Joel Fotinos, Vice President / Publisher:

“So many books are labeled “enlightening,” “transformative,” etc. – but few of them actually live up to those words.  Here’s one that truly is: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer is a reality-shifting book for me –a brilliant look at consciousness, energy, and awareness.  I’m studying it one-chapter-per-week with my friend August, and we are soaking-in every page.”

Brianna Yamashita, Director of Publicity & Marketing:

“Still reading – and enjoying – Sedaris’s Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls. The book is slow going because I have to stop and laugh every few minutes.”

 Kevin Howell, Marketing Manager:

“The only thing better than reading David Sedaris is listening to David Sedaris read his essays. When he releases a new book, I always buy both the print version and the audio CD. His signing/reading tour runs until November (and then starts back up in January), so you should really check this link (http://barclayagency.com/speakers/appearances/sedaris.html) to see if he’s coming near you. The world of Sedaris’ earlier books was very small (he had no money and little ambition, so he wrote about working as a house cleaner or as one of Santa’s elves at Macy’s) but with success, he has become a world-traveler and his world has really opened up. Amazingly, success has not lessened his talent for deadpan wit and hilarious observations. Sprinkled among the nonfiction essays in Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls are six fiction pieces (something he hasn’t done since his first collection Barrel Fever). I’m enjoying the new book…and can’t wait til I’m done so I can start listening to him re-read it to me.”

**Editor’s Note: We hear listening to his books is great for long road trips!

Gina Rizzo, Publicist:

“Just started Color Your Life by Howard and Dorothy Sun, which will be out October 17 from Tarcher.  It’s all about how to use colors to achieve happiness and health.  Very interesting, even just a chapter in!”

**Editor’s Note: From what we hear, this book was published in the UK in 1992 and has continued to be printed and reprinted.  Must be good stuff!

Andrew Yackira, Assistant Editor

“I’m still reading Penguin’s paperback edition (@PenguinPbks) Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World by Jane McGonigal (@avantgame), It’s a lot to digest, but I would recommend it for anybody who considers themselves a gamer, but even to people who wouldn’t consider themselves gamers. There are lots of incredible insights about games in general (i.e. not just video/computer games, but chess, tennis, basketball, etc.) and the brain science behind why succeeding in a game environment is so satisfying in comparison to our mundane “real lives.” You might be a gamer and you don’t even realize it. (Do you like “Words With Friends?” Do you play any games on your smartphone? See, you’re a gamer and you didn’t even know it.)”

**Editor’s Note: We have never played “Words With Friends.” Does it count that we played the original Nintendo when we were little?  Duck Hunt rocks!

Lauren Jackson, Publicity Assistant:

“I’m still reading BioPunk: DIY Scientists Hack the Software of Life by Marcus Wohlsen (@MarcusWohlsen) and really, really enjoying it. It’s interesting that Angelina Jolie spoke this week about getting her preventative surgery in light of genetic tests that indicated she’s at a higher risk for breast cancer, since the book addresses this very issue. I and a lot of my female friends have expressed interest in getting the same test done, only to find out that it costs thousands of dollars and isn’t covered by insurance! Biopunk talks about making genetic testing and bioengineering accessible to everyone.”

**Editor’s Note: Start a petition!

Joanna Ng, Editorial Assistant:

I’m still working on Chang-rae Lee‘s Native Speaker, as I spent more time sleeping than reading on the plane to Hong Kong!”

**Editor’s Note: We are fond of sleep over here, so we won’t hold that against you.

According to a well-known Chinese proverb, “Talk doesn’t cook rice.” But why can’t we talk and cook our rice, too?

Enter THE PHILOSOPHER’S TABLE by Marietta McCarty, bestselling author of Little Big Minds: Sharing Philosophy with Kids. Crafted around the idea that good food and great conversation can nourish the mind, body and soul—all at the same time—this book provides the necessary ingredients to start a monthly Philosophy Dinner Club.

Each chapter covers a new philosophy, one for each month of the year, and includes charming ideas for your gatherings from all corners of the world. Covering regional food to discussion points to music, McCarty creates a well-rounded experience for all readers, not just philosophers, to explore.  Some suggestions include:

• —    Discussing the rational decision-making of Kant over bratwurst.
• —    Embracing simplicity and the teaching of Epicurus with homemade lamb meatballs and tzatziki.
• —    Creating a sense of belonging as Jane Addams did while munching on checkerboard cookies.
• —    Accepting change through the words of Lao Tzu paired with shrimp dumplings and the soundtrack to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
• —    Exploring Simone de Beauvoir’s view on the power of choice over soufflé and Edith Piaf.

Filled to the brim with morsels of wisdom, THE PHILOSOPHER’S TABLE provides all the tools thinkers need to leave their minds—and stomachs—fulfilled.

PREORDER THE BOOK ON

AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, OR INDIEBOUND.

Joel Fotinos, Vice President / Publisher:

“I’m re-reading and re-loving a Tarcher backlist book, called The Zen Commandments by Dean Sluyter (@DeanSlutyer). This book deals with consciousness, similar to the #1 bestselling book The Untethered Soul, but does so with a touch of humor and gentleness.  The author is a renowned teacher of meditation and consciousness, and his writing is clear and practical.”

Sara Carder, Executive Editor:

“I’m reading a delightful book that we’ll be publishing in October called There is a God! by Richard Smith (in-stores October 31). These sweet and funny “reminders for the faithful– and doubters too!” are bringing a lot of smiles to my face . . .”

 Kevin Howell, Marketing Manager:

“I just finished and very much enjoyed Charlene Harris’s final Sookie Stackhouse novel, Dead Ever After. But, have you seen the bloodletting going on over on Amazon’s site with bats*** crazy reviewers over this book? These outraged fans have given the book more than 300 one-star reviews (in a matter of days) and a vehemence of their anger is astounding. One (positive) reviewer said these people are like Annie Wilkes in Stephen King’s MISERY [she wasn’t happy with the way her favorite author finished his romance series so she kidnaps him and forces him to write a new book with the ending she wants]. They’re not disappointed in the book, they are SEETHING with anger and are ripping up everything she ever wrote in their home and vowing to never read another book of her’s again. And they are hell-bent on anyone else reading this book. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers (although that’s exactly what every negative review does), but these so-called longtime fans are not happy with who Sookie ends up with at the end of the book. (Maybe it’s just me, but I was a fan of the series because of the humor, mystery and supernatural action, not the romance.) And Lord help the person who posts a positive review…those reviews get responses accusing them of being family members, people paid to write a positive notice or even Harris under a pseudonym. I guess I should be happy that a BOOK is causing this much of a commotion but I think the haters in this suspiciously-well-organized smear campaign are out of control.”

**Editor’s Note: Ridiculous, simply ridiculous.  (But, yay, for people reading!)

Gina Rizzo, Publicist:

“I finishing the upcoming book (out October 10!), Stickability: The Power of Perseverance by Greg S. Reid (@GregReid).  The book takes Napoleon Hill’s famous Think & Grow Rich principles and makes them stick (hence STICKability, get it?).  It’s a great book all about perseverance in the face of all odds and features intriguing interviews from folks like Steve Wozniak (@stevewoz), co-founder of Apple, and Frank Shankwitz, the founder of the Make-A-Wish Foundation (@MakeAWish).  What’s even more awesome about the book?  Greg wrote the book with The Napoleon Hill Foundation’s support and even provided some of Napoleon Hill’s advice from the vault.”

**Editor’s Note: That’s some bang for your buck, folks.  The whole Tarcher team is excited about this book!

Andrew Yackira, Assistant Editor

“I’m reading Penguin’s paperback edition (@PenguinPbks) of Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World by Jane McGonigal (@avantgame), to try to make myself feel less guilty about being a lifelong gamer nerd. (Editor’s confession: I don’t actually feel that guilty about it in the first place.)”

Lauren Jackson, Publicity Assistant:

“I’m reading BioPunk: DIY Scientists Hack the Software of Life by Marcus Wohlsen (@MarcusWohlsen). In it, he talks about the future of bioengineering and draws parallels to last century’s leaps in nuclear physics, claiming the 21^st century will go down in history as the era of biological advancement. He specifically highlights intrepid, DIY citizen scientists who have made amazing contributions to this field, as well as the potential for DIY bioterrorism, the good and bad of genetic engineering, and how soon we’ll be able to build life from a laptop.”

**Editor’s Note: Please come tell us when life will come from a laptop when you are finished reading.  Consider us intrigued.

Joanna Ng, Editorial Assistant:

**Editor’s Note: Joanna is in Hong Kong right now, so, as she’s not here to correct us, we assume she is reading something astounding.  Also, we are jealous that she is in Hong Kong.

Sometimes, we only grasp the most complex ideas when they are boiled down to their barest essentials. War is an excellent example: In the violence-addled climate of the world today, we are all too familiar with the way war is shrouded in politics, euphemism and doublespeak.

The rediscovered cult classic THE BATTLE OF THE FROGS AND THE MICE by George Martin helps us view war with a startling new clarity.

Originally published in 1962, this retelling of an ancient Greek fable about a tragically unnecessary battle between frogs and mice is a classic tale of the folly of war. Complete with grim illustrations by Frank Gwynne (who played Herman Munster in the 1960s sitcom, The Munsters), THE BATTLE OF THE FROGS AND THE MICE rivals Animal Farm as a “tempest in a teapot” parable on the error of human ways.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
George Martin is he author of numerous biographies, reference books, and works on law and opera, including the classic The Opera Companion and Verdi: his Music, Life and Times. He originally published THE BATTLE OF THE FROGS AND THE MICE WITH Dodd, Mead in 1962. Martin lives in Kennett Square, PA.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Frank Gwynne, the book’s artist, was also a noted author, illustrator, singer and actor. He was best known for his portrayal of Herman Munster on the 1960s sitcom classic, The Munsters. Gwynne died in 1993.

Click here to check out the gorgeous illustrations

or

Purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Indiebound!

Joel Fotinos, Vice President / Publisher:

“Just finishing Most Talkative by Andy Cohen (@BravoAndy), an exec at Bravo TV, and host of Bravo’s Watch What’s Happening Live.  I’m a big fan of Bravo (@BravoTV) and of pop culture, and I love Andy’s show – his memoir reads just like a long episode of What What’s Happening Live, which is exactly what I hoped it would be.  (I’m going to be in the studio audience for Watch What’s Happening Live in a few months!).”

**Editor’s Note: Can we come?  We’ll be good, we promise!

Sara Carder, Executive Editor:

“Reading (albeit in scattered moments as I am anything but the things mentioned in the title) Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting by Noel Janis-Norton (@CalmerParenting), out from Plume Books (@PlumeBooks). Seems like it contains a lot of helpful advice so I’m hoping to have some time to read more this weekend! The title really grabbed me — just want I want: to be calmer, happier and have an easier time parenting!”

Brianna Yamashita, Director of Publicity & Marketing:

“I’m still reading the funny David Sedaris’s Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls.”

**Editor’s Note: Still say his talk on NPR’s “Fresh Air” was pretty awesome and informative.

 Kevin Howell, Marketing Manager:

“I’m nearing the end of Charlene Harris’s Dead Ever After, the final Sookie Stackhouse novel. As you may have read, last week someone in Germany obtained an advance copy of this book (that will be released May 7^th) and posted spoilers online…because that’s what jerks do. Now, thanks to fans who think they’re entitled to tell an author how she should conclude her series, there are thousands of jerks online spreading those spoilers. They are also complaining that—even though they have not read the book yet—they are not going to buy it because after reading an online synopsis, they feel they know better than the author who should live and die and who Sookie should end up with romantically. I think it’s kind of hilarious and sad that supposed fans think that the entire worth of a series of 13 books boils down to which man/vampire/werewolf Sookie is dating by the end of the final book. I’m enjoying this volume very much because I love Charlene’s writing.”

**Editor’s Note: *Hiiiiissssssssss* We hate spoilers!! BOOOOOO!

Gina Rizzo, Publicist:

“I just finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (@StephenChbosky) on the way to work this morning (which almost made me cry like a little girl on the subway), so I think I will be randomly selecting something from my nook on the way home. What, oh what should it be?”

**Editor’s Note: Pssst, your co-workers have suggestions. Just sayin’.

Gabrielle Moss, Assistant Editor:

“I’m reading My Boyfriend Wrote a Book About Me by Hilary Winston (@HilaryWinston). Hilary is a funny lady who wrote for Community and Happy Endings, and yes, her ex-boyfriend did actually write an unflattering book about her.”

Andrew Yackira, Assistant Editor

“I’m reading Tarcher’s very own Hidden Cities by Moses Gates (@MosesNYC), and imagining myself doing the daring activities depicted in this book (but I’m really just sitting in my apartment in Queens).”

**Editor’s Note: Well, Queens is very dangerous so we won’t hold that against you.

Lauren Jackson, Publicity Assistant:

“I’m reading And Then I Thought I Was a Fish by Peter Welch (@_stilldrinking_), a memoir of the author’s time in a mental institution after he had an LSD-induced psychotic break.”

Joanna Ng, Editorial Assistant:

“After getting a glimpse of Dominican American culture in This Is How You Lose Her this past week (it was very good, quick read by the way!) I’m transitioning to a perspective of the Korean American experience in Chang-rae Lee‘s Native Speaker. Another shout-out to Riverhead Books (@RiverheadBooks)!”

**Editor’s Note: When you finish that bad boy, be sure to check out his latest, The Surrendered. Then you will be all ready for his upcoming book: On Such a Full Sea, out this coming January!

Alison Buckholtz, the wife of an active-duty Navy pilot, is a veteran in the war all military spouses fight, having struggled to help her two young children through deployment-related depression and distress and guided her children through some of their biggest milestones alone. In her honest, insightful, and deeply moving memoir, STANDING BY: The Making of an American Military Family in a Time of War, Alison writes:

“America’s war on terrorism created a completely new and unwelcome reality for families who had never experienced such long deployments.”

In this paperback reprint, updated with a new afterword, Alison, a neophyte to military culture, details how she was jolted into this new reality shortly before her wedding to a Naval officer, when terrorists hit the Twin Towers. After a quick marriage, scheduled during her fiancé’s Christmas leave, and then the birth of a son a year later (while her husband, Scott, was flying in the “Shock and Awe” campaign over Iraq), Alison found herself and her new family headed for Anacortes, Wash., to a house they had rented sight unseen, to an uncertain future riddled with her husband’s comings and goings, and to the life they would lead for the next three years.

In STANDING BY, Alison paints an eye-opening portrait of a family formed in wartime and illuminates what matters most for families everywhere.

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