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Search Results for: book club

books

Book Club Summer Read is HERE! + Giveaway

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for partnering with me (and my book club) for this giveaway.

Calling all book club members! I’m going on my 12th year (I think) of the same book club I founded back when I was struggling with three small daughters and desperately needed some kind of outlet. Who knew that all these years later, I’d be meeting monthly with the same 5 women – over dinner, over talks of family and vacations, over great books and not-so-great books, and over the fact that we aren’t getting any younger.

We’re all different but the one thing we have most in common is our immense love of reading. Reading to me is what keeps me sane. It is impossible to read a fabulous book and think about all the problems you are facing. Some people meditate… I read.

The thing I really love most about being part of a book club is that I’ve been exposed to books that I normally would never have read. We each take a turn suggesting a book to the club and we’ve read fiction, non-fiction, mystery, romance, summer beach reads, and also a classic thrown in now and then. And with every story, there is something to be learned. A new character to embrace or a new location to explore.

Lucky for us, we got to read Kristin Hannah’s new book, The Great Alone. A few months ago, I finished reading her book, The Nightingale, which I completely fell in love with. If I could choose any talent to have, it would be being able to write the type of books that Kristin writes.

Kristin is one of the few authors who I race to read new books from. Lucky for us, she seems to have an endless imagination when it comes to telling stories.

You can read about The Great Alone below, but I love stories that take me out of my comfort zone. This one takes place in the wilderness of Alaska. The closest I got was a cruise to Alaska many years ago. It was fabulous and such a beautiful State, but I certainly never braved the wild like the family in this story does. I encourage you to take a trip deep into the Alaskan wilderness with the Allbright family and experience their story for yourself. Such a perfect book club selection and I can’t wait to get together with my own book club to hear what the other members thought.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

St. Marten’s Press is letting me give away a Book Club Kit like the one I received.

  • 5 copies of The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, published by St. Martin’s Press.
  • 5 super adorable matching lapel buttons.
  • plus a $50 gift card to Wine.com.

To enter the giveaway: Post a comment AND share a post either on this blog, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. One winner will be selected via Random.org on Friday, July 13. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to find the giveaway threads.

Giveaway open to US addresses only. Prizing and samples provided by St. Martin’s Press.

The Perfect Book Club Pick!

#TheGreatAlone

 

About The Great Alone

An instant #1 New York Times bestseller (February 2018)! 

“A TOUR DE FORCE.” —Kirkus (starred review)

Alaska, 1974.
Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.
For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.

Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.

Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown.

At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.

In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska—a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.

About the Author

Kristin Hannah is the New York Times bestselling author more than twenty novels. A former lawyer turned writer, she is the mother of one son and lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii.

Like Kristin Hannah on Facebook and follow St. Martin’s Press on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

 


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Book Club

Books mentioned on this page may contain affiliate links.
 

Over 10 years ago, back when Oprah was really picking up speed with her famous book club, I decided it might be fun to join a local book club. I love reading, always have, and although my time has been limited due to kids and work, I know that reading (and writing) will always be a huge part of my life. So I set out to find a book club to join and surprisingly, I came up empty. There didn’t seem to be any clubs where I live… so I did what I usually do… I decided to start one of my own. Of course, when I have ideas like that I never usually think them through. I assumed nobody would come. I was wrong.

Although the dynamics of the club have changed over the years (going from up to 20 people down to our current 5) I have to say it’s been an incredible experience. I brought together women from various backgrounds, ages, and religious affiliations. None of us would have crossed paths otherwise. We started as strangers but have become lifelong friends.

Each month we take turns choosing a book and each month we meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Sure, we talk about the book… but we also catch up on each other’s lives. Hey… it’s been over 10 years.

Whether you are in a book club and are looking for recommendations, whether you are interested in starting one… or whether you just want to follow along with what we’re reading… I invite you to come visit this page often. Our current reads are linked to Amazon if you want to read them along with us. And yes… it’s an affiliate link, so I’ll be earning a few cents if you choose to purchase.

What we’re reading now:

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Books I Love

Alphabetically by Author

Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Maggie Anton, Rashi’s Daughters, Book I: Joheved: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France

Maggie Anton, Rashi’s Daughters, Book II: Miriam: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France

Maggie Anton, Rashi’s Daughters, Book III: Rachel: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France

Jeffrey Archer, Kane and Abel

Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

Diane Chamberlain, Necessary Lies

Paul Coelho, The Alchemist

Claire Cook, Best Staged Plans

Claire Cook, Never Too Late

Tatiana de Rosnay, Sarah’s Key

Anita Diamant, The Red Tent: A Novel

Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success

Philippa Gregory, The Queen’s Fool: A Novel (Boleyn)

Laura Hillenbrand, Unbroken

Joyce Maynard, The Good Daughters

Jennie Nash, The Only True Genius in the Family

Katherine Neville, The Eight

Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Traveler’s Wife

Khaled Nosseini, The Kite Runner

Jodi Picoult, Between the Lines

Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper: A Novel

Naomi Ragen, The Ghost of Hannah Mendes

Michelle Richmond, The Year of Fog

Rachel Simon, The Story of Beautiful Girl

Katherine Stockett, The Help

Amy Tan, The Joy Luck Club

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe

Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

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What I’m Reading: My Current Book List

 

books

I love getting lost in a book; the feeling that comes when you completely lose track of time and look up after an emotional read to find out 2 hours have passed. I also hate the letdown that comes when you finally get to the last page of a book that has touched you and you wonder how there will ever be another book that will consume you like this one did.

My reading tastes are very eclectic. I contribute that entirely to my book club, almost 12 years strong. I’ve read books that I never would have chosen for myself and have been exposed to authors that wouldn’t have even been on my radar. I read novels and biographies and how-to books. I read travel logs and anthologies and young adult stories. Of course, I devour the occasional chick lit.

These are the books that have been on my bedside table over the past few months.

The Girl on the Train – I recently finished reading this and would highly recommend it. It is the story of a woman who rides the train past a community she once lived in. As she passes, she views a couple from the train window and creates her own story about them until one day her life actually intersects with theirs. It’s a story with some great discussion topics like, how our actions can alter the trajectory of someone else’s life.

No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness – I received this book at a blog conference I attended last week. I will be the first to admit that I hate exercise. From what I hear, that is exactly what this book is about. It probably wouldn’t be something I would voluntarily pick up and read, but after listening to the author, I’m curious to learn about her research into how our brains are wired and why so many of us have such a hard time sticking with, and even enjoying, exercise.

Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles – I was sent this book out of the blue, as I frequently am. I don’t normally get excited about unsolicited books, but this struck a chord because my family had just been talking about getting outdoors more as a family and going hiking and exploring our city. Secret Walks is a basically a list of some great walks (hikes, city walks, park trails), in Los Angeles and the vicinity, that are broken down by location, distance, description, and even if they are pet friendly. As I turned the pages, I compiled a list of walks that I really want to do over the summer. Some I’m familiar with, most of them are in areas I’ve never been to. I’m excited to explore.

The End of Your Life Book Club – Believe it or not, I picked this up for $1.00 at the Dollar Store. True story. I occasionally peruse the book shelf and I rarely find anything of value. This title jumped out at me because I AM a member of a book club and this is the story of a mother and son who form their own book club when she is diagnosed with terminal cancer. I haven’t started it yet, but I’m dying to read it.

Shotgun Lovesongs: A Novel – Oh yes! This book was the one that I couldn’t put down. Some of it was predictable, but it was so well-written that I got completely caught up in the characters. The story is about a group of friends from a very small town and how their lives play out. If you have ever had a close knit group of friends since childhood, you will love this book. Sometimes life is messy, and people make mistakes, but friends are friends… and they are there when you really need them.

Defending Jacob: A Novel – My mother dropped this book off to me after reading it herself. The story follows a family whose son is accused of a shocking crime. It’s about how far a parent would go to defend their child when all evidence contradicts your belief in their innocence. This is going to be my big summer read. I love a good mystery.

 

So, what titles are on your summer book list?

 


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The Books on my Nightstand

How many books do you have on your bedside table? I currently have 6.

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Some I’ve read, others I’m getting ready to dive into. I can’t ever remember a time when I didn’t have at least one book next to my bed. Doesn’t mean I always read them, but having a book around is my comfort zone.

A few months ago I started a pretty intensive life coaching class (more posts about this to come), and one thing that was front and center in the course is that I needed to start doing something for myself every day. Something that I enjoy, that grounded me. For me, that is reading. When you are reading a great book, it’s pretty hard to focus on anything else but the task at hand. It opens your mind to other things and lets your brain take a little break from the day-to-day work and family issues that normally take front and center.

It’s a pretty eclectic selection of books I have. I tend to like reading all different types of genres. I’ll read a novel one week and then I’ll switch to a self-help book. I wanted to share with you the ones I currently have.

1. On the top of the pile is Firegirl, by Tony Abbott. The other night, my 12 year old came into my room while I was reading another book and gave this one to me. She said I just had to read it. I actually enjoy reading the books my kids read… it gives me a better idea of what they enjoy, and it’s a great way to open up a dialogue with them. I’ve also recommended some of the book I enjoy to my girls… ones that I think will help with whatever situations they are currently dealing with.

2. The “Perfect” Parent, by Roma Khetarpal in next. Full disclosure: Roma is a client of mine. I can’t tell you the number of parenting books I’ve read over the years, but this one is truly different. It doesn’t tell you HOW to parent. It helps you realize that you’ve had the power to be “perfect” all along. It’s the type of book you keep next to your bed and refer to over and over again, depending on the current issues you are going through with your kids.

3. Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand is a book I just finished reading. I wasn’t interested in it when it was first published, but it was my Book Club read this month and once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I really love this book… and yes, the movie is coming out December 25th (directed by Angelina Jolie). This true story of Olympian runner Louis Zamperini is just incredible. It tells of his life growing up as a boy without much direction, to his climb to Olympic greatness, to his capture as a Japanese POW during World War II. It’s the kind of story that speaks to the human spirit.. and makes you treasure the life you have.

4. City of the Sun, by Juliana Maio. I was invited to hear Juliana speak a few weeks ago and I wasn’t able to attend. I was so interested in the topic of this book, however, that I actually requested a copy from the publicist. I rarely do that. The book is historical fiction (my favorite genre) and takes place amidst WWII in Egypt. Add the Jews and Nazis to the mix and I was definitely intrigued.

5. Embrace Your Magnificence, by Fabienne Frederickson was a NetGalley book that was offered to me a few months ago. I read through from cover to cover and it’s STILL sitting next to my bed. It’s the kind of self-help, spiritual book that you kind of want to keep close to you. I wrote a review already if you want to learn more.

6. Bread Alone, by Judi Hendricks is a book that was recommended by one of my author friends, Cindy Arora. Cindy’s book, Heartbreak Cake, was phenomenal and since I love anything having to do with food writing, I picked up Bread Alone, which was one of her favorites.

One of my goals is to read more, or should I say, one of my goals is to find the TIME to read more.

What books are on your list?


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Joining a Wine Club

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I am anything but a wine snob. I wouldn’t know a good pinot from a cabernet from a merlot. I know chardonay is white wine, right? I’m pretty sure chianti is Italian and I know that champagne comes from France. That’s the extent of my wine knowledge. I do, however, know what I like… and I really like the wines I’ve tried at a small wine tasting shop in Newhall, California. Pulchella Winery is unassuming. If you didn’t know it was there you would walk right by never bothering to give it a thought. Except that you would be missing out on something pretty great.

I first experienced Pulchella a few months ago when one of my book club friends suggested we hold our monthly dinner there. It was fabulous. The tasting room is across the street from one of the best restaurants in town, Newhall Refinery. From Pulchella, you can call over to the Refinery and order up your dinner. They will happily bring it to you (across the street) as well as the bill. You can have a great meal and enjoy a $10 wine flight.

I’ve been there twice now and the second time I decided that it would be fun to join their wine club. Me. Who knows nothing about wine.

It’s one of those things that just sounded really sophisticated: I joined a wine club. The club is free to join, but you have to commit to ordering a batch of wine (6 – 8 bottles with each batch) twice a year. Each order runs about $200… a little pricier than the wines I usually purchase, but then again… I’m usually happy with the cheap stuff at Trader Joe’s. Not the “really” cheap stuff… but the highest I usually go is about $10 – $12 a bottle. Of course, you do get what you pay for and I really did want to start expanding my wine horizons.

wine

Their “City Slicker” wine was my favorite for the night. I love that they label all their wines with really fun names. The City Slicker is a blend… from 2012 (for those of you who know that year’s matter). It is 63% Golden Cloud Vineyard Zinfandel and 37% Mainini Vineyard Petite Sirah. I just know that it tastes really good. Definitely the kind of wine you want to relax with after an exhausting day with the kids. Not that I would know anything about that.

Some of the other varieties they currently have are the Deadbeat Pinot Noir, the Highs & Lows blend of Syrah and Grenache, Relentless Syrah, and Aftermath Black Muscat. You can get a wine flight that lets you sample all 5 varieties for only $10 at the tasting room. So well worth it!

Since it’s local to Santa Clarita, I am definitely down for popping in any night of the week if you want to go. Remember, I joined the wine club so I get my wine flights for free… as well as any guest I want to bring. Take me up on it.


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Wearer of many hats: Mom, Wife, Writer, Speaker, Campaign Leader, Social Media Manager, Entrepreneur, PFO President. I've been at this blogging thing for 8 years and I'm just hitting my stride. I am the classic stay-at-home-mom who turned her hobby into a career and now I love sharing what I know so you can do what you love and get paid for it. When I'm not online, I'm probably hanging with my teenagers, reading a good book, or eating ice cream in bed while watching Scandal. PR friendly. You can reach me at temysmom (at) gmail (dot) com.

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