"New Titles Available"

I just love being able to recommend new authors. In the book business, whether it’s selling or checking them out to the Columbus Library patron, there’s a phrase that really defines my favorite occupation---“hand-selling”. I show the person the latest new title that I think is really great, and tell the patron: “You just have to read this!” I tell them a little about the plot or the characters, anything to catch his/her interest. And if I’ve done my job properly, my enthusiasm should be so infectious that the patron won’t be able to resist the temptation to check it out.
 
There are three such titles in the library right now. (I’m sure there are lots more, but these are the ones that sparked an interest to read the whole book.) Read these little “snapshots” that follow and see if my powers of persuasion will convince you to give these first-time authors a chance.

SLEEPING WITH SCHUBERT BY BONNIE MARSON--- From the opening lines, “Sleeping with Schubert” is a hilarious, whimsical romp through the looking glass of a great musical mystery. The writing snaps, crackles, and pops with humor as Bonnie Marson makes Schubert a sexy, happening kind of guy who gives new meaning to our dreaming the impossible. Bonnie Marson is an artist who has worked in many media, including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, and mosaics. She has sold her work in galleries and to collectors around the country. Film rights have been acquired by Paramount Pictures. The author lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband, Steve Sadler.

THE BIG LOVE BY SARAH DUNN--- Sarah Dunn offers up a delectable first novel that is hilarious and heartbreaking, touching and true. The premise is clever—the couple is throwing a dinner party, the boyfriend goes to buy some mustard and doesn’t come back. The cad does call to say that he’s fallen back in love with his old girlfriend. Alison (the main character) had always feared that Tom’s (the cad) looks would land her in trouble---“having a handsome boyfriend is like owning a white couch, an invitation to disaster.”

But if Tom isn’t Alison’s “Big Love”, who is? Alison plumbs the depths and takes sight of the heights that love can lead to. Join Alison in her attempt to bridge the gulf between men and women. “Sarah Dunn’s keen observations of the unpredictability of life are delightful. This is a wonderfully funny debut novel.”—Olivia Goldsmith, author of “The First Wives Club”

REPRODUCTION IS THE FLAW OF LOVE BY LAUREN GRODSTEIN---I was drawn to Lauren Grodstein’s impressive debut novel by the end of the first page. Her quirky voice and sassy, ironic humor makes the story come alive. She’s a master of one-liners and this book is full of great ones. “Reproduction Is the Flaw of Love” fearlessly charts the romantic odyssey of one endearing New York bachelor—Joel Miller. I found him utterly believable as Miller begins to realize just how little he really knows about intimacy, love, and potential fatherhood. Getting into the heart and soul of this commitment-phobic male will be the perfect beach read this summer.
I was taken aback at the credentials of this relatively young, first-time author---she received her MFA in creative writing from Columbia University. You can visit the author’s website at www.laurengrodstein.com.

Speaking of websites---Columbus Public Library has launched a new website!!!! We’re very excited about the user-friendly, informative, and innovative home page. You’ll be able to find us at www.columbuslibrary.info Our director, Robert Trautwein, has been instrumental in getting this page off the ground. Please take the time to search the whole site; I know you’ll want to bookmark it so that you can get to it time and again.