Conversations Book Club host "Summer Reading at Subway" in Brandon, MS

In an effort to encourage reading throughout the summer months, Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb of Brandon, MS has teamed up with Subway Restaurant (220 E Government St) in Brandon, MS to host "Summer Reading at Subway" during the month of June.

Joining Webb during the month of June will be fellow Mississippi children's book authors Glenda L. Hunter of Clinton, MS and Stephanie Mitchell of Jackson, MS.

The first 3 Saturdays in June (June 6,13,20) from 9-10a.m. the authors will be not just sharing great books but encouraging their creativity as well with coloring and activity sheets.

On Sat. June 6th Webb will be reading 3 books that he co-wrote: A.J. and the Talent Show, Standria's Big Dream and Marv's Healthy Choice. (each book is great for kids up to age 10)

On Sat. June 13th Glenda L. Hunter will be hosting a free writing workshop for ages 7-12, showing them how they can take their ideas to print.

On Sat. June 20th Stephanie Mitchell will be reading her book Bella's Dancing Lesson. (great for kids up to age 10)

Admission to each week's event is free, however, attendees are invited to take advantage of the great food specials at Subway, including their kid's menu.

For more details about "Summer Reading at Subway" contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.conversationsbookclub.com.

Conversations Book Club Releases Top 100 Books of 2014

Conversations Book Club President and media personality Cyrus Webb is excited to release his picks for Top 100 Books of 2014.

"The authors did not make this an easy assignment this year," says Webb, 39, who began the list in 2007 after forming the reading group Conversations Book Club. "I have read hundreds of great books this year, but these 100 (50 Fiction and 50 Non-Fiction) that I have picked are truly the best of the best for adults."

As has been his custom since beginning his 'Top Books' list, Webb also identifies the publishers of the books. "I thought this was important because several of the books share publishers. I think this is a sign that those are publishing houses to watch and support. I also want to recognize the hard work that each publisher has gone through to release great books."

The other thing you will notice about Conversations' Top 100 Books listing is that it is one of the most diverse in the industry, highlighting self-published titles as well as those by small presses and major publishing houses. "A great book is a great book," says Webb. "It doesn't matter who publishes it. The books this year are the best because of the author's dedication to excellence. I hope that is something aspiring writers appreciate and take note of."

Without any further ado, here are Conversations Book Club's Top 100 Books of 2014:

Top 50 Non-Fiction Books of 2014 (listed in no particular order):

1. Connected to Goodness by David Meltzer (Balboa Press)
2. This is Ridiculous. This is Amazing by Jason Good (Chronicle Books)
3. All You Need Is Less by Madeleine Somerville (Viva Editions)
4. Burning the Midnight Oil by Phil Cousineau (Viva Editions)
5. Stop. Breathe. Believe. by Dianne Morris Jones (unknown)
6. The Wisdom We're Born With by Daniel Gottlieb (Sterling Ethos)
7. The World Is (Y)ours by Kurtis Lee Thomas (Brainyacts Publishing)
8. Jazzchild: A Portrait of Sheila Jordan by Ellen Johnson (Rowman & Littlefield)
9. Fire Shut Up In My Bones by Charles M. Blow (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
10. Elvis & Ginger by Ginger Alden (Berkley)
11. 9,000 Miles of Fatherhood by Kirk Millson (Plain Sight Publishing)
12. Burning Down the House by Nell Bernstein (The New Press)
13. Rescuing Julia Twice by Tina Traster (Chicago Review Press)
14. Built to Lead by David Long (Next Century)
15. Never Ever Give Up by Erik Rees (Zondervan)
16. Resister by Bruce Dancis (Cornell University Press)
17. I'll Drink to That by Betty Halbreich (Penguin Press)
18. One Less. One More. by Robbie Vorhaus (Storytelling, Inc.)
19. The Harm In Asking by Sara Barron (Three Rivers Press)
20. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin)
21. Jerry Lee Lewis by Rick Bragg (Harper)
22. Invincible by Brian F. Martin (Perigee/Penguin)
23. Mojo For Sale by Katandra Jackson Nunnally (FreedomInk)
24. Secrets to Surrender by Debby Akerman (New Hope Publishers)
25. Reboot Your Life by Chicken Soup for the Soul (Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing)
26. The Concrete Killing Fields by Pat Morgan (Mile High Press)
27. Tomlinson Hill by Chris Tomlinson (Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martins Press)
28. Be An Icon by Kenneth Nkemnacho (Kenneth Vision Media)
29. Fulfilled by Joey Lankford (B&H Publishing Group)
30. The Budget-Friendly Fresh and Local Diabetes Cookbook by Charles Mattocks (American Diabetes Assoc.)
31. Missing Class by Betsy Leondar-Wright (Cornell University Press)
32. Both Sides Now by Nancy Sharp (Books & Books Press)
33. The Grateful Life by Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons (Viva Editions)
34. Extraordinary People by Scott S. Smith (Motivational Press)
35. Out of the Depths by Glenda L. Hunter (unknown)
36. Where Excuses Go to Die by John Espinosa Nelson (Highrise Press)
37. Raw by Fiona Finn (unknown)
38. Too Loved to be Lost by Debora M. Coty (Shiloh Run Press)
39. Having the Time of Your Life by Allen Klein (Viva Editions)
40. Breaking the Chains by Dr. Catrina Pullum (Dart Consulting & Professional Services, LLC)
41. Why Science Does Not Disprove God by Amir D. Aczel (William Morrow)
42. The Coldest Season Ever by Vino Davis (Standing on the Word)
43. Postcards from Cookie by Caroline Clarke (Harper Collins)
44. Off My Rocker by Kenny Weissberg (Sandra Jonas Publishing House)
45. The Gifted by Daphne Michaels (Daphne Michaels Books)
46. Garden Blessings by June Cotner (Viva Editions)
47. Stand Up Straight and Sing! by Jessye Norman (Hougton Mifflin)
48. War Babies by Richard Pells (Cultural History Press)
49. Find Your Inner Strength by Chicken Soup for the Soul ( Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing)
50. Moms' Night Out (and other things I miss...) by Kerri Pomarolli (B&H Publishing Group)

Top 50 Fiction Titles of 2014 (Listed in no particular order):

1. Confessions of a Wild Child by Jackie Collins (St. Martin's Press)
2. The Headmaster's Wife by Thomas Christopher Greene (Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press)
3. Revolutionary by Alex Myers (Simon and Schuster)
4. Saint Monkey by Jacinda Townsend (W. W. Norton & Co.)
5. Forty Acres by Dwayne Alexander Smith (Atria Books)
6. Graveyard of Memories by Barry Eisler (Thomas & Mercer)
7. What's Done in the Dark by Reshonda Tate Billingsley (Gallery Books)
8. Death Logs In by E. J. Simon (Simon Zef Publishing)
9. Magnolia Mud by Randy Pierce (Dogwood Press)
10. Your Perfect Life by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke (Washington Square Press)
11. Tap Rack Bang by Robert Blake Whitehill (Calaveras Media)
12. The Lodger by Louisa Treger (Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press)
13. My Wife My Baby...And him by Shelia Bell (North Star/Bonita & Hodge Publishing)
14. It Won't Always Be This Great by Peter Mehlman (Bancroft Press)
15. Virtuous Deception by Leiann B. Wrytes (A Million Thoughts Publishing)
16. The Tumble Inn by William Loizeaux (Syracuse University Press)
17. Christopher's Diary Secrets of Foxworth by V. C. Andrews (Pocket Books)
18. Pressed Pennies by Steven Manchester (The Story Plant)
19. Family Values by Anderecco (Alphagraphics)
20. The Flip by Michael Phillip Cash (unknown)
21. When the Drum Major Died by Anjuelle Floyd (NOJ Publications)
22. Russian Roulette by E. E. Smith (Phoenix Intl)
23. A Flight to Romance by John Fishwick (CreateSpace)
24. Aftershock by Joe Lane (Bancroft Press)
25. Not My Will by Khara Campbell (Delphine Publications)
26. Jack Icefloe Jackson's Romance For Men by Dean Lorey (Disobedient Dragon)
27. The Love Letters by Bruce Davis (Grave Distractions Publications)
28. Nowhere Out by Vincent J. Sachar (Divont Publishers)
29. Death's Way by Christopher Valen (Conquill Press)
30. The Promise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)
31. A Pinch of Ooh La La by Renee Swindle (New American Library)
32. Paw and Order by Spencer Quinn (Atria Books)
33. Her Heart's Desire by Lisa Watson (Kimani Romance)
34. Brutal Youth by Anthony Breznican (Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press)
35. Murmurs of Insanity by Gerrie Ferris Finger (Gale Cengage Learning)
36. Forever An Ex by Victoria Christopher Murray (Touchstone/Simon & Schuster)
37. Skewed by Anne McAneny (Farrington Press)
38. In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin (Revell)
39. Let Me Just Say This by B. Swangin Webster (Intrigue Publishing)
40. Quiet Dell by Jayne Anne Phillips (Scribner/Simon & Schuster)
41. Arts and Crafts by J. T. Prescott (Two Harbors Press)
42. Home to Chicory Lane by Deborah Raney (Abingdon Press)
43. Thread of Life by David W. Huffstetler (Becher House Publishing)
44. Unfaithful by Karyn Grice (Karen Hunter/Pocket Star Books)
45. No Turning Back by Dan Burns (Chicago Arts Press)
46. Four Ladies Only by Alretha Thomas (Diverse Arts Collective)
47. Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll (Abingdon Fiction)
48. Lost in the Ivy by Randy Richardson (Eckhartz Press)
49. Debbie Doesn't Do It Anymore by Walter Mosley (Doubleday)
50. The Third Rule of Ten by Gay Hendricks and Tinker Lindsay (Hay House)

Author Robert Blake Whitehill's Visit to Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Conversations Book Club founder Cyrus Webb was excited to celebrate the reading group's 8 year anniversary with award-winning author Robert Blake Whitehill's visit to Mississippi on Sat. November 15th.

"Robert and I were introduced to each other in 2012 with the release of his debut novel DEADRISE," says Webb. "I've interviewed him several times on the radio show Conversations LIVE, and it was great that Conversations could welcome him to his first visit to the Magnolia State. (Webb also had the privilege of having written blurbs for the back of Whitehill's second book NITRO EXPRESS and third title TAP RACK BANG.)

Throughout the day Robert was able to meet readers from across the state, discuss the history of his series which features Ben Blackshaw and discuss what it's been like to not just share the books but now prepare for them being turned into motion pictures.

Readers of all ages greeted the author, and even those who were able to purchase books during the visit learned how they could order them online.

"I couldn't have asked for a better day," Webb says. "It was great to spend some time with Robert but also to share him with the good people of Mississippi."

To learn more about Robert and his series visit www.robertblakewhitehill.com. To see what is next for Conversations Book Club visit www.conversationsbookclub.com.

Author Tiffany Alexander's Visit to Pearl, MS: Mission Accomplished!

Thanks to all of those who made the visit of author Tiffany Alexander to Pearl, MS on Saturday, July 12, 2014 a success.

It all began with a fun 2 hours of meeting patrons and signing books at the Pearl Public Library.

From there it was on to get a bite to eat and meet readers at Appetizers Restaurant.

For those who missed seeing Tiffany you can get autographed copies of her books exclusively at www.childrensband.com.

Children's Book Author Tiffany Alexander Visits Central Mississippi, Sat. July 12th

Conversations Book Club is excited to announce that inspirational children's book author Tiffany Alexander will be visiting Central Mississippi on Sat. July 12th in two special events in Pearl, MS.

"It's an honor to host Ms. Alexander in Rankin County," says Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Book Club. "She's one of those individuals that is able to not just entertain readers but give them important messages as well. I know that many will benefit from her characters and her stories."

Her titles include EBENEZER OPENS A SAVINGS ACCOUNT, DUDLEY'S SOLO, TITO'S TASTY SNACKS, DEZZI'S DANCE RECITAL and ESMERELDA'S SPEECH.

 On Saturday, July 12th Tiffany will be signing her books at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) from 1-3p.m. and then be a special guest at a meet and greet at Appetizers Restaurant (3000 Hwy 80 E * Pearl, MS) from 5-7p.m. Admission to both events is free, however, the author will have books available for purchasing.

For more information contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.conversationsbookclub.com. To find out more about the author visit www.childrensband.com.

(Sat. March 29, 2014) Conversations Hosts authors Darlene Collier & Glenda L. Hunter

As the United States wraps up celebrating Women's History Month and prepares to usher in April which is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Conversations Book Club is excited to host 2 authors who have survived abuse in their lives and are showing others how they can as well.

Authors Darlene Collier (An Unspeakable Secret) and Glenda L. Hunter (An Unspeakable Secret and others) will be signing copies of their books Sat. March 29, 2014 from 1-3p.m. at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS).

"Both of these ladies have come through dark chapters in their lives and are showing women as well as men how their past don't have to define them," says Cyrus Webb, Conversations Book Club President. "We're excited to share their stories with the world and introduce others to their courageous paths."

Admission is free, however, both authors will have books available for purchasing.  For details contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.conversationsbookclub.com.

(Sat. Sept. 21) Conversations hosts signing for author Anderecco @ Pearl Public Library (Pearl, MS)

Conversations Book Club is excited to announce that Mississippi author Anderecco will be signing copies of his books at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) on Sat. Sept. 21st from 1-3p.m.

Anderecco, who is the author of  WHO CAN I RUN TO?, TORN, LOVE TO LUV and UNDERCOVER LIES.

"I have been knowing Anderecco for a couple of years," says Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Book Club. "It's great to have this opportunity to introduce him to book lovers in Rankin County."

Admission to this event is free, however, the author will have copies of his books available for purchasing.

For more information about Anderecco visit www.anderecco.com. Have questions about this and other events hosted by Conversations Book Club? Contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.conversationsbookclub.com.

Tues. Marc 19th: Author Blacc Topp Comes to Mississippi

In his first literary event in Mississippi author Blacc Topp stops by Appetizer Restaurant (3000 Hwy 80 E * Pearl, MS) Tue. March 19th beginning @ 7:30p.m. to discuss his journey as a writer and to sign copies of his books THE HUSTLE CHRONICLES 1 and 2.

"It's an honor to host Blacc Topp in the Magnolia State," says Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Book Club. "It's a special occasion, and we hope other book lovers will join us in celebrating the visit."

The event is free an open to the public. Appetizers will have food specials available and copies of Blacc Topp's book will be available for $12 each or 2 for $20.

For more information contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit Blacc Topp online at www.facebook.comhustlerschronicles1. Conversations Book Club can be found online at www.conversationsbookclub.com.

(Sat. Feb. 16, 2013) Conversations Book Fair in Pearl, MS

COMING SAT. FEB. 16TH: Conversations Book Club's first book fair of 2013! Join authors Darlene Collier, O.C. Browley, Tracy Summers and Josiah Young as well as Glenda L. Hunter at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) from 1-3p.m.  Admission free but each author will have their books available.

For more information contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.conversationsbookclub.com. 

CBC Report: Author Tommie Mabry's Book-Signing A Success!

(Sat. April 21, 2012) Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club wish to thank all of those who supported the book-signing for Tommie Mabry, author of A DARK JOURNEY TO A LIGHT FUTURE on Sat. April 21, 2012 at the Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS.

"The event was a success in every way imaginable," says Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Book Club and host of the event. "It was great to finally meet Tommie and introduce him to book lovers in Rankin County." Webb had read A DARK JOURNEY and interviewed the author on his radio show Conversations LIVE over the phone. This was the first time they had met face to face.

Supporters of Conversations Book Club and the author came out to get copies of the book, converse with the author and learn more about his story that is chronicled in the book. Among those in attendance was Darlene Collier, author of MARRIED TO SIN.

Mabry's book is available on Amazon.com and additional information can be found about the author and the book at www.tommiemabry.com. To find out about upcoming events hosted by Conversations Book Club visit www.conversationsbookclub.com.

BREAKING NEWS: National Bestselling author Francis Ray visits Mississippi---October 2007!

This is a literary event that you don't want to miss! Conversations Book Club is pleased to inform you that national bestselling author Francis Ray will be visiting Mississippi on Saturday, October 27, 2007. Ray, the author who has brought us such titles as ANY RICH MAN WILL DO, DREAMING OF YOU, SOMEONE TO LOVE ME AND YOU AND NO OTHER will be spending the day with the book club as part of its "Read My Lips Literacy Project" will begin the day with breakfast at the Medgar Evers Library and conclude with dinner at Real Roots Bar and Grill in Pickens, MS.

Conversations Book Club appreciates Francis Ray for her willingness to share herself with the state of Mississippi. To find out more about her, visit www.francisray.com. You can also read an interview with Francis Ray conducted by Conversations Magazine by visiting the link to the right of this site.

Conversations Book Clubs Kicks off 2007 with a BANG!

Ladies and gentlemen: If you weren't a part of the interview/discussion with bestselling author Nancy Bush on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at the Medgar Evers Library then you really missed out! Conversations Book Club hosted her first interview of the year--- and what an interview it was! Look for more of it to be posted here later this month. Thanks again, Nancy, for being such a good sport with us! We appreciate the opportunity to be your first interview of the new year and hope it set the standard for those coming after us. (www.nancybush.net)

To our loyal online supporters we have a nice surprise for you: the domain name to get to us is now SHORTER. You can now just type in what we are: www.thebestbookclub.info ...

Our next event will feature bestselling author Eric Pete (www.ericpete.com). He will be with Conversations on Saturday, January 13, 2007. This will begin with a booksigning at Wal-Mart on HWY 18 in Jackson, MS and conclude with dinner at Real Roots in Pickens, MS. For details, visit http://realrootsbarandgrill.blogspot.com

After that, make sure you prepare yourself for the arrival of the "Prince of Drama", Mr. Carl Weber himself (www.carlweber.net). That is going to be one for the record books for Conversations Book Club and the state of Mississippi.

Want more? Then return to the Medgar Evers Library on Friday, January 26th at 6p.m. CST for an exclusive interview with the real-life "Billy Jean" from Michael Jackson's hit song: Theresa Gonsalves! She will be discussing her book OBSESSIONS, talking Michael Jackson and answering YOUR questions. Admission free.

Thank you for supporting Conversations Book Club: All Bestselling authors. All the time.