"The Pizza Hut Story" written by Robert Spector, with a foreword by Dan Carney.

This is an exciting book (and a Watermark exclusive!) that will be available the first part of June. It's a slick book with deep Wichita roots. At $40.00, it's filled with pictures and anecdotes, and it comes, ready to deliver, packed in a pizza box! Read a review

 

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"America America: A Novel" by Ethan Canin.

This impeccable novel of 1970s politics explores class, family ties, loyalty, altruism, and scandal as the enterprising Meteray family backs the presidential campaign of a popular Democratic senator. In his signature lyrical prose, Canin brings to life the full scope of the political scene. Don't miss this novel and don't miss Canin's visit to Watermark on September 11. The novel is due out June 24.
 

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"Our Story Begins: New and Selected Stories" by Tobias Wolff. (Signed by the author.)

The stories in this collection, ten of which are brand new, deal with the lies people construct in their efforts to fulfill their desires. In a time where the line between fiction and non-fiction is blurred by fraudulent memoirists, Wolff's use of the lie in fiction gets closer to the truth of his imagined characters, closer to knowing their hearts and desires, than any of us may ever get to knowing our own hearts.

 

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"Sun Going Down" by Jack Todd.
Based on ancestral letters of the Todd family, an entertaining family saga of four generations, this novel of the American West is sure to win over any dad. It has been compared to "Lonesome Dove" because of the colorful characters and vivid landscapes, not to mention the beautiful cover painting of the Oregon Trail. We're hoping for a sequel in years to come.
 

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"Blue Heaven," "Blood Trail" and other Joe Pickett novels by C. J. Box.
Consider critics' praise for C. J. Box's mystery novels:

"Suspense that tears forward like a brush fire."
 

"He is fresh, captivating, and has something to say." --Michael Connelly

"C.J. Box has staked out memorable turf—the rugged landscape of Wyoming."

And we agree. Joe Pickett is a game warden thrown into crime scenes that pit man against the beautiful and rugged terrain of Wyoming's remote areas. If you're looking for a new series, you could start right here. Meet C. J. Box at Watermark on June 4 and get dad a signed collection of suspense novels perfect for summer.
 
 
OTHER NOVELS TO CONSIDER:

 
"The Resurrectionist" by Jack O'Connell.
Part classic noir thriller, part mind-bending fantasy, this inventive novel is a wild ride into territory where nothing is as it appears.
 
"Hallam's War" by Elizabeth Payne Rosen.
A sweeping story of passion, steadfast loyalty, and uncommon love set against the devastation of the American Civil War.
 
"The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel" by Michael Chabon.
Now in paperback, this modern classic is at once a gripping whodunit, a love story, and an exploration of the mysteries of exile and redemption. By the author of "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay," it's a novel that will rock the world of anyone who gives it a chance. Give both Chabon books for a hit double feature!
 
 
NON-FICTION TITLES:

 
"A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World" by Tony Horwitz.
In his new book, Horwitz reveals the lasting legacies of America's early travelers by retracing the steps of often neglected (though ambitious and entrepreneurial) explorers such as Coronado and De Soto. Horwitz's reporting skills and comic timing are amazing. The result is a book that allows every reader to rediscover the New World from the comfort home.
 
Consider Horwitz's paperback titles as well:

• "Baghdad without a Map and Other Misadventures in Arabia."

• "Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War."

• "Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook has Gone Before."

 

"The Saucier's Apprentice: One Long Strange Trip through the Great Cooking Schools of Europe" by Bob Spitz.
Is this the male version of the wildly popular "Eat, Pray, Love"? Bob Spitz completed his excellent years-in-the-making biography of the Beatles, turned fifty, and ended his fourteen-year marriage. Grappling with what to do with his life, Spitz fled to Europe in pursuit of his dream to cook like a virtuoso. Gallivanting across the continent and through the kitchens of all manner of chefs, he writes an outrageous travelogue filled with gastronomic lore. It's sure to be easily digested by any man on the verge of a midlife change.
 

"The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century" by Steve Coll.
By the author of "Ghost Wars," this groundbreaking history of a family and its fortunes is meticulously researched. In only two generations, the Bin Ladens moved from a famine-stricken desert canyon to luxury jets, yachts, and private compounds around the world.
 

 

"The Wrecking Crew" by Thomas Frank.
Due in August, this book is getting excellent reviews in the trade journals. Frank takes on the conservative movement in general and lobbyists in particular in his signature style of cultural criticism. Frank, author of "What's the Matter with Kansas," will be at Watermark to talk about and sign copies of the new book on August 21.
 
 
HUMOR TITLES:
 
"Lamentations of the Father: Essays" by Ian Frazier.
More serious than a gag writer, funnier than most essayists of equal accomplishment, Frazier possesses a classic originality. This collection contains thirty-six pieces gathered from the last thirteen years, including the title essay, which has an enormous cult following. If you have not read or heard this essay, don't delay. It will make you laugh out loud. Required reading for parents everywhere and of every age.
 

"The Downhill Lie: A Hacker's Return to a Ruinous Sport" by Carl Hiaasen.
A quotation from the book: "What possesses a man to return in midlife to a game at which he'd never excelled in his prime, and which in fact had dealt him mostly failure, angst and exasperation? Here's why I did it: I'm one sick bastard." One fan called Hiaasen's dementia "kind of exquisite." Couldn't have said it better. If you want to understand the true lure of golf, turn to Carl Hiaasen, who has written an extraordinary book for the ordinary hacker.
 
 
COOKBOOKS FOR THE GRILL MASTER: 

"The Thrill of the Grill: Techniques, Recipes & Down-Home Barbecue" by Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby.
While not new, this is one of the best grill books we've found. This author duo also wrote "License to Grill" and "How to Cook Meat."
 

"Bobby Flay's Grill It!" by Bobby Flay with Stephanie Banyas and Sally Jackson.
Hot off the press, this book is for you if you often know what you want but not how you want it. From burgers to corn, and asparagus to beef and tuna, you'll be inspired every time.
 
 

"He said Beer, She said Wine: Impassioned Food Pairings to Debate and Enjoy--From Burgers to Brie and Beyond" by Sam Calagione and Marnie Old.
The title says it all, doesn't it? An esteemed sommelier and a brewer divulge the secrets of their respective trades in language fit for novices and connoisseurs.
 
 
Happy reading!

- Sarah