Monthly Archives: September 2022

Announcements

Rock N’ Read: Penguin Random House Was Back at AFROPUNK

Afropunk Rock N’ Read presented by All Ways Black Tent.

Penguin Random House had a big presence at this past weekend’s AFROPUNK, September 10-11, at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn.

As the sole book publisher at their first in-person NYC festival since 2019, Penguin Random House spent two full days engaging with an influential community of gifted creatives from all backgrounds who express themselves through music, art, film, books, comedy, fashion and more. Continue reading →

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Announcements

‘Seven Empty Houses’ and ‘The Books of Jacob’: NBA 2022 PRH Translated Literature Semi-Finalists

Having published the winner of the 2020 National Book Award for Translated Literature, TOKYO UENO STATION by Yu Miri, translated from the Japanese by Morgan Stiles (Riverhead), we hope our mojo in the category continues in 2022, with these newly announced longlisters of ours among the ten contenders vying to make the October 6 short list. Continue reading →

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Mia P. Manansala’s ARSENIC AND ADOBO Wins “Best First Novel”

Mia P. Manansala’s Berkley debut, ARSENIC AND ADOBO, won the 2022 Anthony Award for “Best First Novel.”

The Anthony Awards are among the most prestigious literary awards for mystery writers, presented at the annual Bouchercon World Mystery Convention.

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Announcements

3 PRH ‘22 NBA Young People’s Literature Semi-Finalists: Blum, Tahir, Yee

One of the most respected and appreciated signifiers from the National Book Foundation (NBF) is its bestowal of equal, prominent stature upon each of the five National Book Award categories it sponsors.

This annual tradition happily continues for the 2022 prize season, as the judges’ semi-finalist picks for Young People’s Literature, Translated Literature, Poetry, Nonfiction, and Fiction, once again will be presented individually and consecutively the mornings and afternoons of September 14 and 15, and concluding the morning of the 16th. Continue reading →

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My Path to Penguin Random House: PPG’s Susan Schwartz

Everyone has unique career stories to tell. In our My Path to Penguin Random House series, PRH colleagues share how they entered the world of book publishing, what led them to our company, insights into their jobs, and their future professional aspirations.

This week, we’re featuring Susan Schwartz as she tells us her story in her own words in what often reads as a love letter to publishing.

Here is Susan’s story, in her own words.

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Announcements

There’s a Book for That: Queen Elizabeth II

“People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world.”— Queen Elizabeth II

Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II continue this week after her passing, at age 96, on September 8. Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years: 15 Prime Ministers served the UK during that time. In his first address to Parliament, King Charles III quoted Shakespeare, saying that the Queen was “a pattern to all princes living.”

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed monumental social change. The King said the death of his beloved mother was a “moment of great sadness” for him and his family and that her loss would be “deeply felt” around the world. The Queen’s funeral will take place in London on Monday, Sept. 19. Below you will find a selection of the many excellent titles published by Penguin Random House about the Queen and the Royal Family, including those by royal historian Sally Bedell Smith and royal expert Tina Brown – both of whom are commentators in the media’s ongoing coverage.

Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedell Smith ELIZABETH THE QUEEN: THE LIFE OF A MODERN MONARCH by Sally Bedell Smith

From the moment of her ascension to the throne in 1952 at the age of twenty-five, Queen Elizabeth II was the object of unparalleled scrutiny. Drawing on numerous interviews and never-before-revealed documents, acclaimed biographer Sally Bedell Smith pulls back the curtain to show in intimate detail the public and private lives of Queen Elizabeth II, who led her country and Commonwealth through the wars and upheavals of the last twentieth and twenty-first centuries with unparalleled composure, intelligence, and grace. Sally Bedell Smith brings us inside the palace doors and into the Queen’s daily routines—the “red boxes” of documents she reviewed each day, the weekly meetings she had with twelve prime ministers, her physically demanding tours abroad, and the constant scrutiny of the press—as well as her personal relationships: with her husband, Prince Philip, the love of her life; her children and their often-disastrous marriages; her grandchildren and friends.

The Palace Papers by Tina Brown THE PALACE PAPERS: INSIDE THE HOUSE OF WINDSOR–THE TRUTH AND THE TURMOIL by Tina Brown

Tina Brown has been observing and chronicling the British monarchy for three decades, and her sweeping account is full of powerful revelations, newly reported details, and searing insight gleaned from remarkable access to royal insiders. Stylish, witty, and erudite, The Palace Papers will irrevocably change how the world perceives and understands the royal family.

THE WICKED WIT OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II by Karen Dolby

When we think of a queen, we probably picture a serious, dignified personage complete with majestic hat and matching handbag. But The Wicked Wit of Queen Elizabeth II reveals a side of the monarch the public rarely saw, her healthy sense of humor: sometimes silly, sometimes sarcastic—and occasionally unintentional (to guitar legend Eric Clapton: “Have you been playing long?”)!

ELIZABETH II: A QUEEN FOR OUR TIME by Chris Jackson

In Jackson’s photographs, documenting public and private moments and accompanied by warm and engaging text offering a personal perspective and behind-the-shot anecdotes, Elizabeth II: A Queen For Our Time captures her majesty’s great elegance and charm.

Our Rainbow Queen by Sali Hughes OUR RAINBOW QUEEN: A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH II AND HER COLORFUL WARDROBE by Sali Hughes

With stunning photographs that span feature brilliant colors ranging from the dusky pinks the Queen wore in girlhood through to the neon green dress that prompted the hashtag #NeonAt90, this must-have collection celebrates the iconic fashion statements of the UK’s longest reigning and most vibrant monarch. This is a joyful celebration of the Queen’s life, as well as her personal style and political mastery.

Prince Charles by Sally Bedell Smith PRINCE CHARLES: THE PASSIONS AND PARADOXES OF AN IMPROBABLE LIFE by Sally Bedell Smith

This in-depth look at Prince Charles brings to life the real man, with all of his contradictions, complexities, and ambitions. Beginning with his lonely childhood, and moving through his love affairs, his intellectual quests, his entrepreneurial pursuits, the tragedy of his marriage to Diana, and his eventual reunion with his true love Camilla—this is a riveting, insightful portrait of a man who possesses a fiercely independent spirit, and yet who has spent more than six decades waiting for his destined role. Smith writes of the women who loved him, including Camilla, and the women who didn’t love him enough, including his mother and Diana; and she writes of the next generation of royals, including the beloved William, Kate, Harry, and his grandchildren. Sally Bedell Smith has created a surprising, multifaceted portrait of Charles and his world—a man more complicated, tragic, and compelling than we knew, until now.

THE CROWN: THE OFFICIAL COMPANION, VOLUME 2: POLITICAL SCANDAL, PERSONAL STRUGGLE, AND THE YEARS THAT DEFINED ELIZABETH II (1956-1977) by Robert Lacey

In this eye-opening companion to seasons 2 and 3 of Netflix’s acclaimed series The Crown, renowned biographer and historical consultant Robert Lacey takes us through the real history that inspired the drama.

FOR YOUNGER READERS

Queen Elizabeth by DK QUEEN ELIZABETH: A PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION by DK

A beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book that explores the incredible life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth, the longest serving British monarch, and how her historic reign has shaped the world. In honour of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee 2022, this once in a lifetime history book for kids tells the story of a young princess who grew up to become our longest reigning monarch, and celebrates the achievements, people and places that have become part of her remarkable legacy.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II: A LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK BIOGRAPHY by Jen Arena; illustrated by Monique Dong

Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about Queen Elizabeth II! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers!

Who Is Queen Elizabeth II? by Megan Stine and Who HQ WHO IS QUEEN ELIZABETH II? by Megan Stine, Who HQ, Laurie A. Conley

How did a little girl who loved horses become the longest reigning monarch in England? Find out in this addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series!

For more information about these and other books about Queen Elizabeth II, visit Queen

There’s a Book for That! is brought to you by Penguin Random House’s Sales department. Please follow our Tumblr by clicking here—and share this link with your accounts: theresabookforthat.tumblr.com. Thank you!

Did you see something on the news or read about something on your commute? Perhaps you noticed something trending on Twitter? Did you think: “There’s a book for that!”? Then please, send it our way at theresabookforthat@penguinrandomhouse.com

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Announcements

Art Spiegelman To Receive National Book Foundation Award In A Historic First for Comic Artists

Art Spiegelman, photo credit: Nadja Spiegelman

The National Book Foundation will award Art Spiegelman with the 2022 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters (DCAL). Spiegelman is the first comic artist to receive the DCAL medal, which will be presented to him by author Neil Gaiman at the National Book Awards Ceremony on November 16, 2022. “Art Spiegelman has captured the world’s imagination through the comics medium,” David Steinberger, chair of the National Book Foundation’s board of directors, said in a statement released Friday. “His masterful graphic novels tackle and illuminate topics from the Holocaust to the aftermath of 9/11, alongside the personal intimacy of the people, events, and comics that shaped him as an artist. Spiegelman’s groundbreaking work has shown us the limitless possibilities for comics as a literary arts form.”

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Announcements

Catch MISTY THE CLOUD at a Live Event Near You!

The follow-up to the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal bestseller, MISTY THE CLOUD: FRIENDS THROUGH RAIN OR SHINE teaches readers about compromise, sharing, and dealing with good days, bad days, and everything in between.

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Penguin Random House and Worldreader Team Up to Celebrate International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day (ILD) 2022 will be celebrated worldwide under the theme “Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces” and it will be an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all.

In 1967, UNESCO officially proclaimed September 8 International Literacy Day to “actively mobilize the international community and to promote literacy as an instrument to empower individuals, communities and societies” (Unesco). Continue reading →

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