"No one can be lonely who has a book for company." ~ Nelle Reagan
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The following news was passed on to me by Gary McLaren:
Great News!
The Beginner's Guide to Ebooks is now free in the Kindle Store at Amazon! This offer may not last long, so spread the word and get yourself a copy today.
http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Guide-Ebooks-ebook/dp/B005CLDN88/
After reading it, if you have time, I'd love it if you can leave
a short review at Amazon.
Sincerely,
Gary McLaren
WorldwideFreelance.com
PublishYourOwnEbooks.com
P.S. If you don't have a Kindle you can still read this using
Amazon's free Kindle App for PC.
If you have a Nook ebook reader you can also find this at
B&N Nook Books.
The Map of True Places
Author: Brunonia Barry
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Pages: 412
Includes: Prologue and Book Club Reading Guide for The Map of True Places
Paperback
ISBN 978-0-06-162481-0
Genre: Fiction
Source: A copy was provided by FSB Associates in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Available in bookstores.
(from the back cover) "A respected Boston psychologist, Zee Finch has come a long way from a motherless childhood spent stealing boats. But the actions of a patient throw Zee into emotional chaos and take her back to places she thought she'd left behind.
What starts as a brief visit home to Salem begins a larger journey. Suddenly having to care for her ailing father after his longtime companion moves out, Zee must come to terms with a strained and awkward relationship that has always been marked by half-truths and haunted by the untimely death of her mother. Overwhelmed by her new role, Zee must destroy the existing map of her life and chart a new course--one that will guide her not only into her future but into her past as well."
This is Brunonia Barry's second novel, her first being The Lace Reader. In The Map of True Places, Brunonia Barry's writing encompasses a broad spectrum of individuals and themes including same gender relationships, suicide, abuse and reincarnation. She does so in such a manner that softens the hard edges, bringing each individual out of the print and into reality. We get to know the characters and feel their anguish, their joy, their trials, and their doubts as if they were amongst us. A gifted writer uses such a talent to bring the story beyond the pages, involving the reader, and Brunonia Barry is masterful at employing this skill.
At over 400 pages, this is a lengthy piece of fiction that will have book clubs in great discussion over many aspects of this novel. A Map of True Places engages the reader throughout and when you are finished, you will yearn to talk about it with someone, to share a story that stretches your imagination, broadens your perspective, and makes you ponder situations beyond your own life. It is magic.
In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Kristi at The Story Sirenwherein we share our recent acquisitions of books and bookish items whether received by mail, borrowed or purchased. It helps all of us to keep abreast of what's new, what's potentially hot, and adds to our must-have lists as we visit one another, building virtual relationships among other like-minded book lovers.
(This complementary signed copy was sent to my from Cedar Fort Publishing in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I am participating in a virtual book tour beginning August 28
and ending September 7, 2011. My review will be posted September 7, 2001.)
Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory
by Sara L. Chapman
(I received this gorgeous book from the author in exchange for a review. This in no way influences the resulting review nor my opinion) Psst....if you love flowers, you'll be blown away by this little beauty! The review is featured here on my gardening blog, The Gardening Life.
Life of Pi
by Yann Martel
(I won this copy from fReado)
This is the 10th anniversary edition of Canadian author's, Yann Martel, bestselling novel, Life of Pi. It was released February 5 of this year. Winner of the Man Booker prize in 2002. The movie adaptation of Life of Pi is currently being filmed in 3D, no release date as of yet.
"Yann Martel’s second novel, Life of Pi, appeared in Canada in 2001 to enthusiastic reviews and moderate sales. A year later, it came out of nowhere to win the Booker Prize and became an international publishing phenomenon (and Amazon.ca’s first blockbuster). In a wonderful display of storytelling verve, Martel takes a distinctly unpromising premise–a “story that will make you believe in God” about a boy trapped on a lifeboat with an enormous tiger–and pulls it off with complete and winning confidence." (fReado blog)
What's in your mailbox this week?
Please leave a link to your IMM in the comments or, if you don't have a blog, tell me of the exciting books and related items you got this week.
Still Alice
Author: Lisa Genova
Publisher: Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 320
Edition: Paperback
ISBN 978-1439102817
Includes: Postscript, Readers' Club Guide, A Conversation With Lisa Genova
Source: a loan from a friend
(from the cover) "Alice Howland is proud of the life she worked so hard to build. At fifty years old, she's a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and a world-renowned expert in linguistics with a successful husband and three grown children When she becomes increasingly disoriented and forgetful, a tragic diagnosis changes her life--and her relationship with her family and the world--forever.
At once beautiful and terrifying, Still Alice is a moving and vivid depiction of life with early-onset Alzheimer's disease that is as compelling as A Beautiful Mind and as unforgettable as Ordinary People."
My review: Alice Howland has it made. A career, a loving family, a successful husband, a beautiful life and one tragic diagnosis. At fifty, Alice becomes increasingly aware that things aren't right, that her memory sometimes fails her, that she becomes disoriented occasionally and she wonders if it is related to menopause. At first, that is. When she finally sees a doctor and then a neurologist she must accept the truth. The diagnosis that will alter her reality... forever.... early onset Alzheimer's.
Lisa Genova has captured the pain, the disappointment, the denial that accompanies such a diagnosis. Sometimes brutally honest and yet, as her protagonist struggles with the everyday trials of living with Alzheimer's, not dying with but living with, a wonderful humour and warmth exudes from the pages of Still Alice. The emotions wrought by this novel are surprisingly strong, making Still Alice a poignant and brilliant story that is unforgettable. It is rare that one comes upon a book written from the perspective of an individual living with Alzheimer's and Lisa Genova tells it powerfully from Alice's point of view, from the inside looking out rather than the outside looking in and that's what makes this novel memorable.
If you read one book this summer, make it Still Alice. You may never look at life the same again.
Rated 5/5
About the Author: Lisa Genova has written, with Still Alice, her first novel. She has a PhD in neuroscience from Harvard University and contributes online to content for the National Alzheimer's Association. Her newest novel, Left Neglected, is now in stores.
Eight words that Lisa Genova would use to describe her life: "Blessed, expressive, unplanned, increasingly fearless, hopeful, full of love"
Personal note:Still Alice is a significant novel for me as I watched my maternal grandmother decline and die and now an aunt struggling through the varying stages of Alzheimer's. It is heartbreaking to watch as a life once so vital diminishes as the disease slowly destroys the mind of a loved one. I love that Lisa wrote this book from the perspective she did as it helped bring a new understanding and perspective of the magnitude and sorrow that a diagnosis of Alzheimer's brings. Thank you Lisa for reminding us that those with this diagnosis are living with Alzheimer's rather than dying with it.
How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This?
Reclaim Your Health with Humor, Creativity and Grit
Author: Carla Ulbrich (the singing patient)
Publisher: Tell Me Press, LLC
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 219
ISBN 13 9780981645346
Genre: humour/memoir
Source: JKS Communications sent me a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Available at Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon Marketplace, Barnes & Noble, Audible, Indiebound
(from the cover) "How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This? is a collection of short, inspiring, funny essays that help people thrive, celebrate life, and work through illness. Carla Ulbrich - the Singing Patient - reveals how laughter has been pivotal to reclaiming her health after serious crises. She offers heartfelt and humorous advice for navigating the medical system and explains how she's benefited from exploring better nutrition, exercise, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture. This singer-songwriter's candid insights, wisecracking commentary, handy lists, and hilarious song lyrics provide smiles and gentle camaraderie to those who want to tackle health problems with courage, zest, and humour."
With humour and sage advice, Carla Ulbrich, of How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This?, shares the elements of her recovery from an autoimmune disease (LUPUS) Fibromyalgia, and two strokes which, with several other complications, nearly took her life. Carla tells how she put humour to music, making her the singing patient. Carla is a firm believer that humour saves a person, happiness is a greater key to success, and lifestyle changes can make an enormous difference in how you feel, especially if you have health problems.
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." ~ Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning (page 136, How Can You Not Laugh at a Time Like This?)
I was surprised to read in Chapter 3, subheading "Cut the Cheese", (referencing Levine in More About Allergy and Addiction) that foods and items you crave are actually allergens for your body! Imagine being allergic to chocolate! (that would be my number 1 crave, by the way). Could it be that the craving we feel is actually an allergic reaction?
From never let them stick a needle twice, to writing on yourself with permanent marker prior to surgery so the surgeon is sure to get it right!, to refusing suggested testing and treatments when the possible complications can be just as bad or worse than the actual disease/problem being treated, How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This? offers some very wise advice, often with some tongue-in-cheek. Carla recommends you research, ask questions, be in charge of your treatment and above all else keep a sense of humour!
And please, if you are visiting someone in the hospital or who is ill, read Chapter 1, Top Ten Things People Say to Someone Who's Just Been Diagnosed. You just may prevent the foot-in-mouth syndrome that we all dread! Like, "You don't look sick". How about countering that with, "You don't look insensitive. I guess appearances can be deceiving:)". There's a lot more where that came from. For a better idea, take a look at these chapter headings:
1 - It's Not as Fun as it Looks: Other People and Your Disease
2 - What's Up Doc? Surviving Health Care
3 - That's Inflammatory! What Not to Eat if you Have an Autoimmune Disease
4 - Well Duh! Science Proves Common Sense Right
5 - Rubber Chicken Soup: Keeping a Sense of Humour
6 - Take a Mind off Your Load: Expressing Yourself and Keeping it Positive
7 - I'd Like to Speak to the Owner of This Body: Moving Forward and Taking Responsibility
8 - The Early Bird Can Have the Worm: Pacing Yourself
9 - Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall. Who's the Oh, Never Mind Beauty
10-Mission Possible: Persistence
"Through humour, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it."~ Bill Cosby (page 108, How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This?)
Rated 4/5
******Giveaway!!!!****** --Contest now closed--
JKS Communications is offering, via My Bookshelf, one copy of How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This? to one reader! To enter, please leave a comment below. The winner will be chosen randomly, via Random.org. Contest closes closed September 9, 2011 at midnight, MST. The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address to receive their prize. Contest open to US and Canadian residents.
Since the previously selected winner of the book giveaway, Reflections of a Successful Wallflower has not responded, I have once again turned to Random.org to select a new winner. The winner is:
Congratulations Margaret!! You have 48 hours to respond to the email declaring you the winner. To receive your prize, I need your address to send to the author who will mail the book directly to you! Enjoy!!
The publication booksellers turn to for news on the book industry is now publishing a version for book lovers! Shelf Awareness: Enlightenment for Readers is a FREE emailed newsletter with reviews on the 25 best books publishing each week along with author interviews, book excerpts, giveaways and more. Right now they’re running a contest for new subscribers. Check out the button on our website to sign up for the new publication and to be entered for a chance to win a great book!
I am so honoured to be chosen to receive this Powerful Woman Writer Award. I typically don't accept awards as I don't have the time it takes to reciprocate. This lovely lady, Deirdra Eden Coppel, of A Story Book World is my newest follower and she designs these awards.
Deirdra said, "You have a fabulous blog! I'm an author and illustrator and I made some awards to give to fellow bloggers whose sites I enjoy. It's not a pass on award. This is just for you to keep. I want to award you with one of my homemade awards: Powerful Woman Writer Award for all the hard work you do! By the way, I am your newest follower."
As writers and bloggers we do work hard on our blogs and it is heartwarming to know that others see it and appreciate the effort that goes into our blogs. How could I not accept this award with these heartfelt comments. Thank you so much Deirdra and welcome to My Bookshelf. :)
Check out Deirdra's blog, A Story Book World to see this lady's fabulous and creative book blog. I am sure when you do you will want to follow her blog as I did!
