The Book Lover's Briefing: Sporty Spice
Go Knicks. Go USA. Go read.
A Note from Zibby:
Last week could’ve made a sports fan out of a doorknob. I’ll never forget our entire family screaming and jumping up and down as the Knicks won. (My father-in-law was literally crying.) There have been so many big-deal sports moments to watch on TV that I haven’t gotten my Shrinking fix in weeks! As Wimbledon kicks off shortly, I’ve been thinking back to my honeymoon there nine years ago. Where is the time going?! Enjoy our “sports coverage” for book lovers below! (For a new post and video from me, click here.)
Swept Up in Sports
Those of us in New York know that it’s impossible not to feel buoyed by the “collective effervescence” of a home-team win (go Knicks!). As the World Cup kicks off with some incredible, record-breaking matches already, including Messi’s first World Cup hat trick, and a dominating performance from the U.S. team, the joy feels contagious. Why not bring that energy to your reading life?
Booksellers' Reads for a Sporty Summer
Whether you’re keeping up with The World Cup, continuing to ride the high from the Knicks’ historic win after 53 long years (Knicks in five!!), or are looking forward to Wimbledon, golf, or more, it’…
Picking up a tennis racket in her forties has been life-changing for Zibby Publishing author Jane Costello and her protagonist Jules. Find out more and pick up a copy of Forty Love (code ZIBBY20) 20% off with free shipping here.
Bestselling UK Author Jane Costello on Tennis, Writing, and Motherhood
I watched Wimbledon year after year growing up in the 1980s, mesmerized by Steffi Graf, Gabriela Sabatini, and Chris Evert. But I never had the chance to take lessons myself, and it wasn’t until until I turned forty-five that I picked up a tennis racket for the first time. (I don’t count my Swingball bat.)
I was spurred on after watching my youngest son have the time of his life at a junior lesson. I turned to the woman next to me and said, “I wish I’d learned to play this as a kid.”
“What’s stopping you now?” she asked. It struck me as a good question.
Want to ask Jane a few questions? Join her for Zibby’s Book Club on July 22nd at 7 pm ET here.
Ready to Play
Guess what? We’re publishing a book written by former #1 doubles player in the world, tennis star Bethanie Mattek-Sands. It’s going to be so good! You’re going to love it!
Listen to Zibby’s interviews over the years with sports stars, journalists, and novelists focused on the game. Read some of our favorite quotes and more here.
News from the Bookshop
There aren’t trophies for bestsellers but if there were, these books would get them.
We also hosted some exciting events which any of you Z.I.P.s can now watch! New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center gave a powerful, hilarious talk about writing and romance that could be a master class here. Sonya Walger, author of Lion and Wifehouse and actress from “Lost,” joined Samantha Dockser of The Preoccupied to discuss family, narrative, and home here. John Kenney, author of I See You’ve Called in Dead, joined Shalom Auslander, author of Feh, here.
Tonight, Monday, June 22nd at 6:00 PM PT, join Zibby’s Bookshop for an event with Jennifer Levi, mother of Braun Levi, the late nationally ranked tennis superstar who tragically passed away last year, and founder of Live Like Braun, and Kate Doerge, author of Reimagining Grief, and founder of Penny’s Flight, named after her late daughter.
Between Innings
In Between Chapters on Substack, Wendy Selig-Prieb shares her journey from running the Milwaukee Brewers to smashing the fashion world.
Also read about Jenn Sargent’s new marriage, Diane Bergner’s writing chapter, Mihal Levy’s empty nesting, Lisa Grunberger’s adoption story, Ron Katz’s billable to fulfillable hours, and Dena Moes RN CNM’ wedding in her fifties, and more.
Thanks for reading, everyone!
I grew up a Sixers fan, but I was swept up by the Knicks and rooted for them throughout the playoffs. My Jersey-raised husband said I was cheering harder for them than he was.
I was so excited the Knicks won! I was cheering for them from day one. You do continue to inspire so many of us! You and your book world is one of the best things to come out of Covid for me-I just love your book world you have created. Thank you.