Teaser

Hosted by: http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com

* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
* Please avoid spoilers!


My Teaser:

"Girls!" Mr. Tierney bellows out, slamming his fist down on his lab station. I swear he goes practically neon.

~ Page 139, Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver

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May Monthly News

BOOKS READ:
1. The Girl Made of Cool - Alan Fox
2. In Plain Sight - Charles R. Gordon M.D. (daily reading)
3. The Illustrated Quick Cook - Heather Whinney (cookbook) (recommend)
4. Birds of Canada
5. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter - Seth Grahame-Smith (audiobook)
6. Iron Man 2 - Alexander Irvine
7. Alison Dare The Heart of the Maiden - J. Torres & J. Bones (young adult) (recommend)
8. No Hope For Gomez - Graham Parke (recommend)
9. Eyewitness Expert Ancient Rome
10. The Seeker In Forever - Alan Fox
11. Wonders Never Cease - Tim Downs (recommend)
12. Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms - Jane Doiron (cookbook) (recommend)
13. Hazardous to my Health - Marcia N. Hill
14. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings (recommend)
15. Rough Guides: The Next Big Thing - Rhodri Marsden
16. My Heart And Soul - Marilyn Randall (poetry)
17. Street Boners - Gavin McInnes (photography)
18. Surrogate - F. Robert Lea
19. Get High Now - James Nestor
20. Half Life - Roopa Farooki
21. Starlighter - Bryan Davis (young adult) (recommend)
22. My Sister's Voice - Mary Carter
23. Life, In Spite of Me - Kristen Jane Anderson & Tricia Goyer (HIGHLY recommend)
24. Rooms - James L. Rubart
25. Curry Cuisine (cookbook) (recommend)
26. A Slice of Organic Life (cookbook)
27. Everyday Easy 30-Minute Dinners (cookbook)
28. Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert (recommend)
29. Shadows of Myth and Legend - E.J Stevens (poetry)
Showcased review on Author's Blog; http://www.fromtheshadows.info/2010/05/review-of-shadows-of-myth-and-legend-at.html
30. The Rough Guide to Saving & Selling Online - Ian Peel
31. Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People - Dr. Ed Slack
32. The Rough Guide to Happiness - Dr. Nick Bayliss
33. Angels, Vampires & Douche Bags - Carla Collins


CD:
1. Putumayo Presents Rhythm & Blues (recommend)

DVD:
1. Eyewitness DVD Planets


YEARLY TOTAL: 133 Books, 1 CD & 1 DVD


FAVORITE BOOK OF MAY:



AWARDS RECEIVED:

I received the Sunshine Award from Deb at: http://justshortofcrazy.blogspot.com
Thanks to her for that. I didn't do a blog post about it, or pass it on to friends, since I received one not too long ago. I am keeping a list of bloggers I want to give back to at some point.


I received this awesome and NEW award from Miss Angie at: http://agofish.blogspot.com
Thanks again for this!! I did pass it onto bloggers, and here is that post;http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/05/awards-ceremony.html
I also received the Versatile Blogger from Janet @ http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com
Thank you for this award!


I also received the One Lovely Blog Award from Janet @ http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com
I have received this a few times in the past, and passed on, so decline this time. A big thank you to Janet for awarding me.


I received The Xxtraordinary Blogger Award from Vicki @ http://www.readingatthebeach.com
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This is a new award, so I turned it over to some fellow bloggers here:
http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/05/awards-ceremony_15.html



I also received the Honest Scrap award from DarLyN @ http://darlynandbooks.blogspot.com
You rock chick!!! Thank you!!!
I awarded others here; http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/05/awards-ceremony_26.html



CHALLENGES COMPLETED:
None this month.

Angels, Vampires & Douche Bags - Carla Collins

Synopsis:
In this candid confessional, comedian Carla Collins divides the world into the angels who guide us, inspire us, and save our butts; the sexy and trendy vampires who suck the life out of us; and the douche bags who constantly annoy, disgust and taunt us. With a fast wit, fake breasts and real heart, Collins shares her unconventional journey from a small steel town in Ontario, Canada to Tinseltown L.A. On this wild and revealing romp, she navigates her way through seventy-two imaginary friends, multiple fiancés, eight dogs, two marriages, and one topless grandmother. Her hard-earned life lessons will show you that by taking risks, embracing humiliation and tapping into the power of laughter, anything is possible--and everyone is manageable. Attract more angels into your life, control your vampires, and keep all the douche bags at bay. Angels, Vampires and Douche Bags is original, edgy, uplifting and laugh-out-loud funny.


©2009


My Opinion:
First, I'm starting out with a gripe about the book. This is more of a printing issue, but an issue all the same.
The book I received was put together totally wrong. I received a few chapters twice, and the chapters were all messed up. Example, I read chapter 8, then read stuff from chapter 6, then got chapter 8 again. So not sure how much of the story was missing from my book.
However, what I did read was a funny little memoir, told by one funny comedian. I rather appreciated her tell-all attitude, and loved how she didn't seem to hold back thoughts.
Quite a fun read for those rainy day afternoons. One that I recommend to all my lady readers. You will get a kick out of this book! Just check it before buying it, to make sure it's in order.
(3/5)



~I received a copy from the author. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

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The Rough Guide to Happiness - Dr. Nick Baylis

Synopsis:
Don’t worry, be happy….find out how! What is happiness? And how can we achieve it? The Rough Guide to Happiness is the ultimate ‘how to be happy’ handbook. Discover how to effectively improve your work/life balance, increase self-esteem, and nourish your mind and body while nurturing relationships with the ones you love. The Rough Guide to Happiness will help you navigate your way through all parts of modern day life, offering a practical and effective range of happiness-building techniques. Rely on realistic suggestions from Dr Nick Baylis, a practising therapist and former Dr Feelgood for The Times Saturday Magazine, who has worked with everyone from young offenders to stressed airline pilots! Are some people genetically predisposed to be happier than others? Can money or technology make us happy? The Rough Guide to Happiness explores all these questions and more, going beyond facile tips to offer a deeper understanding of what happiness is with easy solutions for you to implement in your daily life. Drawing on the best ideas from every field, from Hypnosis and Energy Therapy to Positive Psychology and Buddhism, The Rough Guide to Happiness provides a wealth of inspiring insights on how to relieve stress and achieve lasting contentment. Make the Most of Your Time on Earth with The Rough Guide to Happiness.


Author Bio:
At Cambridge University, Dr Nick Baylis has lectured ‘the skills of well-being’ for seven years. An experienced well-being therapist, he wrote 100 columns for The Times (London), and a monthly self-help column for The Australian newspaper. He now helps train the leading educational, health and business organisations the world over. He is a keynote speaker at the leading head-teacher and university conferences in the UK; BUPA commission him to present to their top corporate clients; and his own client list includes the BBC, Channel 4, and Credit Suisse.


©2009


My Opinion:
When I saw this book, I have to be honest, I didn't read the description. I just saw the title and thought I would love to know more about it. As I was reading it, I was happy to read it, but bored to death too.
The book is small, but don't let that fool you. It has mounds of useful information on the subject of happiness, it's just given to the reader in textbook format. I felt like it was the early '90's and I was back in highschool. Not fun!
I'm happy to be unhappy with this particular book, though I know there are people out there that would prefer the no-nonsense approach to giving information. Just wasn't the book for me.
(1/5)


~I received a copy from Rough Guides. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Giveaway: Alibi

Synopsis:
Two men think they've found the perfect opportunity--a chance to rob the stash house of Simon Shuller, one of Philadelphia's biggest drug lords. But their plans are spoiled when one of Shuller's men catches them as they break into the stash house. Temperatures flare as the men capture Shuller's worker, Poncho, and force him to show them the goods. What they didn't expect was for Poncho's partner to be armed and very dangerous. An altercation breaks out and when the smoke clears, Nard, Poncho's accomplice, is the only one left standing. Thinking quickly, Nard cleans shop and makes his escape, but not before being spotted by a few neighbors. Not wanting to kill anyone else, he makes a mad dash for the streets but wonders if the witnesses will give up his identity. What he needs now is a plausible alibi. If he doesn't come up with one fast, it could mean life in prison, or death on the streets.


THANKS TO Anna & Hatchette Book Group, I HAVE
5 COPIES, OF THIS FABULOUS BOOK
TO GIVE AWAY. HERE IS WHAT YOU
NEED TO DO TO WIN A COPY!



GIVEAWAY RULES:
Mandatory: Comment leaving a valid email address to enter.
+1 bonus entry if you are/become a follower (MUST BE PUBLIC PROFILE) Leave a separate comment to count.
+1 Tweet or blog and leave link in separate comment. (One time, not daily)
+1 Facebook Like for Freda's Voice; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fredas-Voice/323200104784?ref=ts Leave your name in a separate comment.
+10 purchase a book through banner above, BookChristian, come back leave me verification in a separate comment.


Open to US & CANADA
SORRY NO P.O. BOXES

NO EMAIL, NO ENTRY.


Easy as 1-2-3! Contest ends June 15, 11:59 p.m. (e.s.t.)

Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People - Dr. Ed Slack

Synopsis:
How many times are you lied to and manipulated each day? 10 times? 100 times? 1000 times? More?
It's a tough question because the best liars can go undetected indefinitely, unless you know what to look for. Two Legged Snakes offers the keys to perceiving and overcoming deception with astonishing simplicity and humor. You won't be fooled again!

Author Bio:
For over 25 years, Dr. Edward Slack has been a highly successful psychologist, specializing in working with people who are both gifted and manipulative. He lives in Nashville, TN.


©2010


My Opinion:
While this book is supposed to open your eyes to manipulative people, I didn't find I learned anything new from it. The one thing I took from it was the humorous approach to the subject.
A good book, but also to be taken with a grain of salt. I only recommend it for a laugh.
(2.5/5)


~I received a copy from the author. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

The Rough Guide to Saving and Selling Online - Ian Peel

Synopsis:
The Rough Guide to Saving and Selling Online is the essential handbook for a healthier bank balance. Discover how to make money by selling on eBay, Gumtree and Amazon, plus use the internet to shop for less, find bargains and reduce your outgoings. This recession-beating bible includes the most popular and productive websites for selling and finding cheaper products, the best price-comparison sites, and top places to hunt out freebies.
Packed full of handy advice and tips from how to de-clutter and avoid online scams to how to find the cheapest local petrol. Plus, independent property advice and even ideas to get rich quick through cake baking! The Rough Guide to Saving and Selling Online will help you save and make cash online.
Get savvy today!


©2010


My Opinion:
This is another great reference tool for those that wish to buy or sell goods and services online. Some of the websites discussed were known to me, but a lot were new.
The one thing that wasn't useful for me was references for USA and UK, not Canada, and that's where I live. I would have loved it more had it included my country.
If you live in US or UK and are keen on the subject, check it out!
(2.5/5)


~I received a copy from Rough Guides. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Mailbox Weekly

Hosted by: http://printedpage.us/
AND
http://www.thestorysiren.com/



Angels, Vampires and Douche Bags - Carla Collins

Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
Review here; http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/05/eat-pray-love-elizabeth-gilbert.html

Once Wicked Always Dead - T. Marie Benchley

Moment of Glory - John Feinstein (Audiobook)

Fever Dream - Lincoln Child & Douglas Preston (Audiobook)

Alibi - Teri Woods

Innocent - Scott Turow (Audiobook)

Step on a Crack - Jill Byrne & Michael Ransom

My Fair Lazy - Jen Lancaster

Commenters of the Week

Thank you for your comments and support daily. The listed, are the people and their blogs who commented the most in a one-week period. You make my blog into what it is with your comments, and I appreciate you all. (Stats updated every Sunday.) Sorry this week was late, I was away.


Happy Memorial Day Weekend to my American readers!



* SquirrelQueen http://squirrelqueen2.blogspot.com/
* JuJu at Tales of Whimsy.com http://www.talesofwhimsy.com/
* Busy Working Mama http://busyworkingmama.blogspot.com/
* carolsnotebook http://carolsnotebook.wordpress.com/
* Shirley (no blog listed)
* Cherry http://www.cherrymischievous.com/
* vvb32reads http://vvb32reads.blogspot.com/

Winner Announcement

I picked winner using http://www.random.org/


Drum roll please...


Original Post: http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveaway-men-and-dogs-audiobook.html

Who won?


#5 Mystica
#1 Dina
#3 Busy Working Mama



I have emailed the winners. Thanks to all who entered!

Shadows of Myth and Legend - E.J. Stevens (Poetry)

Synopsis:
A collection of dark faerie tales, inspired by folklore, myth and legend, told in the haunting lyrical style of dark poet E.J. Stevens.


©2010


My Opinion:
Bravo E.J!
I really enjoyed this little work of Art!
I was lulled into the dark mind of a poet, and taken on a trip. It was fantastic, and I had so many favorites, though this stood out to me: Grindylow - Page 45. I love a great horror, and this was one of those tales that did not disappoint me in the scare department!
I recommend this delectably dark book to every one!
(4/5)


~I won my copy. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert

Synopsis:
If wisdom could be traded like currency, author Elizabeth Gilbert would be a wealthier woman by far, though it's likely her fabulous memoir, Eat Pray Love, racked up a few bucks during its stay on the New York Times bestseller list. What Gilbert imparts in her story--basically, bracing self-knowledge acquired during a year of travel following a bitter divorce and a shattered rebound romance--is at once astounding yet totally obvious. As Gilbert would attest, albeit more eloquently, the most important stuff in life is pretty much under our noses, but we occasionally have to shake ourselves senseless in order to see it (enlisting a guru and a medicine man are highly recommended).


©2006


My Opinion:
I was watching Oprah, because Julia Roberts was on it, unaware of the movie she was promoting. This movie was adapted from Eat, Pray, Love. After listening to her talk about making it, and also visits from her co-stars, I knew I had to read the book before seeing the film.
My hubby heard my thoughts, and the very next day came home with the book for me. (The smile grew from ear to ear at this point.)
As I sat down to read the book, I already had all these emotions. Excitement, curiosity, and anxiousness. The story took me through happiness, anger, sadness, compassion, and even enlightenment.
From one place to the next, you feel like you are on your own spiritual journey along with Liz.
This is a great book! That's what I can tell you flatly and to the point. Go get it! Do it before you see the movie!
(4/5)


~I received a copy as a gift. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Everyday Easy 30-Minute Dinners

Synopsis:
For people who want new, quick, and easy family-pleasing recipes, Everyday Easy cookbooks maximize the quality of everyday cooking with minimum effort. 30-Minute Dinners includes recipes that use readily available ingredients and are simple to prepare, from quick and hearty salads and soups, to fuss-free meals, and express desserts.


©2010


My Opinion:
I like this book, I like it a lot. I know I will use it again.
However, I have to adapt the recipe better, because I found it to be a little bland. So if you use this recipe, use 2 tsp salt and 1 1/4 tsp pepper to season. Should be enough. Taste it to check for flavor though....
All-in-all not a bad book.
(3/5)


Chicken Poached in Coconut Milk - Page 50




~I received a copy from DK Canada. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Giveaway: Fever Dream (AUDIOBOOK)

Synopsis:
Destined to be a fan favorite, this exciting new thriller from bestselling authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child features Agent Pendergast and tells the dark history of his murdered wife, Helen.


THANKS TO Anna & Hatchette Book Group, I HAVE
3 COPIES, OF THIS FABULOUS BOOK
TO GIVE AWAY. HERE IS WHAT YOU
NEED TO DO TO WIN A COPY!



GIVEAWAY RULES:
Mandatory: Comment leaving a valid email address to enter.
+1 bonus entry if you are/become a follower (MUST BE PUBLIC PROFILE) Leave a separate comment to count.
+1 Tweet or blog and leave link in separate comment. (One time, not daily)
+1 Facebook Like for Freda's Voice; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fredas-Voice/323200104784?ref=ts Leave your name in a separate comment.
+10 purchase a book through banner above, BookChristian, come back leave me verification in a separate comment.


Open to US & CANADA
SORRY NO P.O. BOXES

NO EMAIL, NO ENTRY.


Easy as 1-2-3! Contest ends June 13, 11:59 p.m. (e.s.t.)

Winner Announcement

I had to pick a new winner, since I did not hear from the won chosen first in the allotted time.



I picked winner using http://www.random.org/


Drum roll please...


Original Post: http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveaway-street-boners.html

Original winners post; http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/05/winner-announcement_25.html






Who won?


#17 Aik



I have emailed the winners. Thanks to all who entered!

Quote It

Welcome to Quote It!
Please feel free to grab the button and create your own post.
Add as many quotes as you wish, from whom ever you wish. It can even be lyrics to a song.
Just tell us who it is. Anonymous welcome too.
And please leave your link.


* Life is not an exact Science, it is an Art.
~ Samuel Butler, (1835-1902, Victorian Author.)


* We cannot do great things; only small things with great love.
~ Mother Teresa, (1910-1997, Albanian-Catholic Nun.)


* The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.
~ Malcolm X, (1925-1965, African-American Muslim minister, public speaker, and human rights activist.)

The Friday 56

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find a teaser sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of http://storytimewithtonya.blogspot.com/


Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert

Page 56, Line 7:

Unsurprisingly, she knows all the best places to eat in Rome, including a gelateria that serves a frozen rice pudding ( and if they don't serve this kind of thing in heaven, then I really don't want to go there).

A Slice of Organic Life

Synopsis:
Featuring over 80 self-contained projects, from growing your own organic food, cooking home-grown produce, keeping selected livestock, and leading a more sustainable lifestyle, Slice of Organic Life is the perfect start for someone looking to go "green."


©2010


My Opinion:
This batter made one dozen muffins, and a day later there is none left. The best part is, they are all natural. Not a drop of sugar! They taste sooooooo good too!
I think this is the best muffin recipe ever, and has the parts to be adapted for any fruit, so if you hate the flavors I used, you can do what you like. The recipe I used was actually Blueberry Muffins, but I adapted it to what I wanted.
Definitely a take home cookbook for any one of today. We all need to learn to eat and live better, this book can help do that, even if it's a baby step.
(5/5)

Cranberry & Orange Muffins - Page 123




~I received a copy from DK Canada. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Giveaway: Moment of Glory - John Feinstein (Audiobook)

Synopsis:
In 2003, after winning six of the twelve majors from 2000 to 2002, Tiger Woods struggled with his swing, leaving him lagging behind the field at both the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship. With Woods out of the picture, the stage was set for a newcomer to claim the top position. Nobody expected that four virtually unknown players would rise to become first-time champions.
In his debut appearance in a major, Ben Curtis became the only player since Francis Ouimet in 1913 to prevail on his first time out. Mike Weir--who was considered a good player but not a great one--triumphed in The Masters, becoming the first Canadian to win a major. In the U.S. Open, Jim Furyk was victorious, and the PGA Championship was claimed by the unknown Shawn Micheel.
But after each player's history-making season, the four have had little further success. 2008 is the first year since that unexpected year, when it will be possible for the four golfers to qualify for the tour. In MOMENT OF GLORY, John Feinstein returns to the unlikely year of 2003 and chronicle the personal and professional struggles of these four players. With great affection for the underdog and extraordinary access to the players, he then looks to the 2008 season, giving readers an insider's look into to how winning (and losing) major championships changes players' lives.



THANKS TO Anna & Hatchette Book Group, I HAVE
3 COPIES, OF THIS FABULOUS BOOK
TO GIVE AWAY. HERE IS WHAT YOU
NEED TO DO TO WIN A COPY!



GIVEAWAY RULES:
Mandatory: Comment leaving a valid email address to enter.
+1 bonus entry if you are/become a follower (MUST BE PUBLIC PROFILE) Leave a separate comment to count.
+1 Tweet or blog and leave link in separate comment. (One time, not daily)
+1 Facebook Like for Freda's Voice; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fredas-Voice/323200104784?ref=ts Leave your name in a separate comment.
+10 purchase a book through banner above, BookChristian, come back leave me verification in a separate comment.


Open to US & CANADA
SORRY NO P.O. BOXES

NO EMAIL, NO ENTRY.


Easy as 1-2-3! Contest ends June 11, 11:59 p.m. (e.s.t.)