Cesar Takes a Break by Suzanne Collins Thoms: Review, audio program and *giveaway*

This drawing is now closed to further entries. Results forthcoming!

Cesar Takes a Break
by Suzanne Collins Thoms
Illustrated by Rogé
Copyright 2008
Sterling Kids - Children, ages 4-8
40 pages

Cesar is a classroom lizard who has just received a journal in which to write down his experiences when this lovely children's book opens. In journal form, he talks about his good fortune: he is lucky to have 25 friends who shower him with gifts and tell him their secrets.

But, when his "friends", the students who've adopted him as their class pet, leave for spring break, Cesar is not sure what to do with his time. At first, he's lonely and bored, but then he plays on the principal's computer, snacks in the lunch room and finds some new friends. Cesar and his new pals, all of whom are classroom pets, fill their week with fun activities -- playing hockey in the teacher's lounge, reading books in the library, putting on a play.

At the end of the week, Cesar considers leaving the school to see the world. But, then he realizes that his class needs him. He can't wait till the next spring break. Cesar Takes a Break ends with a page of "Fascinating Facts about Green Iguanas".

There was a single sentence that bafffled me, at the beginning of Cesar Takes a Break, but otherwise, I loved Cesar's little adventure and the occasionally sneaky word play. For example, when a turtle named Peace goes off to see the world and the other animals say he never makes it past the lunchroom door, Cesar says, "Still, we should give Peace a chance."

Sterling Kids has created free audio program to go with 8 of their children's books and I think it's so wonderful that I asked to join in on the promotion and giveaway. You can view a video of The Making of Cesar Takes a Break, the audiobook. I have a little trouble getting embedded videos to show up, hence the link.

If you view the video, you'll see people reading the various voices as they record the audio. I've listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it, but what I'm most excited about is that the audios are completely free. I asked Wendy of Sterling Kids if parents can legally burn the audios to CD or load them to an iPod for portability and she said, "Absolutely!" You can listen to the audios and download the audio books, along with a special "jokecast" at the Listen-AlongStorybook website.

When my children were small, we adored book and audio combinations. We took a stack of books, a bin of toys and the audios along on road trips to help keep the children occupied and they were a wonder. Not only do your children get to work on their listening skills, but they are encouraged to make reading a part of their lives, wherever they go.

To celebrate the new Listen-Along program, Sterling Kids is doing a huge giveaway.

3 lucky readers will receive all eight of the Sterling titles currently featured on the Listen-Along Storybook site! To enter this giveaway, prance on over to Listen-Along Storybook and let me know which title is your favorite, plus follow the other rules. You have to be good at following rules.

The rules. Break not the rules or you shall suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune:

1. Tell me the title of the book that appeals to you the most (as described in the green, italicized paragraph with link, above).

2. Leave your email address - this is a MUST. No email, no entry.

3. One entry per person or address. There are no opportunities for extra entries. Winners must be residents of U.S. and Canada only - no P.O. Boxes.

4. Drawing will be held on Sunday, MayMarch 21 (Sorry, forgot what month it is). Winners will have 48 hours to send their mailing address; I advise following this blog to avoid missing out on the winners list but following is not a requirement for signing up.

Note: I received a review copy of the Listen-Along Storybook Cesar Takes a Break. I was not provided any monetary compensation for this post. I chose to participate in this promotion because I think it's awesome. My copy of Cesar Takes a Break will be passed on to a mother with small children.

Simon Van Booy Super Duper Giveaway!!!

This post is now closed to further entries. Results coming, soon!

No, Simon doesn't come with the books. Sorry. :)

HarperPerennial has graciously agreed to let me host a giveaway of Simon Van Booy's fabulous books of short stories to promote the re-release of The Secret Lives of People in Love. I'm a serious Van Booy Fangirl, you see, so I asked what I could do to help promote him. This is not something you'll see me doing often at Bookfoolery as I'm limiting my drawings to only authors or books I already know I love. And I absolutely think Simon's writing is the bees' knees. You undoubtedly know that if you've hung around my blog.

So, what can you win? I'm offering up 4 copies of each of Simon's books, but you can only choose one:

The Secret Lives of People in Love

OR

Love Begins in Winter

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How (aka, "The Rules") - Warning: You must follow all the rules or you will be struck by lightning, shoved into the mud and tossed out of the drawing!!! Okay, I'm kidding. You'll just be kicked in the shins and tossed out.

1. Choose. Which book would you like to win? You can only win one!! Tell me your choice and leave me your email. If you don't leave your email, I will reject your entry -- it won't even show up in the comment section. I moderate, so I have the power. Mwah-ha.

2. Think like a North American and be one. HarperPerennial will send the books directly and they prefer to ship within the U.S. or Canada. No P.O. Boxes. You must have a street address.

3. One person, one entry. There are no opportunities for extra entries in this drawing and you may only sign up once.

3 1/2. The drawing will be held on Sunday, March 7 unless I change my mind. It's a woman's prerogative, you know. This is not technically a rule. I just wanted #4 to stay fresh in your mind.

4. Swear on a stack of tomatoes that you will read this book - not sell it, not swap it until you've *read it*. A promise will do, if you're not into swearing.

I may be away from the computer for a few days, so don't fret if your comment doesn't show up. We've got some things to attend to and since I moderate, comments don't show up until I've approved them.

Congratulations, again, to Simon!!

*Giveaway!* - Two copies of How to Lower your Cholesterol with French Gourmet Food by Chef Alain Braux

This drawing is now closed to further entries. Results coming soon!

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!! I am so excited to be able to offer up two copies of How to Lower your Cholesterol with French Gourmet Food by Chef Alain Braux. If you've been following my blog, you already know why . . . because my husband and I both loved the book -- both the nutrition advice and recipes, which are delicious and (for the most part) easy to prepare.

But, in case you missed it, here's my review.
And, here's a sample recipe.

The rules:

1. Leave a valid email address (with spaces to protect yourself from spammers). This is a must. No email, no entry.

2. Live in Canada or the United States. If you can quickly move from Europe, Asia or any other continent (or talk a relative or friend with a North American address into accepting the book and sending it on to you), that's fine with me. You must have an American or Canadian address to win. And, you'll have to move quickly because . . .

3. The drawing will be held on Thursday, December 17 at 6pm.

4. Tell everyone you know. Leave me a URL to your tweet or post and I'll give you an extra entry for each. This is a self-published book that I think deserves a big-name publisher and wide exposure because it is seriously the single best combination nutrition/cookbook I've read. Please spread the word!

Good luck!

Can God be Trusted? by Thomas D. Williams - *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed.

My copy of Can God Be Trusted? just arrived as I was preparing to write up my giveaway post, yesterday (obviously, I waited a day) so I hope I'll manage to read and review my copy soon. Subtitled "Finding Faith in Troubled Times," the theme of the book sounds pretty obvious. I'm looking at the cover flap and it says, "Williams reveals the way we so often expect things from God that He hasn't promised . . . and then blame Him when we're disappointed."

Boy, can I relate. I know I had an attack of wobbly faith after finding out my friend's son was killed in Afghanistan, a couple of weeks ago. Besides loss, it sounds like the author's going to delve into all kinds of disappointment and unfulfilled hopes, both personal and larger in scope -- such as frustration with injustice. I'm really looking forward to reading Can God Be Trusted? Faith is one of my favorite Christian topics.

Anyway . . . babbling on. I can give away up to 5 copies, and lately I've just felt like going with the full tamale, so I'm going with 5. This may be my last giveaway for a while, since we're headed into the busy month of NaNoWriMo joy.

Wait! Must tell you a quick anecdote before we get to the rules. My husband just walked in the door and I said, "UPS drove right by, today!!" His response: "Oh, I'm sure they're just getting a bigger truck." Hahaha. I'm just trying to help the shipping industry stay alive, you know. Passing around a little book love can't hurt. ;)

Back to the giveaway . . .

O, Sister, Where Art Thy Requirements? (aka, "Rules"):

1. You MUST leave your email address or else!!! No email, no entry!!! I no longer chase down people who forget to leave an email address.

2. Live in the right place - Hatchette's giveaways are limited to residents of the U.S. and Canada. No P.O. Boxes.

3. Answer this question: Do you think it's harder to maintain faith in the face of personal tragedy or simply when surrounded by those who don't believe in God? I'm just curious. I'll tally up the results and let you know.

4. Drawing will be held December 2, 2009 to avoid the Thanksgiving holiday. I'll probably give everyone a wee bit longer to respond, as well -- usually, I go with about 48-72 hours, these days. I highly advise either following this blog or my Twitter persona, "Bookfoolery" (where I cross-post announcements) to avoid missing out on the winners' list, in case a winning email goes astray. If you win and don't receive an email, just contact me at the email in my sidebar within the given time period.

While you're at it, check out my other giveaways:

Life After Genius by M. Ann Jacoby - ends Nov. 15
The Mosaic Bible in New Living Translation (1 certificate for a free copy) - ends Nov. 18
A Climate for Change by Hayhoe and Farley - ends Nov. 22

Just for grins, another anecdote:

Yesterday, Kiddo said he was soooo sleeeeepy, when he got home from school. I said, "Did you stay up late?" and he said, "I just didn't sleep well." Pause, pause. "But, at least I got 3 hours of sleep at school!"

Happy Reading!

Bookfool, whose teenage son occasionally makes her cringe

A Climate For Change by Hayhoe and Farley - *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed.

I'm reading A Climate for Change: Global Warming Facts for Faith-Based Decisions and enjoying it immensely. It seems to be a very fair and balanced view of global warming -- the theories, the facts, and what our response as Christians should be. I don't think it's necessary to be a Christian to read the book but it does approach global warming from that angle, reminding us that we're "stewards of the earth" and do, in fact, have a responsibility not to let the planet go to pot -- not to cause the going-to-potting, thereof. That's a technical term, "going to pot".

So . . . giveaway time!!! I can give away 5 copies of A Climate for Change, so that's what I'm a-gonna do, by golly. I think a lot of people have a political stance, one way or another, about global warming. This is absolutely not slanted in a political way. It's a strictly scientific viewpoint with religious undertones and it's very, very readable and politically neutral. I hope to finish and post a review, soon. In the meantime:

What'cha Gotta Do (aka, The Rules):

1. Leave your email address or else! No email, no entry. I am not chasing anyone down to remind them, this time. Except maybe Holly. Okay, if I know you and love you, I might chase you down but don't tempt me to get all mean and ugly!!

2. Live in the right place. This is a Hatchette giveaway, limited to U.S. and Canadian residents. No P.O. Boxes.

3. Jump through hoops. Kidding. But, if you could say something a little more clever than, "Sign me up!" or "Sounds good!", I'd appreciate it.

4. Drawing will be held on November 22, 2009. I close entries to further comments at 6pm, Central time. I now give winners approximately 48-72 hours to respond after notification, but sometimes emails go astray, so I recommend following this blog in a reader (or follow me on Twitter; I'm "Bookfoolery" - I do link up to announcements) if you don't, already. If you win and don't hear from me, contact me at the email address in my sidebar ----->

Good luck! And, may the best treehuggers win.

Mosaic Bible - Review and *Giveaway*

The Mosaic Bible by Tyndale House
New Living Translation
Link to Amazon from which I receive nothing (for your convenience)
Released September, 2009

I've been using my copy of the Mosaic Bible for about 3 weeks, now, so I feel comfortable talking about its pluses and minuses. The Mosaic Bible is really two books in one. The Bible is the latter portion of the book. In the front section is a 52-week devotional that contains beautiful artwork and thoughtful devotions with quotes. I particularly loved the fact that the referenced scriptures have the page number listed, so that you can quickly and easily locate them. The pages in the devotional section are nice and thick in order to allow writing on them without tearing up the pages. Lessons are designed to coordinate with the Christian year (beginning with Advent) but that's just a guideline. You can pick up the book and read at random or start from the beginning at any time. It's nice to have that extra reading material handy in case you just need a little inspiration.

As to the Biblical text, it contains the entire Bible and the print is a little small but not tiny; it's comfortably readable. The Bible portion is printed on thinner pages (the typical delicate paper), written in the easy-to-read New Living Translation. There are very thin margins with center-column references, no superfluous study material, a nice concordance and a Greek/Hebrew dictionary. The maps at the back are quite nice -- again, printed on thicker paper and all relevant, including the World of the Patriarchs, the Exodus from Egypt, and Paul's journeys, among others.

Because there isn't extra study material with the text, I really enjoy using this particular Bible for doing my Beth Moore Bible study. It's easy to find the scriptures because there aren't any extra notes to get in the way. And, sometimes, I just like flipping to the front to read something different, so I enjoy having that devotion section -- you just never know when you're going to have a quiet moment in church before everyone else shows up. It's not a Bible to write notes in because the margins are narrow, but I'm a purist in the sense of not wanting any writing in my Bible, so I consider that a plus.

The devotional section in the front can get in the way a bit if you're at church and trying to quickly flip to a scripture, but it's not a major nuisance and I'm getting used to it. Sometimes I've found that the NLT text is just too far removed from the NIV that is typically used in my Bible study. Fortunately, I'm a Bible nut. I'm taking the Mosaic Bible with me to church, but I also have a slim-line in Revised Standard Version, which is a wee bit closer to the NIV typically quoted. I take both with me to church and use whatever feels comfortable at the time.

In general, I just love this Bible and I'm sure I'll be using it for many, many years.

And, now on to the *Giveaway*. I have one certificate for a copy of the Mosaic Bible to give away. It can be redeemed from anywhere in the world. If you don't have a store nearby, you just fill out the information and mail it to Tyndale House -- the address is on the back.

Rules:

1. This drawing is open internationally.

2. Leave your email address so that I can contact the winner. No email, no entry.

3. Tell me why you'd like to win a copy of the Mosaic Bible. What appeals to you most?

4. The only people who are not eligible are those who have already won a copy/certificate or received one from Tyndale House for review.

5. Drawing will be held November 18 in the evening; I'll close off comments around 6pm U.S. Central (I think that's GMT - 5, but I'm not certain). The winner will have approximately 48-72 hours to contact me, so I advise following this blog if you don't, already. I will email, as well, but sometimes emails go astray.

6. Good luck!

Many thanks to Tyndale House for my review copy! I'll have a guest post by one of the editors of the Mosaic Bible, later this week.

*Giveaway* - Life After Genius - CLOSED!

Since I've just removed one little adorable giveaway image from my sidebar, I'm adding another. And, then I have roughly three more to add, but I'm going to try not to make anybody's head blow up by posting too much, today. Yesterday was one of those heavy-posting days. I don't do that often.

Life After Genius by M. Ann Jacoby - My copy just walked in the door 10 minutes ago so all I can do is share the description, which I have to type by going from window to window because @#*% Blogger no longer allows me to cut and paste. Grrr. Also, the Reader's Guide appears to be unavailable so I'll return to post it if/when it shows up at the Hatchette website. This title is supposed to be a good one for discussion.

For now . . . an embedded thingy:



And, a Description: Theodore Mead Fegley has always been the smartest person he knows. By age 12 he was in high school and by age 15 attending a top-rank university. Now he's 18 and on the brink of proving the Riemann Hypothesis, a mathematical equation that has mystified academics for over 150 years. But, just days before graduation he packs up his bags and runs home to Illinois. Why did he flee? Only Mead and a classmate whose quest for success has turned to obsession can answer that question.

At home, still haunted by private ghosts, Mead finds no solace. His parents don't understand the agony his genius has caused him, nor his desire to be normal. Mead's dreams seemingly crushed forever, he embarks on a new life's journey -- learning the family business of selling furniture and embalming the dead -- a choice that disappoints and surprises all who knew him as "the young Fegley genius".

Equal parts academic thriller and coming-of-age story, Life After Genius follows the remarkable journey of a young man who must discover that the heart may know what the head hasn't learned.

If you're North American and I like you, you can enter to win one of 5 copies!!! You may jump up and down, now, because I can already confirm that I like you (although I can't tell if you're North American -- you'll have to figure that part out on your own). Okay, sit back down to read the rules.

Rules, Rules, Rules:

1. Leave your email or I shall call up the tiny, frightening men in green suits with long, red beards and insist that they sing limericks and dance upon your head. Also, you'll be disqualified, ditched and eliminated.

2. Think like a North American and Be One. Hatchette's giveaways are limited to the United States and Canada, eh? No P.O. boxes.

3. I'm going to skip all the fussy extra-entry stuff, this time, just because I can. Mwah-ha, I have the power. So, that's it. Two rules. Sign up and leave an email if you qualify. The number three just gives balance. As we all know from reading home magazines, two objects on a table or other surface leave us feeling cranky and bloated. #3 is just for you. I want you to feel balanced and whole.

The drawing will be held on November 15, 2009. I will close the post to further entries at 6pm Central Time.

Important Notice: I now give winners 48-72 hours to reply to respond because I'm a busy girl (and I'll be even busier in November, writing my little heart out during NaNoWriMo). I strongly advise following this blog in a reader, if you don't already, so that you will see your name if something hinky happens to your email (or you just don't check your email often). I'll let you know how long you have to respond within the text of the drawing winners announcement post.

Don't forget my other drawings:

The Bible Salesman by Clyde Edgerton - ends October 18

Cheating Death by Sanjay Gupta, MD - ends October 25 (read my review, here)

*Giveaway* - Cheating Death by Sanjay Gupta, M.D.

This post is now closed to further comments. Drawing results will appear in the morning on 10-26 because some crazy book fanatic sort of forgot it was drawing day . . . back tomorrow.

I know you guys are just going to fall all over yourselves with excitement, but yes . . . another book giveaway! Joy channeling. I love those words.

Cheating Death is subtitled "The Doctors and Medical Miracles that Are Saving Lives Against All Odds." I'm not going to copy all the publicity info except for this paragraph:

An unborn baby with a fatal heart defect . . . a skier submerged for an hour in a frozen Norwegian lake . . . a comatose brain surgery patient whom doctors have declared a "vegetable". Twenty years ago all of them would have been given up for dead, with no realistic hope of survival. But today, thanks to incredible new medical advances, each of these individuals is alive and well . . . Cheating Death. (bom bom baaaaah)

I added the dramatic interlude (well, it seemed fitting). Dr. Gupta tells about such medical miracles, what doctors have learned about the human body in recent years and why more patients are surviving than ever before.

I'm a big fan of nonfiction and sometimes fiction books about medical miracles, near-disastrous outbreaks, and other such fun with science so this book piqued my interest and I signed up to review as well as host a giveaway. My copy has not arrived and I don't like to wait too long to post about giveaways, so once again I'm going to offer up the book without having yet read it but I'm really looking forward to reading this one.

The usual Hatchette and Bookfoolery rules apply:

1. Leave your email address OR ELSE the evil side of Bookfool will come out, dance around, wave a wand and zap you off the list. I'm not being literal, but you know what I mean. No email, no entry.

2. Think like a North American and Be One. Hatchette's giveaways are limited to the United States and Canada. No P.O. Boxes.

3. Come up with a cure for migraines and I'll give you an extra 5,000 entries (an automatic win). Or, you can just tweet or post about this giveaway for an extra entry. Put all your info in one post, if you can. Separate entries don't thrill my little heart.

4. There is no #4. Weird.

A lot of people are disinterested in nonfiction and Psychologist Bookfool says this probably has to do with lingering feelings of resentment over the fact that all of you were forced to read boring textbooks at some point during your childhood to young adulthood. I felt the same way (but I'm over it, now, and just ditch the boring books). I'm still going to offer up 5, if that's okay with Anna at Hatchette, and hope that some of you will fight the urge to skip right over this one and go on your merry way without even considering it because you're allowing that lingering distaste for nonfiction to sway you. Bookfool believes it is time for you to move on, try new things, experiment! I'm just saying.

The drawing will be held at 6pm on October 25, 2009.

Important Notice: I now give winners approximately 48 to 72 hours to respond because I'm a busy girl. I strongly advise following this blog in a reader, if you don't, so that you will see your name if something hinky happens to your email (or you just don't check your email often). I'll let you know how long you have to respond within the text of the drawing winners announcement post.

And, don't forget my other drawings: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (ends Oct. 15) and The Bible Salesman (ends Oct. 18)!

New *Giveaway* - The Bible Salesman by Clyde Edgerton

This post has been closed to further comments. I'll post results as soon as possible.

Ask me what it is about The Bible Salesman's cover that appeals to me. Go ahead. Ask.

Okay, since you asked . . . just about everything. The marmalade cat (we still miss our dearly departed little Miss Sunshine), the green door (I Love Green!!!!), the shovel. All combine to give the cover a welcoming "Home Sweet Home" look. At the same time, you can visualize yourself as the person who is about to knock on that door, can't you?

I just had to mention the cover because I appreciate an inviting book cover.

I've signed up to give away *5 copies* of The Bible Salesman by Clyde Edgerton and am eagerly awaiting my own copy for review, thanks to Valerie and the Hatchette Book Group.

About the book:

Preston Clearwater has been a criminal since stealing two chain saws and 1,600 pairs of aviator sunglasses from the army during WWII. Back on the road in postwar North Carolina, now a member of a car-theft ring, he picks up hitchhiking Henry Dampier, an innocent twenty-year-old Bible salesman. Clearwater immediately recognizes Henry as smart but gullible, just the kind of associate he needs -- one who will believe Clearwater is working undercover for the F.B.I.; one who will drive the cars Clearwater steals as Clearwater drives along in his own car at a safe distance. Henry joyfully sees a chance to lead a dual life as a Bible salesman and a G-man.

During his hilarious and scary adventures, Henry grapples with doubts about the Bible's accuracy and we learn of his fundamentalist upbringing, an upbringing that hasn't prepared him for his new life. As he falls in love with the captivating Marleen Green and questions his religious training, Henry begins to see he's being used -- that he is on his own in a way he never imagined.

The Reading Group Guide for Book Clubs:

Questions and Topics for Discussion:

1. Henry sells free Bibles he receives from Bible societies across the country, which he has requested under less-than-honest pretenses. Discuss how Henry reconciles his actions with his morality. Does he feel that his actions are acceptable? Do you?

2. From the moment Henry and Preston meet, Henry's innocence contrasts with the older man's manipulativeness. Discuss the relationship between these two men. How does Henry's naivete ultimately allow him to upset Preston's plans for him? In what ways are the two men similar?

3. Henry's family is charitable (sending blankets to Yancy) but their church is sometimes harsh (warning the child Henry about being a blasphemer). How does Henry's Uncle Jack help him navigate these contradictions?

4. How do the elderly, especially women, contribute to the comic scenes in The Bible Salesman? Does their unworldliness add to their being funny? Are they similar to Henry in this respect?

5. The Biblical characters of Abraham, his wife Sarah, and his mistress Hagar intrigue and puzzle Henry. Does his knowing their story make it easier for him to accept his attraction to Marleen Green?

6. Henry's childhood is revealed over the course of The Bible Salesman, as are the numerous forces that shaped his Christianity -- Aunt Dorie, the Bible Salesman instructor and Henry's church, just to name a few. To what extent does each influence how he approaches his faith? How do his beliefs change over the course of the novel?

7. Although he initially views Henry as a gullible boy, Preston eventually realizes that he is not as clueless as he thought. How do you see Henry? Did your opinion change as you read? Why and in what ways?

8. Henry's beloved Uncle Jack is ejected from a surfside club as "white trash". Clearwater feels justified in burglarizing a plantation house owned by rich northerners in Florida. Does class conflict lead to the doctor's death in Drain, Georgia? Or is Clearwater's character the sole culprit?

9. In what ways does Henry mature from a child to an adult over the course of the novel? How is he still like a boy? What characters and events influence his growth? Do you think it is possible to maintain a positive outlook such as his in the face of the trials of adulthood?

10. Henry and Preston's journey through the South is the focus of the novel, but they travel in other ways as well. How does movement, in both the physical and psychological sense, cause the characters to change? Do you think Henry would be the same man at the end of the novel had he not partnered with Preston?

11. Family reunions play a big part in Henry's past. How does the extended family unify the disparate personalities and bloodlines in The Bible Salesman? Does it assuage the fact that Henry's parents are absent and that his sister's son looks nothing like his brother-in-law?

12. Did The Bible Salesman inspire you to compare parts of the Hebrew Bible to the King James Version and the Chicago Bible? If so, what differences in the interpretations of the text did you find interesting?

***Rules, rules, rules. Always with the rules***:

1. Leave your email address OR ELSE (Big Meanie Alert). No email, no entry.

2. Answer this question: Does the fact that Christianity, beliefs and Bibles play an important part in this book put you off at all or pique your interest?

3. Think like a North American and Be One. Hatchette's giveaways are limited to residents of the U.S. and Canada. No P.O. Boxes.

4. Spread the word and provide a link to your post or tweet for an extra entry. It is not necessary to comment more than once; you can put all the info in a single comment (actually, I prefer it that way). There will be five winners. Wahoo!

The contest ends on October 18, 2009.

Also, don't forget to drop by and sign up for my other two giveaways:

The Smart One and the Pretty One - ends tomorrow night, Sept. 27 at 6pm!

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Hatchette - a huge giveaway; each winner will receive 5 books!

Important Notice: I now give winners roughly 48 - 72 hours to respond because I'm a busy girl. I strongly advise following this blog in a reader, if you don't, so that you will see your name if something hinky happens to your email (or you just don't check your email often). I'll let you know how long you have to respond within the text of the drawing winners announcement post.

Another *Giveaway* - Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Hatchette

Sign-up for this giveaway is now closed! Winners' list coming soon!

Since one of my giveaways is about to end and opportunity knocked . . .


here's another! I'm so excited to be a part of this celebration! Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 - October 15. And, Hatchette Book Group loves celebrating by spreading some serious book joy around.

5 lucky winners will receive ALL 5 BOOKS. Coolness. I mean, really. What more could you ask for, except maybe world peace and chocolate without slavery?

The rules:

1. Leave an email address. Are you getting tired of hearing that? Well, just develop a habit, okay? No email, no entry. And, that would be soooo sad for you.

2. Yes, yes. Think like a North American and be one. You've heard that before, if you've joined in on one of my recent giveaways. Hatchette's giveaways are strictly limited to the United States and Canada. No P.O. boxes.

3. Spread the word and leave a link to your post or tweet for an extra entry. It's worth talking about for an extra chance, in my humble opinion.

4. Is there a book you've recently read that you found so entertaining/engrossing/gripping that you absolutely could not put it down? Tell me the title and author for another entry.

That's it! Pretty easy, eh? The drawing will be held on October 15, 2009.

And, don't forget to drop by and sign up for my drawing for 5 copies of The Smart One and The Pretty One, if you haven't. Tune in tomorrow (Sept. 21) to find out everyone's thoughts about my cat's favorite vegetable and to see who won The Way Home by George Pelecanos.

Another *Giveaway* - The Smart One & The Pretty One

This post is now closed to further entries. Winners list will be posted, soon!

Oh, boy!! Another giveaway!!!

You can read a review of this book at Once Upon a Bookshelf. I have not read it and have not yet acquired a copy. Lately, I just feel like acting like a fairy godmother, sprinkling gifts upon the masses at the behest of Hatchette and the delightful Miriam Parker.

"This sparkling novel about two sisters is both witty and stylish. Even if you don't have a sister of your own, you won't be able to resist LaZebnik's charming take on modern relationships. Read it!"- Holly Peterson, bestselling author of The Manny

TO ENTER:

1. Leave your email address. This is a MUST. No email, no entry, period.

2. Answer this question: If you could choose any place in the world to visit, where would you go? If you've already been there, that's okay. I'm just curious where you'd like to go.

3. Whenever Hatchette does this, you have no choice but to think like a North American and be one. This drawing is limited to residents of the U.S. and Canada. No P.O. Boxes.

4. Spread the word and leave a link to your post or tweet for an extra entry. There will be 5 winners. Wahoo!!

The contest ends at 6 pm on September 27, 2009.

The Way Home by George Pelecanos *GIVEAWAY*

This drawing is now closed.

I've been feeling like it's about time for a giveaway (you know the feeling . . . that twitchy need to use a random number generator) and Miriam at Hatchette Books has nicely obliged by coming up with a giveaway of The Way Home by George Pelecanos . . . which just happens to be a book that President Obama has carried along on vacation.

I also confess to falling for that cover, simply because I love that shade of green. Yes, in fact, I am that shallow.

Visit George Pelecanos' website to read about the book.

And, watch the YouTube trailer, here (if I did this right . . . we'll see in a minute -- it's been a long time since I tried to embed a video of any kind):



TO ENTER:

1. Leave your email address. This is a MUST. No email, no entry, period.

2. Guess my cat's favorite vegetable. Seriously. If you get it right, you get an extra entry, but you don't have to be correct to be included.

3. Think like a North American . . . and be one. Unfortunately, this drawing is limited to residents of the U.S. and Canada. No P.O. Boxes.

4. Spread the word and leave a link to your post or tweet for an extra entry. There will be 5 winners, this time. Wahoo!!

The contest ends at 6 pm on September 21, 2009.

The Imposter's Daughter by Laurie Sandell - Review and *GIVEAWAY*

Drawing has been held! This post is now closed and winners will be notified.

The Imposter's Daughter by Laurie Sandell
Copyright 2009
Little Brown - Memoir in the form of a graphic novel
247 pages

I have to be really quick about this review because we're about to get socked by another thunderstorm (the forecast for this entire week is storms, storms, storms, so you might not hear much from me).

The Imposter's Daughter is the memoir of a Laurie Sandell, a woman whose father told some whopper stories when she was young and continued to stand behind his lies as she grew up and began to question him. During the years after Laurie Sandell left home, she began to investigate his past, eventually hiring a private detective. She wanted to find out the truth about her father, his angry outbursts and inability to relate to his family. The rest of the family -- her mother and two sisters -- had no interest in digging up the truth.

When Laurie wrote and published an article about her father, she hoped it would lay her discomfort to rest. Instead, she ended up estranged from her father and even more determined to find out the whole truth. Had he attended college at all? How did he become so well-educated if he didn't? Why did he have such a burning hatred for his half sister in Argentina?

As she investigated her father and began to unearth the reality of his past, she also carried on a long-distance affair with a man she met on the Internet, became an Ambien addict, and grew a fascinating career interviewing celebrities.

I'm not going to tell you what Laurie discovered or what became of her affair and her addiction because the book is really pretty fascinating and I'd hate to give anything away. I will tell you, however, that if the illustrations were photographs, the book would be "R" rated. It's not a pleasant story and there are lots of naked cartoon characters having sex (gasp!!!). Basically, it's just not a book you hand to the kids, although I did show my son my favorite part, which is toward the end of the book and has to do with Jesus. It's hilarious.

3.5/5 - Interesting story, love the graphic format as it makes for a nice break from everyday reading. The story is told well through the combination of words and pictures. Points off for sharing info about her sex life because, honestly . . . I so don't care about anyone's sex life. Some things really ought to be kept private. I absolutely loved the ending/resolution.

Because the story sounded a little . . . well, graphic . . . I asked Anna at Hatchette Books if it was okay to read the book and approve it before offering it in a giveaway and she was fine with that. Now that I've read the book, I can tell you that it's not one I'd hand to the kids, but I still think it's a great story and I'd love to share the fun.

So, giveaway time! This time around, I'm going to base the number of books given away on the number of entries.

Up to 20 entries - 1 winner
20 to 40 entries - 2 winners
40 and up - 5 winners

It's to your advantage to pass the word on. I don't give extra entries for tweeting or blogging, however, because it gets just a wee bit too complex, in my humble opinion, adding extra entries for some people and not others.

Here are the rules:

1. Leave a valid email address. No email address, no entry, period. If I can't get in touch with you, your name will be crossed off the list. I've had some people ask me, "Isn't my email address visible at your end?" No, it's not. I think that's a Wordpress thing; you have to leave your address, here -- use spaces or brackets to protect yourself from spammers.

2. If you've read any graphic novels, share your favorite title with me.

3. Drawing will be held Wednesday, August 12.

This drawing is open to U.S. and Canada residents only - no P.O. Boxes. Books will be shipped directly by the publisher.

That's it! Best of luck!

*Drawing!!* - if your kid eats this book, everything will still be okay *Unstuck - follow link in sidebar to return!*

Got a baby on the way? Have a new one and you're not quite sure when you've got an emergency on your hands, when to call the doctor or when to just pick the little chub up and brush her off? This is the book for you! And, I get to give away 5 copies.

Check my review of if your kid eats this book for added details on the content.

To enter:

1. Leave your email address. I will ditch anyone who doesn't leave a valid email address. Call me Big Meanie.
2. Name the baby on the cover. Boy? Girl? You decide and give him or her the best name you can think of. It's okay to be silly.

Drawing will be held on MayJune 25 (losing track of time, again -- thanks, Lisa!), unless I change my mind. I have a tendency to do that, but don't worry -- if I do, you'll just have an extra day or two, at most. Sometimes I get busy.

*Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. No P.O. boxes - must have a street address for mailing.* Books will be shipped directly by the publisher.

This post is no longer a sticky. Too much cat fur on the blog, I suppose. It came unglued.

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Giulia Melucci *DRAWING CLOSED*

Drawing has been closed.

This time I've actually read the book I'm giving away! Here's my review of I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti. Sure, you could page down, but I love making things easy for you.

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti is part memoir, part recipe book, the tale of the author's tumultuous and disappointing love life and the foods she's cooked for her commitment-phobic former boyfriends and sometimes just herself. I'm saving my copy because I want to try the recipes (or foist them on my husband -- he'll cook just about anything if I bring him the ingredients and a recipe). It's a really light, fun memoir; sometimes the recipes made me laugh because she added witty little comments. More about that in my review, of course.

I'm giving away 5 copies of I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti

To enter, please do the following:

1. Leave a valid email address. Again, this is non-negotiable; I get all pissy and ditch you from the list if you don't leave me an email address -- blogger does not show me your email, so you have to physically type it out (with parentheses or spaces to discourage Ed the Spammer).

2. I Loved, I Lost made me smile a lot (and, at one point, cry so fiercely that I had to set the book down and do some deep breathing -- but it likely won't make you cry unless you were young when your father died), and that made me think about how much I love a book that makes me laugh. If you remember a book that made you laugh or even just smile a lot, please share the title and author with me.

3. This is a great book for the despondently single. I don't do extra entries, but encourage you to nudge your single friends to sign up, especially if they've had a really disappointing dating life. Single women who have gone through a series' of promising dates with men who seemed to love them -- but without the ring and the pretty dress at the end -- will probably really appreciate this book. I love it when a book helps people feel a little less alone.

Drawing is open to U.S. and Canada residents only -- no P.O. Boxes. Winners will receive their copies directly from the publisher.

Drawing has been delayed till Tuesday, May 26, due to a holiday that our school district has unpatriotically decided to ignore (yes, the kids will be in school on a federal holiday -- feel free to write a nasty letter to the Vicksburg-Warren school district quoting President Obama, in my honor). I just figured some of you won't be around to answer an email saying, "You won, you lucky devil!" Happy Memorial Day to the Americans!

Giveaway Time! A Lucky Child by Thomas Buergenthal *DRAWING* (sticky post - page down for recent posts)

***Drawing has now been closed to future comments. Winners coming up.***

I just found out I've been doing precisely the wrong thing, waiting till I read a Hatchette book before offering up a handful in a giveaway. Now that I know, I can go ahead and start the sign-up for this drawing. I'm really looking forward to reading A Lucky Child, but haven't gotten to it, yet. If I manage to read it before the drawing, I'll add a link to this post.

In the meantime . . . I've signed up to give away 5 copies of A Lucky Child, A Memoir of Surviving Auschwitz As a Young Boy by Thomas Buergenthal.

To enter, please do the following:

1. Leave a valid email address (this is non-negotiable; I get all pissy and ditch you from the list if you don't leave me an email address).

2. Tell me about your all-time favorite memoir -- title and author, if you would, please. I'm a big fan of memoirs. Stand Before Your God by Paul Watkins is one of my old favorites, in case you're interested, as is Benvenuto Cellini's Autobiography. I just felt like sharing.

3. That's it. You don't have to follow me or even like me. But, it would be nice if you'd be my pal. I kind of like you already, since you're obviously a booklover. You can find me on Twitter, if you'd like. I'm twittering under the very odd make-believe name "Bookfoolery" because nobody else is silly enough to conjure up that bit of goofiness and use it as a Twitter identity. It's nice being unique.

This drawing is open to U.S. and Canada residents only -- no P.O. Boxes. Winners will receive their copies directly from the publisher.

The drawing will be held on Tuesday, the 5th of May because that is Cinco de Mayo (party, party -- and easy to remember). Plus, that date also it gives you two weeks to figure out who you are, what you like and where you're located, then write them all down. Seems reasonable, yes? Best of luck!

As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason - review and giveaway (Giveaway Has Ended)

As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason
Copyright 2009
Signet Eclipse - Paranormal Historical Romance
342 pages
Author's website

Oh, man, am I ever going to miss this series. Booklogged made a comment that she's not a romance reader and was initially hesitant about picking up a vampire romance. I was, too, but I flipped through the first book when I saw it in my local bookstore because Colleen was one of the early visitors to my blog (so I had to at least read a bit to see if I thought I'd like it) and The Rest Falls Away passed my flip test with flying colors. I absolutely loved the characters, the setting, and the taut action scenes. I was hooked.

In fact, I seldom read series books and eventually tend to abandon a series, but I never grew weary of Victoria, Max and Sebastian. And, yet, I appreciate Colleen's choice to limit the number of Gardella Vampire books because there are some series (Umm . . . Stephanie Plum??) that just keep going and going and going and I'd so much rather the author just wrap them up and satisfy us with the answers. Like, which hunk will the heroine end up with???

Colleen has nicely wrapped everything up in As Shadows Fade. Reading the book was every bit as fun as the rest of the series but this time Victoria chooses her man for good, we find out what the deal is with Wayren and her bag of tricks, and . . . well, I can't say much more without giving anything away and I don't want to spoil the book for anyone. Closing the book was bittersweet. I was sad about what happened to one of the continuing characters, happy about the way the romance was wrapped up, and surprised by the revelations about Wayren. I will miss this series immensely, but I'm very much looking forward to finding out what Colleen has in store for her readers in the future.

And, now the giveaway . . .

Colleen has offered to give one reader any book from the Gardella Vampire series -- you choose which title. Here are links to my reviews of past titles:

The Rest Falls Away
Rises the Night
The Bleeding Dusk
When Twilight Burns

To qualify for this drawing:

1. Leave me your email address or else! The "or else" means I disqualify you. I'm a big meanie about that.
2. Jump up and down and say "Wahoo!" three times.
3. Say something nice to someone (anyone) and don't go around staking any totally innocent people, just because they cut you off in traffic or jumped the queue at the grocery store.
4. Since 2 & 3 were really easy (and you can't prove you did either), tell me the title and author of the best book you've read, so far this year.

Okay, have at it. The drawing will be held on the 7th of April. I have no idea why and I reserve the right to change that date because I don't have a calendar handy. I just realized I've forgotten how to make this post a sticky, even though I just told CJ I thought I knew how to do it. Sigh. Remind me, somebody?

Love Is In The Air *Drawing*

I have not yet read these books but it's time to put up the info about the drawing for them (pardon the interrupted text -- I'm having a formatting problem on this post). I got my copies to read for the promotional effort and seriously . . . airhead alert. I wrote the dates down wrong on my calendar. I'm always working against myself in that way, confirming the "fool" in "Bookfool" -- trust me, it's not deliberate. For the moment I'll give you links to Amazon so you can read about them, if you'd like:

The Love As A Way of Life devotional
For Couples Only boxed set by Shaunti & Jeff Feldhann
and
I Do Again by Cheryl & Jeff Scruggs

I sat down and flipped through all 4 books when they arrived (For Couples Only is a boxed set of books -- one for him, one for her) and I'm very excited about them. I love reading about love, marriage and how to make life as a couple even better. This is a set of books geared to Christians. While you're jumping up and down, waiting for my thoughts, you're likely to burn a lot of calories (seriously, you could be bouncing for a while) and occasionally you'll need to sit down to rest. So, you might as well sign up to try to win a set, right?

Here you go:

You can sign up to win this entire set of books, right now. Just leave a comment with your email, so I can contact you for a mailing address if you win. It's that easy.

I'm going to give this drawing 8 days because I had a very long, very busy day and I'm just now finally sitting down to write. Check back for the winner's name a week from Tuesday on the 17th of February and good luck!!!

Big Box of *History Rocks* - Drawing

Drawing time!!!

I know. You've been waiting for this one for so long you turned purple. But, remember I warned you not to hold your breath? I'm just saying.

This week's drawing is all about history. Only one book is nonfiction and I didn't finish it because I found it a bit disjointed, but that doesn't mean other readers will have trouble with it, of course. Two are advanced readers and the rest, apart from the Philippa Gregory book (which was purchased used), I would classify as "pristine" or very close to it. I handle books very gently.

The Big Box of History Rocks contains the following books:

1. A Civil General by Stinebeck & Gill (ARC)

2. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay (ARC)

3. The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander

4. The Yokota Officer's Club by Sarah Bird (unread -- accidentally bought 2, oops)

5. Two Brothers: One North, One South by David H. Jones (autographed)

6. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory (used, with a lined spine but in good condition)

7. Hurricane of Independence by Tony Williams (non-fiction - this was my DNF)

8. To Catch the Lightning by Alan Cheuse

I had to stop to make certain they all fit in the box and the answer is "yes". Actually, there's a tiny bit of air space, so I'll see if I can find anything else to throw in. Don't bank on it, but you never know. I'm really in the mood to get rid of things.

Here the rules to enter:

1. Leave me an email, so I can contact you if you win. This one's crucial.

2. Tell me what, if anything, you'd like to see me change on my blog. If you can't think of anything, just tell me a nice, clean joke.

3. Eat your veggies. I'm kidding, you can skip this one but I care about your health.

Once again, this drawing is open to anyone in the world because it's a thank-you for visiting me. I don't require twitters or posts about the blog, but you can share the love if you'd like. I've been kind of lonely in here, this week.

I'm not making this a sticky post, but I'll try to remember to post reminder links. The drawing will be held Friday, February 6 so that I can pop this big old box in the mail on Monday (or try to -- I have a big problem with Mondays, actually). Good luck!!

Aw,it's just a little baby drawing but still . . .

This week, I've decided to give away three young adult books. I only have three because there just aren't enough publicists taking notice of my interest in YA novels, darn it. If you know any publishers, authors, publicists, pugilists, handsome firefighters or other people who are just freaking dying to have YA books reviewed (or would like to send me a photo of their muscular selves fighting fires, but not boxing . . . I'm really not into pugilism) and want to give them a nudge in my direction, I will not stop you.

Here are the books I'm giving away:

The Questory of Root Karbunkulus by Kamilla Reid - This one is inscribed to me, so you have to not mind getting a book that has an author's scribbles to someone other than your adorable self. By the way, you look terrific.

Time Windows by Kathryn Reiss - I'll probably regret passing this one on, but it needs a happy new home. Books desire to be read. I liked it enough that I thought I'd keep it, but then I decided I'm getting way too old and tired to be a pack rat. I didn't write a full review, but if you don't mind wading through a long post to read my brief thoughts, you can see them here. Extra good news is that you get to read "The Tale of the Psychic Dreamer" if you check out that post.

The Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene - I believe this one's a bit of a classic. I kept forgetting to list it on PBS and then one day I thought, "Well, gee, I could just stick it in a box and give it away to some desperate blogger, instead." So, there you go.

What do you have to do to win these books?

1. Leave me your email address. Seriously. This time I'm going to be a big meanie and cut you out if you forget.

2. Answer this: Have you ever seen a ghost or thought you had a paranormally significant experience? If you have, tell me about it! I'm just curious.

3. Drive nice and tell everyone you know to use their brakes and signals, even though we're all aware that Bookfool can't check up on you. If you don't drive, you can just smile at people a lot.

4. I know, I'm really demanding. Again, this drawing is open to anyone in the world except that kid who hit my best friend without applying his brakes.

How about we make this drawing end on Tuesday, the 20th. Sound okay? No? Oh, too bad. Go to the end of the line. You can't change the rules.