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It’s not too late for some Summer reading!

August 4, 2010 By Tori 62 Comments

Whether you are able to grab a book and enjoy a lazy Summer day lost in a  story, or you simply squeeze some reading in here and there — you will like today’s post.  Just in time for some end-of-the-Summer relaxation, Hachette has generously given us four great Summer reads to giveaway.

     Adam by Ted Dekker

 FBI behavioral psychologist Daniel Clark is a man on a mission. After over a year of tracking a mysterious serial killer known as Eve, he feels closer than ever to discovering the murderer’s true identity when he finds Eve’s latest victim still alive.

 More about Adam by Ted Dekker

 

The Island by Elin Hinderbrand

Birdie Cousins has planned a getaway with her daughter Chess on rustic, charming Tuckernuck Island off the coast of Nantucket, a chance to bond before Chess’s upcoming marriage. Birdie’s been through a difficult divorce herself, so she knows the big commitment that marriage entails. She’s only recently dared to tiptoe back into the waters of romance.

More about The Island by Elin Hinderbrand

The Recessionistas by Alexandra Lebenthal

It’s the day after Labor Day, 2008, and the bottom is about the drop out of the economy. Hedge fund owner John Cutter is in the process of an ugly divorce and nearly in financial ruin, except for the assets he is hiding from his wife Mimi in the Cayman Islands. When he concocts a scheme to redeem himself, he enlists Lehman Brothers investment banker Blake Somerset as an accomplice. Blake is ripe for recruitment given that he too is on the verge of being in dire financial straits given Lehman’s decline and imminent bankruptcy.

More about The Recessionistas by Alexandra Lebenthal

Rich Boy by Sharon Pomerantz

Robert Vishniak is the favored son of Oxford Circle, a working-class Jewish neighborhood in 1970s Philadelphia. Handsome and clever, Robert glides into the cloistered universities of New England, where scions of unimaginable wealth and influence stand shoulder to shoulder with scholarship paupers like himself who wash dishes for book money. The doors that open there lead Robert to the highest circles of Manhattan society during the heart of the Reagan boom where everything Robert has learned about women, through seduction and heartbreak, pays off.

More about Rich Boy by Sharon Pomerantz

  Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson

Rose Mae Lolley is a fierce and dirty girl, long-suppressed under flowery skirts and bow-trimmed ballet flats. As “Mrs. Ro Grandee” she’s trapped in a marriage that’s thick with love and sick with abuse. Her true self has been bound in the chains of marital bliss in rural Texas, letting “Ro” make eggs, iron shirts, and take her punches. She seems doomed to spend the rest of her life battered outside by her husband and inside by her former self, until fate throws her in the path of an airport gypsy—one who shares her past and knows her future.

More about  Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson

Are you reading for some Summer reading? One person will win all four books! Simply leave a comment below and we will draw a winner.

 

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner  will be randomly selected and will receive a copy of all four books above.  Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 8:00 am PST August 4, 2010 through 10:00 pm PST August 5, 2010.

Filed Under: Books and Music, Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Meet Stona Fitch of Concord Free Press, the Robin Hood of Publishing

July 19, 2010 By Sara 12 Comments

I sat down with author Stona Fitch recently, to talk about his brilliantly innovative publishing house called Concord Free Press, www.concordfreepress.com

Author Stona Fitch

CFP’s non-profit model is to publish a limited quantity of original books from top-shelf authors and give them away, for FREE. Even shipping anywhere in the world is FREE. The industry calls it generosity-based publishing. In exchange for the book, CFP requests that you make a voluntary donation to a charity or a person in need—your choice. You can chart your donation on the CFP website and then pass the book along to someone else so that the giving can continue. It’s a simple, yet powerful concept, inspiring both reading and giving. It’s all good, all real and pretty amazing.

DG:  Stona, we know you are an acclaimed author yourself, what gave you the idea to start Concord Free Press?

Stona: My fourth novel, Give + Take, was orphaned when my editor left the publishing house I was working with. The novel is about a jazz pianist who steals diamonds and BMWs, fences them, and gives the money away. Generosity and its limits is a big theme in Give + Take, so the book really inspired CFP, which publishes beautifully designed, original books and gives them all away in exchange for acts of generosity.

DG:  OK, this sounds too good to be true. You have an American Revolution-era patriot in your logo. Are you trying to revolutionize the world of traditional publishing?

Stona:  Yes, if only by showing how a radically simple idea can take hold and work. We’re interested in expanding the core definition of what a book can do, in engaging with readers in new ways, and in inspiring a link between the solitary act of reading and more community-focused acts of generosity. From the start, we suspected that readers were inherently generous. If you can believe in a character made out of words, you’re likely to have empathy for the real, three-dimensional people around you. And our readers have really come through.

DG:  That’s perceptive of you to know your readers so well.   I see you have some literary Big Guns on your advisory board (e.g., Joyce Carol Oates, Russell Banks, Francine Prose, Megan Abbott, Jess Walter, and more) How did you attract these authors? 

Stona:             I asked them to join and they said yes, because they were intrigued by the CFP, which is a rare positive note in the overall gloom of publishing. It’s important to note that we’re writers, not publishers. We’re taking control of the machinery and technology of publishing and using it in a new way.

  

DG:  We know what’s in it for readers (free books), bookstores (store traffic), and the charities (donations). But what’s in it for your authors who submit their work knowing their book will not generate traditional profits?
 
Stona: When they publish with us, writers get their work to readers via an interesting new channel, one that gets a lot of attention for such a small operation. Plus, our writers retain all rights to their work beyond our inherently limited press run. Being published by us doesn’t preclude having the work republished in a traditional, for-profit edition, either in the U.S. or abroad. Or from selling the film rights. In fact, a CFP edition can encourage these sales. So a book that we publish can go on to bigger, more commercial, and more lucrative things for its author. For example, Thomas Dunne Books just republished Give + Take in a traditional hardcover edition in the US, with foreign editions in the UK, Greece, Taiwan, and beyond. And HarperCollins will be republishing Gregory Maguire’s The Next Queen of Heaven, the third CFP novel, this fall.
 
 
 

 

DG:  Really interesting.  It sounds like even traditional publishers are benefitting from your concept.  So, what is your business model? How do you support the press?

Stona:  Like any non-profit, we ask a lot of people for a little money and a few people for more. And it’s working. People believe in what we’re doing and are willing to support us. And since we all work for free, our expenses are very low—mostly just printing and postage.

DG:  Alrighty then, what’s the bottom line? How much cha ching do your books generate for charities?

Stona:  Our books generate $40,000 to $50,000 per title in donations, an unheard-of figure for a trade paperback. And that’s only the donations people tell us about. Factoring in our costs, that’s an ROI of more than 400%, even though worthy causes and people in need ultimately receive that money. And each book keeps going, generating more generosity along the way. We just launched our fourth book, a multi-genre collection edited by the acclaimed poet/critic Ron Slate called IOU: New Writing on Money and we’re already at about $139,000 in total donations to date.

DG:  Those numbers are impressive. How do you distribute your books and how often do you publish new books?  

Stona:  We give away our books through a network of more than fifty great independent bookstores around the country and via worldwide requests on our website www.concordfreepress.com Distribution of our books is strictly first come, first served. We publish new books twice a year, in May and October.

DG:   Thanks for being with us Stona.  It was a pleasure speaking with you about Concord Free Press. We think you are doing something important here.  Good luck!

Stona: Thanks for spreading the word about our admittedly unusual approach to publishing. There’s no catch. We promise.

 If you would like to find out more about Concord Free Press, check out their website www.concordfreepress.com. Also, we are giving away four copies of IOU.  It’s a wild collection of writings on money— short fiction, poetry, essays, and memoirs—from a remarkably diverse set of voices.  There are also fascinating interviews by CFP with two people who served prison time for money-related crimes, including Katherine Ann Power, the 70s-era radical who spend more than a decade on the run as America’s top fugitive. Get a copy and see why so many people are talking about the Concord Free Press.

To Enter: Leave a comment or question below for Stona or share your thoughts on Concord Free Press.

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner(s) will be randomly selected and will recieve a copy of the bok IOU.  Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 11:30 am EST July 19th through 12:00 pm EST July 20th, 2010.

Filed Under: Books and Music, Contests & Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Margarita Chicken Sandwich Recipe

July 14, 2010 By Angella Leave a Comment

I recently found out that my friend Ali’s husband Gav was not only a great chef, but that he has a blog devoted to sharing his amazing recipes. I asked him if he’s be willing to share one of his mouth-watering creations and luckily for us, he obliged.

This sandwich was inspired by a recipe I saw Guy Fieri cook up once on Food Network. It’s really a great example of how far we’ve come with grilled foods. This is almost the anti-burger ‘n dogs you grew up with but it is incredibly good eats.

The flavors and textures work so well together, it’s truly a thing of beauty. The crunch of the cabbage and red onion – the punch of flavor from the tequila marinated chicken and fried red pepper, the smooth, creamy mayo accent. This sandwich will floor ‘em.

******************************************

Margarita Chicken Sandwich

Adapted from Food Network

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 jalapenos, halved, seeded & thinly sliced
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
4 tablespoons tequila
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 limes, juiced
2 teaspoons salt, divided
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to flatten
4 roasted sweet red bell peppers, drained & sliced to flatten
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cups canola oil
4 Kaiser rolls
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 green cabbage, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Preparation:

  1. In a medium mixing bowl add jalapenos, cilantro, tequila, garlic, red chili flakes, cumin, oregano, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon salt. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour in marinade. Let marinate in refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours.
  2. In a small mixing bowl add flour, remaining 1 teaspoon salt and the garlic powder. In a small skillet heat the canola oil over Medium-High heat. Dredge peppers in flour mixture and fry until crispy. When done drain on paper towels.
  3. Heat grill to High. Remove chicken from marinade, and add chicken to the grill.
  4. Cook chicken thoroughly on both sides, flipping once, about 15-20 minutes total. Remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 5 minutes then slice thin.
  5. Lightly toast rolls. Spread mayonnaise evenly among the rolls and then stack with the cabbage, onion, chicken breast and fried roasted peppers.

Thanks so much, Gav! I can’t wait to try this one. Make sure you check out both Gav’s website and his book in order to give your taste buds a treat.

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Turn Left at the Trojan Horse

July 7, 2010 By Jeanne 2 Comments

When I sent an email to author, roadtripper, and blogger, Brad Herzog, telling him we’d like to review his new novel, he wrote back and told me I had good taste. That’s when I decided I liked this guy. Turns out he’s actually part of the extended Grommet family: His wife, Amy Herzog, works with Psi Bands, a Grommet we’d discovered back in early 2009.
 

So every summer (this is his 11th in a row), Brad and his wife, together with their two young sons, take off for a few months in an RV. This year, they actually passed right by Daily Grommet headquarters here in Lexington, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, our timing was off and we weren’t able to get together, but we did have the opportunity to talk to him about his book, Turn Left at the Trojan Horse — the story of Brad’s epic quest for modern day heroes right here in America. Here’s his video introduction to the book, followed by our conversation. 

What inspired you to embark on this 31-day journey?

I was invited to my college reunion at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. When you’re asked to revisit where you’ve been — particularly with middle age bearing down on you — you tend to assess where you are. So as I envisioned encountering my ultra-successful classmates, I wondered just how heroic my life has been to date. What exactly are the parameters of a heroic life? I tend to find that a road trip is the best way to clear the existential cobwebs, so – since Ithaca was my destination – I decided one way to answer the question was to approximate the homeward journey of Odysseus, fabled King of Ithaca, who was the template for all future heroes. Also, my wife thought I needed to get away for a while.

With all of the stories you uncovered on your quest, do you feel like you answered your biggest question about what it means to live a heroic life here in America?

I suppose I learned that there are all kinds of heroism. It can mean courage, like the sheriff in Siren (Wisconsin) who risked his own life to warn his neighbors about the tornado that was bearing down on them. It can mean sacrifice, like the soldier I encountered at an army base in Sparta (Wisconsin) who spends his days diffusing bombs in Iraq. It can mean dedication, like the teacher I found in a one-room schoolhouse in tiny Troy (Montana). It can mean resilience, like the elderly man in Pandora (Ohio) who has spent the past six decades dutifully recording the local daily weather to the National Weather Service. In the end, though, I found that the hero is in the eye of the beholder. And seeing my kids again clarified that for me.

Speaking of heroes, and continuing with the Greek themes in “Turn Left at the Trojan Horse,” which Greek God would you most like to be and why?

Well, in many ways those Olympians were a bunch of jerks — petty, impetuous, haughty, self-centered and oversexed. So I could have been any of them… But I’ve always been partial to Hermes — the messenger of the gods, the bringer of dreams, the patron of travelers and athletes but also harlots and thieves. He always struck me as a bit of a rogue, but gentler and more playful that his male mates on Olympus. Plus, his winged sandals would have been sweet…

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Celebrating The Geek Dads

June 16, 2010 By Angella 18 Comments

I was contacted to see if I would be interested in receiving a copy of Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share and instantly said yes. My husband is not a Geek Dad (though he was a bit of a dork in high school) but I am a lover of all things geeky/techie and thought it would be great to read a book about geeky activities to do with your (my) kids.

The book did not disappoint. Heck, even my husband (he who takes all of my electronic hand-me-downs) was intrigued. My two young boys are all about superheroes and cartons and magic, so they were just as enthused. The book has been bookmarked and events have been planned.

I have a copy to give away to one of you lucky, lucky readers. It may be a little late for Father’s Day, yes, but there are many days of the year to celebrate the Geek Dad in your life. If you would like to win a copy of Geek Dad by Ken Denmead, simply leave a comment on this post. We will randomly select one winner.

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner(s) will be randomly selected and will get to choose three of the above titles. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 8:00 am EST June 16th through 10:00 pm EST June 16th, 2010.

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What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life

June 3, 2010 By Angella 1 Comment

If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet and said, “I have nothing to wear.”

If you’ve ever looked at yourself in the mirror and said, ” I should have started that diet last week.”

If you’ve seen a recent photo of yourself and gone home and burned the outfit then…

This is the book for you.

Kim Gross, co-author of the Chic Simple book series, dispenses advice on the subject of clothes, self- esteem, our bodies with a lot of good humor and a liberal smattering of common sense. Recently divorced, mother of two daughters and former editor for Town & Country Magazine, Kim always considered herself at the forefront of style and fashion but as she got older and noticed the pounds creeping on in the wrong places (she refers to it as “The Alien”) she realized she had to make peace with her body, her closet and self-image.

She takes charge and what she learns resonates for anyone who likes clothes and likes to feel good in what she is wearing.  W2W (What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life) is Kim’s journey to discovery. In each chapter there are quotes from famous designers (Coco Chanel, Diane von Fursterburg)

“There’s totally, completely a connection to mood and the clothes you wear.” Diane von Furstenburg

“A woman’s wardrobe shouldn’t change every six months. Use what you own and add to them.” Yves St. Laurent

She also includes notes from non-designers, a section she entitles Closet Confidential, as they deal with the changing body. The tone throughout is light and funny but the message is informative and practical. This is DIY for yourself.

From Closet Confidential: “I try to wear one piece that is interesting because it is different. It took me a long time to figure out that different is good.” Beatrix, CEO from PA.

Kim starts out by suggesting a” Feel Good Closet” composed of well tailored classics (jeans, black dress, suit, white shirt, black pants cashmere sweater). Don’t be afraid to jazz up your looks with attractive necklaces, show a bit of decolletage or wear eye-catching earrings, Kim advises. We need to feel good in our clothes. She also notes her style mentors like Diane Sawyer, Oprah, Katie Couric and how as they aged their wardrobes reflected a subtle but discriminating uplift. Other former and present fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Martha Stewart get frequent mention for looking good at any age.

Another chapter is devoted to hints and tips for camouflaging problem areas : e.g., if you have large hips, cut out the pockets in pants and stitch them up for a more slender look and leaner appearance. Confidence is the best thing you can wear at any age,  states Ms. Gross, but our clothes do make a statement about us, Clothes Talk. They are our autobiographies. At any age from 20′s through 60′s or 70′s we need to assess, de-junk and renew. An altogether good message not only for our clothes, but maybe for our lives, too.


No matter what shape, size or age, you’re sure to learn something from What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life. I personally know at least 6 good friends who would love this book, and can’t wait to pass it along. Hope you’ll stop back and share your favorite tips with us!

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May Is Latino Book Month

May 18, 2010 By Angella 7 Comments

Our friends over at the Hachette Book Group emailed us to inform us that May is Latino Book Month. They wanted to shine a light on this particular genre of books and reached out to us to help spread the word. In fact, they’ve offered to send our winning commenter three books of their choice from the books below:

Try to Remember By Iris Gomez

Hot (broke) Messes By Nancy Trejos

Waking Up in the Land of Glitter By Kathy Cano-Murillo

Little Nuggets of Wisdom By Chuy Bravo, Tom Brunelle

Lone Star Legend By Gwendolyn Zepeda

Into the Beautiful North By Luis Alberto Urrea

Amigoland By Oscar Casares

If you would like to win this contest, simply leave a comment on this post. We will randomly select one winner.

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner(s) will be randomly selected and will get to choose three of the above titles. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 8:00 am EST May 18th through 10:00 pm EST May 18th, 2010.

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Author Interview: Brad Meltzer on Heroes for My Son

May 13, 2010 By Angella 8 Comments

When Brad Meltzer’s first son was born eight years ago, the bestselling writer and new father started compiling a list of heroes whose virtues and talents he wanted to share with his son -  each one an ordinary person who was able to achieve the extraordinary. The list grew to include the fifty-two amazing people now gathered in Heroes for My Son, a book that parents and their children—sons and daughters alike—can now enjoy together as they choose heroes of their own.

1. Who were your heroes as a boy … have they changed?

My Mom and my grandfather. After them, Jim Henson and Mr. Rogers always led the list. Sure, there are tons of others in the book — from Rosa Parks, to Gandhi, to Muhammad Ali — but Jim Henson and Mr. Rogers just always had the biggest impact on me. Maybe it was their kindness. Maybe it was Kermit and that idea of “making millions of people happy.” Maybe it was just my obsession with idealistic puppets. But the idea of being the top of your game — at the cutting-edge of entertainment — and you can do anything, but instead, you give all of that to children’s public television…? Yes. My heroes. But Mom now wins.

2. The heroes you’ve chosen are so different — some famous, some not, some from long ago, and some very current – are there any common ties?

They all help someone. That’s all you need to be a hero. That’s the only requirement. You can help someone directly, like Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln, or Frank Shankwitz (one of the founders of the Make-A-Wish Foundation), or you can simply inspire, which I believe were the best legacies of people like Amelia Earhart, Jim Henson, Muhammad Ali or so many others. We forget the power of inspiration. That inspiration feeds the entire world.

3. You’re best known for writing thrillers and mysteries. How was writing this collection different?

In my thrillers, I can make up whatever I want. Here, these were the stories of Gandhi and Rosa Parks and Eleanor Roosevelt. I need to get it right. I felt like the guy who carries the Olympic torch for one block. It’s not mine. But for this one block, I’m the caretaker. That mattered to me.

5. You say that the messages in your stories are equally important for your daughter; so does she mind the title?

My daughter doesn’t mind because I’m working on Heroes For My Daughter right now. And the heroes I choose won’t differ one bit. To me, every single hero in Heroes For My Son is someone I would share with my daughter, and vice versa. Rosa Parks is good for everyone. But it doesn’t stop my daughter from saying, all the time, “You done with my book yet?”

6. Can you share what you’re working on next?

My next thriller is called The Inner Circle. It’s a mystery set in the White House. Comes out in January and I can’t wait to show the secrets inside.

If you would like to win a copy of Heroes For My Son for yourself, simply leave a comment on this post. We will randomly select two winners.

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner(s) will be randomly selected and will receive a win a copy of  Heroes For My Son . Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 8:00 am EST May 13th through 10:00 pm EST May 13th, 2010.

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Parents of Teens – You’re Empowered!

May 4, 2010 By Angella 3 Comments

Mothers Day is on our doorstep, and the “You’re Empowered! Parenting Teens with Conviction, Communication and Love” audiobook for parents of teenagers will make a wonderful gift for a mom you know. Sue Blaney is an award-winning author and speaker who specializes in supporting parents in successfully raising teenagers. Access the extensive free resources, articles, e-book, podcasts and more at www.PleaseStoptheRollercoaster.com.

Sue offered to share a quick parenting tip for us. Click the audio link to listen in: Audio Tip from Sue Blaney 

You say on the jacket “The secret to raising teens is communication.” Why do you say this?

If parents and teens can talk, they can work through any issue they will face. And it is perfectly natural for communication to get difficult at times between parents and teens because teens are seeking independence and power all as a part of their natural development. This can be a confusing time; parents can benefit from learning some new approaches.

What kind of information are parents looking for?

Parents’ usually have three questions: 1.)What is “normal” teen behavior? 2.) Am I doing this right… and what are the “rules”? And 3.) How can I keep my teen safe from risky behavior? These questions provide the context for this three hour audio program.

What will parents get out of the program? Give an example

One point that resonates with readers is what I call the “70% solution.” It says “If you and your teen’s combined effort toward a common goal equals 100%, you need to be prepared to make 70% of the effort.” The program is full of concrete points that provide helpful insight about their teens’ behavior and about the small actions parents can take that will positively impact their relationship.

Specifically, parents will learn what the three common communication mistakes are and how to avoid them, what matters most in keeping their kids safe from risky behavior, why tuning into their teen’s feelings is vitally important, and what words work against good communication.

Why is this in audio-book format?

Parents are incredibly busy today, and to be able to listen in the car or at the gym is really time-efficient. The workbook that accompanies the audio makes it easy to review the points later and access additional tips.

Is there a type of parent for whom this program is most appropriate? What is the age range for the teens you talk about?

I find parents of teens have a lot in common and one thing they really appreciate is to learn they are not alone! Hearing stories from other parents, like the ones shared in this audiobook really resonate with most parents with kids from 12 – 18.

How did you come to develop this?

My expertise is in communications, which provides a specific, and unique, perspective. I have developed a parent discussion group program (Please Stop the Rollercoaster! How Parents of Teenagers Can Smooth Out the Ride) that is being used in living rooms, schools, churches and synagogues across the country… but I’ve observed that not everyone has the time to be in a discussion group. This audiobook is for parents who want to invest in their relationship and are open to learning new approaches, but who are short on time. I try to communicate efficiently to make the material time -efficient for busy parents, and of course we also focus on enhancing parent-teen communication.

What kind of response have you gotten on this audiobook?

Not only did it receive a Mom’s Choice Award for excellence, it also won a Ben Franklin Award for best audiobook. But, awards aside, what is most rewarding for me is when I hear from parents directly. And many parents of teenagers tell me they really related to the stories and understood their teenagers better after hearing about things like the “growth and development factors” and the “invisible motivators” that drive teens’ behavior. Parents who have listened to this audio program are very enthusiastic about it!

Thanks so much, Sue!

Sue has graciously offered to give one of her audiobooks to one of our lucky readers. Leave a comment for a chance to win!

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner will be randomly selected and will receive a win a copy of You’re Empowered! Parenting Teens with Conviction, Communication and Love . Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 8:00 am EST May 4thth through 10:00 pm EST May 4th, 2010.

Filed Under: Contests & Giveaways, Guest Post Tagged With: ,

Book Review: Everyone She Loved, by Sheila Curran

April 23, 2010 By Jeanne 6 Comments

We’ve all done it … imagined what would happen to our families in the event of our untimely demise.  Sheila Curran took it a step further and wrote about it in her new novel, Everyone She Loved. If you’re a fan of Diana Lively is Falling Down — Sheila’s first novel – you won’t be surprised that this story is filled with wise, funny women you can’t wait to know better. Grab the book, find a cosy spot and get ready for a great read.

Sheila Curran, Everyone She LovedToday, we’re honored to be hosting Sheila on the Daily Grommet blog and we’ll be giving away a copy of her book to one of our readers. Leave a comment or question for Sheila, a memory about your mother or your friends, and we’ll select one reader to win a copy of Everyone She Loved.

This is your second novel.  How was writing Everyone She Loved different than the first time around?

I expected it to be easier, to take less dithering.  Instead, I found myself facing an entirely new cast of characters in a very different setting.   What had changed, and this was enormous, was that I would get daily emails from readers of DIANA LIVELY IS FALLING DOWN  telling me how much they enjoyed it.  That encouragement – and the unwavering support of my agent, family and friends – got me through the rough bits.
 
In the Reader’s Club Guide at the end of the book you say the inspiration for this story came from a conversation among friends about how hard it is to think about who would raise your children if something ever happened to you. Did you answer the question for yourself about whether Penelope’s solution was the right thing to do? 

 Male friends quibble that the idea of a wicked-stepmother-prevention-taskforce is insulting to men, patronizing, sexist, and, lastly, so 18th century.  I know all this.  It’s so wrong, on so many levels.  It violates all my principles of self-determination.  That being said, if I could talk my husband into consulting my sisters and best friends about my replacement (should I die an untimely death) I most certainly would go ever more gently into Dylan Thomas’ famous ‘good night.’

Sheila Curran, Everyone She LovedIs this more of a story about friendship or family … and which of these (friends or family) have had a bigger influence over you?

Great question.  At heart, great families extend themselves to include dear friends as ‘shirt-tail’ relatives.  Each relationship fortifies our ability to love more and better. Rather than being a finite resource, love has a Midas-like influence on everyone who receives it.   My family is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and having witnessed my parents’ unflinching willingness to remain open to what life throws at them, I’ve been lucky enough to be blessed by true, deep and forever friendships. 

Could you have written this novel before you had children?

NO.  Absolutely not.  I was just your average neurotic before kids, but they brought out the Olympic Worrier in me. It was in thinking about what could go wrong if I died before they were grown (and how I could prevent it) that led me to write the book.
 
When did you begin writing?

In 1985.  I’d graduated from college and planned to go to law school once my husband had finished his doctorate.  I was waitressing and thought writing a novel would be a chance to improve my writing skills.  Before I knew it, I realized that I’d stumbled upon an occupation that I adored.
 
What are some of your favorite stories, and which authors have most influenced you?

Wow, the answer to that question is infinite.   I read like I eat and drink, with wild abandon and reckless gluttony.  This year I really enjoyed THE HELP, MY HUSBAND’S SWEETHEARTS, THE GIRL WHO STOPPED SWIMMING, OLIVE KITTERIDGE, and THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY.  I’m looking forward to THE OPPOSITE OF ME, a debut novel by Sarah Pekkanen, which Amazon has paired with Everyone She Loved.  I have a larger list of great reads on my BLOG if you scroll down on the left to my bookshelf widget).   
 
Is it too early to ask what’s next? 

Not at all!  I’m working on a novel set in midtown Atlanta about a group of friends in which traditional gender roles have been turned upside down, and a memoir about my family and my recent experience with throat cancer.

 

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question for Shelia. No purchase necessary. The winner will be randomly selected and will receive a copy of her book “Everyone She Loved.” Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 9am EST through 10pm EST April 23, 2010.

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