Not Another Book?

Taking sabbaticals from reading in my personal thoughts is not a healthy way for me to live. I can tell that I am much more stressed, even finding little pleasure in my day to day activities. It might be consider rather selfish to think this way. Yet, I have heard it said that taking care of yourself first helps you to work better and care for others in a more effective manner. Since it is necessary that I focus all my attention on work at this point reading is not an option. Therefore, I am opting for something just as fun! A contest. A fun one at that. I am going to start a monthly book give away. Since I know some of you have read all of the books I have already talked about I am having a hard time getting creative and I hope that my skills at developing fun and exciting ways to get you involved with reading will grow (I welcome your thoughts on this avenue as well). Here are my thoughts for this first ever (Not another Book) give away or contest . This being the "love" mo

I have been immersed in too many authors lately that I have forgotten to tell you about one of my favorite writers. She is an incredible writer and I truly believe you will love all of what she has to offer. When I think about her books I often think of how Rolling Stones critics movies - riveting, passionate, a must "read". Feel free to stop by her website at www.mindystarnsclark.com. I just visited and realized that she has a new book out. You can bet that is high on my list of must reads for 2009. Still her most endearing books for me are the Million Dollar Mystery Series. "Callie and Tom" (Main characters) were like my dear friends. That said, the Smart Chick Series and Whispers on the Bayou are both must reads as well.

Waterbrook Press has a new read out this past year it is called "A mile in my flip-flops" by Melody Carlson. Melody does something that most authors have a hard time doing. She helps you live in the shoes of her characters to the point that you feel like they are a part of your own social group. Creating this type of commonality is not easy. I found myself at the end of the book not wanting to leave "Gretchen" (the main character) behind. Although this book is a simple read and it provides a subtle Christian message that can be applied in day to day real life issues, not to mention that Melody gives us just a little romance on the side.

Starting off the New Year with a great line of reading can put things both on the right foot and bring a good balance to life. Yet, when I walk in the book store I see the rows of books and know that, like you, it is often hard to find what to read. Having a suggestion or the name of an author really helps. But what if they have nothing new? Where to start? This can be a dilemma if you are like me and purchase your books instead of use the old faithful library card. Speaking of which I am sure mine has expired. So, that said, I can tell you that I have a small stack of books that have book marks in them about three chapters in...Yep! They are not read...they are waiting for me to brave the pages of boredom that they seem to hold. However, it is once and a while that I pick an unknown author and find a jewel or a diamond in the rough. Denise Hunter is one of these. You can visit her website at www.denisehunterbooks.com or visit your local library or bookstore. She has a new novel about