91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — , the 91´«Ã½’s review source, has been selected for the fifth year as a partner for the Women’s National Book Association’s October (NRGM), including the special initiative.

National Reading Group Month celebrates shared reading by promoting reading groups. “Seemingly, people are reading less and less for pleasure, yet month in and month out, thousands of groups nationwide gather to discuss the latest and to revisit older titles,” observed NRGM Chair, Jill Tardiff.

The popular Booklist blog , a one-stop resource with original content by expert contributors as well as links to a wide range of free book group-related guides and tips, is again the official partner blog for the month. The blog includes informative, wise, witty and salutary posts by expert contributors from around the country, plus links to a wide range of free book group-related guides, tips and other resources. “This online destination for reading groups is the ideal blog for National Reading Group Month,” said Tardiff. “We are delighted to partner with 91´«Ã½’s Booklist and to make Book Group Buzz a visible part of the program. We’re always impressed by the scope of this one-stop resource for reading groups.”

“Great Group Reads” are a key element of National Reading Group Month, with 20 titles selected for their appeal to reading groups by a panel of writers, reviewers, librarians, booksellers, publicists and committed readers. The chosen titles cover timely and provocative topics and include under-represented gems from small presses and lesser-known mid-list releases from larger houses. All are books with strong narratives peopled by fully realized characters; books that perhaps have flown under the radar of reading groups overwhelmed by the number of new releases each year.

“Great Group Reads is a natural partnership for us, since its goals reflect so clearly what Booklist does for librarians and readers all year long—recommend books and offer resources that help librarians and readers select the titles most likely to lead to thought-provoking and entertaining discussions,” said Bill Ott, editor and publisher. “ Like Booklist, it helps libraries by focusing attention on titles sure to engage readers, without expecting library staff to read every title themselves.”

is making its reviews of Great Group Reads titles available free to non-subscribers at , and during the month of October, its page will again be devoted to these selections. Booklist Online is a vibrant resource for book groups throughout the year, with wide-ranging free content from Book Group Buzz and other blogs to e-newsletters and featured reviews of the day.

Visit to learn more about the program. Special events featuring reading-group favorite authors are planned nationwide in the Association’s chapter cities, with partners from libraries and all areas of the book industry supporting the initiative.

is the book review magazine of the 91´«Ã½, considered an essential collection development and readers’ advisory tool by thousands of librarians for more than 100 years. includes a growing archive of 135,000+ reviews available to subscribers as well as a wealth of free content offering the latest news and views on books and media--including Booklist’s free one-stop resource, . offer essential integrated print and online access for the most efficient and effective workflow, including four issues of Book Links.

The , founded in 1917, is the oldest continuously running women’s literary organization in the USA. For the past 95 years, it has united women – and now men – from every corner of the book world: writers, editors, librarians, bookstore owners, and more. It provides a vehicle through which members can act on their professional and personal commitment to champion the book and to stimulate the increased tolerance, social awareness, and civic involvement associated with reading.

Related Links

--Booklist’s free one-stop resource for all things book group.

includes a growing archive of 135,000+ reviews available to subscribers as well as a wealth of free content offering the latest news and views on books and media.

To learn more about and scheduled events, as well as Great Group Reads, visit .