Showing posts with label NaBloWriMo Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NaBloWriMo Challenge. Show all posts

Friday, October 1, 2010

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Today is the first day of October and the beginning of NaBloWriMo which means I’ve joined the challenge to post on this blog each day of this month.

I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve posted every day since I began my blog. Having said that and signed up for NaBloWriMo, this will probably be the first month that I'll miss a day for some reason. LOL

This post is going to be lengthy. I’m sorry but I have eight wonderful audio books (thus the title) to give away thanks to Anna and the great folks at Hachette Audio Books. Each book will have a different deadline day. However, the overall guidelines are the same for all.


Here are the guidelines: To enter each giveaway, send me a separate 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. In addition, Hachette is advising winners that they will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail. (Winners here have always be great about letting me know if they have already won the book somewhere else so another winner can be selected. However, this announcement is something that has to be passed along from Hachette). And, just so you know, I don’t share the mailing information or use it for any other purpose. I have 3 copies of each audio to giveaway. Now for the audio books:

ROOM, A NOVEL by Emma Donoghue

The unabridged ROOM (ISBN:9781607886273) is read by Michael Friedman, Ellen Archer, Robert Petkoff, and Suzanne Toren.

To five-year-old Jack, ROOM is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

ROOM is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough…not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.

You can listen to an excerpt.
The deadline for this audio giveaway is Oct. 15.

DON’T BLINK by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

The unabridged DON’T BLINK (ISBN: 9781607882343) and is read by David Patrick Kelly.

Launched into the world of organized crime—one reporter searches for the truth in the best mob novel since The Godfather.


You can listen to an excerpt. The deadline for this audio giveaway is Oct. 16.

THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART PRESENTS EARTH (THE AUDIO BOOK) by Jon Stewart

The unabridged THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART PRESENTS EARTH (THE AUDIO BOOK) (ISBN: 9781607886150) and is read by the author.

Where do we come from? Who created us? Why are we here? These questions have puzzled us since the dawn of time, but when it became apparent to Jon Stewart and the writers of The Daily Show that the world was about to end, they embarked on a massive mission to write a book that summed up the human race: What we looked like; what we accomplished; our achievements in society, government, religion, science and culture - all in a lavishly produced audio book of approximately 200 minutes.

After two weeks of hard work and nights in the recording studio, they had their audio book. EARTH (The Book) is the definitive guide to our species. With their trademark wit, irreverence, and intelligence, Stewart and his team will posthumously answer all of life's most hard-hitting questions, completely unburdened by objectivity, journalistic integrity, or even accuracy.

Listen to an excerpt. The deadline for this audio giveaway is Oct. 17.


SAFE HAVEN by Nicholas Sparks

The unabridged SAFE HAVEN (ISBN: 9781607886198) is read by Rebecca Lowman.

The #1 New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks adds an element of suspense to the story of a woman who must learn to trust again in order to allow herself to love again.

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

Listen to an excerpt. The deadline for this audio giveaway is Oct. 18.


POWER THOUGHTS by Joyce Meyer

The unabridged POWER THOUGHTS (ISBN: 9781607886310) is read by Sandra McCollom.

Joyce Meyer takes the principles that have made BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND a 3-million copy bestseller and brings them to a new level in her latest book.

Joyce Meyer has a knack for coining phrases-her fans call them Joyceisms-and one of her best loved is "Where the mind goes, the man follows." This was the basis for Battlefield of the Mind, and in her latest book, Meyer provides "power thoughts," bringing the reader to a new level of ability to use the mind as a tool to achievement.

Listen to an excerpt. The deadline for this audio giveaway is Oct. 19.


SQUIRREL SEEKS CHIPMUNK by David Sedaris

The unabridged SQUIRREL SEEKS CHIPMUNK (ISBN: 9781600244995) is read by the author, Dylan Baker, Elaine Stritch, and Cherry Jones.

Something new from the beloved David Sedaris: an audio book of short, acerbic, outrageously funny fables, featuring animals with unmistakably human failings.

Featuring David Sedaris' unique blend of hilarity and heart, this new collection of keen-eyed animal-themed tales is an utter delight. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of everyday life.

In "The Toad, the Turtle, and the Duck," three strangers commiserate about animal bureaucracy while waiting in a complaint line. In "Hello Kitty," a cynical feline struggles to sit through his prison-mandated AA meetings. In "The Squirrel and the Chipmunk," a pair of star-crossed lovers is separated by prejudiced family members. 


You can listen to an excerpt. The deadline for this audio giveaway is Oct. 20.

C STREET by Jeff Sharlet

The unabridged C STREET (ISBN: 9781607886259) is read by Jeremy Guskin.

The author of the New York Times bestseller The Family returns with a blistering investigation of the true influence and reach of fundamentalism in American politics.

C STREET - where piety, politics, and corruption meet Jeff Sharlet is the only journalist to have reported from inside the C Street House, the Fellowship residence known simply by its Washington, DC address. The house has lately been the scene of notorious political scandal, but more crucially it is home to efforts to transform the very fabric of American democracy. And now, after laying bare its tenants' past in The Family, Sharlet reports from deep within fundamentalism in today's world, revealing that the previous efforts of religious fundamentalists in America pale in comparison with their long-term ambitions.

Listen to an excerpt. The deadline for this audio giveaway is Oct. 21.


KATIE UP AND DOWN THE HALL by Glenn Plaskin

The unabridged KATIE UP AND DOWN THE HALL (ISBN: 9781609410384) and is read by the author.

The heartwarming true story of how one special Cocker Spaniel turned four strangers into family.

A personal memoir by bestselling author and celebrity journalist Glenn Plaskin, KATIE is a moving story about a man who discovers the true meaning of family after adopting a cocker spaniel puppy. Through the magnetic personality of his mischievous dog, the author soon makes powerful connections with several of his down-the-hall neighbors in a high-rise located in the unique Battery Park City neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. First, Katie trots into the lives of Pearl and Arthur, a warm-hearted elderly couple just a few doors down from Glenn. Later, John, a single Dad, and his rambunctious young son, Ryan, also move in and are seduced by Katie's charms.

All of their lives are profoundly changed as they are transformed from neighbors to friends to family, with Pearl as matriarch. The motherless boy finds a "Granny"; his Dad inherits a mother, Glenn discovers a confidante. Set in New York City, we witness nearly sixteen years of antics and family adventures spanning Hollywood high times, bad health, accidents, blustery winters, even the terrors of 9/11. Through it all, the family clings to each other, sharing a deep bond that give each comfort, support and security.

Based upon a widely-read article in Family Circle, here is an unforgettable story about the love that makes a family-one that transcends the hard realities of time, tragedy, and inevitable loss.

Listen to an excerpt. The deadline for this audio giveaway is Oct. 22.


Watch the video

Thanks for stopping by. Take time to enjoy a few minutes with a good book today, you’ll never know where it will take you.


Monday, September 20, 2010

Maintenance and Reviews

Does that urge to clean, re-arrange, and fix-up only strike you in the Spring?

For me, it strikes off and on and only last a short time. So today is one of those days. It’s a day to ‘take stock’ so to speak and make mention of a few things going on, changes I hope to make and upcoming events. And, I also have reviews to share.

First up, today is the day for the TOP 10 TV SHOWS BLOGFEST hosted by Alex at Alex J. Cavanaugh. Be sure to stop by and check out his look at TV shows past and present. At last glance there were almost 70 blogs participating in this blogfest. Should be lots of fun.

Second, have you noticed the cute little pumpkin widget on the left sidebar? I’m participating in NaBloWriMo Challenge. Basically it’s a challenge to blog everyday in October. With the help of a number of wonderful authors lined up to guest post and numerous great books I’m scheduled to review, I should be able to handle this challenge. If you’re interested in participating, just click on the pumpkin (or the name above) and it will take you to the sign up site.

Next, I’d like to say ‘THANK YOU’ to all my followers and say HELLO to the newest ones. I’m sorry to say I haven’t gotten by everyone’s blog yet. Life has been crazier than usual lately. So if you have a blog and I haven’t drop by to say hello and follow you, please just leave a comment with your site link and I’ll drop by as soon as possible. I really appreciate each and everyone of you. Thanks!!!

I’d also like to thank Cassandra at Cassandra Jade for awarding me the Versatile Blogger Award earlier this month. Much appreciated. If you haven’t
stopped by Cassandra’s blog before, be sure to do so you won’t be disappointed. She offers helpful and inspiring posts, as well as entertaining. Thanks so much Cassandra. Fellow bloggers have been so sweet and wonderful to present me with numerous awards this part year. I want to display all of them so I’m thinking of creating a page just for that purpose. As my blog roll increases, it along with the awards makes for a very long sidebar. So we’ll see if I can get a new awards page to work.

I want to share with you a new item we got this past weekend. It’s a large iCrate Double-Door Dog Crate. We got it from the csnstores.com (they have the neatest stuff).
 

This isn't Brisco. It's just a stock photo of the crate.
We got the crate for several reasons. It’ll be great when people visit who are allergic or afraid of dogs. Brisco, our 90-pound English Shepherd sometimes scares people even though he's just a sweetie who is spoiled rotten. We can take the crate with us on day trips when Brisco goes. And it will also work great for the cats. It’s very durable and has both a front and side door. It also has a plastic pan on bottom that can be removed and a divider panel if you wanted to separate two small animals in the same crate.

The crate was a breeze to put together. No tools required, just a few minutes and snapping several latches in place. It dis-assembles just as easy and lays flat for carrying or storing when not in use. I placed the order Tuesday and received it Friday. Now that’s quick service.

Okay, time for a book review. I can’t help myself. I have another cute children’s book to share.

QUEEN VERNITA MEETS SIR HEATHYBEAN THE ASTRONOMER by Heath Rhoades and Dawn Menge

This is a wonderful book that takes Rhoades’ expertise in astronomy and combines it with Menge’s storytelling skills to entertain and educate youth about the planets, asteroids, and comets, as well as the days of the week and the months of the year through repetition.

Sir HeathyBean the Astronomer and Cora the Teacher visit Queen Vernita at her castle in the land of Oceaneers. Queen Vernita quickly invites 12 friends to visit and learn from the pair. Each friend visits for an entire month.

In January Austin learns about the Sun, in February Daniel learns about Mercury, in March Odessa learns about Venus, in April Sophia learns about the Earth, in May Jake learns about the moon, in June Javier learns about Mars, in July Micah learns about Jupiter, in August Balint learns about Saturn, in September Ally learns about Uranus, in October Jaime learned about Neptune, in November Glen learned about Pluto, and in December Joseph learned about asteroids and comets.

The book is listed in the juvenile fiction category. It is a great way to encourage youngsters to learns about astronomy while having fun. The beautiful illustrations by Bobbi Switzer will add to the learning experience. This is the third installment in the Queen Vernita series.

Queen Vernita Meets Sir Heathy Bean the Astronomer by Heath Rhoades and Dawn Menge, Illustrations by Bobbi Switzer, Outskirts Press, @ 2010, ISBN: 978-1-4327-3120-5. Paperback, 34 pages.


FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the authors in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Well that’s all for today. I have a number of wonderful authors guest blogging this week and I’ll have some cozy murder mystery reviews to share as well. Hope you’ll stop in again. For now, have a safe and happy Monday and remember to take time to read.