This summer Lovereading continues to support efforts to raise awareness of fantastic books and authors; The Richard and Judy Book Club provides just such an opportunity.       

Their weekly feature looks in depth at a select but diverse range of titles, and has played a dramatic role in revitalising British reading habits.

So here are all eight of the Richard and Judy Summer Read 2009 that will be reviewed on the show starting 13th May ending 1st July. Some of the books are by virtually unknown authors; others have been word-of-mouth hits.

All of them are well worth a read. Each book has an Opening Extract to help you decide whether they’re as good as Richard and Judy say they are.
Past Imperfect               Julian Fellowes Due to be reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 13 May 2009.  Snobs, his first novel, was brilliant and Past Imperfect is better. In the late 60’s as Britain was being swept by hippies and free love the aristocracy still clung on to the social set piece of ‘the season’ where eligible girls and boys were introduced to each other at balls and parties. Format: Paperback - Released: 30/04/2009
   
 
Guernica               Dave Boling Due to be reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 20 May 2009. Some will know the story of Guernica through the famous Picasso mural but many are unaware of the terrible bombing of this Basque town as part of Franco’s... Format: Paperback - Released: 21/04/2009
   
 
Palace Council               Stephen L Carter Due to be reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 27 May 2009.  A complex and rewarding political thriller. Spanning 1952 – 1974 the novel has a brilliant perspective on being a black American during these tumultuous years. The life of... Format: Paperback - Released: 30/04/2009
   
 
Mr Toppit               Charles Elton Due to be reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 3 June 2009.  Fantastic characterisation and plotlines make this an unputdownable read. A brilliant satire on celebrity culture, thoroughly recommended. Format: Paperback - Released: 30/04/2009
   
 
The Great Lover               Jill Dawson Due to be reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 10 June 2009. Fact and fiction intertwine in this beautifully told story about a love affair between Rupert Brooke and a housemaid called Nell. Using diary entries, letters and poems Jill... Format: Paperback - Released: 30/04/2009
   
 
Mystery Man               Bateman Due to be reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 17 June 2009  A gripping and blackly funny mystery. A bookshop manager becomes a reluctant private eye after the real private eye's business (whose premises were next door) closes down.... Format: Paperback - Released: 14/05/2009
   
 
The Senator's Wife               Sue Miller Due to be reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 24 June 2009. A story of two couples and the relationships that build between them. Although the book may start off slowly it draws you in and gets you thoroughly hooked.... Format: Paperback - Released: 16/03/2009
   
 
The Piano Teacher               Janice Y K Lee Due to be reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 1 July 2009. A beautifully written love story set in Hong Kong, slipping back and forth between the love affair between the piano teacher of the title and her lover's previous... Format: Paperback - Released: 30/04/2009