A Sea of Books: January 2010

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Mailbox Monday: January 31, 2010

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. If you'd like to join in, stop by Marcia's and leave a link - or just browse through the comments to see what new books have been showing up.

It's nice to know that book deliveries are made regardless of how cold it gets - and it's sure been cold around here! I received quite the mix of fiction, facts, and fantasy this past week. If only I didn't have to earn a living . . .

INKHEART by Cornelia Funke (A purchase to read with my 9-y-o nephew)

SONGBIRD UNDER A GERMAN MOON by Tricia Goyer (For review from the publisher)

HASTA LA VISTA, LOLA by Misa Rameriz (For review and blog tour from Latino Book Tours)

THE GIN CLOSET by Leslie Jamison (For review from the publisher)

MAKING TOAST by Roger Rosenblatt (For review from the publisher)

FIELD GUIDE TO BURYING YOUR PARENTS by Liza Palmer (For review from the publisher)

FOREST GATE by Peter Akinti (For review from the publisher)

MASTER YOUR DEBT by Jordan Goodman with Bill Westrom (for review from FSB Associates)

LANGUAGE OF SECRETS by Dianne Dixon (For review from the publisher)

THE SEROTONIN POWER DIET by Judith J. Wurtman, PhD. and Nina T. Frusztajer (for review from FSB Associates)

SAFFRON DREAMS by Shaila Abdullah (A purchase because I just want it so much)

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Book Review #40: THE MOON LADY by Amy Tan; illustrated by Gretchen Schields

THE MOON LADY

by Amy Tan

illustrated by Gretchen Schields

Pub. Date: November 1995

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Format: Paperback, 32pp

Age Range: 6 to 9

ISBN-13: 9780689806162

ISBN: 0689806167

Edition Description: Reprint

Description (from the publisher):
A magical night when secret wishes can come true.
On a rainy afternoon, three sisters wish for the rain to stop, wish they could play in the puddles, wish for something, anything, to do. So Ying-Ying, their grandmother, tells them a tale from long ago. On the night of the Moon Festival, when Ying-ying was a little girl, she encountered the Moon Lady, who grants the secret wishes of those who ask, and learned from her that the best wishes are those you can make come true yourself. This haunting tale, adapted from Amy Tan's best-seller The Joy Luck Club and enhanced by Gretchen Schields's rich, meticulously detailed art, is a book for all to treasure.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

My Thoughts: THE MOON LADY by Amy Tan is a sophisticated story of a young girl's maturation woven around an actual character from Chinese folklore. Tan originally told a version of this story in her novel, THE JOY LUCK CLUB. It's been years since I read that novel (definitely in line for re-read), and I don't specifically recall this story from that source. My review is based solely on this picture book.

In this book, richly illustrated by Gretchen Schields, a grandmother recounts an incident from her childhood to her three restless granddaughters. On the day her family travels to Tai Lake to celebrate the Moon Festival, 7-year-old Ying-ying is so excited she can barely control herself. She can't understand why everyone else isn't as excited as she or as eager to be on their way. Like most children her age, she is by turns sulky and sweet, selfish and loving, distracted and introspective -- basically, naughty and nice. Throughout the day, these aspects of her personality lead her into many adventures, some quite dangerous and scary. Everything culminates with Ying-ying's encounter with the Moon Lady who, on this one special day of the year, has the power to fulfill a secret wish. But what is it that Ying-ying desires most?

I enjoyed this story quite a bit. I loved how the language easily transported me to another place and time, another way of describing the world: ". . . the fifteenth day of the eighth moon." You can't read those words and think you are in modern day America. I loved Ying-ying's spirit and her curiosity, her sense of wonder of the world. There is a lovely scene where she plays with her shadow and speaks of it as though it is a little friend.

There are also darker elements to this tale, so that even though the story is presented in picture book format, I think it is more appropriate for older children and adults. One scene describes a toothless old woman gutting eels for making soup. When Ying-ying accidently gets some of the blood on her clothes, she naively thinks she can hide the stains by smearing even more blood all over her outfit. Fortunately, in the accompanying illustration, the blood is more magenta in color as opposed to red so that it's not so frightening to look at! Subsequently, Ying-ying is separated from her family. The story enters into a dreamlike phase where Ying-ying is rescued and returned to her family, only to have them deny her because they don't believe she is lost. Ying-ying actually sees her doppleganger on the boat with her family. And then there is the encounter with the Moon Lady herself . . .

Of course the story ends on a happy note - Ying-ying is obviously reunited with her family as she is telling this story to her granddaughters. I read this book to my 9-year-old nephew who has a fascination with Asian cultures. The moral and messages were lost on him - it is a rather convoluted tale. He enjoyed certain passages and was very interested in the detailed illustrations.

I enjoyed this book but can see that it would not be to everyone's taste. As a fable, it is more apt to appeal to adults. For sheer narrative, some children will enjoy the adventuresome nature of the story; I think others will get bogged down by the twists and turns. I'd recommend THE MOON LADY to adults and older children who are interested in Chinese culture and folktales.

About the author (from the publisher):
With her acclaimed 1989 novel The Joy Luck Club and its successors, Amy Tan succeeded in revealing the Chinese-American sensibility to readers in unprecedented numbers. In mystical, winding prose, she draws the boundaries and commonalities between generations of women who are related, but born worlds apart.

I read this book for the Middle Grade Book Challenge hosted by
Linda Ellen at Bambi Reads. Despite its picture book format, I think it qualifies because of the sophisticated language and story strucuture.

My review copy came from the Portsmouth Free Public Library, and I read this as part of the 2010 Support Your Local Library Challenge hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: THE WEED THAT STRINGS THE HANGMAN'S BAG by Alan Bradley

"WAITING ON WEDNESDAY"
is hosted by Jill from
Breaking the Spine.

Join in and tell us . . .

What are you waiting for?

The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag

A Flavia de Luce Mystery

by Alan Bradley

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Category: Fiction - Mystery & Detective

Format: Hardcover, 384 pages

On Sale: March 9, 2010

Price: $24.00

ISBN: 978-0-385-34231-5 (0-385-34231-4)

Description (from the publisher):
From Dagger Award–winning and internationally bestselling author Alan Bradley comes this utterly beguiling mystery starring one of fiction’s most remarkable sleuths: Flavia de Luce, a dangerously brilliant eleven-year-old with a passion for chemistry and a genius for solving murders. This time, Flavia finds herself untangling two deaths—separated by time but linked by the unlikeliest of threads.

Flavia thinks that her days of crime-solving in the bucolic English hamlet of Bishop’s Lacy are over—and then Rupert Porson has an unfortunate rendezvous with electricity. The beloved puppeteer has had his own strings sizzled, but who’d do such a thing and why? For Flavia, the questions are intriguing enough to make her put aside her chemistry experiments and schemes of vengeance against her insufferable big sisters. Astride Gladys, her trusty bicycle, Flavia sets out from the de Luces’ crumbling family mansion in search of Bishop’s Lacey’s deadliest secrets.

Does the madwoman who lives in Gibbet Wood know more than she’s letting on? What of the vicar’s odd ministrations to the catatonic woman in the dovecote? Then there’s a German pilot obsessed with the Brontë sisters, a reproachful spinster aunt, and even a box of poisoned chocolates. Most troubling of all is Porson’s assistant, the charming but erratic Nialla. All clues point toward a suspicious death years earlier and a case the local constables can’t solve—without Flavia’s help. But in getting so close to who’s secretly pulling the strings of this dance of death, has our precocious heroine finally gotten in way over her head?

Click here to visit the author's website.

About the author (from the publisher):
Alan Bradley received the Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award for The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, as well as the first Saskatchewan Writers Guild Award for Children’s Literature. He is the author of many short stories, children’s stories, newspaper columns, and the memoir The Shoebox Bible. Bradley lives in Malta with his wife and two calculating cats, and is currently working on the next Flavia de Luce mystery, A Red Herring Without Mustard.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Lookalikes: Something Old; Something New

I was scrolling through Google Reader last night and, at one of my favorite stops, I came across a Mailbox Monday post at MarjoleinBookBlog. Marjolein has received the Dutch version of RUBY RED by Linzi Glass. The girl on the cover looked familiar.

I read A NORTHERN LIGHT by Jennifer Donnelly a few years ago and loved it, but I hadn't heard of RUBY RED or Linzi Glass. The description has intrigued me, and I'll be adding this title to my TBR list for this year. I also want to check out her other novel, THE YEAR THE GYPSIES CAME.

What about you? Have you read any of these books or either of these authors? What did you think of them? If not, do they sound good to you? I gotta say, with those covers, they look good!

RUBY ROOD
(Dutch edition of RUBY RED)
by Linzi Glass

Description (from the publisher): In Ruby Winters' world, colour opens some doors and slams others shut. Her opulent Johannesburg neighbourhood is a far cry from the streets of Soweto where anger and hatred simmer under the surface. Ruby can't resist the blue-eyed Afrikaans boy who brings her the exciting rush of first love, but whose presence brings hushed whispers and disapproving glances. She might not see race, colour or creed - but it seems everybody else does. For Ruby, making some choices means letting others go, and as the darkness begins to descend, she must find a way to follow a brighter path...This dazzling novel will entrance teenage and adult readers alike.

A NORTHERN LIGHT
by Jennifer Donnelly

Description (from the publisher): An astonishing and heartbreaking debut—the story of a young woman's coming-of-age and the murder that rocked turn-of-the-century America.
In 1906, sixteen-year-old Mattie, determined to attend college and be a writer against the wishes of her father and fiance, takes a job at a summer inn where she discovers the truth about the death of a guest. Based on a true story.

Thanks for inspiring this post, Marjolein!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Blog Tour, Giveaway, and Review #39: DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN by Denise Austin

January is all about new beginnings and
the hard-working and generous folks at
Hachette Book Group
want to inspire and motivate you, so. . .

I have been authorized to
give away five (5) copies of

DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN

by Denise Austin.

Rules for entering this giveaway are at the bottom of this post.

DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN

by Denise Austin

Publisher: Center Street

Category: Health & Fitness

Format: Trade Paperback

Publish Date: 1/5/2010

Price: $16.99/$19.99

ISBN: 9781599952444

Pages: 336

Size:7" x 9"

Description (from the publisher):

From Denise Austin comes the perfect health book for anyone who wants to live better but just can't seem to find the time. Much more than just another excercise book, Denise's Daily Dozen covers a whole range of health and diet related concepts yet manages it all in a no-stress, time-conscious program of 12's. At it's core, this book contains the minimum daily requirements to keep the reader flexible, strong and trim. Organized simply into seven chapters, which equal the seven days of the week, it covers a full week in daily allotments. Each day will have it's own focus from Monday being "fat burning day" to Sunday's "recharge and rejuvenate."

Denise has created a total body program, including a 7-day balanced meal plan that includes healthy recipes, and a workout that encompasses 12 exercises done in 12 minutes each day. Everyone can take just 12 minutes, at whatever time of the day works for them, and turn it over to these simple and fun exercises. Cardio, toning, yoga and breathing exercises...they're all here but in a way the maximizes effect while minimizing time.

Beyond a dozen exercises for each day of the week this book will include many other of Denises dozens for each day.

MY RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:
I've always liked Denise Austin's positve and outgoing attitude. Working out to her shows and videos is like working out with a motivating friend rather than an harassing drill sergeant! When I was offered the chance to review her new book, DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN, I was really excited.

As I expected, this book is written in Denise's friendly, upbeat style. She keeps things simple and doable. The plan is comprised of a set of 12 exercises that can easily be done at home. She doesn't require any fancy equipment - just the occasional use of a set of small hand weights. The routines are different for each day of the week; each day you get a total body workout and, over the course of a week, there is enough variety that you don't get bored. One of the best parts? Each daily routine can be completed in about 12 minutes! Who can't find 12 minutes a day to exercise?! O.K., so you are supposed to devote more than 12 minutes - Denise would like you to also walk about 12 miles a week. Still, we're not talking about a huge time commitment or financial investment.

DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN also includes separate sections with additional ballet-inspired barre exercises and moves that target the abs. She's added a small section of "tension tamers" that can be done at your desk, and a handful of moves called "fidget-cisers" that you can toss into your day while you're around the house - watching T.V., talking on the phone, or waiting for the toast to pop up.

Another great thing about this book are the daily menu plans and recipes sprinkled throughout. They are all healthful, easy, and mouth-watering. So far, I've tried and liked the Asian Lettuce Wraps, Veggie Quesadilla and Greek Bean Salad. If you're more adventurous than I am, you can try the Fish Tacos (made with mahi mahi). Denise's eating plan is sensible and well-balanced. Nothing is off-limits, but everything in moderation.

I also really enjoyed reading the success stories -- there's nothing like hearing from someone who has successfully worked a program to show that it can be done by the average person.

I highly recommend DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN for anyone who would like to get started on a fitness plan. (Of course, you should check with your doctor first.) Denise offers easy exercises, sensible advice, and plenty of encouragement and motivation. If you've been wondering how to get yourself started, this is the book for you!

Click here to visit Denise's website.

About the author (from the publisher):
A native of San Pedro, California, Denise started gymnastics at the age of 12 and earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Arizona, graduating in 1979 with an exercise physiology degree. She began her career teaching aerobic exercise classes in the Los Angeles area and went on to cohost the The Jack LaLanne Show, in 1981. (Denise considers Jack LaLanne one of her role models, and she is delighted to still speak regularly with the 95-year-old fitness legend.)

During more than 25 years promoting health and fitness, Denise has created 82 workout videos or DVDs. Her enormous number of sales led to her 2003 induction into the Video Hall of Fame.

Denise has been married for 25 years to Jeff Austin, a sports attorney and brother of tennis champ Tracy Austin. They share a home with their two teenage daughters, Kelly and Katie.

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

• You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, February 15, 2010.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

Thank you to Anna
at Hachette Book Group

for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Book Giveaway: TOTALLY TONED ARMS by Rylan Duggan, CSCS

Thanks to the generous folks at
Hachette Book Group,

I have been authorized to
give away five (5) copies of

TOTALLY TONED ARMS
by Rylan Duggan, CSCS.

Rules for entering this giveaway are at the bottom of this post.

TOTALLY TONED ARMS

by Rylan Duggan, CSCS

Publisher: Wellness Central

Category: Health & Fitness

Format: Trade Paperback
Publish Date: 1/6/2010
Price: $12.99/$15.99
ISBN: 9780446563352
Pages: 192
Size: 5-1/2" x 8-1/4"

Description (from the publisher):

Once Barack Obama joined the presidential race and attended events with wife at his side, the media, bloggers, and people everywhere started buzzing about Michelle's toned arms--and asking how on earth she does it. Even at the Presidential Inauguration, much of the talk was about Michelle's amazing arms. Media outlets from GMA to CNN to MSNBC have covered the story, inspiring women across the country to call their personal trainers and say, "I want Obama arms!"

Certified personal trainer Rylan Duggan, creator of the successful (and pricey, at $70 each!) e-book series Go Sleeveless!, constantly gets calls from clients and reporters asking for the training secrets behind Michelle's arms. Duggan is the expert quoted in much of this coverage, and in FIGHT ARM FLAB, he offers his 21-day program to get those sleek and sexy arms.

In this low-priced paperback, Duggan reveals the program (combining strength training and cardio) including a 7-day jumpstart maintenance plan, and essential diet secrets designed to shed fat and reveal toned muscle, plus 50-60 black and white photos throughout to illustrate. This is a simple program that anyone can do, no matter what their fitness level, at home and with little equipment. With this series of 25 easy exercises, anyone can have Obama arms--in a matter of weeks!

Click here to visit the author's website.

Or check out GoSleevelessBlog.com

About the author (from the author):

Rylan Duggan RK, BHK, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, is the creator of the Go Sleeveless! blog and e-book series, and creator of Adonis Fitness, the health and fitness consulting company specializing in women's body sculpting. Duggan is widely quoted in the "Obama arms" press. He lives in British Columbia.

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

• You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 14, 2010.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

Thank you to Anna
at Hachette Book Group

for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Book Giveaway: HOW TO NEVER LOOK FAT AGAIN by Charla Krupp

This one is for all of you who just can't budge those last few pounds but want to look as though you have! I'm willing to bet, though, that the tips and tricks in this book will benefit anyone who just wants to look their best.

Thank you to Hachette Book Group,

for helping us to look sharp. They are offering for
give away three (3) copies of

HOW TO NEVER LOOK FAT AGAIN
by Charla Krupp.

Rules for entering this giveaway are at the bottom of this post.

HOW TO NEVER LOOK FAT AGAIN

by Charla Krupp

Publisher: Springboard

Category: Health & Fitness

Format: Hardcover Book

Publish Date: 3/10/2010

Price: $26.99/$32.99

ISBN: 9780446547475

Pages: 264

Size: 7-1/2" x 9-1/4"

Description (from the publisher):
The new groundbreaking style-guide from bestseller author Charla Krupp on how to look 10 pounds lighter, 10 years younger and 10 times sexier every day, all year--in summer, winter, at the gym, even in a swimsuit!

You'll never get dressed the same way again once you discover:

*smart, easy ways to hide arm flap, a big bust, a muffin top, back fat, Buddha belly, a big booty, wide hips, thunder thighs, and heavy calves-and that's only half the book.

*which fabrics, colors, and styles make women look fat

*absolutely the best shades, shapes, and brilliant buys to make the pounds invisible

*clever solutions for special fashion situations--workout gear, evening wear, and even swimsuits!

*which products, fashions, and services you shouldn't waste your money on

*the top ten tips that will make you look thinner by tonight!

So, if you've ever put on a piece of clothing and asked "Does this make me look fat?" Finally, here is the book that will answer your question.

About the author (from the publisher):
Charla krupp has appeared for ten years on the Today show and on more than thirty national TV shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Tyra, CBS Early Show, Entertainment Tonight, and Access Hollywood. She is a contributing editor to People: Style Watch, and was formerly beauty director at Glamour, senior editor at InStyle, and contributing editor at More.

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

• You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, February 13, 2010.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

Thank you to Anna
at Hachette Book Group

for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Giveaway Winners: PRIME-TIME HEALTH by William Sears, M.D.

!! CONGRATULATIONS !!

The 5 winners of copies of the audiobook
PRIME-TIME HEALTH by William Sears, M.D. are:

#10 Benita a/k/a bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

#19 librarypat a/k/a librarypat AT comcast DOT net

#24 Jemima a/k/a thereadingjourney [at] gmail dot com

#31 Carol W. a/k/a wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com

#56 Cheryl F. a/k/a theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

- I have sent everyone an email.

- Please contact me with your snail mail address A.S.A.P.

- Remember, the sponsor will only mail books to U.S. and Canadian street addresses and no P.O. Boxes.

- If I have not heard from you by 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, your win will be forfeit, and I will contact the next commenter on the list generated by Random.org.

- Thank you to everyone who stopped by and entered. If you weren't one of the lucky ones in this drawing, click here to hop on over to the contest page at Hachette Book Group for listings of other blogs hosting book giveaways.

- Be sure and check my sidebar for other ongoing giveaways here and at other blogs.

A big thank you to Anna and Hachette Book Group

for making this giveaway possible.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Audiobook Giveaway: ABSOLUTE POWER by David Baldacci

Thanks to the generous folks at
Hachette Book Group,

I have been authorized to
give away three (3) audiobook copies of

ABSOLUTE POWER
by David Baldacci.

Rules for entering this giveaway are at the bottom of this post.

ABSOLUTE POWER

by David Baldacci

read by Scott Brick

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Category: Fiction

Format: Audio Book

Subformat: CD (audio)

Edition: Unabridged

Publish Date: 1/16/2010

Price: $24.98/$29.98

ISBN: 9781607883210

Pages: 0

Description (from the publisher):
Available for the first time Unabridged on CD in an all-new recording by Scott Brick, the first of the blockbuster thrillers by New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci. The book that will change the way you think about Washington - and power - forever.

In a heavily guarded mansion in a posh Virginia suburb, a man and a woman start to make love, trapping a burglar behind a secret wall. Then the passion turns deadly, and the witness is running into the night. Because what he has just seen is a brutal slaying involving the president of the United States.

Luther Whitney is the career break-in artist who's in the wrong place at the wrong time. Alan Richmond is the charming U.S. president with the power to commit any crime. And Jack Graham is the young attorney caught in a vortex between absolute truth and... ABSOLUTE POWER.

Click here to listen to an excerpt.

Click here to visit the author's website.

About the author (from the author):
David Baldacci lives with his family in Virginia. He and his wife have founded the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. He invites you to visit him at http://www.david-baldacci.com/ and his foundation at http://www.wishyouwellfoundation.org/, and to look into its program to spread books across America at http://www.feedingbodyandmind.com/

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

• You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, February 12, 2010.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

Thank you to Anna
at Hachette Book Group

for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Book Giveaway: THE 8TH CONFESSION by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Thanks to the generous folks at
Hachette Book Group,

I have been authorized to
give away three (3) copies of

THE 8TH CONFESSION
by James Patterson
and Maxine Paetro.

Rules for entering this giveaway are at the bottom of this post.

THE 8TH CONFESSION

by James Patterson

and Maxine Paetro

Publisher: Grand Central Publisher

Category: Fiction, Suspense & Thrillers

Format: Trade Paperback

Publish Date: 2/23/2010

Price: $14.99/$17.99

ISBN: 9780446561334

Pages: 384

Size: 5-1/4" x 8"

Description (from the publisher):
As San Francisco's most glamorous millionaires mingle at the party of the year, someone is watching--waiting for a chance to take vengeance on Isa and Ethan Bailey, the city's most celebrated couple. Finally, the killer pinpoints the ideal moment, and it's the perfect murder. Not a trace of evidence is left behind in their glamorous home.

As Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the high-profile murder, someone else is found brutally executed--a preacher with a message of hope for the homeless. His death nearly falls through the cracks, but when reporter Cindy Thomas hears about it, she knows the story could be huge. Probing deeper into the victim's history, she discovers he may not have been quite as saintly as everyone thought.

As the hunt for two criminals tests the limits of the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay sees sparks fly between Cindy and her partner, Detective Rich Conklin. The Women's Murder Club now faces its toughest challenge: will love destroy all that four friends have built? The exhilarating new chapter in the Women's Murder Club series, The 8th Confession serves up a double dose of speed-charged twists and shocking revelations as only James Patterson can. And remember, this is the only Murder Club episode of the year.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Click here to visit the author's website.

About the author (from the publisher):
James Patterson published his first thriller in 1976 and since then has become one of the best-known and bestselling writers of all time, with more than 160 million copies of his books sold worldwide. He is the author of the two most popular detective series of the past decade, featuring Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club, and he has written numerous other #1 bestsellers. He has won an Edgar Award--the mystery world's highest honor--and his novels Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider were made into feature films starring Morgan Freeman. His website, www.ReadKiddoRead.com, lists the very best books for kids--titles that kids will gobble up and ask for more. He lives in Florida.

Maxine Paetro is a novelist and journalist. She lives with her husband in New York.

Find more videos like this on The James Patterson Community

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

• You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 21, 2010.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

Thank you to Valerie
at Hachette Book Group

for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Audiobook Giveaway: THE UNNAMED by Joshua Ferris

Thanks to the generous folks at
Hachette Book Group,

I have been authorized to
give away three (3) audiobook copies of

THE UNNAMED
by Joshua Ferris.

Rules for entering this giveaway are at the bottom of this post.

THE UNNAMED

by Joshua Ferris

read by the author

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Category: Fiction

Format: Audio Book

Subformat: CD (audio)

Edition: Unabridged

Publish Date: 1/18/2010

Price: $34.98/$41.98

ISBN: 9781600248771

Pages: 0

Description (from the publisher):
Joshua Ferris' debut novel Then We Came to the End was both heralded by critics and a New York Times bestseller, and marked the arrival of a startlingly talented young writer. With THE UNNAMED, Ferris imagines the collision between one man's free will and the forces of nature that are bigger than any of us.

Tim Farnsworth walks. He walks out of meetings and out of bed. He walks in sweltering heat and numbing cold. He will walk without stopping until he falls asleep, wherever he is. This curious affliction has baffled medical experts around the globe--and come perilously close to ruining what should be a happy life. Tim has a loving family, a successful law career and a beautiful suburban home, all of which he maintains spectacularly well until his feet start moving again.

What drives a man to stay in a marriage, in a job? What forces him away? Is love or conscience enough to overcome the darker, stronger urges of the natural world? THE UNNAMED is a deeply felt, luminous novel about modern life, ancient yearnings, and the power of human understanding.

Click here to listen to an excerpt.

Click here to visit the author's website.

About the author (from the publisher):
Joshua Ferris received an MFA from UC Irvine. His work has appeared in the New Yorker, New Stories from the South, Best New American Voices, Prairie Schooner, GQ, and the New York Times. He lives in upstate New York.

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

• You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 7, 2010.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

Thank you to Anna
at Hachette Book Group

for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Book Giveaway: THE LAST SONG by Nicholas Sparks

Thanks to the generous folks at
Hachette Book Group,

I have been authorized to
give away three (3) copies of

THE LAST SONG
by Nicolas Sparks.

Rules for entering this giveaway are at the bottom of this post.

THE LAST SONG

by Nicholas Sparks

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Category: Fiction

Format: Trade Paperback
Publish Date: 2/4/2010
Price: $14.99/$17.99
ISBN: 9780446570978
Pages: 432
Size: 5-1/4" x 8"

Description (from the author):
Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Click here for a Q&A with the author.

Click here to visit the author's website.

About the author (from the publisher):
Nicholas Sparks is the author of 15 books. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and children. You can visit the author's web site at http://www.nicholassparks.com/

RULES FOR ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me you would like to win. Include an email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you do win. Use a spam-thwarting format such as geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com or geebee.reads [at] gmail [dot] com

• You must leave an email address in order to qualify. If I can't contact you, you can't win!

• You can earn an extra entry by being or becoming a Follower or Subscriber of this blog and telling me about it in a separate comment.

• Blog about this contest and provide me with the link to the post in a separate comment, and I'll give you yet another entry.

• Tweeting about this contest and providing me the link in a separate comment will get you one more entry. I've added a Retweet button at the bottom of every post.

• Stumble this blog, Digg it, or Technorati Fave it, whatever, and leave a separate comment for another entry.

• Winners must provide a U.S. or Canadian street address. Hachette is unable to deliver to P.O. Boxes.

• Deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, February 10, 2010.

• Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email announcing that they have won; if I don't hear from a winner, I will draw another name.

Thank you to Valerie
at Hachette Book Group

for making this giveaway possible.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.