The Book Rack
Novel Ideas
July 2014 Newsletter
 
Did You Know?
While they are widely popular, Game of Thrones, 50 Shades of Grey and Hunger Games don't make the top 5 best selling book series of all time (yet). The books that hold those spots are: Harry Potter, Goosebumps, Perry Mason, Peter Rabbit and Lord of the Rings.
Serious about Series

I have a friend who years ago lamented, "Susan Wiggs is ruining my life." I didn't understand what she meant, but last month I dusted off a copy of Summer at Willow Lake that had been taking up room on my bookshelf. And now I eat, breathe, sleep Susan Wiggs and her Lakeshore Chronicles series.

 

I've fallen in love with the small town of Avalon and consider Olivia, Jenny, Nina and Daisy friends.  When I finish their stories of love and triumph, I know we will stay in touch. Because even though the next book features another couple, I get to see the progression of everyone's happily ever after. I don't have to imagine whether love lasts, it's there on the pages in the next book. So I'm not left wondering 'So now what? What happens next?'

 

Ever feel that way about a book series? The characters become family and you root for them, and when their book is over, you don't have to worry. You know their story continues in the chapters of the next book.

 

That is the magic and gift of a well written series. When you connect with the characters and want them to succeed; you don't want to leave them. And you don't have to. You don't get just a snapshot, but the whole lifetime with the characters.

 

If you love reading series, here are some to try this summer:

  • Action and romance - Suzanne Brockmann's Navy SEAL, Troubleshooters and Fighting Destiny series
  • Supernatural romance - JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood and Fallen Angels series
  • Fantasy - George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones series 
  • Contemporary romance - Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove, Rose Harbor and Blossom Street series
  • Contemporary romance - Kristan Higgins' Blue Heron series
  • Action and suspense - Robert Ludlum's Bourne trilogy
  • Mystery - Robert Crais's Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novels or Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series  
What's Happening This Month?
July 1 -  Summer Reading. It's time to stock up on books for your children's summer reading list! Whether you keep track of pages or minutes, this is the time to plan some late afternoon picnics and cozy reading in the shade!

July 4 -  Independence Day. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was voted on and approved, granting freedom from English rule and making the 4th of July the birthday of our nation.

July 7 - Book Releases. Speaking of series, three new books come out this week that are in well established book series: the 18th book in Catherine Coulter's FBI series, 6th book in Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series, and the 13th book in Brad Thor's Scot Harvath Series #13. 

 

July 22 - National Hammock Day. Not that we need an official reason to slow down and relax, but on this day, you have an excuse to not cut the lawn or weed the garden. Instead grab a great book and cold drink, and settle into the nearest hammock. If anyone gives you a hard time, tell them you are celebrating Hammock Day! 


If You Liked...
If your child is having a hard time finding a good book to read for the summer, here are some suggestions:
  • How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell (ages 8-12)
  • Middle School Series by James Patterson (ages 10-13)
  • Spirit Animals Series with multiple authors (ages 8-12)   
  • Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan (ages 9-13)
  • My Weird School (ages 6-10), Baseball Card Adventures (ages 9-12), The Genius Files (ages 8-12) and Million Dollar series (ages 8-12) by Dan Gutman   
  • Dork Diaries series by Rachel Ren�e Russell (ages 9-12)
  • Geronimo Stilton series (ages 7-10)  
About Us
Find these books mentioned above and more at your local Book Rack bookstore!
 
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