Review: The Lonely Hearts Club & Giveaway

Summary: Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice... and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways -- which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like.... -- Point

It seems like lately I've read a ton of middle grade fiction and not a lot of young adult books. I think because I have a middle grade daughter, I'm enjoying reading books that are geared towards her age group. That's not to say, though, that I don't adore YA books -- because I do. In fact, it's books like THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB by Elizabeth Eulberg that make me realize how wonderful YA books can be.

THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB epitomizes everything that I think a YA book should! The book is extremely readable, the characters are interesting, and there is ultimately a good message in the story. I truly recommend this book for young girls (and even some "young-at-heart" adults.) Even though I am definitely not the target audience for this story, I was totally drawn into the book and actually read it in one day.

One of the reasons that I really enjoyed this book is that I loved the character of Penny Lane. Even though I am a 40 year old mother, I could still relate to Penny. In fact, anyone who has ever been through middle school or high school, and who has been hurt by a guy can relate to many of her feelings. I mean -- what young girl hasn't wanted to swear off boys? I think many girls who read this novel will find value in Penny's experiences, and I also believe that Penny's actions will remain in their thoughts. I can only hope that young readers will walk away from this book with a better life perspective.

As a mother, I really appreciated all of the messages about being true to one's self. And, I especially liked how all of the girls learned what should be important in their lives -- mainly the value of female friendships. I can only hope when I let my daughter read this book (and it will be a few years because there is a teeny tiny bit that I don't think she is ready for) that she will see that her feelings of insecurity about boys is entirely normal and that she will realize that there are nice guys out there. I also desperately hope that she will remember that she should never, ever drop her girlfriends for a guy!

I thought the author, Elizabeth Eulberg, did a fantastic job with THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB. I was surprised to find out that this was her debut novel. Needless to say, I think she's got a big future for her in writing novels. Not only did she tell a very entertaining story and develop very interesting characters, but she also made me laugh -- a lot. As a Beatle fan, I enjoyed how she wove the themes of the Beatles hit songs into the story. In addition, I loved how she portrayed Penny's parents, and I really loved how Penny reacted to them. While Penny's parents did embarrass her at times (isn't that our jobs are parents?), she had a very healthy relationship with them and her parents were extremely supportive of their daughter.

There is a great video clip of the author discussing her book. Make sure you take a peek because I think it really gives you a sense of this novel:



I enjoyed this book so much, and I'm very excited that I can share it with a few of you! Thanks to the publisher and Big Honcho Media, I have three copies of THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB to giveaway. To enter, just leave a comment (with a way to contact you) telling me your favorite Beatles song. To double or even triple your chances, you can blog and/or tweet about this contest with a link back to this post. This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail.) This contest is open until Sunday, January 17th at 11:59 p.m. ET, and I will notify the winners the following day. Good luck!

Thanks to Big Honcho Media for sending me a review copy.

It's Back....The Game On! Diet

Summary: The Game On! Diet is not a diet. It's a bold new approach to fitness that turns the latest, smartest, most successful health science into a fun, fierce, and exhilarating game. Developed by Az Ferguson, to help Grey's Anatomy writer Krista Vernoff shed forty pounds of postpregnancy weight, it is the ideal program for busy people who should be working out but have a thousand good excuses not to.

Az keeps you motivated and Krista keeps you laughing as they show you how to organize opposing teams, set goals, and compete to earn points for daily exercise, healthy meal plans, and positive lifestyle changes. With The Game On! Diet, the process of losing weight, for the first time ever, is actually fun. After all, what's better than a bikini body . . . and bragging rights?

Get out there and lose . . . to win! Game on! -- Harper

Last summer, some fellow book bloggers and I participated in the Game On! Diet based on the book THE GAME ON! DIET: KICK YOUR FRIEND'S BUTT WHILE SHRINKING YOUR OWN by Az Ferguson and Krista Vernoff. As far as diets go, it was a pretty cool concept for losing weight; and I did enjoy the friendly (and not-so-friendly competition.) I had a fair amount of success last time and for the most part kept almost all of the pounds off, but I've noticed that the holidays have not been good to the old butt, tummy and hips! Now I know it wasn't the holidays that were the problem but my lack of willpower for desserts, wine and other goodies that have made me a little thicker around the middle.

Just in case you don't remember from last time, here's the premise in a nutshell:

Rather than focus on losing weight, you get to focus on winning points -- this idea definitely appeals to the competitive side of my personality. You can earn a maximum of 100 points a day for doing the following:

1) 30 Meal Points - 6 points per meal -no snacks
2) 20 Exercise Points - 20 minutes of exercise per day
3) 10 Water Points - 3 liters a day
4) 15 Sleep Points - at least 7 hours a night
5) 20 Transformation Points - 10 points for a healthy new habit and 10 points for dropping an old unhealthy one
6) 5 Communication Points - being in contact with your team members every day

You can also lose points if you:
1) 10 Points - snack between meals
2) 20 Points - if you collude with another player
3) 25 Points - alcohol penalty per portion

The diet does cut you some slack:
1) One day off a week when you don't have to follow any of the rules
2) One meal off a week when you can eat what you want and have one unit of alcohol
3) Each day you can have 100 calories of anything as a bonus treat

Since the snack cake teams had so much fun last time, many of the original players are back along with a few newbies! There are three teams; and we will compete against each other to see which team gets the most points. Of course, I am a returning Ding Dong -- the reigning champions!

Ding Dongs

Ti of Book Chatter
Amy of My Friend Amy
Jill of Rhapsody in Books
Molly of My Cozy Book Nook
Julie of Booking Mama

Twinkies

Dawn of She Is Too Fond of Books
Natasha/Vasilly of Classic Vasilly
Candace/Beth F of Beth Fish Reads
Jennifer of The Literate Housewife Review
Jenners of Find Your Next Book Here
Jenn of Jenn’s Bookshelves

Ho Hos

J.T. of BiblioFreakBlog
Jen of Devourer of Books
Pam of Bookalicio.us
Sandy of You’ve GOTTA Read This
Laurie (blogless at this time)

Our challenge begins tomorrow, January 4th and and runs for four weeks. Many of the participants will be blogging regularly and tweeting to keep everyone in the loop about our efforts.) You can follow our discussion on twitter by using the hashtag #gameondiet. We haven't worked out all the details, but there are going to be prizes!

I have to admit that I am really not in the mood to start dieting, but I know I need to. Once I get started, I will definitely be in 100% (hear that? Twinkies and Ho Hos.) There are a few things that I am dreading like giving up diet soda -- I am so addicted! At least, I can still have my coffee and iced tea. The exercise part is going to be a little more difficult for me this time because I haven't been working out or running regularly, and I have a hard time finding the time to go to the gym everyday. I'm thinking I might get up at 6:00 and just get it over with!

As far as the Transformation Points go, I am definitely not looking forward to this part. Since the habits didn't stick from last time, I am doing the same ones again. For my healthy habit, I am going to do five Sun Salutations each day. For my unhealthy habit that I need to kick, I'm going to stay off of my computer for two hours a day and spend more time with my family. I really didn't want to take on this part of the challenge again, but I figure if it "hurts" this much, it must be the right one to give up for four weeks!

Hey Twinkies and Ho Hos -- it's GAME ON!

Just One More Challenge...The Memorable Memoir Challenge

I obviously can't say no...Not that I even want to for this challenge. Melissa from The Betty and Boo Chronicles is hosting The Memorable Memoir Challenge 2010!

Here are the details straight from the challenge post:

1. The Memorable Memoir Challenge will be hosted here on The Betty and Boo Chronicles.

2. The challenge will run from January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010. You're welcome to join anytime.

2. Memoirs, letters, diaries, and autobiographies count as reads for this challenge. (Basically, if you think it is the stuff of memoir, it counts.)

3. Overlaps with other challenges are allowed. Audiobooks and e-books are also allowed.

4. Participants are encouraged to read at least 4 memoirs/diaries/letters/autobiography books in 2010. Of course, more are fine!

5. You're not required to make a list, but if you'd like to do so, I'd love your ideas and suggestions! I'll do a separate post with some thoughts, and will compile yours too. (Just leave them in the comments.)

6. If you'd like to join, simply sign up by using MckLinky below. If you want to do a special sign-up post on your blog, feel free ... but just the url of your blog is fine.

7. Feel free to grab the button (and join me in thanking the lovely and talented Florinda of The 3Rs Blog for making this gorgeous button for this challenge!)

Since Melissa doesn't require a listing of my four books, I'm going to be very relaxed for this challenge and just see how it goes! I love memoirs but I don't seem read many of them. I think this challenge is exactly what I need to get started!

Review: Just Eyewear

Update: Just Eyewear is offering a 5% discount for Booking Mama readers. Just enter the code BOOKINGMAMA at checkout.

Since the end of the year was approaching (and the end of our vision insurance coverage), I decided to have my first eye exam in almost 20 years! I know, I know -- why the long wait? Well, you see I have never had an vision problems at all....until I reached the big 4-0!

I was pretty sure that I was going to get a clean bill of health (is that what it's called when it's an eye exam?) and learn that I needed mild reading glasses. I was right about part of that -- I do need mild reading glasses (1.0+). But I also found out that I have a minor astigmatism. The optometrist recommended that I wear glasses to help with both issues.

After spending over an hour trying on different styles at the optical store, I got an estimate for single vision glasses. I thought I had really good vision coverage, so I was absolutely astounded that the glasses were still going to cost me around $100! Basically, that $100 was for some cute frames with single vision lenses. I apologized and told the salesperson that I would have to think about it -- I wasn't sure I could justify spending that much money for souped up reading glasses.

So, I was absolutely thrilled when Just Eyewear contacted me and offered me a pair of glasses with single vision polycarbonate lenses to test. Needless to say, I thought the timing was perfect! As you can see from the picture above, I picked out a very cute frame in burgundy and cream. I actually liked Just Eyewear's selection and prices so much that I ordered a brown pair too for under $30! In fact, Just Eyewear's average pair of glasses costs less than $40 including lenses.

I have been very happy with both pairs of glasses. I understand that it can be a little scary ordering glasses online, but Just Eyewear has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee -- if you don't like your glasses for any reason, you will get all of your money back, no questions asked. Their goal is for "every customer to love their glasses."

In addition, Just Eyewear has an Eyeglass Guide which answers questions including "How to Choose the Perfect Frame" as well as "How to Read Your Prescription." I was impressed by how quickly the glasses shipped and that the shipping only cost $4.95. Even better, Just Eyewear occasionally offers coupon codes including ones for free shipping! The entire process couldn't have been easier and more customer-oriented.

As much as I hate to admit this (because it means I'm getting old), I have started to wear my glasses when I read and I've noticed a big difference. My husband has told me to stop fighting it and to just give in to needing reading glasses. He's so right, but I'm not going to tell him that!

Review: Black Angels

Summary: The compelling story of three young orphans who must survive on their own during the Civil War.

It’s near the end of the war, and rumors of emancipation are swirling. Eleven-year-old Luke decides to run away to freedom and join the Union Army. But he doesn’t find the Yankee troops he was hoping for. Instead, he finds nine-year-old Daylily, lost in the woods after suffering an unspeakable tragedy. Her master set her free, but freedom so far has her scared and alone.

Also lost in the woods is seven-year-old Caswell, the son of a plantation owner. He was only trying to find his Mamadear after the Yankees burned their house with all their fine things. He wanted to be brave. But alone in the woods with two slave children, he quickly loses all his courage, and comes to greatly depend upon his new friends. In the chaos and violence that follows, the three unrelated children discover a bond in each other stronger than family.

A touching, beautifully written narrative, Black Angels is a riveting, special read. -- Putnam

BLACK ANGELS by Linda Beatrice Brown is one of those books that just blew me away. I don't know what I was expecting when I started reading this middle grade novel that takes place during the Civil War, but I absolutely treasured this story. BLACK ANGELS really is one of those books that is written for younger readers, but I can honestly say that I think readers of any age will appreciate this story.

There are so many wonderful things I could say about this book, but I think the most telling thing about this novel is that I can't stop thinking about it. This book is guaranteed to touch your heart. As a mother, I think I was especially affected because the book involved three young children who were struggling to survive during the Civil War. Each child was left to their own devices for different (equally horrific) reasons, but they came together and watched out for each other. Time and time again, I just wanted to weep for what these poor children had seen and what they had to face. It was so discouraging to me that they lost their innocence at such a young age.

There is no doubt that this book is a heartwarming story, though. I loved how the author managed to show the strength and resilience of these children. They faced one hardship after another, and yet they kept on going -- I don't know of many adults who could persevere like they had. I absolutely adored how they valued each others' friendships, and their sense of loyalty was extremely commendable. The author also showed the importance of faith (and even prayer) in the characters' lives. During the time when I read this novel, there were many times that I found myself thinking about the characters and their actions.

I was thoroughly impressed with Ms. Brown's writing style and her ability to tell this wonderful story. BLACK ANGELS is her first middle grade novel, but she absolutely nailed it as far as I'm concerned. This book not only was an extremely interesting adventure story that will appeal to children, but it was also a book that was filled with so many important lessons. I think BLACK ANGELS is one of those books that allows the lines of communication to open between parents and children. There are so many themes and concepts that can be addressed together after reading this novel including prejudice, slavery, faith, friendship, family, perseverance, and loyalty to name a few.

I absolutely can't wait to share BLACK ANGELS with my daughter. It is just the type of book that I loved as a girl and one that I think she should be reading. The story is very interesting , plus I think she can learn a great deal about the Civil War time period through the pages of this book. BLACK ANGELS would also make a fantastic book for teachers to use in the classroom -- the author includes a page with additional material for teachers on her website. This book has so many topics that lend themselves to further discussion; and as a result, it would be an excellent discussion book for book clubs.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC of this novel.

2009 Holiday Reading Challenge - Completed

For the 2009 Holiday Reading Challenge hosted by Nely at All About {n}, I needed to read one to five holiday-themed books by December 31, 2009. I was on a major Christmas book binge, and I actually read and reviewed nine books that counted towards this challenge!

Here are the links to my reviews:

THE CHRISTMAS CLOCK
THE CHRISTMAS PEARL
CHRISTMAS CAKE
THE BODY IN THE SLEIGH
THE CHRISTMAS SECRET
SECRETS OF A CHRISTMAS BOX
THE CHRISTMAS DOG
THE UNFINISHED GIFT
WISHIN' AND HOPIN'

Another challenge out of the way! Now I need to focus on a few that I'm not doing so well on!

Books Won Reading Challenge

It's that time of year....Book Challenges. I just found another one that I can't resist -- the Books Won Reading Challenge hosted by Teddy Rose from So Many Precious Books, So Little Time.

Here's the scoop straight from Teddy Rose's mouth:

This is a new challenge I have come up with to read and review some of the books I have won from other bloggers. The reason publishing companies supply books for book bloggers to give away is to get word out about the books and create buzz. I feel bad that I haven't read many of the book I have won and want to make an effort to read them in 2010.

If you would like to join me, here are the levels:

Honorable Mention: Read 1-3 book you won.
Bronze: Read 4-6 books you won.
Silver: Read 7-9 Books you won.
Gold: Read 10 or more books you won.

The Rules:

1. You must write a review for each book that you read for it to count. If you do not have a blog you can write your reviews on a place like Amazon, Powell's, Chapters, etc. 2.Crossovers with other challenges are okay.

3. Audiobooks count, as long as you won them. As do won e-books.

4. You can change up levels but cannot go back down a level.

5. Make a list of the books won that you plan to read for the challenge. You can always make changes to the list.

To sign up, leave a direct link to your blog post about this challenge , using Mr. Linky below. Please leave a comment as well.

Please subscribe to my blog, as I will be doing a monthly post with MR Linky. Please add your reviews for each month in MR Linky in the monthly post. For your Name, please use this format Name: (Your Name, Book Title and Author's Name) for example: (Teddy, Obsessive Reading by Helen Reader). Please be sure to use the direct link to your review, not just to your blog. Then please leave a comment.

I am going for the Bronze level (Read 4 - 6 books I've won) at a minimum. I'm hoping that I can use books read in this challenge towards some of my other challenges. If not, I'm in big trouble! The challenge runs from January 2 through December 31, 2010.

Here's my list (although it's subject to change):

THE OPPOSITE OF ME by Sarah Pekkanen
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BOWL by Susan May Warren
POSED FOR MURDER by Meredith Cole
THE SHIMMER by David Morrell

This challenge sounds like a lot of fun, and I can definitely use an incentive for reading some of my books in my TBR pile!