The National Book Awards have been an annual event for 59 years. And during those 59 years...fiction is the only category that has had an award recipient each and every year.
It's just one of the many little "proofs" out there in the book world that fiction not only has a place, but it has irrefutable, historical strength.
If you'd like to be part of the making of "fictional history" this is definitely your year. This year (from September 21 to October 21) you'll get the chance to help select the best of the National Book Awards in the fiction category. By placing a vote you'll also be eligible to win 2 tickets to the awards ceremony for 2009. You can get more info or place your vote at the National Book Awards website.
After the public votes on the best of the best of the National Book Awards winners of past years...the final winner will be announced on November 18th, 2009 in New York City at the 60th National Book Awards ceremony.
So do your part in making fictional history and look into the National Book Awards' "Best of the National Book Awards Fiction" contest. We'll be placing our votes!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Honest Reviews in Exchange for Free Books
Ever wished that you could be a book reviewer? Even if you only wished it because you figured it would mean TONS and TONS of great, FREE books? There's nothing wrong with that. Here are two online spots you can join that offer the benefit of free books in exchange for reviews on the site:
GoodReads.com
LibraryThing.com
Both offer the opportunity to share your library, post ratings of books you've read, hook up with friends to talk about books you like, don't like, hate and might want to read. And they both offer the chance to request books (usually pre-release). The number of books available are, of course, far smaller than the number of readers requesting them so it's kind of like a lottery, but it's worth it. The process to request is quick and painless and every now and then you'll get a free book out of it! Good luck.
GoodReads.com
LibraryThing.com
Both offer the opportunity to share your library, post ratings of books you've read, hook up with friends to talk about books you like, don't like, hate and might want to read. And they both offer the chance to request books (usually pre-release). The number of books available are, of course, far smaller than the number of readers requesting them so it's kind of like a lottery, but it's worth it. The process to request is quick and painless and every now and then you'll get a free book out of it! Good luck.
Monday, June 8, 2009
LJW Publishing Titles at 2009 BEA
LJW Publishing's first venture into Young Adult fiction, Meeting Lizzy, was featured in the Atlas Books booth at BEA this past week. It was the busiest show in Atlas Books history.
The booth played host to several musical legends: Tom Paxton, Peter Yarrow, Judy Collins and DJ great "Cousin Brucie" Morrow. The singing sessions for visiting booksellers was a great success; the Atlas Books crew had just as much fun as the many visitors drawn to the booth.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
LJW Titles at BEA: Book Expo America 2009
Book Expo America is almost upon us. 2009's event is being held from May 28-31 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in NYC. It's the largest publishing industry event of the year. If you happen to be lucky enough to be attending make sure to check out LJW titles through Atlas Books. If you won't be able to make it check out the official BEA podcast. Or watch video of features authors online: BEA Authors. Or you can always watch for up to date news on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. BEA news will be updated frequently!
This year's BEA has an amazing list of events available for attendees! Check out details on the BEA homepage.
This year's BEA has an amazing list of events available for attendees! Check out details on the BEA homepage.
Summer Reading Lists
Summer 's no longer around the corner. It's banging down your front door. And no matter how old you are, where you are or what you're doing this summer you should ALWAYS have a summer reading list. It's the perfect time to get in some reading with a natural deadline that doesn't limit you (it's a few months, after all) but will definitely give you something to work towards. If you find yourself at a loss (and you've already read the available LJW titles, of course) here are a few staff favorites that cover a wide spectrum of tastes and styles...pick one (AT LEAST) and make a goal to complete it by summer's end.
1. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.
Staff Review: This book is absolutely amazing! No matter who you are you'll find this book helpful in the extreme. It never occurred to me (selfish being that I am) that I wasn't effectively communicating with the people that mean the most to me, but after reading this book I finally get it. Now I just need to get my husband to read it so he can "get it," too. That would be perfect. I've heard many people say that the very best thing a couple can do is to read it together.
2. The Emperor Series by Conn Iggulden
Staff Review: If these books were movies they'd be action packed, blockbuster hits. I haven't found another writer who does as excellent a job of depicting battle scenes, politics of war, intrigue of government (albeit ancient government) and I have to say...he deserves some major props.
3. The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
Staff Review: If you're into young adult fiction or just fantasy adventure in general these books are a fabulous choice. The third in the series was released in March 2009 so if you haven't yet started the series you're in for a treat because the series is complete. The characters are very dynamic and the story never loses its hold on the reader even for a second. You'll find yourself immediately involved in the detailed setting of the story and will enjoy the twists and turns as well as the introduction of a wide variety of well known mythical creates and bits of legends.
4. Man in Black by Johnny Cash
Staff Review: As a Johnny Cash fan I wasn't surprised that I loved this book. But if you are a reader fond of biographies/autobiographies this is a great book to pick up this summer. The life of Johnny Cash in itself makes a great story, but this particular telling hits home because it's actually written by Johnny Cash. It makes it seem more personal, detailed and moving.
5. The Gregor the Overlander Series by Suzanne Collins
Staff Review: These books are especially great because they are actually written for the pre-teen age group, yet they are a really, really great read. So they are perfect for the parent looking for something to read along with their child. I'd feel comfortable reading the Gregor the Overlander books with a child as young as 6 or 7. And kids as old as 13 or 14 will still find them interesting enough to pick up on their own over the summer. It's a fantasy adventure story that takes one boy (and his family) in and out of a secret world that has been underneath the city for years and years unknown to the "overlanders" above.
6. She... by Kobi Yamada, Jenica Wilkie and Steve Potter
Staff Review: This is an inspirational gift book that I find SO inspirational that I've probably given out at least 20 of them as gifts. And I'm not talking about the kind of gift that you give out when you don't know what else to give to someone. This book is absolutely amazing...mostly because it makes you feel like you're an awesome person after you've read through it. And it only takes a few minutes to read. So I try to read it everyday!
7. The Red Tent: A Novel by Anita Diamant
Staff Review: This is one of those fictional accounts based on biblical characters that leave you pondering a variety of issues. It gives you a greater understanding of things that are so foreign in today's society. For instance, the title refers to the tent in which the women spent their time during their menstrual cycle; bonding and passing down traditions woman to woman. The book is filled with a fantastic weaving of recognizable references to the bible stories and the fictional details Diamant added. She does it beautifully and adds a fantastic perspective and ability to offer the chance to understand something better that many would have said they already knew.
Other books that need no personal recommendation, but that LJW Publishing staffers suggested as good additions to any summer reading list include such classics as: Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Flies, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Bless Me, Ultima, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Moby Dick, The Invisible Man, The Time Machine, Wuthering Heights, Beowulf, and Frankenstein.
Now...there are several books recommended by staff members here at LJW Publishing so you can't use the old, tired excuse of, "I just don't know what to read" when it comes to summer reading. And if none of those do it for you pick up one of the LJW titles: Meeting Lizzy by SarahBeth Carter, Larryisms or Think Rich to Get Rich by Larry John or 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders by Preston John.
Whatever book you choose...get out there and get started. Summer's already here so you should already be digging in to your fantastic summer reading list!
1. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.
Staff Review: This book is absolutely amazing! No matter who you are you'll find this book helpful in the extreme. It never occurred to me (selfish being that I am) that I wasn't effectively communicating with the people that mean the most to me, but after reading this book I finally get it. Now I just need to get my husband to read it so he can "get it," too. That would be perfect. I've heard many people say that the very best thing a couple can do is to read it together.
2. The Emperor Series by Conn Iggulden
Staff Review: If these books were movies they'd be action packed, blockbuster hits. I haven't found another writer who does as excellent a job of depicting battle scenes, politics of war, intrigue of government (albeit ancient government) and I have to say...he deserves some major props.
3. The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
Staff Review: If you're into young adult fiction or just fantasy adventure in general these books are a fabulous choice. The third in the series was released in March 2009 so if you haven't yet started the series you're in for a treat because the series is complete. The characters are very dynamic and the story never loses its hold on the reader even for a second. You'll find yourself immediately involved in the detailed setting of the story and will enjoy the twists and turns as well as the introduction of a wide variety of well known mythical creates and bits of legends.
4. Man in Black by Johnny Cash
Staff Review: As a Johnny Cash fan I wasn't surprised that I loved this book. But if you are a reader fond of biographies/autobiographies this is a great book to pick up this summer. The life of Johnny Cash in itself makes a great story, but this particular telling hits home because it's actually written by Johnny Cash. It makes it seem more personal, detailed and moving.
5. The Gregor the Overlander Series by Suzanne Collins
Staff Review: These books are especially great because they are actually written for the pre-teen age group, yet they are a really, really great read. So they are perfect for the parent looking for something to read along with their child. I'd feel comfortable reading the Gregor the Overlander books with a child as young as 6 or 7. And kids as old as 13 or 14 will still find them interesting enough to pick up on their own over the summer. It's a fantasy adventure story that takes one boy (and his family) in and out of a secret world that has been underneath the city for years and years unknown to the "overlanders" above.
6. She... by Kobi Yamada, Jenica Wilkie and Steve Potter
Staff Review: This is an inspirational gift book that I find SO inspirational that I've probably given out at least 20 of them as gifts. And I'm not talking about the kind of gift that you give out when you don't know what else to give to someone. This book is absolutely amazing...mostly because it makes you feel like you're an awesome person after you've read through it. And it only takes a few minutes to read. So I try to read it everyday!
7. The Red Tent: A Novel by Anita Diamant
Staff Review: This is one of those fictional accounts based on biblical characters that leave you pondering a variety of issues. It gives you a greater understanding of things that are so foreign in today's society. For instance, the title refers to the tent in which the women spent their time during their menstrual cycle; bonding and passing down traditions woman to woman. The book is filled with a fantastic weaving of recognizable references to the bible stories and the fictional details Diamant added. She does it beautifully and adds a fantastic perspective and ability to offer the chance to understand something better that many would have said they already knew.
Other books that need no personal recommendation, but that LJW Publishing staffers suggested as good additions to any summer reading list include such classics as: Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Flies, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Bless Me, Ultima, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Moby Dick, The Invisible Man, The Time Machine, Wuthering Heights, Beowulf, and Frankenstein.
Now...there are several books recommended by staff members here at LJW Publishing so you can't use the old, tired excuse of, "I just don't know what to read" when it comes to summer reading. And if none of those do it for you pick up one of the LJW titles: Meeting Lizzy by SarahBeth Carter, Larryisms or Think Rich to Get Rich by Larry John or 21st Century Advertising for New Home Builders by Preston John.
Whatever book you choose...get out there and get started. Summer's already here so you should already be digging in to your fantastic summer reading list!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Download Your Free Bookmark Here
Meeting Lizzy now has a new and revised bookmark. Librarian requests for the document led us to a design update and it turned out so fun and feisty that we decided to make it easy and provide online access to the design. Ta da! Feel free to access it to print for your own use, for use as handouts at your next teen library event, for use in the classroom, etc. At the very least...check out the updated design. You'll love it!
Click HERE to get a full size version of the reduced bookmark below:
Click HERE to get a full size version of the reduced bookmark below:
Saturday, January 31, 2009
ALA Midwinter Gathering, January 2009
The ALA Midwinter Gathering has come and gone...this year coming and going through Denver, Colorado. LJW Publishing was represented by its very own award winning YA novel, Meeting Lizzy, by SarahBeth Carter. The novel won the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Bronze recognizing outstanding children's books. The official awards ceremony took place during the ALA Midwinter Gathering and the Meeting Lizzy was on display throughout the proceedings.
LJW Publishing is very excited to have their first undertaking in the YA or teen book world recognized by the awards program and would like to thank the Jenkins Group for their dedication to the love of reading that led them to create the program and recognize exemplary authors for children and young adults.
For more information on the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards (they are now accepting entries for 2009) visit their site.
For more information on where to get Meeting Lizzy visit Atlas Books (our one and only favorite, alright...exclusive...distributor)! Or if you're a consumer that stumbled upon the site and want to check out a fabulous, award winning YA book...get it here!
Visit again soon for updates!
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