The Romantics by Galt Niederhoffer

I received this book in the mail last week, much like I do those I'm set to review for Blog Stop Book Tours. It came direct from the book's publisher, letter-form press release and everything. The curious thing is, neither my contact at BSBT nor myself had any expectation of this book's arrival!

It sounds fabulous and I'll certainly read and review it, but I do wonder how I came to receive it. If anyone lurking out there in Bloggerland is responsible, do let me know. I'd appreciate any details.*

If you're interested in learning more about the book, check out NYTimes.com. They've got some details up today. Have a good day. :)


*Alas, I can offer no reward... save maybe a writing tip or a frozen waffle or two.

A Premature Book Review: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I've just barely cracked open the cover - I've read the first six chapters or so - of the book Eat, Pray, Love (One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia) by Elizabeth Gilbert. But it's already proving delicious. (And I have to thank my friend, Melanie, from whom I'm pretty sure I first heard about the book.)

From the short but intriguing introduction I've been drawn in, and I find myself hanging on to every one of Elizabeth's words. Her voice is so invoking, so personable, it feels like she and I are in the same room. Like she's really speaking to me, telling only me this fascinating story of hers.

As with anyone who piques my interest, I googled the author. Her official website (which is linked in her name above) is as engaging as the book itself, since the first thing you see is her lovely face, open and vulnerable. I want to hug her. Sit down, and pick apart her writer's brain. And then be her friend.

On her site, Elizabeth - or Liz, as she calls herself in the book, and as I feel so compelled to refer to her - shares some Thoughts on Writing. Her brilliant insights are too many to condense in this mere blog, but I recommend, if you're a writer (or maybe even if not), you take a gander. Her words have given me this renewed drive in regards to my own writing. I feel this focused burst of inspiration, a reason to keep on keepin' on.

But in the meantime, I'll continue reading Eat, Pray, Love. I can't wait to follow Liz on her journey, and learn with her - from her - along the way.

A Favorite Book

I was recently asked to name my favorite book. Sheesh, there are entirely too many great books to narrow it down like that. But one does stick out in my mind...

It was sixth grade English class, and the assignment was to read and do a report on a fiction book with some historical content. Though I'd always loved to read, history was something I'd not taken a shining to. So I hem-hawed around, becoming enthusiastic for no one title. My teacher, somehow, didn't get angry with me; instead she gave me guidance, working with me to find the perfect book.

Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene

Wikipedia summarizes it better than I could:

The story is told first person by a twelve-year-old Jewish girl named Patty Bergen living in Jenkinsville, Arkansas during World War II. The action focuses on the escaped German Prisoner of War she befriends and protects, as well as her relationship with her abusive father, uncaring mother, and their maid.

I can't tell you how much I loved this book. Bette Greene's characters were amazingly real to me, as I got caught up in the story as if I'd lived it myself. In fact, now I've got myself wondering if that was a defining time for me; one that told me this is what I want to do - write like this.

I think I should like to read it all over again.

What's a favorite book of yours and why? I ask you to post about it, and let me know you've done so. Call it an unofficial meme of sorts...

ETA: Pfft! Can't seem to adjust the format... so sorry the paragraphs are smooshed together...

Page 123

YES! I LOVE this fun tag from Janet at The Walrus Said. The assignment is thus:

1) Pick up the book nearest you
2) Open to page 123
3) Find the 5th sentence
4) Post the following 3 sentences
5) Tag five others

The book nearest me is one I found at an antiques store. It sits on my shelf with a small basket of flowers, just looking distinguished as aged books do. Julian Mortimer; A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and Fortune by Harry Castlemon, copyright 1887. There's a handwritten note inside the front cover that reads: Edward C Wright, Jr., From Aunt Jack (yes, aunt), July 1902.

"I am ready to hear what you have to tell me about my parents. You say they are both alive?"

"Both of 'em," replied Sanders.

Ooh, intriguing, no?

I choose to tag:

Rebecca Laffar-Smith from Writer's Round-About
Melanie Avila at What Am I Doing In Mexico?
Michele Tune at Writing the Cyber Highway
Kimmi of Kimmirich's Weblog
Amy from Mind Over Mullis
Susan, The Urban Muse

Have fun!