BACK • LIST (n.): A book published over one year ago.

Dreaming of Gwen Stefani, by Evan Mandery

It's difficult to describe today's selection better than Jay McInerney who said, "Dreaming of Gwen Stefani is a quirky and compelling riff on the nature of romantic obsession, celebrity worship, free will versus determinism and the Joys of Papaya King Hot dogs." Dreaming of Gwen Stefani is Mandery's first novel. Look out for his second, First Contact, on sale January 26th.

Four Souls, by Louise Erdrich

Our selection today is Four Souls, Louise Erdrich. Out in 2005, this book follows Fleur Pillager as she walks from her Ojibwe reservation to the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis in order to find the lumber baron who stripped her reservation. Louise Erdrich's, The Red Convertable, a series of short stories, is out in paperback on January 19th.

What was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal, by Zoe Heller

Our selection today was made into a popular movie with Nicole Kidman, What was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal, by Zoe Heller. Also, Heller's book, The Believers, comes out in paperback this January.

Dan Fante Re-Issues

Here we've selected three Dan Fante books that were previously out of print that are returning in a new package on December 1st, 2009. Fante is an incredibly talented writer whose surly, Bukowski-esque style elicits laughs from the most hardened, jaded reader. These three novels follow Fante's alter-ego, Bruno Dante, as he stumbles through big cities and gets himself into all manner of absurd situations. Ultimately, Dante moves to LA, and you can read about those adventures in Fante's latest novel, 86'd.

The Devil and Miss Prym, by Paulo Coelho

We've chosen today the much loved, The Devil and Miss Prym, by Paulo Coelho in anticipation of his authorized biography, A Warrior's Life. This book begins with a man who enters a small village (so small it is on no maps) with a backpack containing a notebook and 11 gold bars and attempts to understand if humans are intrinsically good or evil. It's a fantastic book, and the jacket is beautiful too!

Wonder Boys, by Michael Chabon

Today we've selected Michael Chabon's second book, Wonder Boys. Chabon abandoned his initial sophomore book, a 1200-page epic about an architect who travels to every baseball field in the country in order to design the perfect field, and penned Wonder Boys quickly there after. Chabon's latest book, Manhood for Amateurs, just released last month.

I Know This Much Is True, by Wally Lamb

Wally Lamb's latest book, Wishin' and Hopin', a Christmas-themed book, we've selected the book that introduced Wally Lamb's writing to the world, I Know This Much Is True.

The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver

In light of today's much anticipated release of Barbara Kingsolver's The Lacuna, we've selected The Poisonwood Bible as our backlist book for today. An Oprah pick and favorite of many, this is arguably the book that launched Kingsolver's illustrious career.

Mad Hatter's Holiday, by Peter Lovesey

Today is Mad Hatter Day, and we've selected Mad Hatter's Holiday, by Peter Lovesey. This book begins almost like a travelogue, and becomes a dramatic mystery.

The Custodian of Paradise, by Wayne Johnston

Today is National Custodial Worker Day, a day to appreciate those who work to maintain the areas in which we live, work, and play. With this in mind, we've selected The Custodian of Peace, by Wayne Johnston.