The Quality Corner

The Vow

2012-02-09T12:38:00.001-05:00

The Vow, starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum, hits theatres on February 10. I can't wait! It sounds like an amazing movie. The movie is based on a true story. The Vow: True Events That Inspired the Movie is a book that will hit shelves the same day the movie is released. Here is the publisher's synopsis of the book:

Life as Kim and Krickitt Carpenter knew it was shattered beyond recognition on November 24, 1993. Two months after their marriage, a devastating car wreck left Krickitt with a massive head injury and in a coma for weeks. When she finally awoke, she had no idea who Kim was. With no recollection of their relationship and while Krickitt experienced personality changes common to those who suffer head injuries, Kim realized the woman he had married essentially died in the accident. And yet, against all odds, Kim and Krickitt fell in love all over again. Even though Kim stood by Krickitt through the darkest times a husband can ever imagine, he insists, "I'm no hero. I made a vow."

Doesn't that sound good?! To put a visual with it, here is the movie trailer -

Click here to order the book from B&N.com

"Ali in Wonderland" by Ali Wentworth

2012-02-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

Acclaimed actress and comedian, Ali Wentworth, released her memoir, "Ali in Wonderland" today. Here is the publisher's synopsis -

"Growing up in a family of political journalists--and daughter of President Reagan's White House social secretary--Ali Wentworth rebelled against her blue-blood upbringing, embracing Hollywood, motorcycles, even a few wildly inappropriate marriage proposals. Today she is an acclaimed comedic actress and writer, former "Oprah" regular, wife of political and media star George Stephanopoulos, and a mother who lets her two girls eat cotton candy before bed. Though she's settled down, her rebellious nature thrives in her comedy and her view of her crazy world.

In this addictively funny and warm memoir, she takes us through the looking glass and into the wonderland of her life, from a childhood among Washington's elite to a stint in the psych ward they called a New England prep school; days doing L.A. sketch comedy (with then-aspiring artists Will Ferrell and Lisa Kudrow) to a series of spectacularly failed loves (that eventually led her to Mr. Right). Constant throughout is her mother, Muffie--a flawlessly elegant yet firm, no-nonsense force of nature and pure WASP convictions.

As charming and off-the-wall as Ali herself, "Ali in Wonderland" is an entertaining look at life that is both intimate and hilarious."

Wentworth has received rave reviews -

"Everything that comes out of Ali Wentworth's mouth is funny!"--Jerry Seinfeld

"Ali Wentworth is funny and warm and crazy all at once."--Alec Baldwin

"Ali has written a truly hilarious book"--Chelsea Handler

"Wentworth is amusing and frank, often frenetic, with sharp intelligence underneath the sassy wackiness; passages about her struggle with depression, falling in love with her husband, and her daughter's baptism have funny moments, but they're thoughtful and touching, too.... Highly entertaining memoir."--Publishers Weekly

"Ali Wentworth tumbles comically through Ali in Wonderland."--Vanity Fair

"[H]ilarious..."--Food & Wine

Available at Barnes & Noble in Hardcover or Nook

or Click on the eBookstore tab above to find it on iTunes!

Native Son by Richard Wright

2012-01-27T16:12:00.000-05:00

Native Son is truly a classic. It has been widely acclaimed as one of the finest books ever written on race and class divisions in America. This powerful novel reflects the forces of poverty, injustice, and hopelessness that continue to shape society. A customer recently requested a copy of this book. I fondly remember watching the movie years ago. Here is the trailer of the 1986 theatrical rendition of Native Son -

Click here to purchase the book at Barnes & Noble - Native Son

New James Patterson - "Private: #1 Suspect"

2012-01-25T15:48:00.000-05:00

James Patterson's latest book, Private: #1 Suspect is on top of the New York Times Best Sellers list in the Hardcover Fiction and the Combined Print & E-Book Fiction categories. Here is a synopsis of this hit -

"Since former Marine Jack Morgan started Private, it has become the world's most effective investigation firm ... Private's investigators are the smartest, the fastest, and the most technologically advanced in the world--and they always uncover the truth. When his former lover is found murdered in Jack's bed, he is instantly the number-one suspect. While Jack is under police investigation, the mob strong-arms him into recovering $30 million in stolen pharmaceuticals for them."--Jacket flap.

Acclaim for Private: #1 Suspect -

"PRIVATE mixes action, mystery and personal drama...Patterson and Paetro may well be on their way to rivaling--and possibly surpassing--the popularity of their Women's Murder Club series."--BookReporter.com

"Slick and suspenseful."--BookLoons.com

"Private will grab you from page one and force you to sit there until you turn the very last page. A great start to new a series from the master of fast-paced thrill rides."--lorisreadingcorner.com

Buy it in hardcover or ebook format at Barnes&Noble.com

Buy Textbooks at Barnes&Noble.com

2012-01-23T15:31:00.000-05:00

Textbook season is in full swing! Barnes & Noble has some great promotions -

Get B&N Membership for $1 when you spend $200 on new Textbooks at BN.com!

Enjoy these Great Membership Benefits all year long:

Free Express Shipping
$25 Off NOOK Color™ or NOOK Tablet™, or $10 off Any Other NOOK™
40% Off Hardcover Bestsellers, 10% Off Almost Everything Else

Save up to 90% off textbooks at BarnesandNoble.com! Available in ALL formats – Used, Rental, Digital, and New!

Paula Deen Admits to Being Diabetic

2012-01-20T15:17:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that I am a fan of Paula Deen. I have praised her show and books. However, I heard a somewhat disturbing report about her on ABC's Good Morning America. The report was disturbing, not surprising. While I LOVE Paula's recipes, I've always recognized that they are not the most healthy. Below is an excerpt of the report on abcnews.com -

Anthony Bourdain, a New York-based chef and host of the Travel Channel's "No Reservations," took to Twitter Tuesday night to resume his criticism of chef Paula Deen by tweeting, "Thinking of getting into the leg-breaking business, so I can profitably sell crutches later."

The comment is presumably another slam against the down-home chef's decision to become the face of diabetes drug-maker Novo Nordisk.

Deen, host of the Food Network's "Paula's Best Dishes," put rumors to bed Tuesday by confirming on NBC's "Today Show" that she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes three years ago, even though she continued to tout her buttery, artery-clogging Southern cuisine. She also announced the launch of her new campaign, "Diabetes in a New Light," which is in partnership with diabetes drug-maker Novo Nordisk.

Deen, 64, reportedly treats her diabetes with the company's Victoza, a daily injectable drug that is meant to maintain blood-sugar levels. She will appear in an advertisement for the drug later this month, USA Today reported.

But this wasn't Bourdain's first time criticizing the jovial cooking host. He told TV Guide last year that Deen was the "worst, most dangerous person in America" because of her high-fat cooking. Upon hearing of Deen's diabetes diagnosis, Bourdain had even more criticism to sling.

"When your signature dish is hamburger in between a doughnut, and you've been cheerfully selling this stuff knowing all along that you've got Type 2 Diabetes. ... It's in bad taste if nothing else," he told Eater Monday. Read more...at abcnews.com

View the video here -

video platform video management video solutions video player

If you are still a fan of Paula Deen, as I am, click here to buy her latest cookbook, Southern Cooking Bible at Barnes&Noble.com

Barnes&Noble.com Marketplace

2012-01-19T13:56:00.000-05:00

Barnes & Noble has added new categories including home products and consumer electronics to its online marketplace, the latest move by the retailer to compete with e-commerce rivals such as Amazon.com and eBay.

Barnes & Noble, the largest U.S. bookstore chain, has largely focused on books for its marketplace. Members will now also be able to buy and sell items such as rugs, cooking utensils, games and items for babies on its website from third-party sellers.

Sales on bn.com - aided by its Nook e-reader and digital books - have soared. Sales rose 36.9 percent to $198 million in its most recent quarter and now makes up 14 percent of overall sales. eBay's online marketplace still leads the pack, but bn.com is working it's way up.

Shop Barnes&Noble.com - Why Not?

2012-01-17T16:50:00.000-05:00

Barnes & Noble, Inc. is the largest book retailer in the United States. It operates mainly through its chain of bookstores headquartered in New York City. The company is known for large, upscale retail outlets, many of which contain cafes serving Starbuck's Coffee, and for deeply discounted bestsellers. The company operates over 700 stores (as of October 2010) in all 50 US states in addition to over 600 college bookstores.

Barnes & Noble originated in 1873 when Charles Barnes opened a book-printing business in Illinois. The first true bookstore was set up in 1917 in New York City. Before creating its website, the company sold books directly to customers through mail-order catalogs. It first began selling books online in the late 1980's, but the company's website was not launched until 1997. The site now carries over 2 million titles.

I first fell in love with Barnes & Noble bookstores in the late '90s. I was living in a small town at the time and when the store opened up, it was a BIG deal. The atmosphere was so appealing. I was immediately lured in. Reading has always been a hobby of mine, so I would go there and spend hours looking at the latest releases and sipping on a latte. I still enjoy doing that.

Even though Barnes & Nobles is technically my competitor (since I own an online bookstore, too) I still shop there. I think they have an amazing business model. I have tried to implement some of their strategies. I have learned from them. I know The Quality Corner will never be as big as Barnes & Noble. I don't even hope to. I've only wanted to have a small piece of the business. However, I firmly believe in the saying, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." So, I have become an affiliate of Barnes&Noble.com. You will see links to their products on my blog. Since B&N is such a large company, they are able to offer some great prices. Honestly, it's hard for me to have competitive prices. I want my readers to get the best possible deals. As an affiliate, I will pass on the best deals to you. Enjoy!

"The Obamas" by Jodi Kantor

2012-01-14T14:13:00.000-05:00

Last week, a new book was released about the President and First Lady. It is simply entitled, The Obamas. This book has been greatly anticipated. Before the release, it was the subject of newspaper articles and various TV news shows. Now it is on bookstore shelves.

The publisher's synopsis states -

"When Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, he also won a long-running debate with his wife Michelle. Contrary to her fears, politics now seemed like a worthwhile, even noble pursuit. Together they planned a White House life that would be as normal and sane as possible.

Then they moved in.

In The Obamas, Jodi Kantor takes us deep inside the White House as they try to grapple with their new roles, change the country, raise children, maintain friendships, and figure out what it means to be the first black President and First Lady. Filled with riveting detail and insight into their partnership, emotions and personalities, and written with a keen eye for the ironies of public life, THE OBAMAS is an intimate portrait that will surprise even readers who thought they knew the President and First Lady."

Click here to purchase the ebook, audiobook or hardcover at Barnes&Noble.com.

The Firm by John Grisham - Now on TV

2012-01-13T13:08:00.000-05:00

John Grisham's bestselling novel, The Firm, has been turned into a television show. The 2-hour pilot aired on NBC Sunday, January 8. The show is regularly scheduled to air on Thursday evenings. "The Firm" continues the story of attorney Mitchell McDeere and his family 10 years after the events of the novel. As a young associate, McDeere brought down a prestigious Memphis law firm, which operated as a front for the Chicago mob -- and his life was never the same. After a difficult decade, which included a stay in the Federal Witness Protection program, Mitch and his family now attempt to reclaim their lives and their future -- only to find that past dangers are still lurking and new threats are everywhere.

The executive producers are Grisham, Lukas Reiter ("Law &; Order," "Boston Legal"), John Morayniss ("Haven," "Hung"), Michael Rosenberg ("Hung," "Skins") and Noreen Halpern ("Rookie Blue," "Hung"). The cast includes Josh Lucas as Mitch McDeere, Callum Keith Rennie, Molly Parker, Natasha Calis and Juliette Lewis.

I watched the premiere and I was very impressed. When I first heard about the show, I wondered how the writers would keep it fresh week after week. I guess that still remains to be seen. However, the premiere really whet my appetite. The show seems very interesting and I can't wait for the next episode. Set your DVR - you won't want to miss this show.

For additional information, go to www.nbc.com/the-firm

iPad - Should You Believe the Hype?

2012-01-11T15:29:00.000-05:00

Yes. You should believe it. The buzz about the iPad is not just hype. The iPad is awesome. I just purchased an iPad a couple of months ago. I have grown to LOVE it.

When Apple first announced the release of the iPad in April 2010, I didn't get it. I didn't understand why anyone would need such a device. As the iPad increased in popularity, my curiosity grew. I went to the local Apple store to investigate. I left the store somewhat unimpressed. I thought it was cool, but not useful enough to justify the cost.

In March 2011, Apple released the iPad 2. This upgraded version contained several new features. My interest began to grow. Friends and colleagues began toting the iPad in front of me. The iPad commercials continued to pique my interest. I wanted one. Still, I wasn't sure I could justify the cost.

In November 2011, I finally decided to make the purchase. I knew I would be able to use it for business. At the time, that was the main appeal to me. When I brought it home, I was still skeptical. The more I used it, I could see how truly useful it was. I read books, write reviews, maintain my eBay business, blog - all on my iPad! I even find time for an occasional game of "Words with Friends." I use it everyday and carry it with me almost everywhere I go. I definitely use it more than my laptop. The convenience cannot be beat. I would never tote my laptop around like this.

I am definitely a fan of Apple products. I first fell in love with my iPod touch in 2007. My love grew when I bought my first iPhone in 2010. Now, I'm really hooked by my iPad. I must admit - my laptop and desktop computers are still PCs. I haven't made that leap yet. That just might be my next step...

Author Spotlight - Robin Roberts

2012-01-11T14:59:00.000-05:00

Source: ABCNews.com

Robin Roberts is anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America." Under her leadership, the broadcast has won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning program.

When not traveling around the country or the world covering breaking news events, Roberts is at "GMA's" studio in Times Square conducting interviews with a diverse group of newsmakers. Her headline-making interviews include: President Barack Obama; First Lady Michelle Obama; actor Sidney Poitier; basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on his battle with leukemia; and Lisa Niemi on the loss of her beloved husband, Patrick Swayze.

Roberts has also done extensive reporting around the globe. She traveled to the Middle East with former First Lady Laura Bush, who was on a mission to raise awareness about breast cancer in the Muslim world; to Africa with former President Bill Clinton for a first-hand look at the AIDS crisis in that part of the world; and to Mexico, where she scaled the Mayan Pyramids as part of "GMA's" "The New 7 Wonders of the World" series.

Roberts also broadcast live from inside the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta in October 2009. It was the first time television cameras were permitted inside the CDC's special command center tracking the H1N1 "swine flu" virus.

In November 2009, Roberts hosted her first primetime special, "In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville." The special took Roberts to Nashville, where she interviewed some of country music's biggest stars. She followed that with another primetime hour featuring an exclusive interview with Janet Jackson, the performer's first since the death of her brother, Michael.

In February 2009, Roberts made her red carpet debut as co-host of the ABC Television Network's Oscar pre-show, reporting live from the 81st annual Academy Awards with fashion expert Tim Gunn.

Roberts played an active role in ABC News' coverage of the 2008 presidential race. She interviewed the candidates and a wide-range of political newsmakers for "GMA;" traveled to Des Moines, Iowa to moderate a town hall debate with then-candidate Hillary Clinton; and reported live from Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day. Roberts was the first journalist to interview President Barack Obama after he was sworn in as President. Roberts also traveled the country by train with the "GMA" team as part of the network's ambitious "50 States in 50 Days" initiative in September 2008.

Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007. Her courageous and public battle has been recognized with awards and honors from organizations around the country, including: The Susan G. Komen Foundation; The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program; and Gilda's Club, a non-profit organization founded by the late Joel Siegel.

In March 2007, Roberts' first book, "From the Heart: 7 Rules to Live By," was published by Hyperion. An updated version of the book, including an additional chapter on her battle with breast cancer, was released in 2008.

Roberts is a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and currently resides in New York City.

For additional information, visit ABCNews.com

From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By by Robin Roberts

2012-01-10T14:36:00.000-05:00

I have been a fan of Robin Roberts for a long time. I have watched her on Good Morning America for years. I watched as she shared her very personal struggle with breast cancer. One day I was in a bookstore, and her book caught my eye. I couldn't wait to read it.

In the introduction Roberts states, "After I deliver a speech I am often asked for a copy of it. The problem is I never write my speeches. I just talk. That is my hope for this book. It's just me talking to you. Talking about the things I have learned that have helped me find joy in my life and fulfillment in my work....There is no magical reason why I am where I am. And there is absolutely no reason why you can't be where you want to be. If it can happen for me, it can happen for you, too. And it would be a privilege for me to help you get there."

That is exactly what she did - she just talked. I really appreciated the humble approach that Robin Roberts took as she wrote this book. She shared her humble beginnings and the lessons that she has learned throughout her life. She wasn't promoting herself. She was simply using the wisdom she has gained to help others. That is admirable.

The principles she has gained in her life prepared her for success. They taught her rules that she lives by. The seven rules she shared in her book are:

Position yourself to take the shot
Dream big, but focus small
If at first you don't succeed, dive back in
Never play the race, gender, or any other card
Venture outside your comfort zone
Focus on the solution, not the problem
Keep faith, family, and friends close to your heart

She relates several heartwarming stories about how she learned to live by these rules and how they have helped her to become successful. I really enjoyed reading this book. I tend to shy away from books that center on "life lessons" because I believe that only God can tell us how to make a success of our lives. However, Roberts does not take the position that she alone is the authority on life. The book was easy to read, encouraging and even entertaining at times. I'm glad I read it.

Buy the eBook from iTunes - From the Heart - Robin Roberts

Download the audiobook from iTunes - From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By - Robin Roberts

Buy the book at Barnes&Noble.com - From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By

MILK...To Drink Or Not To Drink by Brent Bateman

2012-01-05T15:04:00.000-05:00

MILK … to drink, or not to drink? is an objective, in-depth, and up-to-date review of the full spectrum of pros and cons.

The author leads his discussion through the ‘good’, the ‘bad’, and the ‘ugly’. Although this approach may seem inappropriate, given the seriousness of the subject, it comfortably describes the range of information and the various points of view regarding this highly controversial question.

The question of whether or not we should drink cow’s milk is examined from a fresh perspective … a fresh perspective made possible by, first, newly available nutrient data, and second, by recent research which reveals strong links with disease conditions.

About the Author

The author is unique in his perspective and credentials. Brent has been immersed in ‘nutrition’ in one way or another throughout his life, and has experienced the subject from a spectrum of perspectives.

His early years ‘growing up in his mother’s health food store’ and his skepticism of much of that indoctrination thrust him on a life-long quest to seek objective and unbiased knowledge about nutrition.

He went on to earn a BSc in human nutrition at the University of Hawaii and later a MSc in international nutrition from the prestigious Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University in Thailand.

The author is therefore a genuine nutritionist, with the rare credential of not only completing a full and rigorous university training at both the bachelors and masters level, but has also been immersed in the ‘other’ world of health foods and alternative medicine, plus has lived and studied extensively in an international setting. Brent now lives in picturesque Sangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi, Thailand. He is busy with a business and various projects, but finds time to write, and to study indigenous plants and herbs and traditional Thai medicine. He hopes to continue writing about nutrition, and is looking forward to earning a PhD.The author can be contacted by email at brentbateman@hotmail.com Brent also has a website, URL www.milk-to-drink-or-not-to-drink.com.

RETAIL PURCHASES: Amazon.com books:
www.amazon.com/MILK-drink- not/dp/0979698723

E-BOOK VERSION:

www.createspace.com/900001456

Or, as a Kindle Edition from Amazon.com/Kindle for $10.95

WHOLESALE ORDERS:
www.createspace.com/info/createspacedirect

Janet Jackson on Body Image, Weight Loss and True You

2011-12-20T12:02:00.000-05:00

Janet Jackson recently appeared on ABC's Nightline to discuss topics such as weight loss and body image. Jackson, 45, is a new spokeswoman for Nutrisystem, a weight loss program known for it's home delivered packaged foods. She refused to talk about numbers on the scale, but she focused on the goal of maintaining a healthy weight.

Jackson discussed her struggles with a negative body image. She stated that her struggle began at a very early age. She was teased at home and she had to contend with the expectations set for her while on the set of Good Times. I have always thought that Janet Jackson is such a beautiful woman. It shocks me to hear her say that she has not viewed herself that way.

In her book, True You, Jackson addresses her very personal struggles with self-esteem. She encourages the reader to recognize that who you are, the true you, is more than enough. Jackson states, "I’m loved, I’m valued, and I’m capable of achieving balance in my life. I can learn to eat well. I can exercise. I can express gratitude for the simple act of being able to breathe in and breathe out. I can move away from darkness and depression to light and hope. I can be happy with who I am, not what I should be, or what I might have been, or what someone tells me I must be. I am me, the true me; you are you, the true you—and that’s good. That’s beautiful. That’s enough.”

True You is now in paperback and available at www.thequalitycorner.com.

Available in eBook format at Barnes & Noble, click here -

True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself

View her interview on Nightline here:

video platform video management video solutions video player

"Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man" by Steve Harvey Hits the Big Screen

2011-12-13T12:51:00.001-05:00

Steve Harvey's best-selling book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man has been transformed into an ensemble comedy/drama that hits theaters this spring.

"The idea of my first authoring endeavor being turned into a movie - that's a big jump, man. I don't know anybody who can plan that," Harvey told USA Today.

The movie is directed by Tim Story (Barbershop) and it features an all-star cast. The cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Michael Ealy, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good and Chris Brown. Steve Harvey is the narrator and also plays a role in the movie.

Think Like a Man is scheduled to open March 9. With all the buzz about this film, I'm sure it will be an instant hit!

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man is now available in paperback. Purchase your copy at www.thequalitycorner.com and read it before the movie comes out.

Available in eBook format at Barnes & Noble, click here -

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think about Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment

Read my review of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man here.

Book Review - "A Flight of Fancy" by Jo King

2011-12-06T16:19:00.001-05:00

Trees that talk and fly. Aliens and spaceships. A child’s imagination is endless. A Flight of Fancy is a delightful story that will fuel the imagination of young readers.

The main character is an eleven-year-old boy by the name of George. He is a thoughtful young man that looks after his mother since his father was killed. Every morning, he wakes up early to check on his mother. One morning he goes into her room and looks out the window to find that all of the trees in the yard are gone. In fact, all the trees in the town of Arbordon are missing.

George joins forces with his neighbor, Lisa. They are determined to find out what has happened to the trees. Thankfully, they find one weeping willow that can give them clues about the missing trees. George and Lisa are astounded that the willow can talk to them! Together, they set out on a quest to find the trees of Arbordon.

George has suspicions that aliens may have taken the trees to a different planet. He vividly describes the aliens’ evil plan. George’s imagination is running wild. He will not rest until the mystery is solved.

The clever and unique storyline of A Flight of Fancy is captivating. As I read through this book, I eagerly anticipated the mystery unfolding. Readers will enjoy this story from beginning to end. This book reminded me of the joy I felt when reading as a kid. I allowed myself to be a kid again and get completely lost in this fascinating journey. I am confident that all who read this charming book will be as enthralled as I was.

Available for purchase at Xlibris.com/bookstore, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

"A Flight of Fancy" Audiobook Written by Jo King Read by Kenya Brome

2011-12-06T15:44:00.001-05:00

Photograph by Jordan Matter

Kenya Brome is a fine New York actor. She showcases her talent as the reader of the audio version of A Flight of Fancy. She breathes life into this charming story.

A Flight of Fancy is an imaginative tale about trees that have decided to take a vacation. Overnight, all of the trees in the town of Arbordon have disappeared. The main character is a young boy named George. He and his friend Lisa set out on a quest to find the missing trees.

Kenya Brome skillfully depicts each character and allows the reader to see the story unfold. Using various accents and voice inflection, Brome distinguishes individual characters. The listener is able to easily discern one character from another. Her spirited, theatrical delivery brings the tale to life.

Brome entrances the listener with her depth of feeling. She vividly portrays the disappointment George feels when he finds out that the trees are missing. The listener can feel the eagerness and excitement that George and Lisa experience as they investigate this great mystery.

One tree is left in Arbordon – a weeping willow. This willow holds the key to unlocking the mystery of the missing trees. Brome represents this character extremely well. I chuckled every time I heard the willow weep.

Young ones will be delighted as they listen to A Flight of Fancy. Children will be carried away and their imagination will run freely as they listen to the lively, realistic reading by Kenya Brome.

Available for purchase at Xlibris.com/bookstore, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

Author Spotlight - Paula Deen

2011-11-30T17:18:00.000-05:00

A native of Albany, Georgia, Paula Deen never dreamed she would become an American icon. Paula was living the American dream—married to her high school sweetheart and mother of two adorable boys when tragedy struck. Her parents died, her marriage failed and she began a prolonged battle with agoraphobia. With her boys in their teens and her family near homelessness, Paula took her last $200, reached deep inside and started “The Bag Lady,” a home-based meal delivery service that marked the start of Paula’s professional cooking. With sons Jamie and Bobby delivering “lunch-and-love-in-a-bag,” beginning in June 1989, Paula turned around her life by using what she knew best, traditional Southern cooking.

Paula has become an American phenomenon, overcoming poverty, doubt and agoraphobia to achieve success and acclaim she could never have imagined. Yet the most remarkable part of Paula Deen’s journey from her kitchen to fame and fortune is that Paula has remained every bit as genuine, real and full of love as the first meals to leave her kitchen.

The Bag Lady brought out Paula’s strengths and stabilized her family. She began cooking outside her home and started preparing meals at a Best Western motel in Savannah and finally opening her first restaurant, The Lady and Sons, with Bobby and Jamie five years later. The restaurant was a hit and the popularity of Paula and her cooking led to her first cookbook, 1998’s The Lady and Sons Savannah Country Cookbook. The book gave her fans the opportunity to try Paula’s recipes at home, and led to her first television appearance on QVC. Paula’s genuine warmth and folksy personality made her a natural for television. In 1999, USA Today food critic Jerry Shriver named The Lady and Sons “International Meal of the Year.”

Paula’s rise to stardom was underway but when she premiered “Paula’s Home Cooking” on the Food Network in 2002, she was on the verge of superstardom. The network added “Paula’s Party” in 2006 and Bobby and Jamie began making appearances with Paula on the programs. The family that began delivering lunch-and-love-in-a-bag in 1989 had become one of the most recognized and beloved families in the country. The Food Network gave Bobby and Jamie their own show, “Road Tasted,” and today Paula has two shows running on the network, “Paula’s Best Dishes,” which debuted in 2008 and the long running “Paula’s Home Cooking.” Paula is a two-time Emmy Award winner.

The fact that success hasn’t changed Paula; she is the same genuine, warm and caring soul today as she was when she first appeared on the scene, is probably the best indicator of the strength and grace of this remarkable woman. And her success has been prodigious, by any standard.

Now the author of 14 cookbooks which have sold more than 8,000,000 copies, she began her bimonthly magazine, Cooking with Paula Deen, which has a circulation of more than 1,000,000 today. Paula Deen, adored by millions of fans, is seemingly everywhere in American media and culture. In addition to her own television shows, she appears regularly and has visited virtually every network morning show, every daytime or late night talk show, has appeared in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles and thousands of websites. Paula’s vivacious energy combined with a dazzling smile and infectious laugh is like America’s best friend and next door neighbor. When Paula tours the country making personal appearance to talk about life, family and cooking, thousands of people come to participate. On New Year’s Day 2011, Paula was the Grand Marshall of the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Paula’s business interests have grown considerably. Named for her brother, Paula and her brother own Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, a leading seafood restaurant in Savannah. There are Paula Deen Buffets at Harrah’s Tunica in Mississippi, where the décor is based on Paula’s Savannah home and kitchen; another at the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino and a full service restaurant at Harrah’s Cherokee, also decorated like Paula’s home and kitchen.

Paula Deen, known at first for her traditional Southern cooking, is now an American lifestyle icon. In addition to a long-running partnership between Paula Deen and Smithfield Foods, Paula Deen Enterprises now includes 17 different licensees and covers a broad gamut of good living products. The product line includes a full line of cookware and dishes, assorted food products, sauces, spices and bakery goods. In recent years Paula also introduced a complete line of furniture, greeting cards and the Paula Deen and Family Party at Sea Cruise.

Ever grateful for all she has been blessed with, Paula and her family continue to give back to the community. Paula is a member of the board of the Bethesda Home for Boys, works tirelessly for America’s Second Harvest and partners with Smithfield Foods Helping Hungry Homes™ which has donated protein for more than 10,000,000 meals for America’s hungry.

SOURCE: www.pauladeen.com

Buy her latest cookbook - Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible at www.thequalitycorner.com.

Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible

2011-11-30T16:58:00.000-05:00

Paula Deen recently released a new cookbook. At this time of year, many people are cooking and baking more frequently. I certainly am. I have baked brownies, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, bread pudding and zucchini bread in the past few weeks. I can hardly believe it! We've had dessert every evening. This new cookbook is right on time. I love Paula Deen's cooking show. She is a woman after my own heart. I love to cook and I love butter!

Here is the publisher's synopsis of Deen's new cookbook -

For those who love cooking, the Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible (2011) provides a huge recipe collection of southern meals and hospitality. The various recipes framed in this regional cuisine book illustrate the diversity and originality of southern cuisine. Major highlights in this recipe book by Paula Deen include gumbos and collards; barbecues and pies; etc. This regional cuisine book also features 100 “how-to” illustrations that demonstrate techniques to peel a shrimp; to make sweet potato balls without getting marshmallow all over your hands and more. The vibrant, colorful photos included in this recipe book by Paula Deen make the cookery book more engaging and appealing. The Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible (2011) has been dialectically structured and starts with hot and cold appetizers and ends with cakes, cookies, and pies.

In true Paula fashion, here is a note from her about the new book -

Hi, y’all!

This book is my proudest achievement so far, and I just have to tell y’all why I am so excited about it. It’s a book of classic dishes, dedicated to a whole new generation of cooks—for every bride, graduate, and anyone who has a love of a great Southern meal. My family is growing and expanding all the time. We’re blessed with marriages and grandbabies, and so sharing these recipes for honest, down-home dishes feels like passing a generation’s worth of stovetop secrets on to my family, and yours.

I’ve been cooking and eating Southern food my whole life, and I can tell you that every meal you make from this book will be a mouthful of our one-of-a-kind spirit and traditions. These recipes showcase the diversity and ingenuity of Southern cuisine, from Cajun to Low-Country and beyond, highlighting the deep cultural richness of our gumbos and collards, our barbecues and pies. You may remember a few beloved classics from The Lady & Sons, but nearly all of these recipes are brand-new—and I think you’ll find that they are all mouthwateringly delicious. It is, without a doubt, a true Southern cooking bible.

I sincerely hope that this book will take its place in your kitchen for many years to come, as I know it will in mine. Here’s to happy cooking—and the best part, happy eating, y’all!

Best dishes,

Paula Deen

I just love Paula Deen. If you like her as much as I do, you'll love her new cookbook. Buy Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible at www.thequalitycorner.com

New Book by Shaquille O'Neal - "Shaq Uncut: My Story"

2011-11-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

Shaquille O'Neal released his autobiography today - "Shaq Uncut." Here is the publisher's synopsis:

"Superman. Diesel. The Big Aristotle. Shaq Fu. The Big Daddy. The Big Shaqtus. Wilt Chamberneezy. The Real Deal. The Big Shamrock. Shaq.

You know him by any number of names, and chances are you know all about his legendary basketball career: Shaquille "Shaq" O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and a three-time NBA Finals MVP. After being an All-American at Louisiana State University, he was the overall number one draft pick in the NBA in 1992. In his 19-year career, Shaq racked up 28,596 career points (including 5,935 free throws!), 13,099 rebounds, 3,026 assists, 2,732 blocks, and 15 All-Star appearances.

These are statistics that are almost as massive as the man himself. His presence - both physically and psychologically - made him a dominant force in the game for two decades. But if you follow the game, you also know that there's a lot more to Shaquille O'Neal than just basketball.

Shaq is famous for his playful, and at times, provocative personality. He is, literally, outsize in both scale and persona. Whether rapping on any of his five albums, challenging celebrities on his hit television show "Shaq Vs.," studying for his PhD or serving as a reserve police officer, there's no question that Shaq has led a unique and multi-dimensional life. And in this rollicking new autobiography, Shaq discusses his remarkable journey, including his candid thoughts on teammates and coaches like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Phil Jackson, and Pat Riley. From growing up in difficult circumstances and getting cut from his high school basketball team to his larger-than-life basketball career, Shaq lays it all out in SHAQ UNCUT: MY STORY. "

Purchase Shaq Uncut at www.thequalitycorner.com in print or audio.

View photos of Robin Robert's interview with Shaq on GMA.

2011-11-10T12:35:00.000-05:00

Infographic from RetailMeNot Discount Codes

"One Day It'll All Make Sense" by Common

2011-11-10T11:51:00.001-05:00

Common's new book, "One Day It'll All Make Sense," hit store book shelves last month. Here is the publisher's synopsis:

"Common has earned a reputation in the hip hop world as a conscious artist by embracing themes of love and struggle in his songs, and by sharing his own search for knowledge with his listeners. His journey toward understanding--expressed in his music and now in his roles in film and television--is rooted in his relationship with a remarkable woman, his mother, Mahalia Ann Hines.

In "One Day It'll All Make Sense," Common holds nothing back. He tells what it was like for a boy with big dreams growing up on the South Side of Chicago. He reveals how he almost quit rapping after his first album, "Can I Borrow a Dollar?," sold only two thousand copies. He recounts his rise to stardom, giving a behind-the-scenes look into the recording studios, concerts, movie sets, and after-parties of a hip-hop celebrity and movie star. He reflects on his controversial invitation to perform at the White House, a story that grabbed international headlines. And he talks about the challenges of balancing fame, love, and fatherhood.

"One Day It'll All Make Sense" is a gripping memoir, both provocative and funny. Common shares never-before-told stories about his encounters with everyone from Tupac to Biggie, Ice Cube to Lauryn Hill, Barack Obama to Nelson Mandela. Drawing upon his own lyrics for inspiration, he invites the reader to go behind the spotlight to see him as he really is--not just as Common but as Lonnie Rashid Lynn.

Each chapter begins with a letter from Common addressed to an important person in his life--from his daughter to his close friend and collaborator Kanye West, from his former love Erykah Badu to you, the reader. Through it all, Common emerges as a man in full. Rapper. Actor. Activist. But also father, son, and friend. Common's story offers a living example of how, no matter what you've gone through, one day it'll all make sense."

Common has received accolades for this book. Here is what a few of his colleagues have said regarding his work:

"Common is a 360-degree human being, and I don't say that about many people. He never needed to "pimp the hood" to achieve his deserved success. He is an eloquent and honorable role model and his memoir is a perfect example of his depth as a human being. In addition, reading about his childhood and upbringing in Chicago is really a trip - because we went through so many of the same experiences albeit decades apart. Chicago is still the roughest and primary "Institution of Hard Knocks," and if you can make it there, you can truly make it anywhere!" -Quincy Jones

"Common has written a magnificent memoir. It states that it is a book about his fascinating life. That is true. More importantly, his story is the story of all young people trying to grow up. His saga reminds the reader that love liberates and poverty cripples. Common writes beautifully, like the poet he is." -Maya Angelou

"A powerful memoir that speaks to all audiences." -Queen Latifah

Purchase "One Day It'll All Make Sense" at www.thequalitycorner.com.

Book Review - “U.S. Marshal Harry Bailey and the Case of the Persistent Widow” by Larry Montgomery

2011-11-08T17:04:00.000-05:00

Centuries ago a wise king stated, “Man has dominated man to his injury.” Innocent people suffer at the hand of greedy businessmen. Bad things happen to good people. These are facts we must all face daily. Sufferers take comfort in knowing that justice will prevail in the end. This age-old tale of good versus evil sets the stage for Larry Montgomery’s debut novel, US Marshal Harry Bailey and the Case of the Persistent Widow.

The main character, Harry Bailey, is a US Marshal returning from a tour of duty in Iraq. He has been injured and he is now on medical leave. The doctor sends Bailey to a home in New York where he can receive supervised care. While recuperating, Bailey unwittingly becomes involved in a devious plot.

To Marshal Bailey’s surprise, he is living across the street from the pregnant widow of a fellow soldier. He watches her endure unspeakable tragedy. She has lost dear loved ones in death and now she is left alone to deal with a dubious landlord. Her landlord is trying to force her out of the building and she is determined to remain in her home. Instead of taking time to grieve for her loved ones and prepare for a new baby, she is forced into a long court battle. Despite her circumstances, she is persistent in her fight.

The plot thickens as the landlord’s motives are slowly unveiled. Marshal Bailey steps in to help. As he investigates, he finds out the enormity of the situation. He is determined to assist this widow and make sure that the wrongdoers are brought to justice.

US Marshal Harry Bailey and the Case of the Persistent Widow is a very entertaining story. It is full of drama and suspense. Larry Montgomery does an excellent job of vividly describing each character and location. I could easily envision the story with my mind’s eye. Montgomery captivates the reader with an interesting storyline. He keeps the reader engaged throughout the story with unexpected turns at every corner. This is the kind of book that can keep a reader up all night to find out the ending.

This novel is the first in a series of twelve featuring US Marshal Bailey. It is the author’s hope that the reader will “find a few moments of relaxation from reading this book and that you look forward to reading the complete, twelve book series.” I certainly found relaxation, entertainment and enjoyment from reading the first book in this series and I eagerly anticipate the books to come. I would love to see this story made into a movie. I am confident that all who read this book will enjoy it as much as I did.

Author Spotlight - Nicholas Sparks

2011-10-04T15:29:00.000-04:00

I think it's interesting to peer into the background of various authors. I enjoy learning about how they got started with their career and what their day-to-day life is like. Recently, I have added a feature to my blog and newsletter - "Author Spotlight." This feature will allow fans to get to know the person behind our favorite reads. Here is Nicholas Sparks' biography:

Nicholas Charles Sparks was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on December 31, 1965, the second son of Patrick Michael (1942-1996) and Jill Emma Marie (Thoene) Sparks (1942-1989). His siblings are Michael Earl Sparks (b. Dec. 1964), and Danielle Sparks (b. Dec. 1966, d. June, 2000). As a child, he lived in Minnesota, Los Angeles, and Grand Island, Nebraska, finally settling in Fair Oaks, California, at the age of eight. His father was a professor, his mother a homemaker, then an optometrist’s assistant. He lived in Fair Oaks through high school, graduated valedictorian in 1984, and received a full track scholarship to the University of Notre Dame.

After breaking the Notre Dame school record as part of a relay team in 1985 as a freshman (a record which still stands), he was injured and spent the summer recovering. During that summer, he wrote his first novel, though it was never published. He majored in Business Finance and graduated with high honors in 1988.

He and his wife Catherine, who met on spring break in 1988, were married in July 1989. While living in Sacramento, he wrote his second novel that same year, though again, it wasn’t published. He worked a variety of jobs over the next three years, including real estate appraisal, waiting tables, selling dental products by phone, and started his own small manufacturing business which struggled from the beginning. In 1990, he collaborated on a book with Billy Mills, the Olympic Gold Medalist, and it was published by Feather Publishing before later being picked up by Random House. (It was later re-issued by Hay House Books.) Though it received scant publicity, sales topped 50,000 copies in the first year of release.

He began selling pharmaceuticals and moved from Sacramento, California to North Carolina in 1992. In 1994, at the age of 28, he wrote The Notebook over a period of six months. In October 1995, rights to The Notebook were sold to Warner Books. It was published in October 1996, and he followed that with Message in a Bottle (1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), The Rescue (2000), A Bend in the Road (2001), Nights in Rodanthe (2002), The Guardian (2003), The Wedding (2003), True Believer (2005), At First Sight (a sequel to True Believer) (2005), Dear John (2006), The Choice (2007), The Lucky One (2008), The Last Song (2009), Safe Haven (2010) and a non-fiction memoir, Three Weeks With My Brother (2004), written with his brother, Micah, all with Warner Books / Grand Central Publishing. All were domestic and international best sellers, with almost $80 million in worldwide sales, and were translated into more than 45 languages. His newest book, The Best of Me, will be released in October 2011.

The film version of Message in a Bottle, starring Kevin Costner and Robin Wright, was released in 1999, A Walk to Remember, starring Mandy Moore, was released in January 2002, and The Notebook, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, was released in June, 2004. Nights in Rodanthe, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, was released in September 2008. Dear John, starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, and The Last Song, starring Miley Cyrus and Greg Kinnear, were released in 2010 to great box office success. The Lucky One, starring Zac Efron, has a tentative release date of spring 2012. His ancestry is German, Czech, English and Irish; he’s 5’10” and weighs 185lbs. He is an avid athlete who exercises daily. He attends church regularly and reads approximately 125 books a year. He contributes to a variety of local and national charities, and is a major contributor to the Creative Writing Program (MFA) at the University of Notre Dame, where he provides scholarships, internships, and a fellowship annually. Along with his wife, he founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina, and he spent five years coaching track and field athletes at the local public high school. Nicholas lives in North Carolina with his wife and family.

SOURCE: www.nicholassparks.com