Nancy Goldstone, in The Lady Queen, takes us back to the turbulent and colorful Middle Ages, and with skill and passion, brings to life one of history's most remarkable women. In 1348, Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily, is accused and acquitted of the murder of her husband. Dedicated to the welfare of her subjects and realm, she brought about social change. But more than thirty years later, the turmoil of the times brought treachery and betrayal and Joanna, herself, was murdered.

 

Enter to Win a Free Copy! 
 
In 2005, First Sergeant Charles Monroe King began to write a journal for his seven-month old son in case he did not make it home from the Iraq war. He was killed on October 12, 2006. Dana Canedy's A Journal for Jordan is a mother's letter to her son about the father he lost, a father's advice for his son, and a love story between two people who loved each other deeply. 

 

Enter to Win a Free Copy!

Independent booksellers across the country joined in to pick the Fall 2009/Winter 2010 Indie Next List for Reading Groups.  "Beginning with an intriguing and well-rounded selection of top 10 titles and continuing through 10 discussion-starting categories, the latest Reading Group list showcases a wealth of outstanding books -- most in paperback -- and the wonderful insight and acumen of the Indie booksellers nationwide whose title nominations created the list," said Dan Cullen, the American Booksellers Association's senior director for editorial content. Sixteen Indie picks are Reading Group Choices' selections, including Mudbound, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, The Well and The Mine, Cost, The Scent of Sake, and Dear American Airlines.

Samantha Harvey's The Wilderness has made the Guardian's First Book Award shortlist. The Wilderness has already won the Betty Trask award for first-time young Commonwealth novelists. Harvey was also shortlisted for the Orange Prize and longlisted for the Booker Prize with her poignant story about Jake Jameson, an architect whose memories are being lost because of Alzheimer's. The First Book Award recognizes the best new literary talent, whether working in the field of fiction or non-fiction. The winner will be announced next month. These five outstanding works explore personal and world issues, identity, a little bit of satire, and excellent writing -- perfect for a book group lively discussion! Five UK reading groups from Oxford, Leeds, London, Bath, and Edinburgh help choose the shortlist! We've come a long way, baby! 

 Between the Assassinations by Aravind Adiga has been named a finalist among five other titles for this year's John Llewellyn Rhys Literary Prize, according to Shelf Awareness. The award recognizes the best work of literature, including fiction, poetry, drama and nonfiction, by a U.K. or Commonwealth writer aged 35 or under. "This list is a fascinating display of the range and strength of contemporary writing by young writers," comments the chair of judges Louise Doughty.

The International Impac Dublin Literary Award longlist was announced this week. Libraries in capital and major cities throughout the world contribute in the unique nomination process for the Award. Participating libraries can nominate up to three novels each year for the Award. The 156 authors come from 46 countries.  The books span 18 languages, 41 of which are translated from languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Icelandic, Serbian and Slovenian. Thirty-three are first novels. "These are books that might not otherwise come to the attention of Irish readers", says Deirdre Ellis-King, Dublin City Librarian. Indian writer Aravind Adigais emerged as the libraries' favorite with nine nominations for The White Tiger.  A Mercy by Toni Morrison, The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, and The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry all received eight nominations. The Irish Times noted that the Impac can have a significant influence "by showcasing the best of international fiction in translation. The readers of the world's participating libraries have presented the judges with a magnificent list of world-class contenders." The shortlist will be announced April 12, 2010, and the winner will be named June 17, 2010. Library readers rule!