A Bookshelf Monstrosity
bekki1820cb
mariag
Jaime
Esme

Esme and Mariag have already won a copy, Amy and Sue were the backup winners. Thanks for letting us know!

Thanks everyone for entering! And thanks to Hachette for once again offering these great giveaways!
I am ill and lazy right now so I'm going to send out the email to the winners tomorrow. Please respond by Monday at noon or I will need to choose another winner :)

Stay tuned for Holly's winners for Beat the Reaper and Tall Dark and Fangsome!

This book was an emotional rollercoaster. I read the book very slowly because i had to take time to process what I had read. The author Susanna Sonnenberg has held nothing back in her memoir. It was difficult to read at times because it was such a personal experience, and most of the time it was quite depressing.

I've loved this book since the moment I saw it released as a hardcover early last year. Seriously, this cover is one of my favorites. But I tend to shy away from hardcovers because I lose or tear the book jacket, and then I have one less than pristine book, and I try to keep as close to perfect as I can. When I saw this released in paperback, I HAD to grab it.

Jillian is stuck in a rut. A recent mom to her adorable 18 month old Katie, wife to Henry for five years, she gave up her life in the city as well as her career in advertising to raise Katie, and she's grown ever more resentful to Henry for suggesting it in the first place. It seems like the passion in their marriage is gone, not to mention the love. Then Jillian finds out that her ex, the one she left for Henry, is getting married and she falls apart. Jack has always been in the back of her mind with what ifs floating around. More devastated than she has a right to be, she goes to a masseuse to try to relax and get her mind off things, like the dry cleaner telling her she needs more sex from her husband. When she wakes up the next morning, she is 7 years in the past, in the apartment she and Jack shared. It seems as though she's been given the opportunity to retrace her steps, and finding the footing to avoid the freefall she feels she's in in her future.

Three months after buying the book, I read it in one sitting. I adored it. It wasn't light and fluffy, but it wasn't so heavy that I needed to walk away from it for a while. I love that it didn't just center on Jillian fixing her own issues, but involved her friends and retracing their steps and possibly finding a way to avoid a tragedy that happens that sends several people into despair.
Anyone who thinks that chick lit is just fluff should read Scotch's books.

We've got another exciting giveaway thanks to Valerie at Hachette: Life After Genius! I just received my copy and I am so excited because the cover just grabbed me. Here's the synopsis:
Theodore Mead Fegley has always been the smartest person he knows. By age 12, he was in high school, and by 15 he was attending a top-ranking university. And now, at the tender age of 18, he's on the verge of proving the Riemann Hypothesis, a mathematical equation that has mystified academics for almost 150 years. But only days before graduation, Mead suddenly packs his bags and flees home to rural Illinois. What has caused him to flee remains a mystery to all but Mead and a classmate whose quest for success has turned into a dangerous obession. At home, Mead finds little solace. His past ghosts haunt him; his parents don't understand the agony his genius has caused him, nor his desire to be a normal kid, and his dreams seem crushed forever. He embarks on a new life's journey -- learning the family business of selling furniture and embalming the dead--that disappoints and surprises all who knew him as "the young Fegley genius."Equal parts academic thriller and poignant 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 yet learned.


And the book club discussion questions:

READING GROUP GUIDE:
1. Mead is considered a “genius” by almost everyone he knows, but he has mixed feelings about the title. Why? How has being labeled a genius shaped Mead’s character?
2. What is the six-legged creature and what role does it play in Mead’s life?
3. Early in the novel, Mead’s uncle Martin accuses Mead of being an “an overeducated, underachieving momma’s boy with no care or concern for anyone.” Why is Martin so angry at Mead? Do you think he is being too hard on Mead?
4. Describe Mead’s relationship with Percy. How is this relationship different from others in Mead’s life? How does Percy influence Mead?
5. Mead’s mother says to Mead: “You and I aren’t like your father and his whole side of the family. We’re cut from a different cloth. I want you to have the educational opportunities I never had. To fulfill your true potential.” Does Mead’s mother have Mead’s best interests in mind? Is she a supportive and loving mother? How is she different from Mead’s Aunt Jewel?
6. Why does Mead resist working for his father’s company, Fegley Brothers? Does his attitude towards his father and his business change over the course of the novel?
7. Why does Mead return home only days before his graduation from college? Do you think Mead is a coward for doing so? Did he have any other options?
8. What do Mead’s romantic failures with Cynthia and then with Shirley teach him? How is his friendship with Haley different from his other relationships with girls?
9. What do you make of Herman? Do you feel any sympathy for him? How are Mead and Herman alike and how are they different?
10. Who is Dr. Alexander and what does he teach Mead over the course of their work together? How is Dr. Alexander different from Dean Falconia and Dr. Kustrup?
11. Toward the end of the novel, the deceased Bernard Reimann appears to Mead and tells him that in order to solve the Riemann Hypothesis he must “stop being logical…and rely more on [his] intuitions.” What does Riemann mean by this? Does Mead take his advice?
12. Do you like Mead? Do you think he changes over the course of the novel? Why or why not?
13. Why is Mead’s mother so impressed with Herman when she first meets him in Chicago? How does Herman manipulate Mead and what makes him such a seductive personality?
14. Towards the end of the novel, Mead tells his father: “Ancient Egyptians thought the heart to be the seat of intelligence and will. Not the brain, but the heart.” Do you agree? Why does Mead tell his father this?15. What do you make of the novel’s ending? Would you have made the same decision as Mead if you were in his position?


So we'll have five winners. Usual rules apply: US and Canada only, no PO Boxes.
To enter, tell me if you're a follower (two extra entries there), and tell me your best subject in school. You only need to leave one comment with both bits of info :). Precedence will also go to those in book clubs. So if you're in one, let me know :)
My favorite subject was a toss up between American History and Literature. My best was Literature because I always got lucky enough to have an amazing teacher who made it fun. As if the books itself didn't make it fun enough, right? End date of the contest will be November 10. Again thanks to Valerie and Hachette for sponsoring!

So the cover of this book was such a draw for me that I requested this book from Shelf Awareness. When I received it, the cover of the galley was a page from the book in a slightly Gothic font and I almost loved it more!

Belladonna is not your typical tween. For starters, she can see ghosts. But that's a good thing since it means her parents can still take care of her and be with her since they died in a horrible accident two years ago. Things are slightly different: they don't eat, they can poke their heads through walls and make dinner without actually having to make it, she can't hug them. But thankfully in some ways, things are the same. Mom still immerses herself in her stories, and Dad still needs Belladonna to bring the paper home for him every afternoon.

Suddenly, things change. On a school trip, a ghost haunting an old mansion that she died in tells Belladonna her baby has disappeared and that she needs to tell the Spellbinder so that things can be fixed. Belladonna relays this to her parents who share a significant look, but don't fill her in on what it means. Then all the ghosts disappear, and it's up to Belladonna and her newfound friend Steve to solve the problem and return the ghosts to their rightful positions before it's too late.

This is a preteen book targeted for ages 9-12, but I loved it! I'm almost not embarrassed to say that. The writing was great and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. I also have a couple kids in mind to get a copy of this from me for Christmas: my thirteen year old brother who I think I can safely say would read this in two or three days and my nine year old sister who would take a bit longer but love it all the same. The writer is a screenplay writer, and I could actually envision the movie in my mind. Check it out if you've got kids, or if you just think the premise is appealing because it is!

Lauren Conrad, reality television star of Laguna Beach and The Hills on MTV, recently penned her own fiction book. L.A. Candy has been a hit with the YA set, and had some time in the spotlight on the bestsellers lists. While Lauren isn't writing the sequel, she says she is reading "My Horizontal Life" by Chelsea Handler. Lauren says "Chelsea's voice really comes out; I feel like she is personally telling me a story"

L.A. Candy is a deliciously entertaining novel about what it's like to come of age in Hollywood while starring in a reality TV show, written by a girl who has experienced it all firsthand: Lauren Conrad.

I am always on the look for something new, something different, unlike anything I have read before. Thats a tall order for someone who reads all the time. This book fits that mold.

Both Ashley and I have been seeing this author everywhere. I had never really heard much about her, or read any of her books, until I picked this up at a sale. I decided to pick something at random for my bookshelf, and read whatever I had picked. Dreamland was the lucky book! I knew nothing about this book going into it, and I was very surprised.

So after reading all of the Sookie books (check out Holly's reviews!), I decided to go for it and grab the Complete Stories because I adored everything else. I was not disappointed at all.

The stories are quick, fun reads, and they clear up and give you even more depth to Sookie's life between books.

The stories include Sookie cracking the case of Claude and Claudette's triplet's murder, Sookie finding out her cousin Hadley was a vampire before being killed, the celebration of Dracula's night, and Sookie saving a were and spending an unforgettable Christmas Eve night with him, before being surprised by her great grandfather and spending Christmas with him.

My favorite was definitely the Christmas Eve one but of course I loved them all.

What are everyone's thoughts on the covers? Normally, I would hate them, but honestly I've kind of come to accept them as part and parcel of the Sookie way. I really do not like the covers of the trade paperbacks. I feel like they're kind of exactly like the Buffy covers. If you could design Sookie covers, what would they be?

Thank you all so much for entering our contest. I wanted to post my review with the announcement but unfortunately I was just able to start the book last night. And with a 103 fever today, anything I've read I don't trust myself to remember accurately :D. I will say last night, I read the prologue, and the writing was lyrical and haunting. The story too was very haunting and I can't wait to tear into it. It's a short read, but based on what I've read so far, I think it will stay with you for a lot longer.

The winner of the signed copy chosen by randomizer is #20- Amy. Thanks for emailing to clear up the anon thing :D.


Big thanks to Rachel Stolzman for supplying the autographed copy and a review copy!

This book sucked me into the story right away, and had me racing from page to page, desperate to find out what would happen. I love a book that really compels me to turn the page, this one absolutely did.

As always, thank you guys so much for entering, and for following our blog :) Big thanks to Hachette and Valerie for letting us host this giveaway. I just received the book yesterday and cannot wait to read it!
The winners are:
Beth (BBRB)
Dina
Cindy
Amy
Traveler

I'm emailing y'all now for addresses. Thanks so much!

I started reading this book thinking that it would be a fluff romance novel. It starts out appearing to be that way, but under the surface a lot of complex themes are at play. The book deals with families separated by war, by illness, and by complex interpersonal issues. It aims to teach the overall lesson to dream like you will live for ever, and to live like you will die today.

Red has had a rough life. She started out making her money in gentlemans bars, while homeless with a baby. Over time she managed to start her own honky tonk bar, and build it up into a thriving business. Her daughter has also managed to find her way iin life, despite her unfortunate beginning, Bridge has 2 beautiful children and a job with the Army. While Bridge is stationed abroad, her childcare plans fall through, forcing her to have the kids put with the only other person she knows, her mother Red. Bridge knows firsthand that Red was never an exceptional mother, but she knows that Red knows how to survive when the chips are stacked against her.

What follows is an excellent story about opening up to other people, as well as to new situations, and finding out that sometimes what you never thought you wanted, is what you needed the most.

A must read!

You have just got to go to Pamela's website. I am a big fan of really well done author websites, and this is absolutely one of them!

I was so surprised to see that Amazon had a notice on the main page that they are hosting a Wishlist Sweepstakes! I have never heard of Amazon hosting any sort of contests, so this is really exiting! All you have to do to enter, is add one of the selected items to your Amazon Wishlist. Each week they are featuring a new contest. This week's contest is New Moon Premere. Happy 10 years Amazon!!

Sorry I was so delayed in announcing the winner :) The winner of this book is Randy.

Dark and brooding James Franco was spotted on the set of "Eat, Pray, Love" (don't even get me started on how much I hated that book) carrying Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. I really adored The Road by Cormac, so I am adding this to my long list of books to be read.

I am so so SO excited to host a giveaway of The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent, thanks to Valerie @ Hachette, and also to read this with my book club at work.
I've been in love with history for years, and the Salem Witch Trials were a large focal point of obsession for me. Naturally, I cannot wait to read this book! The synopsis below:
Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be accused, tried and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Like her mother, young Sarah Carrier is bright and willful, openly challenging the small, brutal world in which they live.

Often at odds with one another, mother and daughter are forced to stand together against the escalating hysteria of the trials and the superstitious tyranny that led to the torture and imprisonment of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft.

This is the story of Martha's courageous defiance and ultimate death, as told by the daughter who survived.

Kathleen Kent is a tenth generation descendent of Martha Carrier. She paints a haunting portrait, not just of Puritan New England, but also of one family's deep and abiding love in the face of fear and persecution.

To read about Ms. Kent writing this book, and what it meant to her, go here
The reading group guide below:

Reading Group Guide

1) How was Sarah changed by living with her cousin Margaret? How was she changed by returning to her family?

2) What was it about Martha's character that seemed to antagonize so many neighbors?

3) What do you think was the most compelling reason that Martha was eventually brought to trial?

4) Discuss the various factors that lead to the witch hysteria.

5) Why did Martha choose to take a stand of innocence knowing that a refused confession meant death?

6) Why did Thomas, despite his size and capabilities, not seek to persuade or deter Martha from her course of action?

7) Why did the community of Salem, and the magistrates, so easily believe in and rely on "spectral evidence”?

8) How has reading the book changed your opinions about the men and women hanged as witches?

9) Are there modern day "witches”?

10) Can we, or should we, redefine the meaning of the word "witch"?

Sounds fascinating right? Thanks to Valerie, we have 5 copies to give away. To enter, tell me what era or event in history you're most interested in. Followers only this time around. Sorry, no PO Boxes, Canada and US only. We'll run this through October 30.

"Carrie" of Sex and the City fame, has been seen all over New York City with a copy of The Help by Kathryn Stockett. 

Tall, Dark and Fangsome - Every girls dream!

Time to announce our first October giveaway!

Summary from the Beat The Reaper website:
Dr. Peter Brown is an intern at Manhattan’s worst hospital. He has a talent for medicine, a shift from hell, and a past he’d prefer to keep hidden. Whether it’s a blocked circumflex artery or a plan to land a massive malpractice suit, he knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men.

Pietro “Bearclaw” Brnwna is a hit man for the mob, with a genius for violence, a well-earned fear of sharks, and an overly close relationship with the Federal Witness Protection Program. More likely to leave a trail of dead gangsters than a molecule of evidence, he’s the last person you want to see in your hospital room.
Nicholas LoBrutto, aka Eddy Squillante, is Dr. Brown’s new patient, with three months to live and a very strange idea: that Peter Brown and Pietro Brnwa might — just might — be the same person . . .

Now with the mob, the government, and death itself descending on the hospital, Peter has to buy time and do whatever it takes to keep his patients, himself, and his last shot at redemption alive. To get through the next eight hours — and somehow beat the Reaper.

Spattered in adrenaline-fueled action and bone-saw-sharp dialogue, Beat the Reaper is a debut thriller so utterly original you won’t be able to guess what happens next, and so shockingly entertaining you won’t be able to put it down.Head over to the Beat The Reaper website for a cool game, and other book features and information.


On to the technical side

Giveaway will be hosted Oct. 1st through Oct. 29th at Noon. Winners will be posted and notified on October 30th. Hachette Book Group is providing 5 copies of the book, available to be mailed to the US or Canada. P.O. boxes cannot be accepted at this time.

To enter:

You must leave an email address to be entered. All additional entries can be posted in one comment, no need to have a comment for each entry.

+1 Comment on this posting telling me what you, or your kids plan to dress up as for Halloween. If you aren't dressing up, tell me the about best costume you have ever seen.

+1 Follow us!

+1 Tweet about this contest and us @goodgollyholly in the tweet so that I don't miss it.

+3 Blog about this contest, sidebar works also. Comment with the link so I can check out the posting.