Giveaway: Louisa May Alcott Book & DVD

Summary: In a fresh, modern take on the remarkable Louisa May Alcott, Harriet Reisen’s vivid biography explores the author’s life in the context of her works, many of which are to some extent autobiographical. Although Alcott secretly wrote pulp fiction, harbored radical abolitionist views, and served as a Civil War nurse, her novels went on to sell more copies than those of Herman Melville and Henry James. Stories and details culled from Alcott’s journals, together with revealing letters to family, friends, and publishers, plus recollections of her famous contemporaries provide the basis for this lively account of the author’s classic rags-to-riches tale. In Louisa May Alcott, the extraordinary woman behind the beloved American classic Little Women is revealed as never before. -- Picador

Thanks to the fine folks at Picador, I have a paperback copy of the critically acclaimed LOUISA MAY ALCOTT: THE WOMAN BEHIND LITTLE WOMEN by Harriet Reisen and a DVD of the PBS documentary based on the book to give away to one lucky reader! I have been dying to read this book, especially after seeing so many fantastic reviews; and I've heard the documentary is terrific as well. If you want to learn more about LOUISA MAY ALCOTT: THE WOMAN BEHIND LITTLE WOMEN, then check out Ms. Reisen's Facebook page. There are some fantastic resources available including a reading guide, a video, and a photo gallery.

To enter this giveaway, just fill out the form below before December 2nd at 11:59 p.m. ET. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This giveaway is open to those of you in the U.S only. Good luck!

Review: ZooBorns

Summary: ZooBorns showcases the newest and cutest animal babies from accredited zoos and aquariums around the world. With interesting animal facts and background stories on the featured babies, ZooBorns illustrates the connections between zoo births and conservation initiatives in the wild. -- Simon & Schuster

Our family isn't one for pets (mainly because of allergies), but we do enjoy animals. And really, there aren't many things cuter than baby animals. I think that's the reason I was so attracted to ZOOBORNS: THE NEWEST, CUTEST ANIMALS FROM THE WORLD'S ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS by Andrew Bleiman and Chris Eastland. It's a tiny book filled with beautiful photographs of newly born animals!

I have looked through this book a number of times already, as have my kids; and each page is cuter than the next. I am absolutely in love with the Pygmy Hippopotamus and White Rhinoceros. But it's honestly hard to choose which baby animal is the most precious. They are all so cute!

Of course, the first thing that struck me about this book were the awesome photos, but I also really appreciated that this book is educational. For each new baby animal, there are not only statistics about the individual animal, but there is also general information about the species. In addition, this book features many animals who are at risk in the wild and there are explanations of conservation strategies being used to save them. The authors are dedicated to education the public and offering these animals hope. In fact, they have committed 10% of all revenue to go directly to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Conservation Endowment Fund.

It was only after I read this book that I discovered that there is a ZooBorns website! If you want to get a look at some of these adorable animals (and learn more about endangered animals), then I definitely suggest taking a peek. I have to warn you that I found the site to be a time drain because I was fascinated by these critters!

ZOOBORNS isn't actually geared towards children, but ZOOBORNS!: ZOO BABIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD is. However, I think kids will just adore this book. The little ones will love the cute photos and older children will love learning about endangered species and what's being done to help them. As a mom, I love that there are books like ZOOBORNS out there educating us about these at-risk animals. I believe that the more we know about these animals, the more involved we can become in their future.

Thanks to FSB Associates for sending me a copy of this book.

Review: The Perfect Love Song

Summary: Jimmy Sullivan has been living on the road with his brother, Jack, and his band The Unknown Souls. Without a place to call home, Jimmy and Jack lead a nomadic life filled with music and anonymous cities. When they return to a place Jimmy never wants to see again—their old hometown of Seaboro, South Carolina—he falls in love with Charlotte Carrington. With his soul now filled with hope, Jimmy writes his first love song. When he performs it at a holiday concert to a standing ovation, the lyrics are dubbed the "Perfect Love Song," so much so that Jimmy finds himself going on tour with famous country music stars, catapulted into a world where the trappings of fame and fortune reign supreme. All too soon, the hope that had once inspired Jimmy to write such beautiful, genuine lyrics is overshadowed by what the song can do for him and his career. In his thirst for recognition, he agrees to miss Jack’s wedding in Ireland to sing at a Christmas Eve concert. And his ties to Charlotte seem to be ever so quickly slipping away. Is it too late to find his way to Ireland, to his brother, and to love? -- Vanguard

I'm having so much fun reading Christmas books this year. One that I really enjoyed was THE PERFECT LOVE SONG by Patti Callahan Henry. I have to admit that I've never read a book by Ms. Henry before because I'm not a big romance fan, but I do seem to be drawn to almost any holiday-themed novel! For some reason, I like the warm fuzzies that these books give me during this very-hectic time of the year. Plus, it's a very quick read since it comes in under 200 pages (it's actually more of a novella.) And an added bonus -- this book counted for Kathy/Bermudaonion's Okra Picks Challenge.

THE PERFECT LOVE SONG is actually a story about characters that appeared in another one of Ms. Henry's books WHEN LIGHT BREAKS. I guess Jimmy and Charlotte still had a story to tell! This novel definitely works as a stand-alone because the author does a great job of catching up the reader, but I did find myself wanting to read WHEN LIGHT BREAKS. There were just enough hints about the book and references to some delightful characters that made me want lo learn more.

What I enjoyed so much about THE PERFECT LOVE SONG is that it was a great escape read. The story was sweet as were the characters, and I loved all of the important messages about life and love. While I often times find stories like this one to be too predictable, I didn't find myself rolling my eyes over the characters' actions despite kind of knowing where the story was going to go. I think because I liked all of the main characters in this novel, I just enjoyed reading about them and sharing their experiences. I did like that the characters weren't flat, and I especially appreciated the complexity of Jimmy's character and his maturation throughout the story.

Call me a sucker for a heartwarming story, but THE PERFECT LOVE SONG just made me feel good. I enjoyed that this book was about the strength of love and marriage, but I also really liked that it showed the value of forgiveness, redemption and second chances. I also appreciated that this book made me think a little bit about what I find important in my life. One of the major messages of this book was the worth in realizing what will make you happy. Often times, it's not what we think -- as was the case with Jimmy!

THE PERFECT LOVE SONG would be a fantastic book club pick for the month of December. Not only is the story a sweet one with lots of opportunity for discussion, but it's a short book -- I know my group tries to pick an "easier" read during the holidays. In addition, Ms. Henry has included a recipe for Emerald Isle Shortbread so you could make tie-in your dessert with the story. There is a reading guide included in the back of my book; however, I couldn't find the questions on the publisher or author websites. Some of the topics you might want to discuss include friendship, love, marriage, parent/child relationships, priorities, forgiveness, acceptance, and second chances. I think you'll agree that the themes are perfect ones to think about during this time of the year.

Ms. Henry has a very fun contest going on right now which ties in perfectly with THE PERFECT LOVE SONG. You can test out your skills as a songwriter by finishing Jimmy's love song:

“I cannot find or define the moment you entered my heart. 
When you entered and turned a light on in the deepest part…”

American country music songwriter Dallas Davidson will be judging the entries to find "The Perfect Love Song," and the winner receives $250 American Express Gift Card! Good luck!

If you are looking for a sweet story that will warm your heart this holiday season, then I recommend checking out THE PERFECT LOVE SONG.

Thanks to Wunderkind PR for providing me with a review copy of this book.

Book Club Exchange: Alice Eve Cohen

Yesterday, I reviewed a fantastic memoir called WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW by Alice Eve Cohen. This book touched me deeply and I honestly can't get it out of my mind. So I am extremely honored that Ms. Cohen agreed to write something for my Book Club Exchange feature. I hope you find her experience as a co-chair for her public school's Diversity Committee and Diversity Book Club as interesting as I did.

DIVERSITY BOOK CLUB

Promoting social justice at a NYC public school

After fifteen years, I’ve finally graduated from elementary school!

What I mean to say is that I was an elementary school parent for the past fifteen years; my older daughter is now a junior in college, and my younger daughter just started middle school this fall.  As I reflect on my long career as an NYC elementary public school mom, I am particularly proud to have co-chaired PS 199’s Diversity Committee and Diversity Book Club.

We began the Diversity Book Club with the goal of creating a forum for parents to discuss diversity-related issues that affected our school and our larger community. The Committee’s mission is to celebrate diversity, nurture tolerance and acceptance, and challenge assumptions—in our school community and in the world. We broadly defined diversity to encompass differences in culture, race, religion, language, learning styles, physical and mental abilities, political beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomics.

The response from parents, teachers and administration to our book club discussions exceeded our expectations, with over thirty parents and staff, including the school’s principal, regularly showing up at our evening meetings to engage in conversations about challenging and sometimes controversial books. I should add that pizza and childcare, compliments of the PTA, contributed to the Diversity Book Club’s popularity.

The themes of the books we read inspired participants to share very personal reflections about how their own family grappled with difficult issues. For example, when we discussed the novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, which is narrated by a fifteen-year-old autistic boy, two parents in our group shared their experiences raising children on the autistic spectrum. To encourage open discussion and protect privacy, we set a ground rule for participation. As they say in Las Vegas, “What happens in the book club stays in the book club.”

Each book club meeting was moderated by two or more committee members, who came up with a list of questions to spark discussion. We made a concerted effort to give everyone, even the shyest parents in the room, an opportunity to speak. All of the books we selected sparked two full hours of discussion—fruitful conversations that continued in the schoolyard throughout the school year.

I was honored when the Diversity committee selected my memoir, What I Thought I Knew, to be their book club selection last fall. I’d been a guest author at several book club discussions of my book, but this was the first time I’d been asked to view the book through the lens of diversity. This frame yielded a rich discussion about a family with adopted and biological children, a culturally and religiously mixed marriage, a child with special needs. A wonderful Readers Guide for my book can be found on the Penguin website: http://us.penguingroup.com/static/rguides/us/what_i_thought_i_knew.html

To date, the PS 199 Diversity Book Club has discussed ten books (listed below), chosen after much discussion, research and collaborative input.  Every one of these books generated lively discussion, which ultimately had a positive impact on the school community. Now that I’ve finally graduated (well, my 6^th grade daughter has), I’m enjoying the exchange of ideas and resources between the diversity committees at my daughter’s elementary school and at her middle school.

I hope that readers of this blog will find this list of books valuable. I encourage you to consider them for your book clubs.

FOR ADULT DISCUSSION:

A Mind at a Time, by Mel Levine
Blessing of the Skinned Knee, by Wendy Mogel, PhD

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to his White Mother, by James McBride
Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls, by Rachel Simmons
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, by Alison Bechdel
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?  by Beverly Daniel Tatum, PhD
What I Thought I Knew, by Alice Eve Cohen
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, by Mark Haddon

FOR FAMILY DISCUSSION:
Kampung Boy, by Lat, a graphic novel

*****

Alice Eve Cohen is a solo theatre artist, playwright, and memoirist. Her memoir, What I Thought I Knew (Viking, 2009) won the Elle's Lettres 2009 Grand Prix for Nonfiction, it was selected as one of Oprah Magazine’s 25 Best Books of Summer, and has been optioned for a television movie by Lifetime. She has written for Nickelodeon, PBS, and CBS. Her plays have been presented at theatres throughout the country, and she has toured her solo theatre works internationally. Her writing about arts in education has been published in nine languages. The recipient of fellowships and grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, she holds a BA from Princeton University and an MFA from The New School. She teaches at The New School in New York City.

You can find her on Facebook and Twitter.

I am so grateful to Ms. Cohen for writing this wonderful guest post about her experience with the Diversity Book Club. If you are interested in participating in a future Book Club Exchange, please contact me at bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com.

Review: What I Thought I Knew

Summary: Alice Cohen was happy for the first time in years. After a difficult divorce, she had a new love in her life, she was rais­ing a beloved adopted daughter, and her career was blossoming. Then she started experiencing mysterious symptoms. After months of tests, x-rays, and inconclusive diagnoses, Alice underwent a CAT scan that revealed the truth: she was six months pregnant.

At age forty-four, with no prenatal care and no insurance coverage for a high-risk pregnancy, Alice was besieged by opinions from doctors and friends about what was ethical, what was loving, what was right. With the intimacy of a diary and the suspense of a thriller, What I Thought I Knew is a ruefully funny, wickedly candid tale; a story of hope and renewal that turns all of the "knowns" upside down. -- Penguin

When I decided to read WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW by Alice Eve Cohen, I wasn't entirely sure that it was going to be a memoir that I'd appreciate. Despite being chosen as the Winner of the Elle Magazine Literary Grand Prix as well as receiving rave reviews from Oprah Magazine, I had a feeling that it was going to be a difficult read for me for a few reasons. I was concerned that I would be bothered by some of the author's opinions about her pregnancy and her child, and to be quite honest, I wasn't sure I even wanted to go there.

I was completely and utterly wrong about this book. WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW was a terrific read that had me experiencing so many intense emotions including shock, anger, outrage, heartbreak, and finally admiration. Alice Even Cohen finds herself 44 years old and six months pregnant -- when she supposedly is infertile. To further complicate things, she has not-so-great insurance along with a very high risk pregnancy. And if that's not enough, she learns that he baby girl she is carrying just might be born with some male parts. Believe it or not, all of this action occurs within the first half of the book.

Once the baby arrives, Ms. Cohen has a whole new set of problems to face like a baby who is failing to thrive and seems to have a serious disability. In addition, Ms. Cohen is facing some very severe post-partum depression -- who could really blame her? As incredible as Ms. Cohen's story is, the real beauty of this book is the way she tells her story. This relatively short book (less than 200 pages) is indeed a little gem!

I was genuinely surprised by how much this book affected me. Of course, elements of Ms. Cohen's story are a mother's worst nightmare. And I couldn't help but put myself in her shoes while reading this book. I have no idea how I would have handled what Ms. Cohen experienced, and I don't even want to think about it. I just know that I commend her for sharing her touching story. But WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW wasn't all sad and depressing for me. I loved how much this book demonstrated the unexpected beauty of becoming a mother. Some of Ms. Cohen's prose about the love she shares with both of her daughters brought tears to my eyes.

I was impressed with Ms. Cohen's writing, but I was truly blown away by her honesty (and at times, brutal honesty) in telling her story. While I'm not entirely sure I would have handled some of her circumstances the way she did, I truly respected her opinions and couldn't blame her for her thoughts and actions. While there is no doubt that she had a fascinating story to tell, I still found her storytelling skills to be outstanding. She beautifully wrote her stranger-than-fiction story with the right amounts of poignancy and humor -- I honestly don't know how she managed that balance.

I really do think that WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW would make a marvelous book club selection. I think this book will resonate with every mother in some aspects, so for groups made up of moms (like mine), it would be perfect. Because of Ms. Cohen's honesty about her feelings towards her unborn child, there is bound to be some discussion about abortion and adoption. In addition, there is a reading guide available which will help keep the conversation on track. Some of the topics you might want to explore include motherhood, parenting, love, marriage, depression, law suits, and spirituality. I can assure you that the discussion won't be lacking for this book!

WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW is an amazing story (and an amazing book) and I highly recommend it. I'm pretty sure that your heartstrings will be tugged -- just like mine! Make sure you stop by tomorrow because Ms. Cohen has written a wonderful guest post.

Thanks to BookSparks PR and the publisher for providing a copy of this book.

Review: Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk (Audio)

Summary:  Featuring David Sedaris's unique blend of hilarity and heart, this new collection of keen-eyed animal-themed tales is an utter delight. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of everyday life.

In "The Toad, the Turtle, and the Duck," three strangers commiserate about animal bureaucracy while waiting in a complaint line. In "Hello Kitty," a cynical feline struggles to sit through his prison-mandated AA meetings. In "The Squirrel and the Chipmunk," a pair of star-crossed lovers is separated by prejudiced family members.

With original illustrations by Ian Falconer, author of the bestselling Olivia series of children's books, these stories are David Sedaris at his most observant, poignant, and surprising. -- Hachette Audio

I recently listened to HOLIDAYS ON ICE by David Sedaris (my review) and thought it was absolutely, positively hilarious. Of course, there were some parts that I thought were funnier than other ones; but overall, I laughed like a nut. Listening to David Sedaris read his essays is truly a great way to spend my workout time!

Needless to say, I couldn't wait to try another one of Sedaris' audiobooks. I decided to listen to SQUIRREL SEEKS CHIPMUNK: A MODEST BESTIARY, his newest release. In SQUIRREL SEEKS CHIPMUNK, Sedaris writes a variety of essays with animals as the main characters. To me, they sounded kind of like updated versions of fables; however, many of the stories took a rather dark turn. Unfortunately, this book didn't have quite the same effect on me as HOLIDAYS ON ICE.

That's not to say that I didn't find some of the stories entertaining, but I just didn't fully appreciate the type of humor in the book. Some of it was morbid and a little gross, and that's just not my thing -- we can chalk it up to my old age. In addition, I was a little disappointed that David Sedaris only read some of the essays. I have nothing against the other readers (in fact, there were quite good). It's just that I love Sedaris' voice and timing, and I wanted more of him!

Despite my misgivings, I will say that parts of this book were so clever and insightful -- more like what I was expecting from David Sedaris. While Sedaris used animals as the main characters in these stories, I couldn't help but notice how "human" they were. These animals exhibited so many of the traits, and yes quirks, of regular people; and these fable-type stories definitely demonstrated some important flaws that exist in human (and animal) behavior.

I do think that there will be a ton of David Sedaris fans out there who will love SQUIRREL SEEKS CHIPMUNK. I'm just afraid that my humor and intellect weren't quite sophisticated enough to appreciate all of these stories.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me this audiobook.

Giveaway: Happy Haulidays from Chronicle Books

Talk about a fantastic giveaway! I just learned that Chronicle Books is having a huge (and I mean HUGE) giveaway to celebrate the holiday season. I mean they are really going all out! Get a load of this:

Chronicle Books is giving away $500 worth of books to one blogger who posts a list of books that he/she wants to haul in. And, they are giving away that same set of books (that's right, $500 worth of books) to one person who comments on the winning blog. Winners will be announced on December 13th.

Needless to say, I was thrilled to learn about this contest and I immediately began searching their website to come up with books that appeal to me and my family. It wasn't easy because Chronicle has a huge amount of awesome books, but I think I've come up with a great assortment. I hope you will agree!

So, here we go:

Cookbooks

CAKE POPS

Summary: What's cuter than a cupcake? A cake pop, of course! Wildly popular blogger Bakerella (aka Angie Dudley) has turned cake pops into an international sensation! Cute little cakes on a stick from decorated balls to more ambitious shapes such as baby chicks, ice cream cones, and even cupcakes these adorable creations are the perfect alternative to cake at any party or get-together. Martha Stewart loved the cupcake pops so much she had Bakerella appear on her show to demonstrate making them. Now Angie makes it easy and fun to recreate these amazing treats right at home with clear step-by-step instructions and photos of more than 40 featured projects, as well as clever tips for presentation, decorating, dipping, coloring and melting chocolate, and much more.

MICHAEL CHIARELLO'S BOTTEGA

Summary: Michael Chiarello's fans have watched him on Top Chef Masters, the Food Network, and PBS. He's an Emmy Award winner and award-winning author, with combined cookbook sales of over 400,000 copies. Chiarello returns to the kitchen with a cookbook inspired by the soulful Southern Italian-style menu at his new Napa Valley restaurant, Bottega. It's rich with more than 120 photographs that convey the Bottega experience and 100 amazing recipes for Southern Italian specialties, which, with signature Chiarello style, are designed for the home cook to have as much easy joy cooking as eating. Bottega is Michael Chiarello at his best.

FLOUR

Summary: Every day 1,500 Bostonians can't resist buying sweet, simple treats such as Homemade Pop-Tarts, from an alumna of Harvard with a degree in economics. From Brioche au Chocolat and Lemon Raspberry Cake to perfect croissants, Flour Bakery-owner Joanne Chang's repertoire of baked goods is deep and satisfying. While at Harvard she discovered that nothing made her happier than baking cookies – leading her on a path that eventually resulted in a sticky bun triumph over Bobby Flay on the Food Network's Throwdown. Almost 150 Flour recipes such as Milky Way Tart and Dried Fruit Focaccia are included, plus Joanne's essential baking tips, making this mouthwatering collection an accessible, instant classic cookbook for the home baker.

I LOVE MACARONS

Summary: Cute-as-can-be, buttery macarons capture the whimsy and elegance of Paris, where they're traditionally served with tea or wrapped up in ribbon to give as a gift. But the secrets of making perfect macarons have long eluded home bakers—until now! In I Love Macarons, renowned Japanese pastry-maker Hisako Ogita brings her extensive experience to the art of baking macarons with fully illustrated foolproof step-by-step instructions. This charmingly designed guide is sure to have pastry lovers everywhere whipping up these colorful confections at home, using ordinary baking equipment and simple ingredients to create myriad flavors of perfection.

TARTINE

Summary: For the home or professional bread-maker, this is the book of the season. It comes from a man many consider to be the best bread baker in the United States: Chad Robertson, co-owner of Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, a city that knows its bread. To Chad, bread is the foundation of a meal, the center of daily life, and each loaf tells the story of the baker who shaped it. He developed his unique bread over two decades of apprenticeship with the finest artisan bakers in France and the United States, as well as experimentation in his own ovens. Readers will be astonished at how elemental it is. A hundred photographs from years of testing, teaching, and recipe development provide step-by-step inspiration, while additional recipes provide inspiration for using up every delicious morsel.

WHOOPIE PIES

Summary: Is it a cake? Is it a cookie? With such deliciously soft and sweet cream-filled snacks, does it matter? The Internet is abuzz with recipes and stories of whoopie pie folklore, while customers everywhere are descending on bakeries in droves demanding these delectable treats. This adorable volume—the only cookbook devoted entirely to whoopie pies—features more than 40 mix-and-match recipes, including the classic chocolate with marshmallow cream and a range of bright flavor combinations such as red velvet, green tea, pumpkin with a tangy cream cheese filling, and oatmeal with, yes, maple-bacon buttercream. With a puffy cover as soft as cake, plenty of color photos and hand-drawn illustrations, dozens of DIY decorating instructions, fun facts and baking tips, Whoopie Pies will make a welcome addition to any baker's bookshelf.

Crafty Books

THE SOCK KNITTING KIT

Summary:  This kit includes a helpful booklet with easy-to-follow instructions for completing six unique sock patterns, from simple to complex, plus a set of five double-pointed needles and enough yarn to create one pair of socks. Patterns include a basic unisex design, cheerleader peds with pom poms, socks for toddlers, chunky slipper socks, and two knee-high stockings.

CREEPY CUTE CROCHET

Summary:  If you're a fan of amigurumi, you already know that super-sweet crocheted bunnies and kitties and pandas have taken the indie craft world by storm. Well, the dolls in Creepy Cute Crochet eat your typical amigurumi for breakfast.

This unique craft book contains more than 25 patterns for zombies, ninjas, Vikings, vampires, aliens, robots, and even Death himself. Each easy-to-follow pattern is presented with step-by-step diagrams, hilarious commentary, and full-color photographs of the creatures in their natural environments. Plus each pattern is ranked according to difficulty so that even beginners can share in the fun.

The scary-cute photographs, accessible text, and illustrated patterns are sure to be a hit with indie crafters, angsty teens, and hip moms everywhere.

THE KNIT-IT KIT FOR KIDS

Summary: Knitting isn't just for Granny anymore! It's the latest craze among all ages, and the perfect way for kids to pass time on long car rides or when there’s nothing on TV. This kit is designed for absolute beginners and teaches all the basics of knitting. There's a detailed instruction booklet, a circular needle, a ball of yarn, and 10 pattern cards for the coolest knitted creations. Includes:
- Yarn
- 10 instruction cards
- Circular needle
- 36-page booklet

Fun Books for my Guys

THE SOUNDS OF STAR WARS

Summary: Any Star Wars fan can mimic Darth Vader's voice or Chewbacca's roar with ease. But how many of them would be able to identify the lion's roar used in the sound of the Millenium Falcon's engine? In this aurally astonishing and visually engaging book, New York Times best-selling author J. W. Rinzler reveals the illuminating history of the sounds that make the Star Wars universe so believable, as recounted by their creator, legendary sound designer Ben Burtt. An attached sound module with an exterior speaker and headphone jack lets readers listen to more than 250 unique sound effects, and more than 300 photographs illustrate the epic's many memorable scenes. From the first films to the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, The Sounds of Star Wars is Star Wars as you've never heard it before.

OBSESSED WITH STAR WARS

Summary: Even the most die-hard Star Wars fans will find themselves challenged by this entertaining new approach to the details of the saga. This fourth volume in the popular, addictive Obsessed With series again includes an innovative scoring module right in the book, so a player can select questions by number or at random and keep score. With 2,500 original questions covering little known facts, entertaining quotes, and tough trivia from all six episodes, Obsessed With Star Wars will have readers dominating the galaxy in no time.

OBSESSED WITH MARVEL

Summary: This latest title in the wildly successful Obsessed With series is the Marvel fanatic's ultimate challenge. More than just a trivia book, this interactive game includes an electronic scoring module that allows readers to quiz themselves or compete against a friend. With 2,500 questions covering the expansive Marvel Universe, it's easy to test who really knows the difference between Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2099. Featuring every character from the original Fantastic Four to Nick Fury's Howling Commandos to The Incredible Hulk, tidbits on legendary Marvel developers and artists, and artwork from the classic comics, Obsessed With Marvel is a treat for every comic book fan.

OBSESSED WITH BASEBALL

Summary: Obsessed with BASEBALL explores little known facts, fascinating anecdotes, and great trivia of America's national pastime. This comprehensive yet compact book offers more than 2,500 questions to engage and challenge even the greatest baseball buff. In addition, each spread features a lengthier question that goes deep into the subject. What makes this package truly different from any other trivia book is the computerized module embedded in a corner of the book's cover, which allows readers to test themselves or compete against a friend. Play ball!

The Baseball Guys include the following experts: James Buckley Jr., author of more than 20 books on baseball, including The Visual Dictionary of Baseball; David Fischer, author of Sports of the Times and The 50 Coolest Jobs in Sports; and Jim Gigliotti veteran sports writer and editor, and coauthor of Baseball: A Celebration!

Kids' Books

NOONIE'S MASTERPIECE

Summary: Fantastic illustrations with a fresh, contemporary look enrich this debut novel about a 10-year-old aspiring artist stuck living with an aunt, uncle, and cousin who clearly don't recognize her genius. A humorous and heartfelt reminder that "a brilliant artist is never afraid," this book reveals that sometimes our greatest masterpieces are the bonds we unexpectedly forge with the people in our lives.

THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO SURVIVAL HANDBOOK JUNIOR BOXED SET

Summary: Boxed set includes:
• The Original Junior Edition
• Extreme Junior Edition
• Weird Junior Edition





A NUTTY NUTCRAKER CHRISTMAS

Summary: This is no ordinary Nutcracker! This time, it's Fritz's story. The traditional Nutcracker tale gets turned on its head in this rollicking Christmas adventure, based on the hit musical A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas by the popular family music rock star Ralph Covert and playwright G. Riley Mills. Includes a bonus CD of songs from the musical, featuring a read-aloud track with the music and story woven together.

AROUND THE WORLD WITH MOUK

Summary: Filled with vibrant illustrations, search-and-find challenges, and 46 reusable stickers, this oversized book is a spectacular play space for future world travelers. And Mouk is the perfect tour guide! His journey takes him all around the world, and at every stop along the way his animal friends share fascinating tidbits about local customs. Young adventure-seekers will be amazed and amused by something new with every reading.

MRS. MUSTARD'S BABY FACES

Summary: Nothing is more enticing to a baby than another baby. Now in a bigger sizeand with brand-new vibrantly colored backgrounds, Chronicle's groundbreaking board book is better than ever! The 12 pictures of darling baby faces help infants and toddlers explore a complicated range of emotions by showing both happy, smiling babies and cranky, crying babies. The book opens accordion style, so it can stand up in a crib or on the floor to amuse even the youngest infant.

JOURNALS

ANNA SUI CALICO CABARET JOURNAL

Summary: Every fashionista will covet this hardcover journal with vibrant printed fabric cover featuring one of Anna Sui's exquisite textile patterns.

NANCY DREW NOTEPAD

MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN DINNER NOTEPAD

GRATITUDE: A JOURNAL

LARGE RULED MOLESKINE VOLANT NOTEBOOK PURPLE/SET OF TWO

Summary: These colorful notebooks come packaged in sets of two, with a lighter and darker shade to suit your mood and are ideal for everyday notes and thoughts. The last 16 pages are detachable.

Each set comes with acid free ruled paper and includes the Moleskine history.

Whew -- $498.26!!! Now that's a lot of books!

To become eligible to win my wishlist of Chronicle books, just leave a comment on this post telling me which book you are most excited about. Don't forget to leave a valid email address.You can read all the official rules here!