'Til We Read Again

New Year, A New Beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Happy 2012! I hope 2012 will be a lot better than 2011. I was so sick for most of it that I don’t remember a lot of it. I am happy to say I am much, much better and no cancer!! YAY! I have meds I have to take but the most important thing is I am healthy and ready to tackle 2012. I am so ready to be back reading and having fun in the book blog community. I am back to stay! I have some changes this year. Being sick shows you that life is way too short! So I started a sister blog to ‘Til We Read Again called ‘Til We Write Again. This is a blog just for my writing and I will be participating in the Blog Dare by Blogging Moms. I do not anticipate a ton of followers but it is just something I want to do. I want to start writing again and I have put it on hold for so long being a mom, and doing this and that. I can’t anymore. I mean if I had died last year my dream would have been gone forever. You can find the blog here: (just in case you want to follow it) http://tilwewriteagain.blogspot.com

Another new change is my look! Do you like it? I have really, really gotten into designing blogs and flash websites. So when I made my sister site I wanted everything uniform and ta-da! I am loving it, I miss The Wizard of Oz but this one is cleaner and really reflects what the blog is about!

I am starting back accepting book reviews and I have a few of them coming up. Some wonderful books I got the privilege to read. I am hoping TLC book tours will take me back. I so loved being a part of that and the girls are so great, I really missed interacting with them.

However, the first book of 2012 will be this little gem right here

I have been wanting to read this for days. I got this back in November when it was first released but with the holidays and everything I haven’t had time to read it but I do now. I am so anxious to dive in! I won’t be posting every day; I really see no need in it. Also, giveaways will be far and few between. I really want to get back to doing the reviews and reading. That is why I started this blog J

I have missed everyone. Also, I would love to thank the two bloggers that wrote me on and off the last 8 months to see how I was feeling and to see if I needed anything. You guys were awesome and I love you for it!

‘Til We Read Again,

Bobbie

The Man Who Could Not Eat- Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:19:00 +0000

Synopsis:

Food is not just sustenance. It is memories, a lobster roll on the beach in Maine; heritage, hot pastrami club with a half-sour pickle; guilty pleasures, a chocolate rum-soaked Bundt cake; identity, vegetarian or carnivore. Food is the sensuality of a ripe strawberry or a pork chop sizzling on the grill. But what if the very thing that keeps you alive, that bonds us together and marks occasions in our lives, became a toxic substance, an inflammatory invader? In this beautifully written memoir, both gut-wrenching and inspiring, award-winning writer Jon Reiner explores our complex and often contradictory relationship with food as he tells the story of his agonizing battle with Crohn’s disease—and the extraordinary places his hunger and obsession with food took him.

The Man Who Couldn’t Eat is an unvarnished account of a marriage in crisis, children faced with grown-up fears, a man at a life-and-death crossroads sifting through his past and his present. And it shows us a tough, courageous climb out of despair and hopelessness. Aided by the loving kindness of family, friends, and strangers and by a new approach to food, Reiner began a process of healing in body and mind. Most of all, he chose life—and a renewed appetite, any way he could manage it, for the things that truly matter most.

My Review:

When I was approached to review this book and take part in the book tour I couldn’t jump at it fast enough. It is funny how fate or whatever you want to call it can knock on your door without even realizing it. When I accepted it was because I was intrigued. See when my daughter was five years old she had a major medical emergency and for the year and half after that she could not eat, anything. She was on a feeding tube and it was a nightmare. Dinners out were hell because she couldn’t eat and at 5 years old kids just don’t understand why they can’t do something. I wanted to read Mr. Reiner’s experiences. How did he feel? What did he think? How did he deal with no food? Then, the whole out look of this tour took a different turn. While not the same it is kind of close and enough for me to say “Was I meant to read this book?” I have been out of blogging for so long because of being sick and then I get asked to do this particular tour. Call it what you will but this is how it happened.

About a week after getting the book I still hadn’t read it. As many of you know I have been sick since Christmas. I have lost weight, no appetite, etc. Severe bouts of stomach cramps, the whole 9 yards. Finally the GI ordered a whole series of tests. I was diagnosed but am not comfortable with telling personal details but here is the kicker, I was put on a diet. I know you may be saying so what? However, this diet is torture for me. No meat, no dairy products, no processed foods, low sodium, low fat...you get the picture. Everything I love to eat was taken in a total of 60 seconds and I am mad. I love to eat and I love to eat good food. Now I am stuck on a vegetarian diet with vegan undertones that I do not want to be on and do not like. However, if I don't want to be sick I have to do it. Fast forward a couple of days.

I finally picked up this book and yes I have admitted the situation was different; however I found comfort in this book. Mr. Reiner is an inspiration. He went through hell and emerged. I now look at this a total different way thanks to him. This struck me in particular “I must lick this French fry. It’s calling me and I have no choice.” The day my diet changed my girls had been treated to McDonalds. I almost bribed my oldest with 20.00 if she would give me a chicken nugget. I knew what it would do to me but yet I still wanted it. It was calling me, I needed it. My body was rebelling against my common sense. It’s hard.

I love Mr. Reiner’s food awareness, as he calls it. In my opinion you’re not aware of the most basic things until it is taken away from you. I can’t stress how much this book was an inspiration. You must read it just for the memoir. It will stick with you long after you turn the page. During the holidays when you are sampling this, eating that this book will be with you. Every bite you take you will say thank you and you will be aware.

I am writing about my journey here: http://www.thoughtsofamotherwifeanddaughter.com/search/label/My%20Journey

GiveAway:

I am giving this book away. Rules are so very simple.

1. No PO Boxes, US addies only.

2. All you have to do is leave a comment below and a way to get in touch with you if you win.

3. Contest ends: December 15th 2011 at 12 AM EST

Til’ We Read Again,

Bobbie

J.D. Robb- New York to Dallas

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:35:00 +0000

When a monster named Isaac McQueen-taken down by Eve back in her uniform days-escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago.

Review:

I have not picked up a book since December and quite frankly I wish I would have picked a different one. Anyone that knows me knows I am a huge In Death fan and when I found out this book was out I had to read it. Seeing so many 5 star reviews on Amazon really made me anxious to read it. I am now left wondering if we read the same book.

I was very disappointed in this book. It was the same story, just told a different way with a monster thrown in for good measure. Robb, aka Roberts, always makes a big deal out of not making Eve a victim but re-hashes her past every chance she gets. We all know what happened in Dallas; for god sakes let her move on already. Why does she have to re-live it? Just to overcome it once again? Quit making Eve a victim and let her rise above this once and for all.

I miss the in death of before. The good plots, the heart, the relationships. The books seemed rushed and just thrown together. I am not sure if I will read the next one. They just aren’t what they used to be. I guess if you are an in death fan you should read it. If you have never read the books before skip this one and go for an older one. Like number one.

Til We Read Again,

Bobbie

TBR List and Fixing the Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:17:00 +0000

It feels so good to be back! I have been visiting so many blogs and even found some new ones. I have been trying to leave comments and if I didn't leave one, I will come back :) I can't wait to see people commenting on my blog, I have missed everyone so much. Well I am cleaning the blog up and deleting some stuff. I am dropping my challenges since I am 4 months behind. I may pick one up in the summer once I get to reading again. Do you have a great summer challenge you enjoy? If so, let me know in the comment section so I can check it out also :)

Well visiting blogs definitely gave me some new reading material. I have added books to my TBR list and I wanted to share them with you! Do any of these look like something you would read? If so, which ones? Have you read any of them? If so, which ones and did you enjoy them? Better yet if you have and wrote a review please link me!

Paranormalcy - Kiersten White
Watership Down - Richard Adams
If I Stay - Gayle Foreman
Blood Oath - Christopher Farnsworth
The Secret History - Donna Tartt
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith
The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte - Syrie James
The Hotel New Hampshire - John Irving
Wicked - Gregory Maguire ( Going to see this on Broadway Wednesday May 4th, Woot!)
The Wish List - Eoin Colfer
Can You Keep a Secret? - Sophie Kinsella
Dirty Little Secrets - CJ Omolulo
Hound of the Baskervilles - Arthur Conan Doyle
I Heart You, You Haunt Me - Lisa Schroeder
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much - Allison Hoover Bartlett
The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
A Secret in Salem- Sheri Anderson
Wild Thorn by Jane England
The Search by Nora Roberts
The Somebody Who by Katie Gates
Deaths Excellent Vacation by Various Authors
The Violets of March- Sarah Jio
Motherhood is Murder - Diana Orgain
What Would Mr. Darcy Do-- Abigail Reynolds
Sing You Home-- Jodi Picoult

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

BACK :DD

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:57:00 +0000

I am happy to say I am finally back. This has been the hardest 4 months I have had in a long time. I am ashamed to say I have not picked up a book in that time frame. I am so glad things are starting to settle so I can start reading and posting again. I have missed my blog so much. You kind of take it for granted. Sitting in the quite and writing about the latest book you've read. Visiting other readers and hearing about the books they have read or just touching base with friends that live in your computer. I have missed so many people in the last few months. I don't even want to look at my google reader D: I am sure it is bursting at the seams. Today I have nothing planned but going around to all my friends and saying Hi. Never, ever take for granted the ability to open a book or saying Hi. It seems like something so minimal until things crash down and you can't do it. Well, anyway, I am back. Looking forward to adding some great new books to my to be read list, visiting some old friends and POSTING!!! I hope that you will come see me to. First things first.. change this blog, Christmas is so last year! :D

'Til We Read Again ( wow, have those words been true lately)
Bobbie

On Hold

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 15:02:00 +0000

The blog is on hold for awhile. I have been really sick since Christmas. I don't know what is wrong but I am going to the doctor. As soon as I am able to read and make intelligent posts I will be back.

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

I'll Be Home for Christmas-Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 10:00:00 +0000

I'll be home for Christmas

You can plan on me.

Please have snow and mistletoe

and presents on the tree.

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the love light gleams.

I'll be home for Christmas,

If only in my dreams.

Kim Gannon, Walter Kent,

and Buck Ram

1943

I'll Be Home For Christmas relives the moments of Christmas during WW2. It spans the years 1941-1945.

It is hard to imagine that the thousands of young men and woman on the battlefield were the same young men and woman just years before exclaiming over gifts, enjoying dinner with the family and singing carols in church. Now they were surrounded by gun fire and death while dreaming of Christmas past. Instead of seeing their family they were worrying about their safety and well being. While their families were doing the same hundreds of miles away.

It starts at the beginning of the war in 1941, Pearl Harbor to 1945. Through journals, newspaper articles, pictures and letters I'll Be Home for Christmas reminds you of how fragile what we take for granted really is. It was touching to read the letters from wives to husbands, read the announcements from the president and generals and see the letters from kids. I recommend this book to anyone that wants a reminder of what these young men and women really sacrificed to keep our shores safe. It will also remind you of all the men and women that are still sacrificing to keep us safe.

"I give you a message of cheer. I cannot say "Merry Christmas" for I think constantly of those thousands of soldiers and sailors who are in actual combat through the world .... Franklin D. Roosevelt ( December 25th 1942)

We weren't Italian-American, Spanish-American, Russian-American, Black-American or Jewish-American anymore. We were all Amercians bound together for a common cause, willing to fight our country's battles at home and in the battle fields... Edward Vila

God bless you this Christmas whether you are home or far away dreaming of home. To our men and women in the US Military my god bless you and keep you this Christmas day. Bobbie

'Til We Read Again,

Bobbie

ARC Review_Night Road by Kristin Hannah

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:07:00 +0000

Night Road by Kristin Hannah is due out March 29th 2011. I received an ARC from the publisher. My review is honest and based on the book itself not the fact it was given to me.

For eighteen years, Jude Farraday has put her children’s needs above her own, and it shows—her twins, Mia and Zach—are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill moves into their small, close knit community, no one is more welcoming than Jude. Lexi, a former foster child with a dark past, quickly becomes Mia’s best friend. Then Zach falls in love with Lexi and the three become inseparable.
Jude does everything to keep her kids on track for college and out of harm’s way. It has always been easy-- until senior year of high school. Suddenly she is at a loss. Nothing feels safe anymore; every time her kids leave the house, she worries about them.
On a hot summer’s night her worst fears come true. One decision will change the course of their lives. In the blink of an eye, the Farraday family will be torn apart and Lexi will lose everything. In the years that follow, each must face the consequences of that single night and find a way to forget…or the courage to forgive.
Vivid, universal, and emotionally complex, NIGHT ROAD raises profound questions about motherhood, identity, love, and forgiveness. It is a luminous, heartbreaking novel that captures both the exquisite pain of loss and the stunning power of hope. This is Kristin Hannah at her very best, telling an unforgettable story about the longing for family, the resilience of the human heart, and the courage it takes to forgive the people we love.

About the Author:

I was born in September 1960 in Southern California and grew up at the beach, making sand castles and playing in the surf. When I was eight years old, my father drove us to Western Washington where we called home.

After working in a trendy advertising agency, I decided to go to law school. "But you're going to be a writer" are the prophetic words I will never forget from my mother. I was in my third-and final-year of law school and my mom was in the hospital, facing the end of her long battle with cancer. I was shocked to discover that she believed I would become a writer. For the next few months, we collaborated on the worst, most clichéd historical romance ever written.

After my mom's death, I packed up all those bits and pieces of paper we'd collected and put them in a box in the back of my closet. I got married and continued practicing law.

Then I found out I was pregnant, but was on bed rest for five months. By the time I'd read every book in the house and started asking my husband for cereal boxes to read, I knew I was a goner. That's when my darling husband reminded me of the book I'd started with my mom. I pulled out the boxes of research material, dusted them off and began writing. By the time my son was born, I'd finished a first draft and found an obsession.

The rejections came, of course, and they stung for a while, but each one really just spurred me to try harder, work more. In 1990, I got "the call," and in that moment, I went from a young mother with a cooler-than-average hobby to a professional writer, and I've never looked back. In all the years between then and now, I have never lost my love of, or my enthusiasm for, telling stories. I am truly blessed to be a wife, a mother, and a writer.

My Review:

The only other book I read by Kristin Hannah was Firefly Lane. I actually reviewed that book for a minor publication. While I enjoyed the book I felt that Hannah really tried to hard to punch the drama. I felt it was over acted and would have been better if it had been more subtle and realistic. I received Night Road a few days ago and settled in over the weekend to read it. I was hooked from the first page. This book was dramatic yet subtle. It wasn't in your face and trying to make you feel something. You just did. My heart ached for Mia and I knew how she felt. I was the shy, awkward teenager in school. Like Mia I found another Misfit willing to be my friend. With Zach I really felt how the inner workings of a teenage boy is. Part of the time I cried for him and the other part I just wanted to smack him. Then there is Lexi. Lexi made me feel the most. I cried for her. My heart ached for her and I really just wanted to reach through the book and hug her. These three kids really told a story that was worth reading. Even though it was tragic Hannah told it in a way that made you feel something. The real star of the book in my opinion was Jude. Being a Mother I could understand her heart breaking. I just wonder how I would react in that situation. While part of me was mad, part of me hated her and part of me ached for her, I understood. In the end this book really just gets a hold of you. I find myself still thinking about it. I full intended to give this book away as part of the bash but I loved it so much I decided to add it to my little collection. That tells you something right there because I only add books I really love to my book shelf. I would recommend this book to any mother, to any reader that love Family drama books, and to anyone that just wants a good story. I would definitely read it when I had a good bit of time to read because you wont want to put it down.

'Til We Read Again,

Bobbie

Give Away- And the Pursuit of Happiness!

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 15:38:00 +0000

I thought I would celebrate my 250th Post with a Give Away! I can't believe I have 250 posts! When I started this blog I figured I would have maybe 10 followers and it would be small. I can't believe how much it is grown. Thank you for supporting me and my little blog. It just shows you don't have to be the smartest or most elegantly written to have your words read:)

Now onto the fun stuff!

This giveaway is for And The Pursuit of Happiness. This is a fabulous book and I can't wait to give it a home!

Now this one is a little harder than the last one but I think you guys can handle it:)

My new favorite quote:

"When I have money I buy books. If I have enough left over I pay my bills and buy food". If you can tell me where I saw this quote I will give you my copy of And the Pursuit of Happiness by Maira Kalman.

Rules:

No back to back commenting! Only one guess per person. If no one guesses it by December 23rd I will start a new round:)

Only open to my followers. If you are not a follower you have several ways to follow in the side bar:)

Due to the weight of this book it is only open to US Residents.

In the Comment section leave:

Your guess

Your Name

Your E-mail Address

How you follow me.

This contest will run until I get a winner or if no one guesses I will randomly draw a name from the comments December 31st 2010.

Have fun guessing!

'Til We Read Again,

Bobbie

Christmas Mourning- Review

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 13:49:00 +0000

Christmas Mourning by Margaret Caron. The death of Mallory Johnson, a popular high school cheerleader, in a suspicious car crash propels Edgar-winner Maron's satisfying 16th Deborah Knott mystery (after 2009's Sand Sharks). While Deborah, a Colleton County, N.C., judge, and her huge clan are preparing for a big North Carolina Christmas, her husband, chief deputy Dwight Bryant, looks into the shooting of two trailer-park brothers. Deborah's countless nieces and nephews pop up frequently, and Deborah, with her realistic and appealing combination of common sense and a sharp ear, pulls clues from the kids' random comments. Mallory's less popular half-brother, her slighted best friend, and all the boys she toyed with are all possible bad guys, though how the one-car accident was orchestrated is a mystery in itself. As usual, interludes with relatives overshadow the investigating, but of course the warm and authentic family relationships are the heart of this evergreen series

My Review:
I must say I was not impressed with this book. I wasn't looking for a heartfelt and warm book like with my other Christmas reads. That is the reason I chose this one. I love pretty much all genres but I have a special affection for Mystery and Thrillers. So I thought I would combine my love of Christmas with my favorite genre:)I really never got to know any of the characters and I will admit it may be because it is a series and you need to read all the books. The kids in the book kinda got on my nerves but the worse part of it was I figured everything out really early in the book. I think I watch too much NCIS and CSI. While the writing was decent and the plot was okay it was not a favorite of mine.

Hehehehehe, I love my loyal followers. I got quite a few e-mails yesterday letting me know that I forgot to answer my question about cookies:
Question:
How were cookies first started? Cookies were original little testers for cakes. A small amount of batter was used to test the ovens temperature. Read about this and many more cookie facts HERE

Look out for my latest give away today:)

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

Bloggiesta Is Coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:57:00 +0000

* I am so excited! I participated in my first one a few months ago and I am looking forward to doing it again. I am changing a lot of things on this blog the first of the year and it will be nice too have it coincide with Bloggiesta.*

Hosted by Maw Books

It’s already time for the fourth edition of Bloggiesta! Are you a blogger? (With apologies to those who are not). If so, this event is just for you! Bloggiesta is scheduled forJanuary 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. The beginning of the year is a great time to evaluate your blog, see how you’re doing, and get re-energized for the rest of the year!

Some of you may be asking what is Bloggiesta? In short, it’s a blogging marathon. A opportunity to cross those nagging items off of your to-do list and improve your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing. Our awesome mascot Pedro (Plan. Edit. Develop. Review. Organize) is ready to break out the nachos, enchiladas, drinks, mariachi music and whack a pinata or two! It’s nothing short of an awesome fiesta!

What to do during the Bloggiesta?

Write reviews.
Write backup posts for a rainy day.
Write that great post idea from three months back.
Work on series posts.
Write guest posts.
Put out invitations for guest posts.
Conduct and edit author interviews.
Create template posts for your future reads (ie: title, images, linking, tags, etc,) so you can open up, write review and post without being bogged down with technicalities
Clean up your tags, archives, books reviewed list, etc.
Create a text file (or Google Doc) of cheat sheets (html codes, post url’s, etc)
Improve your blog template, clean up sidebars, add a favicon, install those plugins that you’ve been meaning to do.
Add or edit your about me page, review policy, disclosure policy, privacy policy, create landing pages (for example – an about me for Twitter readers page) or any other pages you might have.
Any bloggy type housekeeping that you’ve been neglecting.
Clean up and update your challenge lists. Link up your posts with hosts.
Make sure all of your social network profiles are up to date. Be consistent in those profiles with color scheme, images, etc.
Go get a gravatar.
Visit the Blogging Tips group on the Book Blogs Ning and find ways to improve your blog.
Work on any specialized projects that you may have going.
Clean out and organize your feed reader and blog subscriptions.
Create an elevator pitch.
Make business cards.
Find a blogging buddy.
Analyze and re-evaulate your blog.
Back up your blog.
Learn more about blogging, read great articles, get inspired.
Make sure you have properly copyrighted your blog and know what to do when somebody reposts your material.
Brainstorm blogging topics.
Manage your feedreader.
Help other bloggers, answer questions, share your expertise (let’s face it – this is the best part of Bloggiesta!)
The sky’s the limit!

How to play:

The date is Friday, January 21st Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd. You can really start whenever you want within that time but official hours are 8am to 8am (wherever you are). That is a total of 76 hours, the hours spent on the challenge do NOT need to be in a row. Use the entire 76 hour time frame and see what you can do with it.
It’s your call as to how much you want to put into it. But you have to put something into it or it’s not a challenge. So stay up all night or sleep and take care of kids when you need to.
When you start the challenge, come to this blog and to the “starting line” post and link to your specific post about beginning the challenge which is posted on your blog. That way I’ll be able to track participants and know who’s really at the party.
How many updates (if any) you want to do is up to you. Make it work for you. Personally, I like making a to do list and then crossing off items as I accomplish them. There will be bloggers hosting mini-challenges as well. These are great to learn new information. To get an idea of the mini-challenges last time, check out the list.
If you are on Twitter, use the hashtag #bloggiesta to join the chatter.
Your final summary post needs to be posted no later than end of the day Monday, January 24th. Come back to the finish line and link to your specific summary post (again- can be that same post you’ve been updating). Your summary should include the number of hours spent on the challenge, what you accomplished, links to mini-challenge hosts if you completed them and any other experiences you’d like to add.
Sign the Mr. Linky now if you intend to join the fiest so I have an idea of how many people are participating. Subscribe to this blog, so you’ll be notified of future bloggiesta posts.

'Til We Read Again,

Bobbie

The Christmas Train-David Baldacci

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:42:00 +0000

The Christmas Train by David Baldacci Baldacci's --a sweet holiday tale--is a departure from his last thriller, Last Man Standing (2001). Tom Langdon is a former war reporter who now writes feature articles for various magazines. Banned from flying on airplanes after a hostile incident at an airport security checkpoint, Langdon is forced to take a cross-country train from Washington, D.C., to L.A., where his girlfriend is waiting to spend Christmas with him. As he begins talking to the passengers and staff aboard the train, he meets an eccentric older woman who seems to be a regular rider, a young couple preparing to marry on the train, and a former Catholic priest. To Tom's shock, the former love of his life, Eleanor, is also aboard the train. Sparks fly between them, bringing up old feelings along with the unresolved issues from their relationship. Tom realizes this might be his second chance with Eleanor, but a series of unexpected events may derail his plans. (amazon)

My Review:
I loved this book. It was full of delightful characters, an awesome train ride, and a lot of surprises. It just left you feeling good when you closed the book. It reaches out and grabs you slowly but once it has a hold of you it doesn't let go until you have savored every word. This book would make a great present for a bookie friend or anyone that likes Christmas. I warn you though, after reading it you may be tempted to book your own cross-country train ride. I know I am:)

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

Christmas Bash Give Away #1

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:44:00 +0000

I am giving away a copy of Heideggers Glasses . You can see my review HERE . This was one of my top books in 2010. So how do you win? You may have to do a little typing but it is Very, Very simple.

Tell me your number one book of 2010. That is all you have to do.

Rules:

Contest is only open to my followers. So make sure you are following me to win:)

Leave me a comment telling me your book title and author, name and e-mail address.

Winners will be announced on December 24th 2010. I normally do not announce winners on the blog as part of my privacy policy but that will change in 2011. So I am going to start with these contests:)

Good Luck on winning this AMAZING book!

'Til We Read Again,

Bobbie

Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:15:00 +0000

Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Cookies Magazine 2010

My Mom has Christmas Recipe books that will rival anyones, lol. We have no idea how many she has and when Christmas rolls around all of the beloved ones are pulled out. However, this one is a new one:) We just got it and wow, they have some amazing cookies. There are even recipes that are low fat, heart healthy, and gluten free. There are new takes on old favorites and some new recipes. All the recipes are made from scratch, ingredients are listed in the order you use them, and the directions are clearly numbered so it is easy to follow. The pictures are fully colored and large. It also comes with a bonus publication called Sweet Inspirations that has recipes that use Betty Crocker cookie mixes. That is more my speed, lol:) This would make a great stocking stuffer for your baker or if you are more crafty add this to a basket filled with cookie cutters, a roll mat, rolling pin, and cookie decorations. I know it is one we will pull out year after year.

Question:
How were cookies first started? Answer Tomorrow!!!

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

A Christmas Carol- Memories from Christmas Past

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:00:00 +0000

We were reading A Christmas Carol in school but as usual I wasn't paying attention. It is funny how A Christmas Carol became my all time favorite Christmas story. Our school had taken a trip to the Ford Theater to see A Christmas Carol when I was in school. At the time I was more excited about being in the same theater President Lincoln was shot. If you have been following this blog for a long time you know I have a fascination with President Lincoln. My main concern was running into his ghost:) Oh and we were going to McDonalds for lunch. That was a big selling point right there. When we got there and the lights went down A Christmas Carol entrapped me like nothing I had seen in my short life. I was enthralled from beginning to end. When I got home I immediately went to my English book and read the story from beginning to end. Oh, if you could only have seen my face when I found out there were movies. My favorite being the 1984 version with George C. Scott.
Every year at Christmas reading A Christmas Carol and watching the movie is a tradition in this house. It is one that I have passed onto my girls. The timeless story it tells is so amazing and when Ebenezer finally sees the light your heart jumps for joy. I was very saddened to read online that most people have never read the story. If you are one of those people please, please read it! It is so good and there is something magical about the book. The movies are great but nothing beats reading it the way Mr. Dickens intended.
I will leave you using the words of Little Tiny Tim:
God Bless Us Everyone,
Bobbie

Candy Christmas's Christmas Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:12:00 +0000

This is a cookbook by a woman literally named Candy Christmas. She was originally Candy Hemphill but married a man named Ken Christmas. Later this week I will have pics of my Mom's house decorated for the holidays. We literally live in Santa's house during Christmas. It is my Mom's favorite holiday and everything is dressed to the nines. One of the things she has is a lot of Christmas Cookbooks. Some are dated back to the early 1900's. We found Candy's Christmas Collection at a yard sale and brought it home. It is full of stories from her childhood ( most of which is a little sickening sweet and too preachy for my tastes) and little crafts that you can do but the star of the show is the recipes. There are so many great ones and we have used quite a few on occasion. Christmas Eve is the big deal here. We have a huge party with just us as guests and we feast on fabulous food and enjoy the time together. One of the staple recipes for the party comes from this cook book. It is called Sausage-Mushroom Caps and we all love it. I definitely would recommend this holiday cook book. It is a wonderful addition to your recipe collection and if you don't want to buy it I would get a copy from the Library.
Sausage-Mushroom Caps
1 1/2 pounds medium mushrooms
1/2 pound pork sausage
1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 seasoned bread crumbs
Parsley for garnish
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees
2. Remove the stems from the mushrooms, chop the stems and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until well browned. With a slotted spoon, remove to sausage to paper towels to drain. Spoon of all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings from the skillet. ( add vegetable oil, if needed, to equal 2 tablespoons)
4. In hot drippings over medium heat, cook the mushroom stems until they're tender, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in sausage, cheese and breadcrumbs.
5. Fill mushroom caps with the mixture and place stuffed mushrooms in a 15 1/2 by 10 1/2- inch jelly roll pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley.
'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

The Christmas Box-Review

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:00:00 +0000

The Christmas Box : The touching story of a widow and the young family who move in with her. Together they discover the first gift of Christmas and learn what Christmas is really all about. (Back Cover of the Book)

My Review:

I think this is a wonderful book to start the bash off with. Do you know what the first gift of Christmas was? If you don't then you must read The Christmas Box. It was such a moving and emotional book for me. It moved me to tears and its lesson between the pages was one I needed to learn again. I wish we all had a Mary in our life. Evans started the book to show his daughters how much he loves them but in the end he taught so many others the true meaning of Christmas. This book will become a permenant resident on my book shelf so I can re-read it and remember it's lessons. I would recommend this book to anyone that has children or wants an uplifting Christmas story.

'Til We Read Again,

Bobbie

2011 Reading Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 22:15:00 +0000

I have started another blog to list my progress on the 2011 Challenges I chose to participate in this year:) I would love for you to come follow it and my progress. Click on the links to be taken to the Challenges home pages. What challenges are you doing in 2011?
http://twrachallenges.blogspot.com/

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

12 Days of Christmas Bash Starts Now:)

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Squeeee! It is time for the Bookie Christmas Bash:) Everything will start tomorrow and I have some wonderful things planned. I have Christmas book reviews(including a very special advanced copy review), Christmas recipes, memories, and I have heard that Santa may come back with a few giveaways! So make sure you stop by each day to see what is going on! Some days may have more than one post so check back often or make sure you are following so you always know when I post! Also, I would love for everyone to spread the news so if you want please grab my banner and post it for all to see!

'Til We Read Again,

Bobbie

Writing Bad Book Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 13:58:00 +0000

* THIS IS A GUEST POST THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO GO OUT DURING VACAY WHEN BLOGGER LOST EVERYTHING! Now to find the others:)

Author: Zohar – Man of la Book

http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

As book bloggers we like to think we bring value to the table. We like to read and write about our experience, all of us hoping that someone would take our opinions into consideration. We always love to gash about the newest book we absolutely adored and felt as if we were part of the story.

But there are always those books which scare the neighbors breaking the sound barrier when we throw them against the wall.

How do you handle that?

The old wisdom is that if you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all.

But is that true?

Don’t bad reviews have some value?

If we don’t write bad reviews are we actually doing a disservice to our followers?

I, for one, think we do. After all, you took the time to read a bad book.

When not publishing a bad review, not just of a book but of anything, we actually give a hand to the marketing / hype machine which is trying to separate people from their hard earned money. If a book is not good, and you know it’s bad, by not saying so you are actually performing a disservice.

Giving a bad review also doesn’t mean the reviewer has to trash the book – it’s a book that is simply not to one’s tasted, someone else might think it was a life changing book, for example I couldn’t finish “Eat, Pray, Love” . I tried to write a thoughtful, well reasoned review of why I didn’t like the book – as well as point out some of the good qualities of the memoir (“well written”).

Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist Richard Ford said that it takes just as much effort to write a bad book as it does a good book. That is indeed a disheartening statement, after all no one sets out to write a bad book (or make a bad movie, etc.). I feel that it’s important to discern what was so bad about a book, after all the writer can still write good books. Was the plot bad? Was the book badly written? Was the prose annoying, the narrative disjointed? Was the expectation too high (for example, if the book is considered a “classic”)?

The bad review shouldn’t be a hatchet job, even though some take pleasure in doing so. An author took weeks, months, years to write a book which you didn’t like – we must keep that in mind. The review, good or bad, should be able to discuss the strongest and weakest points of the book in order to merit some credence.

On a last note, bad reviews are necessarily a bad thing.

Obviously whoever reviewed the book felt passionately about it and people will talk. The author can also understand how people will read their work, maybe they didn’t convey the message properly. As all of us who write emails on a regular basis know, it is mighty difficult to convey tone thru writing.

That kind of honesty, in my opinion, is priceless.

Finally, thank you for Bobbie for allowing me the honor of guest blogging in her domain.

Zohar – Man of la Book

http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

And The Pursuit of Happiness- Review

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:23:00 +0000

About And the Pursuit of Happiness

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Press HC, The (October 14, 2010)

Energized and inspired by the 2008 elections, beloved artist and author Maira Kalman traveled to Washington, D.C., on inauguration day, launching a national tour that would take her from a town hall meeting in Newfane, Vermont, to the inner chambers of the Supreme Court. AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS (The Penguin Press; October 18, 2010) is the result of this wholly idiosyncratic journey, a yearlong investigation of democracy and how it works.

With the delightful Kalman as our travel companion, we fall in love with Lincoln as she imagines making a home for herself in the center of his magisterial memorial; ponder Alexis de Toqueville’s America, witness the inner workings of a Bronx middle-school student council; take a high-speed lesson in great American women in the National Portrait Gallery; and consider the cost of war to the brave American service families of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Democracy, Kalman discovers, is at work all around us.

Equal parts informative and charming, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS is a remarkable tribute to our history and a powerful reminder of the potential our future holds, from a true national treasure.

About Maira Kalman

Maira Kalman is an illustrator, author, and designer. She is the author of The Principles of Uncertainty and she illustrated the bestselling edition of Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style. Ms. Kalman’s twelve children’s books include Max Makes a Million, Stay Up Late, Swami on Rye, and What Pete Ate. She also has designed fabric for Isaac Mizrahi, accessories for Kate Spade, sets for the Mark Morris Dance Company, and, with her late husband Tibor Kalman under the M&Co. label, clocks, umbrellas, and other accessories for the Museum of Modern Art. Ms. Kalman’s work is shown at the Julie Saul Gallery in Manhattan.

Find out more about Ms. Kalman’s work at herwebsite, and be sure to check out her blog in the New York Times.

My Review:

I am ashamed to admit this post was supposed to be made on November 10th while I was on vacation. Unfortunately that was when my blogger went crazy and none of my scheduled posts went out. If you have noticed I have been very sporadic about posting. That is because blogger would only let me post every once in awhile. After enough e-mails to the Blogger team to make us best friends we figured out something was wrong with the code in my layout. When they did an update it messed my blog up. Well that layout is gone and wont be back. Anywho back to the book. I received this book as part of a book tour from TLC Books. I love them and since I have no more tours booked with them I am going to miss them greatly:(
I have read some amazing books from them and this one was one of my favorites!! It was such a fabulous little book. So inspiring and uplifting. I fell in love with the artwork. It made me just as happy as the book itself. It really made me think about " And the Pursuit of Happiness" and what it means to me. I love history and have a a lot of books about it. This one will be so treasured in my library. It is great for everyone. I had my girls read it and both really enjoyed it. In fact my oldest who loves art was so enthralled with the illustrations that she is going to try her hand at illustrating the book she is writing, YAY! I recommend this book to everyone. It will uplift you and remind you of what a great country we live in!

'Til We Read Again,

Bobbie

Little Change to Christmas Bash:)

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:11:00 +0000

Well I decided to do a 12 Days of Christmas here at 'Til We Read Again. I went to the library to pick up my books and found more books. So I needed to add some days, lol. I really hope you guys will join me. I already have the blog decorated. What do you think of the falling snow? I thought it was really neat! I even added it to my pixel site HERE . I just love this time of year and I am really looking forward to spending it will you:)

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

'Til We Read Again Christmas Bash

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:16:00 +0000

I will be holding a Christmas bash here December 19th through the 24th. I will be sharing recipes, favorite Christmas Activities, and of course Christmas Themed books!! I may even have a give-away or two:) One of my favorite things to do this time of year is settle in during the evening with my snuggie, a cup of hot chocolate and a book that is centered around Christmas. I have some new ones and some oldies on the list and I can't wait to share them with you:) I hope you will join me!! It is nice to be getting back into the swing of things!

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

What I Thought I Knew- Give Away-Review

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:08:00 +0000

At age forty-four, Alice Eve Cohen was happy for the first time in years. After a difficult divorce, she was engaged to an inspiring man, joyfully raising her adopted daughter, and her career was blossoming. Alice tells her fiancé that she's never been happier. And then the stomach pains begin.

In her unflinchingly honest and ruefully witty voice, Alice nimbly carries us through her metamorphosis from a woman who has come to terms with infertility to one who struggles to love a heartbeat found in her womb - six months into a high-risk pregnancy.

What I Thought I Knew is a page-turner filled with vivid characters, humor, and many surprises and twists of fate. With the suspense of a thriller and the intimacy of a diary, Cohen describes her unexpected journey through doubt, a broken medical system, and the hotly contested terrain of motherhood and family in today's society. Timely and compelling, What I Thought I Knew will capture readers of memoirs such as Eat, Pray, Love; The Glass Castle; and A Three Dog Life.

Alice Eve Cohen is a solo theatre artist, playwright, and memoirist. Her memoir, What I Thought I Knew (Viking / Penguin, 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.

My Review:
This is a haunting, disturbing, and utterly true memoir. My emotions while reading this book went from shocked, to flabbergasted, to Awe. Alice Cohen is an amazing woman. To be in the situation she was in and come out of it the way she did was an inspiration. I only hope if I was in that situation I would be able to handle it with as much craziness and grace as Alice Did. I recommend this book for any mother, grandmother, sister, niece or any special woman in your life.

Giveaway!
The publishers will be giving away one copy of the book. To enter leave your name and e-mail address in the comments. US addresses only please.

Contest is open from now until December 31st 2010.

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

Where are You Reading 2011 Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbie) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:29:00 +0000

Hosted by Sheila at Book Journey

This Challenge starts January 1, 2011 - December 31st 2011. The Challenge consists of reading at least one book that covers each of the 50 states of America and you can add as many other countries as you like.

So how do you decide what state a book is categorized under?

1. In a fiction read it would be the State or Country that the book spends the most time in. (Ie. If your main character is from Wisconsin but the book is all about his/her time in college in California - the books should categorize under California....)
2. Non fiction reads categorize in whatever State or Country it is about (Ie.... a book about fly fishing in Colorado is a Colorado point, and a book about women in Afghanistan is an Afghanistan point.

How to get started

Set up a map under Google Maps. It is easy to do! Every time you read a book in 2011, upload a cover picture to Picasa Web Albums (there may be other sites to use, feel free to use what works best for you).

Questions?

Do you have to have a blog to participate? No. You can do everything on the map above without linking the book to a review.
Do I have to have my post up by January 1st, 2011? No, but I would think you would want to get started right away at the beginning of the year. However, you will be able to sign up throughout January as well.
How will people see my map? There are a couple of possibilities. On your original challenge post you should have a link to your map. You could also put it on your side bar to draw interest to it (see mine on my left side bar)

Once you are ready and have your map set up please create a blog post (those who have blogs) using the Challenge picture of the map I provided above as well as link to this post so others may join in. Then come back and link that post here to Mr Linky so I as well as other participants know that you are participating and we can pop in throughout the year to check out your map and how we are all doing.
This is actually a fun and easy challenge as all books you read qualify and it will be fun to see where you generally read books from as well as searching out books to fill in areas that you need.
For those who have covered the 50 states by the end of 2011, they will go into a drawing for a $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble or to Amazon. ** All other areas beyond the 50 states are bonus points and we will have a drawing using random.org for those who read 10 or more books throughout 2011 in that category.
You can see my map I worked on in 2010 here to see what the map looks like and how the pictures link to the reviews. (If you zoom in you will see the individual areas I read in and clicking on the blue pins will show you what book it was and clicking on the picture will take you to the post!

That's it! Any questions - please leave them in the comments section below. :D

I can't wait to see Where You Are Reading!