Monday, July 26, 2010

Changing Things Again

I’ve mixed up my reading/giving book genres so much lately I figured reviewing something totally different like dinnerware sets from CSNStores.com wouldn’t be that much more of a stretch.

When Alexandria from CSNStores.com contacted me recently about doing another promotion, I agreed to do a review of some of their items. I’m looking at some baking dishes and dinnerware, but also at some items for the cats. They have such a vast array of items it’s hard to decide and I’ve only browsed through a few of their online stores.

While I decide what to review I’m passing along a couple more book giveaways from Anna and the Hachette Book Group.

Be sure to check back this week as author Cynthia Eden will be guest blogging here tomorrow about her latest release DEADLY FEAR and author Doug Milliken will be here on Wednesday for an interview about his release WHITE HORSES. I’ll have a review of Jackie Lee Miller’s novel ROSEFLOWER CREEK on Thursday and on Friday….who knows what we’ll talk about.
 
Now the giveaways. Here are the guidelines for the giveaways. Note that I have 3 copies of each book and each book will have a different deadline date. To enter the contest, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com). Your subject line should read, “Win and the book title.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. Just so you know, I don’t share the mailing information or use it for any other purpose.

The first book is THE GLAMOUR OF GRAMMAR (ISBN: 9780316027915) by Roy Peter Clark. This language arts and

disciplines book contains 304 pages and is paperback. The deadline for this book will be 8 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Aug. 15.

Early in the history of English, the words "grammar" and "glamour" meant the same thing: the power to charm. Roy Peter Clark, author of Writing Tools, aims to put the glamour back in grammar with this fun, engaging alternative to stuffy instructionals. In this practical guide, readers will learn everything from the different parts of speech to why effective writers prefer concrete nouns and active verbs. THE GLAMOUR OF GRAMMAR gives readers all the tools they need to"live inside the language"--to take advantage of grammar to perfect their use of English, to instill meaning, and to charm through their writing. With this indispensable book, readers will come to see just how glamorous grammar can be.
Read "Dream Blurbs"
Interview with Roy Peter Clark
Roy Peter Clark blogs at Writing Tools @ Poynter.org

The next book is AH-CHOO! (ISBN: 9780446541152) by Jennifer Ackerman. This health and fitness book contains 256 pages and is paperback. The deadline for this contest will be Tuesday, Aug. 17.

Some colds are like mice, timid and annoying; others like dragons, accompanied by body aches and deep misery. In AH-CHOO!, Jennifer Ackerman explains what, exactly, a cold is, how it works, and whether it's really possible to "fight one off." Scientists call this the Golden Age of the Common Cold because Americans suffer up to a billion colds each year, resulting in 40 million days of missed work and school and 100 million doctor visits. They've also learned over the past decade much more about what cold viruses are, what they do to the human body, and how symptoms can be addressed. In this ode to the odious cold, Ackerman sifts through the chatter about treatments-what works, what doesn't, and what can't hurt. She dispels myths, such as susceptibility to colds reflects a weakened immune system. And she tracks current research, including work at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, a world-renowned center of cold research studies, where the search for a cure continues.

Hope everyone has a great day and happy reading.



20 comments:

  1. Quite a variety of review subject Mason. CSN has some nice stuff.

    Have a great week, Sweetie!

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  2. Mixing it up a bit sounds like fun. The prices on those cat trees are amazing - I hope you'll get to review one of them, I'd love to know whether they're good quality. I'm sure Gum Drop and Little One would be delighted to help you review them :-)

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  3. Mason - I'll bet you're having lots of fun looking through those items to decide which ones you want to review. I'll look forward to reading what you think : ).

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  4. Ahhhh CSN is taking over! I swear I'd never heard of them a month ago and now they're everywhere. Their marketing campaign must be working, LOL.

    The Glamour of Grammar actually looks intriguing. I remember thinking when I read Vanity Fair how much Becky achieved because she knew what to say and how to say it.

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  5. Mmm...the promotions look fun! And I've got my eye on that "Glamour of Grammar" book. :) Think I'll give it a go.

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  6. I've heard a lot about csn stores, and I need a new dinnerware set, so I'm off to check out the site. Thanks!

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  7. Lots of good stuff Mason - enjoy your Monday :)

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  8. Sia, CSN does have so really neat things and so many outlets to select from.

    Ingrid, the cat tree does look amazing. Little One and Gum Drop do like to climb so that might just be the thing for them.

    Margot, it has been funny going through the online stores. I feel like a kid at Christmas trying to decide.

    Vicki, I hadn't heard of CSN until a few months ago too. But I don't do a lot of online shopping.

    Elizabeth, the title of "Glamour of Grammar" grabbed my attention. It does sound interesting.

    Joanne, they have so many different dinnerware sets it's amazing. Hope you find one you like.

    Jemi, thanks. Hope you have a great Monday.

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  9. I love the look of that grammar book but please don't enter me into the contest. I think it would be difficult to receive any books right now.

    CD

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  10. Reading is my favotite activity during my holidays! And because it's been so hot here in Lago di Como, I've spent a lot of afternoons reading. Bliss.

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  11. That's a very interesting switch you're making. I'm looking forward to seeing what you review first.

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  12. Clarissa, the grammar book does catch one's attention.

    Laura, sounds like you're having fun. Hope you enjoy you holiday and happy reading.

    Helen, it's hard to make a selection there's so much.

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  13. Wow. Change is in the air. I checked on CSNStores for doggie stuff :)

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  14. That's quite a variety. I could use the book on grammar. Anything to help my writing and make my editor's life easier.

    Stephen Tremp

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  15. I happen to love gramorous posts!

    And items for cats? I think I may have some in my blog post tomorrow.

    (Oh no, I didn´t say that - any cat lovers around?? - dear me, I may not survive my own frivolous dealings with the English language this time)

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  16. I love giveaways, it's so fun! :-D

    I like bakeware. I WISH I had a cat.

    Have a wonderful day, and thanks for your blog! :-D

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  17. You have so many great giveaways, Mason! Awesome!

    Happy Monday!

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  18. I agree with Vicki Rocho's comment - until a short time ago, I have't heard of CSN stores either. I need to pay them a visit and check it out.

    As usual, I can't resist a contest so I'm off to my email account.

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  19. Carol, I checked on doggie stuff too. But I thought I might spoil the cats this time around since Brisco (our English Shepherd) seems to be spoiled pretty rotten already. LOL

    Stephen, grammar books are also a must for me.

    Karen, thanks.

    Dorte, I think you'll survive your 'frivolous dealings in the English language' just fine. :)

    Mary, giveaways are always so much fun.

    Talli, I just wished I could run across some giveaways that were international.

    Jane, the CSN Stores seem to have a little of everything you need or would want.

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  20. Boy what a busy post, it was fun having a browse around, thanks Mason.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. Thanks for dropping by.