GiveawayGoodreads Book Giveaway
Back To Goodby Laura McCarthy BensonGiveaway ends April 07, 2017. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. |
18 April 2009
Contest for 4 books until May 3, 2009 at 2pm EDT
Contest is still ongoing
So I'm totally excited about this contest today! I'm giving away 4 Books instead of the three that I posted yesterday! THEY are:
Along for the Ride, Sarah Dessen
Strange Angels, Lili St. Crow
Unclaimed Heart, Kim Wilkins
Waiting on You, Susane Colasanti
These ARE extremely sought after books, so I've upped the stakes a bit.
I want to read (between 500-750 words)what your favorite book is and who is your favorite author. You can post here or you can e-mail me at lauram68@gmail.com. If you e-mail me, YOU MUST post HERE to let me know. I'm the only one judging these small essays so don't be afraid. I'm not looking for brilliant pieces of work, just something from your heart. If it doesn't hit the word count, don't worry, mine didn't either, that is a guideline. Just have fun and think about what book you consider your favorite.
Like I mentioned yesterday, unfortunately this contest is open to the US and CA. Please have fun with this contest. And to get it started!
My favorite books of all time have to be the "Little House" series. I adored Pa and Ma and Mary and Laura and Carrie and what life was like in Frontier America. The hard winters they endured in Milwaukee the move to Missouri. Laura meeting and falling in love with Almonzo Wilder. I know there are so many great authors out there, but I'd have to say Laura Ingalls Wilder is by far my favorite. Her life was so richly depicted in books and she lives such a long life (she died at age 90). She wrote from the heart and told her story the only way she could with truth. I was also a HUGE fan of the show that was on in the '70s. Even now, when I catch it on cable, I have to stop and watch because it reminds me of being bathed, in my jammies, sitting on the couch and watching it with my mom. That was the routine EVERY Monday night! I've tried to read them to Rebecca, but she never got into it, so I'm sharing them with Lily and she really enjoys them.
I encourage everyone to try out Laura Ingalls Wilder. She is an American gem.
This contest will close on May 3, 2009
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This sounds great! I'm going to go e-mail you!
ReplyDeletebehapppppppy(at)hotmail(dot)com
I hope it is alright to post the "essay" here on this post as my computer is fighting on loading for some reason when I go back further. Argh!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book would be from the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett for Young Adults. Actually, I enjoy any of his books in the Discworld series, but Wee Free Men had me laughing as well as reminding me of how it felt to be a child and dealing with things that sometimes adults found "scary" or where your assigned responsability that seems bigger than a child should handle (but does so in amazing and original ways). All of the discworld books poke fun at things that humans take so serious. They point out the illogical thought process in coming up with some traditions (like the Hogfather/Christmas and the little matchstick girl dying). All done with humor, but a good point. Occasionally the series point out problems with government (or just humans in general) that is relevant to the time period. Making Money is one that reflects some of what is going on with the current economy and makes you laugh and have fun at the same time!
As for Wee Free Men itself, it shows no matter how young or what size you are, you can handle anything if you are determined enough, with effort and not letting self-doubt destroy you. Honestly, self-doubt is more of the enemy than any fairy queen or bad guy. One of the better lessons I have read lately.
smtbdb @ yahoo dot com
(spaces and "dot" instead of . to keep away the spam bots)
Please enter my name in your wonderful contest. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. As a matter of fact, this whole series is my favorite - if I had to pick just one series.
If you are not familiar with the Outlander series - here is a very small description.
1945 and Clair Randall and her husband have gone to Scotland to reconnect after the war - Scotland is where they honeymooned.
On an outing Clair finds a small circle of stones - places her hands upon the stones and wakes up in Scotland of 1747.
On foot and dressed less than appropriate for the times, Clair is taken to the nearby Fort for questioning.
One thing leads to another and she is rescued by Highlanders. Thus begins the true story of Clair and Jaime Fraser.
Clair is taken to the Laird and tries to tell him that she is a nurse or healer. Many suspect her of being a witch - but after she helps with their sick, they are willing to overlook her differences.
Now the Officers are wanting to question Clair even more than before she was rescued - they think she may be a spy. The Laird thinks that the only way to avoid turning her over to them is to marry her to one of his people.
They choose Jaime Fraser.
So Clair finds herself in a small chapel marrying a man she has only just met - in order to save herself from possible death.
The book has it all - action, intrigue, romance and time travel. I am eagerly awaiting the final installment of this wonderful series due out later this year. :)
If you have not tried this series, I highly recommend it. Ms. Gabaldon is a true story teller.
M
Michelle G, I have read the Outlander series! Jamie is amazing and I loved the whole romance. I still have to read "A Breath of Snow and ashes".
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book(s) is not necessarily by my favorite author. Though to list all the authors that find themselves in the “favorite” pile would take quite while awhile! The book series that stays with me, mostly because of how it altered my perception of what was then considered young-adult, is the Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith. The authoress has recently had the series re-released, and is writing a second trilogy, but I'm unsure if I'm going to buy them. I'm afraid of reading the old series in case it doesn't hold up to my (now) adult tastes, let alone another series written fifteen years after the first. At the time the tales of haughty Elena, noble Stephan, and brooding Damon was just what a teenager would want. Add in the novelty that books about vampires weren't that popular in a non-horror setting, and I was hooked!
ReplyDeleteWhat I'm really looking forward to is Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamer series, My Soul to Take bows August 1, 2009. She's one of my favorite adult Urban Fantasy authors, and I can't wait to see how her voice translates for young-adult.
HZilionis(@)gmail.com
Favorite author and favorite book? This is almost like the question, who is your favorite child? You can’t really answer that because you love them all, but some days, depending upon mood, you can answer that in a heartbeat (usually based upon report cards, completeness of chores, calls from the police, etc).
ReplyDeleteBut after a couple of days, I think I have it narrowed down to my true favorites.
My favorite author is Neil Gaiman. He manages to combine so many things: beautiful storytelling, a deep understanding of myths and mythologies, and an affection for fairy tales. I admire the fact that each of his books can be completely different from any other. Sometimes I don’t like his books: I loved American Gods, yet I can’t seem to be able to finish Anansi Boys. But that’s OK. There are too many authors out there who right the same book over and over again. Neil Gaiman doesn’t do that, so every book is a different, most times delightful, treat.
My favorite book. I love world building and myths (hence my affection for Neil Gaiman), but I also love books that speak of strong characters overcoming terrible odds. And a happy ending is a must. So I have to say my favorite book(s) are the Black Jewels trilogy by Anne Bishop. One of the great things about the internet is that you can get a synopsis of any book, so I’ll go over why I personally love them. I have always been someone who was more comfortable at night than during the day. I like the stillness and quiet of 3am more than the raucousness and movement of 3pm. I never thought that there was “evil” in the darkness, just something very different from the light.
The Black Jewels Trilogy speaks of a world where black is the strongest power, and white the weakest of all. There is a Hell is this world, but it’s not the torment of tradition, rather a place where the dead go to reflect on the lives they have lived, both good and bad. The man male characters are named Saetan, Lucivar, and Daemon, and while they are very strong and at times do some very violent things, they are certainly not evil. Evil does exist in that world; someone has corrupted their society so much that people do what they need to do to survive. Their only hope is a small girl, who grows up to be a very powerful woman. The books detail how all of their lives intertwine.
These books are not for the faint of heart. Graphic violence, and all the repercussions there of, are detailed, and no one, not even the very strong heroine, escapes without harm. But the way these characters desperately love each, and how they each help other heal from extremely horrific wounds, both physical and psychic, is very moving. Love between brothers, brothers and sisters, fathers and sons, fathers and daughter, and lovers are all touched upon and shown in very moving ways.
While the follow-up books are very good, it’s the original trilogy that I fell in love with.
So excuse me while I go read it again.
Heather
Stalkingcat at gmail dot com
My favorite series of books are the Vampire Academy series by, my favorite author, Richelle Mead. In a market full of many vampire novels, I think this series is most unique and most enjoyed, in my humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteThe series has everything I love to read about. It has action, adventure, romance, sarcasm, family issues and friendship. Perfect read if you ask me.
Another thing I love about the series is that it’s easy flowing and doesn’t get way into detail as some books I’ve read do. These particular books (ones that focus too much on detail, for ex: writing a whole page to describe a room) get boring really fast, and don’t inspire the reader to journey further. The Vampire Academy series doesn’t do that, and everything is interpreted correctly and to the perfect amount of detail, not too little and not too much.
The writing is fantastic. There are many descriptive words and Richelle Mead’s style has got to be my favorite style yet.
Not the mention the ideas and overall story. I love that she incorporated myths and legends into the story, basing her vampire realm on information that she researched. I also like how she incorporated different languages into the text, and at one point, she even used psychic reading cards to hint at the future, without giving it away. Only a great author could accomplish that.
Throughout the three books that are already out, I have laughed, muttered a few impolite things, and cried. And throughout the story, I have built a bond between the characters and myself, an attachment.
I love all the characters and think that they play their roles perfectly and are never out of character. I also like watching them grow into their maturity.
Richelle Mead has written a wonderful series, and I simply cannot wait until the next of the series comes out.
Danielle, I LOVE the Vampire Academy series! they are so well written and the story lines are awesome! Poor rose!:(
ReplyDeleteI have such a hard time narrowing down my list of favorite books or authors, because I have deeply loved so many. And I find that depending on my mood, I crave different styles. I hope it's okay if I list a few of my favorites, rather than sticking to just one?
ReplyDeleteI'd have to list both WORKING TROT and KEEPING BARNEY by Jesse Haas as perpetual favorites. I first read them as a girl, but I can still pick them up and find new things to love. They are simple stories, but with so much heart and substance and beautiful realism that I can't let go. (Plus, horses! :D)
Among my favorite authors I would have to list Neil Gaiman, Emma Bull, Ilona Andrews and Patricia Briggs, Peter Beagle, Cornelia Funke, and...oh, too many!
But my most recent favorite book has been TERRITORY by Emma Bull. I loved the blend of history and magic, and I adored the distinct individuality of each character. In my mind, I could hear each of their voices and see them so clearly. And I loved the sense of suspense and romance, that Old West style bravado. Emma Bull's writing is brilliant, in my opinion, and her stories are tightly woven. Her characters are vivid and real, and the settings are such beautiful, integral parts of the story. TERRITORY is the sort of story you experience as much as read, and it lingered in my mind long after I closed the book. Definitely one I will be reading again!
My favorite book, if I had to choose, would be The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I was drawn to it the moment I saw it, and was devastated when I didn’t have the money to get it that first time; I went back to look for it a week later and it was gone. It took me nearly a month to track it down, and when I did I snatched it up like a greedy child. From the moment I turned to the first page it tugged at my heartstrings and I was in love. I adore the way that Patrick Rothfuss writes, and the complexity of his main character, Kvothe. It’s so elegantly written that it felt like I was a part of the story, and I confess that I cried when Kvothe described the deaths of his parents and everyone he had known and loved. I feel that it’s a book that anyone could love, if only they gave it the chance (for it is on the long side, especially for a debut novel). It is full of everything a fantasy lover could ask for: adventure, romance, evil, magic, theater, fae, devastation, humor, and a plot that will keep the pages turning into the wee hours of the morning. It gave me an escape from the every day world, as well as insight to it. As I read it I felt like I was gaining knowledge, not just passing the time. This is one book that I treasure too much to let anyone borrow for fear that something bad will happen to it. I could read it over and over and discover something new each time.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite author, however, is tough to choose from. I have three that I can think of right now, and ini-mini-miny-mo is REALLY not helping me on this one. Going by the author with the most books I own, I’d have to say Tamora Pierce. I really admire her drive for writing. Her main characters are generally girls who are independent and headstrong, and I absolutely love that, being slightly headstrong myself. *wink* Her books are enchanting and funny, with a flavor all their own. Every time I buy a new one I’m so overcome with joy that I actually SQUEE in the book store, which usually earns me funny stares or laughter. I really admire Tamora, and hopefully one day I’ll write a book half as good. Needless to say, she’s touched my heart, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.
But after a couple of days, I think I have it narrowed down to my true favorites.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite author is Neil Gaiman. He manages to combine so many things: beautiful storytelling, a deep understanding of myths and mythologies, and an affection for fairy tales. I admire the fact that each of his books can be completely different from any other. Sometimes I don’t like his books: I loved American Gods, yet I can’t seem to be able to finish Anansi Boys. But that’s OK. There are too many authors out there who right the same book over and over again. Neil Gaiman doesn’t do that, so every book is a different, most times delightful, treat.
My favorite book. I love world building and myths (hence my affection for Neil Gaiman), but I also love books that speak of strong characters overcoming terrible odds. And a happy ending is a must. So I have to say my favorite book(s) are the Black Jewels trilogy by Anne Bishop. One of the great things about the internet is that you can get a synopsis of any book, so I’ll go over why I personally love them. I have always been someone who was more comfortable at night than during the day. I like the stillness and quiet of 3am more than the raucousness and movement of 3pm. I never thought that there was “evil” in the darkness, just something very different from the light.
The Black Jewels Trilogy speaks of a world where black is the strongest power, and white the weakest of all. There is a Hell is this world, but it’s not the torment of tradition, rather a place where the dead go to reflect on the lives they have lived, both good and bad. The man male characters are named Saetan, Lucivar, and Daemon, and while they are very strong and at times do some very violent things, they are certainly not evil. Evil does exist in that world; someone has corrupted their society so much that people do what they need to do to survive. Their only hope is a small girl, who grows up to be a very powerful woman. The books detail how all of their lives intertwine.
These books are not for the faint of heart. Graphic violence, and all the repercussions there of, are detailed, and no one, not even the very strong heroine, escapes without harm. But the way these characters desperately love each, and how they each help other heal from extremely horrific wounds, both physical and psychic, is very moving. Love between brothers, brothers and sisters, fathers and sons, fathers and daughter, and lovers are all touched upon and shown in very moving ways.
While the follow-up books are very good, it’s the original trilogy that I fell in love with.
Eeeepp! I'm Noel, the first Fairynne commenter. The second Fairynne commenter has a link to my blog on it, but I didn't write that one. Just thought I'd clarify things! 0.o
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, this is an incredible contest! What a set of books!
ReplyDeleteSo, as far as favorite author and book go, I don’t even know where to start, and I have to admit that my favorite book probably isn’t by my favorite author. So, as far as favorite author goes, I would have to say Sarah Dessen as I started reading her years and years ago when I was back in middle school and Keeping the Moon had just come out. At this time, because let’s face it, middle school girls are way too catty for their own good, I was really concerned about my body image and fitting in. Keeping the Moon had a strong female character who was didn’t care overly much about what the popular girls thought about her appearance. Plus, as I was hopelessly in love (unrequited, unfortunately), I really appreciated the heartfelt, honest, and frankly adorable romance that was tied in and had to read certain excerpts time and time over again. Since then, I’ve followed every release and they’ve only kept getting better (though I admit that I still have a bit of an attachment to The Truth About Forever and This Lullaby over any of her other books… or at least those are the ones that are the most worn out from being reread so many times). I consider Sarah Dessen’s books comfort books, as they actually have depth and make you think, yet always leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling. In addition to pulling at the chocolate and the sweats, when I want to feel good, I pull out one of Sarah Dessen’s books.
As for favorite book… hmm. This one is even harder. Well, going in a very different direction, I think I have to go with Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass. I should start by saying that the book is much better than the movie adaptation, so please do not judge the book by the movie if you haven’t read it. First of all, as far as fantasy goes, Pullman creates what I’ve found to be some of the most intriguing worlds. Beyond that, the gadgets that appear throughout the trilogy are absolutely captivating. So, for anyone who enjoys escaping into fantasy novels, Pullman does a superb job at creating this potential. Like Keeping the Moon, I appreciate the main character the most. Lyra is also a very strong (occasionally stubborn) character, and despite her height (yes, I could relate), she is bold and fearless. I’ve idolized Lyra ever since the first time I read The Golden Compass and feel like she’s a fantastic role model (well, other than the sneaking about bits) for girls. Plus, it is plain fun to read, completely engrossing, and it encourages the imagination to soar, which more books nowadays should do. I’m also a big fan of encouraging young adults and adults to reread juvenile literature (and of course adults to read YA novels, but that’s a different issue entirely), and I think The Golden Compass is a book that can easily bridge the age gap and appeal to anyone because it offers so much.
Kristin at dazdnconfusd@comcast.net
I would love to enter this awesome contest! booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteOne of my most favored authors would have to be Sarah Dessen. I’ve been reading her novels the past year or two, and fall in love with them every time. Since I’m in high school, like most of her protagonists are, I feel like I can relate to her characters well. Sarah Dessen’s writing is so clear, and detailed that I feel like I step into the narrator’s shoes in each and every one of her books. They are thought-provoking, and full of depth. I always learn a little life-lesson by the end.
My favorite book written by Sarah Dessen would have to be The Truth About Forever. I am a pretty slow reader, so it usually takes me at least a week to read a book. However, I read the entire book in one Saturday afternoon! I just couldn’t put it down! By the first chapter I was already hooked to the plot, and fell in love with the characters. The entire time I was reading, it seemed like there was a projector in my mind, playing a movie about what was happening. This was my first book of hers that I had read, and I knew that I would love to read many more.
I would have to say that one of my favorite authors would have to be Stephenie Meyer. I just cant help that when I read her books I feel like im right there in the story and its so hard to put down. I always want to know what she is going to say next or what is gonna happen next. Whether it was in the twilight series or in The Host. They were both very addicting and hard to put down and thats what I love about her. I dont know how she does it but she draws the reader in and you can't help but be pulled.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book as of right now would probably have to be Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. Everything about that book was amazing. You never knew what was gonna happen next and then BAM!!! Something unexpected would happen and by the time I got done with the book I wanted to pick up the next one and keep going through the story. I still wanna know what happens to all the Cullens and especially Renesme and Jacob!! That one was so shocking!! but that has to most likely be my favorite book up to this point.
I'm about to email your my entry :)
ReplyDelete-Lucile
I e-mailed you my "essay".
ReplyDeleteparadoxrevealed (at) aim (dot) com
After giving it a few days I have narrowed down my favorite author to two actually. Jim Butcher and Rachel Caine could write nutritional information for cereal boxes and it would still be highly entertaining. Rachel Caine took weather, in her Weather Warden series, and made it interesting. How many authors could've pulled that off? I love Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series, but his Alera Codex series is far from my usual read yet I love it anyway. I don't even like roman military strategy, or any other kind of military strategy for that matter. Both of them just have this major talent for storytelling no matter what the story's about that just draws you in.
ReplyDeleteOh god, I have to choose a favorite book too? There's sooo many books that I love, but I guess I'll pick The Wood Wife by Terri Windling. I have never been anywhere near Arizona, but after reading that book I felt like I had. Reading that book was almost the same as looking at a painting as you walk towards it. Every page deeper I got into that book I saw more and more of the landscape. Along with the landscape came sisters who could turn into coyotes, a jackrabbit with the face of a girl, and a crow that could turn into a boy. The book was just one big dreamscape where anything could happen. I loved it.
I emailed you my contest entry. :) Yay!
ReplyDeletestephxsu at gmail dot com
For me, this is one of the very hardest questions to answer. I love to read, and therefore there have been countless books that have temporarily filled the "favorite" spot on my bookshelf and in my mind. I think though, that the books that make some of the longest lasting impressions on us are the books that we read in our childhood, and therefore I usually stick with one of my childhood favorites in answering this question.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved to read, and that was no different when I was a kid. Before I could even read I was content to sit for hours and listen to my mom read to me, something which I will never be able to thank her enough for. Madeleine L'engle, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain...all of these wonderful books that helped to shape my imagination as a kid. But the one that I loved the most, the best, was Little Men by Louisa May Alcott.
Little Men is less well known than Alcott's most popular book, Little Women, but in my little tomboy heart it struck an entirely new chord. I loved reading about Jo and her sisters in Little Women, but more than that I loved learning about the adventures that the boys (and girls, despite the title) that Jo brought into the school she ran in her home. There was a boy for everyone: shy, sad Nat who struggled to tell the truth, rebellious, wild Dan, or Demi, trapped in his own head instead of living n the physical world of the other boys.
The story was a simple one, full of the everyday pains and triumphs of childhood as the children at Jo and Professor Bhaer's school came closer to adulthood, but it was one of those books that simply stuck with me. Each chapter, full of stories of childhood mischief and mayhem and genuine life, was like a little gem, so easy to come back to over and over again that even today, when I want a minute of respite from the "real world" Little Men is one book that I know I will always be able to go to to escape into the world of Jo and her boys.
Nora
wishonstars13@hotmail.com