF POWER: THE YEARS OF LYNDON JOHNSON by Robert A. Caro
Winner of The National Book Critics Circle Award and The Los Angeles Times Book Prize among others, Caro’s unparalleled account of the battle between Johnson and John Kennedy for the 1960 presidential nomination, of the machinations behind Kennedy’s decision to offer Johnson the vice presidency, and of Johnson’s powerlessness and humiliation in that role.
DAYS OF FIRE: BUSH AND CHENEY IN THE WHITE HOUSE by Peter Baker
Theirs was the most captivating American political partnership since Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger: a bold and untested president and his seasoned, relentless vice president. Confronted by one crisis after another, they struggled to protect the country, remake the world, and define their own relationship along the way.
THE ASSAULT ON REASON by Al Gore
Nobel Peace Prize winner, bestselling author, activist, and former Vice President, Al Gore has become one of the most respected and influential public intellectuals in America today. In THE ASSAULT ON REASON he offers a visionary analysis of the degradation of our public sphere and its consequences for our democracy.
THE RISE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT by Edmund Morris
Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best nonfiction books of all time and
described by the Chicago Tribune as “a classic,” THE RISE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT stands as one of the greatest biographies of our time.
BEING NIXON: A MAN DIVIDED by Evan Thomas
Beginning with Nixon’s painful and awkward stage debut, the narrative is fast-paced and colorful—not another heavy and ponderous presidential biography but a detailed, dramatic, and perceptive character study that carefully examines both the good and bad sides of Richard Nixon.
For more on these and related titles visit the edelweiss collection: Vice Presidents Announcements: 27 July 2016
Our Man Booker Prize Longlist Selections
This year’s longlist of semi-finalists for London-originated The Man Booker Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious literary fiction honors, has been announced, and among its thirteen entries are several authors whose latest books are published by Penguin Random House U.S. and Canada imprints: expand
THE SCHOOLDAYS OF JESUS by J.M. Coetzee (Viking, 2/17, in the U.S./ Harvill Secker, 10/16, in Canada)
EILEEN by Otessa Moshfegh (Penguin Press)
MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON by Elizabeth Strout (Random House; Random House Audio)
Penguin Random House Canada also publishes these two semi-finalists:
ALL THAT MAN IS by David Szalay (McClelland & Stewart)
DO NOT SAY WE HAVE NOTHING by Madeleine Thien (Knopf Canada)
Penguin Random House UK imprints publish the following 2016 longlisters:
SERIOUS SWEET by A.L. Kennedy (Jonathan Cape)
HOT MILK by Deborah Levy (Hamish Hamilton)
EILEEN by Otessa Moshfegh (Jonathan Cape)
MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON by Elizabeth Strout (Viking UK)
ALL THAT MAN IS by David Szalay (Jonathan Cape)
Warm congratulations to all of our longlisted authors and their publishers.
View the complete longlist for the Man Booker Prize here.
On September 13, the Man Booker shortlist of six books will be announced. The 2016 prize winner will then be revealed on October 25 in London’s Guildhall at a black-tie dinner.
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction, first awarded in 1969, is open to writers of any nationality, writing originally in English and published in the UK. The rules of the prize were changed at the end of 2013 to embrace the English language “in all its vigor, its vitality, its versatility and its glory,” opening the competition up to writers beyond the UK and Commonwealth.
SERIOUS SWEET by A.L. Kennedy (Jonathan Cape)
HOT MILK by Deborah Levy (Hamish Hamilton)
EILEEN by Otessa Moshfegh (Jonathan Cape)
MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON by Elizabeth Strout (Viking UK)
ALL THAT MAN IS by David Szalay (Jonathan Cape)
Warm congratulations to all of our longlisted authors and their publishers.
View the complete longlist for the Man Booker Prize here.
On September 13, the Man Booker shortlist of six books will be announced. The 2016 prize winner will then be revealed on October 25 in London’s Guildhall at a black-tie dinner.
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction, first awarded in 1969, is open to writers of any nationality, writing originally in English and published in the UK. The rules of the prize were changed at the end of 2013 to embrace the English language “in all its vigor, its vitality, its versatility and its glory,” opening the competition up to writers beyond the UK and Commonwealth. Announcements: 27 July 2016
AMERICAN HEIRESS: Inside Patty Hearst’s Wild ‘70s Saga
This week’s Igloo Book Buzz title, AMERICAN HEIRESS: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes, and Trial of Patty Hearst by Jeffrey Toobin, takes readers on an unforgettable rollercoaster ride. Responding to the buzz surrounding his new book, which is being published by Doubleday on Tuesday, August 2, Mr. Toobin says, “Hearst’s story is an extraordinary window into a wild era: the poisonous, toxic ‘70s, when the idealism of the ‘60s yielded, for many, to an angry, anarchic rage. The kidnapping and its aftermath comes out of that madness. expand
Announcements: 26 July 2016
The Cat in the Hat Launches Presidential Campaign. Cast Your Vote!
Dr. Seuss’s beloved character the Cat in the Hat has declared his candidacy for president of the United States in the 2016 election, as the one and only Kids’ Candidate, with Thing 1 and Thing 2 as his running mates, it was jointly announced by Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books. A special campaign rally is taking place July 26th on the steps of the childhood home of Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) in Springfield, MA, at 74 Fairfield Street. Watch the Cat in the Hat’s official campaign video: expand
During his presidential run, the Cat in the Hat will represent all that Dr. Seuss believed about children—that they have the intellect, imagination, and power to impact our world positively, while also having fun. The announcement of the Cat in the Hat for President campaign arrives with the release of a new book in The Cat in the Hat Learning Library, ONE VOTE, TWO VOTES, I VOTE, YOU VOTE, on sale Tuesday (7/26) from Random House Books for Young Readers. In the latest addition to this collection of nonfiction books for beginning readers, the Cat in the Hat uses simple rhyme to introduce early readers to the concept and practice of voting, with a focus on the American presidency. Readers learn the basic principles of democracy, how political parties are made, why Election Day is held in early November, and much, much more.
Choose a Cause and Cast Your Vote Beginning July 26!
As the Kids’ Candidate, the Cat in the Hat will show kids that every vote counts, and every voice matters! Votes can be cast for the Cat in the Hat to work with one of his supporters and their selected cause. Each cause is linked to a related organization, and together Random House Children’s Books and Dr. Seuss Enterprises will make a $10,000 donation to the winning charity. Children can cast their vote for their preferred cause online by visiting CatInHat4Prez.com. Voting will run from July 26 through November 8, 2016, and the winning charity will be announced on December 1, 2016. The ballot includes the opportunity for kids to:
Vote for Reading and Education to support First Book, with Dick and Sally from THE CAT IN THE HAT!
- Vote for Ocean Conservation to support Oceana, with Red Fish and Blue Fish from ONE FISH TWO FISH RED FISH BLUE FISH!
- Vote for the Environment to support Conservation International, with the LORAX!
- Vote for Fighting Hunger to support Feed the Children, with Sam-I-Am! From GREEN EGGS AND HAM!
- Vote for Kindness for All to support Pacer, with Horton from HORTON HEARS A WHO!
Announcements: 25 July 2016
Featured Author Event: C.A. Higgins
On Thursday (7/28), author C.A. Higgins will celebrate the launch of the second book in her Lightless trilogy, SUPERNOVA (Del Rey). Higgins will discuss the new novel with her Penguin Random House editor and friend Tricia Narwani at BookCourt in Brooklyn at 7:00 pm.
Higgins’ debut novel LIGHTLESS was named expand
one of the best books of 2015 by both Buzzfeed and Kirkus Reviews. The acclaimed first book in the trilogy introduced readers to a blend of science fiction and the elements of a psychological thriller. While pursuing a BA in physics at Cornell University and pondering the death of the universe, Higgins came up with the idea that ultimately inspired LIGHTLESS. In the trilogy’s second installment, SUPERNOVA, the story picks up where it left off in LIGHTLESS, further expanding on the suspenseful plot and unique characters as well as the relationship between technology and humanity.
At the launch party, Higgins will read from SUPERNOVA, sign copies for guests, and will participate in an audience Q&A session. Announcements: 22 July 2016
#FridayReads: The Dog Days of Summer
We’ve entered the Dog Days of Summer, a phrase which – according to the Merriam-Webster Idioms Dictionary – refers to “hot, sultry summer weather; also, a period of stagnation…the period between early July and early September, when Sirius, the so-called Dog Star, rises and sets with the sun.” In this spirit, we’ve collected some of our favorite dog books to train or laze about with… expand
Announcements: 21 July 2016
Featured Author Event: Ina Yalof
Author Ina Yalof will be signing copies of her new book FOOD AND THE CITY (G.P. Putnam’s Sons) on Sunday (7/24) at Brooklyn Brewery’s pop-up event at Vendy Plaza at La Marqueta. From 2:00 to 4:00 pm, come by and get your book signed and sample some delicious pairings of food and beer from Brooklyn Brewery. expand
In FOOD AND THE CITY, Ina Yalof takes us inside New York City’s bustling food world through the people that make it all happen. Chefs, street vendors, waiters, and restauranteurs all lend their 
voices to this behind-the-scenes look at the city’s unparalleled foodie culture. Having previously written about medicine, science, religion, and happiness, Yalof changed gears and dove into the stories of those who call the city’s food scene their home and discovered why they’ve dedicated their lives to the culinary industry. Each unique story sheds light on the hardship, passion, and determination required to bring the diverse food landscape to life and what it really takes to succeed.
Every Sunday from 12 noon to 6:00 pm, Vendy Plaza brings together Vendy Award finalists and emerging food vendors to East Harlem’s La Marqueta. Vendy Plaza has everything you need for “Sunday funday,” with live music, a beer garden, and plenty of food to try. This Sunday, Brooklyn Brewery is making its way to Vendy Plaza with a pop-up featuring beer paired with dishes, food cooked with beer, and samples of rare Brooklyn offerings. The Vendy Plaza outdoor market series is free and open to the public.
voices to this behind-the-scenes look at the city’s unparalleled foodie culture. Having previously written about medicine, science, religion, and happiness, Yalof changed gears and dove into the stories of those who call the city’s food scene their home and discovered why they’ve dedicated their lives to the culinary industry. Each unique story sheds light on the hardship, passion, and determination required to bring the diverse food landscape to life and what it really takes to succeed.
Every Sunday from 12 noon to 6:00 pm, Vendy Plaza brings together Vendy Award finalists and emerging food vendors to East Harlem’s La Marqueta. Vendy Plaza has everything you need for “Sunday funday,” with live music, a beer garden, and plenty of food to try. This Sunday, Brooklyn Brewery is making its way to Vendy Plaza with a pop-up featuring beer paired with dishes, food cooked with beer, and samples of rare Brooklyn offerings. The Vendy Plaza outdoor market series is free and open to the public. Announcements: 19 July 2016
There’s a Book for That: UFOS and NASA
This week we honor the 47th anniversary of the Apollo 11 space mission. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first humans to walk on the moon on July 20th, 1969. Since then, space exploration continues to fascinate and propel science and entrepreneurs. However, NASA has been “trending” for another reason this month – their cameras cut out just after showing an unidentified flying object leading to questions and conspiracy theories along the lines of “what expand
does NASA not want us to see?” NASA responded that the station “regularly passes out of range,” which causes the video signal to disappear. To satisfy piqued interest in UFOs we have objects to identify ourselves… in the way of books!
HEADLINE: NASA Responds to Viral ‘UFO’ Video (Voice of America)
FEATURED TITLES
CHARIOTS OF THE GODS by Erich Von Daniken
CHARIOTS OF THE GODS was immediately recognized as a work of monumental importance when it first introduced the theory that ancient Earth had established contact with aliens.
UFOS: GENERALS, PILOTS, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS GO ON THE RECORD by Leslie Kean
With the support of former White House chief of staff John Podesta, investigative journalist Kean draws on her years of research to separate fact from fiction and to lift the veil on decades of U.S. government misinformation. Throughout, she presents irrefutable evidence that unknown flying objects—metallic, luminous, and seemingly able to maneuver in ways that defy the laws of physics—actually exist.
UFOS IN WARTIME: WHAT THEY DIDN’T WANT YOU TO KNOW by Mack Maloney
Although often written off as myths, UFOs are found in Renaissance Art, on ancient coins, etched on cave walls-and even reported in the Bible. Even more surprising is when they are documented most: in times of war. These sightings are made by high ranking officials, soldiers, and news reporters. Why do these sightings spike so drastically during wartime? Could it be mistaken aircraft? Or is someone-or something- looking in on us?
LIFE AS WE DO NOT KNOW IT : THE NASA SEARCH FOR (AND SYNTHESIS OF) ALIEN LIFE by Peter Ward
An engrossing and revelatory first look at the search for alien life—on Earth and beyond
DRAW 50 ALIENS: THE STEP-BY-STEP WAY TO DRAW UFOS, GALAXY GHOULS, MILKY WAY MARAUDERS, AND OTHER EXTRATERRESTRIAL CREATURES by Lee J. Ames, Ric Estrada
Alien fever is running high – the Alien and Star Wars movies have made outer space fascinating to a whole new generation of children. An ideal tool for young artists or the parent or teacher seeking to help a child master their artistic skills, DRAW 50 ALIENS includes creatures from every walk of the galaxy.
A MAN ON THE MOON: THE VOYAGES OF THE APOLLO ASTRONAUTS by Andrew Chaikin, Foreword by Tom Hanks
This acclaimed portrait of heroism and ingenuity captures a watershed moment in human history. The astronauts themselves have called it the definitive account of their missions. On the night of July 20, 1969, our world changed forever when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Based on in-depth interviews with twenty-three of the twenty-four moon voyagers, as well as those who struggled to get the program moving, A MAN ON THE MOON conveys every aspect of the Apollo missions with breathtaking immediacy and stunning detail.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LITTLE KIDS FIRST BIG BOOK OF SPACE by Catherine D. Hughes, David A. Aguilar
Ages 4 to 8
This beautiful book is the latest addition to the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series. These colorful pages will introduce young children to the wonders of space, with colorful illustrations by David Aguilar and simple text that is perfect for beginning readers or for reading aloud. The book will explain basic concepts of space, beginning with what is most familiar to kids and expanding out into universe.
ENCYCLOPEDIA BROWN AND THE CASE OF THE SECRET UFOS by Donald J. Sobol
Ages 8 to 12
Everyone’s favorite kid sleuth is back to solve ten new confounding cases!
For more on these and related titles, visit the edelweiss collection: UFOS and SPACE MISSIONS
FEATURED TITLES
CHARIOTS OF THE GODS by Erich Von Daniken
CHARIOTS OF THE GODS was immediately recognized as a work of monumental importance when it first introduced the theory that ancient Earth had established contact with aliens.
UFOS: GENERALS, PILOTS, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS GO ON THE RECORD by Leslie Kean
With the support of former White House chief of staff John Podesta, investigative journalist Kean draws on her years of research to separate fact from fiction and to lift the veil on decades of U.S. government misinformation. Throughout, she presents irrefutable evidence that unknown flying objects—metallic, luminous, and seemingly able to maneuver in ways that defy the laws of physics—actually exist.
UFOS IN WARTIME: WHAT THEY DIDN’T WANT YOU TO KNOW by Mack Maloney
Although often written off as myths, UFOs are found in Renaissance Art, on ancient coins, etched on cave walls-and even reported in the Bible. Even more surprising is when they are documented most: in times of war. These sightings are made by high ranking officials, soldiers, and news reporters. Why do these sightings spike so drastically during wartime? Could it be mistaken aircraft? Or is someone-or something- looking in on us?
LIFE AS WE DO NOT KNOW IT : THE NASA SEARCH FOR (AND SYNTHESIS OF) ALIEN LIFE by Peter Ward
An engrossing and revelatory first look at the search for alien life—on Earth and beyond
DRAW 50 ALIENS: THE STEP-BY-STEP WAY TO DRAW UFOS, GALAXY GHOULS, MILKY WAY MARAUDERS, AND OTHER EXTRATERRESTRIAL CREATURES by Lee J. Ames, Ric Estrada
Alien fever is running high – the Alien and Star Wars movies have made outer space fascinating to a whole new generation of children. An ideal tool for young artists or the parent or teacher seeking to help a child master their artistic skills, DRAW 50 ALIENS includes creatures from every walk of the galaxy.
A MAN ON THE MOON: THE VOYAGES OF THE APOLLO ASTRONAUTS by Andrew Chaikin, Foreword by Tom Hanks
This acclaimed portrait of heroism and ingenuity captures a watershed moment in human history. The astronauts themselves have called it the definitive account of their missions. On the night of July 20, 1969, our world changed forever when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Based on in-depth interviews with twenty-three of the twenty-four moon voyagers, as well as those who struggled to get the program moving, A MAN ON THE MOON conveys every aspect of the Apollo missions with breathtaking immediacy and stunning detail.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LITTLE KIDS FIRST BIG BOOK OF SPACE by Catherine D. Hughes, David A. Aguilar
Ages 4 to 8
This beautiful book is the latest addition to the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series. These colorful pages will introduce young children to the wonders of space, with colorful illustrations by David Aguilar and simple text that is perfect for beginning readers or for reading aloud. The book will explain basic concepts of space, beginning with what is most familiar to kids and expanding out into universe.
ENCYCLOPEDIA BROWN AND THE CASE OF THE SECRET UFOS by Donald J. Sobol
Ages 8 to 12
Everyone’s favorite kid sleuth is back to solve ten new confounding cases!
For more on these and related titles, visit the edelweiss collection: UFOS and SPACE MISSIONS Announcements: 18 July 2016
THE HOPEFULS Author Jennifer Close Living the Knopf Dream
Author Jennifer Close, whose new widely-heralded book, THE HOPEFULS, is being published by Alfred A. Knopf on Tuesday (7/19), says, “At Knopf’s 100th anniversary party, I spent the whole night feeling star struck by the amazing authors around me, like a book lover who’d stumbled into the best party ever, forgetting that I, too, was a Knopf author and actually belonged there. It was a dream of mine to be published by Knopf, to have that little dog stamped on my book that would make people take notice. But the best part of this dream coming expand
Announcements: 14 July 2016
#FridayReads: Instrumental Titles
Can you read music? Well, many of our best writers make music with words, but sometimes their inspiration – “muse” if you will - is an actual instrument and its player. This meeting of arts results in evocative and layered reading where even non-musicians can inhabit a musician’s world – be it pure fiction or based on a famous player. The following books are tuned for discovery (or rediscovery) and should lead many readers to seek musical accompaniment to their pages. expand
FEATURED TITLES
THE BLUE GUITAR by John Banville
From the Man Booker Prize-winning author of THE SEA, a new novel about artistic creation and the ways in which we learn to possess one another—and hold on to ourselves. Equally self-aggrandizing and self-deprecating, Oliver Otway Orme is a painter of some renown and a petty thief (who steals only for pleasure) who has never been caught—until now.
THE PIANO TEACHER by Janice Y. K. Lee
“A rare and exquisite story…Transports you out of time, out of place, into a world you can feel on your very skin.” —Elizabeth Gilbert
The debut novel from the author of THE EXPATRIATES is a tale of love and betrayal set in war-torn Hong Kong, written in the sweeping tradition of THE ENGLISH PATIENT.
THE PIANO MAKER by Kurt Palka
The suspenseful, emotionally resonant, and utterly compelling story of what brings an enigmatic French woman to a small Canadian town in the 1930s, a woman who has found depths of strength in dark times and comes to discover sanctuary at last.
TRUMPET by Jackie Kay
In her starkly beautiful and wholly unexpected tale, Jackie Kay delves into the most intimate workings of the human heart and mind and offers a triumphant tale of loving deception and lasting devotion. The death of legendary jazz trumpeter Joss Moody exposes an extraordinary secret, one that enrages his adopted son, Colman, leading him to collude with a tabloid journalist.
YOUNG MAN WITH A HORN by Dorothy Baker
Dorothy Baker’s YOUNG MAN WITH A HORN is widely regarded as the first jazz novel, and it pulses with the music that defined an era. Baker took her inspiration from the artistry – though not the life – of legendary horn player Bix Beiderbecke, and the novel went on to be adapted into a successful movie starring Kirk Douglas, Lauren Bacall, and Doris Day.
CORELLI’S MANDOLIN by Louis de Bernieres
Extravagant, inventive, emotionally sweeping, CORELLI’S MANDOLIN is the story of a timeless place that one day wakes up to find itself in the jaws of history. The place is the Greek island of Cephallonia, where gods once dabbled in the affairs of men and the local saint periodically rises from his sarcophagus to cure the mad. Then the tide of World War II rolls onto the island’s shores in the form of the conquering Italian army.
THE CELLIST OF SARAJEVO by Stephen Galloway
A novel of great intensity and power, and inspired by a true story, THE CELLIST OF SARAJEVO poignantly explores how war can change one’s definition of humanity, the effect of music on our emotional endurance, and how a romance with the rituals of daily life can itself be a form of resistance.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
THE BLAZER GIRLS: THE VANISHING VIOLIN by Michael D. Beil
Ages 8 to 12
Bowstrings and betrayal, crushes and codes abound in this middle-grade mystery. “With wit, cunning, snappy dialogue and superior math skills, The Red Blazer Girls represent the best of girl-detectives while still feeling relatable and real. Nancy Drew would be right at home with this group.” – Huffington Post‘s 15 Greatest Kid Detectives List
THE PIANO STARTS HERE: THE YOUNG ART TATUM written and illustrated by Robert A. Parker
Ages 4 to 8
Regardless of whether they’ve heard of jazz or Art Tatum, young readers will appreciate how Parker uses simple, lyrical storytelling and colorful, energetic ink-and-wash illustrations to show the world as young Art Tatum might have seen it.
TUBBY THE TUBA by Paul Tripp, Henry Cole
Ages 4 to 8
All day long, Tubby plays oompah, oompah with his orchestra, but what he really wants is to “dance with the pretty little tune.” A resourceful bullfrog shows Tubby that everyone has the right to play his own melody. When the recording of Tubby the Tuba was first released, more than 70 years ago, it met with instant success. Reimagined by Henry Cole, this stunning picture book comes complete with a CD of Tripp’s performance with full orchestration.
For more on these and other titles visit the edelweiss collection: Instrumental Titles Announcements: 14 July 2016
Featured Author Event: Alejandro Zambra
Chilean author Alejandro Zambra will celebrate the release of his new, boldly unconventional book MULTIPLE CHOICE (Penguin Books) on Tuesday (7/19) at 7:00 pm at McNally Jackson Books in New York City.
Already widely known for his original approach to fictional literature, Zambra outdoes himself in MULTIPLE CHOICE. Written in the form of a ninety-question standardized test that Zambra took as a student in Chile, the book invites the reader to truly become engaged in the stories by pondering the expand
meaning behind Zambra’s words and that of storytelling altogether. The power of the Zambra’s 
execution has caught the attention of many media outlets and has landed the book on the summer reading lists of Elle, Huffington Post, Vox, BBC, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. The New Yorker calls Zambra “Latin America’s new literary star” and The New York Times Book Review stated that he is “The most talked-about writer to come out of Chile since Bolaño.” In MULTIPLE CHOICE, you’ll find stories of Chilean politics, family, education, and independent thinking that will awaken you to both the playfulness and gravity of Zambra’s work.
Zambra is also the author of My Documents, a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice as well as the novels Ways of Going Home, The Private Lives of Trees, and Bonsai. His other stories have appeared in publications such as the New Yorker, Vice, the Paris Review, and Harper’s and he is the recipient of several international awards.
execution has caught the attention of many media outlets and has landed the book on the summer reading lists of Elle, Huffington Post, Vox, BBC, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. The New Yorker calls Zambra “Latin America’s new literary star” and The New York Times Book Review stated that he is “The most talked-about writer to come out of Chile since Bolaño.” In MULTIPLE CHOICE, you’ll find stories of Chilean politics, family, education, and independent thinking that will awaken you to both the playfulness and gravity of Zambra’s work.
Zambra is also the author of My Documents, a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice as well as the novels Ways of Going Home, The Private Lives of Trees, and Bonsai. His other stories have appeared in publications such as the New Yorker, Vice, the Paris Review, and Harper’s and he is the recipient of several international awards. Announcements: 13 July 2016
Giving Back: Students Shine at P.S. 3 Poetry Reading
Two fifth grade classes at New York’s P.S. 3 Charrette School in Greenwich Village, our downtown Read-Ahead school, last month presented the P.S. 3 Poetry Reading to celebrate the completion of THE COMFORT OF WORDS, a collection of poems and illustrations from a number of the school’s students. Coordinated and sponsored by Penguin Random House, this special collection recognized 62 students who came together and wrote hundreds of poems during National Poetry Month. For most students, it was their first published work expand
and more than 30 parents and teachers beamed with pride while listening to their sons and 
daughters recite their own poetry as well as share their many illustrations and artwork that accompany the poems.
With the active participation of P.S. 3 teachers Andrea Franks and Lindsay Tomao, along with Principal Lisa Siegman and Assistant Principal Regina Chiou, this poetry writing program took place over five classroom sessions and provided additional support to Penguin Random House’s existing P.S. 3 partnership with Read-Ahead and employee volunteer reading mentors. The writing exercises were based on odes, places, sketches, haikus, rhymes and artwork, among other topics. For example, after a discussion about color, each student chose a favorite color and wrote an ode dedicated to and in celebration of their chosen hue.
As part of our mission to nurture the next generation of writers and readers, Penguin Random House supports this program through the Read-Ahead partnership – providing employees an opportunity to give back to the community in which they work. Penguin Random House has over 100 employee volunteer mentors and our partnership has evolved to include: author and illustrator visits, poetry workshops, a parent-teacher book club, book donations and various student-related events throughout the school year.
To view this impressive poetry collection, click here.
daughters recite their own poetry as well as share their many illustrations and artwork that accompany the poems.
With the active participation of P.S. 3 teachers Andrea Franks and Lindsay Tomao, along with Principal Lisa Siegman and Assistant Principal Regina Chiou, this poetry writing program took place over five classroom sessions and provided additional support to Penguin Random House’s existing P.S. 3 partnership with Read-Ahead and employee volunteer reading mentors. The writing exercises were based on odes, places, sketches, haikus, rhymes and artwork, among other topics. For example, after a discussion about color, each student chose a favorite color and wrote an ode dedicated to and in celebration of their chosen hue.
As part of our mission to nurture the next generation of writers and readers, Penguin Random House supports this program through the Read-Ahead partnership – providing employees an opportunity to give back to the community in which they work. Penguin Random House has over 100 employee volunteer mentors and our partnership has evolved to include: author and illustrator visits, poetry workshops, a parent-teacher book club, book donations and various student-related events throughout the school year.
To view this impressive poetry collection, click here. Announcements: 13 July 2016
There’s a Book for That: Cults
You’ve read THE GIRLS, now what? Emma Cline’s coming-of-age novel, about a teen girl who gets involved with one of the most infamous cults in American history, has become one of the favorite books of the summer. If you loved reading or listening to it and are looking for more, try these similarly cult-themed titles in both fiction and non-fiction. expand
FEATURED TITLES
THE GIRLS: A NOVEL by Emma Cline
Girls, their vulnerability, strength, and desire to belong, are at the heart of this un-put-downable first novel set during the violent end of the 1960s in Northern California. At the start of summer, a lonely and thoughtful teenager, Evie Boyd is in thrall to Suzanne, a mesmerizing older girl, and is drawn into the circle of a soon-to-be infamous cult.
FREEDOM’S CHILD by Jax Miller
A propulsive, raucous thriller about a woman named Freedom Oliver with a troubled past who breaks free of the witness-protection program in small-town Oregon in order to save her kidnapped daughter.
RUIN FALLS by Jenny Milchman
When Liz wakes up one morning in her hotel room to discover her two children Ally and Reid aren’t in their beds, her mind races, imagining a million worst-case scenarios, playing out her every nightmare. She discovers that the kids were taken, not by some anonymous monster in a ski mask but by her own husband…
GOING CLEAR: SCIENTOLOGY, HOLLYWOOD, AND THE PRISON OF BELIEF by Lawrence Wright
The basis for the HBO documentary. A National Book Award and National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist. Armed with his investigative talents, years of archival research, and more than two hundred personal interviews with current and former Scientologists, Lawrence Wright uncovers the inner workings of the church.
RAVEN: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE REV. JIM JONES AND HIS PEOPLE by Tim Reiterman, John Jacobs
RAVEN provides the definitive history of the Rev. Jim Jones, the Peoples Temple, and the murderous ordeal at Jonestown three decades ago. This PEN Award–winning work explores the ideals-gone-wrong, the intrigue, and the grim realities behind the Peoples Temple and its implosion in the jungle of South America.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
THE SACRED LIES OF MINNOW BLY by Stephanie Oakes
Ages 14 And Up
The cult known as the Community has taken everything from seventeen-year-old Minnow: twelve years of her life, her family, her ability to trust. And when she rebelled, they took away her hands, too. Now their Prophet has been murdered and their camp set aflame, and it’s clear that Minnow knows something—but she’s not talking.
GATED by Amy Christine Parker
Ages 14 and Up
Lyla Hamilton is a loyal member of the Community. Her family was happy to be chosen by Pioneer to join such a lovely gated neighborhood. Here, life seems perfect. But after meeting Cody, an outsider boy, Lyla starts questioning Pioneer, her friends, her family–everything. And if there’s one thing not allowed in the Community, it’s doubt.
IT WASN’T ALWAYS LIKE THIS by Joy Preble
Ages 14 And Up
In 1916, Emma O’Neill is frozen in time. After sampling an experimental polio vaccine brewed on a remote island off St. Augustine, Florida, she and her family stop aging—as do the Ryans, her family’s business partners. In a way, this suits Emma fine because she’s in love with Charlie Ryan. Being seventeen forever with him is a dream. But soon a group of religious fanatics, the Church of Light, takes note.
Looking for additional suggestions? Try our Cult-themed titles Announcements: 11 July 2016
Newest Books & Banter Event Takes a Virtual Trip to Italy
The creation of the characters, tales and mythical island of Castellamare, featured in Catherine Banner’s new novel, THE HOUSE AT THE EDGE OF NIGHT, published by Random House on July 12, were explored at last month’s Books & Banter event at 1745 Broadway. This Penguin Random House Sales initiative invites an imprint or publishing team to share a special publishing story with all of sales and other in-house colleagues to create pre-pub expand
buzz. Ms. Banner, connected via live-streaming video from her home in Italy, and Random House EVP, Executive Editorial Director, Associate Publisher, Kate Medina, introduced by Jaci Updike, President of Sales, talked about how this sweeping saga became a book.
“I’ll never forget my excitement,“ said Ms. Medina, “the minute I started reading the manuscript. It had all of these elements – romance, adultery, lust, family – and images that were truly beautiful. It was ambitious for Kate to write about four generations, with such breadth and depth. And I started thinking, ‘Can we be in a relationship? Can she be a good partner with Random House?’ We quickly decided, ‘Yes.’”
Ms. Banner noted, “It is so important to have the right team around you. It was a transformative discovery for me, upon reading the first memo from Kate. Her notes showed me, ‘That’s the book this could be.’"
“The editor has an inner metronome,” said Ms. Medina. “The story has to keep moving and I suggested ways in which that could be accomplished, to make sure there are no pauses.”
Spanning four generations and nearly a century, through secrets and mysteries, trials and sacrifice, THE HOUSE AT THE EDGE OF NIGHT is a beautiful and haunting novel that follows the lives of the Esposito family and other islanders who live and love on Castellamare, an enchanting island off the coast of Italy.
Ms. Banner, who was born in Cambridge in 1989 and began writing at the age of fourteen, previously published a trilogy of young adult novels. THE HOUSE AT THE EDGE OF NIGHT is her debut adult novel and she revealed that months of research went into the creation of her fictional characters, scenarios and settings that live and breathe on the page.
Fellow Random House author Sara Gruen offered this praise: “Catherine Banner’s latest is a masterful piece of storytelling, infused with the miraculous (both in stories and in everyday life) while maintaining the difficult balance between the explainable versus the inexplicable. Through the life of a single man—a man not noteworthy in the eyes of the world—and his family, Banner touches on such broad themes as community and the way global events play out in individual lives and larger society. And just as the broader themes affect the more personal ones, Banner’s style echoes the book’s content: THE HOUSE AT THE EDGE OF NIGHT is captivating and beautifully rendered.”
Here is a sampling of advance media buzz:
“A luminous homage to the Italian tradition of storytelling … a lusty page-turner that weaves romance, rivalry and the intricacies of family expectations into one glorious tale. There are echoes of Italo Calvino in Banner's writing—echoes of admiration and love. Reading The House at the Edge of Night is like falling into a fantastical world where time stands still, yet change happens at an unimaginable pace.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune
“A fantastic chronicle … Banner deftly touches on weightier themes while weaving an enchanting narrative.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Ah, what fun. Don't miss it. [A] knockout adult debut … whisking us away to a world grounded in both reality and myth, filled with marvelously peculiar characters, plotted on a grand scale.”—Kirkus, Starred Review
Colleagues enjoy Italian Prosecco, treats, and posing in a book-themed Instagram frame.
Catherine Banner on the screen and Kate Medina at the podium
Annette Melvin, Director of Creative Services, poses with an imagined map of Castellamare brought to life by the RH Ad/Promo team
Announcements: 8 July 2016
Featured Author Event: Jessica Winter
Features editor at Slate, Jessica Winter will celebrate the release of her new novel BREAK IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (Knopf) on 7/12 at 7pm at BookCourt in Brooklyn. Winter will be joined by Rebecca Traister, writer-at-large forNew York magazine and a contributing editor at Elle, for a reading, audience Q&A, and book signing. expand
BREAK IN CASE OF EMERGENCY is the first novel from Jessica Winter who is also the former culture editor of Time. Winter puts a sharp, satirical twist on workplace drama as well as the experiences of an early thirty-something navigating friendships, fertility, and marriage. Full of 
comedy, harsh insights, and tender moments, BREAK IN CASE OF EMERGENCY brings a fresh, yet sarcastic perspective to the modern world in which we live. The book has already caught the attention of major media sources including Marie Claire and has been chosen as one of Elle Magazine’s 19 Summer Books That Everyone Will Be Talking About.
Joining Winter in conversation is acclaimed journalist and author, Rebecca Traister. Aside from New York magazine, Traister has written for Elle, The New Republic, Salon, The New York Times and many more. Her first book Big Girls Don’t Cry, on the 2008 presidential election, women, and cultural feminism, was published in 2010 and went on to become a New York Times Notable Book. Her second book, All the Single Ladies was released in March of 2016 and investigates single women in the twenty-first century. All the Single Ladies is a New York Times bestseller and Traister has been praised for her in-depth research that sheds light on the lives of unmarried women in America and the historical context that led us to this current state.
comedy, harsh insights, and tender moments, BREAK IN CASE OF EMERGENCY brings a fresh, yet sarcastic perspective to the modern world in which we live. The book has already caught the attention of major media sources including Marie Claire and has been chosen as one of Elle Magazine’s 19 Summer Books That Everyone Will Be Talking About.
Joining Winter in conversation is acclaimed journalist and author, Rebecca Traister. Aside from New York magazine, Traister has written for Elle, The New Republic, Salon, The New York Times and many more. Her first book Big Girls Don’t Cry, on the 2008 presidential election, women, and cultural feminism, was published in 2010 and went on to become a New York Times Notable Book. Her second book, All the Single Ladies was released in March of 2016 and investigates single women in the twenty-first century. All the Single Ladies is a New York Times bestseller and Traister has been praised for her in-depth research that sheds light on the lives of unmarried women in America and the historical context that led us to this current state. Announcements: 7 July 2016
Christopher Myers to Launch MAKE ME A WORLD Imprint with Random House Children’s Books
Christopher Myers, award-winning author and artist, and son of the late acclaimed author Walter Dean Myers, will launch his own imprint with Random House Children’s Books, MAKE ME A WORLD, it was announced by Barbara Marcus, President & Publisher, Random House Children’s Books. Jenny Brown, Vice President, Publisher, Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, will oversee the imprint. expand
The name MAKE ME A WORLD reflects Myers’s vision: to publish a selection of books that open up new worlds, possibilities, and pathways for young readers of all ages. Myers is focused on bringing voices of diverse thinkers and artists from all walks of life to his list—including filmmakers, musicians, playwrights, painters, writers, astronomers, architects, and more, and individuals who have redrawn the boundaries of their own lives and forged new paths.
The imprint’s debut list will launch in 2018 with Child of the Universe by astronomer Ray Jayawardhana, a lyrical piece unfolding as a conversation in which a father shows how the entire universe has conspired over billions of years to bring his child into his life; Mama Mable’s All-Gal Big Band Jazz Extravaganza! by Annie Sieg, a picture book that tells the inspiring story of female musicians like the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, who played a critical role in the evolution of jazz after World War II; and Walk Toward the Rising Sun by Ger Duany, an inspirational memoir for young adults about a pivotal time in the life of a boy from South Sudan, who escapes dire and desperate circumstances, war and famine, through the gift of one constant friend.
Barbara Marcus said, “I have long been an admirer of Christopher Myers’s way of thinking about literature and art, and believe that his talent and perspectives uniquely position him to launch an imprint focused on celebrating diversity of every kind, and the power of books to transform lives. We are eager to watch Chris develop his future lists, and for children, teens, and families to experience the stories that his authors and artists will tell.”
Myers cites the influence of his father on the core mission of the new imprint: “I am excited to embark on this endeavor with Random House to launch MAKE ME A WORLD. Every day in the newspapers we see how much stories matter, the stories we tell each other and ourselves, and for too long many stories have been neglected, many storytellers ignored. Each of these untold stories represents a world that has been erased. My father built worlds for countless children in his stories. He wanted to make sure no child felt erased as he had, growing up poor and Black in Harlem in the 1940s, where brown, bright faces like his own were nowhere to be found in the pages of books. MAKE ME A WORLD will continue that work, recognizing storytellers from all walks of life that can build for contemporary children a sense that they too have the ability in their creative hands, in their hearts, to build their own worlds.”
Christopher Myers in Papua, New Guinea
Announcements: 7 July 2016
Behind the Book Covers with Knopf’s Chip Kidd
Chip Kidd, Associate Director, Art and Cover Design, Knopf Doubleday, was heralded as “The Superhero” by PRINT magazine and featured on the cover of the publication’s Spring 2016 edition, honoring “56 Inspiring Designers Shaping Our World Today.” Beloved and admired throughout our company and the entire publishing industry, Chip was hired as assistant to the Art Director of Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. in the fall of 1986, when he had just turned twenty-two. He has worked there ever since. Chip notes, “During these last 30 years, in some ways expand
Knopf has changed quite a bit (structurally, technologically, organizationally) but in the most important ways it has not—continuing to publish the highest quality of literary works while still keeping an eye focused on the commercial side of the business.” Chip has had the opportunity to help with this process, designing first edition book covers for an astonishing range of writers, including Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, Katherine Hepburn, Cormac McCarthy, Michael Crichton, Donna Tartt, Oliver Sacks, Elie Wiesel, Lawrence Wright, Vladimir Nabokov, Orhan Pamuk, Art Spiegelman, John Updike, Bret Easton Ellis, James Merrill, Robert Hughes, James Ellroy, Robert M. Gates and Haruki Murakami (and many, many more).
Chip is the recipient of the National Design Award for Communications and the Lifetime Achievement Medal from the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the two highest honors for the field of graphic design. An author himself, Kidd to date has published two novels—The Cheese Monkeys and The Learners —as well as many books on design and the field of comics and graphic novels. He is presently at work on his second monograph of his work, Book Two, to be published in 2017 by Rizzoli.
As part of our ongoing “Behind the Book Covers” Igloo Interview series, Chip offers a number of fascinating insights into his craft, his career and the evolution of book cover design.
What initially drew you to the world of book cover art design?
At the very beginning (age 2-ish?), it was probably comic book covers, because my brother (two years older) had a lot of them and soon I did too. They speak a kind of visual language that you can “read” without actually being able to read them (yet). Soon after that my earliest memories of book covers that affected me visually (and emotionally) were all of Dr. Seuss, “Charlotte’s Web,” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” And of course the ‘Peanuts’ collections.
How would you describe the conceptual processes you follow when envisioning then creating book covers?
I think the key word you use in your question is “conceptual.” Certainly conceptual problem-solving is extremely important when it comes to book cover design, and I try to use that method as much as possible. It always starts with the text of the book. But there are so many other factors aside from that which affect a final design to be approved by all involved. Whatever it is you do, you have to please (in varying order): the author, the publisher, the marketing department(s), the sales force, potential book buyers for the accounts, the editor, and—hopefully—yourself. It can be a very tricky balancing act, and all of the books have different sets of circumstances and needs.
Which of your book cover design projects have been most challenging, and which covers are you most proud of creating and why?
Having done this non-stop for close to thirty years-and-counting, I’m happy to say it gets harder and harder to answer this question. There are so many (something like 1,500 covers), I’ve been so fortunate to be at Knopf all this time.
I’d say the tougher challenges are for the books whose subjects aren’t particularly visual. Last year I did a cover for Justice Stephen Breyer on how US Supreme Court decisions affect laws in the rest of the world. Now, that’s an incredibly important matter, but how do you decide what it looks like?
In terms of covers I’m proud of, my goal is to be the most excited about whatever I’m currently working on. As I write this, I just did a cover for an up-coming collection of short stories by Haruki Murakami called Men Without Women (Spring 2017) that was tough to figure out, but thrilling when I finally did.
How has the evolution of digital technology impacted what you do as a book designer/art director and, gazing into the crystal ball, how do you envision the future of your craft?
What digital technology has affected the most is the speed with which things can get done. And initially that had nothing to do with the internet/the web. We first got computers to design with in 1994, and while it took some getting used to (I am among the last generation of graphic designers to learn the craft by hand), once we did, everything changed. When I started at Knopf in 1986, just the process of specc’ing and setting typography for any given title took a full three days (yes, days). And if you were a novice and didn’t do it correctly (I speak from experience), then that added another two days. And that’s just for the lettering. Needless to say I can now do that in under two minutes, even if I’m not exactly sure what I want. I can remember at some point in the mid-90s our production manager said something like “Soon, you’ll just be giving me a disc and a print-out with the specs and that’s what the printer will use.” And I thought “Oh, like THAT’S going to happen.” And now even that seems like smoke signals, and so on.
But in terms of the design problem-solving process, digital technology does not do that for you, never has, and never will. It just helps you get there faster. This is why the field of design will always need designers. Because the idea, the essence of it, has to come from YOU.
Chip is the recipient of the National Design Award for Communications and the Lifetime Achievement Medal from the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the two highest honors for the field of graphic design. An author himself, Kidd to date has published two novels—The Cheese Monkeys and The Learners —as well as many books on design and the field of comics and graphic novels. He is presently at work on his second monograph of his work, Book Two, to be published in 2017 by Rizzoli.
As part of our ongoing “Behind the Book Covers” Igloo Interview series, Chip offers a number of fascinating insights into his craft, his career and the evolution of book cover design.
What initially drew you to the world of book cover art design?
At the very beginning (age 2-ish?), it was probably comic book covers, because my brother (two years older) had a lot of them and soon I did too. They speak a kind of visual language that you can “read” without actually being able to read them (yet). Soon after that my earliest memories of book covers that affected me visually (and emotionally) were all of Dr. Seuss, “Charlotte’s Web,” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” And of course the ‘Peanuts’ collections.
How would you describe the conceptual processes you follow when envisioning then creating book covers?
I think the key word you use in your question is “conceptual.” Certainly conceptual problem-solving is extremely important when it comes to book cover design, and I try to use that method as much as possible. It always starts with the text of the book. But there are so many other factors aside from that which affect a final design to be approved by all involved. Whatever it is you do, you have to please (in varying order): the author, the publisher, the marketing department(s), the sales force, potential book buyers for the accounts, the editor, and—hopefully—yourself. It can be a very tricky balancing act, and all of the books have different sets of circumstances and needs.
Which of your book cover design projects have been most challenging, and which covers are you most proud of creating and why?
Having done this non-stop for close to thirty years-and-counting, I’m happy to say it gets harder and harder to answer this question. There are so many (something like 1,500 covers), I’ve been so fortunate to be at Knopf all this time.
I’d say the tougher challenges are for the books whose subjects aren’t particularly visual. Last year I did a cover for Justice Stephen Breyer on how US Supreme Court decisions affect laws in the rest of the world. Now, that’s an incredibly important matter, but how do you decide what it looks like?
In terms of covers I’m proud of, my goal is to be the most excited about whatever I’m currently working on. As I write this, I just did a cover for an up-coming collection of short stories by Haruki Murakami called Men Without Women (Spring 2017) that was tough to figure out, but thrilling when I finally did.
How has the evolution of digital technology impacted what you do as a book designer/art director and, gazing into the crystal ball, how do you envision the future of your craft?
What digital technology has affected the most is the speed with which things can get done. And initially that had nothing to do with the internet/the web. We first got computers to design with in 1994, and while it took some getting used to (I am among the last generation of graphic designers to learn the craft by hand), once we did, everything changed. When I started at Knopf in 1986, just the process of specc’ing and setting typography for any given title took a full three days (yes, days). And if you were a novice and didn’t do it correctly (I speak from experience), then that added another two days. And that’s just for the lettering. Needless to say I can now do that in under two minutes, even if I’m not exactly sure what I want. I can remember at some point in the mid-90s our production manager said something like “Soon, you’ll just be giving me a disc and a print-out with the specs and that’s what the printer will use.” And I thought “Oh, like THAT’S going to happen.” And now even that seems like smoke signals, and so on.
But in terms of the design problem-solving process, digital technology does not do that for you, never has, and never will. It just helps you get there faster. This is why the field of design will always need designers. Because the idea, the essence of it, has to come from YOU.
Announcements: 6 July 2016
There’s a Book for That: Summer!
Now that we’ve celebrated Independence Day, the halcyon days of summer are truly upon us and that means finding the right breezy, engaging book to take to the beach, on vacation or for a summery escape during your commute or lunch break. The following books have one thing in common – a summer setting. From Capote’s first novel to Helen Simonson’s most recent, in locales from New York City to Cairo, New England to England and in eras ranging from the expand
World Wars to contemporary times, we present the following stories, characters and poems to sweep you away.
FEATURED TITLES
A DREAM OF SUMMER: POEMS FOR THE SENSUOUS SEASON; Introduction by Mary Oliver, edited by Robert Atwan
Illustrated throughout with pen-and-ink drawings, this volume focuses on the sensuality of summertime and the varieties of summer experience. It is a love letter to the sultry heat, crashing thunderstorms, endless days, and short, mild nights. Gathered here is work by illustrious poets of the past, among them William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, John Keats, and Alfred Lord Tennyson, as well as more contemporary artists like Louise Gluck, Yusef Komunyakaa, Marge Piercy, and Charles Simic.
ONE HUNDRED SUMMERS by Beatriz Williams
As the 1938 hurricane approaches Rhode Island, another storm brews in this novel from the author of THE SECRET LIFE OF VIOLET GRANT and A CERTAIN AGE. “It is what every beach book should aspire to be—smart and engrossing.”—Elin Hilderbrand
CHRONICLE OF A LAST SUMMER: A NOVEL OF EGYPT by Yasmine El Rashidi
A young Egyptian woman traces her personal and political coming of age in this poignant debut novel. Cairo, 1984. A blisteringly hot summer. A young girl in a sprawling family house. Her days pass quietly: listening to her mother’s phone conversations, looking at the Nile from a bedroom window, watching the three state-sanctioned TV stations with the volume off, daydreaming about other lives. Underlying this claustrophobic routine is mystery and loss.
LOVE AND SUMMER: A NOVEL by William Trevor
In spare, exquisite prose, master storyteller William Trevor presents a haunting love story about the choices of the heart, and the passions and frustrations of three lives during one long summer.
SUMMER by Edith Wharton
A tale of forbidden sexual passion and thwarted dreams played out against the lush, summer backdrop of the Massachusetts Berkshires Edith Wharton called SUMMER her ‘hot Ethan’.
SUMMER CROSSING: A NOVEL by Truman Capote
Thought to be lost for over 50 years, here is the first novel by one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Set in New York during the summer of 1945, this is the story of a young carefree socialite, Grady, who must make serious decisions about the romance she is dangerously pursuing and the effect it will have on everyone involved.
SUMMER HOUSE WITH SWIMMING POOL: A NOVEL by Herman Koch
An instant New York Times bestseller, the blistering, compulsively readable new novel from Herman Koch, author of THE DINNER. When a medical procedure goes horribly wrong and famous actor Ralph Meier winds up dead, Dr. Marc Schlosser needs to come up with some answers. After all, reputation is everything in this business.
THE GIRL FROM SUMMER HILL by Jude Deveraux
The first novel of New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux’s breathtaking new series set in Summer Hill, a small town where love takes center stage against the backdrop of Jane Austen’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.
THE SUMMER BEFORE THE WAR: A NOVEL by Helen Simonson
For lovers of Downton Abbey, a historical novel (1914) with the same wit, romance, and insight into the manners and morals of small town British life as her New York Times bestsellerMAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
WHAT ARE THE SUMMER OLYMPICS? by Gail Herman, Stephen Marchesi, Kevin McVeigh
Run, swim, and race back in time to experience the Summer Olympics – from ancient Greece to modern-day super events.
LAST SUMMER WITH MAIZON by Jacqueline Woodson
From the National Book Award- winning author of BROWN GIRL DREAMING: Margaret loves her parents and hanging out with her best friend, Maizon. Then it happens, like a one-two punch, during the summer she turns eleven: first, Margaret’s father dies of a heart attack, and then Maizon is accepted at an expensive boarding school, far away from the city they call home. For the first time in her life, Margaret has to turn to someone who isn’t Maizon, who doesn’t know her heart and her dreams. . . .
SUMMER BALL by Mike Lupica
When you’re the smallest kid playing a big man’s game leading your travel team to the national championship may seem like a dream come true, but for Danny Walker, being at the top just means the competition tries that much harder to knock him off.
For more on these and other summer titles visit the edelweiss collection: Summer
FEATURED TITLES
A DREAM OF SUMMER: POEMS FOR THE SENSUOUS SEASON; Introduction by Mary Oliver, edited by Robert Atwan
Illustrated throughout with pen-and-ink drawings, this volume focuses on the sensuality of summertime and the varieties of summer experience. It is a love letter to the sultry heat, crashing thunderstorms, endless days, and short, mild nights. Gathered here is work by illustrious poets of the past, among them William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, John Keats, and Alfred Lord Tennyson, as well as more contemporary artists like Louise Gluck, Yusef Komunyakaa, Marge Piercy, and Charles Simic.
ONE HUNDRED SUMMERS by Beatriz Williams
As the 1938 hurricane approaches Rhode Island, another storm brews in this novel from the author of THE SECRET LIFE OF VIOLET GRANT and A CERTAIN AGE. “It is what every beach book should aspire to be—smart and engrossing.”—Elin Hilderbrand
CHRONICLE OF A LAST SUMMER: A NOVEL OF EGYPT by Yasmine El Rashidi
A young Egyptian woman traces her personal and political coming of age in this poignant debut novel. Cairo, 1984. A blisteringly hot summer. A young girl in a sprawling family house. Her days pass quietly: listening to her mother’s phone conversations, looking at the Nile from a bedroom window, watching the three state-sanctioned TV stations with the volume off, daydreaming about other lives. Underlying this claustrophobic routine is mystery and loss.
LOVE AND SUMMER: A NOVEL by William Trevor
In spare, exquisite prose, master storyteller William Trevor presents a haunting love story about the choices of the heart, and the passions and frustrations of three lives during one long summer.
SUMMER by Edith Wharton
A tale of forbidden sexual passion and thwarted dreams played out against the lush, summer backdrop of the Massachusetts Berkshires Edith Wharton called SUMMER her ‘hot Ethan’.
SUMMER CROSSING: A NOVEL by Truman Capote
Thought to be lost for over 50 years, here is the first novel by one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Set in New York during the summer of 1945, this is the story of a young carefree socialite, Grady, who must make serious decisions about the romance she is dangerously pursuing and the effect it will have on everyone involved.
SUMMER HOUSE WITH SWIMMING POOL: A NOVEL by Herman Koch
An instant New York Times bestseller, the blistering, compulsively readable new novel from Herman Koch, author of THE DINNER. When a medical procedure goes horribly wrong and famous actor Ralph Meier winds up dead, Dr. Marc Schlosser needs to come up with some answers. After all, reputation is everything in this business.
THE GIRL FROM SUMMER HILL by Jude Deveraux
The first novel of New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux’s breathtaking new series set in Summer Hill, a small town where love takes center stage against the backdrop of Jane Austen’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.
THE SUMMER BEFORE THE WAR: A NOVEL by Helen Simonson
For lovers of Downton Abbey, a historical novel (1914) with the same wit, romance, and insight into the manners and morals of small town British life as her New York Times bestsellerMAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
WHAT ARE THE SUMMER OLYMPICS? by Gail Herman, Stephen Marchesi, Kevin McVeigh
Run, swim, and race back in time to experience the Summer Olympics – from ancient Greece to modern-day super events.
LAST SUMMER WITH MAIZON by Jacqueline Woodson
From the National Book Award- winning author of BROWN GIRL DREAMING: Margaret loves her parents and hanging out with her best friend, Maizon. Then it happens, like a one-two punch, during the summer she turns eleven: first, Margaret’s father dies of a heart attack, and then Maizon is accepted at an expensive boarding school, far away from the city they call home. For the first time in her life, Margaret has to turn to someone who isn’t Maizon, who doesn’t know her heart and her dreams. . . .
SUMMER BALL by Mike Lupica
When you’re the smallest kid playing a big man’s game leading your travel team to the national championship may seem like a dream come true, but for Danny Walker, being at the top just means the competition tries that much harder to knock him off.
For more on these and other summer titles visit the edelweiss collection: Summer Announcements: 5 July 2016
Igloo Book Buzz: NYC Rom-Com for Dog Lovers
“A humorous tale of a young New Yorker’s search for happiness, and the two dogs who help him find it” is Marie Claire’s take on JONATHAN UNLEASHED by Meg Rosoff, published by Viking on Tuesday (7/5). Two more buzz lines about this beach bag-ready summer read: “With whip-smart dialogue, Rosoff explores how twentysomethings find their feet in the big city, face up to the horror of entry-level employment and figure out who they really love” and “Funny, smart writing from a novelist with such an assured voice that you can’t resist accompanying her on the novel’s journey.” expand
Announcements: 30 June 2016
#FridayReads: Postal Lit
July 1st is National Postal Worker Day which is celebrated annually on July 1st. Established in 1997 by a Seattle-area letter carrier who was passionate about honoring postal employees, it is a day of appreciation for the many men and women who are dedicated to sending and delivering our mail. These postal workers endure some of the harshest working conditions six days a week. expand
This week also saw the publication of a fascinating, definitive cultural history of the United States Post Office with HOW THE POST OFFICE CREATED AMERICA by Winifred Gallagher. It’s an American story like no other and a perfect nonfiction complement to our featured novels inspired by postal work.
FEATURED TITLES
HOW THE POST OFFICE CREATED AMERICA: A HISTORY by Winifred Gallagher
The Post Office, Winifred Gallagher argues, has been not just a witness to but a foundational influence on much of the history of the United States of America, particularly for women and African-Americans, who participated in the nation’s formation via the Post Office in pivotal ways. How the Post Office Created America tells this story, tracing the role of a unique institution and its leaders, such as Benjamin Franklin, the Crown’s first postmaster general.
KEEP ME POSTED by Lisa Beazley
Cassie Sunday can’t seem to make her life work as a Manhattan wife and mom to twin toddlers, while her big-hearted sister Sid lives an ex-pat’s life of leisure in far-off Singapore. Since Sid doesn’t do social media, she challenges Cassie to reconnect through old-fashioned letters.
THE POST-OFFICE GIRL by Stefan Zweig, Joel Rotenberg
This unexpected and haunting foray into noir fiction (Wes Anderson cites the novel as an influence for his films) by one of the masters of the psychological novel introduces us to Christine, who looks after her ailing mother and toils in a provincial Austrian post office in the years just after the Great War. One afternoon, as she is dozing among the official forms and stamps, a telegraph arrives addressed to her…
DEATH TAKES PRIORITY: A POSTMISTRESS MYSTERY by Jean Flowers
First in a brand-new series that really delivers!
Cassie Miller has traded in her tailored suits and high heels to become Postmaster in her hometown in the Berkshires. But when the body of an unidentified man is found, Cassie decides to track the killer—before another victim’s fate is sealed in the dead letter office.
THE POSTMISTRESS by Sarah Blake
In 1940, Iris James is the postmistress in coastal Franklin, Massachusetts. Iris knows more about the townspeople than she will ever say, and believes her job is to deliver secrets. Yet one day she does the unthinkable: slips a letter into her pocket, reads it, and doesn’t deliver it.
Visit the edelweiss collection: Postal Lit
FEATURED TITLES
HOW THE POST OFFICE CREATED AMERICA: A HISTORY by Winifred Gallagher
The Post Office, Winifred Gallagher argues, has been not just a witness to but a foundational influence on much of the history of the United States of America, particularly for women and African-Americans, who participated in the nation’s formation via the Post Office in pivotal ways. How the Post Office Created America tells this story, tracing the role of a unique institution and its leaders, such as Benjamin Franklin, the Crown’s first postmaster general.
KEEP ME POSTED by Lisa Beazley
Cassie Sunday can’t seem to make her life work as a Manhattan wife and mom to twin toddlers, while her big-hearted sister Sid lives an ex-pat’s life of leisure in far-off Singapore. Since Sid doesn’t do social media, she challenges Cassie to reconnect through old-fashioned letters.
THE POST-OFFICE GIRL by Stefan Zweig, Joel Rotenberg
This unexpected and haunting foray into noir fiction (Wes Anderson cites the novel as an influence for his films) by one of the masters of the psychological novel introduces us to Christine, who looks after her ailing mother and toils in a provincial Austrian post office in the years just after the Great War. One afternoon, as she is dozing among the official forms and stamps, a telegraph arrives addressed to her…
DEATH TAKES PRIORITY: A POSTMISTRESS MYSTERY by Jean Flowers
First in a brand-new series that really delivers!
Cassie Miller has traded in her tailored suits and high heels to become Postmaster in her hometown in the Berkshires. But when the body of an unidentified man is found, Cassie decides to track the killer—before another victim’s fate is sealed in the dead letter office.
THE POSTMISTRESS by Sarah Blake
In 1940, Iris James is the postmistress in coastal Franklin, Massachusetts. Iris knows more about the townspeople than she will ever say, and believes her job is to deliver secrets. Yet one day she does the unthinkable: slips a letter into her pocket, reads it, and doesn’t deliver it.
Visit the edelweiss collection: Postal Lit Announcements: 27 June 2016
Igloo Book Buzz: AND I DARKEN by Kiersten White
The growing excitement for Kiersten White’s new YA novel, AND I DARKEN, which goes on sale Tuesday, June 28, began with the book’s editor, Wendy Loggia, Executive Editor, Delacorte Press: “Whatever Kiersten White does, I’m on board, so when she said she was writing a novel in which Vlad the Impaler was a girl, I couldn’t wait. AND I DARKEN is the story of Lada Dragwlya, the brutal, driven princess, her brother, Radu, and Mehmed, the Sultan. expand
Announcements: 26 June 2016
There’s a Book for That: ¿Hablas Español?
Did you know?…
Penguin Random House publishes close to fifty Spanish language titles a year in the U.S. With two dedicated Spanish language imprints – Vintage Español and Celebra – our Spanish language publishing program boasts strong backlist sales in commercial and literary fiction, as well as nonfiction from celebrity authors. Topping our bestselling titles from 2015 is the Spanish expand
translation of Sandra Cisneros’s beloved La Casa en Mango Street (The House on Mango Street), while titles by Gabriel García Márquez, E. L. James, and Paulo Coelho have consistently claimed their spots over the past few years. On sale next week is the much anticipated paperback edition of El Amante Japonés (The Japanese Lover), by New York Times bestselling author Isabel Allende. This is an exquisitely crafted love story and multi-generational epic that sweeps from San Francisco in the present day to Poland and the United States during the Second World War. Isabel Allende is internationally beloved by her fans and is by far one of the bestselling Spanish-language authors of the modern era.
FEATURED TITLES
ADULTERIO (Adultery) by Paulo Coelho; translated by Pilar Obón
Coelho has an enormous following in Spanish, and his books never fail to receive major attention from Spanish-language media. Adulterio debuted at #1 on Spanish language bestseller lists.
CIEN AÑOS DE SOLEDAD (One Hundred Years of Solitude) by Gabriel García Márquez
Márquez’s masterpiece is the finest example of magical realism, and, as the book that sparked the Latin American boom, is one of most influential novels of the 20th Century.
COMO AGUA PARA CHOCOLATE (Like Water for Chocolate) by Laura Esquivel
This classic love story takes place on the De la Garza ranch, as the tyrannical owner, Mama Elena, chops onions at the kitchen table in her final days of pregnancy, and little Tita slips out amid the spices and fixings for noodle soup. This early encounter with food soon becomes a way of life, and Tita grows up to be a master chef. She shares special points of her favorite preparations throughout the story.
CUANDO ERA PUERTORRIQUEÑA (When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir) by Esmeralda Santiago
In this first volume of her much-praised, bestselling trilogy, Santiago brilliantly recreates the idyllic landscape and tumultuous family life of her earliest years and her tremendous journey from the barrio to Brooklyn, from translating for her mother at the welfare office to high honors at Harvard.
LA SOMBRA DEL VIENTO (The Shadow of the Wind) by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
This is the first installment in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series, a four-part series that immerses readers in a beautiful and haunting Barcelona and a world of books, mystery, fantasy and love.
VIVIENDO by Adamari Lopez
The telling and uplifting survival story of soap opera star Adamari López’s battle with cancer and a very public divorce.
BAJO LA MISMA ESTRELLA (The Fault in Our Stars) by John Green; translated by Noemi Sobregues Arias
A genuine and moving story about a 16-year-old girl and her relationship with a boy that, like her, is fighting terminal cancer. Green’s novel is an international phenomenon and basis for a feature film.
RETA TU VIDA by José Fernandez
Jose Fernandez, “Trainer to the Stars,” presents a new diet and exercise guide challenging readers to get in the best shape of their lives by challenging the way they eat and exercise.
UN BUEN HIJO DE P… : UNA FÁBULA by Ismael Cala
Ismael Cala’s inspirational premise guides readers through real-life scenarios to help them overcome obstacles in their everyday lives, and learn the skills necessary to be successful, fulfilled, and most importantly happy on a daily basis. Cala hosts and produces a news show on CNN en Español (often referred to as the Hispanic Larry King), Cala, as well as a radio show.
LA CASA EN MANGO STREET by Sandra Cisneros; translated by Elena Poniatowska
THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET is the remarkable story of Esperanza Cordero. Told in a series of vignettes – sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous – it is the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become. Few other books in our time have touched so many readers.
Visit the collection: Top 25 Spanish Language Books
FEATURED TITLES
ADULTERIO (Adultery) by Paulo Coelho; translated by Pilar Obón
Coelho has an enormous following in Spanish, and his books never fail to receive major attention from Spanish-language media. Adulterio debuted at #1 on Spanish language bestseller lists.
CIEN AÑOS DE SOLEDAD (One Hundred Years of Solitude) by Gabriel García Márquez
Márquez’s masterpiece is the finest example of magical realism, and, as the book that sparked the Latin American boom, is one of most influential novels of the 20th Century.
COMO AGUA PARA CHOCOLATE (Like Water for Chocolate) by Laura Esquivel
This classic love story takes place on the De la Garza ranch, as the tyrannical owner, Mama Elena, chops onions at the kitchen table in her final days of pregnancy, and little Tita slips out amid the spices and fixings for noodle soup. This early encounter with food soon becomes a way of life, and Tita grows up to be a master chef. She shares special points of her favorite preparations throughout the story.
CUANDO ERA PUERTORRIQUEÑA (When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir) by Esmeralda Santiago
In this first volume of her much-praised, bestselling trilogy, Santiago brilliantly recreates the idyllic landscape and tumultuous family life of her earliest years and her tremendous journey from the barrio to Brooklyn, from translating for her mother at the welfare office to high honors at Harvard.
LA SOMBRA DEL VIENTO (The Shadow of the Wind) by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
This is the first installment in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series, a four-part series that immerses readers in a beautiful and haunting Barcelona and a world of books, mystery, fantasy and love.
VIVIENDO by Adamari Lopez
The telling and uplifting survival story of soap opera star Adamari López’s battle with cancer and a very public divorce.
BAJO LA MISMA ESTRELLA (The Fault in Our Stars) by John Green; translated by Noemi Sobregues Arias
A genuine and moving story about a 16-year-old girl and her relationship with a boy that, like her, is fighting terminal cancer. Green’s novel is an international phenomenon and basis for a feature film.
RETA TU VIDA by José Fernandez
Jose Fernandez, “Trainer to the Stars,” presents a new diet and exercise guide challenging readers to get in the best shape of their lives by challenging the way they eat and exercise.
UN BUEN HIJO DE P… : UNA FÁBULA by Ismael Cala
Ismael Cala’s inspirational premise guides readers through real-life scenarios to help them overcome obstacles in their everyday lives, and learn the skills necessary to be successful, fulfilled, and most importantly happy on a daily basis. Cala hosts and produces a news show on CNN en Español (often referred to as the Hispanic Larry King), Cala, as well as a radio show.
LA CASA EN MANGO STREET by Sandra Cisneros; translated by Elena Poniatowska
THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET is the remarkable story of Esperanza Cordero. Told in a series of vignettes – sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous – it is the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become. Few other books in our time have touched so many readers.
Visit the collection: Top 25 Spanish Language Books Announcements: 24 June 2016
Employee Blog from Markus Dohle: Humble Beginnings
Earlier this month, I left behind the bustling city streets of Manhattan for the quaint, cobblestoned roads of Gütersloh, Germany, where one hundred Penguin Random House colleagues from around the world joined with more than four hundred Bertelsmann colleagues for the Bertelsmann Management Meeting. It was extraordinary to have all of us in the place where, for me, everything started (the picture shows me on one of my first days at Bertelsmann!). Before taking my first job there after university, I grew up not far from Bertelsmann’s Gütersloh expand
headquarters. The BMM (Bertelsmann Management Meeting) was last held in Gütersloh in 2012, when the merger between Penguin and Random House was still an idea. Being back there last week got me thinking about the amazing and unexpected ways that great stories find their beginning.
We began with a strategic rationale for the merger based on what we called the Three I’s: Integration, International, and Innovation. Today, we have successfully completed the integration of the largest merger in publishing history, and internationally we’ve strengthened and expanded our key territories. Now we can fully focus on improving through innovation what we already do well. After the BMM, everyone from Penguin Random House in attendance gathered for breakout sessions, splitting into small groups to discuss and exchange ideas focused on our core strategic areas of innovation: Reader, Retail, and Author.
As a child who grew up reading books from the Bertelsmann book clubs of the 1970s, I find it surreal that I now, together with all of you, have the great opportunity and responsibility of carrying forward the publishing legacy of Bertelsmann and of so many other historic houses. As my colleagues discussed the future of Penguin Random House just 150 meters from the small house where Carl Bertelsmann printed his first book, the connection between past and future was palpable.
That afternoon, in our separate Penguin Random House session, the room hummed as new ideas and perspectives were shared and new relationships formed. You can’t overestimate what can be born out of a simple dialogue, and the possibilities are even greater when you consider the institutional knowledge and collective imagination that all of you have to share. Collaborating across our company, and working directly with one another, will be one of our greatest competitive advantages going forward.
To that end, an impressive number of our colleagues were deservedly recognized at the BMM by Bertelsmann CEO Thomas Rabe with the coveted Bertelsmann entrepreneur award for their outstanding 2015 achievements. I’d like to personally congratulate them again.
As part of my presentation at BMM, we invited Paula Hawkins and her two editors, Sarah Adams and Sarah McGrath, onstage for an interview. Nearly a year and a half after the publication of The Girl on Train, and after having sold 11 million copies around the world, Paula said of her success: “No, I still can’t believe it.” Sarah Adams, who said yes to the book after reading only eight chapters, also admitted that she too couldn’t possibly have imagined the runaway success the book has enjoyed.
But now, as Penguin Random House—with our combined talent, resources, and bestseller share—we’ve increased the likelihood that one of our books will achieve “unbelievable” success. Similarly, our completed integration means that we, as a company, can exceed our own high expectations. The necessity of collectively making thousands of decisions every day means that finding even the smallest of ways to become better at what we do can translate into continuous and large improvement across our company. As we move past the integration, I encourage us all to find the ways we can incrementally innovate: whether that’s simply experimenting with an idea, welcoming a new perspective, or just having a spontaneous conversation. I think we’ll surprise ourselves with what we may start.
Click on the link to see how Penguin Random House is taking Bertelsmann’s publishing legacy into the future: PRH BMM Video
Click on the link to see what an unbelievable ride The Girl on the Train has had: BMM The Girl on the Train Video
For additional coverage of the Bertelsmann Management Meeting, visit BeNet
We began with a strategic rationale for the merger based on what we called the Three I’s: Integration, International, and Innovation. Today, we have successfully completed the integration of the largest merger in publishing history, and internationally we’ve strengthened and expanded our key territories. Now we can fully focus on improving through innovation what we already do well. After the BMM, everyone from Penguin Random House in attendance gathered for breakout sessions, splitting into small groups to discuss and exchange ideas focused on our core strategic areas of innovation: Reader, Retail, and Author.
It’s tradition in Germany to receive a Schultüte on your very first day
The Carl Bertelsmann House
The 2015 Bertelsmann Entrepreneurial Award Winners
Our colleagues deep in discussion during the BMM PRH Meeting
Announcements: 24 June 2016
Featured Author Event: Chuck Klosterman
Bestselling author and essayist Chuck Klosterman will be celebrating the release of his new book BUT WHAT IF WE’RE WRONG (Blue Rider Press) at Villain, LLC in Williamsburg on Wednesday, June 29 at 7pm. Joining Klosterman in conversation is Wesley Morris of The New York Times. expand
Chuck Klosterman is the author of nine books including Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs and I Wear the Black Hat and he has written for several major publications including The New York Times, GQ, and ESPN among others. In his books and essays, Klosterman challenges readers to 
think in new ways about the facets of pop culture that he continually and humorously probes. In BUT WHAT IF WE’RE WRONG?, Klosterman visualizes how our current world will eventually be interpreted in the future. Klosterman’s thought-provoking concepts ask us how sure we are about our understanding of everything from gravity to time, music and more. Featuring interviews with the likes of such imaginative minds including Neil deGrasse Tyson, David Byrne, and George Saunders, Klosterman creates a forecast of the future and urges you to challenge your beliefs and consider what you can truly know for certain.
Klosterman will discuss his new book with American journalist and Critic at Large for The New York Times, Wesley Morris. Morris is a former full-time writer for the website Grantland of which Klosterman was an original founder of. Morris won the annual Pulitzer Prize for Criticism for his 2011 work withThe Boston Globe.
Tickets for this event include one copy of the hardcover edition BUT WHAT IF WE’RE WRONG? Doors open at 6:30 for check-in, at which time you can pick up your copy/copies of the book.
think in new ways about the facets of pop culture that he continually and humorously probes. In BUT WHAT IF WE’RE WRONG?, Klosterman visualizes how our current world will eventually be interpreted in the future. Klosterman’s thought-provoking concepts ask us how sure we are about our understanding of everything from gravity to time, music and more. Featuring interviews with the likes of such imaginative minds including Neil deGrasse Tyson, David Byrne, and George Saunders, Klosterman creates a forecast of the future and urges you to challenge your beliefs and consider what you can truly know for certain.
Klosterman will discuss his new book with American journalist and Critic at Large for The New York Times, Wesley Morris. Morris is a former full-time writer for the website Grantland of which Klosterman was an original founder of. Morris won the annual Pulitzer Prize for Criticism for his 2011 work withThe Boston Globe.
Tickets for this event include one copy of the hardcover edition BUT WHAT IF WE’RE WRONG? Doors open at 6:30 for check-in, at which time you can pick up your copy/copies of the book. Announcements: 23 June 2016
Riverhead Raises Nearly $5,000 for Libraries Without Borders
Revisiting our early June post about Riverhead’s Fundraiser for Libraries Without Borders, this month-long campaign has now generated nearly $5,000 in donations, with one week left for people to contribute. Anyone who makes a donation of $250 or more receives a 3D head of the author of their choosing. Riverhead Design Labs partnered with Leblox to create 3D heads of some of the imprint’s most iconic authors, such as Junot Diaz, Marlon James, Ann Lamott, and expand
Announcements: 23 June 2016
#FridayReads: Shark Week Starts This Sunday!
What has kept this phenomenon going strong for 29 years? Peter Benchley, author of Jaws and bonafide shark expert, should know. He says: “People are, and always have been, simultaneously intrigued and terrified by sharks. Sharks come from a wing of the dark castle where our nightmares live—deep water beyond our sight and understanding—and so they stimulate our fears and fantasies and imaginations.” expand
Get yourself and the little ones in your life ready for Shark Week with some great reference books on these fascinating creatures, plus some fun reads to feed your sea-deep imagination.
FEATURED TITLES
BLUE MERIDIAN: THE SEARCH FOR THE GREAT WHITE SHARK by Peter Matthiessen
On a trek that lasts 17 months and takes him from the Caribbean to the whaling grounds off South Africa, and across the Indian Ocean to the South Australian coast, National Book Award-winning author Matthiessen describes the awesome experience of swimming in open water among hundreds of sharks; the beauties of strange seas and landscapes; and the camaraderie, tension, humor, and frustrations that develop when people continually risking their lives dwell in close proximity day after day.
JAWS: A NOVEL by Peter Benchley
Here is Peter Benchley’s classic suspense novel of shark versus man, which was made into the blockbuster Steven Spielberg movie. The Jaws phenomenon changed popular culture and continues to inspire a growing interest in sharks and the oceans today.
DEMON FISH: TRAVELS THROUGH THE HIDDEN WORLD OF SHARKS by Juliet Eilperin
From Belize to South Africa, from Shanghai to Bimini, we see that sharks are still the object of an obsession that may eventually lead to their extinction. In this eye-opening adventure that spans the globe, environmental journalist Juliet Eilperin investigates the fascinating ways different individuals and cultures relate to the ocean’s top predator.
FOR YOUNG READERS
SHARK WARS by EJ Altbacker
Since the dawn of time, prehistoric shark clans called Shivers have ruled over the earth’s oceans, fierce protectors of all who swim. For eons, the Big Blue has prospered under Shiver Law, and the delicate balance of sea life kept sacred. Until now.
SUPER SHARK ENCYCLOPEDIA (DK)
SUPER SHARK ENCYCLOPEDIA uncovers the secrets of the oceans by exploring a remarkable array of 80 sharks and other sea creatures — from Barrel Shrimp to Blue Sharks, Starfish to Bat Fish, and Hammerhead Sharks to Sandtiger Sharks, plus surfing penguins, deep-sea monsters, rays, eels and more. Packed with jaw-dropping facts about animal behavior and anatomy, new x-ray artworks utilize cross-sections and strip layers away to show key anatomical features in detail. It showcases record-breaking animals, such as the deadliest p …
THE OCTONAUTS AND THE WHITETIP SHARK (Grosset & Dunlap)
The Octonauts are out on the reef when a scary whitetip shark attacks the GUP-A! A tiny pilot fish offers to lend a fin, giving Barnacles a brilliant idea: Pilot fish get their food by eating gunk off of things, and whitetip sharks offer pilot fish protection in return for cleaning their teeth. Maybe all this whitetip shark needs is a friend. Octonauts, let’s do this!
For more on these and other shark titles visit the edelweiss collection: Shark Week 2016
FEATURED TITLES
BLUE MERIDIAN: THE SEARCH FOR THE GREAT WHITE SHARK by Peter Matthiessen
On a trek that lasts 17 months and takes him from the Caribbean to the whaling grounds off South Africa, and across the Indian Ocean to the South Australian coast, National Book Award-winning author Matthiessen describes the awesome experience of swimming in open water among hundreds of sharks; the beauties of strange seas and landscapes; and the camaraderie, tension, humor, and frustrations that develop when people continually risking their lives dwell in close proximity day after day.
JAWS: A NOVEL by Peter Benchley
Here is Peter Benchley’s classic suspense novel of shark versus man, which was made into the blockbuster Steven Spielberg movie. The Jaws phenomenon changed popular culture and continues to inspire a growing interest in sharks and the oceans today.
DEMON FISH: TRAVELS THROUGH THE HIDDEN WORLD OF SHARKS by Juliet Eilperin
From Belize to South Africa, from Shanghai to Bimini, we see that sharks are still the object of an obsession that may eventually lead to their extinction. In this eye-opening adventure that spans the globe, environmental journalist Juliet Eilperin investigates the fascinating ways different individuals and cultures relate to the ocean’s top predator.
FOR YOUNG READERS
SHARK WARS by EJ Altbacker
Since the dawn of time, prehistoric shark clans called Shivers have ruled over the earth’s oceans, fierce protectors of all who swim. For eons, the Big Blue has prospered under Shiver Law, and the delicate balance of sea life kept sacred. Until now.
SUPER SHARK ENCYCLOPEDIA (DK)
SUPER SHARK ENCYCLOPEDIA uncovers the secrets of the oceans by exploring a remarkable array of 80 sharks and other sea creatures — from Barrel Shrimp to Blue Sharks, Starfish to Bat Fish, and Hammerhead Sharks to Sandtiger Sharks, plus surfing penguins, deep-sea monsters, rays, eels and more. Packed with jaw-dropping facts about animal behavior and anatomy, new x-ray artworks utilize cross-sections and strip layers away to show key anatomical features in detail. It showcases record-breaking animals, such as the deadliest p …
THE OCTONAUTS AND THE WHITETIP SHARK (Grosset & Dunlap)
The Octonauts are out on the reef when a scary whitetip shark attacks the GUP-A! A tiny pilot fish offers to lend a fin, giving Barnacles a brilliant idea: Pilot fish get their food by eating gunk off of things, and whitetip sharks offer pilot fish protection in return for cleaning their teeth. Maybe all this whitetip shark needs is a friend. Octonauts, let’s do this!
For more on these and other shark titles visit the edelweiss collection: Shark Week 2016 Announcements: 22 June 2016
There’s a Book for That: Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 47 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias worldwide. Add to that the number of caregivers and those directly affected grows exponentially. Awareness inspires action and the following titles on brain health, Alzheimer’s and dementia aim to educate, support and inspire. expand
To learn more visit: alz.org
FEATURED TITLES
BEFORE I FORGET: LOVE, HOPE, HELP, AND ACCEPTANCE IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S by B. Smith, Dan Gasby, Michael Shnayerson
Restaurateur, magazine publisher, celebrity chef, and nationally known lifestyle maven, B. Smith is struggling at 64 with a tag she never expected to add to that string: Alzheimer’s patient. Crafted in short chapters that interweave their narrative with Lessons Learned, their practical and helpful advice, readers travel with them as they learn to deal with Alzheimer’s day-to-day challenges.
MOONWALKING WITH EINSTEIN: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF REMEMBERING EVERYTHING by Joshua Foer
An instant bestseller that is poised to become a classic, MOONWALKING WITH EINSTEIN recounts Joshua Foer’s yearlong quest to improve his memory under the tutelage of top “mental athletes.
THE BRAIN’S WAY OF HEALING: REMARKABLE DISCOVERIES AND RECOVERIES FROM THE FRONTIERS OF NEUROPLASTICITY by Norman Doidge
From the New York Times bestselling author of THE BRAIN THAT CHANGES ITSELF, the next generation of neuroplasticity’s miracles—how doctors and patients are awakening the brain’s ability to grow and change and heal, including cases of overcoming the symptoms of Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
WHERE THE LIGHT GETS IN: LOSING MY MOTHER ONLY TO FIND HER AGAIN by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Michael J. Fox
After a Redbook piece that went viral and attracted media attention from Good Morning America and NPR, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, actress (Father of the Bride, Nashville) and wife of country megastar Brad Paisley, shares the story of her mother’s diagnosis of a rare form of dementia at the age of 61 and the effect it has had on their relationship.
THE HUMAN BRAIN BOOK by Rita Carter
Combining the latest findings from neuroscience with new brain imaging techniques, as well as developments on infant brains, telepathy, and brain modification, this new edition of DK’s The Human Brain Book covers brain anatomy, function, and disorders in unprecedented detail.
THE THEFT OF MEMORY: LOSING MY FATHER, ONE DAY AT A TIME by Jonathan Kozol
In the most personal book of his career, Kozol tells the story of his father’s life and work as a nationally noted specialist in disorders of the brain and his astonishing ability, at the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, to explain the causes of his sickness and then to narrate, step-by-step, his slow descent into dementia.
THE BRAINPOWER COOKBOOK: MORE THAN 200 RECIPES TO ENERGIZE YOUR THINKING, BOOST YOUR MOOD, AND SHARPEN YOUR MEMORY by Frank Lawlis, Maggie Greenwood-Robinson
Brain-boosting recipes from the New York Times bestselling author and chief content adviser for the Dr. Phil show.
THE LONG GOODBYE by Patti Davis
In THE LONG GOODBYE, Patti Davis describes losing her father to Alzheimer’s disease, saying goodbye in stages, helpless against the onslaught of a disease that steals what is most precious—a person’s memory. “Alzheimer’s,” she writes, “snips away at the threads, a slow unraveling, a steady retreat; as a witness all you can do is watch, cry, and whisper a soft stream of goodbyes.”
WHAT IF IT’S NOT ALZHEIMER’S?: A CAREGIVER’S GUIDE TO DEMENTIA by Gary Radin, Lisa Radin, Murray Grossman, MD EdD
This book is the first and only comprehensive guide dealing with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), one of the largest groups of non-Alzheimer’s dementias. The contributors are either specialists in their fields or have exceptional hands-on experience with FTD sufferers.
FOR YOUNG READERS
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS BRAIN GAMES: THE MIND-BLOWING SCIENCE OF YOUR AMAZING BRAIN by Jennifer Swanson, Hank Green; Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7
In this fascinating, interactive book—a companion to the National Geographic Channel hit show – kids explore the parts of the brain and how it all works.
DEATH BY TOILET PAPER by Donna Gephart; Ages 9-12
Fans of Louis Saachar will welcome the adventures of a contest-crazed seventh grader who uses his wits and way with words in hopes of winning a big cash prize to help his family.
For more information on these and related titles visit the edelweiss collection: Brain & Alzheimer’s Books
FEATURED TITLES
BEFORE I FORGET: LOVE, HOPE, HELP, AND ACCEPTANCE IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S by B. Smith, Dan Gasby, Michael Shnayerson
Restaurateur, magazine publisher, celebrity chef, and nationally known lifestyle maven, B. Smith is struggling at 64 with a tag she never expected to add to that string: Alzheimer’s patient. Crafted in short chapters that interweave their narrative with Lessons Learned, their practical and helpful advice, readers travel with them as they learn to deal with Alzheimer’s day-to-day challenges.
MOONWALKING WITH EINSTEIN: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF REMEMBERING EVERYTHING by Joshua Foer
An instant bestseller that is poised to become a classic, MOONWALKING WITH EINSTEIN recounts Joshua Foer’s yearlong quest to improve his memory under the tutelage of top “mental athletes.
THE BRAIN’S WAY OF HEALING: REMARKABLE DISCOVERIES AND RECOVERIES FROM THE FRONTIERS OF NEUROPLASTICITY by Norman Doidge
From the New York Times bestselling author of THE BRAIN THAT CHANGES ITSELF, the next generation of neuroplasticity’s miracles—how doctors and patients are awakening the brain’s ability to grow and change and heal, including cases of overcoming the symptoms of Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
WHERE THE LIGHT GETS IN: LOSING MY MOTHER ONLY TO FIND HER AGAIN by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Michael J. Fox
After a Redbook piece that went viral and attracted media attention from Good Morning America and NPR, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, actress (Father of the Bride, Nashville) and wife of country megastar Brad Paisley, shares the story of her mother’s diagnosis of a rare form of dementia at the age of 61 and the effect it has had on their relationship.
THE HUMAN BRAIN BOOK by Rita Carter
Combining the latest findings from neuroscience with new brain imaging techniques, as well as developments on infant brains, telepathy, and brain modification, this new edition of DK’s The Human Brain Book covers brain anatomy, function, and disorders in unprecedented detail.
THE THEFT OF MEMORY: LOSING MY FATHER, ONE DAY AT A TIME by Jonathan Kozol
In the most personal book of his career, Kozol tells the story of his father’s life and work as a nationally noted specialist in disorders of the brain and his astonishing ability, at the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, to explain the causes of his sickness and then to narrate, step-by-step, his slow descent into dementia.
THE BRAINPOWER COOKBOOK: MORE THAN 200 RECIPES TO ENERGIZE YOUR THINKING, BOOST YOUR MOOD, AND SHARPEN YOUR MEMORY by Frank Lawlis, Maggie Greenwood-Robinson
Brain-boosting recipes from the New York Times bestselling author and chief content adviser for the Dr. Phil show.
THE LONG GOODBYE by Patti Davis
In THE LONG GOODBYE, Patti Davis describes losing her father to Alzheimer’s disease, saying goodbye in stages, helpless against the onslaught of a disease that steals what is most precious—a person’s memory. “Alzheimer’s,” she writes, “snips away at the threads, a slow unraveling, a steady retreat; as a witness all you can do is watch, cry, and whisper a soft stream of goodbyes.”
WHAT IF IT’S NOT ALZHEIMER’S?: A CAREGIVER’S GUIDE TO DEMENTIA by Gary Radin, Lisa Radin, Murray Grossman, MD EdD
This book is the first and only comprehensive guide dealing with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), one of the largest groups of non-Alzheimer’s dementias. The contributors are either specialists in their fields or have exceptional hands-on experience with FTD sufferers.
FOR YOUNG READERS
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS BRAIN GAMES: THE MIND-BLOWING SCIENCE OF YOUR AMAZING BRAIN by Jennifer Swanson, Hank Green; Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7
In this fascinating, interactive book—a companion to the National Geographic Channel hit show – kids explore the parts of the brain and how it all works.
DEATH BY TOILET PAPER by Donna Gephart; Ages 9-12
Fans of Louis Saachar will welcome the adventures of a contest-crazed seventh grader who uses his wits and way with words in hopes of winning a big cash prize to help his family.
For more information on these and related titles visit the edelweiss collection: Brain & Alzheimer’s Books Announcements: 20 June 2016
Celebrate Audiobook Month by Sharing Why You #LoveAudiobooks
Penguin Random House Audio and the Audio Publishers Association are celebrating June as Audiobook Month with a new awareness campaign: “A Good Audiobook Speaks Volumes,” featuring video PSAs with prominent authors. Dozens of bestselling authors from across the industry are creating videos sharing why they love audiobooks, including Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Stephen King, Tyler Oakley, James Patterson, and many more. expand
Announcements: 20 June 2016
Our Colleagues Give Voice to Creative Writing Awards Winners
Penguin Random House presented $112,000 in scholarships to 56 New York City public high school seniors during the 2016 Live and Onstage Creative Writing Awards Show on June 7 at NYC’s Symphony Space. The awards presentation included dramatic readings, spoken-word poetry, and graphic-novel presentations from a selection of winners, including this year’s newest $10,000 scholarship recipient of the Maya Angelou Scholarship Award for Spoken Word Poetry. expand
Devin Johnson Maya Angelou Award Winner
Charles Traut 3rd Place Poetry Winner
Keitha Clemon Duhaney and Camile Dewing
Announcements: 17 June 2016
Random House Children’s Books is Official Publisher for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record
Random House Children’s Books has been selected as the official publisher for the 11th anniversary of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, a national campaign that helps address educational inequalities and works toward the day when all children have the skills they need for kindergarten and lifelong success. expand
On October 27, 2016, children and adults will join forces for the world’s largest shared reading experience, known as Jumpstart’s Read for the Record. Since 2006, this 24-hour celebration has mobilized over 17 million people, and Jumpstart holds the world reading record for the most people 
reading the same book on the same day. This year’s official campaign book, THE BEAR ATE YOUR SANDWICH by Julia Sarcone-Roach (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers), will not only inspire adults to read with children but will also spur policymakers and organizations to take action towards transformative change in early education while putting books in the hands of more children across the country.
“The mission of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record so perfectly aligns with our goal to instill a love of reading early in life and to get books into the hands of young learners,” said Random House Children’s Books President and Publisher, Barbara Marcus. “We could not be happier to be partnering with Jumpstart and look forward to sharing Julia Sarcone-Roach’s charming THE BEAR ATE YOUR SANDWICH with many young readers and families.”
To learn more about Jumpstart, to register to read, and to order your exclusive copies of THE BEAR ATE YOUR SANDWICH, visit readfortherecord.org.
reading the same book on the same day. This year’s official campaign book, THE BEAR ATE YOUR SANDWICH by Julia Sarcone-Roach (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers), will not only inspire adults to read with children but will also spur policymakers and organizations to take action towards transformative change in early education while putting books in the hands of more children across the country.
“The mission of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record so perfectly aligns with our goal to instill a love of reading early in life and to get books into the hands of young learners,” said Random House Children’s Books President and Publisher, Barbara Marcus. “We could not be happier to be partnering with Jumpstart and look forward to sharing Julia Sarcone-Roach’s charming THE BEAR ATE YOUR SANDWICH with many young readers and families.”
To learn more about Jumpstart, to register to read, and to order your exclusive copies of THE BEAR ATE YOUR SANDWICH, visit readfortherecord.org. Announcements: 16 June 2016
Penguin Random House Sponsors SIBA’s Pat Conroy Scholarships
The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) has announced the creation of The Pat Conroy Scholarships in honor of our late author, whose lifetime achievements have meant so much to Southern booksellers. The scholarships, which will be bestowed to two booksellers annually in each of the next four years, are made possible by Penguin Random House, whose Nan A. Talese/Doubleday, Dial Press Trade Paperbacks, and Random House Audio imprints publish Mr. Conroy’s works in hardcover, paperback, and audio editions respectively. expand
“Pat Conroy is a beloved Penguin Random House author,” said Jaci Updike, President, Sales, Penguin Random House, “and it is a privilege for us to honor his legacy in a manner that benefits new booksellers. Pat deeply loved books and the men and women who sell them and would be made very happy and proud to have an opportunity to enhance their professional education.”
These scholarships are designated specifically for booksellers who have never attended a SIBA Discovery Show, held in September, in keeping with the Penguin Random House’s fifteen-year tradition of supporting educational programming for booksellers at the event. The scholarships will cover up to $1,000 of the winner’s travel, hotel, and meal expenses for the Discovery Show first-timers. To be eligible, a bookseller must be a full-time employee of a SIBA-member bookstore, working at any level or capacity.
Pat Conroy’s A LOW COUNTRY HEART: Reflections on a Writing Life, a new nonfiction collection of pieces spanning the author’s long literary career, has been announced for posthumous hardcover and eBook publication by Nan A. Talese/Doubleday on October 25, one day before what would have been Pat’s 71st birthday.
To be considered for a Pat Conroy Scholarship, booksellers can self-nominate, or be nominated by other booksellers or sales reps. Owners and managers are strongly encouraged to nominate frontline booksellers who are interested in bookselling as a career. The deadline for nominations for the 2016 Pat Conroy Scholarships is July 15, 2016. Scholarship recipients will be announced on August 1.
Pat Conroy
Announcements: 16 June 2016
#FridayReads: Literary Bad Dads
This Sunday we celebrate fathers. Dad is always there to lend a hand, provide much needed advice, and loves you unconditionally. But what if he’s not? Maybe you always sought that Hallmark relationship, never to find it. Or, perhaps, you are sick to death of sappy cards, or completely unrelatable Hollywood interpretations of what a father should be. This week, we’ve collected a list of literary bad dads, from despicable and cruel to murderous and vengeful, here are some of the worst fathers in fiction! expand
FEATURED DADS
Ian in I LET YOU GO by Clare Mackintosh
Control is what Ian wants. And if he can’t have it, nobody can.
Victor in THE WINTER GIRL by Matt Marinovich
A twisted man who rubbed off on his kids.
Heathcliff of WUTHERING HEIGHTS by Emily Bronte
He married to spite his true love, and then takes it out on his sickly son.
Humbert Humbert in LOLITA by Vladimir Nabokov
This step-father only married his wife so he could get to her daughter.
Michael Henchard in THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE by Thomas Hardy
What kind of man could sell his own child?
Titus from TITUS ANDRONICUS by William Shakespeare
At least the previous character only sold his kid, Titus murdered his.
Jack Torrance in THE SHINING by Stephen King
Again, what’s with trying to kill your kids?
Pap Finn in FINN by Jon Clinch
As mean and violent as ever, here’s a touch of gruesome to add to the story of Huck Finn’s abusive father.
Lt. Col. Wilbur “Bull” Meecham in THE GREAT SANTINI by Pat Conroy
Too bad he wasn’t as great a father as he was a pilot
Vito Corleone in THE GODFATHER by Mario Puzo
Corleone posits “a man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man” but this Mafioso places his children in danger which results in two of their deaths.
Pick a father from A GAME OF THRONES by George R. R. Martin
Where to even begin?
DADS FOR YOUNG READERS
Mr. Wormwood from Roald Dahl’s classic, MATILDA
Repeatedly telling his daughter he wishes she were a boy is bad enough, but then he sabotaged her library books!
View additional bad dad reading suggestions in our Edelweiss collection: Literary Bad Dads Announcements: 15 June 2016
There’s a Book for That: Hope, Healing and Doing Good
“Or I could decide that, even in the wake of such unspeakable malice, I could live a purposeful life by choosing hope.” – Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, CHOOSING HOPE
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” – Mr. Rogers expand
FEATURED TITLES
CHOOSING HOPE: MOVING FORWARD FROM LIFE’S DARKEST HOURS by Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, Robin Gaby Fisher
On December 14, 2012, Sandy Hook Elementary School teacher Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis saved the lives of fifteen six- and-seven-year-old students by piling them into a single-occupancy bathroom in her first-grade classroom. Choosing Hope is a memoir that bears witness to a tragedy that shall never be forgotten, but even more so it is a testament to a decision that we can all make to choose hope in order to conquer tragedy, even in our darkest hours.
THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND, AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
One of the world’s leading experts on traumatic stress explains how trauma affects people, its underlying neurobiology, and the many new treatments that are making it possible for sufferers to move beyond trauma in order to reclaim their lives.
STITCHES: A HANDBOOK ON MEANING, HOPE AND REPAIR by Anne Lamott
What do we do when life lurches out of balance? How can we reconnect to one other and to what’s sustaining, when evil and catastrophe seem inescapable? These questions lie at the heart of Stitches, Lamott’s profound follow-up to her New York Times–bes …
EVERYBODY HELPS, EVERYBODY WINS: HOW ABSOLUTELY ANYONE CAN PITCH IN, HELP OUT, GIVE BACK, AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE by David T. Levinson
Speaking to the reluctant volunteer in everyone, the director of one of the largest grassroots volunteer programs in the country, Big Sunday, shows how everyone can give back.
COMING OUT TO PLAY by Robbie Rogers and Eric MarcusIn
In COMING OUT TO PLAY, Robbie takes readers on his incredible journey from terrified teenager to a trailblazing out and proud professional soccer player for the L.A. Galaxy, who has embraced his new identity as a role model and champion for those still struggling with the secrets that keep them from living their dreams.
THE ART OF COMFORTING: WHAT TO SAY AND DO FOR PEOPLE IN DISTRESS by Val Walker
In this practical, step-by-step guide to what she calls “the art of comforting,” Val Walker draws on numerous interviews with “Master Comforters” to guide readers in gently and gracefully breaking through the walls that those who are suffering often erect around themselves.
GRACE: QUOTES & PASSAGES FOR HEART, MIND, AND SOUL by B. C. Aronson
This treasury of quotes and passages on leading a centered, purposeful, and spiritual life offers the advice and observations of leaders from all walks of life. Included are Ghandi, Lao-Tzu, Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, and hundreds more.
DEAR MR. ROGERS, DOES IT EVER RAIN IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?: LETTERS TO MR. ROGERS by Fred Rogers
In this collection of letters and replies, Mister Rogers encourages parents, grandparents, and teachers to cherish the questions and comments that come from their children. With sincerity and sensitivity, real-life issues are addressed in chapters arranged by theme—the world, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, feelings and fears, television, family relationships, and death.
INVISIBLE HEROES: SURVIVORS OF TRAUMA AND HOW THEY HEAL by Belleruth Naparstek, Robert C. Scaer
Drawing on more than thirty years’ experience as a therapist, Belleruth Naparstek presents a clinically proven program for recovery using the potent tool of guided imagery – offering hope to the millions who are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
For more on these and related titles visit the edelweiss collection: Hope & Healing
CHOOSING HOPE: MOVING FORWARD FROM LIFE’S DARKEST HOURS by Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, Robin Gaby Fisher
On December 14, 2012, Sandy Hook Elementary School teacher Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis saved the lives of fifteen six- and-seven-year-old students by piling them into a single-occupancy bathroom in her first-grade classroom. Choosing Hope is a memoir that bears witness to a tragedy that shall never be forgotten, but even more so it is a testament to a decision that we can all make to choose hope in order to conquer tragedy, even in our darkest hours.
THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND, AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
One of the world’s leading experts on traumatic stress explains how trauma affects people, its underlying neurobiology, and the many new treatments that are making it possible for sufferers to move beyond trauma in order to reclaim their lives.
STITCHES: A HANDBOOK ON MEANING, HOPE AND REPAIR by Anne Lamott
What do we do when life lurches out of balance? How can we reconnect to one other and to what’s sustaining, when evil and catastrophe seem inescapable? These questions lie at the heart of Stitches, Lamott’s profound follow-up to her New York Times–bes …
EVERYBODY HELPS, EVERYBODY WINS: HOW ABSOLUTELY ANYONE CAN PITCH IN, HELP OUT, GIVE BACK, AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE by David T. Levinson
Speaking to the reluctant volunteer in everyone, the director of one of the largest grassroots volunteer programs in the country, Big Sunday, shows how everyone can give back.
COMING OUT TO PLAY by Robbie Rogers and Eric MarcusIn
In COMING OUT TO PLAY, Robbie takes readers on his incredible journey from terrified teenager to a trailblazing out and proud professional soccer player for the L.A. Galaxy, who has embraced his new identity as a role model and champion for those still struggling with the secrets that keep them from living their dreams.
THE ART OF COMFORTING: WHAT TO SAY AND DO FOR PEOPLE IN DISTRESS by Val Walker
In this practical, step-by-step guide to what she calls “the art of comforting,” Val Walker draws on numerous interviews with “Master Comforters” to guide readers in gently and gracefully breaking through the walls that those who are suffering often erect around themselves.
GRACE: QUOTES & PASSAGES FOR HEART, MIND, AND SOUL by B. C. Aronson
This treasury of quotes and passages on leading a centered, purposeful, and spiritual life offers the advice and observations of leaders from all walks of life. Included are Ghandi, Lao-Tzu, Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, and hundreds more.
DEAR MR. ROGERS, DOES IT EVER RAIN IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?: LETTERS TO MR. ROGERS by Fred Rogers
In this collection of letters and replies, Mister Rogers encourages parents, grandparents, and teachers to cherish the questions and comments that come from their children. With sincerity and sensitivity, real-life issues are addressed in chapters arranged by theme—the world, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, feelings and fears, television, family relationships, and death.
INVISIBLE HEROES: SURVIVORS OF TRAUMA AND HOW THEY HEAL by Belleruth Naparstek, Robert C. Scaer
Drawing on more than thirty years’ experience as a therapist, Belleruth Naparstek presents a clinically proven program for recovery using the potent tool of guided imagery – offering hope to the millions who are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
For more on these and related titles visit the edelweiss collection: Hope & Healing Announcements: 14 June 2016
Featured Author Event: Steve Hamilton
New York Times-bestselling, two-time Edgar-award-winning author Steve Hamilton will be joined in conversation by fellow bestselling Penguin Random House author, Lee Child. The two acclaimed crime writers will discuss Hamilton’s novel THE SECOND LIFE OF NICK MASON (G.P. Putnam’s Sons) at Barnes & Noble on the Upper East Side on Thursday (6/16) at 7:00pm. expand
When it comes to mystery writing, Steve Hamilton knows how to create award-winning novels time and time again. From the publication of his very first novel in 1998, Hamilton has taken home some 
of the most prestigious prizes in crime writing from the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award to the Private Eye Writers of America Shamus Award. Among his 12 previous novels are the 10 books that make up the Alex McKnight series, including two New York Times notable books. THE SECOND LIFE OF NICK MASON is the first in Hamilton’s new Nick Mason series that follows an unforgettable new hero, a man who will walk out of prison and into a harrowing double life that is anything but free. The thriller received several favorable reviews from the media as well as from fellow crime writers including Harlan Coben, Don Winslow and Stephen King. THE SECOND LIFE OF NICK MASON is set to be adapted for the big screen by screenwriter Richard Wenk (The Equalizer and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back).
Joining Hamilton is a fellow Penguin Random House author who is also adept at crafting bestselling thrillers, Lee Child. Of his twenty New York Times bestselling Jack Reacher thrillers, eleven of have reached the #1 position and all have been optioned for major motion pictures. His recent addition to the series, MAKE ME, was another #1 hit and was named of the best books of the year by Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, and Suspense Magazine. The 21st book in Child’s incredibly successful series, NIGHT SCHOOL, is due out this November from Delacorte Press.
of the most prestigious prizes in crime writing from the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award to the Private Eye Writers of America Shamus Award. Among his 12 previous novels are the 10 books that make up the Alex McKnight series, including two New York Times notable books. THE SECOND LIFE OF NICK MASON is the first in Hamilton’s new Nick Mason series that follows an unforgettable new hero, a man who will walk out of prison and into a harrowing double life that is anything but free. The thriller received several favorable reviews from the media as well as from fellow crime writers including Harlan Coben, Don Winslow and Stephen King. THE SECOND LIFE OF NICK MASON is set to be adapted for the big screen by screenwriter Richard Wenk (The Equalizer and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back).
Lee Child
Announcements: 13 June 2016
“Coloring Book Queen” to Receive OBE from Queen of England
Penguin Books author and illustrator Johanna Basford, who has been called “The Queen of Coloring Books,” will be awarded an OBE, “for services to Art and Entrepreneurship,” by Queen Elizabeth II.
“I received a letter a few weeks ago to say I would be receiving an OBE as part of the Queen’s (90th) Birthday Honors this year,” Ms. Basford posted on her blog. “This was so unexpected that I called Buckingham Palace to check if they had made a mistake! If I’m honest, I don’t feel I expand
Announcements: 13 June 2016
Penguin Young Readers Donates 100K Books to National Diaper Bank
Penguin Young Readers is donating 100,000 books to the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) this fall. The donation is in partnership with the Clinton Foundation initiative, Too Small to Fail. These books will be distributed to 33,000 households – 3 books per family – in 20 diaper bank communities across America. Too Small to Fail announced the partnership at the Clinton Global Initiative America conference on Monday, June 13, in Atlanta. expand
Studies show that in some low-income communities, there is only one book per 300 children, while in middle-income neighborhoods, there are thirteen books per child. NDBN works to meet the basic needs of all American children and families, by focusing on diaper need. The Penguin Young Readers donation promotes early literacy by providing families in the diaper bank communities with board books for their children.
As part of the partnership with Too Small to Fail, those receiving books will be invited to pledge to join the “Talk, Read, Sing for Change” program, which encourages parents to do all three of those activities with their children daily. Too Small to Fail’s public awareness and action campaign raises awareness among parents and caregivers about the critical importance of talking, reading, and singing during everyday moments. The Clinton Foundation initiative provides parents with tools to engage in these language-rich interactions.
In addition to the above commitments, leading diaper brand and NDBN’s founding sponsor, Huggies, will also partner to amplify this campaign on their social media platforms. Announcements: 13 June 2016
Igloo Book Buzz: THE GIRLS by Emma Cline
The advance buzz for Emma Cline’s THE GIRLS, which Random House is publishing on Tuesday, June 14, has been tremendous. The book’s editor, Kate Medina, Executive Vice President, Executive Editorial Director, Associate Publisher, Random House, became an instant fan: “It took only two pages for me to shut my door, cancel everything, and not get up until I had finished reading this beautifully written, spellbinding novel by a remarkable young writer. expand
THE GIRLS is the story of Evie Boyd, a woman who is haunted by a summer during her teenage years in the 1960s – and the weeks, days, and moments that changed her life forever. Emma Cline’s story is so powerful, as are her startlingly acute psychological portraits of girls and their families. I love her writing, her language. This is a novel I wanted to read fast because the story is so suspenseful, and slow so I could savor every word.”
The media has joined Ms. Medina in praising Ms. Cline and her book, which was the #1 Indie Next Pick for June. Here is a sampling:
“Emma Cline’s THE GIRLS reimagine[s] the American novel for a new generation…Like Mary Gaitskill’s Veronica or Lorrie Moore’s Who Will Run the Frog Hospital?, The Girls captures a defining friendship in its full humanity with a touch of rock-memoir, tell-it-like-it-really-was attitude.”—Vogue
“The most remarkable quality of this novel is Cline’s ability to articulate the anxieties of adolescence in language that’s gorgeously poetic without mangling the authenticity of a teenager’s consciousness. The adult’s melancholy reflection and the girl’s swelling impetuousness are flawlessly braided together…. [F]or a story that traffics in the lurid notoriety of the Manson murders, THE GIRLS is an extraordinary act of restraint. With the maturity of a writer twice her age, Cline has written a wise novel that’s never showy: a quiet, seething confession of yearning and terror…. [D]ebut novels like this are rare, indeed.”—Washington Post
“In her debut novel, THE GIRLS, Emma Cline explores the uncanny appeal of a religious cult for girls seeking refuge from moral uncertainty. Set in Northern California in the late 1960s, the narrative unfolds as an unhappy teenager, Evie, is sucked into a Charles Manson-like cult, seduced by the blissed-out, feral girls in the commune leader’s entourage…The novel has been lavishly praised by writers like Jennifer Egan, who called Ms. Cline “a thrilling new voice in American fiction,” and Richard Ford. With all the hype, Ms. Cline’s book, out June 14, seems to have a good shot at becoming the must-read novel of the summer.”—Alexandra Alter, The New York Times
“This breathtaking novel — about a young woman entangled in a Mansonesque cult — is so accomplished that it’s hard to believe it’s a debut. Cline’s powerful characters linger long after the final page.”—Entertainment Weekly (Summer Must List)
“[T]he debut novel that the publishing world can’t stop talking about. It’s a coming-of-age story, set in Northern California in the late 1960s, that involves a thoughtful teenage girl who drifts into a Charles Manson-like cult. This promises to be a perceptive page-turner, a volume to haunt summer’s warm nights.” —Dwight Garner, The New York Times
THE GIRLS has also drawn words of praise from established writers of note, including Lena Dunham and Richard Ford:
“Emma Cline has an unparalleled eye for the intricacies of girlhood, turning the stuff of myth into something altogether more intimate. THE GIRLS destroys our ability to consider violence a foreign territory, and reminds us that behind so many of our culture’s fables exists a girl: unseen, unheard, angry. This book will break your heart and blow your mind.”—Lena Dunham
” THE GIRLS is a brilliant and intensely consuming novel—imposing not just for a writer so young, but for any writer, any time.”—Richard Ford
Last month, Random House hosted a special in-house book club for 50 Penguin Random House employees from a wide representation of divisions and job roles. They met to enthusiastically discuss the book with their colleagues over snacks and California wine, in honor of the author’s home state. Emma greeted, chatted with guests, signed advance copies of THE GIRLS, and answered questions about the book in an open Q&A.
Here Emma talks about her lifelong love of books and bookstores: “Books have always been essential for me. Growing up as one of seven children, everything was limited or shared. The only exception my parents made was for books—my hometown bookstore, Reader’s Books, was the one place I was allowed to pick out as many of something as I wanted. I still feel that sense of limitless magic in bookstores, and gratitude to the booksellers who are passionate about books and connecting with readers.”
Major features are in Vogue and The New York Times. Interviews have also appeared inRefinery29, Wired, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and Tin House, with reviews in The New York Times Book Review, The New Yorker, USA Today, Washington Post and Chicago Tribune,among other outlets. There is also coverage in O, The Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Marie Claire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Nylon, Good Housekeeping, Coastal Living, US Weekly, Paper, W, Town & Country, Redbook, Bust, AP, Slate, Buzzfeed…and the list goes on.
Emma’s book launch event is Tuesday night (6/14) at BookCourt in Brooklyn. Her book tour will also make stops in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area before returning to for more events in New York City, including a Random House Open House (7/22).
Last month, Random House hosted a special in-house book club for 50 Penguin Random House employees from a wide representation of divisions and job roles. They met to enthusiastically discuss the book with their colleagues over snacks and California wine, in honor of the author’s home state. Emma greeted, chatted with guests, signed advance copies of THE GIRLS, and answered questions about the book in an open Q&A.
Here Emma talks about her lifelong love of books and bookstores: “Books have always been essential for me. Growing up as one of seven children, everything was limited or shared. The only exception my parents made was for books—my hometown bookstore, Reader’s Books, was the one place I was allowed to pick out as many of something as I wanted. I still feel that sense of limitless magic in bookstores, and gratitude to the booksellers who are passionate about books and connecting with readers.”
Major features are in Vogue and The New York Times. Interviews have also appeared inRefinery29, Wired, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and Tin House, with reviews in The New York Times Book Review, The New Yorker, USA Today, Washington Post and Chicago Tribune,among other outlets. There is also coverage in O, The Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Marie Claire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Nylon, Good Housekeeping, Coastal Living, US Weekly, Paper, W, Town & Country, Redbook, Bust, AP, Slate, Buzzfeed…and the list goes on.
Emma’s book launch event is Tuesday night (6/14) at BookCourt in Brooklyn. Her book tour will also make stops in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area before returning to for more events in New York City, including a Random House Open House (7/22). Announcements: 9 June 2016
Featured Author Event: E. Lockhart
Author E. Lockhart will present her New York Times bestselling YA novel WE WERE LIARS (Delacorte Press) as part of Barnes & Noble’s B-Fest teen book festival. Guests can meet E. Lockhart, ask her questions, and get their books signed on Saturday (6/11) at 5:00pm at Barnes & Noble in Park Slope. expand
Published in 2014, WE WERE LIARS became a bestseller, was nominated for several awards, and received many favorable reviews for its shock factor and sharp writing. It won the Goodreads Choice 
Award and was Amazon's #1 YA novel of 2014. Lockhart is also the author of the young adult novel FLY ON THE WALL and the Ruby Oliver Quartet series. Her novel DISREPUTABLE HISTORY was a Printz Award honor book, a finalist for the National Book Award, and the recipient of the Cybils Award for best young adult novel.
Lockhart is among the hundreds of YA authors participating in Barnes & Noble’s B-Fest, a three-day event celebrating the best books for teens. Activities surrounding author appearances begin on Friday, June 10 and last through Sunday, June 12. B-Fest represents the biggest weekend of author events in B&N history and features trivia, giveaways, sweepstakes, games, and creative workshops.
Award and was Amazon's #1 YA novel of 2014. Lockhart is also the author of the young adult novel FLY ON THE WALL and the Ruby Oliver Quartet series. Her novel DISREPUTABLE HISTORY was a Printz Award honor book, a finalist for the National Book Award, and the recipient of the Cybils Award for best young adult novel.
Lockhart is among the hundreds of YA authors participating in Barnes & Noble’s B-Fest, a three-day event celebrating the best books for teens. Activities surrounding author appearances begin on Friday, June 10 and last through Sunday, June 12. B-Fest represents the biggest weekend of author events in B&N history and features trivia, giveaways, sweepstakes, games, and creative workshops. Announcements: 9 June 2016
There’s a Book for That: Palindromes
#FRIDAY READS PALINDROMES
Save the date! Forwards or backwards the next ten days are palindromes! Palindromes are words, numbers, or phrases that are identical when read in reverse order (i.e. kayak, noon, Madam I’m Adam, 101, and 53235). In celebration of this ‘novel‘ occurrence check out these examples of books with palindromes for titles. expand
FEATURED TITLES
MOM edited by Dave Isay
Featuring StoryCorps’ most revealing stories on the subject, MOM looks across a diversity of experience to offer an entirely original portrait of motherhood. In conversations between parents and children, husbands and wives, siblings and friends, the life of the American mother unfolds
POP by Curt Pires; Illustrated by Jason Copland
As unique as it is entertaining, POP is a white-knuckled thrill ride through the marketing-mastered, technologically-tethered tragicomedy we call life.
EVE by Elissa Elliott
In this mesmerizing debut novel, Elissa Elliott blends biblical tradition with recorded history to put a powerful new twist on the story of creation’s first family. Here is Eve brought to life in a way religion and myth have never allowed–as a wife, a mother, and a woman.
ADA, OR ARDOR by Vladimir Nabokov
Published two weeks after his seventieth birthday, Ada, or Ardor is one of Nabokov’s greatest masterpieces. It tells a love story troubled by incest. But more: it is also at once a fairy tale, epic, philosophical treatise on the nature of time, parody of the history of the novel, and erotic catalogue. ADA, OR ARDOR is no less than the supreme work of an imagination at white heat.
MADAM by Cari Lynn, Kellie Martin
New Orleans, 1900. Mary Deubler makes a meager living as an “alley whore.” That all changes when bible-thumping Alderman Sidney Story forces the creation of a red-light district that’s mockingly dubbed “Storyville.”
MADDADDAM by Margaret Atwood
Bringing together characters from ORYX AND CRAKE and THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD, this thrilling conclusion to Margaret Atwood’s speculative fiction trilogy confirms the ultimate endurance of humanity, community, and love.
FOR YOUNG READERS
TOOT by Kirsten Hall; Illustrated by Charlie Alder
Toot is a little red train who wishes he were as big and strong and fast as the other trains in the railroad yard. Try as he might, he’s never able look as mighty, pull as much, or go as fast as all the others. But when there’s trouble on the track, Toot learns that sometimes being small and slow and steady is just what’s needed.
HANNAH by Gloria Whelan, Leslie Bowman
Nine-year-old Hannah would do almost anything to go to school with all the other children in town. But Hannah is blind, and her parents keep her at home, where she is safe. Then Lydia Robbin, a strong-willed teacher, comes to town and convinces Hannah’s parents to send her to school. At first Hannah is overjoyed. But she soon learns that there are many obstacles—and people—that stand in her way. Hannah will need tremendous courage to prove to her classmates, her parents, and herself that Miss Robbin was right to believe in her.
Visit the edelweiss collection: Palindrome Titles Announcements: 8 June 2016
Lisa McInerney’s THE GLORIOUS HERESIES Wins Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction
Crown Publishing Group author Lisa McInerney has won the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction for her novel THE GLORIOUS HERESIES, which will be published by Tim Duggan Books on August 9, 2016. The prize was announced in London Wednesday evening and is the UK’s most prestigious annual book award for fiction written by a woman. Founded in 1996 as the Orange Prize for Fiction, this award “celebrates excellence, originality and accessibility in writing by women from throughout the world.” expand
Announcements: 8 June 2016
Penguin Classics Donates Pelican Shakespeare Editions for Shakespeare in the Park's Student & Educator Night
In collaboration with the NYC Department of Education and The Public Theater, Penguin Classics donated Pelican Shakespeare editions, including newly repackaged editions of KING LEAR, ROMEO AND JULIET, HAMLET, and MACBETH, to hundreds of NYC public school students, teachers, and principals for Student & Educator Night at Shakespeare in the Park on June 2 at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. Attendees received the Pelican Shakespeare editions to accompany their viewing of The Taming of the Shrew, directed by Phyllida Lloyd with an all-female cast starring Janet McTeer. expand
Announcements: 8 June 2016
Riverhead Fundraiser Supports Libraries Without Borders
Riverhead Books has begun a month-long fundraiser for Libraries Without Borders. The organization is doing incredible work bringing books, tutors, computers and more to the refugee camps in the Middle East and Europe to help Syrian refugees. Riverhead is committed to not only amplifying and celebrating unheard voices, but also doing what we can in the fight for global literacy and access to technology. As such, Riverhead Design Labs has partnered with expand
Announcements: 8 June 2016
Penguin Press’s Scott Moyers on Editing Moby’s Memoir PORCELAIN
Scott Moyers, Vice President and Publisher of Penguin Press, shares fascinating personal insights into the editing of PORCELAIN, the piercingly tender, warmly funny and sometimes harrowing memoir written by Moby, internationally renowned singer-songwriter, musician and DJ.
Scott began his career in book publishing at Doubleday in 1991, and has also held positions at expand
Announcements: 8 June 2016
There’s a Book for That: National Great Outdoors Month
June is National Great Outdoors Month as proclaimed by President Obama through the American Recreation Coalition. With the start of summer many Americans are planning vacations to our National Parks, but spending time out of doors doesn’t require a lot of planning and expense. How does the Sam Cooke song go? “Flowers in Spring, the robins that sing, the sunbeams that shine, they’re yours and they’re mine… best things in life they are free.” expand
Breaking free of screen time to enjoy a hike, walk, swim or to fish, camp or birdwatch is rejuvenating and so important for children who are typically spending 5 to 7 hours on a screen daily. To inspire your outings, we’ve rounded up some adventurous and beautiful narrative nonfiction as well as books with kids in mind. Join these authors as they navigate America’s trails, rivers, waves and wilderness with humor and insight.
Learn more about National Great Outdoors Month events, including Governor and Capitol Campouts by visiting: Great Outdoors Month.
FEATURED TITLES
THE BEST OF OUTSIDE: THE FIRST 20 YEARS by Mark Bryant, Outside Magazine Editors, Thomas McGuane
For years, Outside magazine has set the standard for original and engaging reports on travel, adventure, sports, and the environment. Along the way, many of America’s best journalists and storytellers – such as Jon Krakauer, Tim Cahill, E. Annie Proulx, Edward Abbey, Thomas McGuane, David Quammen, and Jane Smiley - have made the magazine a venue for some of their most compelling work.
GOODBYE TO A RIVER: A NARRATIVE by John Graves
In the 1950s, a series of dams was proposed along the Brazos River in north-central Texas. Graves therefore decided to visit that stretch of the river, which he had known intimately as a youth. Goodbye to a River is his account of that farewell canoe voyage.
BRAVING IT: A FATHER, A DAUGHTER, AND AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY INTO THE ALASKAN WILD by James Campbell
The powerful and affirming story of a father’s journey with his teenage daughter to the far reaches of Alaska.
WILD: FROM LOST TO FOUND ON THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL by Cheryl Strayed
In the wake of her mother’s death, with no experience or training and driven only by blind will, Cheryl Strayed hiked more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—alone.
A WALK IN THE WOODS: REDISCOVERING AMERICA ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL by Bill Bryson
Back in America after twenty years in Britain, Bill Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine. To a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, it also provides endless opportunities to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings.
TRESPASSING ACROSS AMERICA: ONE MAN’S EPIC, NEVER-DONE-BEFORE (AND SORT OF ILLEGAL) HIKE ACROSS THE HEARTLAND by Ken Ilgunas
Told with sincerity, humor, and wit, Trespassing Across America is both a fascinating account of one man’s remarkable journey along the Keystone XL pipeline and a meditation on climate change, the beauty of the natural world, and the extremes to which we can push ourselves—both physically and mentally.
THE MAINE WOODS by Henry David Thoreau, Introduction by Edward Hoagland
“Here was traveling of the old heroic kind over the unaltered face of nature.” -Henry David Thoreau
Over a period of three years, Thoreau made three trips to the largely unexplored woods of Maine. He climbed mountains, paddled a canoe by moonlight, and dined on cedar beer, hemlock tea and moose lips.
LET THEM BE EATEN BY BEARS: A FEARLESS GUIDE TO TAKING OUR KIDS INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS
By Peter Brown Hoffmeister
Based on the author’s acclaimed Integrated Outdoor Program, LET THEM BE EATEN BY BEARS is an inspiring guide to getting kids to enjoy and appreciate nature.
BARBARIAN DAYS: A SURFING LIFE by William Finnegan
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize! BARBARIAN DAYS is a deeply-rendered self-portrait of a life-long surfer by the acclaimed New Yorker journalist. Surfing looks like a sport, but that’s only to outsiders. To initiates, it is something else entirely: a beautiful addiction, a morally dangerous pastime, a way of life.
FOR YOUNG READERS
MAX GOES FISHING (Grosset & Dunlap)
Ages 3 to 5
Ruby and the Bunny Scouts are going canoeing to get their canoeing badges. Meanwhile, Max is fishing with his toy duck. When Ruby’s canoe is accidentally let loose, Max saves the day by using his fishing pole to bring it back!
GREAT THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE (DK Publishing)
Ages 5 to 9
Get kids away from the TV, unplug, and step into the great outdoors with GREAT THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE. Consisting of practical projects to do outside ranging from simple observation activities like bird watching, hunting for fossils, observing air power, and forecasting the weather, to more ambitious projects.
For more information on these and related titles visit: National Great Outdoors Month titles.
FEATURED TITLES
THE BEST OF OUTSIDE: THE FIRST 20 YEARS by Mark Bryant, Outside Magazine Editors, Thomas McGuane
For years, Outside magazine has set the standard for original and engaging reports on travel, adventure, sports, and the environment. Along the way, many of America’s best journalists and storytellers – such as Jon Krakauer, Tim Cahill, E. Annie Proulx, Edward Abbey, Thomas McGuane, David Quammen, and Jane Smiley - have made the magazine a venue for some of their most compelling work.
GOODBYE TO A RIVER: A NARRATIVE by John Graves
In the 1950s, a series of dams was proposed along the Brazos River in north-central Texas. Graves therefore decided to visit that stretch of the river, which he had known intimately as a youth. Goodbye to a River is his account of that farewell canoe voyage.
BRAVING IT: A FATHER, A DAUGHTER, AND AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY INTO THE ALASKAN WILD by James Campbell
The powerful and affirming story of a father’s journey with his teenage daughter to the far reaches of Alaska.
WILD: FROM LOST TO FOUND ON THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL by Cheryl Strayed
In the wake of her mother’s death, with no experience or training and driven only by blind will, Cheryl Strayed hiked more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—alone.
A WALK IN THE WOODS: REDISCOVERING AMERICA ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL by Bill Bryson
Back in America after twenty years in Britain, Bill Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine. To a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, it also provides endless opportunities to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings.
TRESPASSING ACROSS AMERICA: ONE MAN’S EPIC, NEVER-DONE-BEFORE (AND SORT OF ILLEGAL) HIKE ACROSS THE HEARTLAND by Ken Ilgunas
Told with sincerity, humor, and wit, Trespassing Across America is both a fascinating account of one man’s remarkable journey along the Keystone XL pipeline and a meditation on climate change, the beauty of the natural world, and the extremes to which we can push ourselves—both physically and mentally.
THE MAINE WOODS by Henry David Thoreau, Introduction by Edward Hoagland
“Here was traveling of the old heroic kind over the unaltered face of nature.” -Henry David Thoreau
Over a period of three years, Thoreau made three trips to the largely unexplored woods of Maine. He climbed mountains, paddled a canoe by moonlight, and dined on cedar beer, hemlock tea and moose lips.
LET THEM BE EATEN BY BEARS: A FEARLESS GUIDE TO TAKING OUR KIDS INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS
By Peter Brown Hoffmeister
Based on the author’s acclaimed Integrated Outdoor Program, LET THEM BE EATEN BY BEARS is an inspiring guide to getting kids to enjoy and appreciate nature.
BARBARIAN DAYS: A SURFING LIFE by William Finnegan
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize! BARBARIAN DAYS is a deeply-rendered self-portrait of a life-long surfer by the acclaimed New Yorker journalist. Surfing looks like a sport, but that’s only to outsiders. To initiates, it is something else entirely: a beautiful addiction, a morally dangerous pastime, a way of life.
FOR YOUNG READERS
MAX GOES FISHING (Grosset & Dunlap)
Ages 3 to 5
Ruby and the Bunny Scouts are going canoeing to get their canoeing badges. Meanwhile, Max is fishing with his toy duck. When Ruby’s canoe is accidentally let loose, Max saves the day by using his fishing pole to bring it back!
GREAT THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE (DK Publishing)
Ages 5 to 9
Get kids away from the TV, unplug, and step into the great outdoors with GREAT THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE. Consisting of practical projects to do outside ranging from simple observation activities like bird watching, hunting for fossils, observing air power, and forecasting the weather, to more ambitious projects.
For more information on these and related titles visit: National Great Outdoors Month titles.
Announcements: 6 June 2016
Igloo Book Buzz: Terry McMillan’s I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT YOU
Terry McMillan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK and WAITING TO EXHALE, has written an inspiring story of a woman who shakes things up in her life to find greater meaning. In Terry’s upcoming book, I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT YOU, which goes on sale from Crown on June 7, Dr. Georgia Young’s wonderful life–great friends, family, and successful career–aren’t enough to keep her from feeling stuck and restless. When she decides to make some major changes in her life, including quitting her job as an expand
Announcements: 6 June 2016
Nan A. Talese/Doubleday to Publish New Nonfiction Book by Pat Conroy
Pat Conroy, beloved author of THE PRINCE OF TIDES, has a new nonfiction collection of letters, interviews, and magazine articles spanning Conroy's long literary career, supplemented by touching pieces from Conroy's many friends, which will be published as A LOWCOUNTRY HEART: Reflections on a Writing Life by Nan A. Talese/Doubleday on October 25, 2016. Nan A. Talese, Publisher, acquired World rights from Marly Rusoff of the Marly Rusoff Literary Agency. expand
A LOWCOUNTRY HEARTcollects some of Conroy's most charming pieces of short nonfiction, many of them addressed directly to his readers with his habitual greeting, "Hey Out There." Ranging across diverse subjects such as favorite recent reads, the challenge of motivating to exercise, and processing the loss of dearly-missed friends, Conroy's lighthearted and eminently memorable pieces offer a unique window into the life of a true titan of Southern writing.
In addition, A LOWCOUNTRY HEART also includes some of Conroy's most beloved speeches and interviews, a touching letter to his grandson, and a beautiful introduction from his widow, the novelist Cassandra King. Finally, the collection turns to remembrances of "The Great Conroy," as he is lovingly titled by friends, including his eulogy. This moving tribute is sure to be a cherished keepsake for any true Conroy fan, and a lasting monument to one of the best-loved writers of contemporary American letters.
Nan A. Talese’s note to the reader in A LOWCOUNTRY HEART says: “When Pat Conroy died, we all felt bereft. He had sent me less than 200 pages of his new novel, The Storms of Aquarius, about four male friends and teachers who came of age during the Vietnam War years, which he very much wanted to finish, but that was not to be. We are still searching his journals for more on this novel, and at some point we may have something to share with you. However, because we did not want his faithful readers to be without something from him we gathered together his various nonfiction pieces and we asked his wife, writer Cassandra King, to contribute an introduction.”
A LOWCOUNTRY HEART will be published the day before what would have been Conroy’s 71st birthday. The author of eleven previous books, which, in addition to THE PRINCE OF TIDES and THE GREAT SANTINI, included THE WATER IS WIDE, BEACH MUSIC and SOUTH OF BROAD. Mr. Conroy died on March 4, 2016.
In addition, A LOWCOUNTRY HEART also includes some of Conroy's most beloved speeches and interviews, a touching letter to his grandson, and a beautiful introduction from his widow, the novelist Cassandra King. Finally, the collection turns to remembrances of "The Great Conroy," as he is lovingly titled by friends, including his eulogy. This moving tribute is sure to be a cherished keepsake for any true Conroy fan, and a lasting monument to one of the best-loved writers of contemporary American letters.
Nan A. Talese’s note to the reader in A LOWCOUNTRY HEART says: “When Pat Conroy died, we all felt bereft. He had sent me less than 200 pages of his new novel, The Storms of Aquarius, about four male friends and teachers who came of age during the Vietnam War years, which he very much wanted to finish, but that was not to be. We are still searching his journals for more on this novel, and at some point we may have something to share with you. However, because we did not want his faithful readers to be without something from him we gathered together his various nonfiction pieces and we asked his wife, writer Cassandra King, to contribute an introduction.”
A LOWCOUNTRY HEART will be published the day before what would have been Conroy’s 71st birthday. The author of eleven previous books, which, in addition to THE PRINCE OF TIDES and THE GREAT SANTINI, included THE WATER IS WIDE, BEACH MUSIC and SOUTH OF BROAD. Mr. Conroy died on March 4, 2016. Announcements: 1 June 2016
ReadProudListenProud.com Relaunches with Jazz Jennings as Author Ambassador
Listening Library, Penguin Young Readers and Random House Children’s Books are celebrating Pride Month with a newly redesigned ReadProudListenProud.com, an online resource for LGBTQ literature recommendations designed to spark discussion in the classroom and at home and to encourage understanding through storytelling, celebrating everyone for who they are.
expand
Teen transgender rights advocate Jazz Jennings has been named the second Read Proud Listen Proud Author Ambassador. Jennings follows STONEWALL author Ann Bausum and narrator Tim Federle, who kicked off the awareness initiative last year. Jennings is a role model for fellow LGBTQ teens, speaking out for equality and acceptance via her groundbreaking TV series, I Am Jazz (the second season premieres on TLC June 8), TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation, picture book I AM JAZZ, and memoir BEING JAZZ: MY LIFE AS A (TRANSGENDER) TEEN (on sale June 7). Time named Jennings one of the most influential teens of 2014 and 2015, and I Am Jazz was recently recognized alongside I Am Caitas Outstanding Reality Program at the 2016 GLAAD Media Awards.
The redesigned site includes new features like an interview with Jazz in the recording studio, additional reading and listening recommendations (now including LGBTQ titles from Random House Children’s Books), and plenty of new content and resources from authors like Donna Gephardt, Jazz Jennings, Justin Sayre and C. Alexander London. Buzz surrounding the site is continuing to grow, particularly from the YA blogger and library communities.
In anticipation and celebration of the relaunch and Pride Month, the Listening Library team gave out 800 rainbow sunglasses and sponsored a rainbow tote beach read giveaway at BookCon (round two coming up at ALA Annual in Orlando), and with the help of TLC, will distribute hundreds more sunglasses at the DC & NYC Pride Parades this month.
Please help spread the word by sharing the site URL using #readproudlistenproud!
The redesigned site includes new features like an interview with Jazz in the recording studio, additional reading and listening recommendations (now including LGBTQ titles from Random House Children’s Books), and plenty of new content and resources from authors like Donna Gephardt, Jazz Jennings, Justin Sayre and C. Alexander London. Buzz surrounding the site is continuing to grow, particularly from the YA blogger and library communities.
In anticipation and celebration of the relaunch and Pride Month, the Listening Library team gave out 800 rainbow sunglasses and sponsored a rainbow tote beach read giveaway at BookCon (round two coming up at ALA Annual in Orlando), and with the help of TLC, will distribute hundreds more sunglasses at the DC & NYC Pride Parades this month.
Please help spread the word by sharing the site URL using #readproudlistenproud! Announcements: 1 June 2016
There’s an Audiobook for That: June is Audiobook Month
In this special edition of There’s a Book for That! We have adapted our moniker to reflect June’s focus on audiobooks. Founded and promoted by the Audio Publishers Association(APA), this year’s National Audiobook Month campaign, “A Good Audiobook Speaks Volumes,” launches June 1st and lends us the opportunity to feature popular titles and highlight the fact that listening to books has never been more popular – whether they are read by the author or an accomplished narrator. APA’s annual survey results, as reported expand
in Publishers Weekly, showed audio is one of the fastest growing segments of publishing. So listen up and spread the word about your favorites using #loveaudiobooks!
FEATURED TITLES
ME BEFORE YOU: A NOVEL (Movie Tie-In) by Jojo Moyes; Narrated by a full cast
Soon to be a major motion picture: US release June 3, 2016
ME BEFORE YOU brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heart-breaking romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?
ELIGIBLE: A MODERN RETELLING OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Curtis Sittenfeld; narrated by Cassandra Campbell
This version of the Bennet family—and Mr. Darcy—is one that you have and haven’t met before: Liz is a magazine writer in her late thirties who, like her yoga instructor older sister, Jane, lives in New York City. When their father has a health scare, they return to their childhood home …
LILAC GIRLS: A NOVEL by Martha Hall Kelly; narrated by Cassandra Campbell, Kathleen Gati and Kathrin Kana
Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this powerful debut novel reveals an incredible story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades.
THE SUMMER BEFORE THE WAR: A NOVEL by Helen Simonson; narrated by Fiona Hardingham
The bestselling author of MAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND returns with a breathtaking novel of love on the eve of World War I that reaches far beyond the small English town in which it is set.
“A novel to cure your Downton Abbey withdrawal.”—The Washington Post
THE WIDOW by Fiona Barton; narrated by Hannah Curtis, Nicholas Guy Smith
An engrossing and thrilling debut novel of psychological suspense, for fans of novels such as GONE GIRL and THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, from a major new talent.
WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR by Paul Kalanithi, narrated by Abraham Verghese, Sunil Malhotra
For fans of Atul Gawande, Andrew Solomon, and Anne Lamott, this inspiring, exquisitely observed memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic young neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question What makes a life worth living?
THE ROAD TO LITTLE DRIBBLING: ADVENTURES OF AN AMERICAN IN BRITAIN by Bill Bryson; narrated by Nathan Osgood
A loving and hilarious—if occasionally spiky—valentine to Bill Bryson’s adopted country, Great Britain. Prepare for total joy and multiple episodes of unseemly laughter.
CHINA RICH GIRLFRIEND: A NOVEL by Kevin Kwan narrated by Lydia Look
A wickedly funny new novel of social climbing, secret e-mails, art-world scandal, lovesick billionaires, and the outrageous story of what happens when Rachel Chu, engaged to marry Asia’s most eligible bachelor, discovers her birthfather.
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN: A NOVEL by Paula Hawkins; narrated by Clare Corbett, Louise Brealey…
The phenomenal debut thriller about a woman who becomes personally and emotionally entangled in a murder investigation because of what she witnesses on her daily commute. Blockbuster film is set to release on October 7, 2016.
THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE: A FLAVIA DE LUCE MYSTERY by Alan Bradley; narrated by Jane Entwistle
It is the summer of 1950–and at the once-grand mansion of Buckshaw, young Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison, is intrigued by a series of inexplicable events: A dead bird is found on the doorstep, a postage stamp bizarrely pinned to its beak and a dying man lying in a cucumber patch.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
SALT TO THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys; narrated by Jorjeana Marie, Will Damron…
For readers of BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY and ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE, bestselling author Ruta Sepetys returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war’s most devastating—yet unknown—tragedies.
ILLUMINAE by Amie Kaufman; Narrated by Jay Kristoff, Olivia Taylor Dudley, …
This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
AN EMBER IN THE ASHES by Sabaa Tahir; narrated by Fiona Hardingham, Steve West
Set in a terrifyingly brutal Rome-like world, AN EMBER IN THE ASHES is an epic fantasy debut about an orphan fighting for her family and a soldier fighting for his freedom. It’s a story that’s literally burning to be told.
THE CONSPIRACY OF US by Maggie Hall; narrated by Julia Whelan
Avery West’s newfound family is part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.
For more information on these and other popular audiobooks visit the collections:
Listening Library
Audio Bestsellers
FEATURED TITLES
ME BEFORE YOU: A NOVEL (Movie Tie-In) by Jojo Moyes; Narrated by a full cast
Soon to be a major motion picture: US release June 3, 2016
ME BEFORE YOU brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heart-breaking romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?
ELIGIBLE: A MODERN RETELLING OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Curtis Sittenfeld; narrated by Cassandra Campbell
This version of the Bennet family—and Mr. Darcy—is one that you have and haven’t met before: Liz is a magazine writer in her late thirties who, like her yoga instructor older sister, Jane, lives in New York City. When their father has a health scare, they return to their childhood home …
LILAC GIRLS: A NOVEL by Martha Hall Kelly; narrated by Cassandra Campbell, Kathleen Gati and Kathrin Kana
Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this powerful debut novel reveals an incredible story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades.
THE SUMMER BEFORE THE WAR: A NOVEL by Helen Simonson; narrated by Fiona Hardingham
The bestselling author of MAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND returns with a breathtaking novel of love on the eve of World War I that reaches far beyond the small English town in which it is set.
“A novel to cure your Downton Abbey withdrawal.”—The Washington Post
THE WIDOW by Fiona Barton; narrated by Hannah Curtis, Nicholas Guy Smith
An engrossing and thrilling debut novel of psychological suspense, for fans of novels such as GONE GIRL and THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, from a major new talent.
WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR by Paul Kalanithi, narrated by Abraham Verghese, Sunil Malhotra
For fans of Atul Gawande, Andrew Solomon, and Anne Lamott, this inspiring, exquisitely observed memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic young neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question What makes a life worth living?
THE ROAD TO LITTLE DRIBBLING: ADVENTURES OF AN AMERICAN IN BRITAIN by Bill Bryson; narrated by Nathan Osgood
A loving and hilarious—if occasionally spiky—valentine to Bill Bryson’s adopted country, Great Britain. Prepare for total joy and multiple episodes of unseemly laughter.
CHINA RICH GIRLFRIEND: A NOVEL by Kevin Kwan narrated by Lydia Look
A wickedly funny new novel of social climbing, secret e-mails, art-world scandal, lovesick billionaires, and the outrageous story of what happens when Rachel Chu, engaged to marry Asia’s most eligible bachelor, discovers her birthfather.
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN: A NOVEL by Paula Hawkins; narrated by Clare Corbett, Louise Brealey…
The phenomenal debut thriller about a woman who becomes personally and emotionally entangled in a murder investigation because of what she witnesses on her daily commute. Blockbuster film is set to release on October 7, 2016.
THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE: A FLAVIA DE LUCE MYSTERY by Alan Bradley; narrated by Jane Entwistle
It is the summer of 1950–and at the once-grand mansion of Buckshaw, young Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison, is intrigued by a series of inexplicable events: A dead bird is found on the doorstep, a postage stamp bizarrely pinned to its beak and a dying man lying in a cucumber patch.
FOR YOUNGER READERS
SALT TO THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys; narrated by Jorjeana Marie, Will Damron…
For readers of BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY and ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE, bestselling author Ruta Sepetys returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war’s most devastating—yet unknown—tragedies.
ILLUMINAE by Amie Kaufman; Narrated by Jay Kristoff, Olivia Taylor Dudley, …
This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
AN EMBER IN THE ASHES by Sabaa Tahir; narrated by Fiona Hardingham, Steve West
Set in a terrifyingly brutal Rome-like world, AN EMBER IN THE ASHES is an epic fantasy debut about an orphan fighting for her family and a soldier fighting for his freedom. It’s a story that’s literally burning to be told.
THE CONSPIRACY OF US by Maggie Hall; narrated by Julia Whelan
Avery West’s newfound family is part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.
For more information on these and other popular audiobooks visit the collections:
Listening Library
Audio Bestsellers Announcements: 31 May 2016
Inside the “Podcasting at Penguin Random” Speakers Series Event
The “Podcasting at Penguin Random” Speakers Series event, which was presented on May 24 at 1745 Broadway’s Café Auditorium, featured a terrific panel of talented in-house podcasters: Karen Dziekonski (Executive Producer, Audio, and co-host of “This is the Author”), Lindsay Jacobsen (Associate Manager, Consumer Engagement, and co-host of “Beaks and Geeks”), Pat Stango (Senior Producer, Video, and host of “How to Watch Movies the Right Way”), Abbe Wright (Read it Forward Editor, and host of “Book Club Appetizer”), and Dan Zitt expand
(Vice President, Content Production, Penguin Random House Audio, and co-host of “This is the Author”). The panel was moderated by Michael Goldsmith, Publicity Manager, Doubleday, who kept things moving at a brisk pace, sparking many interesting insights. Pictured left to right: Pat Stango, Dan Zitt, Abbe Wright, Lindsay Jacobsen, Karen Dziekonski and Michael Goldsmith.
Here are some highlights:
Lindsay Jacobsen has produced 121 episodes of the author podcast Beaks & Geeks with her co-host Amy Brinker, garnering an international audience and thousands of downloads per month. Lindsay revealed that her favorite episode features Blue Rider Press author, Damien Echols, who was falsely convicted of three murders and spent nearly eighteen years on Death Row. Beaks & Geeks fosters candid conversations, and Mr. Echols shares gut-wrenching details about his unfathomable incarceration and poignant love letters to his wife, Lorri, in episode #22.
Dan Zitt said, “We’ll do whatever it takes to sell audiobooks,” and the “This Is the Author” podcasts are presented in a way that draws in listeners to Penguin Random House Audio titles. Karen Dziekonski revealed, “We’ll spend three or four days immersed in the recording studio, working with our team, making sure all of the details for each production sound just right.” Among the recent episodes of “This Is the Author” are entertaining commentaries from such Penguin Random House authors as Moby (PORCELAIN), James Renner ( TRUE CRIME ADDICT), Andi Dorfman (IT’S NOT OKAY) and Rich Cohen (THE SUN & THE MOON & THE ROLLING STONES).
Abbe Wright, Read It Forward‘s editor, produces and hosts Book Club Appetizer, featuring fifteen-minute “snack-able podcasts to kick off your book club meetings, or enhance your solo reading adventures.” The current “Appetizer” podcast of the moment: a Q&A with author Camille Perri on her new book THE ASSISTANTS (G.P. Putnam’s Sons). Abbe said, “At ten minutes, the interview is a ‘light lift’ for authors. And with one episode a month, I can coordinate timing with books’ release dates and have the next six months mapped out.”
Pat Stango admitted that his podcast, “How to Watch Movies the Right Way,” “is not about books. But I tell people to watch the movies AND read the books.” And while he will discuss individual big and small films, he will also focus on a body of work, such as the Star Wars franchise, and presents fun features such as the “Summer Movie Fantasy Draft!”
The event concluded with a lively audience Q&A.
Lindsay Jacobsen has produced 121 episodes of the author podcast Beaks & Geeks with her co-host Amy Brinker, garnering an international audience and thousands of downloads per month. Lindsay revealed that her favorite episode features Blue Rider Press author, Damien Echols, who was falsely convicted of three murders and spent nearly eighteen years on Death Row. Beaks & Geeks fosters candid conversations, and Mr. Echols shares gut-wrenching details about his unfathomable incarceration and poignant love letters to his wife, Lorri, in episode #22.
Dan Zitt said, “We’ll do whatever it takes to sell audiobooks,” and the “This Is the Author” podcasts are presented in a way that draws in listeners to Penguin Random House Audio titles. Karen Dziekonski revealed, “We’ll spend three or four days immersed in the recording studio, working with our team, making sure all of the details for each production sound just right.” Among the recent episodes of “This Is the Author” are entertaining commentaries from such Penguin Random House authors as Moby (PORCELAIN), James Renner ( TRUE CRIME ADDICT), Andi Dorfman (IT’S NOT OKAY) and Rich Cohen (THE SUN & THE MOON & THE ROLLING STONES).
Abbe Wright, Read It Forward‘s editor, produces and hosts Book Club Appetizer, featuring fifteen-minute “snack-able podcasts to kick off your book club meetings, or enhance your solo reading adventures.” The current “Appetizer” podcast of the moment: a Q&A with author Camille Perri on her new book THE ASSISTANTS (G.P. Putnam’s Sons). Abbe said, “At ten minutes, the interview is a ‘light lift’ for authors. And with one episode a month, I can coordinate timing with books’ release dates and have the next six months mapped out.”
Pat Stango admitted that his podcast, “How to Watch Movies the Right Way,” “is not about books. But I tell people to watch the movies AND read the books.” And while he will discuss individual big and small films, he will also focus on a body of work, such as the Star Wars franchise, and presents fun features such as the “Summer Movie Fantasy Draft!”
The event concluded with a lively audience Q&A.
Announcements: 27 May 2016
Stuart Applebaum Honored with UJA-FNY’s Harry Scherman Service Award
Stuart Applebaum, our Emeritus Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications, was honored by UJA-Federation of the New York Publishing Division with its esteemed Harry Scherman Service Award for his nearly four-and-a-half-decade-long career and commitment to philanthropy. More than 500 book people from across the industry turned out for this expand
annual dinner event Tuesday night at the Pierre Hotel in New York, which raised more than $670,000 for the philanthropy’s many endeavors to support its network of non-profit service organizations. Pictured: The Brothers Applebaum: Stuart (l) and Irwyn with the Harry Scherman Service Award.
Stuart’s brother Irwyn, former President & Publisher of Bantam Doubleday Dell, delivered heartfelt and amusing remarks in tribute to his brother, “Applebaum the Elder,” noting Stuart’s sagacity, creative prowess, and work ethic. Irwyn also related that his brother was the embodiment of “Stu-dakah,” a variation on the traditional Jewish word,tzedakah, for generous acts of charity.
Greeted by a warm and enthusiastic standing ovation as he took the stage, Stuart accepted his award with characteristic other-directedness and signature eloquence, noting that working at Penguin Random House is still his dream career: “For me, it’s all very simple: I love to work. And I love to work—full tilt, full time—at Penguin Random House. And I REALLY love to work with my Penguin Random House dear colleagues, who have turned out tonight in alarmingly large numbers. The stimulation, encouragement, and inspiration I receive every day from their publishing smarts—and their heart—galvanizes me nonstop.” Stuart dedicated the award to his father, an executive with UJA-FNY’s predecessor organization, Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, who inspired his belief in UJA-FNY’s mission and his dedication to giving back philanthropically through his Stuart S. Applebaum Giving Foundation.
A tribute video starring his Penguin Random House colleagues offers further testimony to Stuart’s service, and his 52/24/7 commitment to being a great communicator about our company and champion of our publishers and our authors, helping them to reach the widest possible readership for their books. Scroll over the screen and click the start button to begin the video.
UJA-Federation has presented its publishing division dinner for nearly 50 years to recognize professionals in the industry who demonstrate the highest levels of leadership and philanthropy, both at work and in the community. This year’s evening was hosted by realtor Ryan Serhant, star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, New York television series. Steve Potash, President and CEO of OverDrive, Inc., was also honored at the event. Our CEO Markus Dohle was honored at the dinner in 2014. Past recipients of the Harry Scherman Service Award include Random House Children’s Books’ Barbara Marcus.
Stuart Applebaum at the podium accepting his Harry Scherman Award for Service. Photo: Dave Thompson
Greeted by a warm and enthusiastic standing ovation as he took the stage, Stuart accepted his award with characteristic other-directedness and signature eloquence, noting that working at Penguin Random House is still his dream career: “For me, it’s all very simple: I love to work. And I love to work—full tilt, full time—at Penguin Random House. And I REALLY love to work with my Penguin Random House dear colleagues, who have turned out tonight in alarmingly large numbers. The stimulation, encouragement, and inspiration I receive every day from their publishing smarts—and their heart—galvanizes me nonstop.” Stuart dedicated the award to his father, an executive with UJA-FNY’s predecessor organization, Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, who inspired his belief in UJA-FNY’s mission and his dedication to giving back philanthropically through his Stuart S. Applebaum Giving Foundation.
A tribute video starring his Penguin Random House colleagues offers further testimony to Stuart’s service, and his 52/24/7 commitment to being a great communicator about our company and champion of our publishers and our authors, helping them to reach the widest possible readership for their books. Scroll over the screen and click the start button to begin the video.
UJA-Federation has presented its publishing division dinner for nearly 50 years to recognize professionals in the industry who demonstrate the highest levels of leadership and philanthropy, both at work and in the community. This year’s evening was hosted by realtor Ryan Serhant, star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, New York television series. Steve Potash, President and CEO of OverDrive, Inc., was also honored at the event. Our CEO Markus Dohle was honored at the dinner in 2014. Past recipients of the Harry Scherman Service Award include Random House Children’s Books’ Barbara Marcus. Announcements: 26 May 2016
There’s a Book for That: Mount Everest
#FRIDAYREADS
Mt. Everest is in the news again for tragic reasons. Three people have died, in as many days, on the 29,035-foot peak, reportedly of altitude sickness. Rescue efforts are ongoing for two other missing climbers. More than 400 people have tried to climb Everest this season, including 288 foreigners and more than 100 Sherpas and guides, said Sudarshan Dhakal, director of the Nepal Tourism Department. That’s more than the average for previous seasons, he said. expand
The mountain represents the ultimate test of man vs. nature and many books have been written about it – including those about Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay who were the first climbers to reach the summit in 1953.
Perhaps the most well-known book about climbing Mt. Everest is Jon Krakauer’s “Into Thin Air”, but the author expressed regrets about the climb last year: “I wish I’d never gone,” he told HuffPost Live . “I suffered for years with (post-traumatic stress disorder), still suffer from what happened. I’m glad I wrote a book about it, but you know, if I could go back and relive my life, I never would have climbed Everest.”
Headline: Body of climber who died on Everest finally retrieved (CBS)
FEATURED TITLES: LEFT FOR DEAD: MY JOURNEY HOME FROM EVEREST by Beck Weathers, Stephen G. Michaud In 1996 Beck Weathers and a climbing team pushed toward the summit of Mount Everest. Then a storm exploded on the mountain, ripping the team to shreds, forcing brave men to scratch and crawl for their lives. Tie-in to “Everest”, starring Josh Brolin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley, and Robin Wright. THE CALL OF EVEREST: THE HISTORY, SCIENCE, AND FUTURE OF THE WORLD’S TALLEST PEAK by Conrad Anker, Thomas Hornbein, Bernadette McDonald, David Breashears Gripping and sumptuous, this is the definitive book on the history, mystique, and science of Mount Everest, including how climate change is impacting the world’s tallest mountain. DEAD LUCKY: LIFE AFTER DEATH ON MOUNT EVEREST by Lincoln Hall Lincoln Hall’s breathtaking account of surviving a night in Everest’s “death zone.” INTO THE SILENCE: THE GREAT WAR, MALLORY, AND THE CONQUEST OF EVEREST by Wade Davis The definitive story of the British adventurers who survived the trenches of World War I and went on to risk their lives climbing Mount Everest. EVEREST, REVISED AND UPDATED: MOUNTAIN WITHOUT MERCY by Broughton Coburn The terror and triumph of the May 1996 climbing season on Mount Everest will go down in infamy. Made famous by Jon Krakauer’s bestseller INTO THIN AIR and recounted in David Breashears’s gripping IMAX film, the story is relayed in National Geographic’s gripping volume, updated with brilliant new panoramic photography. INTO THIN AIR: A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF THE MT. EVEREST DISASTER by Jon Krakauer A bank of clouds was assembling on the not-so-distant horizon, but journalist-mountaineer Jon Krakauer, standing on the summit of Mt. Everest, saw nothing that “suggested that a murderous storm was bearing down.” He was wrong. FOR YOUNG READERS: WHERE IS MOUNT EVEREST? by Nico Medina, John Hinderliter, David Groff - Ages 8 to 12 In this compelling narrative, Nico Medina guides readers through the mountain’s ancient beginnings, first human settlers, historic climbs, and the modern commercialization of mountain-climbing. TRIUMPH ON EVEREST: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY OF SIR EDMUND HILLARY by Broughton Coburn – Ages 10 and up This exciting photobiography celebrates the extraordinary life of the New Zealand farm boy who in May 1953 became the first person known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. With climbing partner Tenzing Norgay, the iron-willed Hillary crossed deadly icefalls, clawed his way up vertical walls, and persevered through gale-force winds until he finally stood at the top of the world. For more information on these and related titles visit the Edelweiss collection: Mount Everest Titles
FEATURED TITLES: LEFT FOR DEAD: MY JOURNEY HOME FROM EVEREST by Beck Weathers, Stephen G. Michaud In 1996 Beck Weathers and a climbing team pushed toward the summit of Mount Everest. Then a storm exploded on the mountain, ripping the team to shreds, forcing brave men to scratch and crawl for their lives. Tie-in to “Everest”, starring Josh Brolin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley, and Robin Wright. THE CALL OF EVEREST: THE HISTORY, SCIENCE, AND FUTURE OF THE WORLD’S TALLEST PEAK by Conrad Anker, Thomas Hornbein, Bernadette McDonald, David Breashears Gripping and sumptuous, this is the definitive book on the history, mystique, and science of Mount Everest, including how climate change is impacting the world’s tallest mountain. DEAD LUCKY: LIFE AFTER DEATH ON MOUNT EVEREST by Lincoln Hall Lincoln Hall’s breathtaking account of surviving a night in Everest’s “death zone.” INTO THE SILENCE: THE GREAT WAR, MALLORY, AND THE CONQUEST OF EVEREST by Wade Davis The definitive story of the British adventurers who survived the trenches of World War I and went on to risk their lives climbing Mount Everest. EVEREST, REVISED AND UPDATED: MOUNTAIN WITHOUT MERCY by Broughton Coburn The terror and triumph of the May 1996 climbing season on Mount Everest will go down in infamy. Made famous by Jon Krakauer’s bestseller INTO THIN AIR and recounted in David Breashears’s gripping IMAX film, the story is relayed in National Geographic’s gripping volume, updated with brilliant new panoramic photography. INTO THIN AIR: A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF THE MT. EVEREST DISASTER by Jon Krakauer A bank of clouds was assembling on the not-so-distant horizon, but journalist-mountaineer Jon Krakauer, standing on the summit of Mt. Everest, saw nothing that “suggested that a murderous storm was bearing down.” He was wrong. FOR YOUNG READERS: WHERE IS MOUNT EVEREST? by Nico Medina, John Hinderliter, David Groff - Ages 8 to 12 In this compelling narrative, Nico Medina guides readers through the mountain’s ancient beginnings, first human settlers, historic climbs, and the modern commercialization of mountain-climbing. TRIUMPH ON EVEREST: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY OF SIR EDMUND HILLARY by Broughton Coburn – Ages 10 and up This exciting photobiography celebrates the extraordinary life of the New Zealand farm boy who in May 1953 became the first person known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. With climbing partner Tenzing Norgay, the iron-willed Hillary crossed deadly icefalls, clawed his way up vertical walls, and persevered through gale-force winds until he finally stood at the top of the world. For more information on these and related titles visit the Edelweiss collection: Mount Everest Titles
Announcements: 26 May 2016
Featured Author Event: Emma Straub
Bestselling Penguin Random House authors Emma Straub and Meg Wolitzer will appear at Barnes & Noble on the Upper West Side on Tuesday (5/31), at 7pm for a discussion and celebration of Straub’s highly anticipated new novel MODERN LOVERS, which goes on sale from Riverhead Books on May 31st. expand
Emma Straub is the author of the New York Times bestseller THE VACATIONERS and LAURA LAMONT’S LIFE IN PICTURES. THE VACATIONERS became a must-have beach read in 2015 and with its promising advance praise, Straub’s latest novel MODERN LOVERS is making its way on to the beach-ready book lists of summer, 2016. With reviews pouring in from Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Huffington Post, and many more, MODERN LOVERS looks to be another hit for Straub who packs wisdom and humor into this coming of age novel for adults. Set against a Brooklyn summer backdrop, the characters in MODERN LOVERS are friends and former college bandmates who learn what it means to finally grow up as their children reach maturity and the passions and secrets from their own youth follow them into their middle-age years.
Meg Wolitzer
Announcements: 25 May 2016
Igloo Book Buzz: SHE POURED OUT HER HEART by Jean Thompson
National Book Award finalist and New York Times-bestselling author Jean Thompson returns with her most psychologically penetrating novel yet, SHE POURED OUT HER HEART, which goes on sale from Blue Rider Press on May 31. The book charts the course of a tumultuous, twenty-year friendship between two dissimilar best friends from college. Bonnie (single, witty, up-for-anything, sexually adventurous, prone to romantic disasters) and Jane expand
(intelligent, self-doubting, cautious, discontented suburban wife and mother) are the kind of women, with a kind of opposites-attract friendship, we all know. But when Jane experiences a profound
psychological and spiritual crisis, and Bonnie tumbles into an affair with Jane’s husband, their relationship enters an explosive and highly unconventional territory, with surprising and unexpectedly rich outcomes that neither of them ever could have predicted.
SHE POURED OUT HER HEART is a finely wrought, haunting story of female friendship and deception and an exploration of love’s wild and dramatic complexities. Jean Thompson tells us, “I set out to write a love story. Then things got complicated.”
Buzz around the book has been high, with brilliant early reviews:
SHE POURED OUT HER HEART is a finely wrought, haunting story of female friendship and deception and an exploration of love’s wild and dramatic complexities. Jean Thompson tells us, “I set out to write a love story. Then things got complicated.”
Buzz around the book has been high, with brilliant early reviews:
- “With piercing empathy and incandescent humor, Thompson considers the riddles of sexual passion and love, self and change, loyalty and forgiveness, forging an engrossing novel of crackling insights and ambushing drama.” – Booklist (Starred review)
- “National Book Award finalist Thompson illustrates the sometimes-ugly complexities of women’s friendships in an account of a decades-long relationship between two very different women…Thompson’s many fans will…find moments of clarity and insight in this parallel character study.” – Publishers Weekly
- “Both Jane and Bonnie are well-crafted characters, reflecting Thompson’s consistent knack for capturing the emotional seas within seemingly conventional middle-class Midwesterners. (She’s also excellent at depicting children, so often an afterthought in such novels.)” – Kirkus Reviews
Announcements: 25 May 2016
There's a Book for That: Memorial Day
May 30th is Memorial day. The last Monday in May, originally designated as "Decoration Day" in 1868, honors American men and women who have died in service to our Country. Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and was officially proclaimed by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic"for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during expand
the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” Our featured titles, by and about our military, honor the sacrifices made by these men and women in wars ranging from The Civil War to Iraq.
To learn more visit: Memorial Day (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs)
FEATURED TITLES:
THE MATHEWS MEN: SEVEN BROTHERS AND THE WAR AGAINST HITLER'S U-BOATS by William Geroux
One of the last unheralded heroic stories of World War II: The U-Boat assault off the American coast against the Merchant Marines who were supplying the European war, and one community’s monumental contribution to that effort
LEGEND: THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF GREEN BERET SERGEANT ROY BENAVIDEZ'S HEROIC MISSION TO RESCUE A SPECIAL FORCES TEAM CAUGHT BEHIND ENEMY LINES
by Eric Blehm
Legend tells the heroic story of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, and Benavidez’s nearly suicidal rescue mission that saved eight lives and ultimately earned Benavidez a nomination for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
RED PLATOON: A TRUE STORY OF AMERICAN VALOR by Clinton Romesha
Red Platoon is the riveting first-hand account of the Battle of Keating, told by Romesha, who spearheaded both the defense of the outpost and the counter-attack that drove the Taliban back beyond the wire, and received the Medal of Honor for his actions.
THE PACIFIC by Hugh Ambrose
The New York Times bestselling official companion book to the Emmy(r) Award-winning HBO(r) miniseries.
Between America’s retreat from China in late November 1941 and the moment General MacArthur’s airplane touched down on the Japanese mainland in August of 1945, five men connected by happenstance fought the key battles of the war against Japan.
VETERANS' VOICES: REMARKABLE STORIES OF HEROISM, SACRIFICE, AND HONOR by Robert H. Miller, Andrew Wakeford
Through intimate photographs and poignant stories, this heart-rending book showcases the courage, heroics, and sacrifice of selected U.S. soldiers and veterans. This deeply moving, timely celebration of veterans highlights the heroes in our midst by bringing these brave men and women to life. Veterans Voices blends beauty and impact and gorgeous photographic displays with inspiring storytelling.
A HIGHER CALL: AN INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF COMBAT AND CHIVALRY IN THE WAR-TORN SKIES OF WORLD WAR II by Adam Makos, Larry Alexander
December, 1943: A badly damaged American bomber struggles to fly over wartime Germany. At the controls is twenty-one-year-old Second Lieutenant Charlie Brown. Half his crew lay wounded or dead on this, their first mission. Suddenly, a Messerschmitt fighter pulls up on the bomber’s tail. The pilot is German ace Franz Stigler—and he can destroy the young American crew with the squeeze of a trigger... What happened next would defy imagination.
A FEW GOOD WOMEN: AMERICA'S MILITARY WOMEN FROM WORLD WAR I TO THE WARS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN by Evelyn M. Monahan, Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee
In this riveting narrative history, women veterans from the world wars, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq tell their extraordinary stories. Evelyn M. Monahan and Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee spent fifteen years combing through archives, journals, histories, and news reports, and gathering thousands of eyewitness accounts, letters, and interviews for this unprecedented chronicle of America’s “few good women.”
FORTY-SEVEN DAYS: HOW PERSHING'S WARRIORS CAME OF AGE TO DEFEAT THE GERMAN ARMY IN WORLD WAR I by Mitchell Yockelson
A definitive account of the U.S. First Army’s astonishing triumph in America’s bloodiest battle of the World War I. The Battle of the Muese-Argonne—the deadliest clash in American history. More than a million untested American soldiers went up against a better-trained and experienced German Army, costing over 26,000 deaths and nearly a hundred thousand wounded.
THE CIVIL WAR by Geoffrey C. Ward, Kenneth Burns
The complete text of the bestselling narrative history of the Civil War--based on the celebrated PBS television series interweaves the author's narrative with the voices of the men and women who lived through the cataclysmic trial of our nationhood and also includes essays by our most distinguished historians of the era.
TOUGH AS THEY COME by Travis Mills and Marcus Brotherton; Foreword by Gary Sinise
In this powerful combat memoir, retired paratrooper and quadruple amputee SSG Travis Mills describes how his faith and his mantra of “never give up—never quit” has helped him rebuild his life since Afghanistan.
For more information about these and related titles visit the collection: Memorial Day 2016
FEATURED TITLES:
THE MATHEWS MEN: SEVEN BROTHERS AND THE WAR AGAINST HITLER'S U-BOATS by William Geroux
One of the last unheralded heroic stories of World War II: The U-Boat assault off the American coast against the Merchant Marines who were supplying the European war, and one community’s monumental contribution to that effort
LEGEND: THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF GREEN BERET SERGEANT ROY BENAVIDEZ'S HEROIC MISSION TO RESCUE A SPECIAL FORCES TEAM CAUGHT BEHIND ENEMY LINES
by Eric Blehm
Legend tells the heroic story of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, and Benavidez’s nearly suicidal rescue mission that saved eight lives and ultimately earned Benavidez a nomination for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
RED PLATOON: A TRUE STORY OF AMERICAN VALOR by Clinton Romesha
Red Platoon is the riveting first-hand account of the Battle of Keating, told by Romesha, who spearheaded both the defense of the outpost and the counter-attack that drove the Taliban back beyond the wire, and received the Medal of Honor for his actions.
THE PACIFIC by Hugh Ambrose
The New York Times bestselling official companion book to the Emmy(r) Award-winning HBO(r) miniseries.
Between America’s retreat from China in late November 1941 and the moment General MacArthur’s airplane touched down on the Japanese mainland in August of 1945, five men connected by happenstance fought the key battles of the war against Japan.
VETERANS' VOICES: REMARKABLE STORIES OF HEROISM, SACRIFICE, AND HONOR by Robert H. Miller, Andrew Wakeford
Through intimate photographs and poignant stories, this heart-rending book showcases the courage, heroics, and sacrifice of selected U.S. soldiers and veterans. This deeply moving, timely celebration of veterans highlights the heroes in our midst by bringing these brave men and women to life. Veterans Voices blends beauty and impact and gorgeous photographic displays with inspiring storytelling.
A HIGHER CALL: AN INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF COMBAT AND CHIVALRY IN THE WAR-TORN SKIES OF WORLD WAR II by Adam Makos, Larry Alexander
December, 1943: A badly damaged American bomber struggles to fly over wartime Germany. At the controls is twenty-one-year-old Second Lieutenant Charlie Brown. Half his crew lay wounded or dead on this, their first mission. Suddenly, a Messerschmitt fighter pulls up on the bomber’s tail. The pilot is German ace Franz Stigler—and he can destroy the young American crew with the squeeze of a trigger... What happened next would defy imagination.
A FEW GOOD WOMEN: AMERICA'S MILITARY WOMEN FROM WORLD WAR I TO THE WARS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN by Evelyn M. Monahan, Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee
In this riveting narrative history, women veterans from the world wars, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq tell their extraordinary stories. Evelyn M. Monahan and Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee spent fifteen years combing through archives, journals, histories, and news reports, and gathering thousands of eyewitness accounts, letters, and interviews for this unprecedented chronicle of America’s “few good women.”
FORTY-SEVEN DAYS: HOW PERSHING'S WARRIORS CAME OF AGE TO DEFEAT THE GERMAN ARMY IN WORLD WAR I by Mitchell Yockelson
A definitive account of the U.S. First Army’s astonishing triumph in America’s bloodiest battle of the World War I. The Battle of the Muese-Argonne—the deadliest clash in American history. More than a million untested American soldiers went up against a better-trained and experienced German Army, costing over 26,000 deaths and nearly a hundred thousand wounded.
THE CIVIL WAR by Geoffrey C. Ward, Kenneth Burns
The complete text of the bestselling narrative history of the Civil War--based on the celebrated PBS television series interweaves the author's narrative with the voices of the men and women who lived through the cataclysmic trial of our nationhood and also includes essays by our most distinguished historians of the era.
TOUGH AS THEY COME by Travis Mills and Marcus Brotherton; Foreword by Gary Sinise
In this powerful combat memoir, retired paratrooper and quadruple amputee SSG Travis Mills describes how his faith and his mantra of “never give up—never quit” has helped him rebuild his life since Afghanistan.
For more information about these and related titles visit the collection: Memorial Day 2016
Announcements: 24 May 2016
Join Random House Children’s Books’ #DASHNERDASH BINGE READ
James Dashner fans everywhere are invited to take part in the #DASHNERDASH BINGE READ, a rereading of all four titles in the bestselling Maze Runner series, in advance of the September 27 publication of the eagerly anticipated Maze Runner prequel novel, THE FEVER CODE. When discussing the reread on social media, readers are encouraged to use the hashtag #DashnerDash to follow along in the conversation. expand
Readers can have their questions answered and discussed as Random House Children’s Books invites Dashner fans worldwide to participate in a discussion of one title in the series each month. The reread will kick off on May 27 with THE MAZE RUNNER—fans can submit questions via the James Dashner Facebook page. Selected questions will then be discussed by the author and his editor, Krista Marino, in a series of live Google Hangouts during the last week of each month. The first Google Hangout with Dashner and Marino will happen the week of June 27. Specific details will be posted on the Facebook page and shared via social media.
Rereads of THE SCORCH TRIALS begin on June 27, followed by THE DEATH CURE on July 27, and THE KILL ORDER on August 27. Questions can again be submitted via Facebook, and a book-club-style discussion will occur at the end of each month. The Google Hangout for THE KILL ORDER at the end of August will lead right into the publication of THE FEVER CODE on September 27.
Bloggers are encouraged to take part in the binge read, and those participating will receive a number of signed Dashner books to give away.
What better way to celebrate the start of summer than by revisiting a beloved series and introducing the books to new fans? Look for the first two chapters of THE FEVER CODE, recently revealed in the paperback edition of THE RULE OF THOUGHTS, to be discussed in the Maze Runner Google Hangout as well. Titles are available wherever books are sold. The series has sold over 14 million copies in all formats.
To learn more about Dashner and his books, visit jamesdashner.com, follow @jamesdashner on Twitter, and find @dashnerjames on Instagram.
Rereads of THE SCORCH TRIALS begin on June 27, followed by THE DEATH CURE on July 27, and THE KILL ORDER on August 27. Questions can again be submitted via Facebook, and a book-club-style discussion will occur at the end of each month. The Google Hangout for THE KILL ORDER at the end of August will lead right into the publication of THE FEVER CODE on September 27.
Bloggers are encouraged to take part in the binge read, and those participating will receive a number of signed Dashner books to give away.
What better way to celebrate the start of summer than by revisiting a beloved series and introducing the books to new fans? Look for the first two chapters of THE FEVER CODE, recently revealed in the paperback edition of THE RULE OF THOUGHTS, to be discussed in the Maze Runner Google Hangout as well. Titles are available wherever books are sold. The series has sold over 14 million copies in all formats.
To learn more about Dashner and his books, visit jamesdashner.com, follow @jamesdashner on Twitter, and find @dashnerjames on Instagram. Announcements: 24 May 2016
#PenguinRandomArt: Harland Miller Paintings Installed in NYC
Our #PenguinRandomArt campaign continues, with two original paintings by renowned UK artist Harland Miller now displayed at Penguin Random House’s 375 Hudson Street offices in New York. To celebrate the installation of these paintings on Friday (5/20), Penguin Publishing Group President Madeline McIntosh hosted a reception with a group of colleagues that featured a toast to the art by Penguin Random House Chairman John Makinson, who commissioned expand
Mr. Miller to paint the Penguin book-themed paintings that were donated by Richard Berzine, a Penguin business partner pre-merger, to hang in company offices around the world. To read a Financial Times article about what sparked Mr. Miller’s sardonic artistic takes on Penguin book covers and the origination of this project, click here.
Mr. Miller’s “Penguin Plays” painting was installed near Ms. McIntosh’s 4th floor office, with Mr. Makinson (right) and Mr. Berzine shown raising their glasses to the art. The “There’s No Business Like No Business!” painting was hung in the 375 Hudson ground floor lobby, with Ms. McIntosh, Mr. Makinson, Mr. Berzine and Penguin Young Readers President Jen Loja framing the canvas.
In celebration of this unique marriage of art and literature, a global social media event is unfolding as we herald the arrival and installation of these paintings at Penguin Random House locations worldwide with photos and messages on our Twitter and Facebook pages as well as our Penguin Random House websites. In addition to 375 Hudson Street in New York, Mr. Miller’s artwork is also being displayed in company offices in London, Toronto, Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
We are encouraging everyone to share pictures of and comments about Penguin Random House’s Harland Miller painting installation using the hashtag #PenguinRandomArt.
Richard Berzine and John Makinson
Madeline McIntosh, John Makinson, Richard Berzine, and Jen Loja
Announcements: 23 May 2016
Penguin Random House: Publishing Sponsor of Shakespeare in the Park
Penguin Random House continues its longstanding run as Publishing Sponsor of Shakespeare in the Park, produced by the Public Theater and presented in Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre beginning on Tuesday, May 24, with an all-female version of The Taming of the Shrew, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and featuring Olivier Award nominee Cush Jumbo as Katherina and Tony Award winner Janet McTeer as Petruchio. The Taming of the Shrew performances are presented through June 17. Troilus and Cressida, directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan, will be staged from July 19 to August 14. expand
In commemoration of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, a number of Penguin Random House imprints are publishing new editions of the Bard’s works as well as alternate takes on Shakespeare for young readers and those in need of a refresher. Here is a selection:
Signature, the site that is “making well-read sense of the world,” recently posted these interesting Shakespeare pieces: An Ode to Shakespeare from Kurt Vonnegut, The Art of Political Rebellion on Shakespeare’s Stage and An Illustrated Starter Guide to Phrases Coined by Shakespeare.
Signature, the site that is “making well-read sense of the world,” recently posted these interesting Shakespeare pieces: An Ode to Shakespeare from Kurt Vonnegut, The Art of Political Rebellion on Shakespeare’s Stage and An Illustrated Starter Guide to Phrases Coined by Shakespeare.
News and Information: 19 May 2016
Everything You Need to Know About #Readathon 2016 for Tomorrow
National Readathon Day is almost here! Get ready to post reading selfies all day long, and be sure to follow the hashtag #Readathon2016 to see authors and readers across the country do the same. Watch the video and click the stories below to get up to speed and find out everything you need to know for tomorrow. expand
Announcements: 19 May 2016
Employee Blog from Markus Dohle
As dad to two teenagers, it was only a matter of time before I was introduced to the concept of Throwback Thursday. This week, I have a few reasons to throw back in advance of the second annual National Readathon Day, happening this coming Saturday, May 21. expand
Reading The Girl on the Train in 2015 #TBT
The power of grassroots movements is inspiring, and social media has brought new and powerful ways to share and connect over common causes. Just look at last year’s Red Nose Day or the Ice Bucket Challenge of 2014. We also can’t underestimate the ability that we as Penguin Random House have to use our scale and reach for good. As a community of over 10,000 passionate colleagues, we have the potential to be more than a company. We can have an impact as a cultural institution—not just with the books we publish but through our efforts to nourish a passion for reading and to create lifelong readers.
We are doing that with National Readathon Day, which is partnering this year with the American Library Association and harnessing the power of connections via Facebook, which lets users create custom National Readathon Day profile frames and make donations directly.
You can spread the word about reading, and #Readathon2016, by updating your profile picture
You can spread the word about reading, and #Readathon2016, by updating your profile picture
Announcements: 19 May 2016
There’s a Book for That: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Since 1990, during the month of May, America has celebrated the historic and cultural contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our society. In honor of this special month, we’ve compiled a list of books that represent authentic Asian Pacific American voices on merging cultures, identity questions, discrimination, language barriers, religion, history, family, education, and the future. expand
Learn more about Asian Pacific Heritage Month by visiting the official website: asianpacificheritage.gov
FEATURED TITLES
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
A haunting debut novel about a mixed-race family living in 1970s Ohio, and what happens when their favorite daughter is found drowned at the bottom of a lake near their home.
Re Jane by Patricia Park
Journeying from Queens to Brooklyn to Seoul, and back, this is a fresh, contemporary retelling of Jane Eyre and a poignant Korean American debut.
In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri
Presented in a dual-language format, this is a wholly original book about exile, linguistic and otherwise, written with an intensity and clarity not seen since Vladimir Nabokov: a startling act of self-reflection and a provocative exploration of belonging and reinvention.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
In 1949 four Chinese women, recent immigrants to San Francisco, begin meeting to eat dim sum, play mahjong, and talk. United in shared unspeakable loss and hope, they call themselves the Joy Luck Club.
Mambo in Chinatown by Jean Kwok
From the bestselling author of Girl in Translation, an inspiring novel about a young woman torn between her family duties in Chinatown and her escape into a more Western world.
Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang
Now a hit series on ABC, this is the story of a Chinese-American kid trying to find himself ten thousand miles from his legacy and anchored only by his conflicted love for his family, hip hop culture, and his passion for food.
China Dolls by Lisa See
In 1938, three women from very different Asian backgrounds meet by chance, quickly becoming best friends. They are inseparable until a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor when secrets are exposed and betrayal changes everything.
BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS
Great Call of China by Cynthea Liu
Chinese-born Cece was adopted by American parents. Eager to explore her roots, she jumps at the chance to attend the S.A.S.S. program in Xi’an, China. But when she arrives, she receives quite a culture shock. And the closer she comes to finding out about her birth parents, the more apprehensive she gets.
Juniors by Kaui Hart Hemmings
Part Hawaiian, part Mainlander, Lea Lane has lived in between all her life. But it isn’t until junior year that she learns how to do it on her own terms.
For more on these and related titles visit the collection: Asian Pacific American Heritage
FEATURED TITLES
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
A haunting debut novel about a mixed-race family living in 1970s Ohio, and what happens when their favorite daughter is found drowned at the bottom of a lake near their home.
Re Jane by Patricia Park
Journeying from Queens to Brooklyn to Seoul, and back, this is a fresh, contemporary retelling of Jane Eyre and a poignant Korean American debut.
In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri
Presented in a dual-language format, this is a wholly original book about exile, linguistic and otherwise, written with an intensity and clarity not seen since Vladimir Nabokov: a startling act of self-reflection and a provocative exploration of belonging and reinvention.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
In 1949 four Chinese women, recent immigrants to San Francisco, begin meeting to eat dim sum, play mahjong, and talk. United in shared unspeakable loss and hope, they call themselves the Joy Luck Club.
Mambo in Chinatown by Jean Kwok
From the bestselling author of Girl in Translation, an inspiring novel about a young woman torn between her family duties in Chinatown and her escape into a more Western world.
Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang
Now a hit series on ABC, this is the story of a Chinese-American kid trying to find himself ten thousand miles from his legacy and anchored only by his conflicted love for his family, hip hop culture, and his passion for food.
China Dolls by Lisa See
In 1938, three women from very different Asian backgrounds meet by chance, quickly becoming best friends. They are inseparable until a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor when secrets are exposed and betrayal changes everything.
BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS
Great Call of China by Cynthea Liu
Chinese-born Cece was adopted by American parents. Eager to explore her roots, she jumps at the chance to attend the S.A.S.S. program in Xi’an, China. But when she arrives, she receives quite a culture shock. And the closer she comes to finding out about her birth parents, the more apprehensive she gets.
Juniors by Kaui Hart Hemmings
Part Hawaiian, part Mainlander, Lea Lane has lived in between all her life. But it isn’t until junior year that she learns how to do it on her own terms.
For more on these and related titles visit the collection: Asian Pacific American Heritage Announcements: 19 May 2016
Dan Brown’s THE DA VINCI CODE to Be Adapted for Young Adults
The Random House US and Penguin Random House UK children’s divisions of Penguin Random House will jointly publish a young adult adaptation of Dan Brown’s #1 worldwide bestseller, THE DA VINCI CODE this fall. The acquisition was announced on May 18th by Barbara Marcus, President & Publisher of Random House Children’s Books (US), and Francesca Dow, Managing Director, Penguin Random House Children’s UK, who obtained World English rights from Heide Lange of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. expand
Announcements: 19 May 2016
WaterBrook Acquires New Book by Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow, former NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and popular sports broadcaster, has reached an agreement with WaterBrook, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, to author a new book scheduled for publication on October 25, 2016. SHAKEN: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms combines never-before-told, personal stories from Tebow’s football experience and life with biblical teaching on anchoring identity and self-worth. As part of the agreement, WaterBrook will create a companion video Bible study and other products. expand
The book deal was announced by Tina Constable, Senior Vice President, WaterBrook. Alexander Field, Vice President, Publisher, WaterBrook, acquired world rights to the work in print and digital formats. Bruce Nygren, Senior Editor, and Andrew Stoddard, Editor, will serve as editors for the products in the deal.
The very public highs and lows of Tebow’s college and professional football career have given him a unique perspective on what it means to maintain a sense of self when your dreams do not go as 
planned. With compelling honesty, Tebow writes about how others have tried to define him by his circumstances and how, through it all, he has used these opportunities to grow in the understanding that identity comes from God alone.
“I am so excited about this book,” said Tebow. “I have the opportunity to share about some highs. But I also have the opportunity to share about some lows, and be vulnerable, and pull back the curtain a little bit. I will be able to give people a glimpse at what happens when you fall short. What happens when you don’t reach your dreams? What do you hold onto? Who do you hold onto?”
Alex Field said, “Tim has such a profound and inspiring message for anyone who has faced any sort of disappointment in their lives—which is every one of us, Because of that, we’re thrilled to launch this new work with Tim this fall. He will share about how he faced everything in his career all while remaining anchored in God. We know this book is going to encourage many, many people!”
Tebow is a two-time NCAA college football national champion and Heisman Trophy winner and was a first round NFL draft pick. In the three years since he departed from the NFL, Tebow has continued to have a prominent public profile. In February 2016, The Tim Tebow Foundation, along with 200 churches across 48 states and in seven countries, hosted “A Night to Shine” giving 32,000 people with special needs and 70,000 volunteers an amazing prom night experience. He is co-hosting the second season of the FOX program Home Freewith home renovation TV Star Mike Holmes (Holmes on Homes®), starting June 16, 2016. In addition, he is a college football analyst for the SEC Network, which launched in August 2014.
planned. With compelling honesty, Tebow writes about how others have tried to define him by his circumstances and how, through it all, he has used these opportunities to grow in the understanding that identity comes from God alone.
“I am so excited about this book,” said Tebow. “I have the opportunity to share about some highs. But I also have the opportunity to share about some lows, and be vulnerable, and pull back the curtain a little bit. I will be able to give people a glimpse at what happens when you fall short. What happens when you don’t reach your dreams? What do you hold onto? Who do you hold onto?”
Alex Field said, “Tim has such a profound and inspiring message for anyone who has faced any sort of disappointment in their lives—which is every one of us, Because of that, we’re thrilled to launch this new work with Tim this fall. He will share about how he faced everything in his career all while remaining anchored in God. We know this book is going to encourage many, many people!”
Tebow is a two-time NCAA college football national champion and Heisman Trophy winner and was a first round NFL draft pick. In the three years since he departed from the NFL, Tebow has continued to have a prominent public profile. In February 2016, The Tim Tebow Foundation, along with 200 churches across 48 states and in seven countries, hosted “A Night to Shine” giving 32,000 people with special needs and 70,000 volunteers an amazing prom night experience. He is co-hosting the second season of the FOX program Home Freewith home renovation TV Star Mike Holmes (Holmes on Homes®), starting June 16, 2016. In addition, he is a college football analyst for the SEC Network, which launched in August 2014. Announcements: 18 May 2016
Update Your Profile Picture Today with Our Read Badge and Celebrate #Readathon2016
Let’s paint Facebook with a little bit of orange and put our “Read” stamp in Facebook feeds across the country. Join your colleagues, authors, and readers everywhere and celebrate #Readathon2016 this Saturday, May 21, by updating your Facebook profile picture with our “Read” badge. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
expand
1) Visit https://www.facebook.com/profilepicframes
2) Select “causes” from the dropdown menu
3) Click on the American Library Association logo
You can also add from this post by clicking “Use Frame” when you roll over the image.
Be sure to edit your post or add comment so your friends and followers know you are celebrating #Readathon2016 and supporting early childhood literacy. Suggested text:
I am supporting early childhood literacy development by celebrating #Readathon2016 this Saturday, May 21! Join me and start now by updating your profile picture by visiting facebook.com/profilepicframes, selecting Causes in the dropdown menu, and clicking on the American Library Association.
Don’t forget to post reading pictures to social on National Readathon Day this Saturday, May 21 and tag them #Readathon2016.
Happy Reading!
You can also add from this post by clicking “Use Frame” when you roll over the image.
Be sure to edit your post or add comment so your friends and followers know you are celebrating #Readathon2016 and supporting early childhood literacy. Suggested text:
I am supporting early childhood literacy development by celebrating #Readathon2016 this Saturday, May 21! Join me and start now by updating your profile picture by visiting facebook.com/profilepicframes, selecting Causes in the dropdown menu, and clicking on the American Library Association.
Don’t forget to post reading pictures to social on National Readathon Day this Saturday, May 21 and tag them #Readathon2016.
Happy Reading!
Announcements: 17 May 2016
Featured Author Event: Jojo Moyes
On Friday (5/20) at 7pm at Barnes & Noble on the Upper West Side, Jojo Moyes will discuss and sign copies of her #1 New York Times bestselling novel, ME BEFORE YOU, published by Viking/Pamela Dorman Books/Penguin Books. Moyes will also share the trailer for the upcoming film based on her blockbuster book which is now available in a new movie tie-in paperback edition. expand
Since it was first published by in 2012, ME BEFORE YOU has sold over five million copies and has held top spots on New York Times bestseller lists. Most recently, ME BEFORE YOU was #1 on both 
the paperback trade fiction list and the mass market fiction list. The unlikely, moving love story is soon to be a major motion picture set to be released nationwide on June 3, 2016 by Warner Bros., starring Emilia Clarke as Louisa Clark and Sam Claflin as Will Traynor. Moyes wrote the screenplay for the film along with Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber (The Fault in Our Stars). The movie trailer has been picked up by several media outlets, perpetuating the anticipation of the upcoming film and spiking a new wave of interest in the book that originally captured readers’ hearts.
In the novel, an ordinary girl names Louisa Clark takes a job with recently wheelchair-bound ex--Master of the Universe Will Traynor. Will is bossy and moody as he is unable to live his previously huge and adventurous life, but Lou is determined to show him that life is still worth living, even if it means breaking her own heart. Moyes is also the author of several other novels including AFTER YOU, the bestselling sequel to ME BEFORE YOU and she has won the Romantic Novelist’s Award twice.
Seating for this event is limited and available on a first come, first served basis and books can be purchased after the signing.
the paperback trade fiction list and the mass market fiction list. The unlikely, moving love story is soon to be a major motion picture set to be released nationwide on June 3, 2016 by Warner Bros., starring Emilia Clarke as Louisa Clark and Sam Claflin as Will Traynor. Moyes wrote the screenplay for the film along with Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber (The Fault in Our Stars). The movie trailer has been picked up by several media outlets, perpetuating the anticipation of the upcoming film and spiking a new wave of interest in the book that originally captured readers’ hearts.
In the novel, an ordinary girl names Louisa Clark takes a job with recently wheelchair-bound ex--Master of the Universe Will Traynor. Will is bossy and moody as he is unable to live his previously huge and adventurous life, but Lou is determined to show him that life is still worth living, even if it means breaking her own heart. Moyes is also the author of several other novels including AFTER YOU, the bestselling sequel to ME BEFORE YOU and she has won the Romantic Novelist’s Award twice.
Seating for this event is limited and available on a first come, first served basis and books can be purchased after the signing. Announcements: 17 May 2016
#PenguinRandomArt Featuring Harland Miller
Renowned UK artist Harland Miller, who gained notoriety for his original paintings on large canvases inspired by Penguin Books cover designs, has completed a number of new Penguin book-themed paintings. Commissioned by Penguin Random House Chairman John Makinson and donated by a Penguin business partner pre-merger, this original artwork is in the process of being installed at Penguin Random House locations worldwide, including 375 Hudson Street in New York as well as offices in London, Toronto, Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. expand
Carrie Welch and Debra Millar
News and Information: 17 May 2016
Han Kang’s THE VEGETARIAN Wins the 2016 Man Booker International Prize
The winner of the 2016 Man Booker International Prize is Han Kang, for THE VEGETARIAN, published by Hogarth, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, it was announced on Monday in London. Ms. Han shares the award with the book’s translator, Deborah Smith, the pair splitting the most prestigious prize for translated fiction in the UK. Warm congratulations to Ms. Han and her publisher, as well as Ms. Smith. expand
Announcements: 15 May 2016
Readathon Now Includes Facebook Donate Option and Profile Picture Frame
As we near National Readathon Day, happening this Saturday, May 21, readers everywhere will now be able to contribute to #Readathon2016 through its newly launched Donate campaign on Facebook. All Facebook users will be able to make a commitment to early childhood literacy through the Donate button now available on the ALA Facebook page, which seamlessly facilitates swift and secure online contributions to National Readathon Day on the Facebook platform. expand
News and Information: 15 May 2016
Igloo Reads: Stephanie Danler’s Debut Novel SWEETBITTER
These are the words that open Stephanie Danler’s extraordinary debut novel, SWEETBITTER, which will be published by Alfred A. Knopf on May 24, introducing readers to Tess, the book’s twenty-two-year-old narrator: “You will develop a palate. A palate is a spot on your tongue where you remember. Where you assign words to the textures of taste. Eating becomes a discipline, language-obsessed. You will never simply eat food again.” expand
A lush novel of the senses—of taste and hunger, seeing and understanding, love and desire— SWEETBITTER is ultimately about the power of what remains after disillusionment, and the transformation and wisdom that come from our experiences, sweet and bitter.
Advance praise has ignited waves of pre-publication buzz. A sampling:
"Stephanie Danler arrives on the literary scene with a fully-fledged, original voice that’s wry, watchful and wise beyond its years – acutely attuned to the pleasures of the senses and to the desperate stratagems of self-invention among young urban seekers. Sweetbitter is a stunning debut novel, one that seems destined to help define a generation.”
—Jay McInerney, author of Bright Lights, Big City and Bright, Precious Days, to be published by Knopf in August.
"... rich in sensory descriptions, the kind of book that one doesn’t just read but devours.”
—Time Out
“Stephanie Danler’s prose—like the New York life her young heroine longs for—intoxicates the senses. A charming, harrowing debut.”
—Jonathan Dee, author of The Privileges and A Thousand Pardons
“A book that’ll stay glued to your hands as you race through the pages in one sitting.”
—Elle
Peter Gethers, President, Random House Studios, and Senior Vice President, Editor at Large, was an early reader of the SWEETBITTER manuscript, and told The New York Times, “Within 10 pages, I was going, oh my God, this woman is an extraordinary talent. One doesn’t see a lot of first novels like this, or any novels like this … The way she writes about food, you can actually taste it.” Mr. Gethers recommended the manuscript to Claudia Herr, Executive Story Editor, Random House Films, and Editor at Large, who acquired SWEETBITTER in a two-book-deal for Knopf in the fall of 2014.
Ms. Danler, who holds an MFA in creative writing from the New School, comments, “When I’m chatting with people, and I mention that I wrote a book, they nod politely. Every time I tell them it’s coming out with Knopf, their eyes widen and they say, ‘Oh.’ First recognition, then interest and excitement. It’s a ridiculous thing, to call yourself a Knopf author, to look at the company you’re in, to know that the Borzoi will go on the spine of your book, making it instantly recognizable to those that love literature. Absolutely ridiculous. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.”
SWEETBITTER and Ms. Danler have attracted an impressive range of media, including pieces in TimeOut, The Wall Street Journal and the current issue of Vogue, a book excerpt in the May edition of Bon Appetit Magazine, with coverage in TIME, Vanity Fair, The New York Times Book Review, O Magazine, Marie Claire, People, Entertainment Weekly, DuJour, Parade, W, Nylon, Bustle, Brooklyn Magazine, and much more to come.
Advance praise has ignited waves of pre-publication buzz. A sampling:
"Stephanie Danler arrives on the literary scene with a fully-fledged, original voice that’s wry, watchful and wise beyond its years – acutely attuned to the pleasures of the senses and to the desperate stratagems of self-invention among young urban seekers. Sweetbitter is a stunning debut novel, one that seems destined to help define a generation.”
—Jay McInerney, author of Bright Lights, Big City and Bright, Precious Days, to be published by Knopf in August.
"... rich in sensory descriptions, the kind of book that one doesn’t just read but devours.”
—Time Out
“Stephanie Danler’s prose—like the New York life her young heroine longs for—intoxicates the senses. A charming, harrowing debut.”
—Jonathan Dee, author of The Privileges and A Thousand Pardons
“A book that’ll stay glued to your hands as you race through the pages in one sitting.”
—Elle
Peter Gethers, President, Random House Studios, and Senior Vice President, Editor at Large, was an early reader of the SWEETBITTER manuscript, and told The New York Times, “Within 10 pages, I was going, oh my God, this woman is an extraordinary talent. One doesn’t see a lot of first novels like this, or any novels like this … The way she writes about food, you can actually taste it.” Mr. Gethers recommended the manuscript to Claudia Herr, Executive Story Editor, Random House Films, and Editor at Large, who acquired SWEETBITTER in a two-book-deal for Knopf in the fall of 2014.
Ms. Danler, who holds an MFA in creative writing from the New School, comments, “When I’m chatting with people, and I mention that I wrote a book, they nod politely. Every time I tell them it’s coming out with Knopf, their eyes widen and they say, ‘Oh.’ First recognition, then interest and excitement. It’s a ridiculous thing, to call yourself a Knopf author, to look at the company you’re in, to know that the Borzoi will go on the spine of your book, making it instantly recognizable to those that love literature. Absolutely ridiculous. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.”
SWEETBITTER and Ms. Danler have attracted an impressive range of media, including pieces in TimeOut, The Wall Street Journal and the current issue of Vogue, a book excerpt in the May edition of Bon Appetit Magazine, with coverage in TIME, Vanity Fair, The New York Times Book Review, O Magazine, Marie Claire, People, Entertainment Weekly, DuJour, Parade, W, Nylon, Bustle, Brooklyn Magazine, and much more to come.
News and Information: 15 May 2016
Meet The New Read It Forward
The Crown Publishing Group announced that it has relaunched ReadItForward.com. With an active online community of over 385,000 members, Read It Forward is a publisher-agnostic book vertical that helps readers discover exciting new books and classic reads. Managed by the Crown Publishing Group’s Community Development team, the site has grown substantially, in volume and in editorial content, since its creation in 2008. The new design features a fresh, modern look; a more intuitive site navigation; and an editorial shift toward long-form content, original essays by bestselling authors, and curated book recommendations from the Read It Forward staff. expand
Read It Forward’s mission is to guide readers toward a literary future with books that inform, entertain, and inspire through unique online experiences. Some features on the site include:
The all-star literary lineup slated for Read It Forward’s summer launch includes exclusive interviews with Matthew Desmond (EVICTED, Crown), Erik Larson (DEAD WAKE,Crown), Terry McMillan (I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT YOU,Crown), Curtis Sittenfeld (ELIGIBLE, Random House); original content from Erica Jong (Fear of Dying, St. Martin’s Press) and Karin Slaughter (Pretty Girls, William Morrow); and curated bookshelves by Jennifer S. Brown (MODERN GIRLS, NAL) and Peter Clines (EX-ISLE, Broadway).
“We have always been proud of the editorial content featured on Read It Forward, and now we have a more modern design to showcase our interviews, literary lifestyle essays, and reading recommendations,” says Kate Rados, Vice President, Community Development for the Crown Publishing Group. “Our readers are excited to learn about newly released and rediscovered gems, from literary and commercial fiction to memoir, historical fiction to crossover young adult. We’re able to make recommendations based on author affinity, category, mood, or impulse. While it’s not possible to be all things to all readers, we strive to deliver the best reads at the right time that align with a reader’s taste.”
In conjunction with its relaunch, Read It Forward will be inviting bookstores to participate as promotional partners. For their pilot project, Tattered Cover and Northshire Bookstore are collaborating in a one-of-a-kind sweepstakes, where a grand-prize winner will receive a library of 50 books, hand-selected by the bookselling staff from both stores. The sweepstakes will be hosted on ReadItForward.com.
Crown’s marketing plans for the relaunch include: a site-wide online adventure—called “The Great Reader’s Scavenger Hunt”—a series of sweepstakes promotions which awards 625 winners with a free book; owned media advertising through the Crown and Penguin Random House verticals; a special branded pouch mailing to bookish influencers; branded tote bags distributed at the 2016 BEA; social media advertising through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and an email marketing program through LiveIntent.
Click here to experience Read It Forward’s new features.
- Book Club Appetizer: a podcast hosted by Abbe Wright (Editor, Read It Forward) and Alana Buckbee (Sr. Manager, Community Development, Crown Publishing Group), recommended as an audio “kickoff” for book club meetings. Each episode focuses on a single title, beginning with plot discussion and thoughts on favorite characters, and culminating in an interview with the book’s author. Participating authors include such notables as Amber Brock (A FINE IMITATION, Crown), Anton DiSclafani (THE AFTER PARTY, Riverhead Books), Camille Perri (THE ASSISTANTS, G. P. Putnam’s Sons), Hannah Pittard (Listen to Me, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), and Nicola Yoon (THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR, Delacorte Press).
- The Book Apothecary: a web-based application that prescribes the perfect book to fit any mood (inspired by the Crown bestselling book THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSHOP by Nina George).
- What We’re Reading: a weekly newsletter, which features curated picks from bestselling authors and the Read It Forward editorial team.
- #AskaLibrarian: the weekly Twitter recommendation hour, in partnership with Library Journal, Penguin Random House, and librarians across the country.
- BookBento: still life photography featuring new titles, as well as favorite backlist reads, that creates a browsable bookstore on Instagram.
The all-star literary lineup slated for Read It Forward’s summer launch includes exclusive interviews with Matthew Desmond (EVICTED, Crown), Erik Larson (DEAD WAKE,Crown), Terry McMillan (I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT YOU,Crown), Curtis Sittenfeld (ELIGIBLE, Random House); original content from Erica Jong (Fear of Dying, St. Martin’s Press) and Karin Slaughter (Pretty Girls, William Morrow); and curated bookshelves by Jennifer S. Brown (MODERN GIRLS, NAL) and Peter Clines (EX-ISLE, Broadway).
“We have always been proud of the editorial content featured on Read It Forward, and now we have a more modern design to showcase our interviews, literary lifestyle essays, and reading recommendations,” says Kate Rados, Vice President, Community Development for the Crown Publishing Group. “Our readers are excited to learn about newly released and rediscovered gems, from literary and commercial fiction to memoir, historical fiction to crossover young adult. We’re able to make recommendations based on author affinity, category, mood, or impulse. While it’s not possible to be all things to all readers, we strive to deliver the best reads at the right time that align with a reader’s taste.”
In conjunction with its relaunch, Read It Forward will be inviting bookstores to participate as promotional partners. For their pilot project, Tattered Cover and Northshire Bookstore are collaborating in a one-of-a-kind sweepstakes, where a grand-prize winner will receive a library of 50 books, hand-selected by the bookselling staff from both stores. The sweepstakes will be hosted on ReadItForward.com.
Crown’s marketing plans for the relaunch include: a site-wide online adventure—called “The Great Reader’s Scavenger Hunt”—a series of sweepstakes promotions which awards 625 winners with a free book; owned media advertising through the Crown and Penguin Random House verticals; a special branded pouch mailing to bookish influencers; branded tote bags distributed at the 2016 BEA; social media advertising through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and an email marketing program through LiveIntent.
Click here to experience Read It Forward’s new features. News and Information: 12 May 2016
There’s a Book for That: Mental Health Awareness
May has been Mental Health Month since 1949. This year’s theme is “Life with a Mental Illness.” Over the decades, the topic of mental health has certainly become more prominent, with the help of a growing number of recognizable people “coming out” with their mental disorders and increasing reporting in popular media. expand
However, not all of this coverage has been helpful. Amid widespread confusion between distinct conditions, their causes and symptoms, and what their relation with violence and other anti-social behaviors might be, a vast number of sufferers still succumb to suicide or homelessness. Those who have the resources to cope still overwhelmingly prefer to stay in the closet, rather than face generalized prejudice and discrimination. The path to change will definitely involve further political action, but to get to that point much more education—and empathy—is necessary. This May we urge you to pick up a book and learn about the people who deal with mental illness daily, as sufferers or caretakers, and find out why they stand out, but more importantly, what makes them not that different from the rest of us.
To learn more visit: Mental Health America
FEATURED TITLES
MY AGE OF ANXIETY by Scott Stossel
From the editor of The Atlantic comes a riveting, revealing memoir of life with anxiety—and the history of the scientists, philosophers, artists, and writers who have worked to understand this condition.
MARBLES by Ellen Forney
Cartoonist Ellen Forney explores the relationship between “crazy” and “creative” in this graphic memoir of her bipolar disorder, woven with stories of famous bipolar artists and writers.
AN UNQUIET MIND by Kay Redfield Jamison
Dr. Jamison is one of the foremost authorities on manic-depressive (bipolar) illness; she has also experienced it firsthand. Here Jamison examines bipolar illness from the dual perspectives of the healer and the healed, revealing both its terrors and the cruel allure that at times prompted her to resist taking medication. An Unquiet Mind is a memoir of enormous candor and wisdom—a deeply powerful book that has both transformed and saved lives.
VOLUNTARY MADNESS by Norah Vincent
Determined but uncertain about maintaining her own equilibrium, the author boldly committed herself to three different facilities-a big-city hospital, a private clinic in the Midwest, and finally an upscale retreat in the South. Voluntary Madness is the chronicle of Vincent’s journey through the world of the mentally ill as she struggles to find her own health and happiness.
JUST LIKE SOMEONE WITHOUT MENTAL ILLNESS ONLY MORE SO by Mark Vonnegut, M.D.
More than thirty years after the publication of his acclaimed memoir The Eden Express, Mark Vonnegut continues his story in this searingly funny, iconoclastic account of coping with mental illness, finding his calling, and learning that willpower isn’t nearly enough.
THE PRICE OF SILENCE by Liza Long
Powerful and shocking, The Price of Silence , which grew out of the author’s article “I am Adam Lanza’s Mother” after the Newtown shooting, looks at how society stigmatizes mental illness—including in children—and the devastating societal cost. In the wake of repeated acts of mass violence, Long points the way forward.
FOR YOUNG READERS
ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES by Jennifer Niven
Soon to be a motion picture starring Elle Fanning
“At the heart – a big one – of “All the Bright Places” lies a charming love story about this unlikely and endearing pair of broken teenagers.” — New York Times Book Review
For more on these and related titles visit the Edelweiss collection: Mental Health Awareness
FEATURED TITLES
MY AGE OF ANXIETY by Scott Stossel
From the editor of The Atlantic comes a riveting, revealing memoir of life with anxiety—and the history of the scientists, philosophers, artists, and writers who have worked to understand this condition.
MARBLES by Ellen Forney
Cartoonist Ellen Forney explores the relationship between “crazy” and “creative” in this graphic memoir of her bipolar disorder, woven with stories of famous bipolar artists and writers.
AN UNQUIET MIND by Kay Redfield Jamison
Dr. Jamison is one of the foremost authorities on manic-depressive (bipolar) illness; she has also experienced it firsthand. Here Jamison examines bipolar illness from the dual perspectives of the healer and the healed, revealing both its terrors and the cruel allure that at times prompted her to resist taking medication. An Unquiet Mind is a memoir of enormous candor and wisdom—a deeply powerful book that has both transformed and saved lives.
VOLUNTARY MADNESS by Norah Vincent
Determined but uncertain about maintaining her own equilibrium, the author boldly committed herself to three different facilities-a big-city hospital, a private clinic in the Midwest, and finally an upscale retreat in the South. Voluntary Madness is the chronicle of Vincent’s journey through the world of the mentally ill as she struggles to find her own health and happiness.
JUST LIKE SOMEONE WITHOUT MENTAL ILLNESS ONLY MORE SO by Mark Vonnegut, M.D.
More than thirty years after the publication of his acclaimed memoir The Eden Express, Mark Vonnegut continues his story in this searingly funny, iconoclastic account of coping with mental illness, finding his calling, and learning that willpower isn’t nearly enough.
THE PRICE OF SILENCE by Liza Long
Powerful and shocking, The Price of Silence , which grew out of the author’s article “I am Adam Lanza’s Mother” after the Newtown shooting, looks at how society stigmatizes mental illness—including in children—and the devastating societal cost. In the wake of repeated acts of mass violence, Long points the way forward.
FOR YOUNG READERS
ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES by Jennifer Niven
Soon to be a motion picture starring Elle Fanning
“At the heart – a big one – of “All the Bright Places” lies a charming love story about this unlikely and endearing pair of broken teenagers.” — New York Times Book Review
For more on these and related titles visit the Edelweiss collection: Mental Health Awareness
News and Information: 12 May 2016
Publisher Nancy Paulsen on Her Career and Penguin Young Readers Imprint
As part of our Publisher Profile series, Nancy Paulsen, president and publisher of her eponymous Penguin Young Readers imprint, shares personal insights into her outstanding career in book publishing, her bestselling, award-winning authors – Jacqueline Woodson, Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Maira Kalman, among them – as well as new books and authors she is looking forward to publishing in the coming year. expand
What initially attracted you to the world of book publishing and the editor/publisher role in particular?
Like most people in publishing, it was the love of books. I was an avid reader as a child and loved how reading transported me to new places and allowed me to understand how it felt to stand in someone else’s shoes. When I brought my résumé to Viking Penguin (as it was called back then), the job opening was in Children’s Editorial. I saw so many favorite books on the shelves when I walked into the offices—MADELINE, THE SNOWY DAY, PIPPI LONGSTOCKING, THE OUTSIDERS—that I knew I had arrived at my new home. From then on I wanted to work with authors and artists and help them make books forever.
What have been some of your most rewarding achievements over the course of your career as a publisher?
Right from the beginning I wanted to publish books that made kids feel good and that made all kinds of kids feel represented. One of my early books at Viking was a picture book called I LIKE ME! by Nancy Carlson, about a confident pig, and I adored its message. When I became the publisher of Putnam in the mid-1990s, I signed up Jacqueline Woodson because I loved her extraordinary, lyrical voice, and I was thrilled when so many of her books won major awards. Her most recent picture book with E. B. Lewis, EACH KINDNESS, won the Jane Addams Peace Prize and shows kids in such a stunning way that actions have consequences. Maira Kalman’s picture books have also been thrilling to publish, as her viewpoint is so unique and eye-opening. It’s exciting that I get to work on both picture books and novels that speak to so many kids and make a difference in their lives.
When you started your own imprint, how did you envision what your emphasis would be as well as the breadth of your authors and character of your lists?
From the start I planned to focus on diverse and distinctive voices and books that offered kids hope, because life can be so hard. Having Jacqueline Woodson’s stunning memoir,BROWN GIRL DREAMING, win the National Book Award and become a huge bestseller has been so gratifying to us both, as we’ve worked together for twenty years and it was a fabulous culmination of all the things we’ve dreamed about happening. When I published Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s first book, ONE FOR THE MURPHYS, about a foster child and everyday heroes, the word of mouth among kids was incredible and propelled the book onto state award lists all over the country. Lynda’s new book, FISH IN A TREE, is a bestseller that is being read in classrooms all over the world, and it’s a beautifully told story that reminds us not to judge people by their learning styles (“Great minds don’t think alike!”) and shows how a good teacher makes such a difference in a child’s life.
What have been some of the most satisfying aspects of having your own imprint and what excites you most about its future?
It is super-satisfying to work with people who amaze me with their talents. On the picture book side, I get to work with some industry greats like the inimitable Tomie dePaola, and to also discover new talent like Lori Nichols and Eliza Wheeler. And on the fiction side I am thrilled that I have lots more coming from Jacqueline Woodson and Lynda Mullaly Hunt. I also have novels from Brenda Woods, Aisha Saeed, and Padma Venkatraman—all who are powerful diverse voices. It is so rewarding when fabulous books reach readers and excite them and help expand their worldview, and it’s magical when a book becomes a child’s favorite. That’s what excites me about the future—more books and more stories to be told and the ability to connect with kids in such a meaningful way.
What have been some of your most rewarding achievements over the course of your career as a publisher?
Right from the beginning I wanted to publish books that made kids feel good and that made all kinds of kids feel represented. One of my early books at Viking was a picture book called I LIKE ME! by Nancy Carlson, about a confident pig, and I adored its message. When I became the publisher of Putnam in the mid-1990s, I signed up Jacqueline Woodson because I loved her extraordinary, lyrical voice, and I was thrilled when so many of her books won major awards. Her most recent picture book with E. B. Lewis, EACH KINDNESS, won the Jane Addams Peace Prize and shows kids in such a stunning way that actions have consequences. Maira Kalman’s picture books have also been thrilling to publish, as her viewpoint is so unique and eye-opening. It’s exciting that I get to work on both picture books and novels that speak to so many kids and make a difference in their lives.
When you started your own imprint, how did you envision what your emphasis would be as well as the breadth of your authors and character of your lists?
From the start I planned to focus on diverse and distinctive voices and books that offered kids hope, because life can be so hard. Having Jacqueline Woodson’s stunning memoir,BROWN GIRL DREAMING, win the National Book Award and become a huge bestseller has been so gratifying to us both, as we’ve worked together for twenty years and it was a fabulous culmination of all the things we’ve dreamed about happening. When I published Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s first book, ONE FOR THE MURPHYS, about a foster child and everyday heroes, the word of mouth among kids was incredible and propelled the book onto state award lists all over the country. Lynda’s new book, FISH IN A TREE, is a bestseller that is being read in classrooms all over the world, and it’s a beautifully told story that reminds us not to judge people by their learning styles (“Great minds don’t think alike!”) and shows how a good teacher makes such a difference in a child’s life.
What have been some of the most satisfying aspects of having your own imprint and what excites you most about its future?
It is super-satisfying to work with people who amaze me with their talents. On the picture book side, I get to work with some industry greats like the inimitable Tomie dePaola, and to also discover new talent like Lori Nichols and Eliza Wheeler. And on the fiction side I am thrilled that I have lots more coming from Jacqueline Woodson and Lynda Mullaly Hunt. I also have novels from Brenda Woods, Aisha Saeed, and Padma Venkatraman—all who are powerful diverse voices. It is so rewarding when fabulous books reach readers and excite them and help expand their worldview, and it’s magical when a book becomes a child’s favorite. That’s what excites me about the future—more books and more stories to be told and the ability to connect with kids in such a meaningful way. News and Information: 12 May 2016
Three Questions for an Editor: Crown’s Roger Scholl on A MOTHER’S RECKONING
Roger Scholl, Vice President, Executive Editor, Crown Publishing Group, delves inside the acquisition, editing and impact of A MOTHER’S RECKONING: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold, the mother of Columbine shooter Dylan Klebold. expand
In this book, Ms. Klebold chronicles for the first time her journey as a mother over the past sixteen years, trying to come to terms with the incomprehensible following the tragic events of April 20, 1999, when her son Dylan and his friend Eric Harris walked into Columbine High School in Colorado, killed twelve students and a teacher, and wounded twenty-four others before taking their own lives. In coming forward after so many years of silence, Ms. Klebold writes with unflinching honesty, telling her story as faithfully as possible in order to share the insights and understanding she has gained in the terrible crucible of Columbine to help other families recognize signs that a child may need help.
In this Three Questions for an Editor feature, Mr. Scholl opens a very personal window into the road to the publication of A MOTHER’S RECKONING.
What was involved in the acquisition of this book and key decisions about how to tell and structure this heart-breaking, tragic story?
I first heard of the book as the result of a lunch date with the agent, Laurie Bernstein, two years before the actual submission. Sue Klebold’s story, and message, sounded so unique, and so important, that I followed up periodically to express continued interest. Laurie gave me a heads up a week before she sent it out, and I alerted our publisher and the rest of our team that it was coming in, so that we would read and act quickly. The proposal came in the Thursday evening of BEA; I was expected at a reunion party, but I never made it – I was glued to my desk and my computer. The proposal, over 100 pages in length, was stunning — and pitch perfect in conveying Sue and her family’s experiences, and her ultimate message. And we made a pre-emptive bid for the book by noon the next day.
How would you describe the editor/author editorial process and what were some of the most challenging and rewarding points during the creation of A MOTHER’S RECKONING?
Sue had been teamed with a wonderful writer for the book, Laura Tucker. The proposal was so taut, so nuanced, and so well constructed that my real task as an editor with the manuscript was to ensure that we maintained the same high level of narrative pacing, detail, insight and candor that Sue and Laurie had originally achieved with the proposal. We did a good deal of back and forth to tighten the narrative, and made a few key decisions about structure and order, as well as about the level of detail Sue included in the book about the events at Columbine High School that morning, so that readers unfamiliar with the details of the tragedy would have a clearer picture of exactly what took place – and what Dylan, Sue’s son, and Eric Harris, did.
What do you and Ms. Klebold hope readers will derive most from reading and discussing this book?
I think that for Sue, this book has been a mission. She has spent every day of her life since the shootings trying to understand how the sweet young boy that she knew Dylan to be could have done what he did; why she was unable to see the signs beforehand; what she might have done differently to prevent the tragedy. The media wanted to paint Dylan as a monster. But the truth, she knew, was in some ways even more disturbing. He grew up in a loving, engaged home, had many friends, and although he was shy and perhaps spent too much time on his computer, he came across as a normal teenager, a boy who had just gone to senior prom and had been accepted to his first choice college. Her husband, Tom – they are now divorced – and her surviving son Bryon, were deeply opposed to her writing the book; it was just too painful a memory, and one I think they did not want to live through again. But Sue persevered because she felt that by telling her story, and the story of Dylan, she could reach out to parents and kids who were suffering emotionally or psychologically, and at risk, and in doing so potentially prevent a future Columbine from taking place, or prevent a child from hurting himself or herself, or someone else. Sue is donating the money she has received to charitable organizations, particularly those focused on mental health issues.
What was involved in the acquisition of this book and key decisions about how to tell and structure this heart-breaking, tragic story?
I first heard of the book as the result of a lunch date with the agent, Laurie Bernstein, two years before the actual submission. Sue Klebold’s story, and message, sounded so unique, and so important, that I followed up periodically to express continued interest. Laurie gave me a heads up a week before she sent it out, and I alerted our publisher and the rest of our team that it was coming in, so that we would read and act quickly. The proposal came in the Thursday evening of BEA; I was expected at a reunion party, but I never made it – I was glued to my desk and my computer. The proposal, over 100 pages in length, was stunning — and pitch perfect in conveying Sue and her family’s experiences, and her ultimate message. And we made a pre-emptive bid for the book by noon the next day.
How would you describe the editor/author editorial process and what were some of the most challenging and rewarding points during the creation of A MOTHER’S RECKONING?
Sue had been teamed with a wonderful writer for the book, Laura Tucker. The proposal was so taut, so nuanced, and so well constructed that my real task as an editor with the manuscript was to ensure that we maintained the same high level of narrative pacing, detail, insight and candor that Sue and Laurie had originally achieved with the proposal. We did a good deal of back and forth to tighten the narrative, and made a few key decisions about structure and order, as well as about the level of detail Sue included in the book about the events at Columbine High School that morning, so that readers unfamiliar with the details of the tragedy would have a clearer picture of exactly what took place – and what Dylan, Sue’s son, and Eric Harris, did.
What do you and Ms. Klebold hope readers will derive most from reading and discussing this book?
I think that for Sue, this book has been a mission. She has spent every day of her life since the shootings trying to understand how the sweet young boy that she knew Dylan to be could have done what he did; why she was unable to see the signs beforehand; what she might have done differently to prevent the tragedy. The media wanted to paint Dylan as a monster. But the truth, she knew, was in some ways even more disturbing. He grew up in a loving, engaged home, had many friends, and although he was shy and perhaps spent too much time on his computer, he came across as a normal teenager, a boy who had just gone to senior prom and had been accepted to his first choice college. Her husband, Tom – they are now divorced – and her surviving son Bryon, were deeply opposed to her writing the book; it was just too painful a memory, and one I think they did not want to live through again. But Sue persevered because she felt that by telling her story, and the story of Dylan, she could reach out to parents and kids who were suffering emotionally or psychologically, and at risk, and in doing so potentially prevent a future Columbine from taking place, or prevent a child from hurting himself or herself, or someone else. Sue is donating the money she has received to charitable organizations, particularly those focused on mental health issues. News and Information: 22 April 2015
The New Penguin Random House Website - Where Books Live
Penguin Random House is thrilled to announce the release of its new online home, PenguinRandomHouse.com. Watch the video above and click here to learn more and explore the site.Press Release: 31 March 2015
Bertelsmann Achieves Highest Revenues and Operating Result in Seven Years
Berlin, March 31, 2015 – Bertelsmann in the last fiscal year increased both its revenues and its operating result to the highest levels in seven years, while again investing in growing its
business: The international media, services and education company improved its growth
profile and expanded its digital business as well as its international presence with the
acquisition of the e-learning provider Relias Learning in the United States and majority
stakes in the video marketer SpotXchange and the multichannel network StyleHaul.
News and Information: 10 February 2015
RUBY by Cynthia Bond (Hogarth) New Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 Selection
Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 announced today its newest selection, RUBY by Cynthia Bond (Hogarth). This debut novel, first published in hardcover last spring, will be issued in a special paperback edition bearing the OBC 2.0 logo on February 10. The cross-platform book club’s fourth selection kicks off with Winfrey’s interview with Bond in the March issue of O, The Oprah Magazine (on sale nationwide February 17). Additionally, Harpo Films announced today that it has optioned the film and television rights to RUBY.
expandBond draws upon her own experiences and the heartbreaking tales she’s heard through the years working with homeless and at-risk youth, to create the unforgettable story of Ruby Bell, a beautiful girl born from tragedy who suffers horrors and fights against her personal demons in Liberty Township, TX.
“Nothing comes close to the experience of reading this book. It’s a dark moving story, harrowing and heartbreaking, yet filled with moments of love pure and strong,” said Oprah Winfrey. “When I found out that Cynthia Bond is 53 years old and hasn’t written a book before, I couldn’t fathom it. RUBY is a vivid, searing novel that penetrates straight through the page and into the reader’s heart.”
Click here for a message from Oprah: http://www.oprah.com/obcvideo2015
RUBY was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection and was chosen as an Indie Next Pick by independent booksellers throughout the U.S. when it was released in 2014. ”There are dreams that you keep hidden—secret hopes locked away. Learning that my novel had been chosen to be in Oprah’s Book Club burst open that door—I just wept. I worked for over ten years, writing, editing, rethinking, and creating what would become three books. RUBY is the first. Ms. Winfrey has changed the course of my life—as a writer, as a mom, as an advocate for children’s rights and I will be forever grateful,” said author Cynthia Bond.
In addition to being available in bookstores nationwide, special Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 digital editions of RUBY, with exclusive content including a reader’s guide and Winfrey’s notes on her favorite passages, will be available for Amazon Kindle, NOOK® by Barnes & Noble, on the iBookstore and everywhere e-books are sold.
Throughout February and March, readers can further engage online at the book club hub (oprah.com/bookclub) and through a variety of digital and social media platforms:
- Oprah.com will feature a reading guide as well as Winfrey’s personal thoughts about her favorite passages from the book.
- Readers will also have the opportunity to join the conversation via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. A stream of reader tweets (#OprahsBookClub) and Instagram photos from around the world will provide a snapshot of what participants are thinking, feeling and sharing as they read the book together.
- The official Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 group on Goodreads, one of the largest websites for book lovers with 30 million members, will feature content and encourage discussions about the new book club selection. (Goodreads.com/OprahsBookClub).
About Cynthia Bond
CYNTHIA BOND, a PEN Rosenthal Fellow, has taught writing to homeless and at-risk youth throughout Los Angeles for more than fifteen years. Her novel, RUBY, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, and was chosen as an Indie Next Pick by independent booksellers throughout the U.S. O, The Oprah Magazine says, “Cynthia Bond proves to be a powerful literary force, a writer whose unflinching yet lyrical prose is reminiscent of Toni Morrison’s.” Bond attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, then moved to New York and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She founded the Blackbird Writing Collective in 2011. At present, Bond teaches therapeutic writing at Paradigm Malibu Adolescent Treatment Center. A native of East Texas, she lives in Los Angeles with her daughter.
About Oprah’s Book Club 2.0
In June 2012, Oprah Winfrey reintroduced her popular book club as an interactive, multi-platform reading club that harnesses the power of social media, bringing passionate readers together to discuss inspiring stories. After being selected as the club’s inaugural book, Wild by Cheryl Strayed (Knopf) returned to the top of the New York Times Best Sellers list and spent six consecutive weeks at #1. It was also made into a motion picture starring Reese Witherspoon. The club’s second pick, The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis, was on the New York Times Best Sellers list for 10 weeks. The third book selected, The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, made its debut at #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list and was Amazon’s bestselling book of 2014. RUBY by Cynthia Bond is the book club’s fourth selection.
About Harpo Films
Harpo Films, Inc. produces acclaimed feature films and scripted television programming. Recent features include the Academy Award nominated ”Selma” starring David Oyelowo and Golden Globe nominated ”The Hundred-Foot Journey” starring Helen Mirren.
About O, The Oprah Magazine
O, The Oprah Magazine (oprah.com/omagazine) encourages confident, intelligent women to reach for their dreams, express their individual style and live their best lives. With an emphasis on personal growth, the magazine informs and inspires, addressing every aspect of a woman’s life and deeply connecting with more than 15 million readers every month (MRI, 2011 Doublebase). In May 2012, O, The Oprah Magazine won the publishing industry’s highest honor, the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) award for General Excellence. O, The Oprah Magazine is available on Zinio, Barnes & Noble Nook, Amazon Kindle and Flipboard, and its namesake iPad app is available on the App store at www.itunes.com/appstore. Follow O, The Oprah Magazine on Twitter @O_Magazine.
O, The Oprah Magazine is a co-venture between Harpo Print, LLC and Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation, one of the nation’s largest diversified media and information companies. With 21 titles in the U.S., Hearst is the leading publisher of monthly magazines in terms of total paid circulation (AAM 1H 2014) and reaches 80 million adults (Fall 2014 MRI gfk).
About Hogarth
Hogarth is an imprint of The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Penguin Random House (http://global.penguinrandomhouse.com/) is the world’s most global trade book publisher. It was formed on July 1, 2013, upon the completion of an agreement between Bertelsmann and Pearson to merge their respective trade publishing companies, Random House and Penguin, with the parent companies owning 53% and 47%, respectively. Penguin Random House comprises the adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital trade book publishing businesses of Penguin and Random House in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa, and Penguin’s trade publishing activity in Asia and Brazil; DK worldwide; and Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial’s Spanish-language companies in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, and Chile. Penguin Random House employs more than 10,000 people globally across almost 250 editorially and creatively independent imprints and publishing houses that collectively publish more than 15,000 new titles annually. Its publishing lists include more than 70 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors.
News and Information: 4 February 2015
Penguin Random House Children’s & Audio Book ALA Honors
The highest annual awards in children’s and audiobook publishing were announced on February 2 at the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter meeting in Chicago, and numerous Penguin Books for Young Readers and Random House Children’s titles, as well as Penguin Random House Audio productions, have been recognized as 2014’s best:
News and Information: 4 February 2015
Penguin Random House 2015 ALA “Notable Books”
Following the announcements of their major children’s and audio publishing-achievement awards and recognitions, the ALA has presented their selections for their 2015 Notable Books List of adult titles.
Penguin Random House authors are proudly represented:
Fiction
THE BONE CLOCKS: A Novel by David Mitchell, (Random House)
THE CHILDREN ACT by Ian McEwan, (Nan A Talese/Doubleday)
THE CRANE WIFE by Patrick Ness, (Penguin Books, Penguin Audio)
THE NARROW ROAD TO THE DEEP NORTH by Richard Flanagan, (Alfred A. Knopf)
ON SUCH A FULL SEA by Chang-Rae Lee, (Riverhead, Penguin Audio)
STATION ELEVEN: A Novel by Emily St. John Mandel, (Alfred A. Knopf)
TIGERMAN by Nick Harkaway, (Alfred A. Knopf)
Nonfiction
IN THE KINGDOM OF ICE by Hampton Sides, (Doubleday, Random House Audio)
JUST MERCY by Bryan Stephenson, (Spiegel & Grau, Random House Audio)
THE MOST DANGEROUS BOOK by Kevin Birmingham, (Penguin Press, Penguin Audio)
THE SECRET HISTORY OF WONDER WOMAN by Jill Lepore, (Knopf, Random House Audio)
Poetry
GABRIEL: A Poem, by Edward Hirsch, (Knopf)
Also, RUBY by Cynthia Bond (Hogarth, Random House Audio) and BOOK OF HOURS by Kevin Young (Knopf) are selected as a Fiction Honor Book and the Poetry winner respectively by the Black Caucus of ALA Literary Awards.
Press Release: 24 October 2014
Pearson Q3 Fiscal Results
Today’s third-quarter trading statement from Pearson includes a positive, brief report on the Penguin Random House performance during the period under review. Click here to read the complete Pearson presentation. News and Information: 1 October 2014
Penguin Random House Completes Brazilian Objetiva Acquisition
Penguin Random House today completed its acquisition of Editora Objetiva, the highly regarded Brazilian trade publisher. In March, Penguin Random House agreed to purchase the trade book businesses of Santillana Ediciones Generales in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. The non-Brazilian transactions closed on July 1. Luiz Schwarcz, CEO of Penguin Random House’s Brazilian sister publisher, Companhia das Letras, also will oversee Objetiva. Roberto Feith continues as Objetiva’s General Director. The Brazilian and international roster of distinguished authors published by Objetiva’s imprints include Jon Lee Anderson, João Cabral de Melo Neto, Daniel Goleman, Daniel Kahneman, Stephen King, Haruki Murakami, Vladmir Nabokov, João Ubaldo Ribeiro, Mario Vargas Llosa, Luis Fernando Verissimo, and Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
News and Information: 5 September 2014
Penguin Random House CEO Markus Dohle Accepts the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Press Release: 29 August 2014
Bertelsmann Increases Half-Year Revenues to €7.8 billion – Highest Level in Seven Years
(Gütersloh, August 29, 2014) – The international media and services company Bertelsmann made significant progress in implementing its growth strategy in the first half of 2014, increasing both its revenues and Operating EBITDA.
- Strategic transactions boost growth
- Operating EBITDA rises to €1,015 million in first half of 2014
- Net income at €254 million
- Progress on all four strategic directions
Consolidated revenues from continuing operations increased by almost seven percent to €7.8 billion euros, the highest level in seven years (H1 2013: €7.4 billion). This revenue growth was driven, in particular, by the strategic transactions of the past 18 months. They include the combination of Penguin and Random House, Arvato’s acquisition of the financial services company Gothia and the e-commerce service provider Netrada, and the acquisition of full ownership in the BMG music rights company. Operating EBITDA, which included startup losses for new businesses and negative foreign exchange effects, was €1,015 million, slightly above the high level of the previous year (H1 2013: €1,011 million). The German and Dutch TV operations, the book publishing business, the music rights business and some of Arvato’s service businesses all grew their results. Operating EBITDA was negatively impacted by the performance of structurally declining businesses, the magazine business, and the weak market situation in France, where the operating EBITDA of Bertelsmann’s businesses declined by €33 million year-on-year. The EBITDA margin was 12.9 percent (H1 2013: 13.7 percent). At €254 million, the Group’s first-half net income was below the high level of the previous year (H1 2013: €419 million), which was influenced by positive special items. Earnings during this reporting period were negatively impacted by an €88 million impairment on RTL Group’s TV activities in Hungary, where the parliament recently approved a special tax on advertising.
Thomas Rabe, Chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann, said: “The first six months of 2014 went satisfactorily for Bertelsmann. The significant increase in revenues is a testament to the effectiveness of our strategy, and last year’s big investments are paying off. In the past few months, we have made significant progress in our four strategic directions: strengthening the core, digital transformation, expanding growth platforms, and our businesses in growth regions. We are well on our way to making Bertelsmann a faster-growing, more digital and more international company long-term. In the months and years ahead, we will focus on expanding our Education business, which will become a third mainstay of revenues alongside Media and Services.”
During the reporting period Bertelsmann made significant progress on all of the company’s strategic directions:
Strengthening the Core
In the past few months, Bertelsmann has systematically invested in strengthening its core businesses. For example, RTL Group expanded its family of channels in Germany, Croatia and South-East Asia; Penguin Random House acquired the Spanish- and Portuguese-language trade publisher Santillana Ediciones Generales. Meanwhile, structurally declining businesses were further downscaled or sold, as was the case with Brown Printing in the U.S.; Bertelsmann announced its plans to withdraw from the club business both in Germany and in Spain.
Digital Transformation
Bertelsmann significantly grew its digital businesses, organically and through acquisitions. For example, in the first half of 2014, RTL Group generated a total of 15.7 billion online video views – a year-on-year increase of 226 percent. In July, the group also secured a majority stake in SpotXchange, a marketer of online videos. Penguin Random House expanded its e-book portfolio to over 80,000 titles, extending its market leadership; Gruner + Jahr further strengthened its market position in digital marketing by acquiring the French online video marketer Advideum. Arvato continued to grow as a service provider for leading IT, high-tech, and e-commerce companies.
Expansion of growth platforms
During the reporting period, RTL Group acquired a majority stake in the TV production company 495 Productions. Arvato became a leading European service provider of e-commerce services to the fashion and lifestyle sector, following its acquisition of Netrada. BMG purchased the music publisher Talpa, as well as the Montana and Hal David rights catalogs. Bertelsmann also advanced the expansion of its education business as a strategic investor in the University Ventures II fund with a commitment to invest hundreds of millions.
Expansion in growth regions
Bertelsmann expanded in all of its three growth regions. The Bertelsmann Asia Investments fund increased its portfolio in China, achieving significant gains, for example, from its participation in Mushroom Street, a leading online shopping community for women. BMG entered the Chinese market. In India, Bertelsmann invested in the e-commerce platform Pepperfry, as well as in a digital fund. In addition, Bertelsmann teamed up with a Brazilian investment firm to found a new venture capital fund focusing on technologies in the Brazilian education sector.
Positive contributions during the reporting period came primarily from Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, which achieved record results, and from RTL Nederland. Meanwhile, RTL Group’s results in France were negatively impacted by a weak advertising market. Penguin Random House increased its revenues to nearly €1.5 billion following its combination making it the world's largest trade book publisher on 1 July 2013, and placed numerous titles prominently on the international bestseller lists. Gruner + Jahr continued its strategic transformation from traditional magazine publisher to creative house of content, but recorded lower revenues than in the same period last year due to the general downtrend in the magazine market, as well as portfolio adjustments. However, Gruner + Jahr’s revenues from digital activities increased in all countries. Growth drivers at Arvato included services for international customers in the Internet, high-tech, healthcare and automotive industries, and financial services. While revenues and operating EBITDA at Be Printers, the division that unites Bertelsmann’s gravure and international offset printers, declined due to the difficult market environment, revenues in the Corporate Investments division grew through business growth and the full consolidation of the music rights company BMG for the entire reporting period.
Judith Hartmann, Chief Financial Officer of Bertelsmann, added: “Bertelsmann is in excellent financial shape and operates at a high level of profitability. Our guidance for the full year is a significant increase in revenues and a stable operating EBITDA at a high level. Our net income will remain slightly below the previous year's strong level, reflecting the impairment of our Hungarian TV activities. We will continue to invest significantly in implementing our strategy, always bearing in mind our clear investment criteria.”
As of June 30, 2014, Bertelsmann had 111,761 employees worldwide (December 31, 2013: 111,099).
Divisions:
RTL Group
Highlights
- RTL Group launches three new TV channels: RTL Kockica in Croatia, Geo Television in Germany and RTL CBS Extreme HD in Southeast Asia.
- Fremantle Media buys 75 percent of shares in the reality-TV producer 495 Productions, expanding its presence in the US cable broadcasting market.
- Fremantle Media and Vice Media launch “Munchies,” a new multichannel platform for digital content related to food and nutrition.
The leading European entertainment network generated revenues of €2.7 billion in the first half of 2014 (H1 2013: €2.8 billion). This slight decline in revenues is primarily due to difficult market conditions in France and the decline in revenues at Fremantle Media. However, operations in the Netherlands in particular showed positive developments. RTL Group’s operating EBITDA totaled €612 million (H1 2013: €631 million) and was particularly affected by the marketrelated drop in earnings at Groupe M6 and RTL Radio in France, and by Fremantle Media. However, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland achieved record earnings and RTL Nederland was able to significantly increase operating profits. Due to the introduction of a new tax on advertising revenue by the Hungarian parliament, an impairment of €-88 million was made to the TV operations in Hungary. As a special item, this has no impact on RTL Group’s operating EBITDA. RTL Group was largely able to maintain its leading audience positions in its core territories, even though the soccer World Cup in June was broadcast by competitors. Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland’s audience share in its main target group was slightly down year on year to 29.2 percent (H1 2013: 31.2 percent). However, RTL Television was still the clear number one among 14- to 59-year-old audiences. RTL Nitro, the channel launched in 2012, almost doubled its audience share in the first half of 2014 to 1.5 percent (H1 2013: 0.8 percent). In France, the Groupe M6 family of channels registered a slight decrease in audience share. The new channel 6ter, launched in December 2012, developed positively. The audience share of the Dutch family of channels around RTL 4 was also slightly below the level of the first half of 2013. In the digital domain, RTL Group continued to show dynamic growth thanks to its online platforms, mobile applications and YouTube activities. 15.7 billion online video views were generated in the first six months of the year – a 226 percent increase compared to the first half of 2013. Online video advertising revenues also increased significantly during the reporting period.
Penguin Random House
Highlights
- John Green’s #1 bestselling “The Fault in Our Stars” sells more than 5.7 million copies published by Penguin Random House imprints, January–June.
- Penguin Random House’s publishing presence in Spain and Latin America greatly expands with the acquisition of Santillana Ediciones Generales’s trade publishers on July 1, 2014.
- Penguin Random House’s new corporate logo and brand-identity system, featuring the imprint logos, is introduced worldwide.
The world’s largest trade publishing group’s results for the first half of 2014 were driven by strong bestseller performances, especially from its children’s divisions worldwide. Achievement of key milestones for the integration of the Penguin and Random House businesses continues on track in all territories. Bertelsmann owns 53 percent of shares in Penguin Random House, which was established by merger on July 1, 2013; Pearson owns 47 percent. The group generated revenues of €1.5 billion in the reporting period, including the publishing businesses of Random House in Germany, which are fully owned by Bertelsmann, thus representing a 60 percent increase over Random House’s revenues in the first half of 2013 (€915 million). Operating EBITDA was €159 million (H1 2013: €131 million). In the United States, Penguin Random House placed 430 titles on the “New York Times” bestseller lists in the first six months of 2014. The half-year top-selling title was John Green’s young adult novel “The Fault in Our Stars,” which sold more than four million copies in print and e-book formats in North America. Other children’s and young adult books in high demand include the multimillion-copy-selling tie-ins with the movie “Frozen,” “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio and “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Among the largest-selling adult titles were “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd, “Duty” by Robert Gates and the paperback editions of Dan Brown’s “Inferno” and “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. In the UK, Penguin Random House commanded 45 percent of the “Sunday Times” bestseller list. “The Fault in Our Stars” was also this division’s biggest seller, with Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck” a major success as well. At Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, positive results in the Latin American territories offset the impact of the ongoing challenging market conditions in Spain. In March, Penguin Random House reached an agreement to acquire the Spanish- and Portuguese-language trade publishing companies of Santillana Ediciones Generales, including the Brazilian publisher Objetiva. The transaction involving the Spanish-language businesses was completed on July 1, 2014. Verlagsgruppe Random House in Germany grew its sales of e-books and audiobooks, placing 231 titles on the “Der Spiegel” bestseller lists. Penguin Random House invested across its divisions in extending the reach of its digital content and expanding its digital marketing, as well as introducing new web verticals and apps. Several of the group’s authors won major literary awards, including Dan Fagin, who won the US Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction for “Toms River.”
Gruner + Jahr
Highlights
- G+J strengthens its position in ad marketing by acquiring Veeseo and a stake in Trnd, becoming Europe’s biggest provider of content recommendations.
- In France, Prisma Media buys a stake in the country’s leading video marketer, Advideum, at the end of 2013, further enhancing its market position in digital marketing.
- G+J Germany celebrates the anniversary of the printed editions of “Brigitte” (60 years) and “Gala” (20 years), and expands its brands in digital to about 30 emags and more than 50 websites and apps.
In the first half of 2014, Gruner + Jahr continued its strategic transformation from a traditional magazine publisher to a creative house of content. Driven by the decline of the magazine business and portfolio adjustments, G+J’s revenues fell to €908 million during the reporting period (H1 2013: €1.0 billion). At the same time, Gruner + Jahr’s revenues from digital activities increased across all countries. As a result of the overall decline in revenues, operating EBITDA fell to €77 million (H1 2013: €108 million). At G+J Germany, the decline in the magazine business had a significant impact on revenues and earnings. G+J countered this decline with a product campaign based on the publisher’s leading brands such as “Brigitte” and “Gala” and with the launch of new titles (e.g., “Flow”) as well as numerous special issues. The company continued the expansion of its digital business. G+J strengthened its position in the advertising market through acquisitions such as Veeseo and Trnd. Overall, the international business showed a downturn. Activities in Austria and China generated revenues and earnings below the levels of the previous year. Meanwhile, despite weaker revenues, G+J Spain increased its earnings, thanks to structural measures taken in 2013. G+J France strengthened its position in digital marketing by acquiring France’s leading video marketer Advideum shortly before the end of 2013 and kept its revenues largely stable. Dresdner Druck- und Verlagshaus was able to slightly increase its revenues and earnings year on year and on a like-for-like basis.
Arvato
Highlights
- Arvato’s acquisition of Netrada turns it into one of the leading European providers of integrated e-commerce services.
- Arvato acquires five more service centers in Germany.
- Expansion of services businesses and successful new customer recruitment in Turkey, Poland and India.
The international services provider Arvato grew in the first half of 2014, both organically and through acquisitions, and increased its revenues in the reporting period by 5.5 percent to €2.2 billion (H1 2013: €2.1 billion). As a result of the revenue growth, operating EBITDA increased slightly to €162 million from €160 million in the same period last year; the earnings contributions of the acquisitions compensated for declines in earnings in individual businesses. During the reporting period, Arvato grew its revenues and earnings in areas including services for international customers in the Internet, high-tech, healthcare and automotive sectors. With the acquisition of Netrada, completed on February 1, 2014, Arvato became a leading European provider of e-commerce services, strengthening its position in the field of supply-chain management. The financial services business, which benefited from the takeover of Gothia Financial Group in the previous year, also contributed to Arvato’s growth. In contrast, revenues from storage media replication continued to decline, as expected. Arvato improved its position in key growth markets and industries in the first half of the year, expanding the services businesses in India, Turkey and Poland and acquiring new customers. Arvato also consolidated its leading position in the European market for customer relationship management by taking over five service centers.
Be Printers
Highlights
- Upcoming contract renewal with Penguin Random House increases volumes and boosts capacity utilization at Be Printers USA.
- Production of a major order for an Italian client on the occasion of the soccer World Cup.
- Adoption of a “Future Package” by the workforce safeguards jobs and significantly lowers costs at the Ahrensburg site.
The gravure printers and international offset printing plants, grouped into the Be Printers division, generated first-half revenues of €482 million in a market environment characterized by declining print runs and surplus capacity (H1 2013: €512 million). The division’s operating EBITDA decreased to €25 million (H1 2013: €29 million). In Germany and the UK, the gravure division Prinovis was able to secure printing contracts for several major magazine packages for several years. However, lower overall print volumes caused a slight decline in revenues and earnings at Prinovis. Production at the Itzehoe plant was terminated on April 30, 2014, as planned. In Ahrensburg, the workforce adopted a “Future Package.” Be Printers Americas agreed on a multiyear contract extension with Penguin Random House, which will increase capacity utilization at the company. Continued cost discipline served to enhance results. Due to macroeconomic developments in Italy and Spain, Be Printers Southern Europe recorded lower order volumes and further price declines.
Corporate Investments/Corporate Center
Highlights
- BMG continues its expansionist course by taking over the music rights companies and catalogs Talpa Music, Montana and Hal David and initiates its market entry in China.
- Education business is expanded through commitment to invest an amount in the hundreds of millions in a second University Ventures fund.
- Digital activities in the growth regions China, India and Brazil strengthened through fund participations and direct investments.
In the first half of 2014, Corporate Investments reported an increase in revenues to €254 million (H1 2013: €235 million) and operating EBITDA of €16 million (H1 2013: €-10 million). In particular, the growing business and full consolidation of the music rights company BMG for the entire half-year – BMG has been wholly owned by Bertelsmann since March 30, 2013 – had a positive effect. By contrast, the club and direct-marketing businesses declined as planned. BMG continued its growth course during the reporting period, acquiring the music rights companies or catalogs of Talpa Music, Montana and Hal David, with numerous classics in their portfolios. At the same time, BMG signed new contracts with several wellknown artists, including the Smashing Pumpkins, The Strokes, George Ezra and the Beatsteaks. The company was Germany’s most successful music publisher in the first half of 2014 – almost 21 percent of all singles in the German charts were from BMG. In addition, BMG entered the Chinese market. In the field of education, Bertelsmann continued to drive forward the preparations for the expansion of this business, and committed to investing a sum in the triple-digit millions in a second University Ventures fund. In Brazil, Bertelsmann teamed up with a partner to establish a fund for investments in the education sector at the beginning of the year. The BDMI digital investment fund with a focus on the United States, and BAI for investments in promising companies in China, acquired new shareholdings during the reporting period, including one in the IT recruiting platform Lagou.com. In India, investments were made in growth businesses including online marketplaces for furniture and real estate. Revenues and earnings from the club and direct-marketing businesses continued to diminish as planned. The sale of the businesses in Czech Republic and Slovakia was completed on March 31, 2014. In June, the decision was made to discontinue the German club business at the end of 2015. The sale of the 50 percent stake in Círculo de Lectores to the co-owner of Grupo Planeta went ahead and was completed on July 29, 2014. During the reporting period, the Corporate Center and the divisions together advanced the multiyear Operational Excellence program to optimize business support processes in the areas of HR, finance, IT and sourcing across the Group.
Overview of Figures (in € millions)
Figures of H1 2013 and as of December 31, 2013 are adjusted due to the first-time application of IFRS 11 “Joint Arrangements”.
* continuing operations
About Bertelsmann
Bertelsmann is an international media company whose core divisions encompass television (RTL Group), book publishing (Penguin Random House), magazine publishing (Gruner + Jahr), services (Arvato), and printing (Be Printers) in some 50 countries. In 2013, the company’s businesses, with their more than 111,000 employees, generated revenues of €16.4 billion. Bertelsmann stands for a combination of creativity and entrepreneurship that empowers the creation of first-rate media, communications, and service offerings to inspire people around the world and to provide innovative solutions for customers.
For further questions, please contact:
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA Andreas Grafemeyer Senior Vice President Media Relations Phone: +49 – 52 41 / 80 24 66 andreas.grafemeyer@bertelsmann.de
News and Information: 25 July 2014
Penguin Random House Shareholder Pearson Announces its 2014 Half-Year Earnings Reports
The first of our two shareholders’ earnings reports for the first six months of 2014 was published today in London by Pearson. It includes information on Penguin Random House that you will be interested in reading. Half-year results for Bertelsmann will be posted on Friday, August 29.
Click here to view Pearson press release.
Press Release: 1 July 2014
Penguin Random House Completes Acquisition of Santillana Ediciones Generales from Santillana
Newly Expanded Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial Senior Management Team Announced By CEO Núria Cabutí Brull
(July 1, 2014)—Penguin Random House, the global trade book publisher 53% owned by Bertelsmann and 47% owned by Pearson, today announced it has completed the process to purchase Santillana Ediciones Generales, the trade book publishing business, from Santillana, the trade book-publishing business majority-owned by PRISA. The acquired company is now part of Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial (PRHGE), which will continue to operate under this name in Spain, Latin America, and now also Portugal. The headquarters of Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial will remain in Barcelona.
expandPress Release: 3 June 2014
Penguin Random House Debuts Global Brand Identity, Underscores Commitment to Creative Core
New Corporate Wordmark To Be Paired With Each of the Company’s Publishing Brand SymbolsPenguin Random House, the world’s most global trade book publisher, today introduced a new brand identity that reflects the recently merged company’s values, goals, and strengths, including its unique position in the international marketplace for books and commitment to the diverse and distinct publishing houses that serve as creative homes to many of the world’s most beloved authors and books of all time. expand
The visual connection between the wordmark and each publishing symbol creates a mutually enhancing and reinforcing brand identity for both. On the one hand, it denotes the global scale and reach of Penguin Random House, and on the other, it showcases the individuality and creativity of the company’s diverse publishing portfolio. This unifying visual synthesis represents the singular ability of Penguin Random House to nurture a universal passion for reading by publishing the very best books for all ages and interests, and connecting them to the widest readership worldwide.
Markus Dohle, CEO, Penguin Random House, said: “Presenting our new Penguin Random House wordmark side by side with each of our publishing imprint and brand symbols powerfully communicates what makes our company so special: our collective expertise and global scale coupled with our local publishing teams giving diverse and important voices a platform and audience. This fundamental understanding of our heritage and of the company we are building together for the future informs the design of the brand identity, and how we will visually represent who we are.”
Penguin Random House partnered with New York City-based design agency Pentagram to develop the company’s new brand identity, which replaces the interim logo introduced on July 1, 2013.
Announcements: 16 April 2014
Penguin Random House 2014 Pulitzer Prize Winner
The Pulitzer Prize Boards have honored Penguin Group and Random House books more than 120 times over the past ten decades with America’s most revered awards for Letters. On April 14, that cherished tradition continued as TOMS RIVER: A story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin (Bantam HC, E-Book, & RH Audio in the U.S. & Canada) was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction.
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Perhaps fittingly, the 2014 Pulitzer winners were announced on the 75th publication anniversary of John Steinbeck’s THE GRAPES OF WRATH, one of the most beloved of our Pulitzer honorees. Click here to view all cross-company Pulitzer recipients, to which TOMS RIVER: A Story of Science and Salvation is proudly welcomed. Please join us in congratulating Dan Fagin, his editor Ryan Doherty, and our publishing colleagues on becoming the newest addition to this singular, glorious piece of Penguin Random House publishing History.
Penguin Random House’s Pulitzer recognition also extends internationally. This year’s Fiction award winner, THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt (Little Brown) is published by our sister publishers in two languages in multiple countries: as DER DISTELFINK in Germany by Verlagsgruppe Random House’s Goldmann (HC & E-Book) imprint, and as EL JILGUERO in Spain and Latin America by Grupo Editorial’s Lumen imprint (TP & E-Book).
In addition, Penguin Random House Canada distributes History Pulitzer winner, THE INTERNAL ENEMY: Slavery and War in Virginia by Alan Taylor (W.W. Norton).
We are honored to support the success of our Pulitzer winners across our territories. Hearty congratulations to our authors and publishing colleagues.
Press Release: 26 March 2014
Penguin Random House Shareholder Bertelsmann Announces 2013 Fiscal-year Results
(March 26, 2014, Berlin) -- Bertelsmann invests billions; achieves leap in profits
- Revenues and operating result improve in 2013
- Group profit up by more than 40 percent to €870 million
- Highest level of investment activity since 2005
- Net financial debt reduced to €636 million
- Significant progress on all four corporate strategic priorities
- Education business to be significantly expanded
The international media company Bertelsmann invested heavily in expanding its businesses in 2013, as the company increased its revenues, operating result and Group profit. Investments in implementing the Group’s strategy amounted to €2 billion, including financial debt assumed, up from €655 million in the previous year, and its largest sum since 2005. Group profit increased by 42 percent to €870 million. This is the highest Group profit since 2006, and is well above the latest expectations.
With transactions such as the merger of Penguin and Random House to create the world’s largest trade book publisher, the acquisition of full ownership in BMG and the acquisition of Gothia, the Arvato division’s biggest purchase to date, Bertelsmann made significant strides in implementing its strategy. These also include the realignment of key business units and stepped-up activity in growth regions. Further steps to advance all the strategic priorities are planned this year. The financial basis for this advancement was laid with last year’s placement of RTL Group shares. Bertelsmann has announced as a priority significant expansion of its education business over the next few months. The Group has also initiated the market entry of its BMG music rights subsidiary in China. Over the next few years, Bertelsmann will invest several billion euros in expanding existing and new businesses, and aims to make further acquisitions.
Bertelsmann Chairman and CEO Thomas Rabe said: “Bertelsmann delivered a gratifying business performance in 2013, and is acting from a position of strength. We have improved our growth profile through strategic decisions and have pushed forward the transformation to digital across all divisions. The diversity of our creative offerings and services is second to none. Also, our figures demonstrate our company’s economic capacity and solid financing. On this basis, in 2014 we will continue to work on making Bertelsmann a faster-growing, more digital, and more international company.” More specifically, he said, Bertelsmann will invest in growth areas such as education and music rights, as well as in the creative core of the company: “We want to gradually expand education into our third revenue mainstay, alongside media content and services. In music rights, the focus will be on further internationalization and strengthening the master rights business.”
Rabe emphasized that in 2013 and in the first few months of the current year, Bertelsmann has made significant progress on all four strategic priorities – strengthening the core, digital transformation, developing growth platforms and expanding in growth regions.
For example, the core businesses were particularly strengthened through the creation of the world’s leading trade book publisher, Penguin Random House, on July 1, 2013. RTL Group further expanded its families of channels. It also acquired TV production companies and, in Germany, much-sought broadcasting rights to the national soccer team’s qualifying matches for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. Bertelsmann’s Gruner + Jahr and Arvato divisions realigned themselves: Gruner + Jahr now addresses its readers and users along defined Communities of Interest, and Arvato has reorganized itself into Solution Groups to strengthen coordination between countries and its key account management for major customers.
Bertelsmann also increased its footprint and reach in the digital world. In 2013, RTL Group reported a total of 16.8 billion online video views. Through its participation in multi-channel networks it became the third largest YouTube provider (excluding music videos). Penguin Random House grew its e-book offerings to more than 77,000 titles. Gruner + Jahr broadened its portfolio of e-magazines, high-reach mobile services and apps. Arvato achieved further growth as a service provider for leading IT, high-tech and e-commerce companies. Bertelsmann’s various companies and editorial teams now operate approximately 3,500 social media channels with a combined total of 300 million followers on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.
An important milestone in the expansion of growth platforms was achieved in 2013 with the complete takeover of BMG. Five years after its exit from the traditional recorded-music business, Bertelsmann is again one of the leading players in the music industry. During the reporting period, BMG expanded with several catalog acquisitions and prominent artist signings, including Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams and the Backstreet Boys, followed by the acquisition of Talpa Music in the Netherlands at the beginning of 2014. In the education sector, an attractive portfolio of holdings has been built in the US and Europe via the “University Ventures Fund I” in which Bertelsmann is an anchor investor. Arvato enhanced its strengths in the fast-growing financial services sector by acquiring the Gothia Financial Group, which serves customers in 21 countries. Furthermore, with the acquisition of Netrada at the beginning of this year, Arvato became a leading European provider of integrated e-commerce services.
Bertelsmann also accelerated its business-building activities in growth regions. Together with CBS, RTL Group expanded into Southeast Asia for the first time. In the book publishing business Bertelsmann improved its position in China, India and South America through the merger of Penguin and Random House. In China, Arvato achieved further profitable growth with its service offerings. The Bertelsmann Asia Investments fund enlarged its portfolio and recorded a very positive performance. In Brazil, a step-by-step expansion of the business was initiated by investing in funds and innovative startups.
Bertelsmann CEO Thomas Rabe: “We are on track to increase our revenue volume to around 20 billion euros by 2017 and gradually increasing our Group profit to over one billion euros. The various growth initiatives in our divisions and at corporate level, possible acquisitions, and the full consolidation of Penguin Random House, BMG and Gothia in the current year will contribute to this. At the same time, we are downscaling low-growth businesses such as replication, printing and direct-to-customer businesses.”
In 2013, positive contributions came primarily from the aforementioned portfolio expansions as well as from the German television business. During the reporting period, revenues increased by 1.8 percent to €16.4 billion (previous year €16.1 billion). Growth from the portfolio expansion was offset by normalized revenues in the book business, generally weak advertising markets in Europe, and the scaling back of structurally declining business. Organically, revenues decreased by 2.8 percent. Exchange rate effects amounted to -1.2 percent; portfolio and other effects added 5.8 percent.
The operating result increased in 2013 despite startup losses in building new businesses: Bertelsmann generated operating EBIT of €1.75 billion after €1.73 billion in the previous year. Return on sales was again in the double digit range at 10.7 percent (previous year: 10.8 percent). In particular, the result reflects a strong business performance by Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, thriving IT and SCM services at Arvato, and the strategic portfolio measures taken during the reporting period.
Against this backdrop, operating EBITDA from continuing operations rose to €2.3 billion (previous year: €2.2 billion). The full consolidation of BMG contributed to this increase. The EBITDA margin was 14.1 percent (previous year: 13.8 percent).
Thanks to lower expenditure on special items, Group profit improved by 42 percent during the reporting period to €870 million (previous year: €612 million) – the highest it has been since 2006.
The business expansion in 2013 led to the highest investments in eight years. Including financial debt assumed, Bertelsmann invested €2.0 billion (previous year: €655 million), mainly in the acquisitions of BMG and Gothia as well as for the purchase of various music catalogs and film rights. Thanks to the proceeds from the placement of RTL Group shares and a high level of operating cash flow, net financial debt was reduced to €636 million at year-end (previous year: €1,218 million). The Group’s broader economic debt was down to €4,178 million at December 31, 2013, after €4,773 million in the previous year. Adjusted operating free cash flow amounted to €1.8 billion (previous year: €1.9 billion).
Bertelsmann CFO Judith Hartmann added: “In financial year 2013 Bertelsmann demonstrated its high profitability, and the Group is in excellent financial shape. All the signs point to expansion and we have the resources available for it. The successful placement of RTL Group shares alone brought us proceeds of €1.5 billion. For 2014, Bertelsmann expects strong revenue growth, continued high profitability, and a positive development of Group profit.”
Bertelsmann employees are participating in the successes achieved: For the last financial year, they will receive profit participation amounting to €101 million (previous year: €92 million), the third-highest total in the company’s history to date.
In accordance with the terms governing the Bertelsmann 2001 profit participation certificate (ISIN DE0005229942), 15 percent on the nominal value will again be paid out on May 12, 2014. The pay-out for the 1992 profit participation certificate (ISIN DE0005229900) is 7.49 percent (previous year: 7.39 percent).
Other key financials:
Special items
Special items amounted to € -46 million compared to € -405 million in the previous year. The majority of the restructuring expenses relate to structurally declining businesses, notably the imminent closure of the Prinovis location in Itzehoe. They also include costs for the implementation of the new organizational structure of Gruner + Jahr and Arvato as well as integration costs in connection with the merger of Penguin and Random House. A re-measurement of the fair value of BMG after the takeover of the remaining BMG shares as well as a write-up on the carrying amount of the Atresmedia investment, had a positive impact.
Cash flow
In the reporting period, Bertelsmann generated net cash from operating activities of €1,785 million (previous year: €1,876 million). The Group’s long-term operating free cash flow adjusted for non-recurring items was €1,760 million (previous year: €1,861 million), and the cash conversion rate was 100 percent (previous year: 107 percent), which puts it within the target corridor of 90 to 100 percent.
Total assets
Total assets increased significantly to €21.4 billion as of December 31, 2013 (previous year: €18.9 billion). The increase is mainly attributable to the reduction in shares in RTL Group, the merger of Penguin and Random House, the acquisition of the remaining BMG shares and the purchase of Gothia. Cash and cash equivalents remained at the previous year’s high level (€2.7 billion). The income from the reduction in shares in RTL Group and the merger of Random House and Penguin increased the equity to €8.7 billion (previous year: €6.1 billion). As a result of this increase, the equity ratio increased from 32.2 percent in the previous year to 40.7 percent.
Investments
Total investments including financial debt assumed increased sharply to €1,988 million (previous year: €655 million). Most of it consisted of the purchase price payments for the acquisitions of BMG and Gothia, investments in property, plant and equipment at Arvato, and the acquisition of music catalogs at BMG and film rights at RTL Group.
Employees
At the end of the financial year, the Group had 111,763 employees worldwide (previous year: 104,286). The increase of 7,477 employees is attributable primarily to strategic portfolio expansions. In 2013, there were 1,304 people (previous year: 1,254) serving in trainee positions in Bertelsmann companies in Germany.
Divisions:
RTL Group
Although advertising markets across Europe were mostly in decline, Europe’s leading entertainment group RTL Group was able to significantly increase its profitability in financial year 2013. Revenues reached €5.9 billion after €6.0 billion in the previous year, representing a 1.9 percent decrease. This revenue development reflects robust core businesses despite negative currency effects and lower revenues for the production arm Fremantle Media. In operating EBIT, another record result by Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland and the strong performance of the Dutch TV channels more than offset the impact of the negative development of advertising markets in many parts of Europe. The German TV advertising market singularly showed slight growth.
Operating EBIT increased by 6.8 percent to a new record level of €1.1 billion (previous year: €1.1 billion). This jumped the return on sales to 19.3 percent (previous year: 17.7 percent). Operating EBITDA increased slightly to €1.3 billion (previous year: €1.3 billion); this lifted the EBITDA margin to 22.6 percent (previous year: 20.9 percent). At year-end, RTL Group had 11,589 employees (December 31, 2012: 11,931). RTL Group succeeded in maintaining most of its leading positions in the audience markets. In France, the Netherlands, Hungary and Croatia, RTL Group’s families of channels grew their share of the TV ad sales market.
Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland increased both its revenues and earnings. The flagship broadcaster RTL Television remained the clear market leader in the main target group. The French Groupe M6 achieved lower revenues, partly because of the declining advertising market. Operating EBIT declined due to start-up losses for the new digital channel 6ter. Audience shares remained largely stable despite the market entry of new competitors. RTL Nederland grew its revenues and operating EBIT notwithstanding a shrinking advertising market, and scored higher viewer ratings.
The production arm Fremantle Media registered continued global interest in its major talent shows and invested in the development of new formats. Revenues fell mainly due to currency effects and because of the cancellation of formats in individual territories. Operating EBIT was slightly down year on year. In November, Fremantle Media acquired the Danish production company Miso Film, which specializes in series and TV movies.
In the growth market of Asia, RTL Group partnered with CBS Studios International to initiate the establishment of two new channels. The first channel, RTL CBS Entertainment HD, made its debut in 2013 in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines. The launch of the second channel will follow in the spring of 2014. In Croatia, RTL Hrvatska established a new children’s channel, which went on air in January 2014 and has scored excellent ratings from the start.
RTL Group’s digital business also continued to be greatly expanded. The Group acquired a majority stake in BroadbandTV, one of the largest multichannel networks on YouTube, and also invested in the leading online video network for fashion and beauty StyleHaul, the German YouTube network Divimove, and the Dutch video-on-demand provider Videoload. The Group’s various online platforms and mobile applications recorded high growth rates.
RTL Group has been additionally listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since the end of April 2013. Bertelsmann reduced its holdings and has held 75.1 percent of the shares in the company.
Penguin Random House
For Random House, 2013 was the year of the historic merger of all its divisions outside Germany with Pearson’s trade publishing division Penguin Group. The formation of Penguin Random House was completed on July 1, and the multiyear integration of the two units is now underway. Bertelsmann holds 53 percent of the shares in the world’s largest trade book publisher, while Pearson holds 47 percent.
This year-end consolidated revenue of €2.7 billion for the combined company reflects a full year of Random House, including Germany’s Verlagsgruppe Random House, and a half-year of the Penguin Group. Total sales were 23.9 percent above Random House’s previous year’s revenue (€2.1 billion). Adjusted for currency and portfolio effects, revenues decreased compared with the record year 2012, which was dominated by the exceptional success of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy. Operating EBIT fell 4.9 percent from the high level of the previous year – partly due to depreciations in connection with the initial inclusion of intangible assets at Penguin – to €309 million (previous year: €325 million). Return on sales came to 11.6 percent (previous year: 15.2 percent). Operating EBITDA increased to €363 million (previous year: €352 million). As a result, the EBITDA margin was 13.7 percent (previous year: 16.4 percent). At the end of the year, Penguin Random House had 11,838 employees (December 31, 2012, Random House: 5,712).
Penguin Random House’s biggest new release was Dan Brown’s “Inferno,” selling almost six million copies in its English-language territories in seven months. Other megasellers included Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In,” “And The Mountains Echoed” by Khaled Hosseini, “The Fault In Our Stars” by John Green and John Grisham’s “Sycamore Row.” Demand for English-, German- and Spanish-language editions of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy by E L James continued to be strong with more than seven million print, digital and audiobook copies sold in 2013.
The US company placed 261 titles on the “New York Times” hardcover and paperback bestseller lists from July to December, 27 of them at number one. During the same period, Penguin Random House UK placed 14 number one titles on the bestseller lists of the “Sunday Times.” In Germany, Verlagsgruppe Random House attained major growth in its digital publishing business, achieving first-time double-digit percentage of overall sales revenues with e-books. The division’s biggest-selling title of the year was “Die Analphabetin, die rechnen konnte” by Jonas Jonasson. A solid business performance in Latin America and a strong portfolio of Spanish-language bestsellers offset the impact of the difficult economy in Spain, where the publishing unit has operated under the name Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial since November. In India and South Africa, Penguin Random House completed the purchase of their respective co-partners’ ownership stakes.
With new apps, the increasing integration of social media into book marketing and growing e-book downloads, Penguin Random House has advanced its leadership in the transformation to digital. During the reporting period, the Group sold more than 100 million e-books worldwide, and more than 77,000 titles are now internationally available in digital form.
Many Penguin Random House authors received prestigious literary awards in 2013, including Alice Munro, the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Group’s authors also won four Pulitzer Prizes, a National Book Award in the United States, and for Verlagsgruppe Random House, the German Book Prize.
Gruner + Jahr
At Gruner + Jahr, the financial year was shaped by a personnel, organizational and strategic realignment to transform the existing printing and publishing company into a “house of content” with high-quality print and digital offerings for specific target groups. On the commercial side, Gruner + Jahr reported a significant fall in revenues and operating result during the reporting period; this was against a backdrop of declining ad sales revenues, the partial discontinuation of its business media along with other disposals, increased investment in the digital business and a decline in the international business. Revenues reached €2.1 billion after €2.2 billion in the previous year (-6.9 percent). Operating EBIT was down by 13.1 percent to €146 million (previous year: €168 million). Return on sales decreased to 7.1 percent (previous year: 7.6 percent). Operating EBITDA was €193 million against €213 million in the previous year, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 9.3 percent (previous year: 9.6 percent). At year-end, Gruner + Jahr employed 10,819 people (December 31, 2012: 11,585). Since April 2013, Gruner + Jahr has been jointly managed by Julia Jäkel (CEO), Stephan Schäfer and Oliver Radtke.
G+J Germany improved its results year on year. Sales revenues dipped in line with market conditions but adjusted for portfolio changes the advertising business developed positively, bucking the market trend. In Germany the business structures were fundamentally changed. With its realignment along eight Communities of Interest, G+J is resolutely focusing on the interests of its readers, users and customers. For instance, its strong position in the Living, Food and Family communities was expanded with investments in digital offers such as the Home and Furniture community Roomido, the online store for high-end foods Delinero and the online store for baby and children’s clothing Tausendkind. “Chefkoch” and “Flow” enhanced the print portfolio of the Food and Women communities with two innovative new titles. G+J Media Sales added market share in the ad sales market, and both G+J’s digital marketer EMS and the performance marketer Ligatus recorded continued dynamic growth.
Prisma Media’s magazine business in France declined due to difficult market conditions. The expansion of the digital business was successfully advanced, including through targeted acquisitions. For instance, the reporting period saw the acquisition of the two digital ad sales houses Mob Value and P Comme Performance.
Verlagsgruppe News in Austria declined, underperforming the market mainly in the ad sales business. In the reporting period, its activities in Southern Europe continued to be affected by difficult macroeconomic conditions. The company sold off its operations in Poland and parts of the operations in Southeastern Europe.
Gruner + Jahr’s activities in China reported declines due to a first-time reduction in the Chinese ad sales market. In the United States, the offset printing company Brown Printing saw a fall in revenues and earnings due to lower capacity utilization. The business of Dresdner Druck- und Verlagshaus was mostly stable.
During the reporting period, G+J journalists and authors won a variety of prestigious awards for their work; in Germany alone, they won more than any other publisher.
Arvato
The international service provider Arvato delivered a robust business performance in financial year 2013. Revenues remained stable at €4.4 billion (previous year: €4.4 billion). Operating EBIT remained stable at €244 million (previous year: €244 million). Return on sales thus remained at 5.5 percent (previous year: 5.5 percent). Operating EBITDA increased to €401 million (previous year: €391 million); this put the EBITDA margin at 9.1 percent (previous year: 8.8 percent). There was a management changeover at the top of Arvato: Achim Berg has led the group as Chief Executive Officer since April 2013. A new organizational structure arranges the businesses by Solution Groups and countries, and a central Key Account Management system was introduced for major international clients. At year-end, Arvato employed 66,410 people (December 31, 2012: 63,627).
During the reporting period Arvato registered significant growth mainly at IT Services and supply chain management solutions for international customers in the Internet, high-tech and consumer goods sectors, as well as in China. Arvato’s acquisition of Gothia Financial Group, completed in June 2013, advanced its internationalization and transformed it into the third-largest service provider in Europe in the rapidly growing market for business information and financial services.
Operating EBIT also reflects upfront costs for acquisitions and set-up costs for newly acquired customers in the supply chain management and e-commerce businesses. In the reporting period, the customer-relationship management business showed a positive development in Germany and Spain, and declined slightly in France. In South America, Asia and Africa, new offshore sites for customer communications solutions were established or expanded to increase competitiveness.
Arvato’s Print Services maintained its position in a difficult market environment. Revenues in Replication declined as expected. In Brazil and China, Arvato sold holdings in replication factories.
The development of Arvato’s businesses varied from region to region. For example, performance was satisfactory in the European core countries given the difficult economic situation. In the UK, a major new government services client, the Department for Transport, was acquired. The service activities in Spain saw profitable growth despite the economic crisis. Meanwhile, the services businesses in France were not quite able to maintain the previous year’s high levels. In the North American market, the portfolio of customers and locations was systematically culled to increase the profitability of the businesses. In Turkey, Arvato’s services businesses grew dynamically, and in China the company’s logistics network was expanded considerably yet again.
Arvato won prestigious awards in various countries around the world for its tailored customer solutions.
Be Printers
In 2013, Bertelsmann’s gravure and international offset printing activities, grouped into Be Printers, generated revenues of €1.1 billion in a difficult market environment, down 7.5 percent from the previous year (€1.2 billion). Operating EBIT declined by 29.3 percent to €41 million (previous year: €58 million), and return on sales thus amounted to 3.7 percent (previous year: 4.8 percent). Operating EBITDA decreased to €92 million (previous year: €115 million), resulting in an EBITDA margin of 8.2 percent (previous year: 9.5 percent). At year-end, Be Printers employed 6,201 people (December 31, 2012: 6,571).
Declining print runs characterized Be Printers’ printing operations in the reporting period, as did continuing price pressure and high excess capacity in the industry. The group responded with new offers as well as various programs to increase efficiency and lower costs.
Specifically, the gravure division Prinovis realized savings in personnel costs and materials purchasing. Provisions for restructuring costs were formed for the planned closure of the Itzehoe site in April 2014. As a special item, these are not shown under operating EBIT. The fire at a gravure printing press in Dresden led to restrictions on production; at the same time, Prinovis received a compensation payment from the machine’s property insurance. As a special item, this is also not shown under operating EBIT. In the UK, a major customer cut order volumes. Overall, revenues and earnings were down at Prinovis. During the reporting period, several of Prinovis’ print products and digital offers won industry awards for their high quality.
Be Printers’ Southern European printing companies did business in a difficult market environment that was further exacerbated by macroeconomic developments in Italy and Spain. The units recorded declining volumes. Management countered this with measures to increase sales and cut costs, for example, in the areas of procurement and IT. The merger of the Italian and German calendar businesses also improved productivity and competitiveness.
Be Printers Americas countered the declining market development and kept its earnings stable. Growing business with clients outside the publishing industry – such as communications services for companies in the health-care sector – cushioned the decline in revenues. In 2013, major existing customers renewed their contracts with Be Printers Americas.
Corporate Investments/Corporate Center
In 2013, Corporate Investments, which includes all of Bertelsmann’s other operating activities, recorded significantly increased revenue of €582 million (previous year: €471 million) and operating EBIT of €-40 million (previous year: €-38 million). Operating EBITDA was €10 million compared with €-29 million in the previous year; the EBITDA margin was 1.7 percent. The acquisition of full ownership of the BMG Music Rights subsidiary, completed in April 2013, helped to boost revenues. This was partly offset by declining revenues in the Club and Direct Marketing businesses. Operating EBIT reflects start-up losses, among other factors for business expansion in the education sector, and a decline in earnings in the Club business. At year-end, Corporate Investments had 4,342 employees (December 31, 2012: 4,289).
Jointly established by Bertelsmann and KKR, the music rights company BMG is once again fully owned by Bertelsmann since the end of March 2013 and grew strongly during the reporting period. BMG acquired several catalogs of song and master rights: Primary Wave, Sanctuary, Mute and Virgin/Famous. Numerous national and international artists signed new contracts including Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams and the Backstreet Boys. BMG expanded its presence in all major music markets, including opening a branch in Canada.
In the reporting period, Bertelsmann invested in developing its new line of business: education. The University Ventures Fund, jointly established with other investors, expanded its international portfolio of holdings. Bertelsmann also made direct investments to increase its stake in Synergis Education, a service provider that supports academic institutions in establishing accredited online degree programs, and in the innovative US online education provider University Now.
The Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments (BDMI) and Bertelsmann Asia Investments (BAI) funds expanded their portfolios. For instance, BDMI joined RTL Group in investing in the online video network StyleHaul, which brought its holdings to a total of 49 at year-end. BAI acquired five new holdings – including providers of mobile payment services, car purchasing and cloud computing – and divested from three companies, realizing high capital gains in the process. The remaining portfolio, consisting of 20 holdings, developed very well. In India, two direct investments were made, including in the real estate portal indiaproperty.com. In Brazil, investments were also made in two online media start-ups.
Revenues in the Club business declined as planned in 2013. The operational business of the direct marketing company Inmediaone will be gradually phased out by mid-2014. The dismantling of the German Club continued with store closures, and the businesses in the Czech Republic and Slovakia were sold to a strategic investor.
The Corporate Center department, which comprises all of the Group’s Corporate Centers around the world, controlled and supported several large transactions in 2013, including the merger of Penguin and Random House into Penguin Random House, the world’s leading trade book publishing group, and the incremental placement of RTL Group shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Its work during the year also focused on the organization of a Management Meeting and “State of the Art Forum” in Silicon Valley, as well as the global employee survey. In the first half of 2013, the Bertelsmann Executive Board launched the Operational Excellence program, which is designed to monitor processes and structures in the financial, HR, IT and procurement departments across the Group. The program will support Group strategy by modernizing structures, improving efficiency and creating uniform standards of quality. It will be implemented in several stages over a period of up to five years.
Overview of figures (in € millions)
The comparative figures for the previous period have been adjusted.
About Bertelsmann
Bertelsmann is an international media company whose core divisions encompass television (RTL Group), book publishing (Penguin Random House), magazine publishing (Gruner + Jahr), services (Arvato), and printing (Be Printers) in some 50 countries. In 2013, the company’s businesses, with their more than 111,000 employees, generated revenues of €16.4 billion. Bertelsmann stands for a combination of creativity and entrepreneurship that empowers the creation of first-rate media, communications, and service offerings to inspire people around the world and to provide innovative solutions for customers.
For further questions, please contact:
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA Andreas Grafemeyer Senior Vice President Media Relations Phone: +49 – 52 41 / 80 24 66 andreas.grafemeyer@bertelsmann.deAnnouncements: 20 March 2014
Penguin Random House India Announces Publishing, Sales and Marketing Appointments & New Organizational Structure
(March 20, 2014, New Delhi) - Penguin Random House India’s new publishing, sales and marketing leadership appointments and cross-company organizational structure were announced today by Gaurav Shrinagesh, Chief Executive Officer. All changes will be effective 1st April 2014. The company is a division of Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, which was established on 1 July 2013 with the merger worldwide of Penguin and Random House.
expandAnnouncements: 19 March 2014
Penguin Random House to Acquire Santillana Ediciones Generales
(March 19, 2014)—The Global Trade Book Publisher To Purchase Santillana’s Spanish-Language,Portuguese And Brazilian Trade Book Businesses.
expandPress Release: 13 December 2013
Penguin Random House Acquires Full Ownership of South Africa's Random House Struik
(Dec 13, 2013, Cape Town)—Trade book publisher Penguin Random House today announced the completion of its purchase of Times Media Group's majority stake in South Africa-based Random House Struik.
expandPress Release: 4 November 2013
Random House Mondadori is Renamed Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial
The Mondadori Publishing Imprint Will Take The Name Of Literatura Random House
(Barcelona, November 4, 2013)—Effective Monday, 4 November, Random House Mondadori is renamed Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial. The new name represents its position and identity as the Spanish-language publishing company of the newly formed Penguin Random House. This name change encompasses two major corporate initiatives undertaken in the past twelve months: In November 2012, parent company Bertelsmann, on behalf of Random House, acquired full ownership from previous joint-venture partner Mondadori of Random House Mondadori, which was created in 2001. On July 1, 2013, Bertelsmann and Pearson merged their respective trade book publishing divisions to form Penguin Random House in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, India, China, South Africa, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and Chile.
expandPress Release: 30 August 2013
Bertelsmann achieves record result in first half of 2013
Bertelsmann achieves record result in first half of 2013
- Good progress with Group reshaping
- €7.43 billion in Group revenues
- Record Operating EBIT at €768 million
- Group result exceeds €400 million for the first time in more than ten years
Gütersloh, August 30, 2013 -- The international media company Bertelsmann made good progress with its Group reshaping during the first half of 2013 while also generating a record operating profit.
expandPress Release: 1 July 2013
CEO Markus Dohle Announces Penguin Random House Global Leadership Team
BERTELSMANN & PEARSON FINALIZE MERGER TRANSACTION
(July 1, 2013)—The global senior executive team for Penguin Random House was announced today by Chief Executive Officer Markus Dohle, following the closing of the transaction by shareholders Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson this morning to formally establish the venture. Bertelsmann owns 53% and Pearson 47% of the company. Penguin Random House will combine the adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital trade book publishing businesses of Penguin and Random House in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India; Penguin’s trade publishing activity in Asia and South Africa; DK worldwide; and Random House’s companies in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, and Chile. Random House’s German-language publishing group, Verlagsgruppe Random House, is outside the venture, and remains part of Bertelsmann, continuing to report to Mr. Dohle.
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