Bestsellers

For me, summer is a time of guilt-free pleasure. Sit by the pool, sip some lemonade, read a romance novel...the days are long and responsibilities are light. At least it seem that way. Are you planning to pick up a book this holiday weekend? Here are some recommended beach reads by type of reader -- everything from true fluff to deep (but not depressing).

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Penguin}

Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones is the story of a man with two families. One knows about the other family, the other doesn't. One of the lesser discussed gems of 2011, Silver Sparrow is a quick and moving read.

• Read a complete review and book club questions on Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Algonquin}

Nell Freudenberger's novel about an international marriage that is arranged over the Internet explores the emotional and everyday adjustments to marriage, which are amplified by the difference in cultures.

• Read a complete review of The Newlyweds by Nell Freudenberger
• The Newlyweds Book Club Discussion Questions

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Knopf}

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett was one of the big books of 2011. Is it a good paperback to throw in your beach bag? We have the scoop in this review.

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Harper}

In In the Garden of Beasts, historian Erik Larson writes about William Dodd and his family. Dodd was ambassador to Germany just before the outbreak of World War II.

• Read a complete review of In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson
• In the Garden of Beasts Book Club Discussion Questions

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Crown}

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo was released early this year to much critical praise. Indeed, Boo's account of life in a Mumbai slum over several years is one of the stand outs of the year so far. Find out more about why this nonfiction narrative is a must read.

• Behind the Beautiful Forevers Book Review
• Behind the Beautiful Forevers Book Club Discussion Questions

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Random House}

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Looking for a gift that is thoughtful but not too expensive? Here are some books that would make excellent Mother's Day gifts.

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Riverhead}

Graduation season is coming up. If you need a small gift for a high school or college graduate, consider a book. Here are some suggestion for books to give grads. You can also read readers' recommendations and add books that you think would make good graduation gifts.

John Irving, Richard Ford and other literary big wigs, not to mention Charlaine Harris and your requisite beach reading: Here is the May 2012 Book Release Calendar.

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Simon & Schuster}

Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness, which recounts Alexandra Fuller's childhood in Africa, was one of our Top 10 Books of 2011. It is now available in paperback.

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Penguin}