I Won Again!

This definitely goes on record as one of my luckiest weeks, as far as winning books in concerned. I found out first thing this morning that I won a copy of THE MONSTERS OF TEMPLETON from Girls Just Reading. Please check out their blog -- I just love it! They have lots and lots of summaries and reviews on good books. It's a great place to get ideas for future reads or even possible bookclub selections. As I mentioned here yesterday, I have been anxiously awaiting THE MONSTERS OF TEMPLETON'S release on February 5th. It looks like a book that I'm sure to love. After checking out the reading guide, I'm sure it would also make for a great bookclub discussion.

Girls Just Reading Contest

Fortunately for me, I can across a great blog today Girls Just Reading. I count myself "lucky" for two reasons: 1) I love the blog and all the reviews, and 2) they are having a contest today (and I LOVE contests for free books). If you visit their site and leave a comment before the end of today, you will be entered to win a copy of THE MONSTERS OF TEMPLETON. This book is definitely on my short-list of books to read! Good luck to all of you!

Random House Reader's Circle

One of my absolute favorite websites is Random House Reader's Circle. I love getting new reading ideas from the books they feature, and my bookclub has actually read quite a few of their books. You can "Join the Circle" where you register your bookclub and receive a free copy of their Book Club Companion in the mail. Occasionally, you might even receive free books or Advance Reader Copies (if you're lucky). While you're there, you should also sign up for their monthly newsletter which provides terrific suggestions for bookclubs. Check out the Reading Our Readers section at the bottom of January's newsletter, and you will see a comment by me! Of course all of the books featured have reading guides which are also available on this site, and many of the books' authors are available for author chats. Enjoy!

I've Been Tagged!

My new friend Lisa from Books on the Brain has just tagged me with five questions for a Travel Reading Meme. She is heading to Vegas in a few days (I'm so jealous) and wants some ideas for good reads on trips. Unfortunately for me, my husband and I never go anywhere besides a few days a year at the Jersey Shore and occasional day trips to my parents' and grandparents' homes. I thought this was a fun exercise, and I enjoyed thinking about her questions. I can't wait to check back on her site and see what everyone else said!

1. What book are you reading right now? Do you like it?

I am reading The Tortilla Curtain by TC Boyle because it is the selection for my February bookclub. Having said that, I did read it a few years ago and I wasn't blown away by it. I am about halfway through it this time; and while I wouldn't say that I love it, I definitely have a better appreciation of what the author is trying to do with the book. I do think it will make a great discussion book at next month's bookclub!

2. What was the last book you read on a plane?

This is a really hard one for me since I can't even remember the last time I flew anywhere. I think it was a trip to Disneyworld about four and a half years ago. Since I was flying with my husband and four year old daughter, I don't think I actually got any reading done on the plane. Prior to that, I went to New Orleans about six years ago (I know -- pretty sad)! I remember reading Lisa Jewell's Thirty Nothing (obviously a very light read) during that trip.

3. What was the last book you read on a roadtrip?

I think I can answer this one a little better. Over Labor Day weekend, we went to Ocean City, NJ, and I read Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reich. I also read Roots (our September bookclub selection -- not something I would usually read at the beach) by Alex Haley, and The Last Summer of You and Me by Ann Brashares

4. What is the most unusual place you found yourself reading?

I'm probably pretty boring on this one too. Although I always have a book with me, I guess I'd have to say in the bleachers during a Major League playoff game. I have to add that I do love baseball, but I was reading a really good book!

5. What books would you take to keep you occupied on a 2 week vacation to the beach?

Wow - a two week vacation! Is that with or without kids? I would probably take some books that I could "get lost" in like Anna Karenina, Sense and Sensibility, and maybe some of my new "winnings" that I mentioned in earlier posts.

My Favorite New Cookbook

I admit that I have an obsession with all types of books, but I especially love leafing through cookbooks. I definitely don't do gourmet (that's up to my husband), but I do want to feed my family somewhat healthy dinners. That's why I'm so excited that my sister-in-law recommended The Six O'Clock Scramble: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious Dinner Recipes for Busy Families by Aviva Goldfarb. What mom is not totally busy around dinnertime with kids getting home from school, homework, and evening activites? This book has such healthy, simple recipes that I've been cooking almost every night during January (think: New Year's Resolution to cook more). The cookbook is divided into 52 weeks of recipes according to seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer; and the author tailors the meals for what's in season. I've just begun trying recipes from this book, but so far I've had some pretty good results. Some of our favorites include Salmon in a Foil Packet, Light Cheese Tortellini with Broccoli, and Ginger Chicken. One of my favorite things about this cookbook is that the recipes use mainly fresh (healthy) ingredients that even my 3 year old with severe food allergies can eat. In addition to the cookbook, Ms. Goldfarb also has a website where you can learn more about the cookbook and get a paid subscription to her weekly newsletter.

B&N First Look Book Club

This afternoon Barnes and Noble announced their March selection for the First Look Book Club. It will be THE SISTER by Poppy Adams. The First Look Book Club is a great opportunity to receive an Advanced Reader Copy, absolutely free of charge, months before the book is published. Enrollment began today and space is limited, so visit the website and register soon if you are interested. THE SISTER, which will be released in June 2008, is the story of two sisters who are brought together for a weekend after a decades long estrangement. I was fortunate enough to participate in the last First Look Book Club - THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON - and had a wonderful time "discussing" the book with so many people. I am still waiting for final notification that I will be a participant, but I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed. If THE SISTER is half as good as THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON, it will be a great read!

I Won Another Contest

I don't know what's going on, but I like it! I just found out that I won another free book from a contest on Author Buzz. This time, it's JEZEBEL by Lesley Hazleton. This book is a biography about the rise and fall of Jezebel, the ancient queen of Israel who had a reputation for being a harlot. Ms. Hazleton takes a different approach to the traditional bible version of the story (that Jezebel was framed), so it should provide for a great discussion. I'm thinking that this book might be a terrific book club pick, especially if you're looking for a change from fiction. Just in case you're interested, I have provided a link for the reading guide.