Thank you for your continuous support! I appreciate each and every one of you, even the ones who don't comment, or leave Chinese symbols I don't understand. I love you. I appreciate you. I have this blog because of you. Since August 2nd is my one year blogoversary, I won't be doing the top commenters post the same. Instead of including giveaway comments, they will now not count for top commenters. The only comments that qualify, will be on NON-GIVEAWAY posts.
Also Squirrel Queen you have won the Top Commenters prize that I somewhat secretly held. I only mentioned this giveaway in one or two posts. This is my THANK YOU for so many comments on my blog. Check your email. (It was a tie between Squirrel Queen and carolsnotebook, but the name in hat picking thing was chosen.)
Top Commenters of the Year: * carolsnotebook * SquirrelQueen * tannieschatter * Cheryl F {The Lucky Ladybug} * Dina * Misscrabbypants * Juju Tales at Whimsy.com * Busy Working Mama * elahet001 * Janet Ruth * Matt, Kara, Hunter & Cavan * Stacie * Wendi P. * Vicki
Top Commenters of the Week: * Squirrel Queen * Dina * Cheryl F{The Lucky Ladybug} * allisonsbj3 * misusedinnocence * Colleen Turner * Darlyn * ikkinlala * Shirley * vvb32reads
BOOKS: 1. The Little Giant of Aberdeen County - Tiffany Baker (recommend) 2. Turnaround Summer - Paul Hansen 3. Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy - William Irwin 4. DK Biography: Princess Diana 5. To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee (recommend) 6. Web of Secrets - Ernesto Patino 7. Body Parts - Janet Cameron Hoult (poetry) 8. The Secret Keeper - Paul Harris (recommend) 9. Staring Into The Sun - Joshua Fields (poetry) 10. Audubon Practical Naturalist 11. Do No Evil: An Artemis Agency Novel - Kymberly Goltermann & Ashley L. Goltermann (recommend) 12. My Little Red Book - Rachel Kauder Nalebuff 13. Bug Zoo - Nick Baker (children) 14. Once Wicked Always Dead - T. Marie Benchley (recommend) 15. The Power of the Middle Ground - Marty Babits LCSW, BCD 16. A Summer Secret - Kathleen Fuller (recommend) 17. The Vatican - Father Michael Collins 18. The Little Brainwaves Investigates... Human Body (children) 19. The Dark Divine - Bree Despain (HIGHLY recommend) 20. Tattoos On The Heart - Gregory Boyle 21. Three Quarters Dead - Richard Peck (young adult) 22. It's Not Summer Without You - Jenny Han (young adult) 23. Journey Into Tomorrow - Veronica Camille Tinto (poetry) 24. The Little Brainwaves Investigates Animals (children) 25. Moment of Glory - John Feinstein (audiobook) 26. The Forty Rules of Love - Elif Shafak 27. DK Eyewitness: North American Indian 28. The One-Week Job Project - Sean Aiken (recommend) 29. The Language of Secrets - Dianne Dixon (recommend)
Synopsis: From a fresh and exciting new voice in women's fiction, The Language of Secrets unflinchingly examines the lifelong repercussions of a father's betrayal. Justin Fisher has a successful career as the manager of a luxury hotel, a lovely wife, and a charming young son. While all signs point to a bright future, Justin can no longer ignore the hole in his life left by his estranged family. When he finally gathers the courage to reconnect with his troubled past, Justin is devastated to learn that his parents have passed away. And a visit to the cemetery brings the greatest shock of all—next to the graves of his father and mother sits a smaller tombstone for a three-year-old boy: a boy named Thomas Justin Fisher. What follows is an extraordinary journey as Justin struggles with issues of his own identity and pieces together the complex and heartbreaking truth about his family. With great skill and care, Dianne Dixon explores the toll that misunderstandings, blame, and resentment can take on a family. But it is the intimate details of family life—a mother's lullaby for her son, a father's tragic error in judgment—that make this novel so exceptional and an absolute must for reading groups everywhere. The Language of Secrets is the story of an unspeakable loss born of human frailty and an ultimate redemption born of human courage.
My Opinion: This story started out a little slow, but quickly picked up and grabbed my full attention. Enough so, that I finished the book in a few hours. I felt a connection to Caroline in the respect of being a mother. I would be just as tormented with the loss of a child. What really gets me, is her strength to continue in that marriage, when she knows what a man her husband really is. She is a better woman than me, because I couldn't have stayed. To evoke this emotion from me, as a reader, takes a very talented writer. So Dianne Dixon, I tip my hat to you. Well done! LOVE the twist-ending! (4/5)
~I received a copy from DoubleDay Books. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Synopsis: When Sean Aiken graduated from college, he had no idea what he wanted to do with his life—so he decided to try everything. Thus began the one-week job project, in which Sean would work a different job each week for a year. Sean's remarkable journey took him across North America working as a bungee jump operator, tattoo artist, aquarium guide, advertising executive, brewmaster, and cancer fundraiser. In each new job, he learned not only about himself but also about the people around him, finding out what drives people to choose a certain career, what makes them successful, and, more importantly, what makes them happy. Over the course of his year on the road, Sean learned more about work, friendship, love, and life than he ever imagined. This honest, hilarious, inspiring account is a must-read for anyone who’s ever asked themselves, “What should I do with my life?”
My Opinion: This is one of the coolest books I have ever read! The idea behind it is what fascinates me most. When Sean couldn't figure out his career choice after school, he came up with this ingenious plan to try a bunch of jobs and see where his heart lies. I had the utmost fun reading through all the 52 jobs, and was admiring his dedication and compassion to each one. This is not only a book that adults can appreciate, but I personally think a teen close to graduation would benefit from reading it too. They may learn the value of responsibility, and making good career choices. A definite recommendation from me! (5/5)
~I received a copy from Penguin Canada. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Synopsis: Here is an original and exciting new guide to the fascinating civilizations of North American Indians. Superb, full-color photographs offer a unique and revealing "eyewitness" view of this rich culture. See a necklace made of bear claws, a model of a Blackfeet teepee, a false face made from cornhusks, how fish were trapped in a basket, and a Cheyenne feathered war bonnet. Learn about the kachina ceremony, why love dolls were important, how turtle shells made music, what's stored inside a parfleche, and how pemmican was made. Discover the meanings of carvings on a Haida totem pole, what's inside an Iroquois longhouse, what medicine men carried in their medical kits, how a bow drill works, and much, much more.
My Opinion: I love this book, especially since I'm a North American Indian, from Canada though. And there's where the problem lies with this book, for me. No real content pertaining to Canadian Indians, it focuses on America. With that said, I still loved the book and valued the content in it! This would be very useful for study or in a classroom. (4/5)
~I received a copy from DK Canada. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
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.
* If your thoughts are only worth a penny, change your thoughts. ~ Sally Huss
* Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity. ~ Unknown
* The purpose of life is a life of purpose. ~ Robert Byrne, (1928-present, American chess player, a Grandmaster, and a chess author.)
Synopsis: In this lyrical, exuberant follow-up to "The Bastard of Istanbul," acclaimed Turkish author Shafak unfolds two tantalizing parallel narratives--one contemporary and the other set in the 13th century--that together incarnate the poet Rumi's timeless message of love.
My Opinion: This was a great story! One that is still resonating through me since I just put the book down. How the story of love and its universal hold on us all, and how we need to see the value of love for what it is, is simply beautifully written. I admired the words I was reading more than once throughout this book. The author has such an eloquent way of telling a story. Definitely one I would mention to my lady friends, but my manly ones, not so sure it's for you. If this book was a movie, it would be considered a chick-flick. I'm a chick though, so I can dig it! (4/5)
~I received a copy from Penguin Canada. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Bill Walker is the author is A Note From An Old Acquaintance. It was a book I thoroughly enjoyed, read my review here. Today the author contacted me, to let me know, the Kindle edition of this fantastic story is on sale at Amazon for $4.99! That is super cheap!!! Here is the amazon link. (It says $6.99 on the website, but Bill stated me $4.99) Point is, get a copy! It's worth it either way!
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 Story Time With Tonya.
The Forty Rules of Love - Elif Shafak Page 56, Line 5:
"So there you are, you little rascal!" yelled the cook as he ran toward me with a broom in his hand. "You are in big trouble, son, big trouble!"
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.
Author Bio: John Feinstein is the bestselling author of Let Me Tell You a Story, Caddy for Life, Open, The Punch, The Last Amateurs, The Majors, A Good Walk Spoiled, A Civil War, A Season on the Brink, Play Ball, Hard Courts, and two novels. He writes for Inside Sports, Golf, Tennis Magazine, and Basketball America and commentates on NPR and CBS. John Feinstein lives in Potomac, MD, and Shelter Island, NY.
My Opinion: In lieu of this being an audiobook, I will first state that the narrator was easy to hear, easy to listen to, and it was smooth. The story itself starts right out with Tiger Woods and his career. I really liked that, since he is the one I am most familiar with. Who knew Tiger was sooooo competitive. I mean, I knew he was, but not to the degree at which you learn in this book. He actually thinks of the next tournament 15 minutes or so after winning the last. The "awesome" feeling doesn't linger long. That is really something, if you ask me. It shows why he is so good at the sport and was able to popularize it more. This book was more interesting that I had initially thought it would be. I had no idea it would hold my attention like it did. I learned a lot from this book, and I thought I already knew much about the sport, and the four key players in the story. I was wrong. I knew very little. The one thing I didn't like is how the author felt the need to tell us that Mike Weir, the Canadian, cheered for an American hockey team. If you know anything about us Canadians, and our love of hockey, you would know why I felt this was a slight towards us. I found it highly unnecessary, and it added nothing to the story he was already telling. It was actually redundant, if not a slight. With that said, only sports or golf lovers will enjoy this. Don't think that because Tiger Woods is in it, you learn about his personal tabloid drama. That is not what this is about. It's about the career, good and bad, not so much the man. (3/5)
~I received an audiobook copy from Hachette Book Group. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Unfortunately I don't have a book starting with Y, so I decided to share a poem from a famous poet, starting with the appropriate letter. I hope you all enjoy it!
You On The Tower "You on the tower of my factory - What do you see up there? Do you see Enjoyment with wide wings Advancing to reach me here?" - "Yea; I see Enjoyment with wide wings Advancing to reach you here." "Good. Soon I'll come and ask you To tell me again thereon . . . Well, what is he doing now? Hoi, there!" --"He still is flying on." "Ah, waiting till I have full-finished. Good. Tell me again anon . . . Hoi, Watchman! I'm here. When comes he? Between my sweats I am chill." --"Oh, you there, working still? Why, surely he reached you a time back, And took you miles from your mill? He duly came in his winging, And now he has passed out of view. How can it be that you missed him? He brushed you by as he flew."
* 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: When darkness settled, I went to the tavern. The table by the window happened to be occupied by a scar-faced man who seemed to be in deep sleep.
Synopsis: Following on from the award-winning Brainwaves books for older children, DK introduces a brand new series for younger kids, featuring the Little Brainwaves. In each book, the illustrated Little Brainwaves characters poke, prod, and peer at their photographed subjects, providing an appealing and original way for kids to learn about an amazing variety of topics. In The Little Brainwaves: Animals, join the Little Brainwaves as they explore the world of animals, climbing around on a wide variety of creatures to see how they work.
My Opinion: This is a must have book in every child's life, because it really teaches them a lot about animals. It is so informative and thorough, that I think it is a perfect teaching tool, or book just for a child's entertainment and enjoyment. Definitely one I am going to recommend to all the mom's I know! (5/5)
~I received a copy from DK Canada. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Synopsis: Writing these poems began as a therapeutic process which turned into words that supported me during a very tumultuous period in my life. The poetry that unfolded manifested itself as an inspirational source that further comforted me during this difficult season. Ironically, the poems were able to transcend my own personal experiences and can be applied to anyone's life as an inspirational thought that can be carried through out your day. Then it becomes my hope for you my reader, that the poems found within these pages bring you the same amount of solace, inspiration, and contentment, that it provided me as I created them just for you.
My Opinion: I love poetry, it has to be one of my favorite things of all time. So whenever I can be offered a chance at reading it, I jump on it. Always unprepared for what will arrive. I feel that this poet, Veronica, really poured her emotion into these stanzas. I empathized with her on many levels. From the sadness to happiness. And all the while, not in my usually preference for prose. I prefer a bit of rhyme in my poetry, and this had none, but the emotion kept my attention while capturing my heart. Fantastic job at connecting with the reader! (3.5/5)
~I received a copy from the author. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Synopsis: Can summer be truly summer without Cousins Beach? It used to be that Belly counted the days until summer, until she was back at Cousins Beach with Conrad and Jeremiah. But not this year. Not after Susannah got sick again and Conrad stopped caring. Everything that was right and good has fallen apart, leaving Belly wishing summer would never come. But when Jeremiah calls saying Conrad has disappeared, Belly knows what she must do to make things right again. And it can only happen back at the beach house, the three of them together, the way things used to be. If this summer really and truly is the last summer, it should end the way it started--at Cousins Beach.
Author Bio: Jenny Han has her master's degree in Creative Writing for children from the New School. Her previous books include Shug and The Summer I Turned Pretty. She lives in New York City.
My Opinion: Once I sat down, and really gave the book a chance, I found it easy to get through. It was a nice, light, summer read. I felt the author rounded the characters out well, and I enjoyed the way the story transitioned throughout the chapters. My favorite character was not Belly though, I actually loved Jeremiah! I thought he stole the show! Definitely a great story, but probably not for everyone. (3/5)
~I received a copy from Simon & Schuster. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Thank you, all of you, for your comments and support daily. You make my blog into what it is with your comments, and I appreciate you. The listed, are the people who commented the most this past 7 days. (Stats updated every Sunday.)
* Squirrel Queen * Busy Working Mama * clschaan * vvb32reads * Benita * clenna * LAMusing * Vidisha * Jaime * Jeannine * Juju Tales at Whimsy.com * Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} * MarciJ * Simply Stacie * Wendi P
Synopsis: As a scrawny college freshman in the mid-1970s, just before Arnold Schwarzenegger became a hero to boys everywhere and Pumping Iron became a cult hit, Paul Solotaroff discovered weights and steroids. In a matter of months, he grew from a dorky beanpole into a hulking behemoth, showing off his rock hard muscles first on the streets of New York City and then alongside his colorful gym-rat friends in strip clubs and in the homes of the gotham elite. It was a swinging time, when "Would you like to dance?" turned into "Your place or mine?" and the guys with the muscles had all the ladies--until their bodies, like Solotaroff''s, completely shut down. But this isn't the gloom-and-doom addiction one might expect--Solotaroff looks back at even his lowest points with a wicked sense of humor, and he sends up the disco era and its excess with all the kaleidoscopic detail of Boogie Nights or Saturday Night Fever. Written with candor and sarcasm, THE BODY SHOP is a memoir with all the elements of great fiction and dazzlingly displays Paul Solotaroff's celebrated writing talen
Thank you to Anna & Hachette Book Group for the giveaway! I have 3 copies up for grabs! Here is what you need to do to enter:
OPEN TO US & CANADA NO P.O BOXES
Mandatory Entry: Comment on the book, and leave an email address.
Additional Entries: +1 Follower via Google Friend Connect, on sidebar (MUST be public profile to count) +1 Facebook like Freda's Voice (leave first name, last initial to count, in a separate comment) +1 Join my Blog Frog Community (leave Blog Frog name so I can find you, in a separate comment) +1 Follow me on Networked Blogs (on sidebar, or click link, leave name in a separate comment.) +1 Follow my Twitter, (leave Twitter user name, in a separate comment) +1 Tweet or Blog, (leave link in separate comment)
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.
* A critic is a man who expects miracles. ~ James Gibbons Hacker
* My religion is simple, my religion is kindness. ~ Dalai Lama, (aka: Tenzin Gyatso, 1935-present, spiritual leader.)
* Words which come from the heart, enter the heart. ~ Ezra, (was a Jewish priestly scribe who led about 5,000 Judean exiles living in Babylon to their home city of Jerusalem in 459 BCE.)
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 Story Time With Tonya.
It's Not Summer Without You - Jenny Han Page 56, Line 4 & 5:
She'd sing it right along with the mice. Cinderbelly, Cinderbelly.
Synopsis: Kerry is chosen by the coolest clique in school and so she thinks life has finally begun. But then it seems all over when her three friends are killed in a shocking car accident. Or are they? Only weeks after the accident, Kerry receives a text from one of the girls: We're all 3 here at my aunt's in the city. Take the 3:50 train. B there. Exhilarating, terrifying suspense is crossed with a thought-provoking examination of peer pressure in Richard Peck's return to his contemporary teen- and ghost-story roots. This is a master author's gift to the Gossip Girl/Twilight generation: his own smart, stylish, and fun take on the paranormal.
Author Bio: Richard Peck lives in New York City. His extensive list of honors includes the Newbery Medal, the Edgar Award, the Margaret A. Edwards Award, and the National Humanities Medal. He has twice been a finalist for the National Book Award.
My Opinion: I was so angry when I first received these books, over having to pay the duty on a review copy, that I just wanted to read them and get them out of my sight. The first part of the book didn't help any. It was slow-paced, and not much really forming as in way of a story, it was just four girls in school. Whoopie! Then the second half, picked up almost out of nowhere. It did make up for any feelings I previously had, as I swept through the pages like a madwoman. I had to know what was going on with the girls. I'm so glad I didn't stop, because I had no idea the ending would be that thrilling. So as for whether I liked it, yeah after all, I did. It's not what I consider a best-seller, but it's good for a teen to get into, or people who enjoy ghost stories. (3/5)
~I received a copy from IJustFinished.com, though I paid duty. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Synopsis: The Periodic Table is one of man's crowning scientific achievements. But it's also a treasure trove of stories of passion, adventure, betrayal, and obsession. The infectious tales and astounding details in THE DISAPPEARING SPOON follow carbon, neon, silicon, and gold as they play out their parts in human history, finance, mythology, war, the arts, poison, and the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. We learn that Marie Curie used to provoke jealousy in colleagues' wives when she'd invite them into closets to see her glow-in-the-dark experiments. And that Lewis and Clark swallowed mercury capsules across the country and their campsites are still detectable by the poison in the ground. Why did Gandhi hate iodine? Why did the Japanese kill Godzilla with missiles made of cadmium? And why did tellurium lead to the most bizarre gold rush in history? From the Big Bang to the end of time, it's all in THE DISAPPEARING SPOON.
Thank you to Anna & Hachette Book Group for the giveaway! I have 2 copies up for grabs! Here is what you need to do to enter:
OPEN TO US & CANADA NO P.O BOXES
Mandatory Entry: Comment on the book, and leave an email address.
Additional Entries: +1 Follower via Google Friend Connect, on sidebar (MUST be public profile to count) +1 Facebook like Freda's Voice (leave first name, last initial to count, in a separate comment) +1 Join my Blog Frog Community (leave Blog Frog name so I can find you, in a separate comment) +1 Follow me on Networked Blogs (on sidebar, or click link, leave name in a separate comment.) +1 Follow my Twitter, (leave Twitter user name, in a separate comment) +1 Tweet or Blog, (leave link in separate comment)
Synopsis: How do you fight despair and learn to meet the world with a loving heart? How do you overcome shame? Stay faithful in spite of failure? No matter where people live or what their circumstances may be, everyone needs boundless, restorative love. Gorgeous and uplifting, Tattoos on the Heart amply demonstrates the impact unconditional love can have on your life. As a pastor working in a neighborhood with the highest concentration of murderous gang activity in Los Angeles, Gregory Boyle created an organization to provide jobs, job training, and encouragement so that young people could work together and learn the mutual respect that comes from collaboration. Tattoos on the Heart is a breathtaking series of parables distilled from his twenty years in the barrio. Arranged by theme and filled with sparkling humor and glowing generosity, these essays offer a stirring look at how full our lives could be if we could find the joy in loving others and in being loved unconditionally. From giant, tattooed Cesar, shopping at JCPenney fresh out of prison, we learn how to feel worthy of God’s love. From ten-year-old Lula we learn the importance of being known and acknowledged. From Pedro we understand the kind of patience necessary to rescue someone from the darkness. In each chapter we benefit from Boyle’s wonderful, hard-earned wisdom. Inspired by faith but applicable to anyone trying to be good, these personal, unflinching stories are full of surprising revelations and observations of the community in which Boyle works and of the many lives he has helped save. Erudite, down-to-earth, and utterly heartening, these essays about universal kinship and redemption are moving examples of the power of unconditional love in difficult times and the importance of fighting despair. With Gregory Boyle’s guidance, we can recognize our own wounds in the broken lives and daunting struggles of the men and women in these parables and learn to find joy in all of the people around us. Tattoos on the Heart reminds us that no life is less valuable than another.
My Opinion: I felt like this book was a look into a world I am all too happy I don't live in and experience, but also one I don't wish anyone else to either. The lives of Los Angelos residents is hard enough, then mix in some gang life, and it's beyond comprehension to most. I am in awe of the Pastor who wrote the book, though I don't know that I like a Pastor writing cuss words. Even if repeating conversation, or emphasizing emotion, it just seems wrong. After I got past that and read the content, not the religious sermon, but the idea of helping these former gang members find their way, truly inspired, warmed my heart, and prompted me to ask, "What can I do?". A powerful and emotional read, though I don't think this book would be for everyone. (3/5)
~I received a copy from Condor Book Tours. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
