Archive for September, 2009

Most popular Opening Extracts 20 – 27 Sep 2009

Lovereading.co.uk Top 10

1		The Lost Symbol Dan Brown Dan Brown is a bit like Ronseal, he does exactly what is says on the tin and delivers a fast paced thriller with Robert Langdon returning to solve countless clues, decipher codes and try not to get himself killed. This … Download free opening extract
2		A Change in Altitude Anita Shreve Anita Shreve always manages to throw a curve ball into events and change her characters lives irrevocably. A newly married couple find out how little they know about each other while on a Kenyan expedition. Get ready for powerful, emotional … Download free opening extract
3		The Girl on the Landing Paul Torday September 2009 Book of the Month. A ghost story … well, maybe a psychological thriller … but then again … it’s a tale of love rediscovered and it’s very clever. In fact it is all these things as well as being … Download free opening extract
4		The Perfect Man Sheila O’Flanagan Set against the background of a Caribbean cruise if you want some pure romantic escapism then here it is. Sheila O’Flanagan writes enjoyable, believable characters who you can’t help rooting for and praying that they get their happy ending. Fun … Download free opening extract
5		The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark September 2009 Debut of the Month. Fifteenth century Venice and a street urchin is ‘rescued’ by the Doge’s master chef and taken on as his apprentice. The court life and culinary snippets add depth to the mystery surrounding an ancient book … Download free opening extract
6		The Bradshaw Variations Rachel Cusk September 2009 Book of the Month. A family drama where the characters spend their time analysing themselves and their roles in the family. Funny and sad this novel will have you analysing your own place in life and looking at what … Download free opening extract
7		Hit and Run Lawrence Block September 2009 Book of the Month. Shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger 2009. CWA Judges’ comments: ‘Immoral and highly entertaining, Block makes us root for his hitman anti-hero.’ Despite being a hitman Keller is an incredibly likeable character the readers routes for all … Download free opening extract
8		The Surrogate Tania Carver September 2009 Debut of the Month. Warped, sick, gruesome and very good, this is told in alternating chapters between the police investigation into the killing of pregnant women and the cutting out of their babies, to the killer’s home and coping … Download free opening extract
9		The Little Stranger Sarah Waters Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2009. With her usual masterly powers for evoking atmosphere, Sarah Waters treats us to this utterly unnerving ghost story. When Dr Faraday is called to the once-glorious, now decaying, Hundreds Hall to treat a young … Download free opening extract
10		The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science Richard Holmes Winner of the 2009 Royal Society Prize for Science Books. Richard Holmes describes his book as a relay race, set on the cusp of the 1800’s with discovery following after discovery, our own planet, the sky above us and the universe beyond. … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk Top 10

1		The Robbers Josh Lacey Peter is minding his own business depositing his savings in a bank when there’s a ‘hold-up’. Can Peter’s quick thinking surprise and overcome the robbers in order to save his and other people’s money. Edge of your seat writing for … Download free opening extract
2		The Best of Times Michael Morpurgo A story that is by turns heart-wrenching but also ultimately uplifting as the protagonist in the story, a recently married Prince must find a way to bring love and laughter out of the sorrow and tears that his Princess feels. This square little hardback … Download free opening extract
3		I Spy: The Constantinople Caper Graham Marks An absolutely gripping spy adventure packed full of mystery, intrigue and high paced drama. It combines the action-packed exploits of Alex Rider, with the historical advnetures of Young Indiana Jones, in a classic story of one boy’s fight to find … Download free opening extract
4		Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children Conn Iggulden It’s Peter Pan with attitude as Conn Iggulden, creator of the phenomenal bestseller The Dangerous Book for Boys, introduces an explosive and magical new fictional world of the Tollins – flying creatures that aren’t fairies! – all beautifully illustrated in … Download free opening extract
5		The Traitor Game B R Collins Winner of for the 2009 Branford Boase Best Debut Novel Award An extraordinary fantasy novel from a supremely talented debut novelist. Set partly in a boys’ school and also in another world that is both fierce and dangerous, it has themes … Download free opening extract
6		Tom’s Tree Gillian Shields A truly uplifting story about love, hope and the importance of patience. Tom plants a seed and imagines what it will be like as it grows – the trunk is a tall mast of a ship with dragons hiding in … Download free opening extract
7		A Misfitz Mystery: Two Tigers on a String Josh Lacey Humour and pace are the hallmarks of Josh Lacey’s writing (Grk series and Bearkeeper) and this new series (this is the second title) makes this an absolute must read for 9+ year olds. The Misfitz are four children who share … Download free opening extract
8		StoryWorld: The Storytelling Book (slipcase edition) John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews A brilliant and completely unique book package appeared recently here at Lovereading4kids and we think it’s absolutely marvellous. It will enable young and old, reluctant readers and those who love books, to unlock their imaginations. The world of storytelling has … Download free opening extract
9		Living with Vampires Jeremy Strong Family problems of an unusual kind make life complicated for Kevin. With vampires for parents, he does his best to control them but things can’t help getting out of hand… Blood is their favourite drink so it isn’t surprising that … Download free opening extract
10		Boom! Mark Haddon Everything about this deliciously improbable adventure is almost completely daft – and that’s the fun of it all. When Charlie sets up his walkie-talkie in the staff room he doesn’t hear gossip about the pupils as he had expected. Instead, … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Sep.28.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Most downloaded book extracts 13 – 20 Sep 2009

Lovereading.co.uk Top 10

1		The Lost Symbol Dan Brown Dan Brown is a bit like Ronseal, he does exactly what is says on the tin and delivers a fast paced thriller with Robert Langdon returning to solve countless clues, decipher codes and try not to get himself killed. This … Download free opening extract
2		The Girl on the Landing Paul Torday September 2009 Book of the Month. A ghost story … well, maybe a psychological thriller … but then again … it’s a tale of love rediscovered and it’s very clever. In fact it is all these things as well as being … Download free opening extract
3		A Change in Altitude Anita Shreve Anita Shreve always manages to throw a curve ball into events and change her characters lives irrevocably. A newly married couple find out how little they know about each other while on a Kenyan expedition. Get ready for powerful, emotional … Download free opening extract
4		The Perfect Man Sheila O’Flanagan Set against the background of a Caribbean cruise if you want some pure romantic escapism then here it is. Sheila O’Flanagan writes enjoyable, believable characters who you can’t help rooting for and praying that they get their happy ending. Fun … Download free opening extract
5		Hit and Run Lawrence Block September 2009 Book of the Month. Shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger 2009. CWA Judges’ comments: ‘Immoral and highly entertaining, Block makes us root for his hitman anti-hero.’ Despite being a hitman Keller is an incredibly likeable character the readers routes for all … Download free opening extract
6		The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark September 2009 Debut of the Month. Fifteenth century Venice and a street urchin is ‘rescued’ by the Doge’s master chef and taken on as his apprentice. The court life and culinary snippets add depth to the mystery surrounding an ancient book … Download free opening extract
7		The Bradshaw Variations Rachel Cusk September 2009 Book of the Month. A family drama where the characters spend their time analysing themselves and their roles in the family. Funny and sad this novel will have you analysing your own place in life and looking at what … Download free opening extract
8		The Little Stranger Sarah Waters Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2009. With her usual masterly powers for evoking atmosphere, Sarah Waters treats us to this utterly unnerving ghost story. When Dr Faraday is called to the once-glorious, now decaying, Hundreds Hall to treat a young … Download free opening extract
9		The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science Richard Holmes Winner of the 2009 Royal Society Prize for Science Books. Richard Holmes describes his book as a relay race, set on the cusp of the 1800’s with discovery following after discovery, our own planet, the sky above us and the universe beyond. … Download free opening extract
10		The Time Traveler’s Wife Audrey Niffenegger Destined to become a classic. It is in essence a love story but it travels back and forth in time in a unique way which gives you glimpses of time before the time is due and although you may … Download free opening extract

KIDS SITE TOP 10

1		I Spy: The Constantinople Caper Graham Marks An absolutely gripping adventure packed full of mystery, intrigue and high paced drama. Trey is off on the Orient Express to take a tour of Europe with his father. Even before the train has left the Gare de Lyon, Trey … Download free opening extract
2		Tom’s Tree Gillian Shields A truly uplifting story about love, hope and the importance of patience. Tom plants a seed and imagines what it will be like as it grows – the trunk is a tall mast of a ship with dragons hiding in … Download free opening extract
3		StoryWorld: The Storytelling Book (slipcase edition) John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews A brilliant and completely unique book package appeared recently here at Lovereading4kids and we think it’s absolutely marvellous. It will enable young and old, reluctant readers and those who love books, to unlock their imaginations. The world of storytelling has … Download free opening extract
4		The BFG Roald Dahl This is a delightful, funny and exciting story about a special friendship between two people from different worlds – a giant and a child. As the story develops it shows how trust and love develops between them. It also … Download free opening extract
5		The Robbers Josh Lacey Peter is minding his own business depositing his savings in a bank when there’s a ‘hold-up’. Can Peter’s quick thinking surprise and overcome the robbers in order to save his and other people’s money. Edge of your seat writing for … Download free opening extract
6		The Best of Times Michael Morpurgo Lovereading comment to follow soon… The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award rewards the best in contemporary children’s and young adult literature from all over the world. Michael Morpurgo has been shortlisted for the award, the winner of which will be announced in March 2010. … Download free opening extract
7		Ghost for Sale Terry Deary Terry Deary, one of the best known children’s authors writing today has written a scary yet funny short novel that is dyslexia friendly. 9+ year olds will find the storyline terrific yet the reading age for it is a little … Download free opening extract
8		Boom! Mark Haddon Everything about this deliciously improbable adventure is almost completely daft – and that’s the fun of it all. When Charlie sets up his walkie-talkie in the staff room he doesn’t hear gossip about the pupils as he had expected. Instead, … Download free opening extract
9		Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela, Chris Van Wyk Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life story has been adapted into a wonderfully child-friendly version. It tells of his childhood as an ordinary boy in a village and how his belief in democracy was already strongly developed while a student. Mandela’s fight … Download free opening extract
10		The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Suzanne Collins Hot on the heals of the adrenaline rush that was Hunger Games comes the equally excellent and relentles sequel Catching Fire. Katniss’s hopes of an easy life after she was top dog in the leathal game show are short-lived after … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Sep.21.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

There is more to life than the latest Dan Brown!

There really is more to the book world than discounted copies of Dan Brown’s next epic! Our mid-month email is packed with dozens and dozens of NEW books, as good if not better – and you can decide by downloading a free Opening Extract of all our featured books! Also if you have a favourite author then use our unique Author Like for Like tool to find more like them.

This month’s Highlights

Good Housekeeping’s book selections NOW online

Book reviews in magazines are good – but wouldn’t it be even better to easily get a free Opening Extract, to see if you really like the books. Well, from September that’s exactly what you will be able to do with an exciting new partnership with Good Housekeeping, one of Britain’s oldest and most successful women’s magazines. Also, if you’re not a regular reader of Good Housekeeping, you can still benefit from the guidance and experience of their book editor Kerry Fowler, simply by logging into your Lovereading Account and updating the list of categories you receive each month to include the Good Housekeeping selections.

The best Crime Book Awards now online and on the telly!

In these days of sponsored awards most are a mouthful and these are no exception – but don’t be put off, they are top notch and very highly regarded in the book trade. You can see all the short lists for the ‘Specsavers Crime Thriller Awards’ in a special section on our site and you can tune into ITV3 on Wed 21 October to hear the winners. Also have your say by voting on the Bestseller Award by clicking here.

Popular Science – find out more about the world you live in

This years Royal Society Prize for Science Books has just been won by Richard Holmes’ extraordinary account of how science influenced the romantic generation – The Age of Wonder. To herald in this worthy winner respected reviewer Sue Baker has helped find some fascinating and accessible books about modern science for our new Popular Science category. As science becomes an increasingly pervasive force in the world, it’s a good idea to learn a bit about what’s going on in our labs and universities and the implications for our lives and our planet.

Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy – New book and exclusive competition

30 years ago the Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy burst into our lives via the radio – and over the years it’s been a series of books, a TV show and even a film. Now, 30 years on, Eoin Colfer has picked up Douglas Adams’ mantle and has written a sequel ‘And Another Thing…’ due out in October. Find out more about this and remind yourself of the hilarious original series of books in our special section and have a chance to win lots of pan-galactic goodies.

Help the next generation love books and reading

As a book lover we don’t need to convince you of the multitudinous benefits you can get from literature – but perhaps you have children, or know parents of children, and you sometimes despair at the amount of time they spend watching TV or playing video games? If so, why not take a look at our sister site Lovereading4kids? Julia Eccleshare,the Children’s Book Editor at The Guardian is our editorial expert and helps us select the books and as with Lovereading, all the featured books, this time split by age, have free Opening Extracts and a 25% discount of the RRP. Show them what they are missing today!

Happy Reading

Peter C :: Sep.16.2009 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

Twitter and Social Networks are not seen as ‘useful’ by book readers

In a recent survey conducted by Book Marketing (BML), book-lovers gave a resounding thumbs down to ‘social networks’ such as Facebook and Twitter with only 3% seeing them as very useful places they would go to for recommendations on what books to read next.

Instead, they actively seek out more authentic expert views on the web from Author websites as well as trusted independent sources of guidance such as Lovereading.co.uk. In addition, when asked where they find out about the latest books, the web was the most used but email newsletter and reviews in the newspaper scored highly as well.

At the other end of the scale, only 5% of respondents said they often looked at the expensive posters sites typically seen on public transport.

Peter Crawshaw of Lovereading said ‘In one way the research findings support the more ‘traditional’ view that is held about book lovers. What is interesting however is the high level of independence shown by them in the sourcing of authentic expert views on what they might like to read next. It also points to the ‘Stephen Fry / Jonathan Ross Twitter effect as being the exception rather than the rule’

BML (www.bookmarketing.co.uk ) is the UK’s leading provider of market research information and business intelligence on the UK book market, undertaking research for individual publishers and book retailers, and on behalf of syndicates, trade associations, arts organisations and government agencies.

butchik :: Sep.16.2009 :: General Book News :: No Comments »

Most popular downloads 6 – 13 Sep 2009

Lovereading.co.uk Top 10

1		The Girl on the Landing Paul Torday September 2009 Book of the Month. A ghost story … well, maybe a psychological thriller … but then again … it’s a tale of love rediscovered and it’s very clever. In fact it is all these things as well as being … Download free opening extract
2		The Perfect Man Sheila O’Flanagan Set against the background of a Caribbean cruise if you want some pure romantic escapism then here it is. Sheila O’Flanagan writes enjoyable, believable characters who you can’t help rooting for and praying that they get their happy ending. Fun … Download free opening extract
3		Hit and Run Lawrence Block September 2009 Book of the Month. Shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger 2009. CWA Judges’ comments: ‘Immoral and highly entertaining, Block makes us root for his hitman anti-hero.’ Despite being a hitman Keller is an incredibly likeable character the readers routes for all … Download free opening extract
4		The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark September 2009 Debut of the Month. Fifteenth century Venice and a street urchin is ‘rescued’ by the Doge’s master chef and taken on as his apprentice. The court life and culinary snippets add depth to the mystery surrounding an ancient book … Download free opening extract
5		The Surrogate Tania Carver September 2009 Debut of the Month. Warped, sick, gruesome and very good, this is told in alternating chapters between the police investigation into the killing of pregnant women and the cutting out of their babies, to the killer’s home and coping … Download free opening extract
6		Evil at Heart Chelsea Cain September 2009 Book of the Month. We have championed Chelsea Cain from the start and quite deservedly. In this third instalment of the series, about evil serial killer Gretchen Lowell, there is no let up on the action. Just when you … Download free opening extract
7		The Difference a Day Makes Carole Matthews A really lovely feel-good read about two professional townies, William and Amy, who chuck it all in and decamp to Yorkshire with their children. Enter an assortment of crazy animals and an enormous culture shock. Then William dies and Amy … Download free opening extract
8		The Bradshaw Variations Rachel Cusk September 2009 Book of the Month. A family drama where the characters spend their time analysing themselves and their roles in the family. Funny and sad this novel will have you analysing your own place in life and looking at what … Download free opening extract
9		Dog on It Spencer Quinn September 2009 Debut of the Month. A fresh and amusing approach to crime writing for the action is seen through the eyes of the private investigator’s dog. With a kidnapping at its centre, the Russian mafia to the fore and scents, … Download free opening extract
10		A Change in Altitude Anita Shreve Anita Shreve always manages to throw a curve ball into events and change her characters lives irrevocably. A newly married couple find out how little they know about each other while on a Kenyan expedition. Get ready for powerful, emotional … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk Top 10

1		StoryWorld: The Storytelling Book (slipcase edition) John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews A brilliant and completely unique book package appeared recently here at Lovereading4kids and we think it’s absolutely marvellous. It will enable young and old, reluctant readers and those who love books, to unlock their imaginations. The world of storytelling has … Download free opening extract
2		Boom! Mark Haddon Everything about this deliciously improbable adventure is almost completely daft – and that’s the fun of it all. When Charlie sets up his walkie-talkie in the staff room he doesn’t hear gossip about the pupils as he had expected. Instead, … Download free opening extract
3		Roald Dahl’s Completely Revolting Recipes Roald Dahl A feast of fabulous recipes drawn from Roald Dahl’s best selling stories. Fans of Matilda will love the deliciously chocolatey recipe for Billy Bogtrotter’s Cake. And George’s Marvellous Medicine Chicken Soup will slip down a treat while Boggis’s Chicken which … Download free opening extract
4		I Spy: The Constantinople Caper Graham Marks An absolutely gripping adventure packed full of mystery, intrigue and high paced drama. Trey is off on the Orient Express to take a tour of Europe with his father. Even before the train has left the Gare de Lyon, Trey … Download free opening extract
5		The BFG Roald Dahl This is a delightful, funny and exciting story about a special friendship between two people from different worlds – a giant and a child. As the story develops it shows how trust and love develops between them. It also … Download free opening extract
6		Skeleton Key (The Graphic Novel) Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston Divided into the action-packed spreads of this graphic format, Alex Rider, the boy recruited by M16, is back for an exciting adventure set in Cuba. The dangers and challenges as well as the heroic actions Alex must take to keep … Download free opening extract
7		Tom’s Tree Gillian Shields A truly uplifting story about love, hope and the importance of patience. Tom plants a seed and imagines what it will be like as it grows – the trunk is a tall mast of a ship with dragons hiding in … Download free opening extract
8		Bob and Barry’s Lunar Adventures: The Disappearing Moon Simon Bartram Bob, the Man on the Moon, has already had several prize-winning adventures. Now he and his extra special dog Barry are back in a new format for more surprises about a very special place. Bob and Barry have to use … Download free opening extract
9		Hide and Seek Cathy Macphail Chilling from start to finish this is a brilliant, fast moving and spooky story. When new girl Destiny arrives at school she asks if it is really haunted… Everyone knows it isn’t but tricking Destiny seems like a bit of … Download free opening extract
10		Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela, Chris Van Wyk Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life story has been adapted into a wonderfully child-friendly version. It tells of his childhood as an ordinary boy in a village and how his belief in democracy was already strongly developed while a student. Mandela’s fight … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Sep.14.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Most popular Downloaded Extracts 30 Aug – 6 Sep 2009

Lovereading.co.uk TOP 10

1		The Girl on the Landing Paul Torday September 2009 Book of the Month. A ghost story … well, maybe a psychological thriller … but then again … it’s a tale of love rediscovered and it’s very clever. In fact it is all these things as well as being … Download free opening extract
2		The Perfect Man Sheila O’Flanagan Set against the background of a Caribbean cruise if you want some pure romantic escapism then here it is. Sheila O’Flanagan writes enjoyable, believable characters who you can’t help rooting for and praying that they get their happy ending. Fun … Download free opening extract
3		Dog on It Spencer Quinn September 2009 Debut of the Month. A fresh and amusing approach to crime writing for the action is seen through the eyes of the private investigator’s dog. With a kidnapping at its centre, the Russian mafia to the fore and scents, … Download free opening extract
4		The Time Traveler’s Wife Audrey Niffenegger Destined to become a classic. It is in essence a love story but it travels back and forth in time in a unique way which gives you glimpses of time before the time is due and although you may … Download free opening extract
5		Hit and Run Lawrence Block September 2009 Book of the Month. Despite being a hitman Keller is an incredibly likeable character the readers routes for all the way. When Keller decides to take one last job before retiring he soon realises what a huge mistake that … Download free opening extract
6		Evil at Heart Chelsea Cain September 2009 Book of the Month. We have championed Chelsea Cain from the start and quite deservedly. In this third instalment of the series, about evil serial killer Gretchen Lowell, there is no let up on the action. Just when you … Download free opening extract
7		Season of the Witch Natasha Mostert Winner of the World Book Day 2009 Book to Talk About. A creepy tale of passion, seduction and mind-reading. The known phenomenon of ‘remote viewing’ – a psychic talent allowing the perpetrator to ‘see’ things that are far separate from … Download free opening extract
8		The Life You Want Emily Barr Another good read from Emily Barr with a lot of insight into human suffering and how the experiences that our heroine Tasy has in India make her re-evaluate her life as she learns to know herself. It’s astute and reintroduces … Download free opening extract
9		Passion Louise Bagshawe August 2009 Book of the Month. After 13 top selling glitz and glamour novels, this talented author has changed tack and written an adventure yarn, a sort of James Bond for girls, and it’s terrific. Fast moving, lots going on, bags … Download free opening extract
10		Small Island Andrea Levy This September BBC1 will be airing a prime-time adaptation of this exceptional, multi-award-winning novel about racism and bigotry just after the second world war. I’m sure it will be splendid but no adaptation can give you the full glory of … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk TOP 10

1		Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela, Chris Van Wyk Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life story has been adapted into a wonderfully child-friendly version. It tells of his childhood as an ordinary boy in a village and how his belief in democracy was already strongly developed while a student. Mandela’s fight … Download free opening extract
2		Bob and Barry’s Lunar Adventures: The Disappearing Moon Simon Bartram Bob, the Man on the Moon, has already had several prize-winning adventures. Now he and his extra special dog Barry are back in a new format for more surprises about a very special place. Bob and Barry have to use … Download free opening extract
3		Boom! Mark Haddon Everything about this deliciously improbable adventure is almost completely daft – and that’s the fun of it all. When Charlie sets up his walkie-talkie in the staff room he doesn’t hear gossip about the pupils as he had expected. Instead, … Download free opening extract
4		StoryWorld: The Storytelling Book (slipcase edition) John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews A brilliant and completely unique book package appeared recently here at Lovereading4kids and we think it’s absolutely marvellous. It will enable young and old, reluctant readers and those who love books, to unlock their imaginations. The world of storytelling has … Download free opening extract
5		Threads Sophia Bennett Fresh, witty and wholly contemporary, prize winning Threads won The Times/Chicken House writing competition in 2009. How three teenage friends with completely different interests – one’s into fashion, one plans to save the world and one is a budding young … Download free opening extract
6		Hide and Seek Cathy Macphail Chilling from start to finish this is a brilliant, fast moving and spooky story. When new girl Destiny arrives at school she asks if it is really haunted… Everyone knows it isn’t but tricking Destiny seems like a bit of … Download free opening extract
7		Tabby McTat Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Best-selling author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have teamed up again to create a heart-warming story about loyalty and friendship. When Tabby McTat the busker’s cat gets separated from the busker he begins a new life on his … Download free opening extract
8		Wishing for Tomorrow Hilary Mckay A new chapter to the story of Sara Crew has been cleverly crafted by Hilary McKay who picks up the threads at Miss Minchin’s after Sara has left and, in particular, the loneliness of Sara’s friend Ermengarde who is teased … Download free opening extract
9		Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl A book that requires no introduction as it is probably Dahl’s best-known and most read creation and deservedly so. The secretive and magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory is revealed to five ‘lucky’ children, each of who has won … Download free opening extract
10		Ghost Hunter: Book 6 Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Michelle Paver Dazzling entertainment, seamless storytelling, this is the stunning 6th and final episode, bringing the bestselling ‘The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness’, which began so dramatically with Wolf Brother, to a close. Now it is Torak’s last adventure; he must travel up into … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Sep.07.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Lovereading – Erotic Fiction for the longer nights

Writer and all round literary don Maxim Jakubowski, Lovereading’s crime expert, also has a passion for Erotic Fiction. So, he has taken on the mantle of selecting books for our Provocative Prose genre. Below are the first of his selections.We hope you enjoy them and visit regularly for more inspiration.

We have free opening extracts of all the ‘featured books’ click on any book to download.

A note from Maxim Jakubowski

From time immemorial, prose has celebrated the joy of the senses and addressed the joys and complexities of sex. Think ‘The Song of Solomon’ in the Bible or The 1001 Nights, through to Chaucer, Boccacio and the often shocking sensual nightmares of the Marquis de Sade.

So where does the line between what is considered erotic and what might be termed pornographic stand? Some argue that if titillation is the only object of the exercise, then it falls into the realm of the latter. But then one must be careful to distinguish between titillation and provocation, and who would deny that D.H. Lawrence, for instance, with LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER seriously attempted to combine both elements, while still offering social commentary and a deep examination of human feelings and attitudes to sexuality.

More modern practitioners of erotica like Henry Miller, Anais Nin, Anne Rice with her ‘Sleeping Beauty’ trilogy (as Anne Roquelaure) and others have pushed the envelope further, and I would argue that we are right now in the middle of a veritable Golden Age for literary erotica, where no sexual subject is taboo and can be written about with both sensuality and delicacy and an attention to serious characterisation. Naturally, some will always find such books shocking. But I daresay none of those I have selected for your further perusal could be found guilty of being exploitative.

So, stretch your fictional limits and dip, with caution, into this ocean of pleasure!

_________________________________________________

A note from <a href=”http://www.lovereading.co.uk/maximjakubowski”>Maxim Jakubowski</a>

From time immemorial, prose has celebrated the joy of the senses and addressed the joys and complexities of sex. Think ‘The Song of Solomon’ in the Bible or The 1001 Nights, through to Chaucer, Boccacio and the often shocking sensual nightmares of the Marquis de Sade. So where does the line between what is considered erotic and what might be termed pornographic stand? Some argue that if titillation is the only object of the exercise, then it falls into the realm of the latter. But then one must be careful to distinguish between titillation and provocation, and who would deny that D.H. Lawrence, for instance, with <a href=”http://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/9780141441498/isbn/Lady-Chatterley%27s-Lover-AND-A-Propos-of-Lady-Chatterley%27s-Lover-by-D.H.-Lawrence,-Doris-May-Lessing.html”>LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER</a> seriously attempted to combine both elements, while still offering social commentary and a deep examination of human feelings and attitudes to sexuality. More modern practitioners of erotica like Henry Miller, Anais Nin, Anne Rice with her ‘Sleeping Beauty’ trilogy (as Anne Roquelaure) and others have pushed the envelope further, and I would argue that we are right now in the middle of a veritable Golden Age for literary erotica, where no sexual subject is taboo and can be written about with both sensuality and delicacy and an attention to serious characterisation. Naturally, some will always find such books shocking. but I daresay none of those I have selected for your further perusal could be found guilty of being exploitative. So, stretch your fictional limits and dip, with caution, into this ocean of pleasure! Maxim Jakubowski will be teaching a 3 days creative writing course on erotica for Faber & Faber this autumn. <a href=”http://www.faber.co.uk/article/2009/5/faber-academy-erotica-course” target=”_blank”>Click here</a> to find out more.

The Story of the Eye

Georges Bataille

GEORGES BATAILLE – Some would say the French have always had a discerning touch for the sexual as well as the bizarre and Bataille’s THE STORY OF THE EYE, imbued by the excesses of surrealism take sex into another dimension….

Format: Paperback – Released: 26/04/2001

Lust Bites

Kristina Lloyd, Portia Da Costa, Mathilde Madden

LUST BITES – The Black Lace imprint has been at the forefront in presenting erotica by women for women and this collection of sexy vampire stories by the best British female writers is a great example of how erotica can…

Format: Paperback – Released: 08/11/2007

The Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica : Volume 8

MAXIM JAKUBOWSKI – My MAMMOTH BOOK OF EROTICA collection has now been going for 15 years. The initial best-selling volume was an attempt to demonstrate the breadth and sheer quality of the genre and initiated a whole new wave of…

Format: Paperback – Released: 29/01/2009

Story of O

Pauline Reage

PAULINE REAGE – STORY OF O is, of course, one of erotica’s perennial classics but its importance should never be overlooked. The tale of a young woman who gives in to her submissive nature and undergoes a sexual quest with…

Format: Paperback – Released: 28/04/1994

Ultimate Burlesque

EMILY DUBBERLEY & ALY FIXTER – Another outstanding collection of red hot stories, with proceeds going to breast cancer charity, ULTIMATE BURLESQUE celebrates the art of strip tease with new tales from the creme de la creme of Britain’s new…

Format: Paperback – Released: 29/09/2008

One Hundred Strokes of the Brush before Bed

Melissa P.

MELISSA P. – A major worldwide best-seller, 100 STROKES OF THE BRUSH BEFORE BED is the often daring tale of the coming of a sexual age of a young Italian schoolgirl, and was allegedly heavily autobiographical. But beyond the sexual…

Format: Paperback – Released: 04/07/2005

Wetlands

Charlotte Roche

CHARLOTTE ROCHE – This young German writer’s WETLANDS is the latest shocker from the world of literary erotica, following the hospital saga of a young woman with a sick fascination for body waste, secretions and some of the more taboo…

Format: Paperback – Released: 25/06/2009

The Delta of Venus

Anais Nin

ANAIS NIN – The famous diarist wrote the stories in DELTA OF VENUS, and other collections, specifically to order for a discerning rich collector of erotica and they have since become delicate classics, combining the sheer delicacy of female sexuality…

Format: Paperback – Released: 30/03/2000

Peter C :: Sep.04.2009 :: Uncategorized :: 1 Comment »

Lovereading September Newsletter

Hello again! With dreadful inevitability the summer is drawing to an end. But on the plus side… longer nights means more time on the sofa with good books. There’s plenty to choose from this month on Lovereading.co.uk.

Heart-warming books for cooler nights – Author of the Month Sheila O’Flanagan

Sheila O’Flanagan’s charming characters and feel-good storytelling have made her an international bestseller. We’ve got a selection of fabulous novels from her backlist as well as her brilliant new book, The Perfect Man. Perfect for curling up on the sofa with!

From backpack to paperback – Guest Editor Emily Barr

Emily spent a year travelling the world as a journalist before settling back in England to pen her books Backpack and The Life you Want. Find out which writers inspired her on her journey to become a novelist – Iris Murdoch and Daphne du Maurier to name but two.

Hit men, murder, madness and families! – Four Books of the Month

Hit and Run – Lawrence Block

The fourth in the ‘Keller’ series about the hit man you can’t help but like. Tempted to take on a final hit before retiring, Keller soon finds he’s made a huge mistake.

Evil at Heart – Chelsea Cain

The third in a fast-paced, hard-hitting crime series about an alluring female serial killer. Lovereading has all the books for you to thrill yourself senseless!

The Girl on the Landing – Paul Torday

A fabulous yarn about a man whose madness reveals itself slowly and scarily, from the author of the best-selling, quirkily titled novel, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

The Bradshaw Variations – Rachel Cusk

A powerful family drama following three generations who, through the choices and decisions they make, inevitably echoing the lives of the descendants before them – like variations on a theme..

Pay less for your next read with our Book Price Comparison Engine

A truly great book is priceless. But assuming you don’t have that much to spend, find the best, recession-beating deals with our Book Price Comparison Engine. It searches dozens of online retailers and displays, prices, and postage costs for any book. Lovereading’s 25% discount may be cheapest; sometimes you’ll buy cheaper elsewhere. Either way, you’ll be glad you checked! Amazon prices appear automatically on every book page – just click the ‘Compare Book Price’ button to find all the other on-line suppliers.

Thrilling, barking and gondoliering – our Debuts of the Month

The Surrogate – Tania Carver

A brilliantly terrifying crime thriller about some unspeakably violent murders and the race to stop the killer before another pregnant woman falls victim.

Dog on it – Spencer Quinn

A fun take on the cosy mystery genre – this book is told entirely from the point of view of the lead detective’s sidekick, a dog named Chet!

The Book of Unholy Mystery – Elle Newmark

A unique and suspenseful historical mystery novel set in a beautifully realised renaissance Venice.

More crime book selections from Maxim Jakubowski

Writer and all round literary don Maxim Jakubowski knows a lot about crime fiction. This month he’s put together his favourite books featuring female sleuths, and you can bet they will be the cleverest, most exciting stories of their ilk.

Can you handle our Provocative Prose?

As well as picking some crime fiction, Maxim has put his passion for racy fiction to work for Lovereading. He has selected some of the more titillating stories around for our Provocative Prose genre. A little warning – some of these books are not for the faint-hearted, but the quality of the writing still shines through.

Tell your children’s school about Lovereading4schools

If you have kids, the new academic year brings with it a new reading list. Even if the piece of paper makes its way home to you, trawling through a bookshop to find all the books is rather daunting. Lovereading4schools.co.uk is a free website that lets schools create on-line reading lists. You can then access and order from them with the click of a mouse. And 5% of what you spend goes straight back to the school to help build their library. Click here to find out more or let your kid’s school know about this great time-saving service.

That’s all for now – please do download free Opening Extracts of these stories and find some sensational books to turn holiday reading into all year round reading.

Peter C :: Sep.04.2009 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

Most popular books 24 – 31 August 2009

Lovereading.co.uk TOP 10

1		Living in Perhaps Julia Widdows August 2009 Debut of the Month. There is a sinister undertone throughout this book, it is the way that children can be innocent and yet so manipulative at the same time. This is a real page turner, well structured, engaging, intriguing … Download free opening extract
2		The Scent of Your Breath Melissa P. The follow-up to One Hundred Strokes of the Brush Before Bed. If Melissa P’s poetic prose fails to grab you then her x-rated exploits will. … Download free opening extract
3		Passion Louise Bagshawe August 2009 Book of the Month. After 13 top selling glitz and glamour novels, this talented author has changed tack and written an adventure yarn, a sort of James Bond for girls, and it’s terrific. Fast moving, lots going on, bags … Download free opening extract
4		The Time Traveler’s Wife Audrey Niffenegger Destined to become a classic. It is in essence a love story but it travels back and forth in time in a unique way which gives you glimpses of time before the time is due and although you may … Download free opening extract
5		Under Fishbone Clouds Sam Meekings August 2009 Debut of the Month. From the opening pages you know that this is going to be a magical book. Beautifully written and intricately blending the story of a marriage with Chinese history and folklore makes this a debut not … Download free opening extract
6		Corduroy Mansions Alexander McCall Smith His fans will love another wittily observed gem of a book. With McCall Smith, the places change – you could be in Botswana or Scotland or, now, London – but the sheer humanity is the same. Here, a new group … Download free opening extract
7		Season of the Witch Natasha Mostert Winner of the World Book Day 2009 Book to Talk About. A creepy tale of passion, seduction and mind-reading. The known phenomenon of ‘remote viewing’ – a psychic talent allowing the perpetrator to ‘see’ things that are far separate from … Download free opening extract
8		The Not So Invisible Woman Suzanne Portnoy The follow up to her highly successful first book The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker, Suzanne Portnoy is back with more tales of her sex life. Whether you approve of her lifestyle choice or not it certainly makes for … Download free opening extract
9		The Crossing Places Elly Griffiths August 2009 Book of the Month. This is the author’s first venture in to crime writing, and this will be the first in a new series which looks set to be gripping and engaging stuff. Ruth Galloway makes a great lead … Download free opening extract
10		The Lazarus Project Aleksandar Hemon August 2009 Book of the Month. A Bosnian, living in Chicago with his American wife, stumbles on an old news story about the death of Lazarus, a Jewish immigrant at the beginning of the twentieth century. He becomes intrigued, obtains a … Download free opening extract

KIDS SITE TOP 10

1		Timewalker Justin Stanchfield Full of intrigue, this is a terrific time-twist adventure with a dramatic plot that keeps its tension to the end. When sleepwalking along a lonely road near the quiet town of Antler, Sean meets a strange girl who is being … Download free opening extract
2		Threads Sophia Bennett Fresh, witty and wholly contemporary, prize winning Threads won The Times/Chicken House writing competition in 2009. How three teenage friends with completely different interests – one’s into fashion, one plans to save the world and one is a budding young … Download free opening extract
3		Ghost Hunter: Book 6 Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Michelle Paver Dazzling entertainment, seamless storytelling, this is the stunning 6th and final episode, bringing the bestselling ‘The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness’, which began so dramatically with Wolf Brother, to a close. Now it is Torak’s last adventure; he must travel up into … Download free opening extract
4		Angel Cake Cathy Cassidy Friends and relationships are the hallmarks of Cathy’s novels as she portrays her characters and their friendships particularly well. The plot lines are easy to get into, there’s always a subliminal message too and in Angel Cake it’s don’t judge … Download free opening extract
5		Boom! Mark Haddon Everything about this deliciously improbable adventure is almost completely daft – and that’s the fun of it all. When Charlie sets up his walkie-talkie in the staff room he doesn’t hear gossip about the pupils as he had expected. Instead, … Download free opening extract
6		Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela, Chris Van Wyk Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life story has been adapted into a wonderfully child-friendly version. It tells of his childhood as an ordinary boy in a village and how his belief in democracy was already strongly developed while a student. Mandela’s fight … Download free opening extract
7		Bob and Barry’s Lunar Adventures: The Disappearing Moon Simon Bartram Exciting moon adventures for Bob, the man on the moon, and his dog Barry. Bob’s job is to look after the moon but it isn’t always easy especially when the magician Alacazamo suddenly makes it disappear! Can Bob and Barry … Download free opening extract
8		Missing, Believed Crazy Terence Blacker Fun to read, this is a cleverly constructed narrative of different voices all telling their version of the same story. Students at Cathcart College, an exclusive boarding school, plan a novel way of raising money for charity. The kidnapping is … Download free opening extract
9		The Rabbit Problem Emily Gravett An outstandingly original and entertaining book packed full of rabbitty details and a feast of novelty features that makes it all the more fun to read again and again and again. The Rabbit Problem shows what happens after Lonely sends … Download free opening extract
10		Grass Cathy Macphail A thrilling, fast-paced, high octane story that is brilliantly spun out by the queen of teen thrillers Cathy Macphail as she captures how Leo gets caught up in the terrifying gang warfare that rules his town in Scotland. Leo and … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Sep.01.2009 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »