Live and Let Di

Can't teach an old reader...

...new genres. I really tried. I had the highest of hopes.

The Stone Gods seemed like the perfect book to expand my reading repertoire. The description and reviews made me think I could branch out into Science Fiction. Words like "witty," "satirical" and "provocative" put this book on my TBR stack.

Unfortunately, I seem to be incapable of forging new trails in my reading world.

So, I am offering this book to a randomly-selected reader who already loves this genre or wants to expand his/her horizons to include a new genre.

Here's what you can win:

1. A hardcover copy of The Stone Gods by Jeannette Winterson shipped to you via the cheapest possible postal method. (Sorry. Live and Let Di is a self-indulgent, non-income-producing blog, so I can't afford to be crazily magnanimous with my postage.)

2. An invitation to write a review of The Stone Gods which will be published here on Live and Let Di.

Here's what you have to do to win:

1. Leave a comment. Get one entry for a simple comment like, "I want The Stone Gods." Get two entries for a more detailed comment like, "I want The Stone Gods because...[articulate, witty response here.]" Get THREE entries if you leave a detailed comment AND indulge me with some shameless sucking-up. FOUR ENTRIES if you do all of the above AND leave a comment on another post within Live and Let Di. FIVE ENTRIES (OMG, do the opportunities ever cease????) if you do all of the above AND link to my contest on your blog (You need to let me know if you've done this so I can click over and verify...I will click over anyway because that's just good blogiquette...you just need to let me know to look for it.)

That's all...carry on!

Di

Another winner, eh?

***CLICK HERE TO WIN A HARDCOVER COPY OF THE STONE GODS***

Perhaps it was the brilliant cover the publisher put on this book after Stephen King outed them for doing a lame job of book promotion. Perhaps it was my glowing, exuberant review. Perhaps it was Mischa Berlinski himself (click here to go to Mischa's site) sending me an e-mail AND commenting on my blog (sorry Mischa, you didn't win a copy of the book...however, if you  won I would have insisted that you send me back an autographed copy!)

Perhaps it was the fact that contest promotion blogs found here and here featured my contest. (I'm giving you the links because you might find some cool contests to enter, like a trip to NC's wine country (NC, it's not just cigarettes anymore!) and a trip to see the American Idol top three results show.

Whatever it was...we had 122 entries!

The lucky winner was Anne from Beautiful British Columbia. The British Columbian gals are very lucky this month. Rachel at books i done read, also from BC won Leave Me Alone, I'm Reading in last week's contest. I hope that all of my Canadian readers understand that if they win, the book might take a while to get there. I can't afford the postage to get it there quicker.

I'm going to be posting another contest some time today, so stop back. And if you are visiting from one of the contest promotion sites, please stop by even when I'm NOT running a contest...you might find something you like.

Di

Guess who e-mailed me today?

Mischa Berlinski! He is the author of the incredible Fieldwork which I recently reviewed. (And if you click the link, you can enter my contest to win a copy of Fieldwork.)

I love when authors visit my site and take a moment to comment as Mr. Berlinski did. Just another reason to love him!

Di

Better than a library!

Libraries are great...in concept. Free books. Low fines. All that stuff. But how about free books...NO LATE FEES!!! Yup...that's what you can get by visiting my friend Diane (great name, huh?) at:

dkMommy Spot

She writes reviews that suck you in and make you want the book...and then in a couple of instances, she offers to send it to you for the low, low price of ONE COMMENT!!!

I recently ran a contest here that netted me lots and lots of traffic, treasured comments galore, a wonderful comment FROM THE AUTHOR! and the delight of hearing from the winners after they received their books.

So, if you want to win a book or some cool book accessories, try the following...tell Diane that Di sent you and maybe I'll get an extra entry!!!

Walking on Eggshells - a book about the relationships between parents and their adult children. If your children aren't adults yet, think of the insight it will give you into your relationship with YOUR parents.

Grand Opening Herb Giveaway - accessorize your reading area with some lovely herbs and soothing aromas. What better way to relax and lose yourself in a book???

Good luck! Be sure to let me know if you win!

Di

Tell Me Sweet Little Lies

I must admit that a little shiver of glee rippled down my spine when I was carrying the newspaper in at 5:45 on Tuesday. My morning routine allows me to take the edge off my anticipation of the morning's news by quickly glancing at the Front Page as I walk back down my long driveway. When I looked on Tuesday, I saw a picture that looked familiar. I had seen the same picture on Monday when I was reading the Lifestyle page. It had been a review of a soon-to-be-released book. I savor the opportunity to find grammatical or editorial errors in books and newspapers, so I naturally thought, "The N&O screwed up!!! They ran the same article two days in a row!!!"

As I took my first sip of coffee and settled in to read the news, I saw that there is one very quick way to move from the front page of the Lifestyles section to the Front Page...LIE!!!

The fascinating review I read on Monday described an author who grew up in foster care on the violent streets of gangland L.A. She survived and went on to write about the experiences in a way that would make middle-of-the-road America understand the sociology of the urban gang culture. Or, maybe not.

Apparently, the author's sister read the same article I did on Monday and ratted her out to the press and to her publisher! Now, just for the record...and I haven't confirmed this directly...I can assure you that if I did what this author did and embellished or outright fabricated a childhood, MY SISTER WOULD HAVE SWORN TO IT!!! That's what sisters do. They serve as your alibi. They help you hide the body. Actually, I have several friends who would have done the same. And my mother probably would have too, as long as I didn't say anything too nasty about her that might get her kicked out of one of her Mah Jongg games.

On the same day that I read the original review, I received an e-mail from Borders. (Apparently they haven't heard that I am a die-hard supporter of Quail Ridge Books and Booksense.)

"As the sound of gunfire faded, people started to come out of everywhere, running from the corners of the park, stepping out of houses and apartment buildings. I could hear women screaming, and a baby crying. I knew that with the number of bullets I had heard, someone had to have been hit. My head felt hot and light, as though I might faint as I crossed the street and pushed my way through the commotion."

A passage like this one has the rhythm and pacing of a well-written novel of intensity and suspense. As you read it, you feel that you are "I" and you are hearing and feeling the terror of the protagonist. Does it matter whether it's fiction or non-fiction? I would have to say, probably not. A fictional novel has as much impact on me as a memoir or a piece of historical non-fiction.

So, my questions to you are:  Would a book like this have less interest and impact for you than a work of fiction, or perhaps a "memoir" of a fictional or conglomerate character, about the same topic? Do you think this book should still be released and categorized as a different genre? Do you think it would be wrong for the author and publisher to profit from this story because of the attempt to put one over on readers? Or, for the very cynical out there, do you think the publisher participated in the fabrication of the author's background in view of the market for memoirs? Discuss!

Di

Oscars Schmoscars Book Winners!!!

The big drawing was on Friday. I know that I promised to give away six copies of the My Soul to Keep, but I have only notified five winners because one of the books is missing! It's a mystery (the book, that is) so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that someone purloined a copy. I'll bet it was my daughter. But since I admire someone who will steal to feed her reading habit, I'm not going to bust her!

Please do keep in mind that we had a total of 50 entrants, so while it may not be an honor to be nominated, it's still exciting to win! And in addition to the book in its oh-so-appropriate packaging, you get a linky right here on Di's Book Blog, etc.

Now hand me the damn envelopes!!!!

Looking dapper in his custom-made Givenchy tuxedo, Nicholas of A Gentleman's Domain, will be receiving his copy as soon as I get to the post office.

Christine, whose blog What-A-Mother is a recent favorite of mine, appeared in sequins and not much else to receive her award. Christine, you naughty, naughty girl.

Joann, a friend from the long-ago days of Book Nook and Favorite Fiction on AOL, has become one of those haven't-met-'em-but-know-I-like-'em friends. She's there for me in so many ways...not just books and house-building advice! I was thrilled to pick her name and delighted to see her thwap Tom Cruise with her feather boa on the red carpet.

Tara of Tara's View of the World swept out of her limousine wearing gorgeous conservative black taffeta (she's the wife of a pastor, you were expecting decolletage?) looking heavenly despite her claim that she hasn't slept through the night in five years!

Annie, who writes Fried Porkchop (the other white meat), was a very conscientious contest entrant. She left a clever comment, linked to my contest in her blog AND sucked up big-time. One couldn't help but notice the jealous stares she got from Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellwegger as she sashayed down the red carpet wearing Gucci, Pucci and a little coochy!!!

Congratulations to all of the winners and thanks to all those who entered! Contests are fun...I must do them more often!

Di

Author! Author!

***WAIT - DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE EXCITING OSCAR SCHMOSCAR...GIMME A BOOK! CONTEST***
***DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29 AT NOON***

I love to hear from readers! I love to hear from authors! It makes me feel like my blog and my writing have a purpose.

So I was delighted to receive this e-mail from Amanda Eyre Ward after I reviewed her book, Forgive Me.


"Thank you so much, Di!  I love your review.  I'm on
tour with limited e-mail access, please forgive my
delay in responding.
All best,
Amanda"

Thanks to Ms.Ward for being responsive and thanks to all of the readers who have commented or e-mailed to let me know that they enjoy my book reviews!

Di

Oscars Schmoscars...Gimme a Book!!!***CONTEST***

WIN BIG AT DI'S BOOK BLOG, ETC.!!!!

Good:

Better:

Best:

Who needs to get all dolled up in a dress that requires three weeks of starvation, a concave stomach and ribs that could cut glass? Who needs to worry about shoes that make you tower over your red carpet companion (are you listening Nicole Kidman?) Who really needs to borrow diamonds that cost more than the average mansion?

Win big here at Di's Book Blog, etc!!!! I have not one, not two, but SIX COPIES of My Soul To Keep by Melanie Wells to give away to deserving readers. My Soul to Keep was just published on February 5 and comes in very cool packaging that is consistent with the plot of the book.

On Friday, February 29 (because that's such a cool day, being that it only comes along once every four years), I will randomly select the winners from those who comment. People who suggested the title for the contest...Diane of Carp(e) Libris Reviews and Christine from What-a-Mother...have already received TWO entries to the contest. Christine slyly slipped her suggestion to me via e-mail because a) she thought people would think it was dumb; b) she is REALLY Diane of Carp(e) Libris Reviews!!! What do you think?

Here's how to enter:

1. Comment on this entry - say anything and your name will be entered ONCE in the drawing.

2. Make a funny, witty, interesting or thought provoking comment - dazzle me with your brilliance and your name will be entered TWICE in the drawing.

3. Link to my contest in YOUR blog - a linky will get you THREE entries in the drawing as well as my deep appreciation. (Be sure to let me know if you do this so I can give you the additional entries.)

Is this too complicated? I don't care...it's my contest and it doesn't require tuxedo-clad representatives from Price Waterhouse Coopers to tabulate the results. So, let the games begin!!!!

Di

Thursday Thirteen (Vol. 67)

Di's 13 Favorite Books of 2008

Forgive the delay, but I am finally posting my top 13 books from 2007. In a shocking turn of events, the majority are non-fiction! Clicking the link from the cover graphic will take you to my review of the book and clicking the link from the title will take you to BookSense where you can order the book from your local independent bookstore!!!

 

1. Without a Map by Meredith Hall

2. Brainiac by Ken Jennings

 

3. The Price of Privilege by Madeline Levine

 

4. Saving Graces by Elizabeth Edwards

 

5. Triangle by Katharine Weber

 

6. Four Trials by John Edwards

 

7. The Blind Side by Michael Lewis (Sorry....I didn't review this one yet!)

 

8. Broken by William Cope Moyers

 

9. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

 

10. Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself by Alan Alda (Another one I didn't get around to reviewing.)

 

11. Grace, Eventually by Anne Lamott

 

12. Identical Strangers by Elyse Schein (Another one on the to-do list)

 

13. Lay that Trumpet in our Hands by Susan Carol McCarthy

Happy Reading in 2008!!!

Di

Di's Got a Brand New Blog

In an effort to provide impeccable customer service, there are some changes in place and some changes in the works. First of all, I think I have made the mistake of assuming that everyone knows how to navigate my blog. Since that isn't the case, I'm going to highlight some things that might help:

1. On the sidebar at the bottom you will find a list of my entries by date or by category. So if you are looking specifically for a book review, simply click on Book Reviews and only those posts will show up.

2. I am working on adding a search widget on my blog. A widget is simply a bunch of HTML code that makes something cool appear on your blog. I think my search thingy will look like this:

Cute little button, huh? You will be able to search just my site or the entire web. That will make it much more convenient to look up books that I've reviewed.

3. I finally gave in to the thousands who e-mailed me saying, "Di, we love your blog and you are doing so much for the good of the planet by reviewing books and talking about your exciting life that we want to buy you lots of books!!!" So, with that in mind, and with my husband making faces because the UPS guy knows me personally, I have relented and have added a sort-of "wish list." Actually, I don't expect anyone to buy me books. It's really a way for me to keep track of what books I want to buy.

4. When you click on a book in the sidebar or in the body of a post, it will jump to the BookSense website and will ask you for your zip code. It will then point you to independent bookstores in your area if you would like to order a book. With wonderful bookstore owners like Kathryn at Market Street Books in Chapel Hill and Nancy at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, I feel proud to be supporting local business and taking a stand for private ownership over Big Box Bookstores. (***Disclosure: If you click on the link through Di's Book Blog, I will receive a small monetary reward from BookSense which I will most assuredly use for buying more books and a portion of which will be given to Books for Kids.***)

That's enough new stuff for today. Tomorrow tune in for some really exciting news...a new rating system for my reviews! Thanks go out to Sue (whom I will always remember having her maiden name), a high school friend of my sister who put the idea in my head to add a search engine!!! Glad you are stopping by Sue.

Di