Deep South Magazine

Literary Friday ya’ll….

Friday. Tomorrow going to a baseball game- fingers crossed for NO RAIN.

1. Book Blogger Twitter Con 2013– here are the details, the website, and more. Read and find out about it! #bbtc

2. Amazon Buying Goodreads. Here’s the thing: I don’t hate Amazon. I know some people are clutching their chest at that statement, but it’s the truth. Am I a total fan girl ready to defend Amazon to my last dying breath? No. But when you live in a small town, a town that barely has a grocery store- and never mind any Target/Walmart- Amazon becomes a place where you can shop, where you can get things that you can’t normally get. Now, I’ll admit: I’m a little cross with Amazon over stopping their “4 for 3” promotion because that is how I’d buy a ton of my cozy books, but not cross enough yet to cross them off my shopping sites.

Some scream “What about the indies?” And, yes, I suport the indies. Because, as much as I like Amazon- they haven’t figured out to have a bk signing virtually yet. I still like walking through the indie bookstore, seeing the books, and listening to people talk. I’ve even met some interesting people while I’m a indie store. I do my part to help keep the 3 indie bookstores that are near me in business- and I plan to continue. For me it all comes down to time, though. When you have to drive an hour to the nearest indie- it does get frustrating. But I do it as much as I can because I adore book signings. I walk in with my list of books that I plan to look at either before/after the signing- and I select a few. Sometimes, if I’m feeling super-generous- I buy an extra of the book that’s being signed- then I treat a friend.

For me- whether Amazon buying Goodreads is a good thing, bad thing, or will not change my opinion of Goodreads is yet to be seen. It’s just too early in the game- and there are too many variables (for me) at this point to formulate an educated response.

3. The Battle to Save Bookstores.

4. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday.

5. Tell Me Something True: A Visit With Lisa Wingate

6. The Magic of Childhood Reading

7. A Final Word From Rita Leganski

8. The Rita Leganski/The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow discussion is still happening at She Reads.

9. What is your #fridayreads? I have 2! And Then I Found You by Patti Callahan Henry and Learning to Fly by Steph Davis.

Happy Reading 🙂

Monday Mashup!

Well- I’m back. After a fun-filled few days raising money for Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, hanging with my Queen-ly friends, and many costume/outfit changes- it’s back to the normal, every day world. Time to put away the tiara and other glittery items until next year!

And, on a side note, I completed my first 5k- the Color Me Rad Run/Walk- we walked it in a pretty decent time and had fun while doing it! Plus- got totally rad with color!

Monday Mashup notes:

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow discussion is happening at She Reads today (and all week!) Come join in and see what questions I post each day for the discussion!

Tell Me Something True: A Visit with Peggy Hesketh– plus a #giveaway!

Deep South Mag posted their 49th #literaryfriday while I was away Friday at the Big Hat Lunch event- but here it is for your enjoyment!

And look soon for She Reads to announce their April Book Club Pick!

 

Literary Friday ya’ll!

Friday AND St. Patrick’s Day weekend festivities happening- some people will be having a great time! I do believe that I’ll be going to see Oz, do some shopping, and just enjoy this pretty weather we’ve been having!

A note about next week: Going to apologize in advance- the blog posts will be sporadic- I’ll be out of town the latter part of the week, and the early part will be finishing work projects so I can enjoy my 4 day weekend & not worry about the things left behind.  Don’t miss me too much 🙂

1.#literaryfriday and Deep South Mag go together like peanut butter and jelly, right? This week’s round-up has news from Joshilyn Jackson (sequel news!),  Alice Walker and Wendy Wax While We Were Watching Downton Abbey news about her Georgia promotion tour. And,naturally, much more!

2. #giveways! Bookmagnet is giving away Family Pictures by Jane Green, A Woman, a wife, and mom is giving away The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow, A Utah Mom’s Life is giving away Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler, Goodreads is giving away a copy of Erika Marks new book, The Guest House,  and Drey’s Library is giving away Allie Larkin’s Why Can’t I Be You?

3. Julie Kibler’s getting more good news: Not only is Calling Me Home a pretty big deal- but Warner Bros. picked up the rights to “Calling Me Home”. So, how long till we it on the screen? I’m not sure- but Warner Bros.- CALL ME. I discussed all last month who would make a great cast for a movie!

4. My #fridayreads is The Mermaid of Brooklyn– it won’t be in stores till April 2nd- but so far, I’m enjoying it. Looking like a great book to give your “mom” friends! What is your #fridayreads?

5. This article was on HuffPost this week- and I saw a group on Twitter discussing it. Planning a Blog Tour? Think Twice. is the name of the article. I’ve read it- and my take is this: A blog tour CAN be a good way to get attention for you book- but I don’t think a blogger is required to love the book. Now, does that mean a blogger should trash a book? No. It means they can give their opinion, can say why they did not like it, and things of that nature.

I was thinking about the last line of the article- talking about real life book signings that books get sold, people attend and more- I guess we have not always attended the same type of book signings. I have been to signings where I’m the only person there- or there are so few people there, it’s almost sad. I always feel a bit of sadness for the author when I see turn-outs like this; but it happens.

Read the article- and tell me what you think. Would love to hear your thoughts. And, if you’ve been to a book signing- let me know how well attended it was.

6. Don’t forget- Twitter Chat with Rita Leganski on Wed, March 20th, 2-3pm EST. Use #srchat to join in and tweetchat.com. And Rita Leganski is on Twitter now- follow her @ritaleganski!

Happy Reading!

 

 

Life After Life by Jill McCorkle

This is my first Jill McCorkle book- and I must say that I really enjoyed Jill’s way with words and the story-line she created.

The longest and most expensive journey you will ever take is the one to yourself…..

Death is a part of life. It’s not a part of life that many choose to focus on; but it is a part of life. For Joanna, the hospice volunteer at Pine Haven retirement center, death is something that quite literally helped save her life. Joanna, through choices- some good, some bad- had her experience; and it helped put some of life in perspective. While at Pine Haven, she helps the dying let go, and helps make the end of life as comfortable as possible for all involved.

Each resident at Pine Haven- Sadie, Stanley, Marge, Rachel, and Toby are at Pine Haven for various reasons. For some, death is near; for others- death will be coming, but there’s still time- time to make amends, time to right wrongs, time to make sure their family is in a good place. Sadly, there is time for regret for all the residents- regrets of what could have been or the way they should have lived.

Each resident has a story- and some of the stories overlap with Pine Haven’s workers and visitor- Joanna, CJ, and Abby. Jill McCorkle weaves all the stories, intertwines them in ways that at first the reader might not see how it connects- but when they do- it’s moments of greatness.

When I finished reading last night, I felt a mixture of emotions- happiness and sadness, mainly. I enjoyed how the story ended, for the most part, and I thought parts of the last few chapters were very fitting for the characters. Is it a perfect ending? Not exactly- there are some things I wished that were different; but it’s a good ending. Strongly suggest this as a book-club book or with a book-loving friend who will want to discuss- because there is plenty about this book that could (and will!) lead to a great discussion.

Recommended.

Literary Friday ya’ll…

FRIDAY. Enough said.

1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday is up for the week- Amy Franklin-Willis tells why book clubs should read The Lost Saints of Tennessee, cakes that look like popular books, and #literaryfriday has a new look! Plus much more!

2. Meg Donohue is having a giveaway because How to Eat a Cupcake is turning 1! Check the link for the rules to the #giveaway!

3. Bookmagnet is giving away Falling to Earth by Kate Southwood on her blog!

4. She Reads is giving away Allie Larkin’s Why Can’t I Be You? today on their page!

5. My #fridayreads is The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski- what is your #fridayreads?

Happy Reading!

 

Literary Friday ya’ll…….

It’s Friday and my #literaryfriday is almost to the limit with good stuff. So sit back and enjoy 🙂

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday: Erika Robuck’s Call Me Zelda trailer, Joshilyn Jackson’s birthday, and much more!

2.Deep South also unveiled their picks for Ten Reads for Spring. Out of the 10, I’ve read 2- and they were very good!

Julie Kibler’s Calling Me Home made the list (and it was She Reads Feb Book Club Pick!) Holly Goddard Jones The Next Time You See Me also made the list.  Here are my reviews for Calling Me Home and The Next Time You See Me

3. It’s the first day of March- and She Reads wants you to know that our March read will be The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski. It’s her debut novel.  At the end of the month, there will be a discussion on She Reads and we’ll have a Twitter chat as well (both are hosted by me!)

Good news if you like Goodreads- A group on Goodreads called Southern Lit Lovers will be teaming up with She Reads for the reading of The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow- there will be tons of chances to discuss this book during March. Southern Lit Lover is moderated by Jo (Twitter handle @BloominChick) and she is looking forward to some great discussions!

EVEN BETTER NEWS: Jo @BloominChick is giving away copies of The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow on her blog! Check out Jo’s Blog Diggin’Around for a chance to win! Giveaway ends SUNDAY 11:59pm EST.

4. She Reads has some great posts this week- in case you’ve missed them, here they are:

Tell Me Something True-A Visit With Alison Atlee

Tell Me Something True- A Visit with Maryanne O’Hara

A Room of Her Own- The Writing Space of Julie Kibler

5. Liked Julie Kibler’s Calling Me Home? Want to discuss it? Come on to She Reads and let’s discuss- the discussion is happening through the weekend!

6. My #fridayreads is Skelton Keys by Laura Childs. What is your #fridayreads?

7. More #giveaways:

Drey’s Library is giving away The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers!

Goodreads is giving away The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Clubs by Dana Bate.

Happy Reading 🙂

 

Literary Friday ya’ll….

Friday. Oh the weather is not delightful. Yesterday, the air was positively spring-like. I began looking at my flip-flops in anticipation of pedicures and walking around outside. I *might* have even spoken to my favorite new pair- saying something like “I can’t wait to show you off!” But the weather is a cruel mistress, no? Yesterday’s nice, sunny, breezy weather has led to today’s cool weather with dark skies.

In other #literaryfriday news:

1. Deep South Magazine– Cocktail recipies inspired by favorite pieces of literature, list of the most literate cities for 2012, and a review by Laura Kay, a fellow She Reads Blog Network member,  about Julie Kibler’s CALLING ME HOME which is She Reads Feb Book Club Pick of the Month.  Through today, comment on the She Reads post for a chance to win a copy of CALLING ME HOME.

2. More #giveaways: Tell Me Something True-A Visit With Emily Winslow  Comment on post for a chance to win The Start Of Everything (She Reads is giving away a copy!)

3. #fridayreads My read is Veiled Revenge by Ellen Byerrum. Your next #fridayreads should be Julie Kibler’s Calling Me Home. In stores on Feb 12.  Interested in finding out more about Calling Me Home? Here’s my review of Calling Me Home.

4. Two other books readers should be on the lookout for (Both will be released Feb 12). Gods of Mischief: My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang by George Rowe  and  The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones.

5. Still looking for Valentine’s Ideas? My blog post, Valentine’s Ideas, will provide some suggestions as well as Bookmagnet’s blog!

6. Looking for great book chats? Use #gr8books on Twitter- the host is Andrea (@gr8thoughts). Earlier this week, Erika Robuck’s Hemingway’s Girl was discussed. It was a fun-filled chat with lots of interesting chatter about the book. Next chat is March 5th, from 8-9pmCST. The book discussed will be Wife 22.

7. Be thinking of questions to ask Julie Kibler because I’m hosting a Twitter chat with her on Feb 20th from 2-3pm EST. Haven’t decided on hashtag as of yet- but will def post ASAP.

Happy Reading!

 

 

Literary Friday ya’ll…

Hey ya’ll- it’s Friday. The first day of the new month. It’s also just a few more days till Valentine’s Day- which is a day that some people love, some dislike and some just don’t care. I, for the most part, love it. I like hearts and glitter personally. And no matter the status of my love life- I always make sure to treat myself- this year it’s all about culture- I have tickets to Cirque de la Symphonie and plans for dinner with a friend.  On to #literaryfriday news:

1. Deep South Magazine– Amelia Bedelia, The Following, literary events, and much more. Check out this week’s edition and if you do the Pinterest thing, check out Deep South Mag’s board- quite fun!

2. She Reads is discussing The Art Forger today, all day long! Get your book loving selves over there- let’s discuss art, love, lust, double-crossing and more!

Here’s the link to my review of The Art Forger– a book that still thrills me and I’m basically just telling everyone to read. I mean, seriously, everyone. Strangers on the street are hearing “Read The Art Forger”.

3. Not to toot my horn, but I have some good news: I’m the new She Reads Discussion Leader! The first book discussion I’ll lead is Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler. So grab some copies (book comes out Feb 12!) and read- then come by She Reads at the end of the month and let’s discuss!

4. My #fridayreads is Gods of Mischief by George Rowe and The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones. Look for both books in February from Touchstone Books.

5. Speaking of Valentine’s Day- why don’t you give the book lover in your life a new book? A fellow #srblog member has ideas! Check out Bookmagnet’s Blog for suggestions of books to give and reviews!

Happy Reading!

Literary Friday ya’ll…

Friday. YES!

My brother is in Washington DC today- a little road trip planned with a friend. He reports that it’s quite cold in our nations capitol.

Other #literaryfriday news:

1. Deep South Mag has their weekly #literaryfriday- as always it’s quite good. Talk of Kevin Bacon’s new show The Following and it’s Edgar Allan Poe connection, Gone Girl (the movie) may have found a director, and much more!

Today was also the day of the Amy Hill Hearth chat on Twitter (sorry I did not post blog before it happened!) If you want to know more about her, please read the interview that Deep South Magazine posted. Also, look for #southernlit on Twitter to see some of the talk!

2. My #fridayreads is Me Before You by JoJo Moyes and Gods of Mischief:My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang by George Rowe. Both are good- and at opposite ends of the book world! Me Before You has already made several books lists and is creating quite a buzz. Look for Gods of Mischief (Touchstone Publishing) in February!

3. Had a lovely book weekend last weekend. Met with some ladies- spent the entire weekend discussing books and things (look for a blog post ASAP). While on my book weekend, I bought 2 books from Lemuria Bookstore- Deep South by Nevada Barr and Heartsick by Chelsea Cain. Any thoughts on these?

4. I should have my chick lit fan club card revoked for this: I saw a Madeline Wickham book on the bargain book table at Barnes and Noble- and upon first glance I thought it said “by Sophie Kinsella and Madeline Wickham”, but it turns out- they are the same person, which I did not know. Silly me. #pleasedonttakemychicklitfancardaway

5. Oh and my copy of Kinsey and Me by Sue Grafton arrived this week. Guess who’s tap dancing around the house? This girl, that’s who!

Happy Reading- wherever you are!

 

Literary Friday ya’ll…

Friday! I’m off for a weekend of books and foods and friends- don’t be jealous!

1. Deep South Mag is back with their Twitter chats today- Attica Locke, author of The Cutting Season (it made the Deep South Mag Fall/Winter Reading List!) Come chat. NOW. 2-3pm EST. Use #southernlit to join in.

Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday is also posted- Edgar Allan Poe’s birthday and talk of the Pulpwood Queen’s Girlfriend Weekend among other things!

2. My #fridayreads is Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler. Really enjoying it so far!

3. I’ve been hearing such great things about Me Before You by JoJo Moyes that I’m putting that on my “To Read” list!

 

Sorry to cut it short- I’m chatting in the Attica Locke Twitter chat, preparing to leave for my weekend away- and basically trying to do too many things at once! I need about 5 more hands to accomplish all!