I'm pinch-hitting for Nancy this week on Freebie Friday, and we're giving away "Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind 'Little Women' " by Harriet Reisen. It's an enticing biography about Alcott, whose classic work was published 140 years ago and has never been out of print. Reisen also wrote the PBS documentary about Alcott, due to air Dec. 28.

According to the biographer, Alcott disliked writing fiction for children and preferred to secretly write pulp thrillers that featured killers and transvestites. She took opiates and smoked hash. And she was a true rags-to-riches story, moving from a commune to multimillionaire status.

But the book is not meant to be salacious. It recounts her friendship with other famous writers, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry James. (Quite the literary neighborhood, eh?)

You know the drill: If you'd like to enter for the giveaway, leave a comment. 

As for last week's giveaway, the winner is: me! My name really did come up in the Universal Number Randomizer, but knowing that Nancy would accuse me of a conflict of interest, I am ceding Duff and Willie Goldman's "Ace of Cakes" to Marnie. Congratulations to the Divine Ms. M (all I ask is that you send me a piece of cake).

Posted by Dave Rosenthal at 5:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Friday! I've got a fun-filled weekend ahead of me, including my 8-year-old nephew's birthday party, and possibly a little haunted hayride action, if the weather holds up.

So instead of sharing my reading adventures, I was hoping I could get a few suggestions from you on the perfect book for an active young boy. I have to say, I barely remember being 8, and even so, I think the "Baby-sitter's Little Sister" books wouldn't appeal to this guy.

Meanwhile, this week's winner is: Amy! Congratulations, you'll get to enjoy a positively beautiful edition of Pride & Prejudice. And for those who didn't win, I also saw the entire series at the Anthropologie in Towson last week. Go check it out!

This week, we've got "The Book of Genesis Illustrated by R. Crumb." It's gorgeous, graphic and much more seriously handled than you might expect from the irreverent Crumb.

So let us know what you're reading, (or a great book that I should get the little man) and it could be yours!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

I'm sure we've all felt the urge to curl up with a good book these past couple of days, and I was no exception. As a history of both history and fantasy, I was recently delighted to receive "Boilerplacy: History's Mechanical Marvel," by comic book creators Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett.

The husband-and-wife team have made a visually and thematically stunning book, following the fictitious life of Boilerplate, a robot built in 1893 to fight man's wars. From Chicago's World Fair to the First World War, you're transported to the worlds of Nikola Tesla, Teddy Roosevelt and Orson Welles. Think of Boilerplate as a steampunk Forrest Gump, without all those annoying and nonsensical platitudes.

But enough about me, how about our winner? Congratulations, Tony, you've won "PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death, and God." As usual, it's a gorgeous book, with amazing stories to share.

Next up, I've got a beauty that Dave made me promise to give away, rather than keep. The killjoy.

It's Penguin Classics new "Pride and Prejudice" hardcover, and it's part of their new series, including "The Picture of Dorian Gray," "Great Expectations" and "Tess of the D'Urbervilles." Each one would make a lovely present for the upcoming holidays, much less the entire set.

So hurry up and share your books, before I have the chance to steal this beauty away.

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Columbus Day weekend, everybody! I don't really know how you're supposed to celebrate such a weekend, but I'll be in Williamsburg hanging out with some colonials.

Dawn has something to celebrate: She's won "The Year of the Flood!" Congratulations, and let me say, you can never be too fond of books.

I'm diving into Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" right now, since pretty soon everyone will have seen the movie, and I'd rather not overhear the spoilers. I'm ready for my mind to be blown, and nobody tell me otherwise until I've finished, OK?

Great.

Next up: Frank Warren's latest, "PostSecret Confessions on Life, Death and God." If you didn't have a chance to see him yesterday, you can at least enjoy the shocking, silly and oftentimes heartbreaking insights people anonymously mail to this Germantown man.

So, what are you reading?

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

It's almost weekend time! And this girl's pretty excited, because she got tickets to the Ravens game this weekend! Sure, they're nosebleeds, but it's a football game! Now I just have to dig out any and all my purple clothing to prepare for the big day.

Oh, but this is a blog about books. Right.

In preparation for this weekend's book festival, I've read Lizzie Skurnick's "Shelf Discovery: The Teen Classics We Never Stopped Reading," and let me say: It's been a long time since I've found such a kindred spirit in an author. If there are any other "Ghosts I Have Been" fans out there, you'll want to pick up this book, too.

But it's time to give away that other book. So congratulations, Matt K., you've won Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol!" (And I have to say, you're completely correct about The Dresden Files. I'm a huge fan.)

Next up: Margaret Atwood's "The Year of the Flood," which I recently reviewed and loved. Interested? Just let us know what you're reading, and how you like it!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Friday, everybody!

I'm going to jump right in and congratulate Amanda, for winning "Her Fearful Symmetry," by Audrey Niffenegger. I hope you enjoy a good ghost story!

I don't know if any of you heard, but Dan Brown's latest, "The Lost Symbol," came out this week!

It's caused quite a stir, and while I didn't enjoy it myself, as you can see here, I know that I will probably be in the minority.

So this week, we're giving this blockbuster thriller away. But to win it, instead of telling us what you're reading, we'd like you to let us know what makes Dan Brown's historically based mysteries so popular, in your opinion.

Not that I'm going to say no to a few book reviews, either. Thanks to your own suggestions, I've read a lot of books that I wouldn't have found without your guidance -- which is one of my favorite parts of this weekly feature.

So give us your best shot, and good luck!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy wet, dark and chillly Friday, everybody! Looks like autumn is creeping up on us.

I would like to thank Dave, who did a fantastic job covering for Freebie Friday. No vacation can get in the way of free stuff, right?

And so, the winner of "Song Yet Sung" is a parent! Looks like you'll get a headstart on our One Maryland One Book conversation next month. Or, you'll just get the chance to read a great book! Congrats!

Meanwhile, I just started "Murder at Longbourn," by Marylander Tracy Kiely. The Austen references are a bit too heavy-handed, even for a Janeite like me, but I'm enjoying the quirky characters. And I'm almost guaranteed a happy ending, if Kiely follows through with her "Pride and Prejudice" inspiration. I love it when things turn out A-OK.

What do we offer you today? How about Audrey Niffenegger's "Her Fearful Symmetry," a creepy ghost story set in London. Fans of "The Time Traveler's Wife" will enjoy the strong characterizations, and those who didn't enjoy Niffenegger the first time around can be assured that familial bonds, not true love, is the focus of this story. Also, the cover's all pretty and shiny.

If you're in the mood for fiction RIGHT NOW, tune to The Signal at noon and 7 p.m. today to hear local author Eric Goodman read "Futures." Of course, the podcast is also available for you anytime.

So, what are you reading?

ALERT! I completely forgot about the second book! Our second winner is Helen! Congratulations to you, as well! I hope you enjoy this beautifully written book.

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (29)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

I'm a bit nervous about this post -- this is the first time Nancy has let me run Freebie Friday. But since she's probably in a pina colada-induced haze while vacationing, she won't notice if I screw it up.

First, the winner from last week: Gail Farrelly, a frequent guest poster on Read Street. She gets a copy of "Graffiti World" by Nicholas Ganz. It has photos of amazing street art -- some of which Gail has probably seen around New York.

Our giveaway this week is two copies of "Song Yet Sung" by James McBride, who also wrote the bookclub staple, "The Color of Water." His latest, a novel about runaway slaves on Maryland's Eastern Shore, raises questions about identity and freedom. It has been chosen for this fall's One Maryland One Book statewide reading program, so you'll have plenty of company if you win. In coordination with that program, Nancy and I will lead an online discussion about "Song Yet Sung" on Read Street in late September or early October -- we hope you'll join in.

So let us know what you're reading this week. I'm on the last chapters of "The City and The City" by China Mieville, a sci-fi mystery that explores the way we relate to people outside our social circle.

Posted by Dave Rosenthal at 5:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

It's Friday, and if it had come any later, I'd be a puddle of goo at my desk right now. However, I hope your week was pleasant, and your weekend is even moreso!

So let's get down to business: I just read "Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall," by Bill Willingham, with art by  Charles Vess, Brian Bolland, (breath), John Bolton, Michael Wm. Kaluta, James Jean, Tara McPherson, (breath), Derek Kirk Kim, Esao Andrews, Mark Buckingham, Mark Wheatley and Jill Thompson. Whew!

It's actually a series of graphic novels, with reimagined fairy tales. This one focuses on 1001 Arabian Nights, with Snow White sent to Arabia as an ambassador from the Fables community, and kept as a doomed prisoner by the jilted sultan. It's gruesome but gorgeous, which is how the best ones are these days.

But back to important matters: the giveaway! Congratulations, Amy, you're this week's Freebie Friday winner. We hope you enjoy "In Praise of Doubt."

Next week, you could be the proud owner of Deborah Tannen's "You Were Always Mom's Favorite!: Sisters in Conversation Throughout their Lives." Tannen interviewed hundreds of women while researching the complex relationships between siblings, and if it's anything like her previous best-seller, "You're Wearing That?", it'll be plenty entertaining.

So give me your weekly book reviews! And by the way, I'm going to the Bahamas week after next, so I'll need plenty of ideas for what to download onto my Kindle!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Friday, everyone! Is it just me, or did the week fly right by?

I just picked up a book that looks to be fascinating to this media nerd: "Moral Panics and the Copyright Wars," by William Patry. Patry is former copyright counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary, and currently copyright counsel at Google.

In other words, he should have intimate knowledge of the Google Books project, and I'm dying to see what he thinks of copyright protections.

But on to the important part of the post: Who's winning, and what could you win next?

The winner of "That Old Cape Magic" is ... Brian Shields! Congratulations, Brian, and I hope you enjoy it! Preferably near a sunny beach.

And next up: is "In Praise of Doubt: How to Have Convictions Without Becoming a Fanatic," by Peter Berger and Anton Zijderveld. Just released this month, the book details how a healthy amount of skepticism can keep faith alive, without resorting to fundamentalism in either religious or secular issues. The book was recently featured on the Diane Rehm Show, as well as the Wall Street Journal and our sister paper, the Los Angeles Times, and is kicking up a lot of debate.

So come on, let us know what you're reading -- and you could be the next Freebie Friday winner!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Friday, everyone! I trust the week has treated you well, and hope your weekend will be even better.

 I'm headed home to the Eastern Shore this weekend (the family has to meet my adorable puppy), so I probably won't get much time to read "Catching Fire," Suzanne Collins' so-far fantastic sequel to "The Hunger Games." I'm about a third of the way through, and it is wonderful. I don't care what you think of the YA genre, you need to read this series, which will eventually be a trilogy -- especially if you're at all interested in Greek mythology (specifically the labyrinth myth) or dystopian novels.

Speaking of dystopian novels, I think it's time to announce the winner of Tim Hamilton's reimagined "Fahrenheit 451": Sam! Looks like your plea for your classroom touched the heart of random.org.

Next up: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo's "That Old Cape Magic." Set on the beaches of Cape Cod, I think it's the perfect addition to your beach read list. Let us know what you're reading, and it could be yours!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

OK, guys, we're almost through our week without Dave, so let's end it with a bang. And then be very, very happy when Dave returns from vacation.

This week, I read a young adult chick-lit novel, The Truth About Forever, by Sarah Dessen. The book follows Macy Queen, an overachieving teen who's known around town as "the girl who watched her father die" when her father suffered a heart attack during a morning run. Macy is completely damaged, and through the book begins to pick herself up and learn how to live again. In other words, it's a real pick-me-up, and a perfect summer book. 

Speaking of pick-me-ups, isn't it about time to give away a book? Congratulations, JTK, you've won American Adulterer. But I want a better description of this one than just a "meh." At least, I hope it's not a "meh" book.

So what will we give away next? How about the authorized adaptation of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. The graphic novel, with an introduction written by Bradbury himself, is eerie and emotional, with gorgeous artwork by Tim Hamilton. So let us know what you're reading, and it could be yours!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

I cannnot tell you how happy I am that it's Friday. All signs point to functioning Internet at my home by Saturday, and things can only go up from there.

What makes me even happier? Handing out great books! So congratulations, Caite, you've won The Girl Who Played with Fire!

Meanwhile, I've just picked up The Disappearance of Irene Dos Santos, by Margaret Mascarenhas. I'm not a huge fan of mystery, but I've heard good things about this book, and I'll be sure to post a review as soon as I'm done.

Also, it puts off my having to read New Moon, so that I can talk intelligently about it when the movie comes out and everyone is going crazy. The things I do for you people.

Next up to give away? American Adulterer by Jed Mercurio. The novel studies the philandering ways of our 35th president, exploring the psychology behind his dalliances. At once fictional and historical, the book provides wit and insight, without condemning or condoning.

Interested? Tell us what you're reading, and it could be yours!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Friday, Read Streeters!

Let's not beat around the proverbial bush. Today's winner of The Accidental Billionaires is Kathy. Congratulations, and I hope you enjoy his book as much as you enjoyed hearing him speak.

This week, I've been reading a lot of books, but my favorite was Sarah Schmelling's book, Ophelia Joined the Group Maidens Who Don't Float: Classic Lit Signs on to Facebook. It has a little bit of the bard, a little bit of Jane and the party posted for The Canterbury Tales is full of bawdiness, as you would expect. The book will be released next month, and I suggest it for anyone who enjoys literature -- or just making fun of it.

This week's giveaway is The Girl Who Played with Fire, by Stieg Larsson. If that name looks familiar, (and who forgets a name like Stieg?), it's probably because you spied his last novel, the international best-seller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo at your local bookstore. The second of the Millenium trilogy follows the original's heroine, Lisbeth Salander, who is suspected of murdering two investigative journalists, and only Mikael Blomkvist believes in her innocence.

Let us know what you're reading, and it could be yours!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

 Happy Friday, everybody! I hope you have fantastic weekends planned.

Let's get the happiness started a little early for rhapsodyinbooks, who's won Seen The Glory. Congratulations!

Right now, I'm reading Nick Douglas' Twitter Wit: Brilliance in 140 Characters or Less. With a foreward by a cofounder of Twitter, the book does a good job explaining the social networking site's impacts large and small. As a bonus, it's hilarious. I now want to friend everyone mentioned in it. A few gems:

Synopsis for Twilight: "And then, like, vampires," giromide

It seems no matter how ugly a place may be, it will have "Keep XYZ Beautiful" signs. New Jersey has them. Mordor probably does, too, jonathaneunice

Every time I turn a thousand pages to the back of Infinite Jest, I half expect the little footnote to read, simply, "Sorry," lianamaeby

The book comes out this fall, and while I've received this advanced version, it never hurts to sign up and suggest a few of your own favorite tweets at the book's Web site.

Next up: The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal, by Ben Mezrich. Mezrich's last book, Bringing Down the House, was made into a movie, and it looks like this one is well on its way to the same treatment, with the screenplay written by Aaron Sorkin himself.

Let us know what you're reading, and it could be yours!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Freebie Friday, all!

It's my birthday, as well as July 4th weekend, so I'm just going to get right down to business.

Congratulations, Lindsey: You've won I Am Not Sidney Poitier! And the next time I'm in a Cormac mood, the Border trilogy is the way I'm going.

And next up, Seen The Glory: A Novel of The Battle of Gettysburg, by John Hough Jr. The battle, which ended on this date in 1863, was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. So if you're looking for something to do today, check out Gettysburg! It's beautiful country, with plenty of history for all.

So let us know what you're reading, and the book could be yours!

Meanwhile, everyone have a Happy Fourth! I'm going to go rustle up some cake.

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Friday to all, and condolences to all you Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett fans out there. Yesterday was rough on our pop icons.

So let's do our part to make today a bit more cheerful, and announce a winner. A parent, you've won yourself Harry Potter's Bookshelf: The Great Books Behind the Hogwarts Adventures.

I hope you enjoy it, and all the books it recommends.

Meanwhile, I'm itching to begin my advanced reading copy of Margaret Atwood's The Year of the Flood. It's a dystopian (go figure) future, following the lives of the few who survived a devastating flood.

So help anyone who bothers me during lunch today...

Next week's prize: I Am Not Sidney Poitier, by Percival Everett. Everyone has praised both this book and its author, from Publishers Weekly to The Boston Globe, and I don't think you'll be disappointed. While society tries to figure out what to do with a rich young man who looks like Sidney Poitier, even though his name is clearly Not Sidney.

So let us know what you're reading!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

It's Friday, and the sun has returned. What could possibly make this day better? How about a list of fantastic books that Read Streeters are enjoying, so I can add to my own collection?

I'm reading Irish author Sarah Rees Brennan's first novel, Demon's Lexicon. It follows a teenager and his family, who while being hunted by magicians, attempt to help a couple of teens with their demon problems. If you're looking for swords, mystery, a magical Goblin market and puppy love, this book was made for you.

While last week's freebies have already been mailed off, so they can be (hopefully) be enjoyed by Father's Day, I did come across a little gem that Potter fanatics are going to love: Harry Potter's Bookshelf: The Great Books Behind the Hogwarts Adventure, by John Granger.

Granger has written several books about Harry's world, including Looking for God in Harry Potter, but this one is exceptionally fun for die-hard readers.

Who can resist a suggested reading list including the books that influenced J.K. Rowling? Charles Dickens, C.S. Lewis, Dorothy L. Sayers, Stoker and Tolkien (of course) are just a few of the authors listed who devotees can begin exploring -- or just examine anew.

So let us know what you're reading, and it could be yours!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

No, I don't think the alliteration is too much, why do you ask?

Happy Friday, everyone! And it's an especially happy Friday for Rachel! You're the lucky new winner of Robin Hemley's Do-Over!

Meanwhile, I've been reading The Collected Stories of H.P. Lovecraft. That man's prose is maze-like, and I'm having fun getting lost in it. But I've been careful not to read any of his short stories right before bed; I don't even want to think about what kind of dreams they'd inspire.

And on to this week's giveaway, and it's another two-fer: The Nine Lessons: A Novel of Love, Fatherhood and Second Chances, by Kevin Alan Milne; and The Wonderful Man, by Edward Monkton. And in order to ensure that these fatherly tomes can get to you before Father's Day (which is next Sunday, for you slackers out there) I'll be announcing the winner on Wednesday.

So you can impress Dad, or just keep the books yourself. I'll never tell.

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope your week flew by, and that you have wonderful weekends ahead of you. I, for one, will spend mine reading. I was hoping to indulge in this 48-hour readathon, but I eventually decided that staying up for 48 hours straight may just result in my death at this point in time. But you better believe I'm coming back to this idea when I'm better rested!

(Also, for you mystery lovers, there's a whole different readathon for you! This is clearly the weekend for reading!)

Anyway, I have just begun reading The Nine by Jeffrey Toobin, which I was inspired to pick up because of Supreme Court Justice David Souter's impending retirement. Those justices may not be hard partiers, but the innerworkings of the court sure do make for a compelling story!

And how about our Freebie Tuesday winner? It's Jenn! (Not to be confused with Jen Forbus, who won last week. I hope the number randomizer hasn't developed a fancy to Jen(n)s, because I will be forced to pick names from hats again.) I hope Beowulf on the Beach helps you find a book you can get through.

Next up, Do-Over: In Which a 48-year-old Father of Three Returns to Kindergarten, Summer Camp, the Prom and Other Embarrassments. Just let me know what you're reading, and this hysterical memoir by Robin Hemley could be yours.

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

In the midst of an exhausting, exhilirating weekend moving into our new house, I realized I had failed to post last week's Freebie Friday! To make it worse, we haven't had Internet access for the past four days, making it a bit more difficult to fix that problem

But now, I'm back! And we're going to do this giveaway right.

First of all, what I've been reading: Mostly, settlement papers. And when we weren't reading those papers, we were just blindly signing them. I'm glad that's over. I hope you've all had infinitely more rewarding reading experiences.

Jen Forbus is our latest randomly selected winner! Congratulations, Jen, and I hope you enjoy Sag Harbor!

To make up for my tardiness, we're going to have a two-fer today: Beowulf on the Beach: What to Love and What to Skip in Literature's 50 Greatest Hits, by Jack Murnighan, should help cull your selections this summer; and "Don't Forget to Sing in the Lifeboats," a collection of quotes to quell your inner pessimist.

So let us know what you're reading! And don't mind me while I continue to unpack all these boxes...

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 2:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Double duty this Friday: Not only are we handing out a book, we're pointing out a free e-book for all!

Tim Bete, along with mysterious co-author Capt. Billy "The Butcher" MacDougall now presents his hilarious Guide to Pirate Parenting free of charge! Of course, if you'd like to donate a bit to his rum fund, I don't think he'd say no.

So if you've always wanted to plunder the neighbor's garage, here's a good way to begin. You can teach your kids a thirst for booty; or maybe you'd just like a good laugh. Either way, this book will help.

Meanwhile, I'm reading Bill Wasik's And Then There's This. Wasik was the mind behind the first New York flash mob, and he's used this experience to detail his own theory behind the "nanostory," or the 15-minutes-of-fame bug that seems to hit just about everyone. He's got some great insights on Internet culture and how it's changing society's views of media.

But enough about  me, let's talk about Theresa. She's the lucky Read Streeter who gets to take home The Story Sisters. Thanks for sharing Not Becoming My Mother. It sounds like the type of book that would resonate with just about every woman in every age. I cannot imagine life even 50 years ago, much less 150.

Next up, let's start the beach season with Colson Whitehead's Sag Harbor. This coming-of-age novel that follows one black teen negotiating his all-white prep school and his summers at the mostly black Sag Harbor has gotten stellar reviews from the Boston Globe, USA Today and the Washington Post Book World. They're usually trustworthy.

So how about it? What are you reading right now?

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Friday, everybody! I have big plans to go see Michael Pollan speak tomorrow, accompanied by a couple of my oldest friends.

I hope they don't intend to eat anything soon afterward, because while brilliant, nothing puts me off food faster than a few thoughts from that man's brain.

I've been preoccupied lately with a little light reading based on Greek mythology, which I've adored since elementary school. Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series is great for mythology buffs, and most of the fun is simply trying to identify the different gods and creatures, such as Chiron, Dionysus, Prometheus and Medusa, before the book names them outright.

It's not nearly as satisfying as C.S. Lewis' Til We Have Faces, which was patterned after the Cupid and Psyche myth, but Riordan's books are perfect for a rainy afternoon, which we've had many of.

But moving along to the prize portion of this post, Brian is the lucky reader to get Netherland. I hope you enjoy it, sir! 

Next up, is Alice Hoffman's The Story Sisters. Described as at once a coming-of-age tale, a family saga and a love story, the plot follows three sisters through their fateful lives.

So what are you reading?

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Friday, everybody!

I hope you've got fantastic plans for this weekend, because it looks like the rain is letting up long enough for a picnic with your favorite book. Oh, and people, I guess.

I, for one, have been spending a lot of time with biologist Bill Schutt's Dark Banquet. Schutt's got a great conversational voice that rarely devolves into scientific jargon that I don't want to follow. And for those who DO want to follow it, there are plenty of explanatory footnotes.

Also, it's about animals who drink blood! It's creepy, funny and really, really interesting.

But on to the giveaway.

Pygmy will be finding a home with ... Eve! It's not a mystery, but I hope you enjoy it.

Next up for giveaway is Joseph O'Neill's Netherland. It's had nothing but good reviews, and was recently found in President Barack Obama's hands.

Not surprisingly, its sales immediately shot up.

But you don't have to buy it! Just tell us what you're reading, and it could be yours for free!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Freebie Friday, everyone! How happy is it? So happy that we're giving away not one but TWO books.

"But Nancy," you may be asking, "Who won last week's book?" Well, that would be Kelly! It's a little lighter than the Salem witch trials, but I hope it brings you joy.

And onto this week's giveaways.

The first book made me squeal with delight: First Dog, written by J. Patrick Lewis and Beth Zappitello, with illustrations by Tim Bowers. See? See how cute that is? And if you think they didn't take the opportunity to drop the president's biggest campaign slogan in, you can think again.

But I don't want to overwhelm you with two children's books in two weeks, so I'm going to sweeten the pot with Bastard Tongues: A Trailblazing Linguist Finds Clues to Our Common Humanity in the World's Lowliest Languages, by Derek Bickerton.

Call me a nerd if you will, and you wouldn't be the first, but this is exactly the type of book I like to curl up with, and then jump up and read random passages to the first person I can grab.

That's exactly what I've been doing with The Partly Cloudy Patriot, by Sarah Vowell, which I finished up this week. There isn't an essay she's written that hasn't made me think about the world a little bit differently. If you've never read one of her works, I suggest any of them wholeheartedly.

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

I was feeling like a grown up this week, so instead of accosting the nearest co-worker for a number between 1 and 13, I used one of those handy random number generators. And so, this week's winner is: Darlene!

I've got to say, I'm pleased that Wedlock is going to another book juggler. Some of you monogamous readers (ahem, Dave) were getting so snooty!

Right now, I've got Dan Simmons' Drood, Sarah Vowell's The Partly Cloudy Patriot and L.J. Smith's The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall clamboring for attention. Oh, and this little thing called the CityLit Festival. I don't know if you've heard about it, but it's happening. This weekend.

On to the next free book: The Annotated Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, with an introduction by Brian Jacques, who penned the Redwall series.

It's gorgeous, and I'd rather keep it myself, so if you don't feel like sharing what you're reading, I won't be too hurt...

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Dave says I scared everybody off with Jailbait Zombie, and with the incredible drop-off of responses, I'd have to say he's right!

But I admit, it's not my cup of tea, either -- due to the detective story angle, not the zombies, mind you.

This week, I've been re-reading Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon. I read it as a high-schooler and I remembered enjoying it, but then I realized I couldn't remember why I'd liked it.

Couple that with this discussion I stumbled upon about how embarrassing it can be to read a book when an author's "id is showing," which mentions Bradley's portrayal of women, and I knew I had to return to the scene of the alleged crimes. (Warning: The discussion is pretty genre specific -- science fiction/fantasy, mainly -- and includes subjects you may not want a co-worker to see on your screen.)

So far, the number of pages devoted to sewing and spinning, which I have to admit is appropriate given the era, is disturbing/boring me.

But I'm still enjoying it, both for the story and for remembering what I was thinking when I first read the book.

But back to the giveaway! This week's winner is: Gail!

I hope you enjoy it -- after you're done taking over the world with World Wide Rave: Creating Triggers that Get Millions of People to Spread Your Ideas and Share Your Stories, of course!

Next week's freebie is Wedlock: The True Story of the Disastrous Marriage and Remarkable Divorce of Mary Eleanor Bowes, Countess of Strathmore, by Wendy Moore.

The book follows the yearslong divorce of the countess, and if you think that sounds boring, you need to Google the woman. Keywords include "gold-digger," "kidnapped" and "death threats."

Also, the cover picture isn't nearly as offensive. See?

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

Happy Freebie Friday, everyone!

As the first day of my weekend, I usually spend the day reading and doing anything but work.

But today, I have the extraordinary treat of perusing Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by Seth Grahame-Smith and, oh yes, Jane Austen.

No, it isn't Emma. It's not even Northanger Abbey. But Lizzie kicks a zombie IN THE FACE. And there seem to be ninjas, although that's just me skipping ahead to look at the pictures.  

Oh, and can we prove Dave wrong this week, and find some guys who've read Pride and Prejudice? He says such men don't exist.

Anyway, on to our winner! Congratulations, Lisa! You've won yourself a copy of Christopher Moore's Fool.

I don't think it's going to be anything like Fatal Light, but maybe you need some cheering up by now.

Next week's prize: Jailbait Zombie, by Mario Acevedo. It's a detective story, with a supernatural twist. Also, Acevedo, whom I met at last year's Bouchercon, is an incredibly funny, kind and generous man. You just can't lose with this one.

So let us know what you're reading now, and it could be yours. And past winners, feel free to let us know how much you love or hate the books we've sent you!

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

First of all, thanks to everyone who participated in our first Freebie Friday!

Please keep us updated on how your reads are going, since I hadn't heard of most of the books you'd mentioned, and wow! You guys have some diverse tastes.

Me? I'm reading Breaking Back by James Blake. I love tennis, and I have had the biggest, girliest crush on him since Pat Rafter left the ATP to be with his family or something. You're lucky I didn't draw big sparkly glitter hearts all around his picture and include it in this post.

And in case you're curious, the title refers to breaking your opponent's serve during a match, not actually maiming him. With my zombie track record, I know it could go either way.

And so, without further ado, and picked completely by random courtesy of my friend Mary -- have you read her Top Chef reviews? They're just dandy. -- the very first Freebie Friday winner is ...

 Joe F.!

So Joe, I'm glad you're enjoying Saturday, and I hope you enjoy Good Book, as well.

Everyone else, fear not! You have another chance to win right now! Just let us know what you're reading, and how you're liking it!

This week's prize: Fool, by Christopher Moore. Shakespeare fans -- and more specifically, King Lear fans -- you'll appreciate this one. The story follows Lear's jester, Pocket, as he watches the royal family disintegrate and attempts to put it back together, with a few assassinations thrown in.

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Freebie Friday
        

So, while it's ever so much fun to regale you with what I'm reading, I think it's way past time that I start sharing the spotlight. So I'm creating a new weekly tradition: Freebie Friday.

The concept is simple: You tell me what you're reading, how you're liking it (and why), and then one of you gets a free book. I know, I know, I'm too kind.

Since this is the first week, I'll go ahead and continue my own sharing, but from now on, these posts are all about you guys.

I'm in the middle of The Good Thief, by Hanna Tinti. I've been looking forward to this one for about six months now, and so far I haven't been disappointed. Tinti's channeling some hardcore Charles Dickens, as the story follows a young one-handed orphan boy and his misadventures with a slew of characters. The only difference? It's set in 19th-century New England.

Now, I'm not a huge fan of Dickens: He tends to ramble in many different directions, and while I'm the type of reader always watching out for hidden meanings, he just exhausts me with dead ends and run-on stories.

So while I'm enjoying The Good Thief now, I recognize that it could turn on me at any moment, or you know, the other way around.

Enough about me, what about you? Share your story, and you could be the proud reader of Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious, Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I Learned When I Read Every Single Word of the Bible (whew!), by David Plotz. And if you haven't seen Plotz' Bible blog, you can check out the funny here.

Posted by Nancy Johnston at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Freebie Friday