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!