LEGENDARY ICON OF MUSIC, STAGE, AND SCREEN LIZA MINNELLI TO PUBLISH MEMOIR

14 August 2024

World Renowned Artist and Music Historian Michael Feinstein to Collaborate and Highlight Minnelli’s Trailblazing Career and Extraordinary Life Story

Grand Central Publishing (GCP) is excited to announce the acquisition of a memoir by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award (EGOT) icon Liza Minnelli. Contributing to the project are Heidi Evans, a Pulitzer Prize and two-time George Polk Award winner, and Josh Getlin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning veteran Los Angeles Times Correspondent and New York Bureau Chief, who covered arts, entertainment, politics, and publishing for over 30 years.

Liza Minnelli stands alone as one of the most iconic and enduring figures in entertainment history, and her eagerly anticipated memoir promises to capture her vibrant and irreverent voice. From her childhood in the spotlight as the daughter of iconic actress and performer Judy Garland and legendary film director Vincente Minnelli to her breakout successes in Cabaret and Liza with a Z, and through her high-octane marriages and struggles with substance abuse, this memoir offers an intimate look at the star we cherish. It reveals the raw and triumphant experiences that have solidified her status as one of the most compelling performers ever in entertainment history.

Colin Dickerman, Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at GCP, acquired North American Rights from Mel Berger at William Morris Endeavor. International rights are being handled by Tracy Fisher at William Morris Endeavor. The relationship between Mel Berger, Tracy Fisher, Liza Minnelli, Michael Feinstein, and Grand Central Publishing was announced today by Stephen Roseberry (President and CMO) and Jon Carrasco (EVP and Worldwide Creative Director) for SWC. Ms. Minnelli & Mr. Feinstein are managed exclusively by SWC.

The book will be published in hardcover print, e-book, and audio editions in the spring of 2026. Dickerman said, “From the moment she was born, people have been telling Liza’s story. She is now, after a life of many dizzying triumphs and some terrifying lows, finally ready to tell it herself. Grand Central is absolutely thrilled to help bring this book into the world.”

The Ambassador of The Great American Songbook, Grammy, Emmy nominated and Tony winner Michael Feinstein, a multi-platinum recording artist, joins as a collaborator of this historically significant book about the greatest entertainment family of the 20th and now 21st century. Feinstein will highlight Minnelli’s most significant contributions to the American Lexicon. The audio edition will include bonus content with never-released autobiographical recordings and musings that Minnelli and Feinstein have been working on for 15 years. This memoir will be a candid review of Minnelli’s life, both professionally and personally.

“Since I was old enough to put pencil to paper, people asked me to write books about my career … my life … my loves … my family,” said Minnelli. “Absolutely not! ‘Tell it when I’m gone!’ Was my philosophy. So, why did I change my mind? A sabotaged appearance at the Oscars, in front of billions of people … a film with twisted half-truths … a recent miniseries that just didn’t get it right. All made by people who didn’t know my family, and don’t really know me. Finally, I was mad as hell! Over dinner one night, I decided, it’s my own damn story … I’m gonna share it with you because of all the love you’ve given me.

I turned to my most beloved friend, Michael Feinstein and yelled: ‘Help!’ We’ve been joined at the hip for 40 years. As Ambassador of the Great American Songbook and my absolute favorite collaborator, Michael’s one of the greats, he’s razor-sharp and, and he tells the truth. That’s important because, as I fly towards my eighth decade of living, memories differ. I agreed to meet with only one company, Grand Central Publishing. We fell in love. This tome has a unique place in history. Most of you don’t know how far back we go. The Minnellis have been in show business for literally hundreds of years!

Today, after incredible events and life-threatening battles … I am truly ‘Lady Peaceful, Lady Happy.’ Thank you all for loving me so much … being concerned about me. I want you to know I’m still here, still kickin’ ass, still loving life and still creating. So, until this book arrives, know that I’m laughing, safe in every way, surrounded by loved ones, and excited to see what’s right around the curve of life. Kids, wait ’til you hear this!”

About Liza Minnelli:
Liza Minnelli is an indomitable force in the entertainment world, a true icon whose career spans over six decades. Born on March 12, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, she was destined for greatness as the daughter of the legendary actress and singer Judy Garland and the acclaimed film director Vincente Minnelli. Growing up in a household steeped in show business, Liza’s path to stardom was almost written in the stars.

Her professional journey began at 16 when she dazzled audiences in an Off-Broadway revival of Best Foot Forward. This early triumph was merely the first in accolades that would punctuate her extraordinary career. At just 19, Liza made Broadway history by becoming the youngest woman ever to win a Tony Award for her role in Flora the Red Menace. This achievement set the stage for a prolific Broadway career, marked by standout performances in Chicago, The Act, and Liza’s at the Palace…, the latter earning her a fourth Tony Award.

Minnelli’s impact on film is nothing short of legendary. Her portrayal of Sally Bowles in Bob Fosse’s Cabaret remains a watermark in cinematic history. The role won her an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a British Film Academy Award. The success of Cabaret catapulted her to international fame, solidifying her status as a superstar. Her film career continued with notable roles in Arthur and its sequel, Arthur 2, where she showcased her remarkable versatility.

Television, too, has been a canvas for Minnelli’s brilliance. Her groundbreaking 1972 special, Liza with a Z, was a seminal moment in TV history, earning an Emmy and a Peabody Award. This was followed by other memorable television appearances, including Goldie and Liza: Together and Baryshnikov on Broadway. Her role in the made-for-TV drama A Time to Live garnered her a second Golden Globe, further affirming her status as a versatile performer.

Throughout her career, Minnelli has been known for her electrifying stage presence. Her record-setting performances at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall are legendary, with her three-week engagement at Carnegie Hall in 1987 being a historic sell-out. Minnelli’s ability to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances and personal charisma is unparalleled, setting a benchmark for live entertainment.

Despite significant personal and health challenges, Minnelli’s resilience and determination have been inspiring. Her triumphant return to the stage with Liza’s Back! in 2002 and subsequent performances in Arrested Development and Liza’s at the Palace demonstrate her unwavering commitment to her craft.

Liza Minnelli’s remarkable contributions to the arts have earned her many prestigious honors. Along with being a member of the exclusive EGOT club (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), her accolades include a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Legend Award on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a Golden Globe Award. In 2017, she was awarded France’s esteemed Légion d’Honneur as an Officer, one of the highest distinctions a foreign national can receive, recognizing her exceptional contributions to arts and culture. Beyond these accolades, Minnelli has received numerous other international awards and has passionately advocated for various causes, including HIV/AIDS and charitable organizations benefiting Human Rights.

Her legacy as a performer is marked by her extraordinary range, unparalleled charisma, and unwavering dedication to her art. As one of the most celebrated and versatile artists in entertainment history, Liza Minnelli remains an enduring symbol of excellence and inspiration in the world of show business.

About Michael Feinstein:
Michael Feinstein, a celebrated multi-platinum recording artist and world-renowned music archivist, has dedicated over four decades to the Great American Songbook. His career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to classic American music, earning him the title of a leading interpreter. His remarkable ability to bring new life to timeless songs has garnered him acclaim and numerous accolades, including GRAMMY, EMMY, nominations and a TONY Award for Mr. Feinstein’s New York venue. His extensive discography, filled with collaborations with legends, underscores his significant contributions to preserving and celebrating American musical heritage.

Feinstein’s remarkable achievements include his role as Artistic Director for the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative, a beacon of education and preservation of America’s musical legacy. His impressive live performances, including sold-out shows at major venues like Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl, have solidified his status as a premier performer in the genre.

Central to Feinstein’s career is his long-time friendship and producing partnership with Liza Minnelli. Their relationship, which has flourished over forty years, is marked by mutual respect and creative collaboration. Minnelli’s influence and partnership have led to numerous memorable projects and performances, highlighting their shared passion for celebrating the American songbook.

Together, Feinstein and Minnelli have crafted unforgettable experiences that honor the rich tradition of American music. Feinstein’s enduring legacy, enriched by his partnership with Minnelli, continues to captivate audiences and ensure that the timeless charm of classic American songs endures for future generations.

BTC Summer Reads: A Character Going Outside of Their Comfort Zone

Jocie McKade

14 August 2024

Our pick for this BTC Summer Reads challenge prompt was Matt Cain’s newest novel, Becoming Ted! A Man Called Ove meets “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” in this vibrant, joyful, universally relatable story about kindness, self-acceptance, and blooming at any age from the acclaimed author of the LibraryReads and Indie Next Pick, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle.

If you want even more stories about characters stepping out of their comfort zone, don’t miss these recs!

The Language of Love and Loss by Bart Yates

When his difficult mother is diagnosed with ALS, a sharp-witted yet sensitive artist reluctantly returns to his New Hampshire hometown – and all the ghosts he left behind.

In the Case of Heartbreak by Courtney Kae

With a gorgeous beachfront mansion, salty ocean breeze, steamy nights, and ALL the summertime feels, this funny, sexy queer rom-com is a celebration of summer love, as a cinnamon roll of a pastry chef finds his indie rocker crush suddenly within reach.

Remain Silent by Robyn Gigl

Fans of J.A. Jance, Scott Turow, Lisa Unger, and Renee James will devour this edgy page-turner, as a Jersey Shore murder puts Erin McCabe’s own freedom in the crosshairs…

At Her Service by Amy Spalding

Fans of Casey McQuiston, Alexis Hall, and Meryl Wilsner will fall for this sweetly sexy, gloriously relatable sapphic rom-com about self-improvement, chasing your dreams, and writing your own Hollywood love story – from the acclaimed author of For Her Consideration.

Penguin Random House

The Glass Lodge illustrated 20th Anniversary edition Poetry Collection John Brady McDonald

Jocie McKade

14 August 2024

John Brady McDonald’s acclaimed debut poetry collection The Glass Lodge returns in a new annotated, illustrated 20th Anniversary edition from Shadowpaw Press

The Glass Lodge, the acclaimed debut poetry collection by noted First Nations author John Brady McDonald, returns to bookstores August 13 in a new 20th Anniversary hardcover edition featuring annotations by the author and reproductions of many of the original handwritten poems, published by Regina, Saskatchewan-based Shadowpaw Press.

“The 20th Anniversary of The Glass Lodge brings the path of my career to a meaningful point; from idealistic young poet, persevering through two decades in the proverbial wilderness, and finally finding success in the midst of a global pandemic,” says John Brady McDonald. “It speaks to the resilience, strength and survival of a young Indigenous poet surrounded by the streets, overcoming so much and never giving up on the dream to rise above, but never forgetting where he came from. As a writer, it means a reflection on where I was, and a poignant reminder of where I still want to go.”

“I’m thrilled to be able to bring this important poetry collection back into print for its 20th anniversary in hardcover,” says Edward Willett, publisher of Shadowpaw Press, “and thrilled as well to include the new insights into each poem’s creation provided by John and images of some of the original handwritten poems. John also created the evocative cover art.”

About the book

John Brady McDonald, MBSFA, a Nêhiyawak-Métis multidisciplinary artist and writer from Treaty Six Territory in Saskatchewan, Canada, is an award-winning author of multiple books who has presented at literary festivals around the world. Before all this, however, he was a young, urban Indigenous youth, struggling with addictions, the streets, and the pain and turmoil of intergenerational trauma as a residential school survivor and the child of residential school survivors.

These raw, lyrical poems are a glimpse of the birth of a poet, recklessly using language and words with abandon and without restraint. It is the poetry of an individual experimenting with the language, mixing the influences of Shakespeare and Jim Morrison with the teenage-Goth writing style of youth-the base metals from which a lifetime of words was forged.

Originally published by Kegedonce Press in 2004, The Glass Lodge was presented across Canada and the United States at esteemed festivals. Chosen for the First Nations Communities Read program, it was also nominated for the Anskohk Aboriginal Book of the Year in 2005.

Now, here is that seminal work in a brand-new edition, re-edited and restored, illustrated with images of many of the original, handwritten poems, and with author’s notes providing frank, fascinating insight into what gave rise to each of these verses: the outpouring of language that marked the birth of a remarkable writer.

MIKE MIGNOLA AND BEN STENBECK RETURN TO THE HELLBOY UNIVERSE

Jocie McKade

13 August 2024

Mike Mignola and Ben Stenbeck Return to the Hellboy Universe with The Serpent in the Garden: Ed Grey and the Last Battle for England

Hellboy is dead and the world as we know it is gone…
and now the Witchfinder is once again called upon to defend Avalon

Mike Mignola and his longtime collaborator Ben Stenbeck are joining forces to create the next chapter of the Hellboy Universe in The Serpent in the Garden: Ed Grey and the Last Battle for England, a new 3-issue miniseries written by Mignola and drawn by Stenbeck with colors by Dave Stewart, with lettering from Clem Robins. Issue 1 will be published in November by Dark Horse Comics.

Nineteenth-century paranormal investigator Ed Grey’s illustrious and otherworldly career has been a pivotal part of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy Universe. From his first appearance of Hellboy: Wake the Devil to his unforgettable roles in Hellboy in Hell and Sir Edward Grey: Witchfinder, Grey has always been one of the most important and enigmatic figures in the Hellboy Universe.

“Ed Grey feels to me like he took off like a rocket,” said Mignola. “He was my ‘regular guy’ occult detective but then just kept going. Being dismembered and stitched back together didn’t even slow him down. He became a magician and flew around doing stuff. He decided to take on some of Hellboy’s curse and everything just kept beating him and he just kept getting up, and before too long, I just felt bad for him and wanted to give him a quiet place to sit down – retire in peace. BUT he had just one more (I hope) thing to do and then not only could he retire but he could retire another of my favorite characters. Let’s hope both of them can finally relax after this one last battle for England.”

Taking place after the events of B.P.R.D.: The Devil You Know and Mignola and Stenbeck’s Koshchei in Hell, The Serpent in the Garden follows Grey after he’s summoned away from Hell by Alice, queen of the last standing realm on Earth, to help defend England from King Arthur’s half-sister Morgan Le Fay and her fearsome champion.

“This is going to be my last ‘Hellboy universe’ story for some time,” Stenbeck added. “So I’m really happy I finally get to draw one of my favorite characters.”

“Whenever Mike Mignola, Ben Stenbeck, and Dave Stewart collaborate, they end up creating some of the very best books in the Hellboy Universe.” – Multiversity

The Serpent in the Garden: Ed Grey and the Last Battle for England #1 will be available in comic shops on November 27 by Dark Horse Comics.

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

About Mike Mignola
Mike Mignola’s fascination with ghosts and monsters began at an early age; reading Dracula at age twelve introduced him to Victorian literature and folklore, from which he has never recovered. Starting in 1982 as a bad inker for Marvel Comics, he swiftly evolved into a not-so-bad artist. By the late 1980s, he had begun to develop his own unique graphic style, with mainstream projects like Cosmic Odyssey and Batman:Gotham by Gaslight. In 1994, he published the first Hellboy series through Dark Horse.There are thirteen Hellboy graphic novels (with more on the way), several spin-off titles (B.P.R.D., Lobster Johnson, Abe Sapien, and Sir Edward Grey: Witchfinder), prose books,animated films, and two live-action films starring Ron Perlman. Along the way he worked on Francis Ford Coppola’s film Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), was a production designer for Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001), and was the visual consultant to director Guillermo del Toro on Blade II (2002), Hellboy (2004), and Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008). Mike’s books have earned numerous awards and are published in a great many countries. Mike lives in Southern California with his wife, daughter, and cat. About Ben Stenbeck
Ben Stenbeck is the creator of Our Bones Dust and a long time Hellboy collaborator who is also known for his work on Baltimore, Frankenstein Underground, and Koshchei.

Dark Horse Comics

Behind The Words With ZOJE STAGE Author of the psychological thriller, Dear Hanna

Jocie McKade

13 August 2024

Welcome Zoje! I’m excited to be talking about your latest release DEAR HANNA.
Hanna was seven in Baby Teeth; what made you decide to make her twenty-four in Dear Hanna?

For years readers were asking me for a follow-up novel—but I had grave reservations about writing “Baby Teeth 2.0” even though many people wanted more disturbed child antics. I’d already written that book and considered it complete, and revisiting Hanna as a child seemed likely to be derivative. Of much more interest to me was imagining who Hanna would become a little later in life—has there ever been a sequel where the “bad seed” was all grown up? Mentally ill children are real, and they’re likely to become mentally ill adults—adults who have jobs and relationships and hobbies, just like anyone else. That was the angle that intrigued me, exploring how everything we learned about Hanna as a child would manifest in her as a more mature young woman.

Is it daunting to release a follow-up when so many readers have had time to ponder what they think should happen to Hanna after Baby Teeth?

It was apparent whenever I was asked if there’d be a sequel that many readers were already imagining Hanna’s future chapters—and I loved that! I loved that Hanna existed in readers’ minds beyond the last page of the book. But it also meant that some readers might only be satisfied with a sequel that spoke to the images they’d consciously or subconsciously conjured. Yes, that was daunting, but as a writer I have to listen to my characters and adhere to my own intuition—that’s my process for everything I write. Really, every book is a little daunting in its own way, as each reader brings so much of their own experience to how they process a book.

Is there any chance you’ll continue Hanna’s story in a future book?

Now that I’ve imagined Hanna in her twenties, it seems natural to contemplate who she’ll be in her thirties, so…Maybe??

What are some recurring themes in your work?

I have long been attracted to the dualities that exist within every human being—very few of us are pure evil or pure good. Rather, most of us go through life doing the best we can given our circumstances and what we understand about the world. I like playing with these shades of gray in my characters, where no one is a true hero or a true villain. This may also be why I’m attracted to the concept of redemption, as very few people are truly irredeemable.

What made you switch from screenwriting and film to writing novels?

When I was a teenager film seemed like the outlet that would encompass all of my artistic interests—writing, acting, photography, music, dance; it felt truly comprehensive in a way that nothing else had. My dream for decades was to be a writer/director—preferably following in the path of people like Lars Von Trier. At that time people didn’t talk about gender disparity in the film industry, and it was normal to hear things like, “Women just aren’t visual.”

In the couple of years before I walked away from film two pivotal things happened: my health and finances tanked, and gender bias in film started to become a hot topic. Unfortunately, it was too late for me at that point to keep fighting for my teenage dream. With a bit of mental gymnastics, I found parallels between the hats I’d worn as a DIY filmmaker and the needs of a novel. With my first couple of (unpublished) books I thought consciously about directing scenes and actors, the look and mood of the visuals, editing and pacing, and eventually those parallels became second nature. I discovered that writing novels was the missing piece of my personal puzzle, allowing me to create a truly complete narrative in a way I’d never had the opportunity to do with filmmaking. And my storytelling interests remain the same: telling realistic stories about complicated people in strange situations.

Who are some authors who influence your writing?

In truth, no authors influence my writing—I think that’s a slippery slope—but there are authors who have influenced how I think and what I think about. Most notably, Ursula Le Guin’s work— her fiction and nonfiction—really delves into some profound ways of thinking about our society. As a younger reader, The Long Walk by Stephen King burned a hole in my brain, and My Antonia by Willa Cather was a revelation to me. In more recent years I’ve been awed by books such as The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Bewilderment by Richard Powers, The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan, and Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy.

What about psychological thrillers appeals to you as an author?

I’m a reader first and an author second, which means I decide what to write based in part on what I want to read. Reading thrillers of any kind is so damn fun! When I was a teenager, I sought out—and slogged my way through—literary “masterpieces,” so maybe it’s ironic that as a more mature reader I’m now attracted to page-turners. The human psyche and what makes people tick is endlessly fascinating to me, so thrillers with a psychological component are *chef’s kiss*.

Thank you so much for joining us today. DEAR HANNA releases today! Here’s a quick look:::

Hanna is no stranger to dark thoughts: as a young child, she tried to murder her own mother. But that was more than sixteen years ago. And extensive therapy—and writing letters to her younger brother—has since curbed those nasty tendencies.

Now twenty-four, Hanna is living an outwardly normal life of domestic content. Married to real estate agent Jacob, she’s also stepmother to his teenage daughter Joelle. They live in a beautiful home, and Hanna loves her career as a phlebotomist—a job perfectly suited to her occasional need to hurt people.

But when Joelle begins to change in ways that don’t suit Hanna’s purposes, her carefully planned existence threatens to come apart. With life slipping out of her control, Hanna reverts to old habits, determined to manipulate the events and people around her. And the only thing worse than a baby sociopath is a fully grown one.

With its dark humor and chillingly seductive protagonist, Dear Hanna is a standalone sequel sure to thrill returning and new readers alike.

There’s a Book for That: Paris!

Jocie McKade

12 August 2024

Ooh la la! Do you find yourself pining to be in Paris as you watch the Summer Olympics? Those shots of patisseries, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and café society just make our hearts go pitter patter for the City of Light! Second best are all the beautiful books set in Paris, France – we say oui! to reading yourself there…

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl THE PARIS NOVEL: A NOVEL by Ruth Reichl

“Stella decamps to the City of Light—and pungent goat cheese, chilled wine, garlicky snails—in this giddy, escapist confection from Ruth Reichl, food writer par excellence.”—Vanity Fair

Bestselling author Ruth Reichl takes readers on an adventure of food, art, and fashion in 1980s Paris in this dazzling, heartfelt novel.

The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein THE MADWOMEN OF PARIS: A NOVEL by Jennifer Cody Epstein

Two women fall under the influence of a powerful doctor in Paris’s notorious women’s asylum in this gripping historical novel. Based on true events, The Madwomen of Paris shines new light on the treatment of women by some of the most iconic doctors of the 19th century.

Swimming in Paris by Colombe Schneck SWIMMING IN PARIS: A LIFE IN THREE STORIES by Colombe Schneck, Lauren Elkin, Natasha Lehrer

From the award-winning French author Colombe Schneck, Swimming in Paris is a woman’s personal journey through abortion, sex, friendship, love, and swimming.

Paris by Colin Jones PARIS: THE BIOGRAPHY OF A CITY by Colin Jones

From the Roman Emperor Julian, who waxed rhapsodic about Parisian wine and figs, to Henry Miller, who relished its seductive bohemia, Paris has been a perennial source of fascination for 2,000 years. In this definitive and illuminating history, Colin Jones walks us through the city that was a plague-infested charnel house during the Middle Ages, the bloody epicenter of the French Revolution, the muse of nineteenth-century Impressionist painters, and much more. Jones’s masterful narrative is enhanced by numerous photographs and feature boxes—on the Bastille or Josephine Baker, for instance—that complete a colorful and comprehensive portrait of a place that has endured Vikings, Black Death, and the Nazis to emerge as the heart of a resurgent Europe. This is a thrilling companion for history buffs and backpack, or armchair, travelers alike.

Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley PERESTROIKA IN PARIS: A NOVEL by Jane Smiley

From Pulitzer Prize-winner Jane Smiley comes a captivating, brilliantly imaginative story of three extraordinary animals—and a young boy—whose lives intersect in Paris in this “feel-good escape” (The New York Times).

Paris by the Book by Liam Callanan PARIS BY THE BOOK: A NOVEL by Liam Callanan

A missing person, a grieving family, a curious clue: a half-finished manuscript set in Paris: When eccentric novelist Robert Eady abruptly vanishes, he leaves behind his wife, Leah, their daughters, and, hidden in an unexpected spot, plane tickets to Paris…Charming, haunting, and triumphant, Paris by the Book follows one woman’s journey as she writes her own story, exploring the power of family and the magic that hides within the pages of a book.

The Light of Paris by Eleanor Brown THE LIGHT OF PARIS by Eleanor Brown

“I adored The Light of Paris. It’s so lovely and big-hearted—it made me long for Paris.”—Jojo Moyes

The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSHOP: A NOVEL by Nina George

Monsieur Perdu can prescribe the perfect book for a broken heart. But can he fix his own? Internationally bestselling and filled with warmth and adventure, The Little Paris Bookshop is a love letter to books, meant for anyone who believes in the power of stories to shape people’s lives.

Paris Was the Place by Susan Conley PARIS WAS THE PLACE by Susan Conley

When Willie Pears arrives in Paris, she’s looking for adventure and to reconnect with her brother, Luke. Even so, when she takes a job teaching at a center for immigrant girls who are all hoping for French asylum, she does not expect to feel so connected to the ups and downs of their lives—or to find romance with their attractive and committed lawyer, Macon. But as Willie learns the girls’ histories, the lines between teaching and mothering quickly begin to blur, leading her to make a risky move that will threaten to upend the life and relationships she’s found.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain THE PARIS WIFE: A NOVEL by Paula McLain

Chicago, 1920: Hadley Richardson is a quiet twenty-eight-year-old who has all but given up on love and happiness—until she meets Ernest Hemingway. Following a whirlwind courtship and wedding, the pair set sail for Paris, where they become the golden couple in a lively and volatile group—the fabled “Lost Generation”—that includes Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Though deeply in love, the Hemingways are ill prepared for the hard-drinking, fast-living, and free-loving life of Jazz Age Paris. As Ernest struggles to find the voice that will earn him a place in history and pours himself into the novel that will become The Sun Also Rises, Hadley strives to hold on to her sense of self as her roles as wife, friend, and muse become more challenging. Eventually they find themselves facing the ultimate crisis of their marriage—a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they’ve fought so hard for.

Proust's Duchess by Caroline Weber PROUST’S DUCHESS: HOW THREE CELEBRATED WOMEN CAPTURED THE IMAGINATION OF FIN-DE-SIÈCLE PARIS by Caroline Weber

PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST

A brilliant look at turn-of-the-century Paris through the first in-depth study of the three women Proust used to create his supreme fictional character, the Duchesse de Guermantes. “Weber has done a remarkable job of bringing to life…a world of culture, glamour and privilege.” —The Wall Street Journal

The Bettencourt Affair by Tom Sancton THE BETTENCOURT AFFAIR: THE WORLD’S RICHEST WOMAN AND THE SCANDAL THAT ROCKED PARIS by Tom Sancton

Heiress to the nearly forty-billion-dollar L’Oréal fortune, Liliane Bettencourt was the world’s richest woman and the fourteenth wealthiest person. But her gilded life took a dark yet fascinating turn in the past decade. At ninety-four, she was embroiled in what has been called the Bettencourt Affair, a scandal that dominated the headlines in France. Why? It’s a tangled web of hidden secrets, divided loyalties, frayed relationships, and fractured families, set in the most romantic city—and involving the most glamorous industry—in the world.

Penguin Random House

Oppenheimer Signed Atomic Bomb Plans to be Offered at Auction

Jocie McKade

12 August 2024

On January 18-19, 2024 Maryland auctioneers Alexander Historical Auctions, known internationally for their sale of historical military objects, will be offering an amazing description of the development of the atomic bomb signed by 24 of the leading scientists and administrators of the Manhattan Project, including J. Robert Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi, Ernest Lawrence, James Chadwick, and Harold Urey. The signed book, printed only days after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, came to the auction house through a simple stroke of luck. Owner Bill Panagopulos recently had his new home in the tiny community of Chesapeake City inspected and the inspector mentioned that he knew a woman whose mother had worked on the Manhattan Project. Panagopulos initially scoffed at the lead, as hundreds of secretaries had worked on the project. When he saw the piece, he was dumbstruck. The owner, a local schoolteacher, had passed the priceless book around in her high school class for years not knowing its incredible importance. Asked about his discovery, Panagopulos exclaimed: “Yes indeed, ‘there’s gold in them thar hills!’ The most incredible items still rest in people’s attics!”

Other important items to be offered in the same sale include historic pieces associated with French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Preeminent among them is a stunning, beautifully detailed hunting rifle owned and used by Bonaparte. This very rare hunting piece was crafted by Viennese and French master gunsmiths and exhibits stunning workmanship and detail, including richly chiseled silver fittings in relief and ornate carving to the stock. It is estimated to sell at $100-150,000. Other Bonaparte items include a lock of hair taken from Bonaparte’s head while he lay on his deathbed, a contemporary noted artist’s marble bust of Bonaparte, and a book from his library while he was in exile on St. Helena.

Also to be offered is the original design description of the first jet engine, the tablecloth used by Saddam Hussein at his cabinet and military meetings, and a bejeweled brooch bearing a lock of George Washington’s hair.

Bidding will be available live, by telephone, and at the auctioneer’s web site.

Bidding is also available at websites invaluable.com and liveauctioneers.com. Alexander Historical Auctions may be reached at 203-276-1570, email: 371198@email4pr.com, sales@alexautographs.com, website: historyauctioneer.com.

Sneak Peek: SUFFERANCE by Charles Palliser

Jocie McKade

12 August 2024

SUFFERANCE by Charles Palliser

The newest thriller by Charles Palliser, Author of the international bestseller The Quincunx

Set in Eastern Europe during the Second World War. When his nation is invaded and occupied by a brutal enemy, a well-intentioned man persuades his wife that they should give temporary shelter to a young girl who is at school with their daughter. He has no idea that the girl belongs to a community against whom the invader intends to commit genocide. Days stretch into weeks and then months while the enemy’s pitiless hatred of the girl’s community puts all of the family in danger. Nobody outside the family can be trusted with the dangerous secret and the threat from outside unlocks a darkness that threatens to derail them all.

From the internationally bestselling author of The Quincunx (over a million copies sold worldwide), comes a deeply unsettling psychological novel about the hideous decisions that people are forced to make when living under tyrannical regimes.

Sufferance (Guernica World Editions, 76): Palliser, Charles: 9781771838856: Amazon.com: Books

“Palliser manages to keep up the tension as his narrative drives to its tragic, unsettling end. A cynical story about how, in the absence of moral courage, terror and self-preservation can also be powerful motivators.” —Kirkus

“Palliser’s novel shares some superficial similarities with last year’s Booker winner, Prophet Song – a family in crisis navigating an authoritarian regime – but is a more well developed and satisfying work.” — The Guardian

“A sinister undertone lurks throughout the narrative, and a real sense of doom overshadows. In the father, Palliser has created a rare character who in turns can be sympathetic and contemptible. His story races to an ending that leaves the reader stunned. This novel will evoke a full range of emotions. An impressive novel not to be missed.” — Historical Novels Review

Sufferance could well become a contemporary classic. — Spectator

“The simple prose with which the story unfolds only adds to the sinister feel of this skillfully crafted, dark little tale.” —What Cathy Read Next

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Charles Palliser is an American-born and British-based novelist. He is the author of five previous novels. His most well-known novel, The Quincunx, has sold over a million copies internationally. He is the elder brother of the late author and freelance journalist Marcus Palliser. He was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and lives in London, UK

Sneak Peek: I’M STILL HERE: A Dog’s Purpose Forever by Cathryn Michon

Jocie McKade

11 August 2024

I’M STILL HERE: A Dog’s Purpose Forever by Cathryn Michon

This richly illustrated book reveals a comforting narrative told from the point of view of a loving angel dog, who wants you to know, “I’m still here . . . But I’m also there where all the animals run free, with no pain, waiting for you, watching for you, loving you, and guiding you.”

Losing one’s dog is one of the most difficult experiences we go through and it’s hard to find solace. However, the profound, four-legged narrator of I’m Still Here has nothing but good news for humans. The free verse is equally rhapsodic about the eternal nature of our souls and the amazing sound of crinkly wrappers that means cheese is about to be sliced. This very good dog proclaims that love never dies, that we will meet again, and that if you ever doubted that humans are magnificent creatures, look no further than the humble ball.

There is nothing to fear, because it is this dog’s purpose to pull you (like a bad dog who doesn’t know how to do “leash”) toward joy, and to remind you to relish all the naps and treats life has to offer.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Website

Corridor to Nightmare, the last fantasy novel of Author Dave Duncan

Jocie McKade

10 August 2024

Corridor to Nightmare, the last fantasy novel written by the late, great Canadian author Dave Duncan before his death

Corridor to Nightmare, a new, never-before-published fantasy novel by the late Dave Duncan, one of Canada’s most celebrated authors of science fiction and fantasy, will be released by Regina, Saskatchewan-based publisher Shadowpaw Press on August 13, 2024.

A previous posthumous novel, the science fiction novel The Traitor’s Son, came out in May.

“I’m thrilled to be able to bring this fantasy novel to the many readers who have sorely missed Dave since his untimely death in 2018,” says Edward Willett, publisher of Shadowpaw Press. “I met Dave many times over the years and was a huge fan of both the man and his writing.”

Duncan’s long-time editor, Dr. Robert Runté, polished the novel for publication.

“I am excited that Corridor to Nightmare has found a home with Shadowpaw Press,” says Dr. Runté. “Publisher Edward Willett has recognized the importance of Dave Duncan’s unique vision, not just to Duncan’s many fans, but to the canon of Canadian speculative literature. Corridor to Nightmare blurs the line between science fiction and fantasy, combines mystery with romance, and explores themes of vengeance vs pacifism, all within a compelling narrative. Corridor to Nightmare confounds the usual marketing categories and brings a uniquely Canadian perspective to what is possible within the speculative genre.”

About the book

When one life ends, another begins.

After forty years as the village school teacher in the idyllic valley of Greenbottom, Agatha is looking forward to a quiet retirement. Instead, an enigmatic stranger arrives to drag her through a long-closed portal to another world.

Confronted with a completely foreign culture steeped in magic and violence, Agatha finds herself a crucial pawn being played between rival factions. The only way forward through the rigid traditions and convoluted politics of the Archons of Otopia is to remain true to herself and her Greenbottom ideals.

But will it be enough to save, not only herself, but the man to whom she is now magically bound in love?

About the author

Born and raised in Scotland, Dave Duncan moved to Calgary, Alberta, after graduating from university to take up his thirty-year career as a geologist. As the oil boom faltered in the 1980s, he sold his first novel and switched careers to become one of the most prolific and popular Canadian authors of science fiction and fantasy, with more than sixty-five traditionally published novels. Early in his career, he was producing books so fast his publisher could not keep up, so he wrote a fantasy trilogy under the name Ken Hood for a different house and a historical novel about the fall of Troy as Sarah B. Franklin.

Duncan won the Aurora Award for Best Novel in 1990 and again in 2007 and was inducted into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement in 2015. He died on October 29, 2018.

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