Title: Buzz Books 2014
Author:  Publishers Lunch
Publisher/Year:  Publishers Lunch 1/8/14

Overview

here’s nothing like the excitement of being one of the first people to discover a great new read. Now in its fourth edition, Buzz Books has proven itself as the place where book publishing insiders and passionate book lovers alike can get their first taste of some of the year’s most extraordinary new books. The overwhelming majority of our selections go on to win awards and appear on booksellers’ monthly lists of “best books” as well as “best books of the year” from many sources—while topping bestseller lists and reading group selections as well. Some people think of the spring and summer publishing seasons as a quieter time, but last year’s Buzz Books collection provided early looks at such books as Philipp Meyer’s The Son, Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life, and Anthony Marra’s debut A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, all hailed as among the year’s very best novels. Inside the book business, this volume also coincides with one of the most important industry events, the American Booksellers Association’s “Winter Institute.” This is an annual gathering of 500 independent booksellers, now a major launch pad for the spring and summer seasons, where dozens of authors—including ten of those whose work is included here—sign pre-publication galleys and discuss their forthcoming books informally with bookstore owners. Instead of keeping that industry “buzz” closed off in the room with that small group of lucky booksellers, we’re giving everyone the same kind of access to checking out the newest voices the publishing industry is building for the next season. Samples of novelists you may already know and love include new books from British authors Jojo Moyes (One Plus One) and Edward St. Aubyn (Lost for Words), alongside bestselling writers Robyn Carr (Four Friends) and Greg Iles, now with a new publisher for his latest thriller Natchez Burning. We preview Giller Prize winner Joseph Boyden’s The Orenda, already lavishly honored in Canada, plus praised novelists Jean Kwok (known for Girl in Translation) and Maggie Shipstead (author of Seating Arrangements) return with their anticipated second novels. This edition’s collection of highly-anticipated debuts includes everything from screenwriter Laline Paull’s The Bees and Marie-Helene Bertino’s 2 A.M. at The Cat’s Pajamas to a posthumous roman-à-clef from magazine journalist Michael Hastings to bestselling narrative nonfiction author of Burning Down the House (the basis for the movie The Social Network) Ben Mezrich’s Seven Wonders. Our selection of nonfiction is modest in quantity but broad in range, from Twitter co-founder Biz Stone to author of bestselling Nickel and Dimed Barbara Ehrenreich’s memoir. We also include memoir with recipes (from Leah Eskin) and in letters (from Nina Stibbe), plus the latest from bestselling science journalist Sam Kean. Our biggest-ever section of young adult literature mirrors the growing popularity of these works among readers young and not-so-young. Sally Green’s Half Bad is already an international publishing sensation ahead of its release, with sales in dozens of territories. We sample new works from well-known authors such as Ann Brashares and Lemony Snicket alongside Twilight: New Moon director Chris Weitz’s The Young World—the first in a new series—and Scholastic editor Amanda Maciel’s Tease. There is something here for every reader’s taste, and the selections are roughly organized by genre and then publication date. For a broader picture of new books on the horizon, fill your to-be-read lists with the extensive preview of the publishing seasons that starts off Buzz Books. We love providing these exciting excerpts ahead of publication, and you can share this free ebook with friends and spread your enthusiasm for any of these selections online. Buzz Books can be downloaded for free from any major ebookstore, and we have included direct links to pre-order the full book after each excerpt.

My Thoughts

while it’s not a book to ‘review’ per-say, i have to say that i really love getting a sneak peak into what’s coming in the spring and summer so that i can start to build up my lists.  There are a few that seem like they’ll be pretty enjoyable, with the following as standouts to me

Wonderland  by Stacey D’erasmo

Overview: Wonderland drops us into the life of an indie rock star at that moment when she decides to go all-in or give up on her dreams.  Anna Brundage was a sensation.  Not a one-hit wonder, but a fast-rising star who hit the top and then walked away for seven years.  Now 44, she sells a piece of her famous father’s art to fund one more album and tour, and a last chance to cement her place in the life she chose, the life she struggled for, the life she’s not sure she can sustain.  Wonderland takes us deep into that unknown, dreamed-of world – music, fame, and art.  It examines the life of a woman on an unconventional path, wondering what happens next and what her passions might have cost her, seeking a version of herself she might recognize.  It stares boldly and steps bravely into the wonderland that is the future of anyone facing change

Astonish Me by Maggie Shipstead

Overview:  A gorgeously written, fiercely compelling glimpse into the passionate, political world of professional ballet and its magnetic hold over two generations.  Astonish Me is the irresistible story of Joan, a ballerina whose life has been shaped by her relationship with the world-famous dancer Arslan Ruskov, whom she helps defect from the Soviet Union to the United States.  While Arlan’s career takes off in New York, Joan’s slowly declines, ending when she becomes pregnant and decides to marry her longtime admirer, a PhD student named Jacob.  As the years pass, Joan settles into her new life in California, teaching dance and watching her son, Harry, become a ballet prodigy himself.  But when Harry’s success brings him into close contact with Arslan, explosive secrets are revealed that shatter the delicate balance Joan has struck between her past and present.  In graceful, inimitable prose,

Check it out this collection of previews – it’s free to download!