Book Bits Two

(from usatoday.com
by Jocelyn McClurg)


Simply 'Amazing': A first look at the trailer for the film version of Gillian Flynn's hit thriller Gone Girlis on the web. The movie stars Ben Affleck as a husband accused of killing his missing wife, played by Rosamunde Pike, otherwise known as "Amazing Amy." Gone Girl has been on USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books list for 96 weeks. The paperback edition of the 2012 novel finally arrives on April 22.

'Gold' medal: USA TODAY's Bob Minzesheimer caught up with Donna Tartt by phone Monday after she learned she had won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her best seller The Goldfinch. She said she was happy, delighted and "surprised." I for one am pleased with her win (and even had a feeling it might go to Tartt). I stayed home for three straight days after Thanksgiving and immersed myself in the world of Theo Decker. If you haven't read this feast of a novel, set aside a chunk of time. It's worth it. Our reviewer Kevin Nance was a fan, too. Read his 4-star (out of four) review.

Another Clinton book: As speculation continues to build over her presidential aspirations, Crown on Tuesday announced a new book that will "chronicle the next chapter in Hillary Rodham Clinton's political career." It will be written by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, authors of HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton. No title or pub date has been announced. Meanwhile, Clinton's memoir (still untitled) about her stint as secretary of State is due on June 10 from Simon & Schuster.

The Dog Lover's Guide to Travel by Kelly E. Carter(Photo: National Geographic)
Go-getters: Former USA TODAY reporter Kelly E. Carter is the author of the new book The Dog Lover's Guide to Travel: Best Destinations, Hotels, Events, and Advice to Please Your Pet — and You. She spoke with USA TODAY travel writer Nancy Trejos about tips for traveling with your pooch. I've known Kelly (and her cute traveling companion, long-haired Chihuahua Lucy) for more than a decade. I have just one question for the intrepid duo: where's that cat travel book, team? Any suggestions on how to wrestle a feline into a cat carrier?

New Eggers: Knopf on Tuesday announced a new Dave Eggers novel, Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever? It's due June 17. It's set on an abandoned military base and tells the story of a captive NASA astronaut and the man who wants to question him. It follows Eggers' 2013 best seller The Circle.

Steinbeck redux: NPR takes a look at the timeless appeal of John Steinbeck's Dust Bowl classic, The Grapes of Wrath. It turns 75 this month. On Sunday, I was lucky enough to see the new Broadway production of another dark Steinbeck Depression staple, Of Mice and Men, starring James Franco as George and Chris O'Dowd as the tragic Lennie. Excellent. USA TODAY's Elysa Gardner spoke with the cast.