Oprah Winfrey’s revamped, Occasional Book Club 2.0 has selected Ayana Mathis‘ debut novel THE TWELVE TRIBES OF HATTIE (Knopf) as its second choice. The book was originally set for publication in mid-January but has been moved up to release today instead. As part of the announcement Oprah said: “The opening pages of Ayana’s debut took my breath away. I can’t remember when I read anything that moved me in quite this way, besides the work of Toni Morrison.”
Oprah had picked Cheryl Strayed’s WILD in June, following the book’s publication in March. At the time, she said the OBC2.0 would feature “several selections” through the remainder of 2012.
In People news, Gary Davidson will join Hachette Book Group as Hachette Nashville’s vp of Christian Booksellers Association Sales and Marketing, starting January 7 and reporting to Chris Murphy. He has been at Thomas Nelson for the past 15 years, including roles as svp, sales and svp, Bible group publisher.
The Random House Publishing Group announced a number of promotions in their publicity department. London King has been promoted to deputy director of publicity, while Alison Masciovecchio moves up to publicity manager. Greg Kubie has been promoted to senior publicist and Steve Boriack moves up to associate publicist.
Patrick Price has been promoted to editorial director at Simon Pulse.
Tanya Hall has been promoted to chief operating officer at Greenleaf Book Group.
The UK’s National Book Awards were presented Tuesday night, across 10 categories. Winners included Hilary Mantel (author of the year); Rachel Joyce and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (new writer of the year); Eowyn Ivey and The Snow Child (international author of the year); Fifty Shades of Grey, by EL James (popular fiction); and A Wanted Man by Lee Child (crime book).