Reading Agency calendar entries: Adult

Trailers available: Tamara Drewe

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:35:23 +0000

Jonathan Cape are offering libraries the trailer of the forthcoming film Tamara Drewe, based on the graphic novel of the same name by Posy Simmonds. It's released on September 10th and stars Gemma Arterton, Roger Allam, Dominic Cooper, Luke Evans and Tamsin Greig.

Email Vicki Watson (vwatson@randomhouse.co.uk) stating whether you'd prefer to receive the file via ftp or DVD.

Proofs available: A Dark Anatomy by Robin Blake

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:54:04 +0000

Macmillan are offering reading groups proofs of A Dark Anatomy, the first book in new historical crime series set in eighteenth century England: a time before proper policing, when law was local and forensic science is just beginning...

Book synopsis
The local squire's wife is found lying beneath an ancient oak tree in her riding clothes, with a gash across her neck. It's up to local coroner Cragg and local doctor Fidelis to work out whodunit!

To request proofs please email Ellen Wood e.wood@macmillan.co.uk

Kate Morton Book Trailer Available

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:48:58 +0000

Macmillan are offering libraries a book trailer of The Distant Hours, the new novel from No 1 bestselling author Kate Morton, author of The House at Riverton.

Email Ellen Wood e.wood@macmillan.co.uk stating whether you'd prefer to receive the file via email or USB stick.

C J Sansom Book Trailer Available

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:07:06 +0000

Macmillan are offering libraries a book trailer for Heartstone, the new Shardlake novel from No 1 Bestselling author C. J. Sansom.

Book synopsis
It's 1545, England is preparing for war but Shardlake is facing a more personal mission when a mission from Queen Catherine Parr takes him into a world of secrets. . .

Please email Ellen Wood e.wood@macmillan.co.uk stating whether you'd prefer to be sent the trailer via email or on a USB stick.

Free reading group copies: Henry VIII: Wolfman

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:07:50 +0000

You've already sunk your teeth into Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter now prepare yourselves for a macabre, terrifying and hilarious journey through Tudor England as you've never seen it before as Henry VIII is transformed into a rampaging wolfman . . .

A.E. Moorat works as a freelance journalist and lives in Leicestershire with his wife and two children

To request copies email Jaime Frost jaime.frost@hodder.co.uk

Free reading group copies: Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:02:15 +0000

Hodder are offering reading groups free copies of Blood Oath, the new thriller from Christopher Farnsworth.

Synopsis
Sharp and ambitious, Zach Barrows is on his way up. But when he gets a call from the White House, it's not quite the promotion he expected. Zach is to be the new political liaison officer to America's best kept secret: Nathaniel Cade. The President's vampire. And Cade is the world's only hope against a horrifying new terrorist threat advancing from the Middle East. The fight is deadlier than ever, and time is running out . . .

About the author
Born and raised in Idaho, Christopher Farnsworth worked as an investigative and business reporter before selling his first screenplay. Since then, he has been coming up with new and better ways to kill monsters, bad guys and aliens. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Jean Roosevelt Farnsworth, and their daughter, Caroline.

To request proofs please email Jaime Frost jaime.frost@hodder.co.uk

Proofs available: Victory by Julian Stockwin

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:55:07 +0000

Hodder are offering reading groups proofs of a debut historical fiction novel by a former Royal Navy Commander.

Book synopsis
Commander Thomas Kydd is eager to play his part in thwarting Bonaparte's plans for the invasion of England. Joining Admiral Nelson's command, Kydd and his ship soon find themselves at the heart of the action that leads up to the famous clash of the mighty British and French fleets at Trafalgar. Kydd's journey takes him from false sightings of the enemy and dramatic chases across the Atlantic, to the bloody annihilation of the enemy during the actual battle, and the heroic aftermath.

About the author
After leaving the Navy Julian practised as an educational psychologist. He lived for some time in Hong Kong, where he was commissioned into the Royal Naval Reserve. He was awarded the MBE and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy. For more information click here

To request proofs email Jaime Frost Jaime.Frost@hodder.co.uk

Proofs available: The Summer of the Bear by Bella Pollen

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:48:35 +0000

Macmillan are delighted to offer reading groups proofs of the Summer of the Bear, the new book from Bella Pollen, author of the bestselling Richard & Judy Bookclub novel Hunting Unicorns.

The Summer of the Bear follows the story of a family dealing with the loss of a father and husband in a remote Scottish island. For more information about the book, click here

To request proofs please email Ellen Wood e.wood@macmillan.co.uk

New library opening in North Yorkshire - authors, illustrators etc wanted

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:51:38 +0000

North Yorkshire County Council is opening a new library in the small community of Starbeck in partnership with day services to adults with learning disabilities. We will be celebrating the new library from January 2011 onwards and are looking for authors, illustrators or publishers who will support us with events, goody bags, or anything else! For more information about the development, please visit our website (www.northyorks.gov.uk/starbeck), our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/starbeckhub), or contact Karen Thornton (karen.thornton@northyorks.gov.uk)

Word Weeks (Havering) - authors wanted

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:53:16 +0000

We are finalising our Word Weeks programme (4-16th October) and are looking for additional authors and events. Something unusual, fun and wacky would be great! We are also seeking more traditional events. We can put authors into schools, reading groups or large events linked with our shopping centres in Romford. We have had sellout events with Jo Brand, Ann Widdecombe and Chris Ryan - and we have Edwina Currie and Martin Bell confirmed for this year's Word Weeks.

Would love to hear from you!

Lesley Pearse at Norton Canes Library

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:37:05 +0000

Bestselling author, Lesley Pearse, will be at Norton Canes Library speaking about her life and writing on Thursday 30th September at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £3 for library members or £4 for non-library members. For tickets please contact Norton Canes Library Tel 01543 279592

Interactive web chat with acclaimed author Tarquin Hall

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:16:57 +0000

We will be holding an interactive web chat with acclaimed author Tarquin Hall on 25th August at 7pm.

Tarquin's most recent book, The Case of the Missing Servant, the first fiction from author of the acclaimed Salaam Brick Lane and To the Elephant Graveyard, is many things. An intriguing detective story. A comic romp full of eccentric and joyfully drawn characters. A vivid portrait of modern India with all its manifold contradictions and complexities.

If you would be interested in asking Tarquin about his inspirations, how he got a publishing deal or anything else, AND would like to receive a FREE COPY of The Case of the Missing Servant please email lgibbs@randomhouse.co.uk! Remember you have to be available to chat on-line on 25th August at 7pm!

Aggie MacKenzie at Rainham Library

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:27:50 +0000

Well known television personality and presenter of 'How Clean is Your House', Aggie MacKenzie will be visiting Rainham Library, to talk about her life and her career.

Aggie MacKenzie is best known for her work as presenter on popular TV program 'How Clean is Your House', but she is also a successful columnist for the Saturday Times and Good Housekeeping.

Aggie has also produced 3 books with her long running co-presenter Kim Woodburn, 'How Clean is Your House?', 'Too Posh To Wash' and 'The Cleaning Bible'. She has also written a book taken from her popular monthly food page in Good Housekeeping, called 'Ask Aggie'.

Tickets £5.00
Time 7.30pm
Location Rainham Library

Contact david.dennison@havering.gov.uk

Authors wanted for Birmingham Book Festival

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:52:40 +0000

Birmingham Libraries are one of the sponsors of Birmingham Book Festival which takes place each October. During the Festival, we organise a 'Fringe Festival'- which complements the main Festival programme. The main aim of the Fringe is to broaden people's reading experiences and highlight what libraries have to offer. Events are based in the Central Library (either in the Library Theatre or in the Library Foyer) and audiences have ranged between 30 - 100.

If publishers have an author they would like to put forward, please contact Nikki Bi nikki.bi@birmingham.gov.uk

Edwina Currie at Rainham Library

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:56:49 +0000

Former politician, author and TV personality Edwina Currie, will be visiting Rainham Library to talk about her life, career and her books.

Edwina served in Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Government in the late 1980's and for John Major in the 90's.

As well as being a well known politician, she is also a successful author of 10 books. Probably her most famous of those books, being 'Her Diaries 1987-1992'.

In recent years she has also done a lot of television work, including 'Hell's Kitchen', 'Celebrity Mastermind' and 'Celebrity Wife Swap'.

Please come and join us for what promises a really interesting and entertaining evening.

Tickets £5.00
Time 7.30pm
Location Rainham Library