Lovereading.co.uk top 10

1		Life’s Too Short to Frost a Cupcake Rosie Wilde A great, laugh out loud, romantic comedy. Alice is a PA at a music company who is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to go and work in America from the New York office. What this actually means is she … Download free opening extract
2		Ex-Girlfriends United Matt Dunn A highly amusing page-turning tale of a serial womaniser mystified as to how he is suddenly girlfriendless. His best friend discovers that some 47 of his exes are slating him on a mysterious website! Time to seek them … Download free opening extract
3		The Private Patient P D James Featured on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 23 October 2008. … Download free opening extract
4		Testimony Anita Shreve October 2008 Book of the Month. Appearing on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 30 October 2008.A sex scandal rocks the sheltered world of a private Vermont school, affecting students, parents and teachers alike. The story moves quickly as Shreve … Download free opening extract
5		Half of a Yellow Sun Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Featured on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 23 October 2008. Shortlisted for Author of the Year at the Galaxy British Book Awards 2008.Winner of the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction 2007. Reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 14 …Download free opening extract
6		A Season of Leaves Catherine Law October 2008 Debut of the Month.This is a lovely debut novel, truly romantic and irresistible once you have started it . Be prepared to sit and read this in one long romance filled afternoon as you get caught up in …  Download free opening extract
7		Slapstick Roger Mcgough Appearing on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 30 October 2008. … Download free opening extract
8		The White Tiger Aravind Adiga Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2008 Aravind Adiga’s winning debut novel The White Tiger is described as a ‘compelling, angry and darkly humorous’ novel about a man’s journey from Indian village life to entrepreneurial success. It was described by one …Download free opening extract
9		Love All Elizabeth Jane Howard Appearing on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 30 October 2008.  This is Elizabeth Jane Howard’s first novel for 9 years and it is like welcoming an old friend. This is the story of a group of people brought … Download free opening extract
10		Dead Line Stella Rimington   October 2008 Book of the Month.   Appearing on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 6 November 2008. It’s always slightly thrilling reading a Stella Rimington as you feel you are getting to know the real workings and machinations of the Secret …Download free opening extract

Lovereading.co.uk TOP 10

1		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
2		Kaspar Michael Morpurgo A wonderfully emotional but heart-warming tale from the pen of one of the foremost writers for children.  Brilliantly interwoven in historical fact at the time of the sinking of the Titanic is the story of Kaspar the Savoy cat, who … Download free opening extract
3		Cosmo and the Secret Spell Gwyneth Rees Brilliant spooky fun with plenty of giggles for both parent and child to enjoy as well as a fair dose of frightening goings on.  What more do you need at halloween? … Download free opening extract
4		The 39 Clues 1: The Maze Of Bones Rick Riordan Want to get your kids reading, well here’s a spellbinding adventure that we think kids of 8 upwards will really pick up on for it’s something more than a book as it integrates books, games, a website, cards and prizes … Download free opening extract
5		Storlax: The Power of the Deep Robert Jackson, Bubbi Morthens This is an epic children’s story, told with great humour, optimism and warmth.  It will grip the reader not just because of the loveable fishy characters and exciting adventures but almost more so because it subtly shows us the impact … Download free opening extract
6		The Great Paper Caper Oliver Jeffers Touching and funny, this is also a visually sophisticated picture book which lightly carries an important message about the use – and misuse – of resources. All is not well in the forest: branches of the trees keep disappearing and … Download free opening extract
7		Stick Man Julia Donaldson Creators of The Gruffalo, best selling author/ illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are back with another bestseller on their hands. “Stick Man lives in the family tree/ with Stick Lady love/ And his children three”. But one day Stick … Download free opening extract
8		Oliver Moon And The Spider Spell Sue Mongredien More magical mayhem from the junior wizard who is always getting himself into big trouble. Here it is no exception for when he tries a Grow-bigger spell on the cauldron he finds himself in very BIG trouble indeed. Great … Download free opening extract
9		Aliens Love Underpants! (Book and CD edition) Claire Freedman     Joint winner of the Richard and Judy “Early” 5+ Category. Terrific illustrations capture the flood of jokes about pants that underlie this rhyming story now brilliantly brought to even greater life by the addition of a CD to accompany the … Download free opening extract
10		Blade: Closing In Tim Bowler The second in the Blade series, this is another short, very accessible novel for teens. Pacy, gripping and packed with action, and a central character that’s incredibly engaging, even the most reluctant reader will devour it. Blade is on … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Oct.31.2008 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

1		Testimony Anita Shreve     October 2008 Book of the Month. A sex scandal rocks the sheltered world of a private Vermont school, affecting students, parents and teachers alike. The story moves quickly as Shreve …Download free opening extract
2		Ex-Girlfriends United Matt Dunn A highly amusing page-turning tale of a serial womaniser mystified as to how he is suddenly girlfriendless. His best friend discovers that some 47 of his exes are slating him on a mysterious website! Time to seek them … Download free opening extract
3		Life’s Too Short to Frost a Cupcake Rosie Wilde A great, laugh out loud, romantic comedy. Alice is a PA at a music company who is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to go and work in America from the New York office. What this actually means is she … Download free opening extract
4		The White Tiger Aravind Adiga Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2008. Aravind Adiga’s winning debut novel The White Tiger is described as a ‘compelling, angry and darkly humorous’ novel about a man’s journey from Indian village life to entrepreneurial success. It was described by one …Download free opening extract
5		The Private Patient P D James Appearing on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 23 October 2008. … Download free opening extract
6		A Season of Leaves Catherine Law   October 2008 Debut of the Month. This is a lovely debut novel, truly romantic and irresistible once you have started it . Be prepared to sit and read this in one long romance filled afternoon as you get caught up in …Download free opening extract
7		Heart and Soul Maeve Binchy The brand new novel from Maeve Binchy is another tale of family and relationship dramas. The story centres round Clara Casey, who is finding her two grown daughters more of a handful now than when they were teenagers. Not only … Download free opening extract
8		People of the Book Geraldine Brooks   October 2008 Book of the Month. A book you can’t rush but must sit back and become totally absorbed in. Convoluted with fascinating detail and full of short mysteries, almost like a series of linking short stories, it all hangs round …Download free opening extract
9		Ultimate Burlesque October is Cancer Awareness Month and Accent Press have produced a collection of erotic short stories, revolving around the world of burlesque, with money from the sales of the books going to Cancer Awareness Charities. So maybe indulge your naughty … Download free opening extract
10		Dead Line Stella Rimington      October 2008 Book of the Month. It’s always slightly thrilling reading a Stella Rimington as you feel you are getting to know the real workings and machinations of the Secret Service. Fast paced, gripping and encompassing situations that are all too … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk TOP 10

1		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
2		Stick Man Julia Donaldson Creators of The Gruffalo, best selling author/ illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are back with another bestseller on their hands. “Stick Man lives in the family tree/ with Stick Lady love/ And his children three”. But one day Stick … Download free opening extract
3		Storlax: The Power of the Deep Robert Jackson, Bubbi Morthens This is an epic children’s story, told with great humour, optimism and warmth.  It will grip the reader not just because of the loveable fishy characters and exciting adventures but almost more so because it subtly shows us the impact … Download free opening extract
4		Cosmo and the Secret Spell Gwyneth Rees Brilliant spooky fun with plenty of giggles for both parent and child to enjoy as well as a fair dose of frightening goings on.  What more do you need at halloween? … Download free opening extract
5		The 39 Clues 1: The Maze Of Bones Rick Riordan Want to get your kids reading, well here’s a spellbinding adventure that we think kids of 8 upwards will really pick up on for it’s something more than a book as it integrates books, games, a website, cards and prizes … Download free opening extract
6		Gruffalo Pop-up Theatre Book Julia Donaldson Not only can you read and reread the much loved story of the Gruffalo in this complete work of art but you can open the pop-up stage to act out the adventures of the little brown mouse, or even create … Download free opening extract
7		Blade: Closing In Tim Bowler The second in the Blade series, this is another short, very accessible novel for teens. Pacy, gripping and packed with action, and a central character that’s incredibly engaging, even the most reluctant reader will devour it. Blade is on … Download free opening extract
8		Nut Cracker Jan Pienkowski The enchantment of the Nutcracker story is beautifully captured in Jan Pienkowski’s glorious silhouettes. His white characters act out the story against beautifully coloured multi-layer backgrounds which are edged with silver trellis work that adds a touch of magic. Handsomely … Download free opening extract
9		Kaspar Michael Morpurgo A wonderfully emotional but heart-warming tale from the pen of one of the foremost writers for children.  Brilliantly interwoven in historical fact at the time of the sinking of the Titanic is the story of Kaspar the Savoy cat, who … Download free opening extract
10		Sweet Julie Burchill Definitely for the older teenager, Burchill has written about a gritty, urban and larger than life world.  It’s smart, funny, full of wit – the Julie Burchill trademark – and it really captures the life and soul of teenage angst … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Oct.24.2008 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Christmas is sneaking up on us so why not take the bull by the horns and choose some books as presents for your friends and family. They are great value, can give hours of pleasure and they are very easy to wrap! But before we get too carried away we still have lots of book news and events on the site which have nothing to do with Christmas.

Highlights this month…

Armistice Day…

11 Nov 2008 is the 90 year anniversary of Armistice Day and we have a special selection of books to commemorate the end of WW1. It’s a conflict that has never strayed far from people’s minds, at least in part, because of the powerful and enduring writing it has inspired over the years. Read the books so that we never forget.

Special Christmas Categories…

Books, great value, giving hours of pleasure and no batteries required!

Along with all our normal categories of books we have 3 specials just for Christmas. Click on any of the buttons below to go straight to our festive selections.

Enjoy the show, enjoy the Opening Extract…

And finally, we worked with Sky to support The Book Show which was broadcast from Hay-on-Wye earlier this year. Now we’ll be supporting the programme again with the new series of The Book Show on Sky Arts presented by Mariella Frostrup. From 23 October you’ll be able to read Opening Extracts of the books featured in the show on a special new section of our site. We hope you enjoy the TV programme and our new reader service.

Peter C :: Oct.22.2008 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

Years ago, before everyone thought they had so much moolah they ought to rush out and buy single-use DVD players, iPod Skiffles and designer kitchen bins, there was the humble book.

Now that some of the glittering opulence of the 21^st century has been stripped away by the Credit Crunch, books are still here for us. They’re a simple pleasure to entertain us, enrich our lives, and help us realise that money isn’t everything.

Books are cheap. Granted they cost more than they once did; but there are still amazing bargains to be had, especially online. Choose carefully, and you can get a week or two’s spellbinding entertainment for the price of a large glass of Pinot Grigio.

Reading gives much longer-term pleasure than the instant gratification of buying stuff. Far from disposable, the ideas in a great novel can make you into a more rounded, interesting person, shaping and colouring the way you see the world. And once you’ve finished, a book sits handsomely on your shelf – to be treasured, reread or dipped into, without ever needing upgrading.

And if you’re really fretting about money, reading is proven to reduce stress, and is by far the best way to escape the muddle of the world for a while.

For these reasons (plus ease of gift-wrapping) books also make the perfect Credit Crunch presents. If Christmas is looking a bit leaner than usual this year, don’t forget how much you’re giving someone when you give them a book.

To make sure you choose right, for yourself or for a loved one, it’s useful to have some guidance, which is where the tools on Lovereading.co.uk come into their own. And if you still can’t decide, you can send a Lovereading book voucher by email.

So if you’re feeling the pinch, try not to worry. Tightening the purse strings doesn’t necessarily equate to misery. It means a chance to spend a little more time enjoying some great books.

Peter Crawshaw is Co Founder and Director of Lovereading.

Peter C :: Oct.17.2008 :: General Book News :: 2 Comments »

1		Testimony Anita Shreve     October 2008 Book of the Month.   Appearing on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 30 October 2008.   A sex scandal rocks the sheltered world of a private Vermont school, affecting students, parents and teachers alike. The story moves quickly as Shreve … Download free opening extract
2		The White Tiger Aravind Adiga Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2008   Aravind Adiga’s winning debut novel The White Tiger is decribed as a ‘compelling, angry and darkly humorous’ novel about a man’s journey from Indian village life to entrepreneurial success. It was described by one … Download free opening extract
3		A Season of Leaves Catherine Law     October 2008 Debut of the Month.   This is a lovely debut novel, truly romantic and irresistible once you have started it . Be prepared to sit and read this in one long romance filled afternoon as you get caught up in … Download free opening extract
4		Ultimate Burlesque October is Cancer Awareness Month and Accent Press have produced a collection of erotic short stories, revolving around the world of burlesque, with money from the sales of the books going to Cancer Awareness Charities. So maybe indulge your naughty … Download free opening extract
5		A Fraction of the Whole Steve Toltz Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008     One of two debut novels in the 2008 Man Booker shortlist and it certainly deserves the recognition. Great characterisation, plot and observations on a disjointed family. … Download free opening extract
6		The Almost Moon Alice Sebold Alice Sebold’s second novel is as moving and beautifully written as her first,The Lovely Bones. She takes some very sad and disturbing subject matter and writes about it in a way that completely captivates the reader. This is a story of mental illness … Download free opening extract
7		Heart and Soul Maeve Binchy The brand new novel from Maeve Binchy is another tale of family and relationship dramas. The story centres round Clara Casey, who is finding her two grown daughters more of a handful now than when they were teenagers. Not only … Download free opening extract
8		Life’s Too Short to Frost a Cupcake Rosie Wilde A great, laugh out loud, romantic comedy. Alice is a PA at a music company who is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to go and work in America from the New York office. What this actually means is she … Download free opening extract
9		The Clothes on Their Backs Linda Grant Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008   Spanning a time from 1950′s London to the present day we follow Vivien’s story to discover her family history, her parents are immigrants who have kept her sheltered from their past, and to find … Download free opening extract
10		The Northern Clemency Philip Hensher Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008     A tale of two families living in Sheffield from the 1970′s through to the 90′s. A great saga of a book, do not be put off by the length (738 pages) as it’s compelling … Download free opening extract

KIDS SITE TOP 10

1		Michael Rosen’s Book of Nonsense Michael Rosen In the best tradition of nonsense verse, here are poems, rhymes, wordplay and limericks to make everyone smile and laugh out loud.  Children will delight in unravelling the meanings of the words and in creating their own nonsense verse. … Download free opening extract
2		Stick Man Julia Donaldson Creators of The Gruffalo, best selling author/ illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are back with another bestseller on their hands. “Stick Man lives in the family tree/ with Stick Lady love/ And his children three”. But one day Stick … Download free opening extract
3		Uncle Montague’s Tales Of Terror Chris Priestley Chris Priestley in his first book with Bloomsbury has written a book that is impossible to put down. Be warned however! The content is scary, no doubt about it. The book contains a series of short fast-paced horror stories, climaxing … Download free opening extract
4		The 39 Clues 1: The Maze Of Bones Rick Riordan Want to get your kids reading, well here’s a spellbinding adventure that we think kids of 8 upwards will really pick up on for it’s something more than a book as it integrates books, games, a website, cards and prizes … Download free opening extract
5		Cosmo and the Secret Spell Gwyneth Rees Brilliant spooky fun with plenty of giggles for both parent and child to enjoy as well as a fair dose of frightening goings on.  What more do you need at halloween? … Download free opening extract
6		Eclipse Stephenie Meyer The much-anticipated 3rd novel in the captivating saga of vampire romance that began with Twilight, continued with New Moon. Friendships are stretched beyond breaking point and love choices must be made that are a matter of life and death and … Download free opening extract
7		Her Mother’s Face Roddy Doyle The first picture book from award winner Roddy Doyle is a heart-warming and gently reassuring tale about moving on and growing up.  The writing is quite sublime and the luscious illustrations by Freya Blackwood compliment the words beautifully. … Download free opening extract
8		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
9		Lost Happy Endings Carol Ann Duffy Shortlisted for the prestigious 2008 Greenway. A wonderfully lyrical story about the search for the happy endings that are needed to make the perfect story. Beautiful illustrations bring the story to life. … Download free opening extract
10		Kaspar Michael Morpurgo A wonderfully emotional but heart-warming tale from the pen of one of the foremost writers for children.  Brilliantly interwoven in historical fact at the time of the sinking of the Titanic is the story of Kaspar the Savoy cat, who … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Oct.17.2008 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

This Month’s Featured ‘Crime / Whodunit’ Books

Exposed Alex Kava After the slightly disappointing Whitewash, Alex Kava is back on form with a new Maggie O’Dell novel. When a killer strikes by using a deadly virus as his weapon O’Dell and her colleague Agent R.J Tully find themselves exposed and… £9.74 Save 25%

A Killing Frost R D Wingfield Despite being frequently on and off the television, we haven’t actually had a new book about DI Jack Frost for a surprising eight years. The books are darker than the TV series and more violent, probably some of the best… £5.24 Save 25%

Killer Year The second crime/thriller anthology from Mira. This time edited by Lee Child and the stories all come from new upcoming writers, with an introduction to each from established writers. The perfect book for dipping in to for a short, sharp… £9.74 Save 25%

Christine Falls Benjamin Black Very often when an author changes genre and picks a pseudonym so not to confuse his existing fans, he makes a secret of it and the publishers sell it into the trade as a first novel and only sometimes acknowledges… £5.99 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Literary / Contemporary’ Books

The Painter of Battles Arturo Perez-reverte Quite different form his usual action adventure novels this is a much more serious book which is perhaps slightly autobiographical as the main character is a war photographer, Perez-Reverte was a war journalist. This novel is definitely anti-war and is… £5.99 Save 25%

The Almost Moon Alice Sebold Alice Sebold’s second novel is as moving and beautifully written as her first,The Lovely Bones. She takes some very sad and disturbing subject matter and writes about it in a way that completely captivates the reader. This is a story of mental… £5.99 Save 25%

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas John Boyne Now a major film released in September 2008. Scroll down to see a trailer.     Initially it is difficult to believe that the young son of the commandant of Auschwitz is as innocent as he is, then you begin to… £5.24 Save 25%

People of the Book Geraldine Brooks   October 2008 Book of the Month.   A book you can’t rush but must sit back and become totally absorbed in. Convoluted with fascinating detail and full of short mysteries, almost like a series… £5.99 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Relationship Tales’ Books

A Season of Leaves Catherine Law   October 2008 Debut of the Month.   This is a lovely debut novel, truly romantic and irresistible once you have started it . Be prepared to sit and read this in one long romance filled afternoon… £9.74 Save 25%

Life’s Too Short to Frost a Cupcake Rosie Wilde A great, laugh out loud, romantic comedy. Alice is a PA at a music company who is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to go and work in America from the New York office. What this actually means is she… £5.24 Save 25%

Ex-Girlfriends United Matt Dunn A highly amusing page-turning tale of a serial womaniser mystified as to how he is suddenly girlfriendless. His best friend discovers that some 47 of his exes are slating him on a mysterious website! Time to seek them out and… £5.24 Save 25%

Mr Cavendish, I Presume Julia Quinn If you love this genre of Regency Romance then Julia Quinn is definitely worth a look. These are funny and charming, with plenty of dialogue to give them a fast pace. Julia Quinn writes pure escapism with feisty, fun characters… £5.24 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Mystery / Thriller’ Books

The Brass Verdict Michael Connelly Lawyer, Jerry Vincent is murdered leaving his client list to his down-on-his-luck colleague, Mickey Haller. Haller thinks his time in the spot light has come as one of his newly acquired clients is worth millions and could put Hallers career… £14.24 Save 25%

A Carrion Death Michael Stanley Contemporary Botswana but this is not the land of Mma Ramotswe of The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency. This is a dark, tough Botswana of diamond smuggling and corruption, and this stars Assistant Superintendent David Kubu Bengu. I liked… £5.99 Save 25%

Playing Dead Allison Brennan The last book in the Prison Break trilogy. This time the escapee is a man who has been on death row for more than 20 years after being found guilty of a crime he did not commit. Allison Brennan is… £5.24 Save 25%

Dead Line Stella Rimington October 2008 Book of the Month.     It’s always slightly thrilling reading a Stella Rimington as you feel you are getting to know the real workings and machinations of the Secret Service. Fast paced,… £11.24 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Family Drama’ Books

Testimony Anita Shreve   October 2008 Book of the Month.   Appearing on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 30 October 2008.   A sex scandal rocks the sheltered world of a private Vermont school, affecting students, parents and… £11.24 Save 25%

Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008 for debut novel. What would you do if you were a teenage girl with leukaemia and only a short time to live? Tess has ten things on her list and… £5.24 Save 25%

Love All Elizabeth Jane Howard Appearing on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 30 October 2008.   This is Elizabeth Jane Howard’s first novel for 9 years and it is like welcoming an old friend. This is the story of a group of people brought together… £12.74 Save 25%

Star Gazing Linda Gillard This was a joy to read from the first page to the last. The characters are all interesting and involving, the settings both in Edinburgh and Skye are brought further to life through the wonderful way in which the blind… £5.24 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Biography / Autobiography’ Books

That’s Another Story : The Autobiography Julie Walters One of the nations best loved actresses and comediennes tells her story in her own words. After a convent education Julie went in to nursing to please her mother but luckily for us she knew her heart lay… £14.24 Save 25%

In the Frame Helen Mirren One of Britain’s best loved and respected actresses, Helen Mirren, brings us the story of her life through a wonderful book of photos of. Lets face it, most of us whip straight to the photos in the middle of most… £8.24 Save 25%

Fathers and Sons Richard Madeley   October 2008 Debut of the Month.   In Richard Madeley’s first book he takes a look at the relationships between fathers and sons by looking back at his family and the relationships between his… £14.24 Save 25%

Keep Smiling Charlotte Church She may only be 21 but as she was “discovered” at the age of 11 she’s had several years to pack in some fascinating and funny experiences. If you want a light fun, read then Charlotte does have an interesting… £5.99 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Romance / Sagas’ Books

Heart and Soul Maeve Binchy The brand new novel from Maeve Binchy is another tale of family and relationship dramas. The story centres round Clara Casey, who is finding her two grown daughters more of a handful now than when they were teenagers. Not only… £14.24 Save 25%

This Year It Will Be Different Maeve Binchy A collection of short stories relating to Christmas which would make a good stocking filler for someone who hasn’t really read Maeve Binchy before. If you are a fan you may have read some of the stories before in other… £5.99 Save 25%

The Good Mayor Andrew Nicoll This is a delicious book! I loved every minute of its magical story-telling and found it difficult to put down. Andrew Nicoll succeeds in creating a vivid and atmospheric portrayal of the town of Dot, in an unspecified part of… £7.5 Save 25%

Enemies of the Heart Rebecca Dean An immensely satisfying, sweeping saga of cousins and their families from 1909-1946, set largely in Berlin and Yorkshire. It is one of those engrossing tales that never seems to let up on incident as we belt through four decades full… £5.24 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Horror / Fantasy / SciFi’ Books

20th Century Ghosts Joe Hill A debut collection of short stories which won the British Fantasy Award, the Bram Stoker Award, the World Fantasy Award and the International Horror Guild Award … Wow! He then went on to write the superb Heart-Shaped Box proving… £5.99 Save 25%

Keeping It Real Justina Robson A half robot female agent with balls, attitude and an arsenal of weapons in a wonderful, sexy adventure.Similar this month: none.Comparison: Laurell K Hamilton, Richard Morgan, Andy Secombe. £5.24 Save 25%

Lunar Park Bret Easton Ellis Author of the highly controversial American Psycho and the exceptional debut Less Than Zero takes himself and his early fame as the core to this bizarre and powerful examination of an author out of control. Just look at the… £5.99 Save 25%

Divided Kingdom Rupert Thomson You’ll either love this or hate this! No one can dispute the fact that Thomson’s prose is lyrical and truly mesmerizing but unless you can understand and are prepared to believe a United Kingdom that is split into four countries… £5.99 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘The Real World’ Books

The Bedside Book of the Garden D G Hessayon Dr Hessayon is best known for the fantastic “Expert” series of gardening books but here we are brought something slightly different and would be the perfect gift for any lover of gardening or gardens. There are lots of great chapters… £9.74 Save 25%

Match Wits with the Kids Jonathan Green A fun and enjoyable way to catch up on your learning, relive your schooldays and gen up on the topics kids are learning. Packed full of fun facts and tests for all the family, it’s a great way to hone… £6.74 Save 25%

New Europe Michael Palin In this new journey Michael Palin fills a void in his travels by visiting 22 Eastern European countries, places which had had limited access until the fall of the Berlin Wall at the end of the 1980’s. Many of the… £5.99 Save 25%

A.D. 500 Simon Young A travel guide to the Dark Ages written rather like a Rough Guide, advising you on what to look out for, what to avoid, what you should know about customs and dress, food and shelter, a wonderful and unusual way… £6.74 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ”new gen’ – Great Fiction for Teens and Young Adults’ Books

Tales Of Terror From The Black Ship Chris Priestley This is serious spine-tingling stuff and not for the faint-hearted, it’s a novel packed with chills, thrills, nail-biting suspense and heart-stopping revelations. Join Ethan and Cathy and steel yourself against the blood-curdling terror that lies ahead as you realise that whatever horrors the stormy… £8.24 Save 25%

A Really Short History Of Nearly Everything Bill Bryson Full of extraordinary discoveries and wonder at the world we live in, this is a thrilling scientific journey through history. It raises and answers many of the questions young readers ask about how the greatest scientific discoveries were made and who made them…. £11.24 Save 25%

Uncle Montague’s Tales Of Terror Chris Priestley Chris Priestley in his first book with Bloomsbury has written a book that is impossible to put down. Be warned however! The content is scary, no doubt about it. The book contains a series of short fast-paced horror stories, climaxing with the autobiographical… £5.24 Save 25%

Exposure Mal Peet A dramatic, topical novel inspired by Shakespeare’s Othello which will appeal to both boys and girls with its themes of football and celebrity culture.  Award winning Mal Peet’s Exposure is the third in the gripping trilogy which began with Keeper, about top sports… £5.99 Save 25%

Peter C :: Oct.14.2008 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

1		Testimony Anita Shreve     October 2008 Book of the Month.    A sex scandal rocks the sheltered world of a private Vermont school, affecting students, parents and teachers alike. The story moves quickly as Shreve switches the narrative from one character to the next allowing the … Download free opening extract
2		Heart and Soul Maeve Binchy The brand new novel from Maeve Binchy is another tale of family and relationship dramas. The story centres round Clara Casey, who is finding her two grown daughters more of a handful now than when they were teenagers. Not only … Download free opening extract
3		The Almost Moon Alice Sebold Alice Sebold’s second novel is as moving and beautifully written as her first,The Lovely Bones. She takes some very sad and disturbing subject matter and writes about it in a way that completely captivates the reader. This is a story of mental illness … Download free opening extract
4		A Season of Leaves Catherine Law      October 2008 Debut of the Month.   This is a lovely debut novel, truly romantic and irresistible once you have started it . Be prepared to sit and read this in one long romance filled afternoon as you get caught up in … Download free opening extract
5		Life’s Too Short to Frost a Cupcake Rosie Wilde A great, laugh out loud, romantic comedy. Alice is a PA at a music company who is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to go and work in America from the New York office. What this actually means is she … Download free opening extract
6		People of the Book Geraldine Brooks   October 2008 Book of the Month.      A book you can’t rush but must sit back and become totally absorbed in. Convoluted with fascinating detail and full of short mysteries, almost like a series of linking short stories, it all hangs round … Download free opening extract
7		Ultimate Burlesque October is Cancer Awareness Month and Accent Press have produced a collection of erotic short stories, revolving around the world of burlesque, with money from the sales of the books going to Cancer Awareness Charities. So maybe indulge your naughty … Download free opening extract
8		A Fraction of the Whole Steve Toltz Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008      One of two debut novels in the 2008 Man Booker shortlist and it certainly deserves the recognition. Great characterisation, plot and observations on a disjointed family. … Download free opening extract
9		Ex-Girlfriends United Matt Dunn A highly amusing page-turning tale of a serial womaniser mystified as to how he is suddenly girlfriendless. His best friend discovers that some 47 of his exes are slating him on a mysterious website! Time to seek them … Download free opening extract
10		A Killing Frost R D Wingfield Despite being frequently on and off the television, we haven’t actually had a new book about DI Jack Frost for a surprising eight years. The books are darker than the TV series and more violent, probably some of the … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Oct.09.2008 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

The Man Booker Prize winner is announced this month; one of the most exciting events in the literary calendar and an inspiring time to find your next book. After all, part of the joy of reading is the choosing bit, when a first page can suddenly capture your imagination. Which is where Lovereading’s free Opening Extracts come into their own….

Author of the Month – Maeve Binchy

This massively popular writer has a new book out this month Heart and Soul. Doctor Clara Casey has more than enough on her plate – two troubled daughters, a new job and an ex-husband who wants something… Meanwhile, Declan gets more than he bargains for when he joins the clinic, and Ania is hoping her new job away from Poland can mend her broken heart. Find out more and discover some of her wonderful older books (or backlist – as we call them in the trade)

Brilliant Books of the Month for October

Dead Line is by Stella Rimington, most famous for her controversially frank memoirs of her time as Director-General of MI5. Her new novel is about Liz Carlyle, an MI5 officer who has to has to get to the bottom of some worrying intelligence fast: the future of the whole Middle East depends on it.

And Testimony is by master storyteller Anita Shreve. A gripping, pacy and emotional drama, Testimony sees a videotaped sex scandal break at a New England boarding school; the resulting outcry shows how lives can be derailed and destroyed in one foolish moment.

Be one of the first to read first time novels

Some really wonderful reads can be found in our Debut section. We’ve always championed first-time authors because we want you to stay ahead of the game as readers. There are future prize-winners and must-reads just waiting to be discovered – for proof, look at some of the books we have featured in the past that have gone on to become bestsellers: My Vintage Summer and Child 44 to name just two.

This month we have two. First, from well-known TV presenter Richard Madeley, comes Fathers and Sons; a bravely honest history of the male side of his family through the last century. This thoughtful book considers how fathers and sons relate to each other and shape each other’s lives.

And A Season of Leaves by Catherine Law is an extraordinary love story. Rose Pepper has kept secrets from her daughter for over 40 years, but some old letters threaten to betray her history – her love affair with a young Czech soldier, and their struggle to avoid communist persecution after eloping to Prague.

Which book do you think should win the Man Booker prize?

The Man Booker Prize winner will be announced on 14 October. You can read Opening Extracts from the six shortlisted books here and rest assured they’re all brilliant. Michael Portillo, who is chairing this year’s judging panel, described them as “intensely readable, each of them an extraordinary example of imagination and narrative.” You can also register your favorite in the on site poll.

Buy a book and do your bit for Breast cancer

Part of a series of events to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, Ultimate Burlesque is an eye-opening collection of stories by the UK’s top erotic writers. Tease yourself with tales of twirling tassels and fetishes guilt-free – you’ll be helping a very good cause.

Become a judge for the Costa Book Award!!

For a book lover this really is the opportunity of a lifetime!

Costa is offering one UK reader the chance to join the judging panel that decides the winner of the prestigious Costa Book of the Year. This is the first time a major book prize has offered this opportunity to a member of the public.

The prize includes attending the final judging meeting in January 2009 with the nine other judging panel members to decide the Costa Book of the Year 2008. The winner will also attend the Costa Book Awards gala dinner and awards presentation.

Find out how to enter by reading the Lovereading Blog today – good luck!

Peter C :: Oct.06.2008 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

Please note – for future readers of this post that it was written 2 weeks before the results of the Man Booker prize 2008 were announced – so we have to admit that are readers, and rather embarrassingly the bookies got it very wrong! – right, with that said read on!

With 2 weeks to go until the announcement of the Man Booker Prize winner it looks like Lovereading.co.uk readers are, once again, ahead of the game.

In an on site poll the clear leader with 35% of the vote is Amitav Ghosh – Sea of Poppies and it looks like the Bookies are following suit.

When the shortlist was announced Sea of Poppies was 4th favourite at 6/1 the odds have now been shortened to 7/2 making it the 2nd favourite.

The bookies favourite is still Sebastian Barry – The Secret Scripture now at 5/2 but in the Lovereading.co.uk onsite poll it is currently 3rd with only 17% of the vote behind Linda Grant – The Clothes on Their Backs with 22%.

What William Hill and the Lovereading.co.uk readers do agree on, however, is the last placed book which is Aravind Adiga – The White Tiger.

Lovereading.co.uk has a special section devoted to the prize and website users can download and read the Opening Extract of all the shortlist totally free!

The White Tiger Aravind Adiga A promising debut novel which takes a funny and satirical look at modern day India. Taking a different approach from more recent India-based novels this looks at a darker, more political, side of life. Format: Hardback £9.74 Save 25%	The Secret Scripture Sebastian Barry A powerful and moving novel bringing the worlds of Ireland’s past and present together. Great characterisation and a thought provoking story. Format: Hardback £12.74 Save 25%	Sea of Poppies Amitav Ghosh The first in a trilogy set in the Indian sub-continent of the 1830’s. An array of characters set sail on the Ibris and as their stories unfold and intertwine we gain a fascinating insight in to the politics of colonialism. Format: Hardback £14.24 Save 25%
The Clothes on Their Backs Linda Grant Spanning a time from 1950’s London to the present day we follow Vivien’s story to discover her family history, her parents are immigrants who have kept her sheltered from their past, and to find her own place in the world.  A moving and tender novel. Format: Paperback £8.99 Save 25%	The Northern Clemency Philip Hensher A tale of two families living in Sheffield from the 1970’s through to the 90’s. A great saga of a book, do not be put off by the length (738 pages) as it’s compelling stuff. Format: Hardback £13.49 Save 25%	A Fraction of the Whole Steve Toltz One of two debut novels in the 2008 Man Booker shortlist and it certainly deserves the recognition. Great characterisation, plot and observations on a disjointed family. Format: Hardback £13.49 Save 25%

Peter C :: Oct.02.2008 :: General Book News :: No Comments »

Please see below for a hot off the wires press release that could give one book lover an opportunity of a lifetime!

COSTA LAUNCHES COMPETITION TO FIND MEMBER OF PUBLIC TO JOIN BOOK PRIZE FINAL JUDGING PANEL

Costa is offering one UK reader the chance to join the judging panel that decides the winner of the prestigious Costa Book of the Year.  This is the first time a major book prize has offered this opportunity to a member of the public.

The prize includes attending the final judging meeting in January 2009 with the nine other judging panel members to decide the Costa Book of the Year 2008. The winner will also attend the Costa Book Awards gala dinner and awards presentation.

From Wednesday 1^st October 2008, the competition will be promoted throughout all of Costa’s UK stores with entries submitted via www.costabookawards.com.

The winner of the competition will join the Costa Book of the Year final judging panel which comprises a representative from each of the five category judging panels, and four people from outside the literary world who love reading, including a Chairman.

The competition is open to all UK adults aged 18 or over.  To qualify for entry, entrants must submit a 300-word book review and a 500-word application setting out their suitability for the role. 

From the entries received, a shortlist of 12 will be selected.  The 12 shortlisted entrants will then be invited to London to attend a book review debate presided over by author Joanna Trollope, Chairman of the 2007 final judging panel, from which one winner will be selected.   

The Costa Book Awards 2008 final judging panel will be revealed in December.

“This competition is very exciting because it has the sheer pleasure of reading at its core,” commented Joanna Trollope. “I was thrilled to be asked to be involved and will be looking for entertaining opinions, articulate delivery and most importantly, a real, demonstrable passion for books and reading.”

The closing date for entries is 31^st October 2008. 

For more information on this year’s Costa Book Awards, go to www.costabookawards.com.

Peter C :: Oct.01.2008 :: General Book News :: 3 Comments »