In reaction to the news that Amazon is seeking government approval to establish operations in Canada, the Canadian Booksellers Association released a statement demanding that the government reject the online retailer’s application. From the press release:  Read More →

by GrannyGrad (Texas): I can’t quite understand the one bad review, as this is absolutely one of the best books I’ve read lately…and I’ve read plenty of good books. The characters are well-defined, the plot is different from anything I’ve ever read before, and it is so beautifully written that it is very hard to put down. There are stories within the primary story, as well, rather like Scheherezade. This book will keep... 

by RosalieBABY (Waconia, Minnesota): Greetings everyone who goes on this website. This book was AMAZING. And I ain’t no fluent reader nor spelling and writer for heaven sake I’m a 13 year old who has read this unbelievably funny and great book. This book was so very good I even decided to cook 2 or 5 recipes with my granny and man alive were they ever good and spectacular. So in conclusion I ADORED the book.  Read More →

by Colin KNAUF (Ontario, Canada): Melissa Fay Greene’s hard hitting journalistic style remains as neutral as possible in this real life horror story and fairy tale. She relates the pain and suffering of AIDS at every level with an amazing compassion and reality. Try as any one might, it is not possible to be neutral about Genocide. Her soft, tender story telling, mixed with pragmatic journalism makes a brave and vibrant read. She tells an... 

For anyone worried about the future of ebooks and their prices, or bemused by what is meant by the ‘agency model’, Macmillan CEO John Sargent’s blog is likely to provide enlightenment ….  Read More →

Update March 1: After questions have surfaced about the validity of other accounts Pellegrino sourced in The Last Train From Hiroshima , Holt has decided to shelve the title entirely. Holt shipped 18,000 copies of the book and will issue a credit to wholesalers and retailers on returns of the book. Consumers can also seek a credit from their retailer on the title. Feb 22, 2010: Parts of the The Last Train from Hiroshima by Charles Pellegrino (published... 

by Book W (Ohio): This is a “must read” for everyone no matter the age, origin, gender or geographical location. You can’t help coming away feeling humble – on so many planes and for so many reasons. I am in awe, witnessing the human spirit through Barbara’s text. A true eye-opener. A great text for teachers and book clubs. Barbara Demick is to be applauded for her years of research, interviews, travels, and dedication... 

Library Journal and School Library Journal, two of the many publications Reed Business Information has been trying to divest itself of over the past several months, have been sold to Ohio-based Media Source, which already owns Junior Library Guild and The Horn Book.  Read More →

by Kevin H (Phoenix): After hearing of all the glowing word of mouth reviews for this book, I decided to read it. In general, the story and reference to heaven are somewhat entertaining. Unfortunately, after reading it, I almost feel that I have lost some brain cells because of it. I did not plan to provide a critical review. However, there were so many technical glitches that…  Read More →

by Bonnie Brody (Fairbanks, AK): This is a wonderful book. John Coetzee writes a ‘biography’ of himself that supposedly has been written after his death. The biographer interviews family members, old lovers and colleagues of Coetzee. What comes out repeatedly is that Coetzee was a bland man, asexual and seemingly without ambition. The big question that comes to mind while reading this book is how can it be possible to evaluate the artist... 

by Kitty Hall (Pasadena, CA): I will reread Monique Truong’s The Book of Salt just for the enchanting way she has written this story. To put it simply she writes beautifully. The story of the man on the bridge is poetic as are several other parts of this book. I’m glad she won some prizes; I think she should have won more. The interview on BookBrowse is excellent, Thanks  Read More →

Studies by several colleges including Princeton and the University of Virginia have failed the Kindle as a study tool. The biggest problems that students had with the Kindle was difficulty highlighting and making notes – as summarized by Princeton researchers in their report released Monday… “Because it was difficult to take notes on the Kindle, because PDF documents could not be annotated  Read More →

Parts of the The Last Train from Hiroshima by Charles Pellegrino (published Jan 2010) have been proven to be based on untruthful testimony by a serviceman who claimed to have been on The Enola Gay (the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima) but was not. Pellegrino plans to rewrite sections of the book for the paperback and foreign editions of the book. Film rights to the book have apparently been bought  Read More →

by purpleskin : I read this quite some time ago, but the plot and the story as well as the characters are still ingrained in my mind. I can still remember every little detail- that is how much I love this book. It has romance for those romantic hearts and mystery for those who like being kept on their toes. The story keeps you guessing and questioning yourself about  Read More →

by Karen V (Oklahoma): The Road is one of the most compelling books I have read that elevates the value of life, no matter how bleak the circumstances. From the first sentence to the last, you are drawn into the theme as a traveler with the man and boy. You experience every step, every good fortune, every savored morsel of food, every drink of water, every shelter from the cold. If you are seeking a story that portrays real hope, faith and love,...