Conversations Book Club's Top 100 Books of 2009

It is one of those lists that is a way of recognizing great books and also the authors who write them: Conversations Book Club's "Top 100 Books of 2009". Compiled by Cyrus A. Webb, this is just one way that the literary organization shows why it is one of the best for those looking for best in literature.

TOP 50 FICTION TITLES OF 2009

1. "Faces of Fear" by John Saul
2. "Mudville" by Kurtis Scalletta
3. "Lifestone" by Gary Kaschak
4. "Too Tall Alice" by Barbara Worton
5. "Kill Me Twice" by Jerry Bayne
6. "Change Up" by John Feinstein
7. "No More Tomorrows" by Rodney Lofton
8. "Lesson Learned" by Portia Cosby
9. "Mexican Whiteboy" by Matt de la Pena
10. "Battered Clergy" by Dr. Joseph Howard, Sr.
11. "The Girl Who Threw Butterflies" by Mick Cochrane
12. "Pieces of the Hole" by Tony Lindsay
13. "When Lightning Strikes" by Keya
14. "The Dyodyne Experiment" by James Doulgeris and V. Michael Santoro
15. "The Fox" by Arlene Radasky
16. "The Green Eyed Butterfly" by Kiffany Dugger
17. "Greenwood" by Herbert McCann
18. "Tatto Tears" by Mr. Mean Mug
19. "The Circulary" by J. C. Thompson
20. "Sunday Morning Secrets" by Shirlita McFarland
21. "Sense of Love" by Sheryl Mallory-Johnson
22. "Cheating On My Mistress" by S. Dodson
23. "Liquid Sunshine" by Justin C. Hart
24. "Children of the Waters" by Carleen Brice
25. "Breakneck" by Erica Spindler
26. "Loitering with Intent" by Stuart Woods
27. "Sweet Deception" by Patricia Sargeant
28. "Traitor" by Mark Eller
29. "Excess Baggage" by Sean Gardner
30. "Jena's Choice" by Beverly Scott
31. "Home Repair" by Liz Rosenberg
32. "Married Lovers" by Jackie Collins
33. "The Osiris Alliance" by Jack Ford
34. "Numbers" by Dana Dane
35. "A Misrepresentation of Myself" by Mary E. Gilder
36. "My Husband's Fiance" by Kaira Denee
37. "The Last Block In Harlem" by Christopher Herz
38. "Unsigned Hype" by Booker T. Mattison
39. "Deviations: Covenant" by Elissa Malcohn
40. "Pulling Me Back" G Starr
41. "Flames of Deception" by Marcia Woodruff
42. "Cowgirl Dreams" by Heidi M. Thomas
43. "Don't Hate The Game", Anthology edited by Michael T. Owens
44. "The Magic Bullet" by Andrew Neiderman
45. "Secrets Unveiled" by Sheshena Pledger
46. "Black Dogs" by Jason Buhrmester
47. "East Garrison" by G.M. Weger
48. "Lotto" by Joe McDonald
49. "Fatal Waters" by Iris Moss
50. "Louisa" by Richard Emmel

TOP 50 NON-FICTION TITLES OF 2009

1. "Cheaper" by Rick Doble and Tom Philbin
2. "Down At The Docks" by Rory Nugent
3. "Memories of Times Past" by Marta Hiatt
4. "Satchel" by Larry Tye
5. "The Pixar Touch" by David Price
6. "The Sky Rained Heroes" by Frederick Lacroix
7. "Promotion: Denied" by Joseph Hoffler
8. "A Mighty Long Way" by Carlotta Walls Lanier
9. "Young Professional's Guide To Success" by Ryan Kohnen
10. "Hope, Change and Obama" by Norma Lavonne Smith
11. "Step Out On Nothing" by Byron Pitts
12. "Leaving Johnny Behind" by Anthony Pedriana
13. "My Goodness: My Kids" by Nesta Aharoni
14. "The Catch" by Gary Myers
15. "Angels Among Us... Even In Iraq" Diane Hassan
16. "Innocent War" by Susan Violante
17. "Brothers Kept Apart" by Walter Phillips
18. "Moonwalk" by Michael Jackson
19. "Cancer Vixen" by Maria Acocella Marchetto
20. "The Smartest Way To Save" by Samuel K. Freshman and Heidi Clingen
21. "Parallel Play" by Tim Page
22. "One and The Same" by Abigail Pogrebin
23. "In My Heart" by Ursula Hanks
24. "Lessons For The Living" by Stan Goldberg
25. "The Anatomy Of Buzz Revisited" by Emanuel Rosen
26. "Shattered Reality" by Kimberly Cheryl
27. "Babe Ruth and The Baseball Curse" by David A. Kelly
28. "The Weight Of Silence" by Shelley Seale
29. "The First 30 Seconds" by Stephen Armstrong
30. "The Happiness Factor" by Kirk Wilkinson
31. "Trust God and Buy Broccoli" by Gerri Helms
32. "The American Evolution" by Matt Harrison
33. "Giants Among Men" by Jack Cavanaugh
34. "Border Crosser" by Johnny Rico
35. "Man-Up" by Ricky Spann
36. "Living In The Rear View Mirror" by Kim Vazquez
37. "Looking For Closure" by Maria Stewart
38. "She and I" by Michael R. Brown
39. "My Heart Has Wings" by Kris King
40. "Step By Step" by Bertie Bowman
41. "Miracle On The Hudson" by William Prochnau and Laura Parker
42. "Perseverance" by Carolyn Robenstein
43. "We Were Relentless" by Martin J. Levin
44. "Bittersweet Journey" by Anthony Littlefield
45. "Look Me In The Eye" by John Elder Robison
46. "You Gotta Dance" by Bryant Daluz
47. "Lucy's Story*" by Larry Hamilton
48. "Shh...Don't Tell" by M. A. Moorer
49. "Hidden Butterflies" by Nikki Ransom
50. "Red Grange" by Gary Andrew Poole

Missed our list from the past years? You will find them at www.thebestbookclub.info.

* NOTE: "Lucy's Story is a fictionalized account of true events.

Watch The Write Stuff Episode 5 Right Here!

On the eve of the third anniversary of Conversations Book Club, The Write Stuff celebrates the authors who have entertained readers and inspired the careers of others. Host Cyrus Webb brings you this powerful episode...

TWS EPISODE 5, PART 1: Cyrus Webb shares parts of his interviews with bestselling author Brenda L. Thomas and Dynah Zale. U. K. Filmmaker Tom Sands shares his commitment to work with The Write Stuff in promoting literacy.

TWS EPISODE 5, PART 2: Watch parts of Webb's interviews with bestselling authors Shelia Lipsey and Daphine Robinson. You will also watch this week's marketing tip by Earl Hall.

TWS EPISODE 5, PART 3: Webb shares parts of his interviews with bestselling authors Jonathan Richardson and Allison Hobbs. There are also commercials from Think It Ink It Publishing and Everybody Wins.

TWS EPISODE 5, PART 4: Webb shares parts of his interviews with bestselling authors Dedra Johnson, Tony Lindsay and C-Murder.

TWS EPISODE 5, PART 5: Author Jeff Rivera shares this week's 60 second writing tip and Cyrus Webb introduces Conversations Book Club's Top 50 Non-Fiction Books of 2009!

TWS EPISODE 5 PART 6: Host Cyrus Webb shares Conversations Book Club's Top 50 Fiction Books of 2009!

TWS EPISODE 5 PART 7: Cyrus Webb talks about the war against illiteracy and summarizes this week's show.

Watch The Write Stuff's Special Presentation "Faith and Literature"

SAT. NOV. 7, 2009: Because of recent tragedies that occurred during the past week, Shadow Play Entertainment and the producers of The Write Stuff decided it was appropriate to push up a special segment it had prepared to run during the holidays called "Faith and Literature." Creator and host Cyrus Webb was able to assemble four bestselling authors (Jerry Jenkins, Jewell Parker Rhodes, L. A. Banks and Evie Rhodes)who came together for the first time to discuss the role that their personal beliefs played in the work they produced and how they walked the fine line of treating their careers like a business while still being true to who they are.

It is a six-part conversation that you will want to watch and share with anyone who finds themselves struggling with those very issues. This show is dedicated to the memory of Izear Roberts, Jr.---the father of producer Stanley Clark---who passed away unexpectantly this week, those who passed away in the horrible incidents in both Texas and Florida as well as their families. It is our hope that all will find something to encourage themselves as we go through our own challenges in life as well...

SAT. OCT. 24, 2009: Watch the 2nd Online Episode of The Write Stuff here!

This week's episode of The Write Stuff is brought to you from the office of Shadow Play Entertainment where host Cyrus Webb also broadcasts his radio show Conversations LIVE!. He shares part of his discussions with bestselling authors Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes while also discussing with author Gary Myers the importance of encouraging people of different interests to use it in encouraging reading. In the profile segment we let you hear from CBS National Correspondent Byron Pitts as he talks about his new book STEP OUT ON NOTHING. Want to know what nationally known recording star will be on the show to end the month of October? You have to catch the entire show for that!

PART ONE: Bestselling authors Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes talk success

PART TWO: Bestselling author Wahida Clark talks about her amazing career

PART THREE: Cyrus Webb talks about the book club designed for sports lovers and introduces books designed with them in mind. He also begins his conversation with author Gary Myers about the events that inspired the book THE CATCH

PART FOUR: The continuation of Webb's discussion with author Gary Myers

PART FIVE: Our literary profile features CBS National Correspondent Byron Pitts

PART SIX: Find out what is coming up next for The Write Stuff and how you can become more involved in our literacy campaign.

Watch The Debut Episode of The Write Stuff Here

In the debut episode of The Write Stuff, host Cyrus Webb makes a trip to his literary partner Wal-Mart to talk about the importance of reading and introduce this week's guests. Bestselling authors John Saul, Erica Spindler and Emanuel Rosen talk about their incredible journey to literary success. Webb also talks about how watching Oprah inspired author Stacey Kannenberg to begin her publishing career. Author Jeff Rivera talks about the importance of an Author Platform, and finally Webb tells authors why they want to get to know author/book reviewer Joey Pinkney.  (Note: Due to the high traffic in the Wal-Mart store we were unable to use the boom mic so there is background noise.)

Music for this episode was provided by Dj Down South (The Write Stuff theme song, "I Will Still Shine" and "Get Your Read On"), Tray Chaney ("Watch, Learn and Listen), K. D. Brosia ("Love A Woman Right") and Herschel Dixon (wrote "Get Your Read On").

Creator/Executive Producer/Host Cyrus Webb wishes to thank our literary sponsors and supporters for a successful launch. We also thank Asst. Producers Stanley Clark, Herschel Dixon, Mark Eller and Jeff Rivera.

The Write Stuff Prepares For Online Debut Sat. Oct. 17, 2009

THE WRITE STUFF PREPARES FOR ONLINE DEBUT SAT. OCT. 17, 2009

It has been one busy year for Mississippi native Cyrus Webb. The 34 year old has been hosting 10 live radio shows a week, moderating 8 monthly chapters of the book club he created in 2006, taking care of the clients of his publicity department, writing book reviews and still finding time to work on his own novel. However, with all that he has on his plate in 2009, nothing has been the focus of his attention like The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign.

"The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign has already made a big difference when it comes to talking about the importance of reading," says Webb. He along with many of his literary supporters spent the summer holding events across the country explaining how reading is a privilege that we have to take seriously. A major part of the campaign is the creation of America's first literary reality show, The Write Stuff, that will debut online at www.thewritestufftv.com on Sat. Oct. 17, 2009.

Part conversation and part competition, The Write Stuff gives advice and encouragement from those who have made it in the literary world and showcases how others can do the same. Below you will find additional information about the project:

The online edition of The Write Stuff debuts Sat. Oct. 17, 2009,
http://www.youtube.com/thewritestufftv#p/a/u/2/rRgETuO38YY

Cyrus Webb introduces you to The Write Stuff,
http://www.youtube.com/thewritestufftv#p/a/u/0/DyTwdV6a-IY

The Write Stuff Creator Cyrus Webb answers questions about The Write Stuff, http://www.youtube.com/thewritestufftv#p/a/u/1/Xbu1vndKX-Q

To keep posted on the events taking place with The Write Stuff, visit www.thewritestufftv.com and the official blog at http://thewritestufftvofficialblog.blogspot.com. Cyrus Webb can be contacted at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

 

The Literary Community Unites To Promote A National Day of Reading In Each State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Literary Community Unites To Promote A National Day of Reading In Each State

Contact: Cyrus A. Webb, Founder of The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign

cawebb4@juno.com / 601.896.5616



Earlier this year, ABC News reported that over 30 million Americans ages 16 and up were unable to read or write well. This proves what many have said for some time: Illiteracy is an epidemic that is spreading daily, claiming victims of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.

Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign and their literary partners are excited to announce a historic event geared towards sharing the gift of reading and books across the United States under a show of united support in each state. On Saturday, November 21, 2009 between the hours of 10-6p.m., The Write Stuff founder and host Cyrus A. Webb is working with others in scheduling Reading Parties (see http://tinyurl.com/readingparties ) throughout the country geared towards 1) speaking in one voice in support of encouraging reading, 2) supporting local authors and their books and 3) providing a positive outlet that is sometimes overlooked with all the chaos going on in the world around us.

Each Reading Party will be designed for that particular area by that particular area. Webb and his supporters will only act as a means to promote the event and help strategize where their is a need for assistance. During the time frame selected by each Reading Party, there will be booksignings, book discussions or whatever seems appropriate to that host. The events are part of the Art, Books & Beats movement (www.artbooksandbeats.com) which combines the power of visual/literary art, books and music. Those participating will be listed online at www.thewritestufftv.com identified by their state along with what type of event they are hosting as well as the time of their event. All Reading Parties are free to the public.

If you are in a position to do so, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign is asking that you bring a new or used book to the event you attend. Book donations will benefit CityKids Foundation, Common Ground Foundation, Everybody Wins, Reading Tree, Adele's Literacy Library and NEA's "Read Across America".

Have questions about this National Day of Reading? Are you an author, book lover, book club or entertainer that would like to coordinate an event in connection with our historic literary event? Contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.