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Time for Whisky, Haggis, and Poems: It's Burns Night
Posted by Cybil on January 25, 2017
Posted by Cybil on January 25, 2017
It's time for Burns Night! You may ask: What is that exactly?
Burns Night is an annual event that honors Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns, on his birthday.
It's a tradition that occurs every January 25 and is marked by feasts featuring haggis and, of course, Scottish whisky, that started shortly after Burns's death in 1796. If you'd really like to get into the spirit of Rabbie Burns, feel free to make whisky-fueled speeches about his poems, recite a few of his lyrics, and wear a kilt.
Read more of Burns's work and add his work to your reading list.
It's a tradition that occurs every January 25 and is marked by feasts featuring haggis and, of course, Scottish whisky, that started shortly after Burns's death in 1796. If you'd really like to get into the spirit of Rabbie Burns, feel free to make whisky-fueled speeches about his poems, recite a few of his lyrics, and wear a kilt.
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Read more of Burns's work and add his work to your reading list.
Book-to-Movie Adaptations Dominate Oscar Nominations
Posted by Cybil on January 24, 2017
The nominations for the 89th Academy Awards were announced Tuesday morning, with book-to-film adaptations dominating the race for Best Picture. Check out Hollywood's source material before the awards are handed out on Feb. 26 and be inspired to add these books to your Want to Read list.
Adaptations Nominated for Best Picture:
Arrival (Original title: Stories of Your Life and Others)
by Ted Chiang
Other nominations include Denis Villeneuve for best director, and best adapted screenplay.
Hidden Figures
by Margot Lee Shetterly
Other nominations include Octavia Spencer for best supporting actress and best adapted screenplay.
Fences
by August Wilson
Other nominations include Denzel Washington for best actor and Viola Davis for best supporting actress, as well as best adapted screenplay.
Lion (Original title: A Long Way Home)
by Saroo Brierley
Other nominations include Dev Patel for best supporting actor, Nicole Kidman for best supporting actress, and best adapted screenplay.
Inspired? Here are more new and upcoming movies based on books: 17 eagerly anticipated book-to-movie adaptations.
(Top image credit: Hidden Figures)
Posted by Cybil on January 24, 2017
The nominations for the 89th Academy Awards were announced Tuesday morning, with book-to-film adaptations dominating the race for Best Picture. Check out Hollywood's source material before the awards are handed out on Feb. 26 and be inspired to add these books to your Want to Read list.
Adaptations Nominated for Best Picture:
by Ted Chiang
Other nominations include Denis Villeneuve for best director, and best adapted screenplay.
by Margot Lee Shetterly
Other nominations include Octavia Spencer for best supporting actress and best adapted screenplay.
by August Wilson
Other nominations include Denzel Washington for best actor and Viola Davis for best supporting actress, as well as best adapted screenplay.
by Saroo Brierley
Other nominations include Dev Patel for best supporting actor, Nicole Kidman for best supporting actress, and best adapted screenplay.
Inspired? Here are more new and upcoming movies based on books: 17 eagerly anticipated book-to-movie adaptations.
(Top image credit: Hidden Figures)
What's New This Week: 7 Great Books Hitting Shelves Today
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on January 24, 2017
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on January 24, 2017
Need another excuse to go to the bookstore this week? We've got seven! Bulk up your Want to Read shelf with these brand-new standalone titles.
The Girl Before
by J.P. Delaney
You should read this book if you like: Psychological thrillers, smart homes, control freaks, Rebecca, dual perspectives, books with movie deals
Allegedly
by Tiffany D. Jackson
You should read this book if you like: YA fiction, gritty debuts, stories based on real events, the reality of the justice system, jaw-dropping endings
Rise: How a House Built a Family
by Cara Brookins
You should read this book if you like: Memoirs, epic DIY projects, scrappy and stubborn moms, instructional YouTube videos, empowerment
Days Without End
by Sebastian Barry
You should read this book if you like: Historical fiction, Irish immigrants, the American Indian and Civil Wars, makeshift families, Man Booker Prize finalists
If Our Bodies Could Talk: A Guide to Operating and Maintaining a Human Body
by James Hamblin
You should read this book if you like: Nonfiction, human bodies, illustrations, humorous and educational explanations, cool doctors
This Is How It Always Is
by Laurie Frankel
You should read this book if you like: Contemporary fiction, a powerful look at the challenges of raising a transgender child, fairy tales, secrets
Arthur and Sherlock: Conan Doyle and the Creation of Holmes
by Michael Sims
You should read this book if you like: Biographies, diagnostic geniuses, the birth of the world's greatest consulting detective, "curious incidents"
BONUS: The wait is over—check out three of the buzziest sequels coming out today!
Eleventh Grave in Moonlight
by Darynda Jones
The eleventh installment the Charley Davidson urban fantasy series
(Start off the series with First Grave on the Right)
Accidentally on Purpose
by Jill Shalvis
The third book in the Heartbreaker Bay contemporary romance series
(Start off the series with Sweet Little Lies)
The Fifth Petal
by Brunonia Barry
The second book in The Lace Reader mystery series
(Start off the series with The Lace Reader)
What are you reading this week? Let's talk books in the comments!
by J.P. Delaney
You should read this book if you like: Psychological thrillers, smart homes, control freaks, Rebecca, dual perspectives, books with movie deals
by Tiffany D. Jackson
You should read this book if you like: YA fiction, gritty debuts, stories based on real events, the reality of the justice system, jaw-dropping endings
by Cara Brookins
You should read this book if you like: Memoirs, epic DIY projects, scrappy and stubborn moms, instructional YouTube videos, empowerment
by Sebastian Barry
You should read this book if you like: Historical fiction, Irish immigrants, the American Indian and Civil Wars, makeshift families, Man Booker Prize finalists
by James Hamblin
You should read this book if you like: Nonfiction, human bodies, illustrations, humorous and educational explanations, cool doctors
by Laurie Frankel
You should read this book if you like: Contemporary fiction, a powerful look at the challenges of raising a transgender child, fairy tales, secrets
by Michael Sims
You should read this book if you like: Biographies, diagnostic geniuses, the birth of the world's greatest consulting detective, "curious incidents"
BONUS: The wait is over—check out three of the buzziest sequels coming out today!
by Darynda Jones
The eleventh installment the Charley Davidson urban fantasy series
(Start off the series with First Grave on the Right)
by Jill Shalvis
The third book in the Heartbreaker Bay contemporary romance series
(Start off the series with Sweet Little Lies)
by Brunonia Barry
The second book in The Lace Reader mystery series
(Start off the series with The Lace Reader)
What are you reading this week? Let's talk books in the comments!
Happy National Reading Day!
Posted by Cybil on January 23, 2017
Posted by Cybil on January 23, 2017
Happy National Reading Day, fellow readers! This is our kind of annual event, celebrating reading and encouraging young children to pick up a book.
Want some ideas for finding a good book today? Here's a list of stories for book lovers, or perhaps you can get your friends involved with these best books for book clubs.
For those of you looking to get your kids to fall in love with reading, how about this thick list of best children's books, stories for young science fiction readers, or these 100 young adult books.
How do you plan to observe National Reading Day?
(Top image credit: Matilda by Roald Dahl)
Want some ideas for finding a good book today? Here's a list of stories for book lovers, or perhaps you can get your friends involved with these best books for book clubs.
For those of you looking to get your kids to fall in love with reading, how about this thick list of best children's books, stories for young science fiction readers, or these 100 young adult books.
How do you plan to observe National Reading Day?
(Top image credit: Matilda by Roald Dahl)
Readers Share the First Book They Read on Their Own
Posted by Cybil on January 20, 2017
Posted by Cybil on January 20, 2017
We recently asked our fellow readers: What's the first book you remember reading all by yourself?
More than 1,800 of you shared those memories with us on Facebook. Below are some of your 'first' books—many of them the beloved childhood classics.
Join the conversation: Tell us about the first book you read and why that memory stays with you.
Inspired? Check out this list of books that made you fall in love with reading.
More than 1,800 of you shared those memories with us on Facebook. Below are some of your 'first' books—many of them the beloved childhood classics.
Join the conversation: Tell us about the first book you read and why that memory stays with you.
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Inspired? Check out this list of books that made you fall in love with reading.
15 of the Greatest Lessons You Learned from a Book
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on January 19, 2017
From the silly to the profound, the lessons we discover in books have a habit of sticking.
We don't fault the Chronicles of Narnia fan for still checking the backs of wardrobes…just in case. (Book lesson #4,552,134: Magic exists.) And we understand when an Austen enthusiast gives a bleak fellow a chance. He could be her tragically misunderstood Mr. Darcy, right? (Book lesson #1,329,827: Prejudice is bad.)
So what book lessons have stuck with you? We asked for your favorites on Facebook and Twitter, and we were not disappointed. Check out some of the best below.
A lesson from To Kill a Mockingbird
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."
A quote submitted by Alona
A lesson from The Sandman
"That dreams and ideas are truly the strongest power in the universe and that one should never stop dreaming."
Submitted by Donald
A lesson from The Brothers Karamazov
"The biggest lies are the ones we tell ourselves."
Submitted by Deborah
A lesson from Tuesdays with Morrie
"Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel."
A quote submitted by Fatima
A lesson from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
"A towel is the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have."
A quote submitted by Scott
A lesson from God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
"There's only one rule that I know of, babies—God damn it, you've got to be kind."
A quote submitted by Shannon
A lesson from A Song of Ice and Fire
"If you betray someone, don't accept any wedding invitations from that person."
Submitted by Leo
A lesson from Siddhartha
"Searching means: having a goal. But finding means: being free, being open, having no goal."
A quote submitted by Karina
A lesson from The Giving Tree
"The value of true and lasting friendships. They will enrich your life and break your heart at times…but they are so valuable."
A quote submitted by Alisha
A lesson from almost every series
"Things usually turn out okay in the end. If not, there's probably a sequel."
Submitted by Aruna
What's the best lesson you've learned from a book? Share it with us in the comments!
(Top image credit: To Kill a Mockingbird)
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on January 19, 2017
From the silly to the profound, the lessons we discover in books have a habit of sticking.
We don't fault the Chronicles of Narnia fan for still checking the backs of wardrobes…just in case. (Book lesson #4,552,134: Magic exists.) And we understand when an Austen enthusiast gives a bleak fellow a chance. He could be her tragically misunderstood Mr. Darcy, right? (Book lesson #1,329,827: Prejudice is bad.)
So what book lessons have stuck with you? We asked for your favorites on Facebook and Twitter, and we were not disappointed. Check out some of the best below.
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."
A quote submitted by Alona
"That dreams and ideas are truly the strongest power in the universe and that one should never stop dreaming."
Submitted by Donald
"The biggest lies are the ones we tell ourselves."
Submitted by Deborah
"Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel."
A quote submitted by Fatima
"A towel is the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have."
A quote submitted by Scott
"There's only one rule that I know of, babies—God damn it, you've got to be kind."
A quote submitted by Shannon
"If you betray someone, don't accept any wedding invitations from that person."
Submitted by Leo
"Searching means: having a goal. But finding means: being free, being open, having no goal."
A quote submitted by Karina
"The value of true and lasting friendships. They will enrich your life and break your heart at times…but they are so valuable."
A quote submitted by Alisha
"Things usually turn out okay in the end. If not, there's probably a sequel."
Submitted by Aruna
What's the best lesson you've learned from a book? Share it with us in the comments!
(Top image credit: To Kill a Mockingbird)
Read with Kindle on Your Android or Fire Device? Now It's Easier to Share Your Reading on Goodreads! (U.S. Members)
Posted by Cybil on January 18, 2017
There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books.
—Irving Stone, Clarence Darrow for the Defense
Talking about books with friends and discovering new books to read is the reason why Goodreads was created. And today, if you read with the Kindle app on your Android device or Fire tablet, we've made it even easier to add books to your Goodreads shelves and share what you're reading with your Goodreads friends! This follows the launch earlier this year of the same feature for members who read on Kindle for iOS.
You do the reading, we'll shelve it for you
With the latest update to the Kindle app for Android devices and Fire tablets, you'll have the option to automatically mark each book as "Currently Reading" when you start it and as "Read" when you finish. Just switch it on, and your Updates Feed will show your friends each time you start and finish reading a book in Kindle on Android and Fire devices. We believe books are better with friends, and this feature is another example of how we're making it easier for Goodreads members who read on Kindle to share and talk about the books they're reading.
Switch on, switch off—you decide
As always, we give you full control. Every time you start or finish a book, you have the ability to toggle this on or off. So it's easy to keep on for most of the books you read, switch off when you start a book you'd prefer to keep private, and turn back on whenever you're ready.
Use auto-update to nail your Reading Challenge!
Auto-update ensures that every Kindle book you read counts towards your challenge, so all you have to do is watch your progress bar move closer to your goal.
How do I switch this on?
This feature is part of the latest update for the free Kindle for Android app (download here), and Kindle for Fire tablets (device will update automatically when connected to a network). To automatically add the books you read to your Goodreads shelves, follow these three steps:
1) Download the latest version of the free Kindle for Android app, to your Android device. Fire customers can check their Fire tablet is running the latest software by going to Settings > Device Options > System Updates, and then selecting "Check Now."
2) If you haven't already, link your Goodreads account to the app. To do this, click here and scroll to the Amazon section.
3) The next time you open a new book to read, a prompt will appear in About This Book asking if you would like to automatically mark your books as "Currently Reading." Set this to "On" and let the app update your bookshelves for you! You have the option of switching this off every time you start a book.
Can I add my book to custom shelves in Kindle for Android?
Not yet—today's launch allows you to add books to the three primary exclusive shelves (Want to Read, Currently Reading, and Read) from inside the Kindle for Android app and Kindle on Fire tablets. You can always add a book to one of your custom shelves in the Goodreads apps or on the desktop site.
What about people who read on Kindle outside of the United States?
Today, this feature is only available to US members. Our goal is to make this available to all Goodreads members who read on Kindle, but we don't have specific timing to share.
Posted by Cybil on January 18, 2017
There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books.
—Irving Stone, Clarence Darrow for the Defense
Talking about books with friends and discovering new books to read is the reason why Goodreads was created. And today, if you read with the Kindle app on your Android device or Fire tablet, we've made it even easier to add books to your Goodreads shelves and share what you're reading with your Goodreads friends! This follows the launch earlier this year of the same feature for members who read on Kindle for iOS.
You do the reading, we'll shelve it for you
With the latest update to the Kindle app for Android devices and Fire tablets, you'll have the option to automatically mark each book as "Currently Reading" when you start it and as "Read" when you finish. Just switch it on, and your Updates Feed will show your friends each time you start and finish reading a book in Kindle on Android and Fire devices. We believe books are better with friends, and this feature is another example of how we're making it easier for Goodreads members who read on Kindle to share and talk about the books they're reading.
Switch on, switch off—you decide
As always, we give you full control. Every time you start or finish a book, you have the ability to toggle this on or off. So it's easy to keep on for most of the books you read, switch off when you start a book you'd prefer to keep private, and turn back on whenever you're ready.
Use auto-update to nail your Reading Challenge!
Auto-update ensures that every Kindle book you read counts towards your challenge, so all you have to do is watch your progress bar move closer to your goal.
How do I switch this on?
This feature is part of the latest update for the free Kindle for Android app (download here), and Kindle for Fire tablets (device will update automatically when connected to a network). To automatically add the books you read to your Goodreads shelves, follow these three steps:
1) Download the latest version of the free Kindle for Android app, to your Android device. Fire customers can check their Fire tablet is running the latest software by going to Settings > Device Options > System Updates, and then selecting "Check Now."
2) If you haven't already, link your Goodreads account to the app. To do this, click here and scroll to the Amazon section.
3) The next time you open a new book to read, a prompt will appear in About This Book asking if you would like to automatically mark your books as "Currently Reading." Set this to "On" and let the app update your bookshelves for you! You have the option of switching this off every time you start a book.
Can I add my book to custom shelves in Kindle for Android?
Not yet—today's launch allows you to add books to the three primary exclusive shelves (Want to Read, Currently Reading, and Read) from inside the Kindle for Android app and Kindle on Fire tablets. You can always add a book to one of your custom shelves in the Goodreads apps or on the desktop site.
What about people who read on Kindle outside of the United States?
Today, this feature is only available to US members. Our goal is to make this available to all Goodreads members who read on Kindle, but we don't have specific timing to share.
Here Are the National Book Critics Circle Finalists
Posted by Cybil on January 17, 2017
The National Book Critics Circle announced its finalists Tuesday for outstanding books of 2016.
The NBCC is made up of 1,000 book critics and editors from across the United States. Its finalists in six categories—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biography, criticism, and autobiography—are selected by a 24-member board, which also picks the winners.
The prizes will be awarded March 16, which gives you some time to add these books to your Want to Read list! The five finalists for the NBCC's fiction list are:
Moonglow
by Michael Chabon
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Chabon follows up his bestselling Telegraph Avenue with this book focused on a terminally-ill grandfather sharing his lifetime of memories with his grandson. Average member rating: 4.06.
LaRose
by Louise Erdrich
The author of the National Book Award-winning The Round House brings us the tale of a tragic accident and an act of atonement with roots in Native American culture. Average member rating: 3.87.
Imagine Me Gone
by Adam Haslett
In this novel, a woman must make the choice to go through with her plans to marry her fiancé who is hospitalized with depression. What follows is a novel about love and faith. Average member rating: 3.74.
Commonwealth
by Ann Patchett
Spanning five decades of two branches of a stepfamily, this book by the author of Bel Canto delves into the the far-reaching ties of family and love. Average member rating: 3.91.
Swing Time
by Zadie Smith
The writer who burst onto the literary scene with White Teeth brings us this story of two girls who dream of being dancers, their friendship, and how our roots shape who we become. Average member rating: 3.78.
In addition, the book critics announced that the Sandrof Award for Lifetime Achievement will go to Margaret Atwood and the John Leonard Prize for a first book to Yaa Gyasi for her novel Homegoing.
See the complete list of NBCC finalists including picks for biography and nonfiction.
Posted by Cybil on January 17, 2017
The National Book Critics Circle announced its finalists Tuesday for outstanding books of 2016.
The NBCC is made up of 1,000 book critics and editors from across the United States. Its finalists in six categories—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biography, criticism, and autobiography—are selected by a 24-member board, which also picks the winners.
The prizes will be awarded March 16, which gives you some time to add these books to your Want to Read list! The five finalists for the NBCC's fiction list are:
by Michael Chabon
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Chabon follows up his bestselling Telegraph Avenue with this book focused on a terminally-ill grandfather sharing his lifetime of memories with his grandson. Average member rating: 4.06.
by Louise Erdrich
The author of the National Book Award-winning The Round House brings us the tale of a tragic accident and an act of atonement with roots in Native American culture. Average member rating: 3.87.
by Adam Haslett
In this novel, a woman must make the choice to go through with her plans to marry her fiancé who is hospitalized with depression. What follows is a novel about love and faith. Average member rating: 3.74.
by Ann Patchett
Spanning five decades of two branches of a stepfamily, this book by the author of Bel Canto delves into the the far-reaching ties of family and love. Average member rating: 3.91.
by Zadie Smith
The writer who burst onto the literary scene with White Teeth brings us this story of two girls who dream of being dancers, their friendship, and how our roots shape who we become. Average member rating: 3.78.
In addition, the book critics announced that the Sandrof Award for Lifetime Achievement will go to Margaret Atwood and the John Leonard Prize for a first book to Yaa Gyasi for her novel Homegoing.
See the complete list of NBCC finalists including picks for biography and nonfiction.
