Review: Stand the Storm

Summary: Even though former slaves Annie Coats and her son Gabriel have managed to buy their freedom, their lives are still marked by constant struggle and sacrifice--to the extent that Annie secretly recalls her days on the plantation with fondness. Washington's Georgetown neighborhood, where the Coatses are seeking to build their new lives--with Gabriel, a tailor, producing uniforms for soldiers and fine suits for pompous politicians, and Annie, a seamstress and laundress, catering to the nearby brothels and stately homes--is supposed to be a safe haven, a "promised land" for former slaves, but is effectively a frontier town, gritty and dangerous, with no laws protecting black people. In fact, the city's own emancipation efforts in 1862 serve only to compromise the Coats family's status, putting Gabriel's three young daughters (each of them born free of free parents) at risk of becoming the property of the Coatses' former master. The remarkable emotional energy with which the Coatses rise their daily battles--as they negotiate with their former owner, as they assist other former slaves en route to freedom, as they prepare for the encroaching war, and as they struggle to love each other enough--is what fuels this novel and makes its tragic denoument so devastating. -- Back Bay

Ever since I was a child, I have always enjoyed books that take place around and during the Civil War. When I discovered that Breena Clarke, author of the Oprah selection RIVER, CROSS MY HEART, had written a new book about a family of slaves who had bought their freedom, I just knew I wanted to read it. The book is called STAND THE STORM, and I found it to be a very well-written and touching story.

I have to admit that I didn't find this book to be an easy read. As I was reading STAND THE STORM, I enjoyed the story a great deal (although it was very depressing at times). I thought the author did an amazing job of developing the characters and bringing them to life. I also thought she did a fantastic job of showing the reader what it was like to live as a former slave in Georgetown during the Civil War period. My only issue with STAND THE STORM that I didn't find myself rushing to get back to it after I set the book down. For some reason, I liked the book but I wasn't totally caught up in the Coats' family story.

One thing I will definitely say about this book is that it was a huge wake-up call for me about the lives of former slaves. I guess I just assumed that when a black person bought their freedom that they were truly free. It's obvious to me now that that was not the case -- I probably just never thought about it all that much before reading this book. I found myself frustrated that there were countless slaves, as well as freed men and women, who had to endure so much pain and humiliation; and I'm embarrassed that these things ever occurred in our country.

Another thing that will remain in my thoughts for quite awhile after reading this book were the characters and their individual struggles. I thought so many of the characters were extremely well-developed and they seemed very real to me -- especially given how complex and flawed they were. I was continually blown away by how much they had to endure, and I found their strength and resilience to be very uplifting. As I read this book, it just seemed like no matter how much they accomplished, they were still just a minute away from losing everything. I was saddened by so many of these events, and yet I still considered this book to be one with the ultimate message of hope. Each character seemed to make sacrifices so that their children would have better lives.

Ms. Clarke has a fantastic website, and you really should visit it. I especially loved how she has a page geared towards book clubs. Not only will you find some discussion questions, but you will also find a list of recommended books about the Civil War. Ms. Clarke makes herself available to discuss either of her novels with book clubs. My group wasn't able to work out an author chat with Ms. Clarke; however, you can request one here. Another part of the website that I really appreciated was a section called "About the Book" where Ms. Clarke explains some of the inspiration behind STAND THE STORM. I found it to be fascinating and particularly insightful into the story.

I am very anxious to discuss STAND THE STORM tonight when my Preschool Moms Book Club meets. Hachette Book Group graciously offered my entire club trade paperback copies of this moving novel. I am curious to hear whether everyone enjoyed the book, and what their reaction was to the ending -- I almost dropped the book when I read it. Fortunately for us, the paperback version of STAND THE STORM includes a reading group guide with twenty thought-provoking questions. I definitely think this guide will help keep us focused on discussing the characters and their stories.

I definitely recommend STAND THE STORM if you are a fan of historical fiction and especially fiction that revolves around slavery and the Civil War. I found that this book not only moved me because I was so touched by the characters' lives, but I also felt like I gained some additional insight into this time period. It was a very interesting read and well worth my time.

Review: Wait Until Twilight

Summary: A hauntingly strange and powerfully affecting debut novel that heralds the arrival of a unique and captivating literary voice, Sang Pak's Wait Until Twilight is a coming-of-age story that explores the complex darkness infecting a damaged psyche in a small Southern town.

Not long after his own mother's death, sixteen-year-old Samuel discovers a set of deformed triplets hidden behind closed doors in his sleepy Georgia community. The babies—whose shut-in mother believes they were immaculately conceived and whose menacing brother is a constant threat—take control of Samuel's every waking and sleeping thought. His only escape, he realizes, will be to save the monster children. But to do so, he must rein in his darkest impulses as he undergoes a profound transformation from motherless boy to self-defined man—because sometimes the most terrible monsters are those that live inside us all.-- Harper

I am always drawn to coming-of-age stories so WAIT UNTIL TWILIGHT by Sang Pak sounded like a book that I would definitely enjoy. I thought the idea behind this novel sounded pretty unique -- a young boy who is battling both an external enemy as well as his own internal demons, but I can honestly say that this book was not what I was expecting. I'm not even sure WAIT UNTIL TWILIGHT is like any book I've ever read. It was part horror, part Gothic, part coming-of-age, and part fantasy; and it also had some humor thrown in.

After I finished reading WAIT UNTIL TWILIGHT, I wasn't sure what to even say about this book (and you know I usually don't have a lack of words); however, as I reflect back on this story, there are a lot of things to appreciate. I hesitate to say that I enjoyed reading WAIT UNTIL TWILIGHT because I found it to be a very difficult read. I don't mean that the writing wasn't good or the characters weren't developed because I think both of those things were very well done. I just mean that this book messed with my mind, and I was very uncomfortable reading parts of it.

The more I thought about my discomfort, the more I realized how well the author told this story. I was actually squirming at times while reading WAIT UNTIL TWILIGHT and I even found my heart racing. I think Mr. Pak did an incredible job of creating and building suspense, and I actually could feel Samuel's terror. I now appreciate how this book made me feel (even though I was really freaked out) because I am rarely affected by books this way. Having said all of that, I have to warn you that this story isn't for the faint of heart!

I liked Samuel for this most part (he was a teenager and you know how that can be) and there is no doubt that my heart went out to him because he lost his mom at such an impressionable age. But I had no idea how attached I became to him while reading this book. Once again, I think this is a testament to how well the author told this story and developed Samuel's character. I think the story was better because it was told in Samuel's voice; and I thought he was a very real, albeit troubled, teenager. As I read this book, I found myself desperately wanting Samuel to find some peace in his life; however, I admit that I was skeptical that he could. Without giving too much away, I am so very grateful to the author that the book ended the way it did!

I was very impressed with Mr. Pak's writing especially since WAIT UNTIL TWILIGHT is his debut novel. At times, I was blown away by the honestly of his writing as well as his characters. I definitely appreciated how he incorporated Samuel's dreams into the story and how he used light/darkness/twilight to establish the moods of the novel -- I thought it was all very well done. Mr. Pak is currently on a break from a graduate program in psychology, and I thought it was evident in this novel that he has a strong background on this subject matter.

There is no doubt that WAIT UNTIL TWILIGHT will make you think -- on so many levels! I am definitely recommending it as a book club selection, if your book club wants something a bit unusual. There are wonderful discussion questions -- I absolutely loved them -- that will help facilitate your discussion. In fact, I liked the book even more after I went through the questions and thought about my answers.

Thanks to the author and the publisher for sending me a copy of WAIT UNTIL TWILIGHT.

Review: The Seamstress

Summary: As seamstresses, the young sisters Emília and Luzia dos Santos know how to cut, mend, and conceal—useful skills in the lawless backcountry of Brazil, where ruthless land barons feud with bands of outlaw cangaceiros, trapping innocent residents in the crossfire. Emília, a naive romantic, dreams of falling in love with a gentleman and escaping to a big city. Quick-tempered Luzia also longs for escape, finding it in her craft and secret prayers to the saints she believes once saved her life. But when Luzia is abducted by cangaceiros led by the infamous Hawk and Emília stumbles into a marriage with the son of a wealthy and politically powerful doctor, the sisters' quiet lives diverge in ways they never would have imagined. -- Harper

As you probably know if you are a regular reader of this blog, I love historical fiction. It's probably because I like to learn something when I read (although I'm not a huge non-fiction fan.) However, I know that I also really appreciate how an author incorporates factual information into fictional characters' lives. The latest historical fiction book that I can't rave enough about is THE SEAMSTRESS by Frances de Pontes Peebles.

I admit that I usually shy away from books this long (it's over 650 pages), but after I read the description, I knew I had to read it -- it sounded so good to me. It did take me a few days to read THE SEAMSTRESS, but it was so worth it! After I finished the book, I called both my dad and my sister and told them they just had to read it. And if my word isn't enough to convince you, THE SEAMSTRESS has already been awarded the Winner of the Friends of American Writers Award for Fiction and Elle Magazine's Grand Prix 2008 for Fiction.

THE SEAMSTRESS is one of my favorite reads of the year. It did start out a little slow for me, but I don't know if that's because I just couldn't focus on it without distractions. I will say this (don't think I'm awful) that I did find myself hiding out in my bedroom so I could read this book in peace! I didn't want to miss a thing about this amazing story and its amazing characters. Since the book was about Brazil in the 1920 and 1930s, a place and time in history that I knew absolutely nothing about, I was fascinated by so much of it. I enjoyed learning about the political environment in Brazil at that time as well as the changing role of women, yet I also found the entire lifestyle of the cangaceiros to be incredible. What I think I appreciated the most though, was how the author managed to juxtapose the two sisters' lives (one was unhappily married to an influential family while the other was living as an outlaw in the wild) while also showing their similarities.

I don't think I can even begin to express what an amazing writer Ms. Peebles is. Her storytelling abilities are remarkable, and her prose is just beautiful too. She created two incredibly real and complicated characters that are just so memorable. I am just blown away by how she effortlessly she went back and forth between the sisters' lives while also linking certain events to both of them. It was incredibly well done! I also loved how she incorporated so much symbolism into this novel especially as it pertained to a seamstress' skills. If you'd like to learn more about Ms. Peebles, check out this wonderful interview where she explains some of the ideas behind her book. Harper Collins also has a fun page devoted to the author; and Ms. Peebles also has her own website and maintains a blog.

I think THE SEAMSTRESS would make for a wonderful book club book even though it's a little bit (well, a lot) longer than most of the books my group reads. Don't let the length discourage you from picking it though -- maybe you could read it over the course of two months. I know when I finished this novel, I immediately wanted to talk about it with someone; and I'm sure you will feel the same way. There is a reading guide available with some great questions. Some of the topics for discussion include: sisterhood, love and marriage, honor, redemption, Brazil's political environment, and lots of symbolism. It really is a very complex novel that has remained in my thoughts for days!

A few days ago, Ms. Peebles discussed her novel on BlogTalk Radio. You can listen to the show in its entirely here. I was fortunate enough to listen live, and hearing the author discuss her novel definitely enhanced my reading experience.

Thanks to Stephanie from Harper Collins for sending me a copy of this wonderful book.

Review: Things Left Unspoken

Summary: Every family--and every house--has its secrets.

Jo-Lynn Hunter is at a crossroads in life when her great-aunt Stella insists that she return home to restore the old family manse in sleepy Cottonwood, Georgia. Jo-Lynn longs to get her teeth into a noteworthy and satisfying project. And it's the perfect excuse for some therapeutic time away from her self-absorbed husband and his snobby Atlanta friends.

Beneath the dust and the peeling wallpaper, things are not what they seem, and what Jo-Lynn doesn't know about her family holds just as many surprises. Was her great-grandfather the pillar of the community she thought he was? What is Aunt Stella hiding? And will her own marriage survive the renovation?

Jo-Lynn isn't sure she wants to know the truth--but sometimes the truth has a way of making itself known. -- Revell

One of my unwritten reading goals this year is to read more Christian fiction. I have only read a few books from this genre over the last few years, but I always seem to enjoy them. I find it so refreshing to pick up a book that I know is going to be a nice, clean read -- one that I can pass on to my mother without being worried about her reaction. THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN by Eva Marie Everson was a very entertaining book that I will definitely be sharing with my mom (and a few other people.)

I thoroughly enjoyed THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN. I admit that it did take me a little while to really get into the story and the characters; but once I became involved in their lives, I was hooked. I liked the present day story of Jo-Lynn and her troubles, but I also enjoyed the flashback chapters which provided the important background information about her relatives. I thought the author did a great job of engaging the reader, and I really appreciated how the story unfolded -- I found the mystery angles of this story to be very entertaining too. I liked that the author made me feel as if I was discovering things about Jo-Lynn and her family along with Jo-Lynn; and I loved that there were a few surprises thrown in.

And while THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN is considered Christian fiction, I didn't think that the spirituality aspect of the book was at all heavy-handed. There were references to church and sermons; however, it wasn't until the end of the story where I really felt as if Jo-Lynn had experienced a spiritual change. I thought the author did a nice job of showing how Jo-Lynn arrived at her conclusions about her faith without hitting the reader over the head and sounding preachy. It was just one of those books that you felt good when you finished reading it.

One thing that I found interesting about this book is that the house that Jo-Lynn is renovating is actually based on the author's great-grandparents home. The author did a fabulous job of describing the house and bringing it to life; and it became almost another character in this book. I loved reading about the old house and its secrets as well as the town and its people. It was evident to me that the author was writing about things which were very near and dear to her heart.

There were many things that I appreciated about this story, but I think what I enjoyed most were the characters. I liked Jo-Lynn and I could definitely understand her personal struggles about her marriage, motherhood and her career. It was wonderful to share in her discoveries about not only her family and its secrets, but also to share in her discoveries about herself and what would make her happy. I also liked so many of the secondary characters including Jo-Lynn's relatives (especially the ornery Aunt Stella and the sweet Mae-Jo), Mr. Valentine, and her new friend Karol (with a K.) It seemed like everyone that Jo-Lynn encountered taught her something either about herself or her family. I thought the cast of characters were all very special and each one added something to this story.

If your book club is interested in reading Christian fiction, then I definitely suggest THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN. I think there is a great deal to discuss about the characters and their actions. There is also a reading guide available which has twelve interesting questions and was written by the author. I think there are some terrific questions that will certainly make you think. Some of the themes in this book which I feel are discussion-worthy include: secrets, honesty, spiritual growth, marriage, sacrifices, and parenthood. I have no doubt that you could talk about the characters' behavior, especially Jo-Lynn's actions, for hours!

Thanks to Donna from Baker Publishing Group for sending me a copy of this book.

Author Interview: Mary F. Pols & Giveaway

Yesterday, I reviewed a very interesting memoir called ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE: THE TRUE TALE OF A HAPPY SINGLE MOTHER by Mary F. Pols. I found her story to be both funny and heartwarming. I am so glad she has taken time out of her busy schedule (and her vacation) to answer a few of my questions.

Booking Mama: You were a movie reviewer for quite awhile before deciding to write a book. What made you decide to write your story?

Mary F. Pols: I'd thought about writing about my path to motherhood since a day or two after my son was born, but in a very vague way. One of the doctors at the hospital where Dolan was born noticed me with "Operating Instructions," Ann Lamott's book, which I was re-reading and said "Oh you're a first time mom, huh?" And I said, "How did you know?" And he said, "They all have that," indicating the book. I loved "OI," but it occurred to me then that there was room in the marketplace for another literary memoir about motherhood. That thought percolated for nearly two years before I actually got started. What motivated me to start was the sense that there was a societal shift about single motherhood, and that the time was ripe to write about it; if I didn't, someone else would and then I'd feel regret.

Booking Mama: How different was it for you to write a book versus writing critical reviews? Being a single mother, how did you even find the time to write?

Mary F. Pols: It didn't bear any relation to writing criticism for me. To me it was more like writing a very long news story -- I was a news reporter before I was a critic -- reported in an emotional sense. As for time and single motherhood, I don't know, it all seems like a haze now, and yes, sort of impossible, particularly as I try to write a novel, which is such a slower process. But I was blessed to have been on a fellowship at Stanford for an academic year, and that's where I got the crucial first few chapters done, or at least in condition to write a proposal. Once I'd sold it and had an official deadline (world's best motivator), it was all late nights and stealing afternoons on the weekends. Matt was so great about taking Dolan off for the day to give me time to write.

Booking Mama: Was it difficult to write about so many personal things? Were you afraid of the response you'd get from family and friends?

Mary F. Pols: Well it wasn't easy, but I felt it was necessary, in order to write an honest, open memoir. There was some digging into my own past that I found painful. I didn't want to hurt anyone, particularly Matt. Which is why I offered friends and family a chance to read it in manuscript form, in case there was something they couldn't live with. One person apparently had a very bad reaction to something in there -- I never heard what -- but I believe there was a lot more at play in terms of an already dissolving friendship rather than anything in the book itself, because that friend had been treated very tenderly in the narrative.

Booking Mama: What have you found to be the biggest challenge of single parenthood?

Mary F. Pols: Honestly? Money. We've had enough to get by on, but I am constantly faced with the realization that I can't afford a mortgage on my own, at least not in the kind of urban center I need to live in in order to still be a movie critic. Is there anything wrong with being a renter? I guess not in this economy. But I'm very home oriented; I love to feel settled, I love to cook and decorate, and I feel like we're in a permanent state of the temporary as renters. But what can you do? Just work harder and try to be smarter about money. The other stresses, like time management, can be exhausting, but never enough to make me forget how grateful I am to be a mother. The payoff in love is so deep.

Booking Mama: I think it's terribly hard to be a mom sometimes, and I have an incredibly supportive husband. I honestly don't know how single mothers can do it. What's the best advice you have for single mothers or even moms in general?

Mary F. Pols: If you're lucky enough to have a co-parent with a decent heart, as I am, make it work, no matter what it takes. I started my co-parenting relationship with Matt believing that I was doing it for our child's sake; I wanted him to know and love his father and be known and loved in return. That was my priority. Matt is an exceptionally good person, which was my great good fortune, because in the end, he's really there for both of us. That's huge. So we're both single parents, but we're joined in our wishes and dreams for our son. A lot of single mothers by choice don't have that built in support system, and I find what they do so admirable. In comparison, I'm a single mother lightweight.

Booking Mama: Do you have plans to write additional books in the future? Would you ever consider writing a novel?

Mary F. Pols: I'm working on at least one novel (another one keeps slipping into my head), and a children's book, and am slowly putting together some stories that could be a collection someday. But mostly I feel like a beginner, just teaching myself how to keep going. With the memoir, the narrative was so clear; I'd lived it. It was the shaping that was hard. This time, everything feels hard. I just decided to treat myself to an extra week in Maine though, during which Dolan is going to day camp and I'm going to hole up in a shack and write. One of the benefits of being a freelancer...

Booking Mama: CBS is making your book ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE into a television series starring Jenna Elfman. What was your first reaction when you learned that your life was going to played out on screen? How was it to see your story brought to life?

Mary F. Pols: My first reaction was, "Really?" I mean, obviously I'd sold the option so I knew it was a possibility, but I thought the chances were so slim. Books are optioned all the time and then just sit there. Then when it began to move forward it seemed as though it went at warp speed. It's really weird, but I'm trying to just stay detached about it. They're making something that doesn't appear to bear much relation to my memoir at all, and that's their right as the purchasers. I do think a single mom sitcom is a fine idea for right now, and I really hope it all works for CBS. They've put it in the dream time slot, right after "How I Met Your Mother" and they've got a smart, funny cast, so here's hoping.

Booking Mama: I have a feeling that writing a memoir could be almost therapeutic for an author. Did you learn anything new about yourself or see yourself differently after writing this book?

Mary F. Pols: It's great therapy, and for that I apologize to readers who pay $14 or what have you to endure my process of figuring myself out on the page (although I hope it's also just an enjoyable, good yarn). I learned so much. My whole relationship with Matt changed as I made my way through different drafts. I guess you could say revising the book helped me revise myself. I'm so grateful to the people who helped me go through that process, particularly my amazing editor at Ecco, Lee Boudreaux, who was simultaneously editing "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle." (If I'd known that at the time, I would have probably been paralyzed. Intimidating!)

I have a copy of ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE to share with one lucky reader. To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment with a valid e-mail address telling me why you want to read this book. To double or triple your chances, you can blog and/or tweet about this contest with a link back to this post. This giveaway will be open until Friday, August 21st at 11:59 p.m. EST, and I will notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. and Canada mailing addresses only. Good Luck!

Review: Accidentally on Purpose

Summary: At thirty-nine, movie critic Mary Pols knew she wanted to have a baby. But never—not in a million years—on her own. When she finds herself unexpec­tedly expecting, she plunges into the greatest adventure of her life. With humor, insight, and compelling honesty, Pols reveals what it means to compromise in the name of love and to find joy in an accidental life, suddenly brimming with purpose. -- Harper Perennial

I decided to read ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE: THE TRUE TALE OF A HAPPY SINGLE MOTHER by Mary F. Pols because I thought the book looked "cute." I mean the cover is just precious, right? Plus, the author's story had an uncanny likeness to someone I know, and I was a bit curious to get some insight into the situation. After reading ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE, I definitely can say that it was a very interesting story and a very good book. And while I didn't always understand Ms. Pols' actions and I did have some difficulties relating to her, none of that affected my enjoyment of this book.

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE is Mary Pols' story of becoming a single mother and how she worked out all of the kinks that she encountered along the way. Ms. Pols hooked up one night with a younger man that she had just met at a bar. She had a good time but realized that they were at very different places in their lives -- he was in his late 20s and didn't even have a steady job. They didn't really stay in touch much after the hook-up, until a few weeks later when she discovered that she was pregnant. As a 39 year old woman who knew she wanted a child, she figured this might be her last chance to have one so she decides to keep the baby.

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE is Ms. Pols' first book; however, she is not a stranger to the written word. She has been a film reviewer for many years before deciding to undertake a book writing career. I found ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE to be very readable, and I became caught up in Ms. Pols' life (and her predicament) right from the start. I was very impressed with storytelling abilities and her writing style, but I think I was more impressed with her honesty. There are parts of this story that aren't exactly flattering towards Ms. Pols, yet she told this story in a very real and upfront manner. I didn't feel as if she were holding anything back! What I also really liked about this book was how she managed to tell this story with so much wit. Her writing was extremely smart and funny while also being insightful.

I expected this book to tell me the story of Ms. Pols' pregnancy and her transition into motherhood as well as her relationship issues with the father (and it definitely was); but what I didn't expect was how much of this story would be about the relationship between Ms. Pols and her parents. I was deeply touched by how Ms. Pols wrote about her aging parents and how she dealt with these changes. I really appreciated how Ms. Pols was able to open up to the reader about everything that was happening in her life and how it affected her -- trying to figure out her relationships, becoming a first time mother, and losing her parents. She definitely managed to go through a lot in just a short period of time -- and survive! I found her story to be rather inspiring at times.

And here's some exciting news! In September, CBS will start airing the sitcom "Accidentally on Purpose" starring Jenna Elfman which is based on Ms. Pol's book. I am thrilled that CBS is planning on having an exclusive screening date for bloggers along with a live video chat with Jenna Elfman and Ms. Pols, and other folks from the cast sometime during the second week in September. I am hoping to participate, and I have to admit that I can hardly wait to see this book brought to life.

Make sure you stop by tomorrow because Ms Pols will be answering a few of my questions. Plus, I will be giving away a copy of her very entertaining memoir ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE.

Check out this video which will give you a little more information about the book:



Thanks to Claire from SallyAnne McCartin & Associates for sending me a copy of this book.

Hachette Back-to-School Book Giveaway

I don't know about you, but I'm starting to think that summer is almost over and the kids will be going back to school before I know it. Depending on the day, that can either make me very happy or a little weepy!

Hachette Book Group wants to help their readers celebrate their shared love of learning/reading with a very special giveaway of five thought-inspiring books for parents.

Here are the books that you can win:

1. NURTURESHOCK by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
2. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD-GRADE KIND by Phillip Done
3. IN CHEAP WE TRUST by Lauren Weber
4. THE LOVE REVOLUTION by Joyce Meyer
5. SIX PIXELS OF SEPARATION by Mitch Joel

I will be picking up to five winners depending on how many entries I receive for this contest. For every 20 entries, I will pick one winner. That means I need a total of 100 entries or more to pick five winners! If you would like to win a set of these books, all you have to do is leave a comment with a valid e-mail address telling me your a little bit about your favorite teacher. To double or triple your chances, you can blog and/or tweet about this contest with a link back to this post. This contest will be open until September 6th at 11:59 p.m. EST, and I will notify the winners the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. and Canada mailing addresses only -- no p.o. boxes please. Good luck!