Something new has been launched: http://www.microsoftbookclubs.com. The goals of the new site are clear:
Microsoftbookclubs.com was created to promote reading and discussion amongst professionals and to also provide a forum for linking publishers, authors, and their respective audiences. What do you get out of this? A community to share thoughts and ideas with your peers and actually communicate with the authors of the books you've have been reading.
Basic membership to the club is free and offers members discounted books, chapter previews of popular books related to various technologies, an online forum, author interviews, and book reviews along with the option to participate in writing your own reviews. Members will also be invited to interact with the authors of certain books in live Webcast.