Blio Bestsellers

Get Ready for New Summer Reading

May 29, 2012

Summer has unofficially arrived, and with the warm weather comes a collection of hot new reading. Whether you’re planning to unwind at the beach or in a hammock, or if you save your reading for indoor rainy days, here are a few of the best new books for the summer. Some of these summer reading recommendations are so new that they have yet to be released, but you can pre-order copies now to get ahead of the game for book clubs and dinner parties — from suspense, to biographies, to cooking.

Theodore Boone by John Grisham: Filled with all the intrigue and suspense we’ve come to expect from Grisham, this time 13-year-old Theodore Boone is back with a new case. Theo has already uncovered key evidence in a groundbreaking murder trial and discovered the truth behind his best friend’s abduction. Now with the latest unfolding of events in Strattenburg, Theo will face his biggest challenge yet.

Father’s Day by Buzz Bissinger: The Friday Night Lights author gets personal, and recounts a father-son road trip during which he gained insight into the worldviews, challenges, and talents of his socially challenged savant son, Zach.

Amy, My Daughter by Mitch Winehouse: Written by her best friend, her father, this candid account of the life and legacy of Amy Winehouse, filled with never-before-seen photos and spanning her entire career, goes beyond her public persona, revealing the woman behind one of the greatest talents of our time.

Dinner by Jenny Rosenstrach: Claiming that a committed family dinner every night helps strengthen the bonds of a family, Rosenstrach provides recipes for easy-to-prepare family dinners, including roast vegetables with polenta, spicy shrimp with yogurt, and homemade pizza.

How to Buy a Diamond by Fred Cuellar: With summer being wedding season, it might be time to brush up on diamonds. This insider’s guide for getting your money’s worth provides advice on purchasing diamonds; describes the various ring styles and settings; and explaining the four C’s.

The Custom of the Army by Diana Gabaldon: The bestselling author of the acclaimed Outlander series, weaves an engrossing tale of war, history, and suspense in this original novella, featuring returning hero Lord John Grey, who voyages to the “new world.”

Diamond in the Rough by Shawn Colvin: The Grammy Award-winning songwriter and musician shares her coming-of-age story, from her humble beginnings in a small South Dakota prairie town to the world stage at the Grammys, recounting her relationships, her drinking, her divorce and single parenthood–and how she learned to channel these experiences into song.

Do you try to stay up on new releases and read seasonal books, or do you tend to turn to the classics for your summer reading? Stay tuned for our forthcoming post on reading at the beach.

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Books With Numbers in the Title for Pi Day

March 14, 2012

in Blio Bestsellers,Holiday Reading,Humorous Reading

Happy Pi Day (March 14 – 3/14) to everyone! We love math as much as the next person, but we’re more into reading. To combine the two subjects, we’ve compiled a list of books with numbers in the title. How many of these have you check off your list and which ones are you planning to read?

Less Than Zero – Bret Easton Ellis

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

One For the Money – Janet Evanovich

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – Ken Kesey

Zone One – Colson Whitehead

A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens

The Three Musketeers – Alexandre Dumas

Three Men in a Boat – Jerome Jerome

Tagged as: holidays, numbers, Pi Day

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Best Short Story Collections | Daylight Savings Reads

March 9, 2012

in Blio Bestsellers,Classic Authors,Classic Short Stories,Contemporary Authors,Contemporary Reading,Famous Horror Authors

The Lottery, The Tell-Tale Heart and Children of the Corn are some of the best short stories ever written. In time for Daylight Savings, here’s a list of the best short story collections of all-time to help you get your reading in on the day of the year that’s only 23 hours. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead on March 11!

The Complete Tales – Edgar Allan Poe
A perfect read for any Poe fan, this famous short story collection has it all. What better way to spend the last few nights of winter than with the chilling short stories and poems of Edgar Allen Poe?

Night Shift – Stephen King
The first of King’s short story collections, Night Shift contains notable classics like Children of the Corn, The Lawnmower Man, and Grey Matter. A perfect choice if you want to stay awake all night!

The Lottery & other stories - Shirley Jackson
Enjoy a unique view of the world from Shirley Jackson’s perspective in this famous short story collection, including one of the greatest short stories of all-time, The Lottery. From the hilarious to the horrifying, Jackson has a unique ability to unveil the true human condition.

Tagged as: daylight savings time, edgar allan poe, ernest hemingway, henry james, J.D. Salinger, kurt vonnegut, neil gaiman, shirley jackson, short stories, short story collections, stephen king

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8 Stories of Revenge

March 1, 2012

in Blio Bestsellers,Classic Authors,Classic Reading,Contemporary Authors,Contemporary Reading

Revenge is a dish best served cold. Sure, we’ve all thought about revenge one time or another but how far is too far when seeking retribution? What does revenge do to the soul? Is there a lighter side to this seemingly dark theme? Explore these and similar issues with eight different books ranging from classics like Moby Dick to more contemporary titles.

Moby Dick – Herman Melville
With one of the most famous opening lines in the history of literature, Moby Dick introduces you to Ishmael. The young narrator is logging his experiences with Ahab, the tyrannical captain of the Pequod. What Captain Ahab lacks in bipedalism he makes up for in an intense ferocity against his mortal enemy – a giant, white whale. In a previous encounter, the great white whale not only destroyed Ahab’s boat, but bit his leg off. In addition to exploring the themes of revenge, Moby Dick also examines obsession and the human soul. The themes in this novel have been cherished for generations and will undoubtedly continue to do so for generations to come.

Carrie – Stephen King
Let’s face it. Sometimes being a teenager just plain sucks. But for Carrie White, a young high school girl in a small town in Maine, that’s the understatement of a lifetime. Between the psychological and physical abuse from her fundamentalist mother and the constant bullying she experiences from classmates, Carrie is truly vulnerable. When Chris and her boyfriend Billy ruthlessly plan a hoax to humiliate her at the school prom, Carrie is pushed over the edge. Her tormentors are all in for a surprise when they discover Carrie has violent telekinetic powers. Inspiring a movie starring a young John Travolta, this epic revenge/teen thriller is a repeat contributor to banned books lists all over the world.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest – Steig Larsson
The third and final installment to Steig Larsson’s best-selling “Millenium” series, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest picks up right where The Girl Who Played with Fire ended. We find Lisbeth Salander, the book’s protagonist, under investigation for the murder of three people. Incapacitated from the bullet wound that ended the previous book, she is assisted by journalist Mikael Blomkvist. The two must not only prove Lisbeth’s innocence but uncover the truth about the man who shot her. Jam-packed with unexpected twists and turns, many argue Larsson saved the best for last in this “Millenium” series finale.

The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas
Some say that success is the best form of revenge. Sadly, it’s the success of young Edmond Dantès that makes him a target for revenge, not the avenger. Three of Dantès’ “friends” conspire against him by drafting a letter that accuses him of treason. When he is jailed for crimes he did not commit, Dantès befriends Abbé Faria, a political prisoner. Faria makes Dantès an educated man, and promises him a treasure in the island of Monte Cristo. When Dantès escapes from prison, he finds this fortune, which he considers to be a gift from God. With this gift, he can reward the good…or punish the wicked.

The First Wives Club – Olivia Goldsmith
“Till death do us part” has very little meaning to the husbands of Annie, Elise, and Brenda. These men couldn’t have made it to their positions in life had it not been for the support of their wives. Despite the affection these women gave, they still find themselves dumped for younger trophy wives. Joining together, these women form the “First Wives Club”, aimed to make things right. Inspiring the classic comedic film starring Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Bette Midler, this is a perfect read for anyone stewing over the damage done by past lovers.

Les Miserables – Victor Hugo
Define cruel and unusual punishment – serving nineteen years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread, perhaps? After serving his time (and then some), Jean Valjean is left to wander the streets of Digne. No one will help him due to the stigmatization of “ex-criminals”, with the exception of the town’s bishop, M. Myriel. When Valjean steals from Myriel, the local police attempt to arrest him. Myriel covers for Valjean’s transgressions, protecting him from more prison time, but makes him promise to be a better man. Valjean delivers on his promises and starts a new life. But despite Valjean’s efforts, his past will come back to haunt him again and again. Just how far will society go to punish someone for mistakes of the past? You’ll find out when you read this timeless classic about democracy, spirituality, and of course, revenge.

The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold
The story starts off with the chilling depiction of the rape and murder of 14-year-old Susie Salmon. She ascends to her own personal heaven, from where she can see the investigation surrounding her death falling to pieces. With no leads, the police drop the investigation even though her father suspects Harvey: and he’s absolutely right. It is this suspicion, combined with the unrelenting grief and anger surrounding Susie’s death that sends the Salmon family in a downward spiral. But Susie might just be able to set things straight, by joining the earth once again.

The Nanny Diaries – Emma McLaughlin
What is it like to grow up in the privileged life of an upscale Manhattan child? For Annie Braddock, the answer is simply…weird. After graduating from college, she accepts the position of a nanny for the wealthy “X” family. Now she must answer to every whim of the elitist Mrs. X, and her bratty son Grayer. In a book that discusses the theme of socioeconomic divide, this is the perfect story for anyone who has ever wanted to get back at their boss.

Can you think of other great books that deal with revenge as a theme? Let us know in the comments section below!

Tagged as: carrie, count of monte cristo, les miserables, lovely bones, moby dick, nanny diaries, steig larsson, stephen king, stories of revenge

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Q&A with Lisa Lutz | Author of Trail of the Spellmans

February 24, 2012

in Author Q&A,Blio Bestsellers,Contemporary Authors,Contemporary Reading

Lisa Lutz is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spellman Files, Curse of the Spellmans, Revenge of the Spellmans, The Spellmans Strike Again, and Heads You Lose (with David Hayward). Lutz has won the Alex award and been nominated for the Edgar Award for Best Novel.

The latest installment of the Spellman saga, Trail of the Spellmans (Document #5) will be released next week and Lisa took time out of her busy schedule to answer questions about her popular series, the craft of writing and the worst job she’s ever had.

Can you sum up Trail of the Spellmans in 140 characters?
I refuse to reduce my entire novel to the size of a Tweet!

Which of the Spellmans do you identify with the most?
All of them.

How far ahead have you planned the Spellman series? Will we see Izzy running a branch of the agency in a nursing home in Document #23?
Never! Well, maybe. . . . The idea is already growing on me. But that might happen in Document #9.

The Spellmans would be perfect on TV or in a feature film. Let’s do a bit of casting. Who would be perfect for the roles of Izzy, Rae, Albert, Olivia, David and Uncle Ray?
Going alone with the nursing home theme:
Izzy:                 Cloris Leachman
Rae:                Betty White
David:             Abe Vigoda (he didn’t age well)
Albert:             Deceased
Olivia:             Ditto
Uncle Ray:      Ditto

Do you have a daily writing routine?
I try. If I had a mean valet, it would go a whole lot better. But I’d need the books to do better in order to afford the valet. Irony. Or paradox, I guess.

Do you listen to any music while you write?
Sometimes. My neighbor really likes Frank Sinatra.

What’s the last great book you read?
Recent reads that I thought were awesome: So Much Pretty by Cara Hoffman is probably the book that stuck with me most.

I noticed you contributed to Don’t Forget to Write from 826 National. Can you describe your involvement with the 826 organization and some of your thoughts on the importance of writing for young kids?
I wrote a lesson plan called “How to Write a Fan Letter Without Getting a Restraining Order.” A skill we should all have. I’m not sure I have anything smarter to say on the subject than anyone else. It just seems obvious that reading and writing and playing in the streets have been replaced by watching television and video games.

I understand that city streets aren’t that safe anymore, so I guess I wish I saw more kids on the treadmill reading books at the gym.

How do you think the proliferation of ebooks will affect the publishing industry?
This is a subject I could go on and on about. I’m not inherently against ebooks. But they’ve made self-publishing much easier which muddies the publishing waters. Many authors are found through the slush pile in an agent’s office (I was!). Ebooks eliminate the middleman and force your average reader to deal with the slush pile. I always like to remind people that a book is not a bargain if it sucks.

As for how publishers navigate this terrain, time will tell. But I think it’s important for readers to understand that binding and paper and even delivery to a bookstore don’t constitute even half of the cost of creating a novel. The price of a book is about agents, authors, editors, and the entire publishing community. Sometimes the prices may seem high for a digital file, but a lot of work went into that book you’re clicking through.

What are some of the biggest differences between writing a screenplay and writing a novel?
The list is endless. I wouldn’t know where to begin. A screenplay is a blueprint. A book is a completed house.

What’s the best book you’ve read about the art of writing?
I’ll never read a book on writing. I know many people who do and it helps them, but it’s always been better for me to shuck the rules and figure it out on my own.

You’ve spent most of your time in California but with book tours and travel, what are some of your favorite cities in the U.S.?
Lately New York City has really grown on me. I used to find it too overwhelming, but now that I have a better handle on the subway and I figured out how to walk down the street—draft off someone who moves at the same pace as you—I’m quite smitten.

Your Wikipedia entry states that you had “many low-paying jobs” in the 1990s. What’s the worst job you ever had?
I was a dishwasher (which really sucked) and a telemarketer (not recommended if you hate the telephone and rejection) but hands down the worst job was an assistant at a San Francisco talent agent’s office. It was a nonstop phone job, which consisted mostly of phoning “actors” and giving them the coordinates of their next audition and often fielding questions about whether they had the right “look.” Every night I went home and unplugged my phone. To end on an up-note: look how far I’ve come.

* * * *

Get your copy of Lisa Lutz’s latest installment of the Spellman Files, Trail of the Spellmans or go back in the series and start from the beginning. Lutz is also the co-author of Heads You Lose with David Hyward, a tag-team novel that reads like Weeds meets Adaptation. You can learn more about Lisa on her website LisaLutz.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Tagged as: lisa lutz, mystery, new york times bestseller, spellman files, trail of the spellmans

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Read the Book Before the Oscars

February 22, 2012

in Blio Bestsellers,Classic Reading,Contemporary Authors,Contemporary Reading

The 84th Annual Academy Awards take place on February 26, celebrating the year’s best films, but we all know the book is always better than the movie. Read the books that this year’s most celebrated films were based on before the celebrities walk the red carpet and give their acceptance speeches.

The Help – Kathryn Stockett
The 1960’s was a tumultuous time for African Americans all over the U.S., but for three housemaids in Mississippi, things are about to take an interesting turn. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, young Skeeter has just returned home with aspirations to become a writer. She discovers quickly that conditions for African-American workers are deplorable. With the help of a publisher, she attempts to expose these conditions. Written primarily from three different first-person perspectives, this book was Stockett’s first novel. After being rejected from 60 literary agents, the book was finally published. Not only did this book become a New York Times Bestseller for over 100 weeks, but it also was adapted into a four-time Oscar nominated film.

The Help Earned Four Oscar Nominations:
•   Best Picture
•   Best Actress – Viola Davis
•   Best Supporting Actress – Jessica Chastain
•   Best Supporting Actress – Octavia Spencer

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close – Jonathan Safran Foer
Oskar Schell is a musician, pacifist, vegan, and … nine-year old? With such an eclectic personality, it’s no surprise that he can find comfort from imagination even in the most unsettling of times. His father who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11 has left behind a curious key, hidden inside a vase. To seek what this key unlocks, young Oskar embarks through all parts of New York City searching for the mystery left behind by the memory of his father. What adventures does he get into? What secrets does he uncover on his journey? You’ll have to read the book … or see the movie!

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Earned Two Oscar Nominations:
• Best Picture
• Best Supporting Actor – Max Von Sydow

Moneyball – Michael Lewis
The Oakland Athletics and their general manager Billy Beane are challenged by one of the MLB’s most notorious pitfalls – any talent your team discovers will likely be purchased by teams with substantially higher budgets. Given the A’s constraints and subpar track record, how can Beane truly level the playing field? The answer is found through progressive thinking, determination, and good ‘ol fashioned number crunching. The mathematical discoveries uncovered by Beane suggest that the beliefs his constituents hold sacred are flawed. Bridging the gap between true talent and finance, Moneyball is as equally enjoyable a read as it is a six-time Oscar nominated film.

Moneyball Earned Six Oscar Nominations:
•   Best Picture
•   Best Actor – Brad Pitt
•   Best Supporting Actor – Jonah Hill
•   Best Adapted Screenplay – Aaorn Sorkin and Steven Zaillian
•   Best Achievement in Film Editing
•   Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

My Week with Marilyn – Colin Clark
When most people think of Marilyn Monroe, they think of glamour and beauty. But what was life really like with Marilyn Monroe during the height of her career in the 1950’s? Through a series of diary entries of a young assistant to whom Monroe confided in, you’ll get the perspective of some of the less than glamorous aspects of Marilyn Monroe; drugs, mistrust, and constant quarrels with playwright Arthur Miller and the knighted actor Laurence Olivier. Colin Clark spends a week escorting Monroe around England as he documents their conversations and his growing romantic infatuation with her.

My Week with Marilyn Received Two Oscar Nominations:
• Best Actress – Michelle Williams
• Best Supporting Actor – Kenneth Branagh

Margaret Thatcher: Grocer’s Daughter to Iron Lady – John Campbell
One of the United Kingdom’s most popular political figures, Margaret Thatcher served as the nation’s Prime Minister for more than a decade. From humble backgrounds in the life of a grocer’s daughter to her rise in political power, the Soviets were accurate in their assessment; Thatcher truly was the “Iron Lady”. You can read more about her political notoriety and her personal background in this book by John Campbell. You can also see one of Meryl Streep’s strongest performances in the recent film adaptation, for which she earned her 17th Oscar nomination. (more than any actor or actress in history!)

The Iron Lady Earned Two Oscar Nominations:
• Best Actress – Meryl Streep
• Best Achievement in Makeup

Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
The childhood of Jane Eyre is one of abuse and cruelty. Starting with her life as an orphan, raised by her malevolent aunt, Jane is sent to a boarding school. What seems to be an escape from inhumanity is anything but, as Jane is quickly introduced to an oppressive and hypocritical teacher. Despite these hardships, Jane stays true to her virtues throughout her lifetime. These experiences instill in her a strong sense of morality and justice. A message that has held strong for over 150 years, Jane Eyre is generally regarded as ahead of its time as it challenges conventional prejudices against women and the poor.

Jane Eyre Earned One Oscar Nomination:
• Best Achievement in Costume Design

Tagged as: academy awards, extremely loud and incredibly close, jane eyre, moneyball, my week with marilyn, oscar books, oscars, read the book before the oscars, The Help

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Romantic Books Just in Time for Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2012

in Blio Bestsellers,Classic Reading,Contemporary Authors,Holiday Reading,Romantic Reading

Romantic reading is good for any time of year, but with Valentine’s Day approaching, what better time to pick up some of the romantic books of all time. From classic novels like Pride and Prejudice and Romeo and Juliet to more contemporary books like The Time Traveler’s Wife and Message in a Bottle, these books are guaranteed to heat up your Valentine’s Day and have your heart beating a little faster this February.

Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
A romantic reading classic, Jane Austen’s comedy of manners is one of the most popular novels of all time.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

Featuring the splendidly civilized sparring between the proud Mr. Darcy and the prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet as they play out their spirited courtship in a series of eighteenth-century drawing-room intrigues. Renowned literary critic and historian George Saintsbury declared it the “most perfect, the most characteristic, the most eminently quintessential of its author’s works,” and Eudora Welty in the twentieth century described it as “irresistible and as nearly flawless as any fiction could be.

Message in a Bottle – Nicholas Sparks
Thrown to the waves, and to fate, the bottle could have ended up anywhere. Instead, it is found just three weeks after it begins its journey. Theresa Osborne, divorced and the mother of a twelve-year-old son, discovers it during a seaside vacation. Inside is a letter that opens with, “My Dearest Catherine, I miss you my darling, as I always do, but today is particularly hard because the ocean has been singing to me, and the song is that of our life together.” For Garrett, the message is the only way he knows to express his undying love for a woman he has lost. For Theresa, wary of romance since her husband shattered her trust, the message raises questions that intrigue her. Challenged by the mystery, and driven to find Garrett by emotions she does not fully understand, Theresa begins a search that takes her to a sunlit coastal town and an unexpected confrontation. Brought together either by chance or something more powerful, Theresa and Garrett’s lives come together in a tale that resonates with our deepest hopes for finding everlasting love.

For lovers of The Notebook and readers waiting to discover the magic of Nicholas Sparks’s storytelling, here is an achingly lovely novel of happenstance, desire, and the choices that matter most.

Tagged as: jane austen, nicholas sparks, romance, shakespeare, valentine's day

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10 Great Music Books

February 10, 2012

in Blio Bestsellers,Contemporary Reading,Cultural Reading,Inspiring Reading

Bob Dylan once said, “A song is anything that can walk by itself”.

Music has the power to take on a life of its own and affect us on a level that speaks louder than headphones ever could. Music has inspired cultural revolutions, long-lasting relationships and of course –great books! Here’s a list of 10 great books inspired by music that explore the impact of music on society and the human experience.

Love is a Mixtape – Rob Sheffield
Whether it’s through audio cassettes, a CDR or an iTunes playlist, a music mix is one of the simplest ways to capture a time in one’s life. For author Rob Sheffield, a mixtape symbolizes love and loss. Inspired through the death of the love of his life, Sheffield uses a series of his favorite mixtapes to begin the healing process. Whether you are experiencing similar grief or simply appreciate the healing powers of music, this book is sure to inspire you.

Audrey, Wait! – Robin Benway
What do Pattie Boyd and Uncle Joey from Full House have in common? Both inspired lyrics to some of the most famous songs in rock ‘n roll history. One can’t help wonder what it would be like to be the inspiration for such a radio hit. This is the exact subject explored in Robin Benway’s contemporary book. After Audrey Cuttler dumps her egomaniac boyfriend Evan, he writes the song “Audrey, Wait!” launching him into rock superstardom. Problematically, it also forces Audrey into an uncomfortable spotlight.

Killing Yourself to Live – Chuck Klosterman
In this nonfiction personal reflection, Chuck Klosterman takes the road trip of his life…or should we say, “his death”? It’s well known that rock legends have lived less than conventional lifestyles that undoubtedly inspired their lyricism and creativity. Regrettably, this lifestyle has also resulted in the untimely deaths of some of rock’s most notorious contributors. Over more than 6,000 miles of road travel, Klosterman tries to tap into this seemingly existential experience by reliving the experiences of rock legends who shuffled off their mortal coil far too soon.

Tagged as: bob dylan, chuck klosterman, keith richards, music, nick hornby, oliver sacks, patti smith

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Top 5 Children’s Books | Library Selections

February 6, 2012

in Blio Bestsellers,Children's Books,Guest Post,Library Selections

In the first of an ongoing series of guest posts from librarians around the country, blogger and librarian Courtney Mandarino shares a list of 5 recommended books for children that helped shape her younger years.

As a child, it was always easy for me to find refuge in books. I think the books we read as children truly help shape us, and the characters we love provide templates for the way we think, act and see the world around us. I’m lucky to come from a long line of readers, and some of my favorite books were handed down to me by my grandmother. My grandmother bought me copies of Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden because they were favorites of hers when she was a girl, and they likewise became favorites of mine. I’ve always been amazed by the way books can unify generations of people, as with my grandmother and I, through a mutual admiration of a particularly lovable story. I encourage you to pass your old favorites on to younger generations, and to occasionally revisit those old favorites yourself. That said, here are five children’s books very near and dear to me.

The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden is a beautiful book about an orphaned girl named Mary who is taken to a strange new place to live with an uncle she’s never known. While there, Mary’s obstinate, selfish manner slowly melts away as she grows accustomed to her new life. As a child, I loved reading the maid’s lines aloud (as they were written in the Yorkshire vernacular), and following along with the many discoveries Mary makes while exploring her new surroundings. From the secret garden, to a sick cousin, to learning why the garden was locked up in the first place, I’ve enjoyed this book many times over.

Tagged as: a wrinkle in time, anne of green gables, C.S. Lewis, librarians, libraries, lucy maude montgomery, The Lion, the secret garden, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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Books to Make You Laugh on the Most Depressing Day of the Year

January 24, 2012

in Blio Bestsellers,Contemporary Authors,Contemporary Reading,Humorous Reading

Research by British psychologist and seasonal disorder expert Dr. Cliff Arnall at Cardiff University has determined that January 24 is the most depressing day of the year. Short daylight hours, holiday bills coming due and New Year’s resolutions falling by the wayside all at the same time make for the perfect storm of sadness. There’s a mathematical equation behind Arnall’s research, but we won’t add math to what’s already a pretty depressing day. Instead, we compiled a list of hilarious books that make you laugh away the blues on the most depressing day of the year. Chin up!

Me Talk Pretty One Day – David Sedaris
Contemporary Author David Sedaris has been called Garrison Keillor’s evil twin. Both authors weave incredibly compelling tales but Sedaris’ wit and self deprecating prose make him the perfect humorous antidote to the most depressing day of the year.

Me Talk Pretty One Day features 27 essays covering a wide range of subjects and topics. There’s Sedaris’ father Lou, a micromanager who tries to get his uninterested children to form a jazz combo and, when that fails, insists on boosting David’s career as a performance artist by heckling him. There’s David’s brother Paul, known as “The Rooster,” a half-literate whose language is outrageously profane but who has a heart of gold. The title story covers Sedaris’ attempts to learn to speak French as well as his experiences in Paris, mostly going to the movies during the day.

The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
Why dip your toe in the river when the river is SO good. The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy includes all five of Douglas Adams’ insanely funny installments of the Hitchhiker series starting with the original The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and running through Mostly Harmless. The humorous tale starts out on Earth where seconds before the planet is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is saved by Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised Guide. Together they stick out their thumbs to the stars and begin a wild journey through time, space and four more books. There’s a reason the series has spawned everything from a great movie to multiple stage shows. If you haven’t read the series, we guarantee a good time.

Assassination Vacation – Sarah Vowell
A road trip like no other with one of the most unique voices in print. Sarah Vowell, one part crack researcher and one part hilarious comic, takes us on a journey to the pit stops of American political murder and through the myriad ways they’ve been used for fun and profit, for political and cultural advantage. From Buffalo to Alaska, Washington to the Dry Tortugas, we learn about the jinx that was Robert Todd Lincoln (present at the assassinations of Presidents Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley) and witness the politicking that went into the making of the Lincoln Memorial. The resulting narrative is much more than an entertaining and informative travelogue — it is the fascinating story of how American death has been manipulated by popular culture, including literature, architecture, sculpture, and — the author’s favorite — historical tourism. It’s not all heavy fare – expect lighter diversions including mummies, show tunes and mean-spirited totem poles. Assassination Vacation might be the best road trip you’ve taken in years.

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