November 2015

Have you registered your group with us? If not, may we ask you to do that now? We send a second newsletter out mid-month to groups that are registered with us, which lists opportunities for contests that start mid-month, as well as updates on programs and ideas we have heard about that are of interest to book groups. If you have changed your email address since you first registered with us, please register your group again. For years, people were changing email addresses with regularity, but we note now that most folks have settled into something that works for them! For easy registration, click here.

In our recent Book Group Survey, we learned that 75% of the respondents set aside time during their meetings to informally discuss other books that they have read during their meetings, while 6% said they dedicate a time for this during their meeting, and 7% think this is a good idea.

We love this concept. Most people discover books from hearing about them from others. You have an advantage here as you know the reading tastes of those in your book group well, from the members who select books you have loved to those whose taste may not match your own. Knowing those who are recommending books to you means it is likely that their suggestions will resonate with you in a more meaningful way. We would love to know how those who formally do this are doing it, as well as those who do it informally. Drop me an email at [email protected] with the subject line “Discussing Other Books at Our Meetings,” so we can share your recommendations on how to do this.

In October, I got out to meet readers --- something I always enjoy. I presented a list of book group-friendly titles at the Ocean County Library System’s Book Leaders Tea, an invitation-only event. There were 100-plus very enthusiastic book group members in attendance, including my mom. I presented 40 books that we selected as book group favorites from our BEA Fall/Winter Preview; it was really a lovely day. I wave my bookmark at the library team that coordinated and ran this event, who are pictured above, along with Kelly Crivelli from Random House, second to left and next to me. I learned that they even made the refreshments --- bravo to them for an inspiring day!

That library system has a program in place where book groups can check out books for their entire group, as well as discussion questions (Ocean County is now laminating these to be eco-friendly, instead of printing them each time). If any of your libraries also have programs like this, we would love to know. Drop me a note with the subject line “Library Book Group Program.”

The following week, I attended the Hachette Book Group Brunch with Cathy DeBerry from my local library and her friend Kathy, and there we caught up with Melanie Steinberg, our “Word of Mouth” and “Sounding Off on Audio” editor. MANY of our readers were there and came up to say hello, which was such fun. Forgive me if I did not remember your name if I had met you in the past; I am the worst at remembering names! Every panel was stellar --- an incredible lineup of authors and moderators. Rebecca Munro, our intern, kindly wrote a blog reporting on the entire day’s events, which you can find here.

We love meeting authors and know you do, too! We have lots of information about the Miami Book Fair scheduled for November 15-22 later in this newsletter, where they have a really stellar lineup of authors. I have attended the Fair at least five times and always walk away loving the experience. Note that they have special pricing available for book groups that you can read more about here. We have a list of upcoming book fairs and festivals here.

AT THE WATER’S EDGE --- the latest from Sara Gruen, bestselling author of the smash hit WATER FOR ELEPHANTS --- is our prize in November’s “What’s Your Book Group Reading This Month?” contest. It's a gripping and poignant love story about a privileged young woman’s awakening as she experiences the devastation of World War II in a tiny village in the Scottish Highlands. And we know that Sara is no slouch when it comes to period romance! As usual, three groups will have the opportunity to win 12 copies of the book; enter here by Wednesday, December 2nd at noon ET for your chance to win.

We enjoy reading through the books that you have been reading each month. The books most noted for October included Anthony Doerr’s ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE, Paula McLain’s CIRCLING THE SUN, Paula Hawkins’ THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, Harper Lee’s GO SET A WATCHMAN and Jojo Moyes’ ME BEFORE YOU. Trying to decide what to read with your group? Take a look at this page and see what suggestions you can find from other ReadingGroupGuides.com groups. Each group lists not only what they are reading, but also info about the size of their group, where they are located and the age range of their members. Knowing a bit about those making the suggestions can help you make a match for your group.

We have three featured guides to share with you this month. The first is for mega-bestselling author Mitch Albom’s latest, THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO. At nine years old, Frankie Presto --- a war orphan raised by a blind music teacher in a small Spanish town --- is sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possession is an old guitar and six precious strings. But Frankie’s talent is touched by the gods, and his amazing journey weaves him through the musical landscape of the 20th century. Frankie becomes a pop star himself but soon realizes that, through his music, he can actually affect people’s futures. At the height of his popularity, Frankie vanishes. Only decades later does he reappear --- just before his spectacular death --- to change one last life. Albom’s books have been favorites for years with readers, beginning with TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE. Click here for the featured guide.

Our second featured guide is for Lori Copeland’s heartwarming Christmas novella, STAR OF BETHLEHEM. It’s the story of Arlene Santana, whose life suddenly takes a confusing and often laughable turn into a new reality as a result of a severe brain injury. As one holiday after another speeds by, Arlene takes comfort in the amusing old people who surround her in the rehabilitation center and one special friend who relates well to Arlene. But when will her husband, whose love is more real to her than anything, come to visit her? Click here for the featured guide.

Speaking of holiday-themed reading, in our latest poll we want to know how you and your group celebrate the holiday season. Do you have any special plans? Click here to vote in our poll before Wednesday, December 2nd at noon ET.

We’re also featuring the guide for Adriana Trigiani’s ALL THE STARS IN THE HEAVENS. The New York Times bestselling author of the blockbuster epic THE SHOEMAKER’S WIFE returns with her biggest and boldest novel yet --- a spellbinding tale rooted in a true story and filled with her signature elements: family ties, artistry, romance and adventure. Set during the golden age of Hollywood, ALL THE STARS IN THE HEAVENS captures the luster, drama, power and secrets that could only thrive in the studio system --- viewed through the lives of an unforgettable cast of players creating magic on the screen and behind the scenes. Click here for the featured guide, and here to read a review on Bookreporter.com.

And…we also got our hands on the guide for AFTER ALICE, Gregory Maguire’s newest book. The multi-million-copy bestselling author of WICKED was kind of enough to answer a few of our questions. In an interview with The Book Report Network’s Bronwyn Miller, Maguire discusses what interests him about rewriting children’s stories and how he chooses his subject matter. He also talks about the importance of books in children’s lives --- a subject he is deeply passionate about --- and how he’s careful to avoid a fistfight with Harper Lee. Click here for the full Q&A.

Last month, I asked about snacking and dining with your book group. One of our readers, Kathryn, wrote and shared, “My husband and I are in a couples book group which has been meeting for 27 years. We call it the 'Feed & Read.' The group consists of longtime friends/couples that like to read, cook and eat. We meet four or five times a year and rotate hosting. The hosting couple buys a copy of the book for every other couple. The hosting couple serves the entree for dinner. The other couples bring all the sides, appetizers, beverages and desserts. The menu is matched to the location of the book setting or a meal written about in the book. We read everything --- fiction, nonfiction, biography, autobiography, poetry, plays and history. We have had some great meals with food inspired from all around the world. We have kept a list of all the books read, but never thought about keeping a list of the meals served. However, we all have fond memories of some great combinations."

Want to try a cookbook club with a group of friends? Here’s a great piece on how to get started. I want to try this with our office staff as we are all into cooking.

While I read many many books, I have found that I enjoy listening to memoirs on audio, particularly when they are read by their author. I just finished listening to Shonda Rhimes' YEAR OF YES: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person. I enjoy watching "Scandal" and "How to Get Away with Murder," but I confess to not knowing anything about the creator of ShondaLand. This is going to be one very talked-about memoir; I have been quoting from it all week. I was at lunch with some other media folks today and we were buzzing about it.

Are you an audiobook listener? Do you want to enter to win audiobooks? Then share what you are listening to at Bookreporter.com's Sounding Off on Audio feature. During the contest period from November 2nd to December 1st at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win the audio versions of both BOYS IN THE TREES: A Memoir written and read by Carly Simon (coming out November 24th) and the aforementioned YEAR OF YES: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person written and read by Shonda Rhimes. I am loving the feedback from all our audiobook listeners; my list of books I long to listen to grows every time I read the comments. Consider listening to your book group’s discussion title; you then will be a whiz at pronouncing all names and locations!

We have a couple of other blogs that feature author-related events to share with you. First up, Rebecca Munro has coverage of the Morristown Book Festival. Next, a merry band of mystery writers, including Alafair Burke, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Wendy Corsi Staub, Lisa Unger and three publishing professionals, report on Bouchercon, the world mystery conference that was held in Raleigh at the end of October. One question we ask is “What did you drink at the bar?” After all, it can’t ALL be about books and writing, right? And we have photos too! And last but certainly not least, we have our New York Comic Con report on the pop culture weekend that had 167,000 very exuberant fans jamming into the Javits Center. Read what booth surprised me the most. Trust me, you never would have guessed this one!

We’ve updated our Young Adult Books You Want to Read feature, reviews we’ve posted on Teenreads.com that we think will appeal to our adult readers. Our latest titles are JUBA! by the late Walter Dean Myers; HALF A CREATURE FROM THE SEA: A Life in Stories written by David Almond and illustrated by Eleanor Taylor; and IF YOU’RE LUCKY by Yvonne Prinz.

We've added two more books to our Bookreporter.com Bets On feature. The first book I'm betting you'll love is THE LAST MIDWIFE by Sandra Dallas. Sandra never disappoints, and in this book she beautifully tells the story of Gracy Brookens, the last midwife in a rural Colorado town, who is shaken to her core when she is accused of murdering a baby. I'm also spotlighting AFTER THE WIND: Tragedy on Everest --- One Survivor's Story by Lou Kasischke, a book we've been talking about here and one that really moved me! We ran a special contest for this book back in August, and if you were one of our lucky winners, be sure to check out what I think makes this book so special.

There are just a few pieces of Halloween candy left, and I now am working on my Thanksgiving menu. With temperatures in the 70s this week in the New York area, I feel like we are living in Southern California. It’s been lovely! Typically the first week in November has me bundling on an extra layer, but not this year!

If you are not signed up for our Registered Newsletter, we’ll see you next month. Know that we give thanks to you for being a part of ReadingGroupGuides.com --- Happy Thanksgiving!

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])

P.S. For those of you who are doing online shopping for books, if you use the store links below, ReadingGroupGuides.com gets a small affiliate fee on your purchases. We would appreciate your considering this!
 

Each month, we ask book groups to share the titles they are reading that month and rate them. From all entries, three winners will be selected, and each will win 12 copies of that month’s prize book for their group. Note: To be eligible to win, let us know the title of the book that YOUR book group is CURRENTLY reading, NOT the title we are giving away.

This month's prize book is AT THE WATER'S EDGE, the latest from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sara Gruen. It's a gripping and poignant love story about a privileged young woman’s awakening as she experiences the devastation of World War II in a tiny village in the Scottish Highlands. To enter, please fill out the form on this page by Wednesday, December 2nd at noon ET.

AT THE WATER'S EDGE by Sara Gruen (Historical Fiction)
In this thrilling new novel from the author of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, Sara Gruen again demonstrates her talent for creating spellbinding period pieces. AT THE WATER’S EDGE is a gripping and poignant love story about a privileged young woman’s awakening as she experiences the devastation of World War II in a tiny village in the Scottish Highlands.

After disgracing themselves at a high society New Year’s Eve party in Philadelphia in 1944, Madeline Hyde and her husband, Ellis, are cut off financially by his father, a former army colonel who is already ashamed of his son’s inability to serve in the war. When Ellis and his best friend, Hank, decide that the only way to regain the Colonel’s favor is to succeed where the Colonel very publicly failed --- by hunting down the famous Loch Ness monster --- Maddie reluctantly follows them across the Atlantic, leaving her sheltered world behind.

The trio find themselves in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands, where the locals have nothing but contempt for the privileged interlopers. Maddie is left on her own at the isolated inn, where food is rationed, fuel is scarce and a knock from the postman can bring tragic news. Yet she finds herself falling in love with the stark beauty and subtle magic of the Scottish countryside. Gradually she comes to know the villagers, and the friendships she forms with two young women open her up to a larger world than she knew existed. Maddie begins to see that nothing is as it first appears: The values she holds dear prove unsustainable, and monsters lurk where they are least expected.

As she embraces a fuller sense of who she might be, Maddie becomes aware not only of the dark forces around her, but of life’s beauty and surprising possibilities.

-Click here for the reading group guide.
-Click here to read a review on Bookreporter.com.
 

THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO by Mitch Albom (Fiction)
Mitch Albom creates his most unforgettable character --- Frankie Presto, the greatest guitarist ever to walk the earth --- in this magical novel about the power of talent to change our lives.

In Mitch Albom's epic new novel, the voice of Music narrates the tale of its most beloved disciple, Frankie Presto, a Spanish war orphan raised by a blind music teacher. At nine years old, Frankie is sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possession is an old guitar and six magical strings.

But Frankie's talent is touched by the gods, and it weaves him through the musical landscape of the 20th century, from classical to jazz to rock and roll. Along the way, Frankie influences many artists: he translates for Django Reinhardt, advises Little Richard, backs up Elvis Presley and counsels Hank Williams.

Frankie elevates to a rock star himself, yet his gift becomes his burden, as he realizes that he can actually affect people's futures: His guitar strings turn blue whenever a life is altered. Overwhelmed by life, loss and this power, he disappears for years, only to reemerge in a spectacular and mysterious farewell.

With its Forrest Gump–like journey through the music world, THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO is a classic in the making. A lifelong musician himself, Mitch Albom delivers an unforgettable story. "Everyone joins a band in this life," he observes, be it through music, family, friends or lovers. And those connections change the world.
 

BEAUTIFUL STAR OF BETHLEHEM: A Christmas Novella by Lori Copeland (Christian Fiction)
Meet Arlene Santana, a vibrant wife and young grandmother whose life suddenly takes a confusing and often laughable turn into a new reality as a result of a severe brain injury. As one holiday after another speeds by, Arlene takes comfort in the amusing old people who surround her in the rehabilitation center and one special friend who relates well to Arlene. But when will her husband, whose love is more real to her than anything, come to visit her? Treasure this Christmas novella from bestselling author Lori Copeland, which demonstrates the healing power of true love.

 

ALL THE STARS IN THE HEAVENS by Adriana Trigiani (Historical Fiction)
Adriana Trigiani, the New York Times bestselling author of the blockbuster epic THE SHOEMAKER'S WIFE, returns with her biggest and boldest novel yet, a hypnotic tale based on a true story and filled with her signature elements: family ties, artistry, romance and adventure. Born in the golden age of Hollywood, ALL THE STARS IN THE HEAVENS captures the luster, drama, power and secrets that could only thrive in the studio system --- viewed through the lives of an unforgettable cast of players creating magic on the screen and behind the scenes.

In this spectacular saga as radiant, thrilling and beguiling as Hollywood itself, Adriana Trigiani takes us back to Tinsel Town's golden age --- an era as brutal as it was resplendent --- and into the complex and glamorous world of a young actress hungry for fame and success. With meticulous, beautiful detail, Trigiani paints a rich, historical landscape of 1930s Los Angeles, where European and American artisans flocked to pursue the ultimate dream: to tell stories on the silver screen.

The movie business is booming in 1935 when 21-year-old Loretta Young meets 34-year-old Clark Gable on the set of The Call of the Wild. Though he's already married, Gable falls for the stunning and vivacious young actress instantly.

Far from the glittering lights of Hollywood, Sister Alda Ducci has been forced to leave her convent and begin a new journey that leads her to Loretta. Becoming Miss Young's secretary, the innocent and pious young Alda must navigate the wild terrain of Hollywood with fierce determination and a moral code that derives from her Italian roots. Over the course of decades, she and Loretta encounter scandal and adventure, choose love and passion, and forge an enduring bond of love and loyalty that will be put to the test when they eventually face the greatest obstacle of their lives.

Anchored by Trigiani's masterful storytelling that takes you on a worldwide ride of adventure from Hollywood to the shores of southern Italy, this mesmerizing epic is, at its heart, a luminous tale of the most cherished ties that bind. Brimming with larger-than-life characters both real and fictional --- including stars Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, David Niven, Hattie McDaniel and more --- it is it is the unforgettable story of one of cinema's greatest love affairs during the golden age of American movie making.

-Click here to read a review on Bookreporter.com.
 

Gregory Maguire is no stranger to rewriting classic children’s fairy tales for adults. His first try was an overwhelming success; WICKED --- a vividly realized revisionist take on L. Frank Baum’s THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ --- was adapted into one of the most popular Broadway shows of all time. Now he returns with AFTER ALICE, a magical new twist on ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, which was recently published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s beloved classic. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Bronwyn Miller, Maguire discusses what interests him about rewriting children’s stories and how he chooses his subject matter. He also talks about the importance of books in children’s lives --- a subject he is deeply passionate about --- and how he’s careful to avoid a fistfight with Harper Lee.

AFTER ALICE by Gregory Maguire (Fantasy)
Ada, a friend of Alice’s mentioned briefly in ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, is off to visit her friend, but arrives a moment too late --- and tumbles down the rabbit hole herself. Ada brings to Wonderland her own imperfect apprehension of cause and effect as she embarks on an odyssey to find Alice and see her safely home from this surreal world below the world. If Eurydice can ever be returned to the arms of Orpheus, or Lazarus can be raised from the tomb, perhaps Alice can be returned to life.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review on Bookreporter.com.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here for the reading group guide.
 

We are celebrating the January 5th release of AFTER THE CRASH by Michel Bussi with a special contest that will give 35 readers the opportunity to win an advance copy of the book and submit their comments on it. To enter, please fill out this form by Thursday, November 19th at noon ET.

AFTER THE CRASH by Michel Bussi (Psychological Thriller)
Hailed as "a novel so extraordinary that it reminded me of reading Stieg Larsson for the very first time" (Sunday Times, UK), a near-million copy bestseller in Europe --- centered on a tragic plane crash in the Alps and the mystery surrounding its only survivor, an infant girl.

After nearly two decades, the old detective has to admit defeat: he cannot unravel the mystery of Lylie. The only survivor of a devastating air accident, she has never known who she truly was: the beloved grandchild of a hardworking country woman, or the heiress of a powerful family. Now 18, Lylie is herself conflicted, tortured by not knowing. But someone knows. Someone’s found out. And someone may kill to preserve what happened after the crash.
 

Each month, we share top book picks from Indie Next and LibraryReads, as well as the Target Book Club title and Pennie's Pick for Costco.

Indie Next's top titles for November include THE MURALIST by B.A. Shapiro, a gripping story that plunges its readers in the divisiveness of pre-WWII politics and the largely forgotten plight of European refugees refused entrance to the United States; DEAR MR. YOU, the extraordinary new book from actress Mary-Louise Parker, which renders the singular arc of a woman's life through letters composed to men, real and hypothetical, who have informed the person she is today; and HOME IS BURNING, Dan Marshall's wickedly funny, irreverent memoir about returning home to care for his ailing parents.

LibraryReads is spotlighting THE JAPANESE LOVER, an exquisitely crafted love story and multigenerational epic that sweeps from San Francisco in the present-day to Poland and the United States during the Second World War by internationally bestselling author Isabel Allende; THE IMPROBABILITY OF LOVE by debut author Hannah Rothschild, an exuberant and unexpected journey through life's highs and lows and the complexities of love and loss, and an unforgettable portrait of the London art scene; and ALONG THE INFINITE SEA, bestselling author Beatriz Williams' final, dazzling book about the indomitable Schuyler sisters.
 

Here are this month's books we reviewed on Teenreads.com that we think will appeal to an adult audience:

JUBA! by Walter Dean Myers (Historical Fiction)
Walter Dean Myers' last novel is based on the true story of the meteoric rise of an immensely talented young black dancer, William Henry Lane, who influenced today's tap, jazz and step dancing. With meticulous and intensive research, Myers has brought to life Master Juba's story. The book includes photographs, maps and other images from Juba's time and an afterword from Myers' wife about the writing process of JUBA!

HALF A CREATURE FROM THE SEA: A Life in Stories by David Almond (Fiction/Short Stories)
May Malone is said to have a monster in her house, but what Norman finds there may just be the angel he needs. Joe Quinn’s house is noisy with poltergeists, or could it be Davie’s raging causing the disturbance? Fragile Annie learns the truth about herself in a photograph taken by a traveling man near the sea. Set in the northern English Tyneside country of the author’s childhood, these eight short stories by the incomparable David Almond evoke gritty realities and ineffable longings, experiences both ordinary and magical. In autobiographical preludes to each story, the writer shows how all things can be turned into tales, reflecting on a time of wonder, tenderness and joy.

IF YOU’RE LUCKY by Yvonne Prinz (Mystery)
When 17-year-old Georgia’s brother drowns while surfing halfway around the world in Australia, she refuses to believe Lucky’s death was just bad luck. Then a stranger named Fin arrives in False Bay, claiming to have been Lucky’s best friend. Soon Fin is working for Lucky’s father, charming Lucky’s mother and dating his girlfriend. Georgia begins to wonder if Fin murdered Lucky in order to take over his whole life. She is certain she’s getting closer and closer to the truth, but as she does, her mental state becomes more and more precarious, and no one seems to trust what she’s saying.

-Click here to read a blog about Carol's favorite YA picks.
 

THE LAST MIDWIFE by Sandra Dallas (Historical Fiction)
Sandra Dallas is a writer who never disappoints me. Each book is fresh and satisfying. With THE LAST MIDWIFE, she delivers a story set in the 1880s in Swandyke, a rural town in Colorado. Gracy Brookens is the only midwife in town; she has coached many women in the town with their births and kept tabs on them after delivery. For first-time mothers, she is a coach as much as a midwife, sharing advice and encouragement.

-Click here to read more of Carol's thoughts on the book.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review on Bookreporter.com.


AFTER THE WIND: Tragedy on Everest --- One Survivor's Story by Lou Kasischke (Memoir)
I am an armchair adventure traveler. You would never find me on the top of Everest or diving beneath the sea, but reading about the intrepid souls who train and take on these challenges intrigues me. I remember the 1996 Everest disaster and the way it attracted worldwide attention as then the deadliest day on the mountain.

When Jon Krakauer’s INTO THIN AIR was published in 1997, I did not read it. Simple reason was that I had worked with Sandy Hill Pittman when I was at Mademoiselle magazine, and from colleagues who read it, I heard she was particularly maligned by Krakauer. When you know someone who is in a book, you look at it with a different lens. Thus, when Lou Kasischke’s book, AFTER THE WIND, came onto my radar, I was happy to read it.

-Click here to read more of Carol's thoughts on the book.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a Q&A with the author.
-Click here for the guide.
 

November’s roundup of New in Paperback fiction titles includes AT THE WATER'S EDGE by Sara Gruen, a gripping and poignant love story about a privileged young woman’s awakening as she experiences the devastation of World War II in a tiny village in the Scottish Highlands; THE SLOW REGARD OF SILENT THINGS by Patrick Rothfuss, which brings us into the world of one of The Kingkiller Chronicle’s most enigmatic characters, a broken girl trying to live in a broken world; and THE SIEGE WINTER, a powerful historical novel by the late Ariana Franklin and her daughter, Samantha Norman, told by two courageous young women whose fates are intertwined in 12th-century England’s devastating civil war.

Among this month’s nonfiction offerings are THE NEWS SORORITY, Sheila Weller's lively and exhilarating narrative that reveals the hard struggles and inner strengths that shaped Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric and Christiane Amanpour, and powered their success; JACQUELINE BOUVIER KENNEDY ONASSIS by Barbara Leaming, the first book to document Jackie's 31-year struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and I STAND CORRECTED, Eden Collinsworth's unforgettable story of the year she spent living among the Chinese while writing a book featuring advice on such topics as the rules of the handshake, making sense of foreigners, and behavior that is considered universally rude.

-Find out what's New in Paperback for the weeks of November 2nd, November 9th, November 16th and November 23rd.

 

Tell us about the audiobooks you’ve finished listening to with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars for both the performance and the content. During the contest period from November 2nd to December 1st at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win the audio versions of both BOYS IN THE TREES: A Memoir written and read by Carly Simon and YEAR OF YES: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person written and read by Shonda Rhimes.

To make sure other readers will be able to find the audiobook, please include the full title and correct author names (your entry must include these to be eligible to win). For complete rules and guidelines click here.

-To see reader comments from previous contest periods, click here.
 

The following guides are now available on ReadingGroupGuides.com:

AFTER ALICE by Gregory Maguire (Fantasy)
From the multi-million-copy bestselling author of WICKED comes a magical new twist on ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s beloved classic.

ALL THE STARS IN THE HEAVENS by Adriana Trigiani (Historical Fiction)
The New York Times bestselling author of the blockbuster epic THE SHOEMAKER’S WIFE, Adriana Trigiani, returns with her biggest and boldest novel yet --- a spellbinding tale rooted in a true story and filled with her signature elements: family ties, artistry, romance and adventure.

AT THE WATER'S EDGE by Sara Gruen (Historical Fiction)
At the heart of this thrilling new novel from the author of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is a gripping and poignant love story about a privileged young woman’s awakening as she experiences the devastation of World War II in a tiny village in the Scottish Highlands.

BEAUTIFUL STAR OF BETHLEHEM: A Christmas Novella by Lori Copeland (Christian Fiction)
When memories are lost, only love remains for a confused woman.

CITY ON FIRE by Garth Risk Hallberg (Historical Fiction)
CITY ON FIRE is an unforgettable novel about love and betrayal and forgiveness, about art and truth and rock ’n’ roll: about what people need from each other in order to live...and about what makes the living worth doing in the first place.

FOOD WHORE by Jessica Tom (Fiction)
Full of wit and mouth-watering cuisines, Jessica Tom’s debut novel offers a clever insider take on the rarefied world of New York City’s dining scene in the tradition of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA meets KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL.

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS KNIT OFF by Alexandra Brown (Fiction)
The perfect seasonal tale of how laughter, friends and wacky Christmas sweaters can mend a broken heart.

LANDFALLS by Naomi J. Williams (Fiction)
Moving between different points of view, Naomi Williams creates a gripping story of the dramatic and tragic Lapérouse expedition of the late 18th century

THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO by Mitch Albom (Fiction)
A magical novel about the world’s greatest musician and the power of talent to change our lives, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Mitch Albom.

THE MYSTICS OF MILE END by Sigal Samuel (Fiction)
Sigal Samuel’s debut novel, in the vein of Nicole Krauss’s bestselling THE HISTORY OF LOVE, is an imaginative story that delves into the heart of Jewish mysticism, faith and family.

Please note that these titles, for which we already had the guides when they appeared in hardcover, are now available in paperback:

DE POTTER'S GRAND TOUR by Joanna Scott (Historical Fiction)
A gripping novel about a seemingly charmed marriage and a mysterious disappearance at sea.

MY FATHER'S WIVES by Mike Greenberg (Fiction)
The co-host of ESPN’s "Mike and Mike" follows up his New York Times bestseller ALL YOU COULD ASK FOR with this poignant story of one man’s search to understand himself, his marriage and his father.

A QUILT FOR CHRISTMAS by Sandra Dallas (Historical Fiction)
From the New York Times bestselling author, a Christmas novel set during the Civil War in which a woman makes a quilt for her husband and learns about love, grief, forgiveness and healing.

VANESSA AND HER SISTER by Priya Parmar (Historical Fiction)
A captivating novel that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Vanessa Bell, her sister Virginia Woolf, and the controversial and popular circle of intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury Group.

WANT YOU DEAD by Peter James (Thriller)
WANT YOU DEAD follows Red Westwood, a woman who is stalked by her ex-lover, and Detective Roy Grace who tries to crack the case in this 10th novel in the Roy Grace series.

WILDALONE by Krassi Zourkova (Supernatural Romance)
In this darkly imaginative debut novel full of myth, magic, romance and mystery, a Princeton freshman is drawn into a love triangle with two enigmatic brothers and discovers terrifying secrets about her family and herself --- a bewitching blend of TWILIGHT, THE SECRET HISTORY, JANE EYRE and A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES.

Do you do anything special with your group for the holidays?

We go out for a special dinner.
We have a holiday party.
We read a holiday-themed book.
We exchange gifts.
We take a break from our meetings over the holidays.
I do not know.
Other (Please specify)