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The 2013 Project

Jan 21

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In 2012, I read 85 books. Some were recommended by friends. Others I sought out. A few serendipitously crossed my path as I wandered around my local library.

For 2013, I decided to do something different. I began asking a few of my particularly close friends for a short list of books that have influenced them or changed their perspective on the world.

It makes sense: ask the people who have inspired me most to share what’s inspired them.

I started to reflect on what books have most influenced me in the past. Here’s the shortlist:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
Blue Truth by David Deida
The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman

I’m still getting lists in. Some books have been suggested twice. Others are a bit more obscure and hard to find. But I really can’t wait to read these books — and getting to know my friends better as I do.

My 2013 Project list is on Goodreads — you can see all the books I’ve read there. And if you ever want to talk to me about a book, just drop me an email!

Now tell me: What books have inspired you the most? Leave your list below so I can check them out! I’d love to add some of your recommendations to my 2013 project list!

{photograph by shutterhacks}

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The Crown of Embers {a giveaway}

Sep 17

A few weeks ago, a special package arrived in my mail box. In it was a sweet note from a friend and an advanced copy of The Crown of Embers, the sequel to The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. (This package was better than Christmas and my birthday, combined, and I spent several minutes dancing in glee.)

Since first reading The Girl of Fire and Thorns, I have been telling everyone I know to pick up a copy. Rae is an incredibly compelling storyteller and creates a world that you wish you could physically drop into. There are unexpected twists and turns (I promise you won’t see them coming), and your heart aches for the characters. Aches. (Especially in her latest book.) But what ranks her books among my favorites ever is her powerful message for women, whether you’re 16 or 31 or whatever age. Her books are about a young woman discovering how incredible she is, loving for all the right reasons, and finding her power.

The Crown of Embers is officially released tomorrow, but as I have an extra preordered copy arriving by post to me, I thought there would be no better way to celebrate and get a few more people addicted to Rae Carson’s novels than with a giveaway.

Here’s what you get: The Girl of Fire and Thorns AND The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson AND homemade cookies or some other treat from me, to sustain you because you won’t want to move once you start reading.

Here’s what you need to do: Leave a comment below and tell me something awesome about yourself. Sing your praises. Comments without an awesome you-fact won’t count.

Other details: The winner will be chosen at random using random.org. Open to US and Canadian residents only (sorry other fantastic people). One entry per person Contest closes at 9pm EST tomorrow, Tuesday, September 18, 2012. Winner will be contacted by email and this post will be updated with the winner’s name. For those of you who don’t win, go out and buy this book and its prequel. Trust me.

WINNER! Random.org chose #15 – bonnie. Congrats!

{photo by me. this giveaway was entirely my idea and all books are paid for by me. neither the publisher nor author are involved.}

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Unexpected Lessons

Jun 18

I think you can tell a lot about a person by what books line their shelves. But mine are deceiving.

The truth is if I bought every book I read, I might not be able to afford food. You see, books are my addiction. Especially Young Adult novels. Especially those in the fantasy and sci-fi genres.

I know that it may seem silly for a woman my age to be consuming YA novels like most people breathe air, but there’s something I find in these novels that I don’t find in ones written for adults.