Christopher Benfey's A Summer for Hummingbirds (Penguin) took home a 2009 English–Speaking Union Ambassador Book Award in the American Studies Category. The Awards, announced last week, recognize literary works that contribute to the understanding of American culture and life. Historian Sean Wilentz chaired the distinguished independent panel of authors, editors, and educators that selected the five books to win awards. Pat Schroeder, former AAP head and new chairman of the English–Speaking Union of the United States, presided over the ceremony.

Read the full synopsis for A Summer for Hummingbirds by Christopher Benfey.

Penguin Weekly Update, Literary Awards, Penguin Books

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Almost everyone who gets a look at Dogged Pursuit has the same initial reaction: "What a great cover!"  Which is very heartening to me, because it was a long road to get there.  The designers at Hudson Street Press came up with a number of different ideas, but most of them got shot down.  (Okay, usually by me.  What can I say, I tried to be nice about it.  I probably didn't cause more than one or two grown men to dissolve into tears.) 

Eventually they came up with the idea of using an action shot: Dusty sailing over a jump, as seen from below.  The mock-up looked sensational.  The only problem was: how the hell do you shoot a dog from underneath?  The only way I could imagine involved digging a big hole (like a grave, only vertical) and having the photographer climb into it; then setting up the jump on top of him.  This seemed to lack a certain professional polish.  Also, it was December, and the ground was not only frozen solid, but covered with several inches of weighty Chicago snow.  Anyway, I was glad it wasn't my problem.  All I had to do was show up with my dog.

Accordingly Jeffrey and I arrived at the Steve Grubman photography studio on one of those sleety winter mornings where driving is more like hydroplaning.  At Steve's request we'd not only brought Dusty but one of his jumps as well; I was looking forward to seeing where he was going to place it.  Possibly over two step ladders, and Jeffrey and I would just hurl Dusty back and forth over the top.  (Hey, dwarves get tossed, why not Shelties?)

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A Thousand Splendid Suns Featured in New York Times (Pictures of the Day) Slide Show

On June 9^th, Riverhead author Khaled Hosseini's #1 New York Times bestseller, A Thousand Splendid Suns, made an appearance in The New York Times blog "Lens"—in the hands of a Marine. The soldier, from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, was resting at Camp Leatherback in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. Lens is the photojournalism blog of The New York Times, presenting the most interesting visual and multimedia reporting — photographs, videos and slide shows.

To view the photo, click here and scroll to page 4.

Read an interview and watch a video with author Khaled Hosseini.

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Berkley's Skin Trade by Laurell K. Hamilton Debuts at #1 on The New York Times Hardcover Fiction Bestseller List

#1 New York Times bestselling Berkley author Laurell K. Hamilton has done it again. With her eagerly-awaited new Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novel, Skin Trade, Laurell debuts at the coveted #1 slot of The New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list for the week of June 21st. This is the 17th installment in the ground-breaking series that made Hamilton a Grande Dame of modern vampire fiction.

After launching Skin Trade with a huge event in St. Louis, Missouri, Laurell headed to Oak Brook, Illinois. She spoke to another crowd of approximately 300 fans at a Borders store and stayed late into the evening signing books. From there it was on to Las Vegas, Nevada—the setting for Skin Trade—for another well attended event.

The Anita Blake Vampire Series continues to wow fans and critics even 17 books in. Library Journal says, "Right from the start this supernatural thriller grabs the reader's attention and does not let go. Buy multiple copies for all those eager fans." And in addition to the novels, Anita Blake is expanding into other media too. A few months ago, IFC TV announced plans to create an Anita Blake movie based on Hamilton's books. There are also comic book versions available from Marvel Comics. (Pictured above is Laurell with fans and the line to enter her event in St. Louis).

View our feature on Skin Trade by Laurell K. Hamilton to read the first chapter and watch a video trailer.

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Robert Rodi is our guest blogger during the week of June 15th. If you have any questions for Robert Rodi, add a comment to any of his posts. 

Here is more information on Dogged Pursuit: My Year of Competing Dusty, the World's Least Likely Agility Dog

Read an excerpt.

Best in Show meets Marley and Me in the hilarious (mis)adventures of an unlikely duo competing for glory on the pro dog circuit

An urban intellectual and a scruffy, disobedient Sheltie team up to conquer the Canine Agility pro-circuit in this hysterical account of the quest for glory in the competitive dog world. A cousin to the popular best-in-breed show, agility competitions resemble doggie boot camp: dogs scamper across teeter-totters, jump tires, and scoot down tunnels-without leashed guidance from a human. Taking home ribbons requires a focused handler and a cooperative dog.

Robert Rodi is a self-proclaimed Blue-stater who prefers fine wine and Italian literature (in Italian) to SUVs and suburban sprawl. His dog Dusty's scrawny build and skittish personality make him an unnatural competitor. Nevertheless, Rodi recounts a year filled with victories, failures, and hysterical personalities, and the loving bond between one man and his bug-eyed dog.

About Robert Rodi: