Book Review: The House that Ruth Built By Robert Weintraub

Before the 27 World Series wins, before Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and Derek Jeter - the Yankees were New York's also-ran franchise. They didn't even have a stadium, renting out the New York Giants' Polo Grounds and, embarrassingly, losing to them when it counted: in the Fall Classic.

But in 1923, the Yankees played their first season on their own field, and everything changed. Babe Ruth bounced back from a contentious season to carry the team to their first title, justifying his new Stadium's nickname, "The House That Ruth Built."

This is the untold tale of the Yankees' break-out season, filled with stories of New York and baseball in arguably their greatest eras. Robert Weintraub's fresh reporting vividly illuminates the singular year that made the Yankees the storied franchise they are today.

This book is for all, not only Yankee's fans. It shows tells you the story of one of the greatest baseball players of all times. The Babe wanted to put his mark and he did it by hitting a home run in the first ever game at The House That Ruth Built.

Robert Weintraub is the sports columnist for Slate and writes regularly for Deadspin, ESPN.com, The Guardian, and Play magazine among others.

ISBN: 9780316086073

Book Review

Moufflet: More Than 100 Gourmet Muffin Recipes That Rise to Any Occasion

by Kelly Jaggers 

This book contains a lot of muffin recipes subdivided in several sections: Sweet Escapes which contains Uniquely Sweet Creations and Hearty Fruits, Nuts and Oats; Savory Sensations which contains Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Muffins, and Savory Spicy and a Little Sweet; To Top It Off which contains Sensational Spreads and Crumbles and Glazes; and an Index.

Each muffin recipe comes with an introduction, the list of ingredients and the baking instructions. It also has some pictures which in some cases combine a couple of the recipes.

The one thing that I experienced was that the recipes said 18 muffins but I barely got 12 muffins. I think that I might be using a larger muffin pan than the author used.

I tried a few recipes and they all came out tasting very good. I really liked the Dulce de Leche muffins (page 33) and the Vanilla Bean Apple muffins (page 48) on the more traditional muffins. On the savory side I liked the Pepper Jack Chorizo muffins (page 145).

I recommend this book if you are into muffins and want a recipe book that will open the creative part of you.  

Tony the Beagle

My beautiful beagle boy died on July 7, 2011. He was loved by all of us. We will miss him terribly.

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played, I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade. I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free...Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide! And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be! My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night. 'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be, We are still connected by a cord no eye can see. So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

Book Review: REAGAN: What Was He Really Like?

REAGAN: What Was He Really Like?

This book provides the reader with a different type of insight on who Ronald Reagan was. It is written in short story format, about 20 vignettes on the life of Reagan before he became president. The different part os that the people offering the stories are research assistants, body guards, campaign advance staff, drivers, receptionist, etc, not your typical political personality.

The book contains photographs that make this book extremely interesting as I, for one, had never seen those photographs before.

I give kudos to the author, Curtis Patrick, for writing a book that presents glimpses in the live of Ronald Reagan from common people. This book is volume 1 and I look forward to reading volume 2 once it comes out.

This book is not for everyone, but the people who admire Ronald Reagan will enjoy this book as it takes a look into the early years (political life).

Book Review The Fearless Baker By Emily Luchetti and Lisa Weiss

Scrumptious Cakes, Pies, Cobblers, Cookies, and Quick Breads that You Can Make to Impress Your Friends and Yourself

I got an electronic version of the book, so the final version might be somewhat different.

I am not a baker. I cannot prepare desserts unless I follow instructions; so the cookbook needs to be very specific for my desserts to turn out.

The author dedicates some pages to the type of equipment that we should have. I wish that they had included photographs, as I had a hard time finding some of the equipment.

The book is divided into several chapters that cover: cookies, bars and bites, cakes, pies and tarts, fruit, No oven required, Best Dessert Sauces and Breakfast. It also has chapters on Sources, Metric Equivalents and Acknowledgments (people who helped with recipes and tasted them).

The first recipe that I baked was Blondies. They turned out great. The flavor was great and they were easy to prepare. The second recipe that I tried was the Cardamon Shortbread. It kind of flop on me because my mixture was not like "wet sand". I tried it again and had much better success with it. Both of them tasted good but I would have liked to see the final product to compare with what I baked.

This book is for the person who has a clue on baking. The lack of pictures makes it very hard for people like me that do not bake.

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for the galley copy.

Book Review: 20 YEARS YOUNGER By Bob Greene

It's time to turn back the clock! In 20 YEARS YOUNGER, Bob Greene offers readers a practical, science-based plan for looking and feeling their best as they age. The cutting-edge program details easy and effective steps we can all take to rebuild the foundation of youth and enjoy better health, improved energy, and a positive outlook on life. The four cornerstones of the program are: an exercise regimen for fighting muscle and bone loss, a longevity-focused diet, sleep rejuvenation, and wrinkle-fighting skin care.

Woven throughout the text is practical advice on changing appearances, controlling stress, staying mentally sharp, navigating medical tests, and much more. Readers will walk away with a greater understanding of how the body ages and what they can do to feel-and look-20 years younger.

About the Authors

Bob Greene is an exercise physiologist and certified personal trainer specializing in fitness, metabolism, and weight loss. He is the bestselling author of The Best Life Diet, The Total Body Makeover, Get With the Program!, and the coauthor of Make the Connection. He is also a contributing writer and editor for O the Oprah magazine, and writes articles on health and fitness for Oprah.com.

Harold Lancer, MD, is a Beverly Hills dermatologist. Diane L. McKay, PhD, is a nutrition specialist and scientist at Tufts University. Ronald L. Kotler, MD, is co-founder of the Pennsylvania Hospital Sleep Disorders Center.

 Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for this giveaway.

Book Review: The Part-Time Vegan

The Part-Time Vegan: 201 Yummy Recipes that Put the Fun in Flexitarian (Paperback)

When I saw the this book I thought that I would like to try some vegan recipes because I really do not eat that much vegetables and this could be a way to add some to my diet. I was kind of disappointed when I saw that it did not use that many natural ingredients but it used processed ingredients that are easy to find in the stores. I also wanted pictures of the recipes. I am a visual person and need to see how a recipe looks. BUT... the recipes ARE GOOD!!!

I did like the author's introduction to the ingredients she uses. I was not familiar with a lot of them and her explanation made it easy to understand them and their use. She also uses an index system to classify the recipes: protein = high in protein; fiber = high in fiber; quick = quick to fix; flex = can substitute non veg ingredients with meat.

There are 9 chapters for specific recipes such as pasta, salads, rice, grains, tofu, etc. It also includes a chapter on dinner plans and the best chapter (14), in my opinion, is called Sinful Desserts. There is also a resource section (with websites) and an index (very useful).

After trying some recipes, I have included sweet potatoes, quinoa, couscous, hummus, and tofu into my household staples. I will probably never become a vegan but I will be adding vegan dishes to our menus.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I am not required to write a positive review, just an honest review. The opinions in this review are mine. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review - The King and Dr. Nick By George Nichopoulos

This book is the story of ‘Dr. Nick’ (George Nichopoulos), Elvis Presley’s personal physician, on what really killed “The King of Rock and Roll”. It tells the story of how the life of Dr. Nick changed since 1977 when Elvis Presley died. If you read the press it was from a prescription drug overdose but if you read this book it was from natural causes. You will have to make up your mind after reading this book.

This book turned out to be very interesting. I had a hard time putting it down and finished reading it in just a few days. The first part of the book explains the relationship between Elvis Presley and Dr. Nick while the second part of the book talks about Dr. Nick’s problems with the press and his legal problems. When I read how the Dr. was hounded by the media, especially Geraldo Rivera, I had to compare with what is happening with the Michael Jackson. Both events are eerily similar in the media frenzy.

George Nichopoulos, M.D. with Rose Clayton Phillips
ISBN 978-1-59555-171-9
Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2009
Hdbk, 270 pp, plus photos

Book Review: 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart By Neal Barnard

Boost Metabolism, Lower Cholesterol, and Dramatically Improve Your Health

  

Full Description

For years, Dr. Neal D. Barnard has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research on what it really takes to lose weight and restore the body to optimal health. Now, with his proven, successful program, in just three short weeks you'll get fast results-drop pounds, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve blood sugar, and more. 

With Dr. Barnard's advice on how to easily start a plant-based diet, you'll learn the secrets to reprogramming your body quickly: · 

• Appetite reduction: Strategically choose the right foods to naturally and easily tame your appetite.  

• Metabolism boost: Adjust eating patterns to burn calories faster for about three hours after each meal.

• Cardio protection: Discover the powerful foods that can help reduce cholesterol nearly as much as drugs do in just weeks.

Whether you are one of the millions who are anxious to get a jump-start on weight loss or who already know about the benefits of a plant-based diet but have no idea how or where to start, this book is the kick-start you've been waiting for. Complete with more than sixty recipes, daily meal plans for the 21-day program, tips for grocery shopping, and more, this book will teach you how to make the best food choices and get your body on the fast track to better health.

About Author

Neal Barnard, MD is a clinical researcher, author, and health advocate. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and president of the nonprofit Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. He has been the principal investigator or co-investigator on several clinical trials investigating the effects of diet on health. He is the author of several books and a frequent lecturer.

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Software Review: Legacy 7.4 (Genealogy)

Legacy Family Tree

For the past few months, I have been reviewing the genealogy software Legacy version 7.4. I was quite impressed by how much this software can accomplish... and it only less than $30 for the standard edition ($60 for the deluxe edition)

I have been using other software (Family Tree Maker and Roots Magic) to keep my genealogy. I used both products because between both I could do what I wanted with my genealogy research. I was hesitant to try another genealogy software but I gave this one a try. To my surprise, Legacy does what the other two software packages do and much more. I was able to import my genealogy using the GEDCOM import feature. The upload was mostly correct, only a few things flagged (like the "from date to date" approximations).

The website lists an incredible 85 features for this software. Among some good (in my opinion) features:

• Mapping– Use Microsoft Virtual Earth to automatically pinpoint and plot important locations in ancestors’ lives from within Legacy. See 3-D, satellite and bird’s eye images of where your ancestors lived. Now it is easy to track your ancestor’s migration
• SourceWriter – makes it simple for you to select the correct input screen so that you enter all the pieces needed to correctly cite any source of information in the thousands of formats that exist for them. The information you enter is correctly and precisely formatted to match the genealogy industry standards for source citations when printing footnotes, endnotes, and bibliographies. Multiple citations for an event can be combined into one paragraph, thus avoiding a long string of superscripted numbers within the report body.
• Relationship Calculator – See how any two people are connected, not only through direct blood relationships but also by marriage. A person might be the "great-grandfather of the wife of your 2nd great-grandnephew.
• DNA – lets you record DNA marker test results from several different companies.

Another great feature is its printing capabilities. It has a great report (for your book) and very nice charting tools. Overall I will be using Legacy as my genealogy tool.

Link to Legacy Home Page - http://bit.ly/legacyhomepage
Link to Deluxe Download Version - http://bit.ly/legacydownloadversion
Link to Free Download/Comparison - http://bit.ly/legacydownloadcompare
Link to Legacy Blog - http://bit.ly/legacyblog
Link to Legacy Charting - http://bit.ly/legacycharting

Book Giveaway - The Body Shop By Paul Solotaroff

Parties, Pills, and Pumping Iron -- Or, My Life in the Age of Muscle

As a scrawny college freshman in the mid-1970s, just before Arnold Schwarzenegger became a hero to boys everywhere and Pumping Iron became a cult hit, Paul Solotaroff discovered weights and steroids. In a matter of months, he grew from a dorky beanpole into a hulking behemoth, showing off his rock hard muscles first on the streets of New York City and then alongside his colorful gym-rat friends in strip clubs and in the homes of the gotham elite. It was a swinging time, when "Would you like to dance?" turned into "Your place or mine?" and the guys with the muscles had all the ladies--until their bodies, like Solotaroff''s, completely shut down.

But this isn't the gloom-and-doom addiction one might expect--Solotaroff looks back at even his lowest points with a wicked sense of humor, and he sends up the disco era and its excess with all the kaleidoscopic detail of Boogie Nights or Saturday Night Fever.

Written with candor and sarcasm, THE BODY SHOP is a memoir with all the elements of great fiction and dazzlingly displays Paul Solotaroff's celebrated writing talent.

About the Author
Paul Solotaroff is a contributing editor at Men's Journal and Rolling Stone. He has written features for Vanity Fair, GQ, Vogue, and the New York Times Magazine, and he was nominated for a National Magazine Award in 2004. His work has been included in Best American Sports Writing. The author of two books, Group and The House of Purple Hearts, he lives in New York City.

Book Giveaway - The Glamour Of Grammar By Roy Peter Clark

A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English

Early in the history of English, the words "grammar" and "glamour" meant the same thing: the power to charm. Roy Peter Clark, author of Writing Tools, aims to put the glamour back in grammar with this fun, engaging alternative to stuffy instructionals. In this practical guide, readers will learn everything from the different parts of speech to why effective writers prefer concrete nouns and active verbs. THE GLAMOUR OF GRAMMAR gives readers all the tools they need to"live inside the language"--to take advantage of grammar to perfect their use of English, to instill meaning, and to charm through their writing.

About the Author
Roy Peter Clark is vice president and senior scholar at The Poynter Institute, one of the most prestigious schools for journalists in the world. He has taught writing at every level--to schoolchildren and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors--for more than thirty years, and has spoken about the writer's craft on The Oprah Winfrey Show, NPR, and The Today Show; at conferences from Singapore to Brazil; and at news organizations from the New York Times to The Sowetan in South Africa. A writer who teaches and a teacher who writes, he has authored or edited fifteen books about writing and journalism, including his most recent, Writing Tools.

Book Giveaway - The Link By Colin Tudge

Uncovering Our Earliest Ancestor

For more than a century, scientists have raced to unravel the human family tree and have grappled with its complications. Now, with an astonishing new discovery, everything we thought we knew about primate origins could change. Lying inside a high-security vault, deep within the heart of one of the world's leading natural history museums, is the scientific find of a lifetime - a perfectly fossilized early primate, older than the previously most famous primate fossil, Lucy, by forty-four million years.

About the Author

Colin Tudge is a biologist by education and a writer by inclination--on biology, food and agriculture, and the philosophy of science. His books include The Tree, Feeding People Is Easy, Consider the Birds, and The Time Before History. For more information about the author, go to www.colintudge.com.

Book Giveaway - Get Positively Beautiful By Carmindy

The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous

According to a recent study, only 2% of women describe themselves as 'beautiful.' (Dove Global Study 'The Real Truth About Beauty: A Global Report', 2004) The media instructs women how to 'look ten years younger,' 'cover up wrinkles,' or 'get fuller, plumper lips.' And even makeup products play off women's insecurities, promising to conceal perceived flaws, define cheekbones, or make eyelashes fuller and longer. The underlying message? That there's something inherently wrong with the way women look and that they have to spend time, money, and energy keeping up with all the ways they should 'fix' themselves.

In GET POSITIVELY BEAUTIFUL, makeup artist Carmindy from TLC's hit program What Not to Wear shows you how to change your mindset from negative fault-finding to a positive beauty philosophy. You learn how to find and focus on your best features and how to combat negative thoughts about your appearance. Carmindy demonstrates easy makeup techniques for eyes, brows, lashes, lips, cheeks, and skin, and how to adapt looks to different weather conditions and 'beauty moods.'

ENDED Book Giveaway - Fit for Life - By Harvey Diamond, Marilyn Diamond

It's the program that shatters all the myths: FIT FOR LIFE the international bestseller that explains how to change both your figure and your life. Nutritional specialist Harvey and Marilyn Diamond explain how you can eat more kinds of food than you ever ate before without counting calories...and still lose weight! The natural body cycles, permanent weight-loss plan that proves it's not only what you eat, but also when and how, FIT FOR LIFE is the perfect solution for those who want to look and feel their best. Join the millions of Americans who are FIT FOR LIFE and begin your transformation with:

• The vital principles that bring you permanent weight loss and high energy
• The FIT FOR LIFE secrets of timing and food combining that work with your natural body cycles
• A 4-week meal plan, menus, shopping tips, and exercise
• Delicious recipes and more.

About the Author

Harvey and Marilyn Diamond are also the authors of the bestselling Fit For Life 2. And, Marilyn also penned The American Vegetarian Cookbook and A New Way of Eating. She is co-author with Dr. Donald Schnell of Fitonics. Marilyn Diamond lives in Beverly Hills, CA. Havery Dimond lives in Florida.

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• The drawing will last till September 17
• I will post the winners here on September 18
• Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - ceevegnashville, kerri69, higgs.rachel

ENDED Book Giveaway - The Vixen Manual by Karrine Steffans

Since she exploded on the scene with her two juicy and impossible-to-put-down tell-alls, readers have wanted to know even more about what makes Karrine Steffans tick. How was she able to meet all the high profile politicians, movie stars, and other celebrities that are her close acquaintances? What skills does she possess to keep men wanting more? Finally, Karrine lays it all out and explains exactly what a woman must do to win over the man of her dreams. With chapters like "Never Let Him See You Sweat,""Flirting,""Encouraging His Manhood," and "Give Him What He Wants," this hot and sexy manual is a must-have for every woman's bookshelf.

About the Author

Karrine Steffans became a New York Times best selling author after releasing her debut tell-all book Confessions of a Video Vixen in June of 2005. Since the success of her books, Karrine speaks at universities and celebrity panels. She has also established The Karrine Steffans Girls Club, The Karrine Steffans Book Club , and The Steffans Commentary on MySpace. Check out Karrine's website at www.karrine.com.

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• The drawing will last till September 3
• I will post the winners here on September 4
• Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - twoofakind12, dftrew,  tanyainjville

ENDED Book Giveaway - Ah-Choo! by Jennifer Ackerman

Some colds are like mice, timid and annoying; others like dragons, accompanied by body aches and deep misery. In AH-CHOO!, Jennifer Ackerman explains what, exactly, a cold is, how it works, and whether it's really possible to "fight one off." Scientists call this the Golden Age of the Common Cold because Americans suffer up to a billion colds each year, resulting in 40 million days of missed work and school and 100 million doctor visits. They've also learned over the past decade much more about what cold viruses are, what they do to the human body, and how symptoms can be addressed. In this ode to the odious cold, Ackerman sifts through the chatter about treatments-what works, what doesn't, and what can't hurt. She dispels myths, such as susceptibility to colds reflects a weakened immune system. And she tracks current research, including work at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, a world-renowned center of cold research studies, where the search for a cure continues.

About the Author

Jennifer Ackerman's most recent book is Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream: ADay in the Life of Your Body. Her previous books include Chance in the House of Fate: A Natural History of Heredity, and Notes from the Shore. A contributor to National Geographic, The New York Times, and many other publications, her articles and essays have been included in several anthologies, among them Best American Science Writing, The Nature Reader, and Best Nature Writing. Jennifer lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• The drawing will last till August 28
• I will post the winners here on August 29
• Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - unforgetable_dreamer_always, tiredwkids, dlodden

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway - The Island by Elin Hilderbrand

From New York Times bestseller Elin Hilderbrand, a new novel set on Tuckernuck, a tiny island off the coast of Nantucket.

Four women-a mother, her sister, two grown daughters-head to Tuckernuck for a retreat, hoping to escape their troubles. Intead, they find only drama, secrets, and life-changing revelations.

Praise for A Summer Affair:

"Hilderbrand's seventh is voyeuristic fun."-People

"A star-crossed love affair; a former rock star; a high-stakes benefit gala; plenty of steam."-Redbook ("7 Great Summer Reads" - June 2008)

"Claire's a great character."-Entertainment Weekly

"This story of one woman's midlife crisis is an emotional and heartfelt journey. It's a captivating tale of heartache, happiness, confusion and love."-Romantic Times BOOKclub magazine

"A gem of a summer read with a glamorous location, elite lifestyle, and Hilderbrand's appealing take on the constant stress that fills the lives of women everywhere."-Booklist

"Claire's walk on the dark side is pure voyeuristic fun...A perfect summer cocktail of sex, sun and scandal."-Kirkus Reviews

"Characters are as complex and fragile as glassblowing artist Claire's creations in Hilderbrand's latest Nantucket tale....this mom-lit novel stand(s) out from the pack."-Library Journal

About Author

Elin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, PA, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her eight previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa.

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• The drawing will last till August 27
• I will post the winners here on August 28
• Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - ordinarywonderland, susansmoaks,  barracudaron

ENDED Book Giveaway - The Disappearing Spoon By Sam Kean

And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

The Periodic Table is one of man's crowning scientific achievements. But it's also a treasure trove of stories of passion, adventure, betrayal, and obsession. The infectious tales and astounding details in THE DISAPPEARING SPOON follow carbon, neon, silicon, and gold as they play out their parts in human history, finance, mythology, war, the arts, poison, and the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them.

We learn that Marie Curie used to provoke jealousy in colleagues' wives when she'd invite them into closets to see her glow-in-the-dark experiments. And that Lewis and Clark swallowed mercury capsules across the country and their campsites are still detectable by the poison in the ground. Why did Gandhi hate iodine? Why did the Japanese kill Godzilla with missiles made of cadmium? And why did tellurium lead to the most bizarre gold rush in history?

From the Big Bang to the end of time, it's all in THE DISAPPEARING SPOON.

About the Author

Sam Kean is a writer in Washington, D.C. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Mental Floss, Slate, The Believer, Air & Space, Science, and The New Scientist. He is currently working as a reporter at Science magazine and as a 2009 Middlebury Environmental Journalism fellow.

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• The drawing will last till August 7
• Random number generator will be used - 2 copies to give away
• I will post the winners here on August 8
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - auriette, kdbstb

ENDED Book Giveaway - THE I HATE TO COOK BOOK By Peg Bracken

50th Anniversary Edition

"There are two kinds of people in this world: the ones who don't cook out of and have NEVER cooked out of THE I HATE TO COOK BOOK, and the other kind...The I HATE TO COOK people consist mainly of those who find other things more interesting and less fattening, and so they do it as seldom as possible. Today there is an Annual Culinary Olympics, with hundreds of cooks from many countries ardently competing. But we who hate to cook have had our own Olympics for years, seeing who can get out of the kitchen the fastest and stay out the longest."

- Peg Bracken

Philosopher's Chowder. Skinny Meatloaf. Fat Man's Shrimp. Immediate Fudge Cake. These are just a few of the beloved recipes from Peg Bracken's classic I HATE TO COOK BOOK. Written in a time when women were expected to have full, delicious meals on the table for their families every night, Peg Bracken offered women who didn't revel in this obligation an alternative: quick, simple meals that took minimal effort but would still satisfy.

50 years later, times have certainly changed - but the appeal of THE I HATE TO COOK BOOK hasn't.

This book is for everyone, men and women alike, who wants to get from cooking hour to cocktail hour in as little time as possible.

Spread the word about the I Hate to Cook Book Facebook Page

Read an Excerpt

Meet Peg's daughter, Jo Bracken, by visiting her blog. 

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• The drawing will last till August 6
• Random number generator will be used - 2 copies to give away
• I will post the winners here on August 7
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - adriegirl2, emdq

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway - The Lion By Nelson DeMille

John Corey, former NYPD Homicide detective and special agent for the Anti-Terrorist Task Force, is back on the trail of Asad Khalil, the notorious Libyan terrorist known as 'The Lion'. Corey and his partner, agent Kate Mayfield, tracked Khalil across the US after his threats to wipe out the US in a horrific wave of terrorism. But after methodically eliminating his victims one by one, Khalil disappeared without a trace. Now, years later, Khalil has returned to America to take care of unfinished business. 'The Lion' is a killing machine on a mission of revenge, and John Corey will not stop until he rids the earth of this tyrant once and for all.

About the Author

Nelson DeMille is the author of 15 previous novels. He lives on Long Island, New York.

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
• The drawing will last till July 31
• I will post the winners here on August 1
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - chrystaljns, mom1248,  fatally_flayed

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway - Private By James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

The police can't help you

Former CIA agent Jack Morgan runs Private, a renowned investigation company with branches around the globe. It is where you go when you need maximum force and maximum discretion. The secrets of the most influential men and women on the planet come to Jack daily--and his staff of investigators uses the world's most advanced forensic tools to make and break their cases.

The press will destroy you

Jack is already deep into the investigation of a multi-million dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved slayings of 18 schoolgirls when he learns of a horrific murder close to home: his best friend's wife, Jack's former lover, has been killed. It nearly pushes him over the edge. Instead, Jack pushes back and devotes all of Private's resources to tracking down her killer.

Only one place to turn: Private

But Jack doesn't have to play by the rules. As he closes in on the killer and chooses between revenge and justice, Morgan has to navigate a workplace love affair that threatens to blow the roof off his plans. With a plot that moves at death-defying speeds, Private is James Patterson sleekest, most exciting thriller ever. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

James Patterson has had more New York Times bestsellers than any other writer, ever, according to Guinness World Records. Since his first novel won the Edgar Award in 1976, James Patterson's books have sold more than 170 million copies. He is the author of the Alex Cross novels, the most popular detective series of the past twenty-five years, including Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider.

Mr. Patterson also writes the bestselling Women's Murder Club novels, set in San Francisco, and the top-selling New York detective series of all time, featuring Detective Michael Bennett. He writes full-time and lives in Florida with his family.

Maxine Paetro is the author of three novels, two works of nonfiction, and the coauthor of seven books with James Patterson. She lives in New York with her husband.

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
• The drawing will last till July 30
• I will post the winners here on July 31
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - willitara, petsandthepeople, Luvdaylilies

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway - Robert Ludlum's (TM) The Bourne Objective by Eric Van Lustbader

After Bourne is ambushed and nearly killed while in Indonesia, he fakes his death to take on a new identity and mission- to find out who is trying to assassinate him. In the process, Bourne begins to question who he really is and what he would become if he no longer carried the Bourne identity. Across the globe, an American passenger airliner is shot down over Egypt-apparently by an Iranian missile-leaving the world wondering if it was an accident or an act of aggression. A massive global team lead by Soraya Moore is assembled to investigate the attack before the situation escalates.

When Bourne's search for his would-be assassin intersects with Soraya's search for the group behind the airplane bombing, Bourne is thrust into a race to prevent a new world war. But it may already be too late.

About the Author

ROBERT LUDLUM was the author of twenty-one novels, each one a New York Times bestseller. There are more than 210 million of his books in print, and they have been translated into thirty-two languages. He is the author of The Scarlatti Inheritance, The Chancellor Manuscript, and the Jason Bourne series--The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum--among others. Mr. Ludlum passed away in March, 2001. http://www.ludlumbooks.com/

ERIC VAN LUSTBADER is most widely known as the New York Times bestselling author of twenty international bestselling thrillers including Ninja and Black Heart. He is also the author of two successful and highly regarded series of fantasy novels, The Sunset Warrior Cycle and The Pearl Saga. His novels have been translated into over twenty languages. http://www.ericvanlustbader.com/

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
• The drawing will last till July 24
• I will post the winners here on July 25
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - sallstun, mrs.newbill, megalon22

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway - The Broom of the System By David Foster Wallace

The "dazzling, exhilarating" (San Francisco Chronicle) debut novel from the bestselling author of Infinite Jest, available for the first time as an audiobook.

At the center of The Broom of the System is the betwitching (and also bewildered) heroine, Lenore Stonecipher Beadsman. The year is 1990 and the place is a slightly altered Cleveland, Ohio, which sits on the edge of a suburban wasteland-the Great Ohio Desert. Lenore works as a switchboard attendant at a publishing firm, and in addition to her mind-numbing job, she has a few other problems. Her great-grandmother, a one-time student of Wittgenstein, has disappeared with twenty-five other inmates of the Shaker Heights Nursing Home. Her beau (and boss), editor-in-chief Rick Vigorous, is insanely jealous. And her cockatiel, Vlad the Impaler, has suddenly started spouting a mixture of psychobabble, Auden, and the King James Bible, which may propel him to stardom on a Christian fundamentalist television program.

Fiercely intelligent and entertaining, this debut novel from one of the most innovative writers of our generation explores the paradoxes of language, storytelling, and reality.

About the Author

David Foster Wallace is the award-winning author of several short story and essay collections as well as two novels. Most recently, he is the author of the biography Everything and More: A Compact History of Infinity.

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
• The drawing will last till July 23
• I will post the winners here on July 24
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - lunabutterfly79, slawoszewski, EEscripts

ENDED Audio Book Giveaway - Hitch-22 By Christopher Hitchens

Over the course of his 60 years, Christopher Hitchens has been a citizen of both the United States and the United Kingdom. He has been both a socialist opposed to the war in Vietnam and a supporter of the U.S. war against Islamic extremism in Iraq. He has been both a foreign correspondent in some of the world's most dangerous places and a legendary bon vivant with an unquenchable thirst for alcohol and literature. He is a fervent atheist, raised as a Christian, by a mother whose Jewish heritage was not revealed to him until her suicide.

In other words, Christopher Hitchens contains multitudes. He sees all sides of an argument. And he believes the personal is political.

About the Author

Christopher Hitchens is a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and a visiting professor of liberal studies at the New School. He is the author of numerous books, including works on Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, George Orwell, Mother Teresa, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Henry Kissinger, and his #1 New York Times bestseller and National Book Award nominee, God Is Not Great.

Thanks to Hachette for this giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

• One entry only - Please comment on why you want this book
• Be sure to leave your e-mail if you don't have a blogger ID. Bloggers - you must have a public profile and listed e-mail to find you
• Only residents of the US and Canada may enter
• Please NO PO Boxes!!!
• Random number generator will be used - 3 copies to give away
• The drawing will last till July 17
• I will post the winners here on July 18
• Winners have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be selected
• Extra entry - Become a follower

WINNERS - kakihararocks, jsutton.colorado , jason