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August 2011

Hi folks!

I am having difficulty these days figuring out where I am, as I have logged nearly 100,000 frequent flier miles traveling the country speaking this past month, and August will be even more jam-packed. What does that mean? I get to read a lot of books on planes! Among my favorites that were a bit too long to meet my Lazy Readers’ 250-page count criteria were Rebecca Cantrell’s outstanding thriller A Game of Lies, Jeanette Katzir’s poignant memoir Broken Birds, The Story of My Momila and Janet Reitman’s fascinating Inside Scientology: The Story of America’s Most Secretive Religion.

Anyhow, enjoy this month’s book selections below. I hope you are all reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me all about them. If you're an author or a publisher and would like to send me review copies of your book(s), please send them to the address listed for authors and publishers.

I hope you are reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me about them by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have a wonderful August, and enjoy your books!

Danny ;-)
The Kiss Murder

The Kiss Murder

By Mehmet Murat Somer 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

During these hot summer days there is nothing better than sitting in the shade with a good mystery. If you are not familiar with Mehmet Murat Somer’s six-part Turkish delight series, you are in for a real treat as this is one of the funniest page-turners with the most unforgettable protagonist I have read about in recent memory.
Buy on Amazon
The Brutal Language of Love: Stories

The Brutal Language of Love: Stories

By Alicia Erian 224 pages Adult

Danny Says

Probably the greatest joy I get from reading short stories are the innumerable quirky characters and situations gifted authors can portray. This book was a breeze to read and did what any great book does: it made me laugh, it made my cry and it made me (heaven forbid) think.
Buy on Amazon
Vintage Hughes

Vintage Hughes

By Langston Hughes 208 pages Adult

Danny Says

As the summer days wind down, why not treat yourself to a lazy afternoon reviewing this superb collections of poems from one of America’s finest poets, Langston Hughes? He is one of my favorites.
Buy on Amazon
Human.4

Human.4

By Mike A. Lancaster 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

So you are trying to find a book for your teenage boy? Science Fiction is not everyone’s cup of tea, but this story seems to grab the boys (and girls) as a hypnotized teen wakes up to find he is obsolete. Suspenseful throughout.
Buy on Amazon
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (10th Anniversary Edition) (Gallagher Girls)

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (10th Anniversary Edition) (Gallagher Girls)

By Ally Carter 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

It is rare nowadays to come across a series for teens that can be relevant without being completely depressing, so I thank Ally Carter for writing the remarkable Gallagher Girls series. Mostly harmless, lots of fun.
Buy on Amazon
Bystander

Bystander

By James Preller 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Probably one of the best-written books I have ever read about bullying, this book will haunt you and prompt an important discussion among your middle school students.
Buy on Amazon
Story of a Girl

Story of a Girl

By Sara Zarr 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is not “light” reading, as it deals with Deanna, a teenager whose father catches her sleeping with a boy and being branded a slut by everyone. She keeps an “anonymous” journal that – I must confess – brought tears to my eyes, as I can see how so many teenage girls could identify with Deanna’s struggles. This book will give you plenty to think about.
Buy on Amazon
50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet (2nd Revised Edition)

50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet (2nd Revised Edition)

By Dennis Denenberg,Lorraine Roscoe 120 pages Children

Danny Says

There was an awful lot of negative news coming out of Washington this past month, and I’d like kids to focus on those individuals who make a positive difference every day. This is a great book to use for read alouds after breaks, as students sit riveted, and filled with questions.
Buy on Amazon
13 Words

13 Words

By Lemony Snicket 40 pages Children

Danny Says

I love teaching people about books that bring vocabulary words to life, and Lemony Snicket has made my life easy, as he shares my affinity for language. Along with Maira Kalman’s gorgeous illustrations, this book mirrors Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events by misleading readers to think they are in for a sad tale, only to find a happy ending. Magnificent. 
Buy on Amazon
For the Love of Soccer!

For the Love of Soccer!

By Pelé 32 pages Children

Danny Says

All it took was the Women’s World Cup to get me interested in soccer again. Besides the U.S. women, Pelé sparked my interest in the sport, and I am delighted to see that he has begun writing children’s books to share that passion.
Buy on Amazon

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