Sneak Peek: The Close-up By Pip Drysdale

8 November 2024

The Close-Up By Pip Drysdale

A struggling author discovers the dark side of fame when a stalker begins reenacting violent events from her thriller in this electrifying and twisty new novel.

When Zoe Ann Weiss moves to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a writer, her whole future is wide open. But then Zach, the bartender and aspiring actor she’s falling for, ghosts her. Her debut novel, a thriller, fails. And she has writer’s block worse than ever before. Now, three years later, Zach is famous and Zoe is…not.

She’s facing her thirtieth birthday, a dead-end job at a flower shop, and a demanding agent, terrified she’ll never get her life back on track. But when she goes to make a flower delivery and Zach is at the address, it’s like no time has passed at all. They start casually dating in secret, her writer’s block disappears, and Zoe begins to wonder: Zach inspired her first novel, so why can’t he inspire her second?

But then the inevitable happens and photos are leaked, landing Zoe in the press. Her first novel goes viral, and now everyone seems to know her name. Except the problem with everyone knowing your name is that everyone knows your name—including the mysterious stalker obsessed with Zach. A stalker who begins reenacting violent events from Zoe’s book, step by step, against her…

Behind The Words With T.J. Ellison

Jocie McKade

4 November 2024

Welcome to the blog T.J. Our readers can’t wait to hear more about your latest release A VERY BAD THING.Let’s begin with what inspired you to write A VERY BAD THING?

Ironically, it was a conversation with one of my dear friends, bookseller Barbara Peters, owner of the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale. We were talking about Agatha Christie, and she told me she’d visited her house once. Her description of the interior was fascinating, and a story idea hit me like a lightning bolt—a young woman inheriting the home of an author who’d died under mysterious circumstances. As happens with nascent ideas, they grow and change and morph, and the end result doesn’t resemble this original idea in anything but spirit. Happily, though, I’m using those first concepts to write another story that is more in line with the original plot idea. It’s a rich tapestry to work from.

How did you choose the novel’s title?

I love titling books—they’re either literal or metaphorical, and this one is so literal. The book’s prologue is a letter from a mother to her daughter, a posthumous admission of guilt, and the second line is: “Many, many years ago, I did a very bad thing.” It gave me chills when I wrote it. It had all the elements of a great title. Happily, everyone agreed. Sometimes, hitting on the perfect title is a lot more challenging, but we got this one right away.

What inspired you to start writing novels?

I’ve always been a huge reader and was allowed to read anything I could reach on my parents’ bookshelves. (Happily, I was a tall kid, so I got exposed to some incredibly sophisticated work very early). From a very young age, I wrote poems and little short stories. My mom’s Norton Anthology of Poetry was my favorite book, and when I was eight or so, I remember reading Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Eagle, and realizing how magnificent it was, how these deceptively simple few lines were packed with metaphor. The concept clicked, and from that moment on, I was compelled to play with words. But the leap to novels didn’t happen until I was older and had some life experience to share. I had a much broader reading palate and a keen desire to try my hand at the form I’d fallen in love with as an adult: Crime fiction.

What are some recurring themes in your work?

My core theme is very straightforward: I love stories about women finding their power and place in the world, and almost every book I’ve ever written has a variation of this theme. I’m also a huge fan of mythology, so my books often have elements of these origin stories. I’m also interested in how we as a society function in a highly curated world. How much can be believed about the people we think we know? What might the real story be? And finally, justice for those who can’t get it for themselves. A college friend of mine (Dail Dinwiddie) went missing in 1992. She disappeared after a U2 concert in Columbia, South Carolina, and I think every story has that sense of dislocation and loss at its heart.

What about domestic suspense as a genre appeals to you as an author?

I spent many years writing stories where a law enforcement officer knocks on someone’s door to share terrible news. Those stories are fascinating, but the more I wrote, the more I realized what really intrigues me is the Janus twin: What happens inside that house, on the other side of the door, when the bad news is received? How does it break a family? What sort of cracks were visible—and invisible—before this tragic event? What set it in motion? Who, if anyone, is at fault? And of course, how well do we really know the people we love? What secrets are they hiding? (I’m a lot of fun at dinner parties, putting these ideas in people’s heads, I’ll tell you that.)

What advice do you have for new writers?

Every successful author I know is a huge reader. Read everything you can get your hands on in every genre—the one you’re writing in, yes, but also all the popular novels, classics, diverse voices, even stories that seem entirely out of your wheelhouse. You will get a masterclass on how to do your job and broaden your horizons.

And when you start writing, find a schedule and stick to it. If you respect your creative time, the people around you will learn to respect it as well.

Thank you so much for joining us today. Readers, T.J.’s book just released. Here’s a quick look at A VERY BAD THING:

From New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes a taut thriller about one author at the pinnacle of her career, whose past threatens to destroy everything she has—and everyone she knows.

A great writer knows when to deliver a juicy plot twist. But for one author, the biggest twist of all is her own murder.

With a number of hit titles and a highly anticipated movie tie-in, celebrated novelist Columbia Jones is at the top of her game. Fans around the world adore her. But on the final night of her latest book tour, one face in the crowd makes the author collapse. And by the next morning, she’s lying dead in a pool of blood.

Columbia’s death shocks the world and leaves Darian, her daughter and publicist, reeling. The police have nothing to go on—at first. But then details emerge, pointing to the author’s illicit past. Turns out many people had motive to kill Columbia. And with a hungry reporter and frustrated cop on the trail, her secrets won’t stay buried long. But how many lives will they shatter as the truth comes out?

REVENGE STALKS A YOUNG GIRL IN “GUNSLINGERS”

Jocie McKade

3 November 2024

Dark Horse Comics presents a new and gritty Western tale about revenge, family, and surviving the ruthless West in the original graphic novel, Gunslingers. Written by Dark Horse Comics Founder Mike Richardson (47 Ronin, Star Wars: Crimson Empire, Father’s Day) with art by creative partner Jordi Armengol (Cloaked, Navigator) and lettering by Jim Campbell (Into the Unbeing, Monsters Are My Business), readers should be prepared for gunfights and powerful action when this posse arrives in March 2025.

Josephine’s 12th birthday turns to tragedy when, on a trip with her family into town for a special treat, her parents are shot and killed by a group of drunken cowboys. That group just happens to include Andrew McGeary, the son of an influential rancher celebrating his upcoming wedding. The following day, things go from bad to worse when, while at the sheriff’s office, Andrew shifts the blame onto Josephine’s parents. Enraged by the lie, and traumatized by the sight of her parents’ murder, Josephine unthinkingly grabs the sheriff’s gun and shoots Andrew dead. As a result, Andrew’s father wants Josephine tried and hanged for her crime. She is unexpectedly freed from custody by the outlaw grandfather she never met. Ethan Foster, a gunfighter long thought dead, comes out of hiding to save the only remaining member of his family. He and the girl face the relentless pursuit of the McGearys’ hired gunmen in order for him to accomplish the one last thing that might atone for his past.

“Jordi and I have a great relationship and we are both excited to bring our first Western to life. I love the genre and hope this will appeal to those readers who love classic Westerns as much as we do,” said Richardson.

“I always wanted to draw a western,” said Armengol. “Since I was a child. I think it is the dream of every comic-book artist. When Mike sent me the script for Gunslingers I knew it would be an instant classic. It has the spirit of the greatest westerns: from Zane Grey to Cormac McCarthy. From John Ford to Sergio Leone. You can hear Ennio Morricone’s melodies when you get lost in his lines.”

Don’t miss your shot to secure Gunslingers, set to hit bookstores on March 18, 2025, and comic shops on March 19, 2025. This 128-page paperback (6.625 x 10.1875″) book is now available for pre-order for $19.99 from TFAW, Amazon, Barnes and Noble or your local bookstore, or visit Comic Shop Locator for more details and stores near you.

Be sure to follow DarkHorseComics on social media and check our website, www.darkhorse.com for more news, announcements, and updates.

Praise for Richardson and Armengol’s Cloaked:

“Writer Mike Richardson successfully carries the reader along on the bumpy search for answers, as more and more is known about the shadowy Sentinel. Why are violent deaths piling up around the one person who has been hired to find the reclusive Sentinel? It’s puzzles, twists, and surprises all around.”—Fanboy Factor

“Overall: Cloaked #1 navigates a minefield of tones and concepts … to come through as a strong reading experience. I’m going to follow this one through all four issues of its run.”—Comics Bookcase

“The art of Cloaked #1 is straightforward and gritty. Strong shadows are used as an accent throughout, which adds to the stark flavor.”—Major Spoilers

Sneak Peek: A Time for Defiance by James D. Shipman

Jocie McKade

3 November 2024

A Time for Defiance by James D. Shipman

In a gripping tale of sisterhood, survival, and resistance for readers of Kate Quinn and Pam Jenoff, a young woman in Nazi-occupied Holland joins a unique taskforce within the Dutch Resistance, wielding her youthful innocence and beauty to lure Nazis to their death.

May 1940: In the months since the war in Europe began, nineteen-year-old Aafke Cruyssen and her family have tried to carry on as normal—running their modest grocery store in Eindhoven, hoping that Germany will leave Holland alone as it did during the Great War.
But this time, Holland will not be spared. The invasion comes, swift and merciless, and Dutch forces are easily overpowered. In Eindhoven, a valuable transport and trade hub, Nazi soldiers swagger through the streets. Aafke’s one glimpse of humanity comes from a young German corporal who intervenes when a gang of looters tries to rob her family’s shop.

Aafke joins the Dutch resistance and is drawn into a relationship with its charismatic leader. Wanting more than the menial missions assigned to women, she and her friends create a taskforce of their own—a “dating club” where women target Nazis, luring them to their arrest or death. Discovery by the Gestapo will mean torture and execution. Just as dangerous is the reappearance of the soldier who once helped her family. Otto Berg is now an influential Nazi commando, intrigued by Aafke’s fragile courage.

As the conflict deepens, so does Aafke’s quandary. The tides of war continue to bring her and Otto into each other’s circles. And beyond the battles that make history are countless sacrifices and unthinkable choices she must make for the sake of the resistance, and to save her own life and those she loves.

Audiobooks to Understand the Election

Jocie McKade

3 November 2024

Need help understanding the upcoming election? Here are a few audiobooks to help you make sense of the current political climate.

All the King’s Men

Written by Robert Penn Warren

Performed by Michael Emerson

Published by Recorded Books

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize

All the King’s Men tells the story of Willie Stark, a southern-fried politician who builds support by appealing to the common man and playing dirty politics with the best of the back-room deal-makers. Though Stark quickly sheds his idealism, his right-hand man, Jack Burden — who narrates the story — retains it and proves to be a thorn in the new governor’s side. Stark becomes a successful leader, but at a very high price, one that eventually costs him his life. The award-winning book is a play of politics, society and personal affairs, all wrapped in the cloak of history.

Listen to a sample

Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72

Written by Hunter S. Thompson

Performed by Scott Sowers

Published by Recorded Books

“The best account yet published of what it feels like to be out there in the middle of the American political process.” — The New York Times Book Review

Hilarious, terrifying, insightful, and compulsively readable, Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72 is an epic political adventure that captures the feel of the American democratic process better than any other book ever written—and that is just as relevant to the many ills and issues roiling the nation today.

Listen to a sample

Reagan: His Life and Legend

Written by Max Boot

Performed by Graham Winton

Published by Recorded Books

Named one of the “Nonfiction Books to Read This Fall” by NPR and the New York Times

Instant New York Times Bestseller

In this “monumental and impressive” biography, Max Boot, the distinguished political columnist, illuminates the untold story of Ronald Reagan, revealing the man behind the mythology.

Listen to a sample

The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump

Written by Clay Cane

Performed by Clay Cane

Published by Recorded Books

Instant New York Times and USA Today Bestseller

Part history and part cultural analysis, The Grift chronicles the nuanced history of Black Republicans. Clay Cane lays out how Black Republicanism has been mangled by opportunists who are apologists for racism.

Listen to a sample

Women Money Power: The Rise and Fall of Economic Equality

Written by Josie Cox

Performed by Josie Cox

Published by Recorded Books

“A necessary and riveting read.”―Francesca Donner, former gender director at the New York Times

A narrative history of women fighting for financial freedom, and the social and political hurdles that have kept them from equality. Cox delves deep into the challenges women face today and the culture and systems that hold them back. This is a fascinating narrative account of progress, women’s lives, and the work that remains to be done.

Listen to a sample

Praise for Women Money Power

A Seat at the Table: The Life and Times of Shirley Chisholm

Written by Drs. Glenn L. Starks and F. Erik Brooks

Performed by Kim Staunton

Published by Recorded Books

Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisolm rose from being the child of immigrants to running for the highest office in the land. She was both the first African American woman elected to the US Congress and the first African American woman of a major political party to make a serious run for president of the United States.

Listen to a sample

Get Off My Neck: Black Lives, White Justice, and a Former Prosecutor’s Quest for Reform

Written by Debbie Hines

Performed by Karen Chilton

Published by Recorded Books

In Get Off My Neck, Debbie Hines draws on her unique perspective as a trial lawyer, former Baltimore prosecutor, and assistant attorney general for the State of Maryland to argue that US prosecutors, as the most powerful players in the criminal justice system, systematically target and criminalize Black people.

Listen to a sample

The Klansman’s Son: My Journey from White Nationalism to Antiracism

Written by R. Derek Black

Performed by R. Derek Black

Published by Recorded Books

“The Klansman’s Son is a must-read for all who hunger for hope in these cruel times.” ―Nancy MacLean, author of Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan f

From the former heir apparent to White nationalism, an astonishing memoir of a childhood built on fear, and of breaking from a community of hate.

Listen to a sample

Praise for The Klansman’s Son

We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite

Written by Musa al-Gharbi

Performed by Musa al-Gharbi

Published by Recorded Books

We Have Never Been Woke details how the language of social justice is increasingly used to justify this elite—and to portray the losers in the knowledge economy as deserving their lot because they think or say the “wrong” things about race, gender, and sexuality. Al-Gharbi’s point is not to accuse symbolic capitalists of hypocrisy or cynicism. Rather, he examines how their genuine beliefs prevent them from recognizing how they contribute to social problems—or how their actions regularly provoke backlash against the social justice causes they champion.

Listen to a sample

What It Takes: The Way to the White House

Written by Richard Ben Cramer

Performed by Keith Sellon-Wright

Published by Tantor Audio

An American Iliad in the guise of contemporary political reportage, What It Takes penetrates the mystery at the heart of all presidential campaigns: How do presumably ordinary people acquire that mixture of ambition, stamina, and pure shamelessness that makes a true candidate?

Listen to a sample

The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History

Written by Ned Blackhawk

Performed by Jason Grasl

Published by Tantor Audio

National Bestseller

Named a best book of 2023 by New Yorker, Esquire, Publishers Weekly, Barnes & Noble

Winner of the 2023 National Book Award in Nonfiction

Finalist for the 2023 Los Angeles Times Book Award in History

Winner of 2024 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in Nonfiction

Winner of the 2024 Mark Lynton History Prize

The most enduring feature of US history is the presence of Native Americans, yet most histories focus on Europeans and their descendants. This long practice of ignoring Indigenous history is changing, however, with a new generation of scholars insists that any full American history address the struggle, survival, and resurgence of American Indian nations. Indigenous history is essential to understanding the evolution of modern America.

Listen to a sample

Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the People – and the Fight to Resist It

Written by Ari Berman

Performed by Gary Tiedemann

Published by Tantor Audio

Chilling and revelatory, Minority Rule exposes the long history of the conflict between white supremacy and multiracial democracy that has reached a fever pitch today—while also telling the inspiring story of resistance to these regressive efforts.

Listen to a sample

Sneak Peek: Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine by Traci Wilton

Jocie McKade

2 November 2024

Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine by Traci Wilton

Cupid’s taking aim at Charlene Morris’s historic Salem B&B, which is brimming with models for a contentious photo shoot, but his arrow goes astray when someone is murdered on Valentine’s Day…

A full house is nothing new to Charlene and her ghostly friend, Dr. Jack Strathmore, but this Valentine’s Day, their Salem, Massachusetts inn isn’t filled with romantic couples. Instead, every room is booked by formerly famous photographer, Dane Stallone, for a Cupid-themed calendar he hopes will jumpstart his sagging career. Though Charlene’s hands are full with a dozen gorgeous models, Dane is the only diva—pitching fits, making unreasonable demands, and generally being a mood killer . . . until a real killer strikes and puts the whole shoot on ice.

With more suspects than a jumbo box of chocolates, Charlene, Jack, and Detective Sam Holden race to find the one person filled with murderous intent . . .

Reese Witherspoon’s November Audio Book Club Pick

Jocie McKade

2 November 2024

RBmedia Publishes Audio for Reese’s November Book Club Pick

RBmedia, the largest audiobook publisher in the world, today announced that it is proud to be the audiobook publisher of “We Will Be Jaguars,” which was named as Reese’s Book Club pick for the month of November.

Each month, Witherspoon, crowned the “Queen of the Book Club” by the “New York Times,” chooses a book she loves with a woman at the center of the story. “We Will Be Jaguars” is an astonishing memoir by an equally astonishing woman. Nemonte Nenquimo—a leader of the Waorani people from the Amazonian Region of Ecuador, an author and an internationally acclaimed activist—was named to “TIME” magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020 list. In “We Will Be Jaguars,” Nenquimo partners with her husband, Mitch Anderson, founder of Amazon Frontlines, to dig into generations of the rich oral history of the Waorani tribe, hack away at racist notions of Indigenous peoples, and ultimately reveal a story as abundant, harsh, and vital as the Amazon rainforest herself.

Troy Juliar, Chief Content Officer for RBmedia said, “Reese’s Book Club demonstrates a remarkable understanding of what resonates with its members and sparks meaningful conversations. ‘We Will Be Jaguars’ is a powerful narrative about humanity and fierce determination that is sure to inspire engaging discussions. We’re honored that our audio edition of Nenquimo’s work will enhance the listening experience and enrich book club involvement.”

Reese’s Book Club, which announced its 100th book club pick last month, has become a major force in the publishing industry since it launched in 2017, earning significant recognition and a loyal audience. Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon—known for her iconic roles in “Legally Blonde,” “Big Little Lies,” “Wild,” and “Cruel Intentions”—shines a spotlight on books that explore a range of voices and experiences. Like other celebrity book clubs, Reese’s Book Club has the power to boost titles to bestseller status. Last year, print sales for the club’s selections outpaced those of Oprah’s Book Club and Read With Jenna, according to Circana Bookscan, adding up to 2.3 million copies sold.

RBmedia’s four previous Reese’s Book Club picks include: “Sankofa” by Chibundu Onuzo; “Everything Inside” by Edwidge Danticat; “The Jetsetters” by Amanda Eyre Ward; and “Still Lives” by Maria Hummel.

“We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People” was published by RBmedia’s audio brand Recorded Books and is available for download on Audible, Spotify, Apple, Google Play, Audiobooks.com, and wherever digital audiobooks are sold.

Sneak Peek: The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

Jocie McKade

2 November 2024

The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

With over 1.5 million copies sold, Midwest Book Award–winner Julie Klassen knows how to capture an audience with her bestselling novels. Hailed as the top name in inspirational Regency fiction, Klassen is a three-time Christy Award winner and the recipient of both the Minnesota Book Award and Christian Retailing’s Best Award for Historical Romance, and her current series is Julie at her very best.

Readers first met the genteel Summers sisters—Sarah, Viola, Emily, and Georgiana—as dire straits led the family to open their seaside cottage to guests in The Sisters of Sea View, which launched the ON DEVONSHIRE SHORES series in 2022. Blending romance and intrigue with family secrets, each entry has captivated readers, and this fall, Klassen introduces the fifth and final sister—the estranged Claire Summers. But will a hoped-for reunion with her family lead to reconciliation or leave Claire alienated forever? Return to the picturesque Devonshire coast as Klassen delivers a tale of love, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in The Seaside Homecoming.

Book Summary:

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to become homeless and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire answers an advertisement from someone looking for a “respectable female partner” in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign or another reckless mistake?

When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he’s hiding and if he’s any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Even as she is drawn to him, she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.

Meanwhile, the Summers family learn their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or widen the divide?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

For more information, visit JulieKlassen.com.

NEW BOOK EXPOSES HOW HEALTHCARE COMPANIES KEEP YOU HOOKED ON CPAP MACHINES, AND UNVEILS BREAKTHROUGH SOLUTION FOR SLEEP APNEA

Jocie McKade

1 November 2024

Dylan Petkus, MD, leading sleep apnea expert and founder of Optimal Circadian Health, is releasing a new book that’s set to shake up the sleep industry. In this groundbreaking release, Dr. Petkus exposes how CPAP and surgery companies are keeping millions hooked on machines, and reveals a breakthrough natural solution that empowers people to safely reduce their reliance on CPAP. With over 22 million Americans battling sleep apnea, this book offers real hope to those desperate for an alternative.

For too long, CPAP machines and invasive surgeries have been pushed as the “only solutions” for sleep apnea. Dr. Petkus’ new book pulls back the curtain on this multi-billion-dollar industry, revealing how these companies profit by keeping patients dependent on machines – without addressing the root cause of airway collapse.

Dr. Petkus’ new, breakthrough approach combines proven breathing exercises and lifestyle changes to help people naturally improve nighttime breathing for less snoring and better sleep quality. This method has helped many (including Dr. Petkus) safely reduce the need for CPAP machines.

“People are being misled into thinking CPAPs are their only option,” says Dr. Petkus. “My book reveals how to take back control of your health using natural, proven techniques.”

What Readers Will Learn:

How breathing exercises and natural techniques can retrain the body to maintain open airways while sleeping
The truth behind why so many stay hooked on CPAP machines—and how to safely reduce dependency
Proven, easy-to-follow steps to improve sleep, energy, and overall health—without the need for surgeries
Real-life case studies of people who have beaten sleep apnea and escaped the CPAP trap

A Health Revolution for Millions
Dr. Petkus’ strategies, backed by science and proven patient results, challenge the dominant narrative pushed by CPAP manufacturers and surgical centers. This book is a lifeline for those tired of uncomfortable treatments, who are looking for a real, sustainable solution.

The Sleep Apnea Solution is now available on Amazon. This explosive exposé is poised to revolutionize how we think about sleep apnea treatment.

Rebind, First AI-Native Publishing Company, Launches with First Collection of Five Classic Titles

Jocie McKade

1 November 2024

Rebind, the first AI-native publishing company transforming classic literature into interactive, guided experiences, launched today with its first collection of philosophical, literary, and spiritual e-books. To make these works more accessible, each title is paired with original interactive commentary from some of today’s greatest thinkers who serve as expert guides known as Rebinders. The company’s AI-powered e-reading technology enhances classic books into immersive reading experiences featuring conversations, including personal anecdotes, historical context, and reflections from Rebinders. Readers can now purchase standalone titles or an annual subscription by visiting rebind.ai.

“At Rebind, we are on a mission to help readers deepen their understanding and enjoyment of timeless books by inviting readers into intimate conversations with influential voices about their favorite classics,” said John Kaag, co-founder of Rebind. “We are honored to collaborate with our team of Rebinders to reimagine the reading experience and share our love for these inspiring works through book club-style discussions that facilitate lasting, meaningful connections with the texts. ”

Rebind’s first titles include:

“Dubliners” by James Joyce – rebound by John Banville, winner of the Booker Prize, Irish novelist, short story writer, adapter of dramas, and screenwriter, who shares insights from his lifelong love of the short story collection from Ireland’s most influential 20th-century author.
“Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad – rebound by Chloé Cooper Jones, Pulitzer-finalist, writer, journalist, and professor at Columbia University, who brings her perspectives from reading and teaching this pioneering work of modernist fiction countless times over the years.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald – rebound by Peter Catapano, New York Times editor, author, and educator, who weaves together personal and political themes from the “Great American Novel” that sparked his excitement for reading and writing.
“Thus Spoke Zarathustra” by Friedrich Nietzsche – rebound by Clancy Martin, Rebind deputy publisher, philosopher, novelist, professor, Guggenheim Fellow, and essayist, who dives into his four decades of experience translating and teaching this often misunderstood philosophical treatise.
“Walden” by Henry David Thoreau – rebound by John Kaag, Rebind co-founder, author, Professor of Philosophy at UMass Lowell and the Santa Fe Institute, who revisits the transformative text that inspired his 14-year-old self to become a philosopher, live near Walden Pond, and teach Thoreau’s principles.

“It is a rare text that not only invites a reader to read it twice but almost requires a reader to do so,” said Chloé Cooper Jones, who rebound Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. “This classic explores how power corrupts and also how what is deemed ‘right’ or ‘good’ is relative–these are themes that continue to be incredibly relevant. I wanted to become a Rebinder to help others unpack and discuss this profound work that I believe still has so much to teach us about human nature and society.”

With the support of experts, readers are empowered to dive confidently into some of the most challenging and meaningful classics. Rebinder-led tutorial videos are sprinkled throughout the books to teach and inspire more thought among readers. Rebind’s proprietary discussion engine learns through users’ reactions, annotations, and questions to deliver personalized discussions with authentic Rebinder content. Rebind uses large language models (LLMs) to find the intersection between a user’s own reading of the text and Rebinders’ acutely personal interpretations for a more grounded AI experience.

“Rebind’s innovative use of AI made reading The Great Gatsby and Thus Spoke Zarathustra an entirely new experience for my son and me,” said Stephen Walther, an early Rebind reader and host of the OpenAI Changes Everything podcast. “It felt like we were guided by an expert, opening up parts of the books we would not have appreciated on our own. The ability to engage in a conversation while reading, and get real-time insights, made these classics more immersive and enjoyable.”

Individual titles are $29.95, and readers can also purchase an annual subscription to access the entire Rebind library, with more books to come, for $120. To buy and keep up-to-date on new releases, please visit rebind.ai.

About Rebind
Rebind is an innovative e-reading publishing company that transforms classic literature into interactive, guided experiences with films and AI conversations, infused with original commentary from experts known as Rebinders. The product creates access to great works of literature, spirituality, and philosophy with people you know and respect. Influential authors, actors, educators, philosophers, and more provide original insights into timeless classics – enriching the reading experience with personal anecdotes, historical context, reflections, and guided discussions. These conversations explore meaningful questions about the text and invite readers to reflect deeply on their own lives. For more information, visit rebind.ai.

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