While Today Book Club Picks a 76, GMA Postpones Its Selection Until Monday

On Thursday, February 6, NBC News' Today Show announced that the eighth selection of its monthly "Today Book Club" is The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith (Anchor). The title was an Autumn 2002 Top Ten Book Sense Mystery 76 pick.

Smith's book tells the story of Precious Ramotswe, who sets up her detective agency in a small storefront in Gaborone. Immediately, she is hired to track down a missing husband, uncover a con man, and follow a wayward daughter. But the case that poses the most danger involves a missing 11-year-old boy, who may have been snatched by witch doctors.

In nominating the book for the 76, Blanchette Bailey of Baileywick Books in New Milford, Connecticut, said, "The detective, a good-hearted, ample Botswanan lady, unravels local crimes with keen logic. Her description of life in a small African town is winning as well. Just wonderful books."

For more on the Today Book Club, click here.

Meanwhile, Good Morning America announced that, due to "world events," tomorrow's announcement of the eighth Read This! book club pick has been postponed. It is expected that the selection will be made on Monday, February 10. The publisher, Back Bay Books, is asking booksellers not to put the book, a trade paperback priced at $14.95 (ISBN 0316600059), on sale until then.