Beverly (Williamson) Darnall recently announced the release of her new book "Laura's List - The First Lady's List of 57 Great Books for Families and Children". The First Lady created a list of 57 books that she personally recommends as must-reads for families and children. Laura's List discusses each book and provides summaries and excerpts. It also examines the lessons taught in each selection.

In a recent email Beverly Darnall told the story of how the book came about. "I had heard about  Laura Bush's reading list, and after I took a look at it on the White  House website, I decided to do a little research on her.  She's  pretty smart--only our second First Lady to have a graduate degree,  and it is in library science. I decided her list must be pretty well- informed, and I wrote up a proposal.  I pitched it to a contact I had  at Tarcher Penguin, and he liked it and asked me to do it immediately. I got started.  Read all 57 books and did a chapter on each, and it  was a blast. There you have it."

"I've been getting great response so far.  Parents, grandparents,  teachers, homeschoolers.  Alot of people don't know what their child  should read, and Laura Bush's choices are pretty varied.  No "agenda"  books, no overtly Christian books, but at the same time, books with  great themes.  People like the idea that they can quickly read what  the story is and also have some discussion questions to ask when  their child finishes the book without having to read it themselves if  they don't have time. "

Beverly Darnall graduated for Fairborn Park Hills High School in 1972. She is the executive director of Chartwell Literary Group, a Nashville-based company. She is a songwriter and producer as well as an author. She has written for many top performers including Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Eric Clapton and Michael W. Smith.

Laura's List can be found in book stores and is also available on Amazon.com. Click here for the Amazon listing.