SMACKDOWNYOUR BOOKCLUB!

We’ve made a few modifications to Summer Smackdown this year. While some books have been out for a while, we’re going to base the priz-

ing on all sales (with store traffic in mind) from June 27th to September 5th. We’ve also been a bit choosier with the books you can choose

from! All of these books have something going for them, whether they’re by authors with some great sales history (like Graveminder, Faith,

Switch, The Gallows Bird or Witches of East End) or debut novels with a heck of a lot of buzz (like Divergent or Before I Go to Sleep). Finally, seeing

that many of you have told us that you either have or are planning to start bookclubs in your stores, we’d like to incorporate that element into this

year’s Smackdown. So if you host a consumer bookclub with your Smackdown book, just send me the details, and we’ll send you a little something to

cater that event. The real prize, though, is the chance to win a Summer Smackdown Soiree sponsored by HCC at the end of the season (worth $750).

So, without further ado, here are the bookS and your to-do liSt!

1) Choose a book for your whole store (best to consult with as many of your team as possible—choose a book you can ALL get behind and/or one

that will work well in your store).

2) Send me an email with your choice by June 24th (the sooner you make your choice, the sooner I can send out some reading copies to your store).

3) If you’re planning to host a bookclub for your book, send me a note as soon as you have details in place! Where possible, we can work with your

store to try to get the author to Skype in (dependent on your store’s tech).

4) From June 27th to September 5th —SELL YOUR BOOK!

5) Don’t forget to send out some smack talk to all of your colleagues across the country via our blog: www.indigoinsider.ca.

Graveminder by Melissa Marr

Melissa is the author of the hot Wicked Lovely teen series. She’s a terrific self-promoter who might just be visiting your store Fall 2011 with her Smart Chicks Kick It tour.

Faith by Jennifer Haigh

Jennifer is the author of 3 NYT bestselling novels, and her last one, The Condition, was a Globe and Mail bestseller as well. She writes thought-ful, smart women’s fiction.

Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson

This debut novel is honestly (forgive me for saying it) unputdownable. I can’t begin to express the buzz it’s got around the office. A great psychologi-cal thriller.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Do I honestly need to say anything about this? Aren’t you glad it’s on this list? It’s THE MUST-READ TEEN BOOK THIS SEASON! And Roth is just 23 years old.

Switchby Tish Cohen

We love Tish. You love Tish. Tish baked you all cookies last year. Are you in again with her teen book? Give it a shot! It’s always nice to support Canadian writers!

Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz

Melissa is the author of the successful Blue Bloods series. This is a self-con-tained but first in a series new paranormal book.

The Gallows Bird by Camilla Läckberg

Camilla is Sweden’s top-selling author! She regularly outsells Mr. Steig Larsson! While technically part of a series, her books are definitely self-contained mysteries.

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

Many of Ann’s previous books are listed on “Top 10” lists…but I think Bel Canto is definitely the standout. Certainly it’s my favourite. But this one is so brilliant, it’s definitely competing for that top spot.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW TIDBITS TO HELp YOU NARROW YOUR BOOK CHOICE DOWN: