Do you ever get a craving for a particular kind of food? Chocolate perhaps? Maybe a salty snack? A heaping plate of spaghetti? How about a craving to buy a new book? It usually comes with an urge to drop by the local bookstore when your in the neighborhood (it doesn't matter that there's a post office closer to your home or that the bookstore is on the other side of town. The definition of a neighborhood can be relative).
It just so happens that this week is Buy a Friend a Book Week , and what better way to get my book buying fix than to buy a book for someone else? With my overflowing TBR room, a husband who bites his tongue but gives me a suspicious look every time he walks into the TBR room, and the goal (which I'm failing miserably if only because more go in than come out) to clear out some of those books by reading them, this seems like a good alternative. I will satisfy my craving to buy a book and have the satisfaction of giving another reader some pleasure.
Reading through some of the participants' blogs who are having contests to giveaway books, there are a variety of great ideas out there, from giving away books from their own shelves to offering to buy a book of the winner's choice. I have plenty of books I could offer up, but would anyone want them? I imagine so. Well, maybe. The question would then become: am I ready to part with them? That is the dilemma. Of course, that won't settle my itch to buy a book, will it?
In honor of Buy a Friend a Book Week, I am going to join in on the fun and hold a drawing. The winner can select a book of their choice that is no more than $15. All I ask is that it be a book that is relatively easy to get a hold of (no out of print or obscure books, please--I'm not that talented at searching out hidden treasure).
One other catch. Not that requiring this is a good idea any way you look at it considering my already extensive personal library; if you want to participate and take a chance at winning, please leave a comment with a recommendation for a book you think I (or anyone who might be looking for a recommendation) might like to read. This does not have to be the book you may hope to receive if you win.
The drawing will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2007, so I ask that you post a comment to enter no later than midnight on Friday, April 6, 2007 (PDT).
Note: The drawing is not limited to the USA (thanks goes to Kailana for introducing me to The Book Depository).
Hi Literary Feline, this is great! :) Just wondering if this also applies to overseas countries as well? ;P
ReplyDeleteJust in case you are not aware of it, there is place called The Book Depository and it will ship anywhere for free. That's what I always use, then everyone can join in. :)
ReplyDeleteA book I recommend? um... Nefertiti by Michelle Moran. It is not out yet, I read an advanced reading copy, but it comes out in July. It is about an Egyptian pharoah and her sister and how the sister lived in the other sisters shadow and such.
So, this is me joining in on the draw. I have the same thing going on, you might have commented already though, I can't remember.
I would recommend 'Smonk' by Tom Franklin. It's kind of brutal, but the characters are unforgettable.
ReplyDeleteOH! Please put me in the drawing! I just talked to a co-worker who read one of the books I recommended to her and she LOVED it. That got me all excited about it again, so that will be my recommendation to you. I hope you haven't read it yet...GENTLEMEN & PLAYERS (Harris). Thanks for the opportunity to win a book. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you read any Ann Patchett? I adored both Bel Canto and The Magician's Assistant.
ReplyDeleteThanks for holding this contest, and please stop by and enter mine as well!
I have a book you might like. It's called IDA MAE TUTWEILER AND THE TRAVELING TEA PARTY. It's a book about friendships and love between mothers and daughters and best friends. After I read it, I sent a copy to my daughter and my best friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this contest!
What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteOkay, here's my recommendation...
The obvious choice would be THIRTEENTH TALE by Setterfield because everyone should read that.
But I'd also like to recommend MARY by Janis Cooke Newman. It is a fictionalized account of the life of Mary Lincoln and it is fascinating.
Anything by Elizabeth Berg would be my recommendation, especially "We Are All Welcome Here."
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this - please put my name in the hat!
This is sucha good idea! I would love to be entered! As for my suggestion, I have a couple for you...first of all, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak should be read by all (if you haven't already). Next, I would recommend When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin...a fantastic author!
ReplyDeletePlease add my name to the drawing. I hope you've added your name to my drawing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy most of the books I read, but a few favorites are Poisonwood Bible, The Book Thief, The History of Love.
I've been enjoying Terry Pratchett's YA fantasy books - The Wee Free Men and Hat Full of Sky.
If you like romance, which I usually don't, the Outlander series is wonderful.
I really loved The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It was so good.
ReplyDeleteDitto on Outlander, although Gabaldon says she does not write romance. It's hard to categorize.
Hmmm...what a cool thing to do!! As far as recommendations go, I just finished Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors. It was fantastic, if you haven't already read it!! It's a love story and a war story....about the building of the Taj Mahal! (I have a review on my blog, if you would like to see it)
ReplyDeleteCount me in! This is cool...not to mention fun!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to recommend Anne Stuart's books to everyone who loves romance suspense. Her Ice series books are really GREAT reads!
Your blog is a pleasure to read and I agree books are a great gift to give and receive!L~H
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and a book as a gift :)
ReplyDeleteHey, Lit Kitty, could you post a list of what everyone has recommended? I'm seeing all sorts of cool ideas but I'm so tired the screen is blurring and I'm afraid I'll forget to come back and write them down. what a terrific idea for a way to get suggestions!!
ReplyDelete"I Am the Messenger" by Marcus Zuzak... one of the best non-romances I've read.
ReplyDelete"Angels Fall" by Nora Roberts -- a great romantic suspense.
"Getting Rid of Bradley" by Jennifer Crusie - possibly the best romantic comedy of all time (had me laughing so hard I almost peed my pants).
BTW, I posted your contest on my blog. Isn't this fun??
Hi Literary Feline. I'd like to recommend Ann Patchet's 'Truth & Beauty: A Friendship.' It’s a beautifully written book about the bonds of friendship. I've given it as gift on at least four occasions.
ReplyDeleteIf you enjoy mysteries, try any of Karin Slaughter's Grant City books.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm giving you a little linky-love on my blog. Thanks for stopping by.
I really enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, tho it seems to be hit or miss with my friends.
ReplyDeleteI just finished the 2006 Pulitzer Prize winning novel: March, by Geraldine Brooks.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautifully written book set during the Civil War. Brooks re-imagines the father from Little Women and brings him to life in this novel. Great descriptions, wonderful characters. I think you'd like it!
Recommend The Brief History of the Dead...I loved it, but some people don't but it's worth a try.
ReplyDeletei saw that you had 2 lisa see books, the rest of her books are really really good as well
ReplyDeletethanks for hosting this contest!
Hi, LF! Great idea, but no need to put me in the drawing. I have a zillion books already! I'll let someone else enjoy the fruit of your labors.
ReplyDeleteBut to share a book title (and I'll keep it current): Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go.
Hmmm. I think I'll recommend Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger because it was recommended to me and I never would've picked it up without it. Not my cup of tea, WWI, baseball, nine year old Jewish protangonist, but I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteSo many great recommendations! Thank you everyone!
ReplyDeleteKailana - Thanks for the tip! I had never heard of that site, but I've now got it bookmarked. :-)
Nerfertiti sounds interesting! I once had a paperdoll of Nerfertiti with some very interesting clothing.
Kookie - Ooo! That's a different one! It sounds like it might be good from the description I read on Amazon.
Joy - I have been wanting to read your recommendation for ages! I've heard great things about it.
Karen (Wise) - I have not yet read anything by Ann Patchett, although I have had Bel Canto on my TBR shelf for a while now. I recently acquired a copy of The Magician's Assitant. They both sound good.
Lynne - Your recommendation sounds perfect for Mother's Day coming up next month. :-)
Malady - I definitely second the recommendation for The Thirteenth Tale--wonderful book! I haven't read your other recommendation though. It sounds intriguing!
(Write From) Karen - Would you believe I haven't read one book by Elizabeth Berg yet? I have a few of her books on my TBR shelves and yet I have not gotten to her. I really have to try her out!
Amanda - I really do want to read The Book Thief. I've heard wonderful things about it, and that time period is one I find myself drawn to. Your other recommendation is a new author and title to me, but the book sounds very good from what I found on Amazon about it.
Booklogged - I had my hands on The Poisonwood Bible a few years ago, but I returned it to the loaner unread. I'm not sure why. Maybe it wasn't the time? Anyhow, I would like to read it one of these days. I just recently picked up a copy of The History of Love (based in part on your recommendation and since it was on sale). Terry Pratchett is an author I hope to read one day. I have heard great things about the Discworld series, especially.
Chris - Shadow of the Wind is definitely a book I want to read! I even have a copy among my TBR collection. :-) Both you and Booklogged mentioned the Outlander series. I have heard a lot about it and it does sound good.
Stephanie - You convinced me that I have to read Beneath a Marble Sky. My recent reading of The Hindi-Bindi Club has made me curious about the history of the Taj Mahal and so John Shors book may be the perfect opening.
Melody - I don't think I have read any of Anne Stuart's novels yet.
Book & Milan - I think so too--that books are a great gift to give and receive. :-) And thanks for the compliment! I am glad you both enjoy my blog.
Bookfol - I took your advice, as you can see. It's making it easier for me too. :-)
Marianne - Some great titles there! I have one of Jennifer Crusie novels around here somewhere that I've been meaning to get too. I hear she can be quite funny. Thanks for posting a link to my contest on your blog!
Toni - Oo! Another Ann Patchett recommendation! She must really be worth reading!
Judy - I honestly do not know why I haven't gotten around to reading Karin Slaughter yet. I do enjoy the type of books she writes.
Lisa - Eat, Pray, and Love isn't my usual type of book, but while out doing retail therapy today I decided to pick up a copy based on your recommendation. It sounds like something I could use to read right now. :-)
Wendy - You know, I keep seeing that title come up and think to myself I should read it, but I have yet to pick up a copy. I have yet to read Little Women and maybe that is part of my hesitation. One of these days I will have to read both.
Lisa Jean - Your recommendation sounds interesting. Not something I would normally pick up, but I'm open to trying new things. :-)
Deborah - I loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I haven't yet read my other book by her. I noticed that her books are mostly out of print, which makes them hard to find. I may have to see if I can find one through Amazon or a used book site.
LK - You sure you don't want to be in the drawing? I'm sure there's a book you want. :-) Never Let Me Go is on my must read list. I am looking forward to reading it one of these days.
Carrie K - I came across steve Kluger when I was selected to preview another book of his, not my usual reading material, but definitely enjoyable. I liked it enough to be interested in reading more by him. I'll have to look for Last Days of Summer.
ALL - Again, thank you for the great recommendations. NOt a bad apple in the bunch! Good luck to you all! (And there's still time for more people to sign up if you're interested!)
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