Summary: We follow up some sad literary news with some great book news; we recommend My Accidental Jihad and Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands. First, the bad news We are saddened by the report that author Colum McCann was assaulted (http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140702/new-haven-police-working-significant-leads-in-assault-of-author-colum-mccann) while trying to help someone during a domestic situation in New Haven, CT. Our best wishes for a speedy recovery. We also mourn two amazing people who passed away last week: author and ambassador for Young People's literature Walter Dean Myers (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/04/arts/walter-dean-myers-childrens-author-dies-at-76.html) and Louis Zamperini (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/04/arts/louis-zamperini-olympian-war-survivor-unbroken-dies.html), subject of Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken. Lastly, we mourn the end of World Book Night (http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/trade-shows-events/article/63169-world-book-night-suspends-operations.html)in the United States. (http://booksonthenightstand.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/audiobooks.jpg)Audiobook of the week (13:18) (http://covers.audiobooks.com/images/covers/full/9781478953135.jpg) The Farm by Tom Rob Smith, narrated by James Langton and Suzanne Toren is my pick for this week’s Audiobooks.com Audiobook of the Week. This is a compulsive listen! Special thanks to Audiobooks.com (http://www.audiobooks.com/freebook) for sponsoring this episode of Books on the Nightstand. Audiobooks.com allows you to listen to over 40,000 audiobooks, instantly, wherever you are, and the first one is free. Download or stream any book directly to your Apple or Android device. Sign up for a free 30-day trial and free audiobook download by going to www.audiobooks.com/freebook (http://www.audiobooks.com/freebook) Now, the good news: (17:05) http://www.booksabouttown.org.uk/ (http://www.booksabouttown.org.uk/) - London Book Benches as part of Books About Town http://sayville.patch.com/groups/announcements/p/bayportblue-point-public-library--corey-beach - Library on the Beach http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2014/07/03/publisher-thinks-big-about-small-and-free/ - Riverhead Little Free Libraries Two books we can't wait for you to read: (24:29) (https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404577742l/18293424.jpg) (https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392355248l/18666006.jpg) Michael's pick this week is My Accidental Jihad by Krista Bremer, who will be joining us in August at Booktopia Asheville. This memoir, which tells the story of an American woman who marries a Libyan man of a different faith, is engrossing and very honest. Ann recommends Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian. It's the story of a homeless teen struggling to survive in the wake of a nuclear meltdown, and will appeal not only to existing fans of Chris Bohjalian, but will also appeal to older teens and fans of young adult fiction.
