New York City was the host for BookExpo again this year and I was fortunate to be able to spend a day there. This huge trade show brings together publishers, authors, booksellers, librarians and educators to meet, talk, connect and celebrate the book industry. It’s always fun to meet authors and hear them talk about their latest books, but in addition, there are always some great programs available for attendees. One of my favorite programs this year was Book Club Facilitators Sound Off. This was an excellent panel discussion led by Carol Fitzgerald of bookreporter.com. The book club facilitators represented book clubs from all over the country and they shared their thoughts about what works for book clubs, including types of books, discussion guides and group dynamics. One of the panel members was Marsha Toy Engstrom – the Book Club Cheerleader. Her web site is a good resource for bookclubs and her own book club – Readers in the Hood has its’ own website as well. It’s filled with lots of useful information, including a list of book recommendations.
Another terrific panel was Librarians Shout and Share. Eight librarians from across the country shared what they thought would be the books that everyone will be talking about very soon. Joyce Maynard has written a beautiful coming of age story, Labor Day that will be available at the end of July. Going Away Shoes by Jill McCorkle is a selection of short stories about women and love sure to be a popular choice for book clubs. Jeanette Walls, author of The Glass Castle, has written a new book, Half-Broke Horses: a True Life Novel, based on the story of her grandmother’s life. Although it won’t be available until the fall, there should be lots of interest in this one. Another favorite of book clubs, Sarah Dunant, author of The Birth of Venus, has written a new historical novel, Sacred Hearts. Set in a convent during the Renaissance, this is a story about the power of friendship.
Pat Conroy’s new novel, South of Broad, will be available this summer. His fans are sure to enjoy this epic novel about lifelong friendships set in Charleston NC. Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Russo has a new book due out this summer also. That Old Cape Magic is set in Cape Cod and is a story of marriage and family that is both funny and sad.
So put your requests in now for one of these books which are starting to generate buzz. They are all on order at the library and you’ll be one of the first to read them. With all the tips and information from BookExpo I look forward to what promises to be a great year for book clubs and their members.
