I had a whole bunch of stuff planned for Banned Book Week but unfortunately real life has got in the way. I haven't had any time to read. We have had drama after drama and real life has to come first right now.

I will be back later in the week and hopefully will be able to get a few things in before the week is out.

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

Mr. Griffin is the strictest teacher at Del Norte High, with a penchant for endless projects and humiliating his students. Even straight-A student Susan can't believe how mean he is to the charismatic Mark Kinney. So when her crush asks Susan to help a group of students teach a lesson of their own, she goes along. After all, it's a harmless prank, right?

But things don't go according to plan. When one "accident" leads to another, people begin to die. Susan and her friends must face the awful truth: one of them is a killer.

I am so honored to have been chosen to be a panel judge for the INSPY's Awards. I will be judging the Amish fiction category and I am very excited about it. If you go HERE and scroll down you will see me in all my glory:)

I think these awards are a wonderful idea and it will be a lot of fun to participate and read some great books. I am actually a huge fan of Amish fiction even though I don't do reviews for it very often.

'Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

It is 1498, the dawn of the Renaissance, and Venice teems with rumors of an ancient book that holds the secret to unimaginable power. It is an alchemist's dream, with recipes for gold, immortality, and undying love. Everyone, rich and poor alike, speculates about the long-buried secrets scrawled in its pages and where it could possibly be hidden within the labyrinthine city. But while those who seek the book will stop at nothing to get it, those who know will die to protect it.

Hello everyone!
The GC portion of the Autobiography/Memoir challenge is closed. We had one lovely blogger that finished this portion of the challenge Donna at A Novel Review . Normally I don't announce winners on the blog without their consent but since she is the only one that finished I think most everyone would realize she won:) Donna when I am ready to send out your gift certificate I will e-mail you. Please give me a few weeks because I have to wait until I get paid:) Congrats and great job!!!

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

I have decided to join in on the Fall- Catch- up -Read- A -Thon. Found this over at Sheila's blog and decided to join in:) I have a lot of books the I need to finish reading so this will be perfect:) I will update you on my progress as the week goes on:)

In her most accomplished novel, Barbara Kingsolver takes us on an epic journey from the Mexico City of artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo to the America of Pearl Harbor, FDR, and J. Edgar Hoover. The Lacuna is a poignant story of a man pulled between two nations as they invent their modern identities.
Born in the United States, reared in a series of provisional households in Mexico—from a coastal island jungle to 1930s Mexico City—Harrison Shepherd finds precarious shelter but no sense of home on his thrilling odyssey. Life is whatever he learns from housekeepers who put him to work in the kitchen, errands he runs in the streets, and one fateful day, by mixing plaster for famed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. He discovers a passion for Aztec history and meets the exotic, imperious artist Frida Kahlo, who will become his lifelong friend. When he goes to work for Lev Trotsky, an exiled political leader fighting for his life, Shepherd inadvertently casts his lot with art and revolution, newspaper headlines and howling gossip, and a risk of terrible violence.
Meanwhile, to the north, the United States will soon be caught up in the internationalist goodwill of World War II. There in the land of his birth, Shepherd believes he might remake himself in America’s hopeful image and claim a voice of his own. He finds support from an unlikely kindred soul, his stenographer, Mrs. Brown, who will be far more valuable to her employer than he could ever know. Through darkening years, political winds continue to toss him between north and south in a plot that turns many times on the unspeakable breach—the lacuna—between truth and public presumption.
With deeply compelling characters, a vivid sense of place, and a clear grasp of how history and public opinion can shape a life, Barbara Kingsolver has created an unforgettable portrait of the artist—and of art itself. The Lacuna is a rich and daring work of literature, establishing its author as one of the most provocative and important of her time.

About Barbara Kingsolver

Barbara Kingsolver is the author of seven works of fiction, including the novels The Lacuna, The Poisonwood Bible, Animal Dreams, and The Bean Trees, as well as books of poetry, essays, and creative nonfiction. Her most recent work of nonfiction is the enormously influential bestseller Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life. Kingsolver’s work has been translated into more than twenty languages and has earned literary awards and a devoted readership at home and abroad. In 2000, she was awarded the National Humanities Medal, our country’s highest honor for service through the arts. She lives with her family on a farm in southern Appalachia.
Learn more about Barbara Kingsolver at her website.

My Review:
I read the Poisonwood Bible awhile back and was really looking forward to reading this. I think Kingslover has a way with words and her books can speak to you on a level that most can't. While I very much enjoyed Poisonwood Bible I can't say I enjoyed this one as much. The story line was a little out of my reach and I found myself wandering at times. Even so the story was compelling enough for me to continue reading and once I finished it I was very satisfied with the story as a whole. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants a great dramatic story. I think it would pair nicely with a cozy evening in your favorite chair and glass of wine. I normally don't promote alcoholic beverages with books but this book is full bodied like a fine wine.

Giveaway Time!
I would like to give away my copy of The Lacuna to one lucky reader ( sorry wine is not included, lol) If you would like to win please leave a comment along with your e-mail addy below. No PO Boxes and US addresses only. Contest closes September 30th, 2010.

FFirst, the unthinkable: a security breach at a secret U.S. government facility unleashes the monstrous product of a chilling military experiment. Then, the unspeakable: a night of chaos and carnage gives way to sunrise on a nation, and ultimately a world, forever altered. All that remains for the stunned survivors is the long fight ahead and a future ruled by fear—of darkness, of death, of a fate far worse.


I loved, loved, loved this book and I hated, hated, hated it. I sincerely think my answer changed on any given day. One day I couldn't stop talking about it, the next day I couldn't stand it. On thes days I hated it I had  a magnitude of reasons. The book changed, someone I cared about died, it's boring, etc, the list goes on.  On the days I loved it I had a magnitude of reasons. It's exciting, there is so much drama, it's scary, OMG I can't believe that happened. See why I am confused? My MIL said that this is the first time she has ever heard me so undecided about a book. She has known me for almost 15 years and we share a lot about books.


I know you are saying "Shut up Bobbie and tell me if I should read the book." Yes, you should read it. Will you love it? Yes. Will you hate it? Yes. However, I think everyone should experience it. Nothing in the book is as it should be. Nothing that happens is written in stone. I am definitely looking forward to the sequel. The ending made me literally lay down my kindle and sit in shock for almost 10 minutes. Looking back on the book and really thinking about it I have come to the conclusion that no matter how I felt at different areas of the book I loved it. I give it 5 stars and I hardly ever give any book 5 stars.
  
I think any die hard reader should at least attempt to read this book and form their own opinion. When you do, come back and let me know, I am dying to talk to people about it:)


For those that have read the book ( do not go here if you haven't read it ) you may want to check this out. I had a blast over here for a couple of hours: http://www.findsubjectzero.com/archives/20


*Funny thing that happened while reading the book. I was in the middle of a very intense part  of the book ( for those that have read it it was during the everyone is awake sequence) my daughter who had a horrible cold sneezed. It scared me so bad I threw my kindle down. LOL. She laughed about that for ages.

The beautiful and talented Robin Spano, Dead Politician Society, introduced me to Annabel Davis a while back. Ms. Davis is interviewing a murderer and has asked if we would like to help her. Below is part of the interview and Ms. Davis needs some questions from a different perspective. Also, Robin is on hand if you wish to ask her some questions about her book or about Murder in general. For something un-book related you may want to ask her about her love of Motorcycles:)


We’re here in the middle of Dead Politician Society. Annabel Davis, a reporter in the novel, is interviewing the murderer anonymously.

Annabel: How old were you when you realized you were capable of murder?
Murderer: I’ve always known.
Annabel: Did you torture puppies as a kid? Start fires? That kind of thing?
Murderer (laughs): No. I had a happy childhood. No arson or animal cruelty.
Annabel: Then I don’t get it. How could you have so much rage inside that you’d want to kill people?
Murderer: This isn’t rage. I’m making the world a better place. Haven’t you ever been so unimpressed by a politician that you wished them dead?
Annabel: No. I’ve wanted to vote them out of office. Maybe throw eggs at them. But not kill them.
Murderer: Hm. Well, we’re different, then.
Annabel:What if you get caught? Will it be worth it?
Murderer: I expect to get caught. The police can only stay idiots for so long. I’m just hoping my mandate will be complete when they catch up to me. But if it’s not, at least I’ve made a difference, right?
Annabel:  So you have a plan? A hit list of who’s going to die?
Murderer: Yup. I have six people I’d like to eliminate. After that, I can live my life normally.
Annabel: Is your conscience not suffering even a little?
Murderer: My conscience feels better than ever. Killing these politicians is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Now that my plan is in action, I feel kind of peaceful.
Annabel: Do you have a personal vendetta against this list of six? Or is your motive truly altruisitic?
Murderer: Sometimes one is the same as the other. You change the world by changing your world.
Annabel: Is that something you learned in philosophy class? We both know the police think you’re a university student.
Murderer: They think that because I want them to.
Annabel: Are you a member of the Dead Politician Society?
Murderer:Ha ha. Is that what the press is calling us? I guess that’s fitting.
Annabel: How do you access the politicians? Do you move in their circles?
Murderer: My god, I’m not going to answer that. Do you have any more questions, or can I get back to this homework assignment?

Feel free to post follow-up questions for the killer in the comment section. He or she will answer them, provided it doesn’t give their identity away. You can also ask me (Robin) questions. I’ll probably phrase my answers more kindly than the killer will.
RS


Robin Spano grew up in Toronto, studied physics in New Brunswick, and dropped out to explore North America on her motorcycle. She met her husband while working as a waitress and helped him run his Toronto pool room until they moved to Vancouver. She writes full time, plotting murder and living vicariously through her undercover protagonist.

Ricky from Novica contacted me asking if I would be willing to do a review of some of their products in exchange for a review. As most of you have seen I very rarely do product reviews, however... they had handbags. If any of you have been over to Regina's blog today to read my interview you will know the last question was answered that I was a handbag fanatic. I really, really hope you will read this entire review because I was simply amazed at what came to my house.

Novica, is a company in association with National Graphic that offers hand made crafts made by various artists all over the world. They offer many options including Corporate Gifts, Fair Trade Gifts, Eco Friendly Gifts, and Unique Gifts.

When I went to the website I was struck by how colorful it was. Everything was catching my eye and even though I knew what I wanted I had to look around at all the different places. After I browsed around I headed for the Handbags. Everything went very smooth and checkout was a breeze. My code worked perfect and I proceeded very quickly through checkout. Now all I had to do was wait for my handbags to arrive:)

Fast Forward to Today! Shipping took approximately 6 days which was really good because it was coming from Thailand. I opened my package and withdrew the contents and this is what awaited me:



'Til We Read Again,

I did not nominate myself for any of the BBAW Awards but I really wanted to participate. So here is the first of many posts dedicated to BBAW this week:) The best way to start? A Giveaway! Woot!

Out of all the books I have read this year The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton is still my favorite of the year. I just loved this book and I cannot wait until her new book comes out! Which brings me to our give away!

One lucky person will receive a copy of The Distant Hours when it is released November 9th. WHOO HOO! Please read all the rules before entering!

1. You must be a follower of the blog.
2. Contest is only open to places where Amazon will ship. So if Amazon does not ship to you then you cannot enter.
3. Contest is open from today September 13th through September 17th 2010 12 Midnight EST.
4. Please fill out the entire form completely!



Have fun and Good Luck!!!

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

The Passage is finished. I stayed up last night until I finished it. I had to I couldn't take it anymore. Reading a book for a little over 3 weeks is just to much. I know you are wondering what I thought about it. To be honest I am not really sure what I thought about it. I am still to numb to even put it into words. I am hoping to have my review done by the end of the week so keep checking back.

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

This week has not been a good week for reading. All I have read this week is The Passage. I am determined not to open another book up until I finish reading this book. According to Kindle I am 71% of the way through and I have to tell you this is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read and it may just be my top pick of 2010.

Even though I didn't read a lot this week I do have some books I am looking forward to reading:)

The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin
The Postcard Killers by James Patterson
Indulgence In Death by JD Robb

Hopefully I will get through The Passage this week and move onto some more books:)

Grand Prize ~ $125 value - Romantic Picnic Basket for Two







Second Prize ~ $75 value ~ Succulent Godiva Chocolate Tier






Third Prize ~ $50 value ~ Exquisite Pearl & Crystal Necklace

• Pristine petals conjure a luxurious, feminine necklace
• Handmade jewelry combines pearls with faceted glass beads
• Neck chain will add elegance to any day or evening outfit
• Lobster claw clasp
• Necklace measures 17.3 to 18.9 inches long (maximum) x 0.7 inches high
• Pendant measures 3.9 inches high x 4.3 inches wide x 0.6 inches deep

Fourth & Fifth Prize ~ $25 Gift Certificate from Amazon




Contest begins Wed., Sept. 1 and ends on Thurs., Sept. 30.   Winners will be selected randomly by a company not associated with this author on September 30th and notified by the author via their email.  All gifts will be delivered directly to the winner's home through either UPS or postal service no later than Oct. 30, 2010.

To register you must visit one, all or any blogs of your choosing and:


 
There will also be a separate drawing of duplicate prizes for those site owners who have graciously participated as hosts of this promotion.

REMEMBER:  you can enter on every blog but only one member from each household may do so.



 

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Dear Mr. Walker,
What motivated you to write this book?


I’ve always been fascinated by history and by the past.  I guess you could say that I’m naturally nostalgic.  With the future uncertain, the past beckons with a golden light that is hard to resist.  That’s what motivated me to write A Note from an Old Acquaintance.  I was also motivated to try something new as a writer. For the most part, my previous books tended to be more plot-driven, more in the vein of a mystery or thriller.  And while this book contains a dash of those elements, the story is much more focused on the two main characters and how they meet, fall in love, and are separated by circumstances they cannot control.
Aside from being a nostalgic person, I’m also an incurable romantic.  For me, the idea of reconnecting with a lost love is something very powerful–something I believe will resonate for readers, as it does for me.  I also wanted to explore how two very different men, with different backgrounds and temperaments could love the same woman so intently and how dissimilar that love could be.
For Brian and Joanna, their connection is primal, spiritual, and intellectual.  Each understands what it takes to create their art and each draws inspiration from the other.  On the other hand, Joanna’s fiancé, Erik sees her more as an object of worship, something to put on a pedestal.  What he sees in Joanna is the ultimate inspiration for his need for wealth and power.
So, what I’ve tried to do is write something that will speak to readers of every stripe, men included.  Hopefully, that will be the case.  For the one thing writers want is to be read and appreciated, an accomplishment that is getting harder and harder to realize.

A graduate of Emerson College's prestigious film school, Bill wrote and directed his first feature film, Pawn, while still a student. After graduation, he founded Newbury Filmworks, Inc., an award-winning production company renowned for making high-quality corporate films and commercials.

In 1990, Bill relocated to Los Angeles, and began a freelance story analysis career for various studios and independent production companies, while devoting his spare time to the writing of novels, short stories, and screenplays. He is also a highly-respected graphic designer, specializing in book and dust jacket design. He has worked on books by such luminaries as: Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Dean Koontz, and Stephen King. In addition, Bill is a member of the Authors Guild.

He has won awards for his screenwriting, his two short story collections for Mid-Graders, Five-Minute Frights and Five-Minute Chillers, are perennial Halloween favorites, and his first novel, Titanic 2012, was enthusiastically received by readers. His latest novel, A Note from an Old Acquaintance was released in 2009. Bill lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Debbie, and their sons, Jeffrey and Brian.

Thank you so much Mr. Walker for coming over and speaking with us:)

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie