Small Publisher Lands on Oprah's "Hot Reads" List

Online, June 16, 2012 (Newswire.com) - T.S. Poetry Press is proud to announce that The Whipping Club, by Deborah Henry, has been named by O, The Oprah Magazine as one of the hottest reads for summer, joining 28 other books to receive the prestigious distinction.

The story, which takes place in Ireland, is about a child placed for adoption in the 1950's. Years later, the birth parents learn that he wasn't adopted as they had been told, but is in an orphanage - an institution that is more about child abuse than child care. "Deborah Henry is a natural storyteller," said Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Olen Butler. "Her novel is a compelling read...It offers a searingly lovely vision of how wrongs can be made right. She's a splendid young novelist who deserves a wide audience."

Publisher's Weekly calls The Whipping Club a "riveting debut novel." The Seattle Post-Intelligencer also gives high praise, writing, "The Whipping Club holds the promise of a long and meaningful career for Deborah Henry as a serious writer. Bravo!" The Kirkus starred review reads, "Henry weaves multilayered themes of prejudice, corruption and redemption with an authentic voice and swift, seamless dialogue. Her prose is engaging, and light poetic touches add immediacy. Echoing the painful lessons of the Jewish Holocaust, Henry's tale reveals what happens when good people remain silent. A powerful saga of love and survival."

The reviews and the inclusion of the novel on the Hot Reads list is a testament to the rising influence of small publishing houses. This was the first novel for T.S. Poetry Press, known primarily for memoirs and poetry.

The author was recently featured on the International Arts Movement podcast hosted by Christy Tennant Krispin, IAM Conversations.

For interview and review opportunities, or more information about The Whipping Club, visit Deborah Henry (www.deborahhenryauthor.com) or T.S. Poetry Press (link below) or email [email protected]. A YouTube trailer starring Eric Roberts can be found at www.tinyurl.com/whippingclub.