Reader's Suggestions

A WellRead reader's Suggestion:


"I just finished Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt and I enjoyed the book immensely, you may want to add it to your list."

This story is a dazzling debut novel about an unlikely friendship between two suspicious characters. June, a 14-year-old girl, grieving over the loss of her uncle and godfather, suspiciously watches Toby, her mysterious uncle’s partner.  Toby’s curious actions force June to watch him closer despite her family’s references to Toby as a murderer.

Blended in among June’s grief is a mixture of other themes as well, secrets, loyalty and art, as well as June’s frustration and distrust towards her sister aide this story in truly holding your hand as you discover that the past, present and future may very well all be the same and that for June poking your nose where it doesn't belong really may have its advantages after all.

A wonderful reader's suggestions. Thank you for reading WellRead and we look forward to knowing what else you are enjoying!

Tell the Wolves I’m Home
By Carol Rifka Brunt
Pub Date: June 2012

Reader's Suggestion's

A WellRead Reader's Suggestion:

"I Was given Shine, Shine, Shine by Lydia Netzer as a gift and I enjoyed it!” This debut book is an enlightening collection of perspectives, giving readers the opportunity to look at what it means to be human and have human experiences from the viewpoints of several people who are somewhat not.

A wonderful reader's suggestions. Thank you for reading WellRead and we look forword to knowing what else you are enjoying!

Shine, Shine, Shine
by Lydia Netzer
Pub. Date: July 2012

The Last of Summer Reading....

 

On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves

Not yet ready for the warm, sunny days of summer to end?  Looking for that last great summer read?  On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves is just that.  It’s a story about Anna Emerson, a 30-year-old English teacher and private summer tutor who is hired to help 16-year-old, cancer surviving teen T.J. Callahan catch up on all his high school assignments so he can return to school in the fall.  But On the Island is not your typical shipwreck story; this book is about survival, determination, loyalty and romance.  It is a fantastically unbelievable story made believable.

The story begins with Anna telling readers that the plane they were flying on crashes into the Indian Ocean.  There is also much foreshadowing as Anna and T.J. embark on their survival adventure; T.J.’s instant liking to Anna, Anna’s insistence that T.J. pack an extra bottle of water, Mick the pilot devouring a greasy cheese burger and fries before the flight.

After their plane crash-lands, they drift in the dangerous shark infested waters. Their life jackets keep them afloat.  T.J. clings to an unconscious Anna, in attempts to keep her head above water.  As the sun rises in the sky Anna and T.J. awake on an uninhabited Island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Anna bleeding and in and out of consciousness from a huge gash in her head and T.J. desperately trying to keep her alive.  From this time forward they unknowingly form an unbreakable bond.  As the sun dips through the sky they begin planning their survival strategy: stay alive until the rescue planes come.  Days soon turn into weeks and their weeks soon turn into months as Anna and T.J. realize help is not coming and they must work together to endure the heat of the sun, gather fresh water, food and build a fire and shelter.

Both Anna and T.J. must rely on their knowledge, natural skill, wit and even luck to survive.  With their basic needs met, and the months on the island turning into years Anna and T.J. find themselves encountering plenty of obstacles; tropical storms rage, the surrounding waters have dangerous unseen depths, illness affects both their lives and supplies threaten to run out.

Besides all the dangers and near death experiences time passes on the island rather predictable.  T.J. turns nineteen on the island and soon after makes his feelings for Anna known.  Despite her better judgment and all her cautiousness Anna falls for the man T.J. has become.  They grow even closer and soon a slow building and strong burning romance binds their story.

There is no doubt both Anna and T.J. fought hard to survive; between the trauma of the crash itself, long, hot sunburned days, the dangers in the water and their hope of being rescued; Anna and T.J. gave more than they thought they had to survive for each other.

On the Island is a quick, easy read with a sweet, romantic story at its center.  Tastefully written, about an older woman and a younger man’s romance Tracey Garvis Graves gives you the opportunity to join Anna and T.J. on the island as a witness of their survival and love.  On the Island is fully equipped with romance, a compelling conflict and a satisfying ending.  If you’re planning on reading one last summer read choice On the Island.

Upcoming Fall Releases

Keep an eye out for this fall's highly anticipated releases.

September 3rd
Zoo by James Patterson

September 4th
The Time Keeper by Mitch Album

September 5th
A Wanted Man by Lee Child

September 11th
Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon
Robert B. Parker's Fool Me Twice by Michael Brandman

September 18th
Winter of the Worlds by Ken Follett
The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy O'Brien
Severe Clear by Stuart Woods

September 27th
Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

Ocrober 2nd
Live by Night by Dennis Lehane
Phantom by Joe Nesbo
Unstoppable by Nick Vujicic
Reflected in You by Sylvia Day (Crossfire Series)
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe

October 8
NYPD Red by James Patterson

October 16th
Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
The Bone Bed by Patricia Cornwell
The Panther by Nelson Demille
Twelve by Justin Corin (The Passage Trilogy)

October 23rd
The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro
The Racketeer by John Grisham

October 30th
Astray by Emma Donnoughue
Sins of the Mother by Danielle Steel
Elsewhere: A Memoir by Richard Russo

November 6th
Collateral by ellen Hopkins

November 12th
Merry Christmas Alex Cross by James Patterson

November 13th
Cross Roads by Wm Paul Young
Dear Life by Alice Monro (short stories)
Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Meacham
The Last Man by Vince Flynn

November 20th
The Forgotten by David Baldacci
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich

November 26th
Black Box by Michael Connelly

For the Love of Food and Love...

Alyssa Shelasky’s Apron Anxiety: My Messy Affairs in and Out of the Kitchen was just one of those books I snagged while browsing the new arrivals before we shelved them with the new books.  It was a happy accident when I plucked it from the cart and read the amusing title, recalling the ridiculous events of the night before, me trying to be the good wife and making a quick and easy pizza for my hubby.  Needless to say it wasn’t as quick or as easy as I’d anticipated.  Without considering another selection I checked out Apron Anxiety.  I was in the mood for something different, something real and sassy, not to in-depth, but relatable and like a well-executed menu it was tasteful and I consumed it.

Apron Anxiety’s ingredients: equal parts girl meets boy, a heavy poring of a broken heart, a handful of close and supportive family & friends, a little bit of crazy, and a dash of “I can do it” and you’ve got yourself the makings of an entertaining, funny, heartfelt tale.  This story is a self-aware and witty blog turned memoir of a city girl writer turned blogger and her wildly convoluted love affair with writing and…the kitchen.

Successful magazine writer, Alyssa Shelasky can’t even make tea when she’s feeling down.  She doesn’t even see the reason for swooning over a masterfully prepared meal.  And she certainly doesn’t know anything about recognizable soon to be chef-star, who she just so happens to find cute after an interview (or was it a first date).   After hitting it off they embark on a tumultuous romance in D.C., far away from the comfort and joys of the life Shelasky knows and loves.  Despite her restlessness, unemployment (with dwindling bank account) and sulkiness she plunges into making a home for her and her blooming love with ‘Chef” (as she dutifully names him), painstakingly picking out furniture, area rugs and accents for their corner apartment on C Street.  Chef works all the time; his long hours are tough on their relationship and Shelasky finds herself unfocused and underappreciated.  As their relationship stalls Shelasky finds herself in the land of foodies and can’t seem to figure out how to boil water.  Equal parts frustrated, bummed and displaced; she recognizes things have to change or like a soufflé she’s going to collapse.  After months of meticulously furnishing their apartment, semiconsciously looking for employment and Chef constantly bailing on their life plans, Shelasky, mainly driven by self-preservation embarks on a self-guided culinary tour.  Hence crafting her blog Apron Anxiety and leading herself and others flavorfully though a multitude of complicated love affairs.

I am, by no means, a cooking buff.  I occasionally enjoy watching the food network and often find myself salivating over their tasty concoctions.  I puzzle over how they think to put various ingredients together; blending something so savory in less time than it takes me to find my measuring cup.  I am a frequent taste tester for my hubby who does wholeheartedly enjoy cooking (and who happens to be pretty good).  I’ll try whatever he’s mixing up in his test kitchen and between reading a number of cookery books and his gallant efforts on including me while he cooks; my own interest in baking has been stirred.  It’s the preciseness and control of baking with the puff of its cloud confection I love.  Shelasky’s approach to cooking is much the same.  She despite all her challenges and apprehension wants to enjoy and share her result; she wants to be proud of them.  She loves the feeling of whipping something scrumptious up for others to devour.  Yet even after all herself-taught accomplishments in the kitchen, Chef’s world is merciless and she is still on the outside looking in.  All in all I could easily relate to Shelasky’s journal like accounts of her glitz and glam writing career, her passionate and frustrating battles with love and initial trepidation within the kitchen.

Readers will enjoy Shelasky’s style: glitzy magazine writer- turned blogger-turned Grub Street Editor; savoring all her mixings of love, adventure and accomplishments, in and out of the kitchen.  Apron Anxiety is a quick, engaging read, sprinkled with recipes amid life’s challenging chapters.  It’s perfect for the beach or for satisfying a sweet and salty mood.  If you like books filled with love and food, you’ll find Apron Anxiety: My Messy Affairs in and Out of the Kitchen as entertaining and delicious as I did.

Click here to reserve your copy of Apron Anxiety: My Messy Affairs In and Out of the Kitchen by Alyssa Shelasky.

Fifty Shades Read-A-Likes

Just in case you haven't gotten your fill of Fifty Shades here is a list of read-a-likes you may enjoy. (they are listed in no particular order)

Bared to You by Sylvia Day
Beautiful Disaster by James McGuire
Thoughtless Series by S.C. Stephens
      Thoughtless
      Effortless
Love Unscripted by Tina Reber
Gabriel's Series by Sylvain Reynard
      Gabriel's Inferno
      Gabriel's Rapture
Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
The Reluctant Dom by Tymber Dalton
Crow's Row by Julie Hockley
Wicked Ties by Series by Shayla Black
      Wicked Ties
Broken by Megan Hart
Rules of Negotiation by Inara Scott
The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley
Ecstacy by Bella Andre
Dancing in a Hurricane by Laura Black
Everything Forbidden (Albright Series #1)
Dark Duet Series by C.J. Roberts
      Captive in the Dark
Tender Mercies by Kitty Thomas
Dirty by Megan Hart
Story of O by Pauline Reage
Guilty Pleasures by Kitty Thomas
Trust in Me by Skye Warren
Never the Face by Ariel Sands
Anne Rice Trilogy
      The Charming of Sleeping Beauty
      Beauty's Punishment
      Beauty's Release
*If you know of any other please feel free to share by posting a comment.

Have a fabulous weekend & happy reading!

Fifty Shades & the LI Romance Writer's

Westhampton Monday Night Book Club & The Long Island Chapter of the Romance Writers of America discuss

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

With its explosive popularity, the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy caught the attention, curiosity and awe of millions of women and even some men around the world.  These hot little books jumped right to the top of book lists everywhere, hitting the multimillion dollar sales mark and easily surpassing the sales of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series.  The overwhelming fame of the Fifty Shades series may come as a surprise to most due to its risqué content and alternative life style, but then again sex does sell! With over a thousand patrons on our wait lists throughout the month of July, we too had to check these hot commodities out for ourselves and see what all the action was about.

In an anticipatory state of mind the Westhampton Monday Night Book Club (MNBC) picked the first book in the series, Fifty Shades of Grey as its July selection.   The MNBC ladies were a bit suspicious of its erotic content and not altogether sold on its negatively reviewed qualities, yet they were just as curious about all the fanfare as the next person.  To celebrate such a highly demanded book we planned a big summer book club event in conjunction with the Romance Writers of America, Long Island Chapter.

Our July’s Monday Night Book Club, also known as Fifty Shades of Grey with the Long Island Chapter of the Romance Writers, was held on Monday, July 30th.  We had a full audience attend a panel of three women from the Romance Writers of America, Long Island Chapter, Chapter 160.  Gwen Petrarch, Patty Blount and Tuere Morton were absolutely fantastic panelists, they discuss the summer’s most talked about read, Fifty Shades of Grey,with great respect for the writing craft and with open frame of reference mind, true to their own thoughts, concerns and knowledge.

With an audience of about 60 the program was scheduled to be the better part of an hour and it was still going strong till a quarter after 9pm.  The panelists had the audience enthralled.  Both panelists and audience actively and openly discussed their views and feelings on Fifty Shades.  Discussion points revolved around the trilogy’s origination, its place within the romance or erotica genres, character analysis, content, literary merit, its breakout popularity and read-a-likes.  The panel of Romance Writers began the event by posing questions to each other, such as: can you explain what fan fiction is and why the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy is thought to be considered as such.  They also addressed the media’s criticisms, of the book being labeled as “mommy porn” and the spot light it put on the BDSM community.  All panelists weighed in and shared opinions on the difference between romance writing and erotica.  As the evening went on the Romance Writers opened their questions to allow the audience to comment as well.  As a group they discussed read-a-likes, why some many of its readers, despite liking the book, said it was so poorly written.  Additionally, the group discussed what the most important lesson would be that men could learn from this book.  Everyone laughed and a few commented that there had been improvements in various areas.  The group talked about whether or not Fifty Shades objectified women.  Most stated that the book was more empowering to women and that the fact it addressed an alternative sexual lifestyle was why so many people were originally put off by it.  Throughout the evening many questions were raised and comments were shared on the aspect of the bondage lifestyle the book introduced.  The stigma the lifestyle implied and how it was portray was a hefty topic of discussion as well.  Furthermore, there was conversation about if the sex between Ana and Christian empowered them or diminished them.  In wrapping up the discussion the panelists posed the question “Do you think this statement is true, that the book(s) have had as much social impact on both men and women as society is leading us to believe?”

With the phenomenal Romance Writer’s panel, all the questions and discussion and a few tasty treats the event was a complete success!  We would like to thank Gwen Petrarch, Patty Blount and Tuere Morton of the Romance Writers of America, Long Island Chapter for their enthusiasm, time and wonderful insight.  Thank you also to the Westhampton Monday Night Book club for keeping an open mind, sharing their meeting space and time and for participating in the conversations so openly.  The special Fifty Shades of Grey book club was an accomplished event.  We hope to another soon!