Feb 5, 2012

Sunday Salon: The Dead of Winter?

The Sunday Salon.com Welcome to the Sunday Salon.

It's the beginning of February and unlike last year when there was a lot of snow, there is only a thin layer of frost on the green grass glistening in the morning sun. Is this the dead of winter? I sort of like it although I sometimes like lots of white snow too, on occasion, that is. I'm looking at the news of too much snow in Europe this year and know how they feel. I should be feeling lucky here in the Midwest.

In any case, what's new is that I have been chosen a book giver for World Book Night on April 23, when I'll be hitting the mall and a hospital waiting room to give away about 20 free books, courtesy of WBN. Tomorrow, Feb. 6, is the last day to sign up. World Book Night will be held across the U.S., UK and Ireland.

I chose three books and wonder if I'll get 20 copies of the same book or a mixture of all three. The books I requested were The Poisonwood Bible, Bel Canto, and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The question is, how will I make sure I give the books to the targeted group - non readers or those who don't normally read much. Should I ask, "Excuse me. Do you have a library card?" Any suggestions?

Today is the Super Bowl and I've just read and reviewed a really interesting legal thriller, Paydirt by Paul Levine, who also writes the Jake Lassiter thriller series. Paydirt is about betting on the Super Bowl, big bets that can make or break the people involved. It's also about a lawyer tired of getting his father-in-law's football team members out of trouble by bribing witnesses, paying off complainants, doing whatever it takes, legal or illegal, to keep the team members out of the tabloid news. Interesting stuff, and also better appreciated by those who really understand the game and how it's played.

I also discovered a well known, well known except to me, crime writer after receiving a copy of Raylan by Elmore Leonard, his newest novel. Evidently his books have made it on screen or on TV, as I gathered from a few comments from readers.

I'm now reading a really good cozy, Double Booked for Death (A Black Cat Bookshop Mystery) by Ali Brandon, a seasoned crime writer who has started a brand new series with this book. She writes under various names and is the author of the Leonardo da Vinci Mysteries.


What have you been reading/doing this past week?

16 comments:

  1. I have read a couple Elmore Leonard books...I should grab some more!

    The cozy mystery looks very tempting....

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  2. Congrats on being a Giver!! :-) Me, too!!! I'm going to the schools... to the mid school and high school, if necessary, and working with my boys' teachers to get the books to friends who are pretty much guaranteed reluctant readers. Helps to know one so well in my son!!!!! *ahem* He enjoyed the Hunger Games, but I might not get that title, we'll see.

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    1. Nice you are a giver, Burgandy Ice! Hope you get The Hunger Games for the students!

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  3. I've been picked to be a giver too! We're just getting one title. I don't think you should ask any question besides "would you like a good book?". I plan on giving mine away at my local college and high school.

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    1. Good idea, Vasilly. Thanks for the tip and congrats on being a giver!

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  4. I'm not sure what I'm going to ask when I give my books away either. I'm really excited to give them away though. I'm guessing it will be fun.

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  5. World Book Night sounds amazing!! I would just give them away and see what happens. I love leaving books behind in the doctors office and places like that!!!

    The cozy you're reading sounds like one I will be adding to my list of cozies!!

    Have a great week!

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  6. Congratulations...you chose some favorites of mine for the World Booknight Giveaway. This seems like a great event.

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  7. World Book Night sounds great! I haven't read many cozy mysteries. I'd like to read more of them.

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  8. 'Double Booked for Death' sounds good! I have it on my cozy mystery wish list.

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  9. I'm a giver too! I'm looking forward to it.

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  10. Congratulations on getting picked as a book giver! I'm hoping I get chosen too but I haven't heard yet. fingers crossed! :-)

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    1. Good luck, Marie. I'm sure you'll be chosen as they need people!

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  11. Congratulations on being chosen as a book giver! That's so cool!

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  12. Congratulations on being picked for being a book giver! Super exciting.

    I have had a good reading week, finished Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, started Hunger Games, continued Wild Swans and Fathermucker.

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  13. I;m a book giver too and now I'm a little nervous! It's exciting but intimidating to approach strangers, but hey, it's all for the love of reading.

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