FeedVacation Contest: Summer Reading with an Editing Prize
July 7, 2011 in Book Club Possibility, Elementary Educators, High School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, Preschool to 1st grade teachers, Writing Skills Tags: Blogging contest, Editor 911, summer vacation, writing contest
photo by nodomain1 www.flickr.com
We’re loading up our 2007 HHR on Friday and heading to Cleveland for my sister-in-law’s wedding. We’re all very excited, and this is Katie’s first big car trip (10 hours). I’m not sure how excited she actually is. . .:) We are traveling in the late afternoon and evening to hopefully make it easier for her. I’m sure Logan (10 years old) hopes that this makes it easier for him, too, as he is usually the baby-entertainer in the back seat. Anyway, I’ll be gone for a while and part of it without Internet access, so Read These Books and Use Them is going on hiatus until August 1. Starting August 1, I’ll be back with the winner of the contest I am about to announce as well as new posts about books and how to use them! So. . .
While I was thinking about going on vacation and getting ready to move (hopefully we are leasing our home) by August 1, I was thinking, What can I do on my blog? , and I decided to talk about the books I’m reading and to hold a little contest. Currently, I am reading Miss Scarlet’s School of Patternless Sewing, which I am enjoying immensely. It’s definitely geared toward women–whether it’s women’s fiction, chic lit, or romance–I’m not far enough along to tell you yet. But I have been captivated since page one, so check out what people have to say about it by clicking below:
Also, I am listening to Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin, which is a YA book with some fantasy mixed in. I am also enjoying this book and the mystery that is playing throughout. I will be blogging about it here in August, so stay tuned for that.
Yes, yes, there is a contest. . .here’s what you do. Simply respond to this post and tell me 1. what books you or your children are reading this summer 2. if you would recommend these books to us 3. your email address
What you can win. . .
I am giving away a free 10-page critique from my Editor 911 business. You can either use it for the first 10 pages of a novel or a short story that is up to 10 pages. If you are not a writer yourself, you can give it away to anyone!–your sister, your children, your spouse–anyone!
Also, if you ever do write anything or need an editor and mention that you saw this post (you don’t have to enter the contest to take advantage of this), then you can get a 10% discount on your overall bill. 
Contest ends on July 31 at 8:00 p.m. CST. You can enter as many times as you like–so if you start reading a new book, please leave another comment and enter again. I will critique/edit/proofread anyone’s story from age 3 to 103 (or older) that is the winner of this contest. The winner will be chosen by using random.org (love this site!)
Happy reading!
See you all on August 1.
If you have any questions about my editing business, Editor 911, please feel free to email me at margodll (at) aol.com at anytime before or after August 1. I will have access to email periodically while I’m gone.
July 7th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
I just finished “Things We Didn’t Say” by Kristina Riggle and I would definitely recommend it. Now I’m onto the new Rebecca Cantrell book–3rd in the Hannah series.
July 7th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
I just read an older novel, “Maybe the Moon” by Armistead Maupin. I thought the protagonist was interesting and I had a great time reading. Recommended.
Next up, “The Astral” by Kate Christensen and “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett.
July 7th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
One book is titled Above and Below the Waterline by Marianne Paul.
It is recommended–a great read if you love poetry, family, the environment, kayaking!
My email address: pamcgoldrick@gmail.com
July 7th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
I am currently listening to “The Knife of Never Letting Go” by Patrick Ness. It is a very interesting dystopia story but I must say that I am not thrilled with the recommended reading level it has been given. The book was introduced to me at a reading conference for grades 4-9 and Amazon lists it as a read for grade 9 and up. I would be hesitant to give this book to a ninth grader as it has a lot of language, violence, and disturbing concepts. That said, I am on the last chapter and now have to debate as to whether I am going to read parts two and three.
July 8th, 2011 at 4:05 am
I recently finished Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder. It’s about Brooklyn, whose boyfriend died a year before and Nico, the boyfriend’s brother. It’s switches from one point of view to the other. Both are haunted, and the hauntings bring them together and help them work through their grief.
It was the 2nd verse novel I’d read from Schroeder. The first was Far from You. She writes beautifully. I can’t wait for her next book to come out, and I’m going to look for her debut novel, I Heart You, You Haunt Me.
July 8th, 2011 at 5:23 am
Great contest, Margo! It’s not necessary to enter my name in the drawing for a critique.
The best book I’ve read in a long time is Gary Schmidt’s new book, OKAY FOR NOW. I’ve been praising it to everyone, young and old! Here are clips of a few of the STARRED reviews:
“This is Schmidt’s best novel yet—darker than The Wednesday Wars and written with more restraint, but with the same expert attention to voice, character and big ideas.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Reproductions of Audubon plates introduce each chapter in this stealthily powerful, unexpectedly affirming story of discovering and rescuing one’s best self, despite family pressure to do otherwise.”—Booklist, starred review
“Readers will miss Doug and his world when they’re done, and will feel richer for having experienced his engaging, tough, and endearing story.”—School Library Journal, starred review
July 8th, 2011 at 5:29 am
Great recommendations so far. I am building my list.
Beth–you have caught my interest and I am probably going to check out at least the first book, too.
Pat–THE HELP is one of my favorite books!!!
July 8th, 2011 at 6:37 am
I just finished reading A Soldier’s Wife by Margaret Leroy about when the tiny Guernsey Islands(British) were occupied by the Germans during WWII. It’s about the British families that had to live with the Germans. It focuses on one family but basically the question is What would you do for family? for country? for love? I couldn’t put it down.
My son(age 8) just read(with my help…after all, what 8 year old knows how to pronounce czar?) Night at the Museum: Nick’s Tales. It was 100+ pages which is a first for him. It’s what happens after the movie when Nick, the 12 year old son, comes to visit his father at the museum where all the exhibits come to life. They get some new exhibits Czar Nicholas and Joan of Arc and fun adventures–with dinosaurs! He loved it.
July 8th, 2011 at 9:21 am
I just finished reading The Help and it’s one of my favorites! For any introverts out there, I’m reading The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy. D., and I’m finding it rather enlightening. And as far as children’s books – I just read The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco. She’s one of my favorite children’s authors. I read The Junkyard Wonders to my two grown daughters (23 and 26) and I swear I can never get through one of her books without bawling. We then read The Butterfly and Thunder Cake (even though we read these already). It was kind of sweet that they let me read to them
. And now I need to write down all these recommendations! Thanks Margo!
July 9th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Just shelved Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Lacuna”. Fantastic book. Well-written characters, intriguing plot, and one great line after another. It takes you from country to country, decade to decade, scandal to scandal with an ease that just made for enjoyable reading. I was not a huge fan of “The Poisonwood Bible” but I’m glad I took a chance on her again and picked this one up.
Now I’m starting “The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death” by Laurie Notaro. It may get you some weird looks from other beachgoers when you break into hysterical laughter under your umbrella but if you’re looking for some light summer reading, this would be it!
Thanks for putting the contest together, Margo – the final list of reads should be amazing. kt
July 11th, 2011 at 7:15 am
I just finished You Wish by Mandy Hubbard. It is a funny/quirky YA about a girl who starts getting all the birthday wishes she has ever made. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for an easy, fun read.
July 11th, 2011 at 7:19 am
I also just read Wish Stealers by Tracy Trivas. It’s Middle Grade. (I’m searching for Magic Realism-ish books.) When she’s given stolen pennies, which are ultimately stolen wishes, from a mysterious old lady, she begins a quest to make things right and get rid of a curse. I would recommend it for an easy, light read.
July 12th, 2011 at 8:25 am
I am reading Dripping Blood Cave which is a collection of ghost stories. I like it
very much.
The second book that strongly impressed me was a nonfiction picture book, Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart. I think this book was intended for children but I truly think anyone will enjoy this book.
June Sengpiehl
July 12th, 2011 at 8:55 am
I am reading Dripping Blood Cave by Raymond Bial which are ghost stories and very good.
The other book that I really enjoyed was Under The Snow by Melissa Stewart.
This is a book that was intended for children but I think anyone would enjoy
this book.
June Sengpiehl
July 13th, 2011 at 7:03 am
Thanks for the contest–my novel needs a little Editor 911 TLC…!
I read The Snowman by Jo Nesbo earlier this summer and I’ve just finished Fractured by Karin Slaughter. Both were great, although The Snowman was probably more bloody than other books I’ve read. I hope to pick up a few more mystery/suspense novels later this summer. Now, however, I’m stuck reading some textbooks for a class I’m taking, which I *don’t* recommend for summer reading.
Elizabeth
July 13th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
I’m back! I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and didn’t like it as much as The Soldier’s Wife(mentioned that earlier). It’s written all in letters which is unique and you do get a feeling for the voice of all the people writing the letters but…
What I REALLY liked(it’s too hot to do anything but read!) was Left Neglected by Lisa Genova. A novel about a super mom-career gal who is in a car accident and wakes up not being able to see anything on the left side. And this is a real syndrome! It’s bizarre and funny and inspiring all at the same time. I recommend it simply because it’s takes on our over-scheduled lives in a way I never could have imagined.
July 14th, 2011 at 9:39 am
Just finished The Girl Who Played with Fire…………….on to Hornet’s nest.
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:45 am
Yvonne–I love those books!
Lynn–Did you see THE HELP is a movie coming out this summer I think?
TO everyone, thanks for the suggestions. One more week, if you’ve read anymore, enter again!
Margo
July 24th, 2011 at 12:38 am
I just finished reading The Baker Street Mysteries: The Rose of Africa. It’s a junior fiction book where the Irregulars ( a group of children linked with Sherlock Holmes by one means and another) save the day – no input from the great detective himself necessary. A nice easy read, but one enjoyed more by British children who with some familiarity of the language (Cockney) and places featured in this novel I fear!
July 26th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Just read The Things We Cherish by Pam Jenoff(which is a combo historical fiction and modern romance) and Angelina’s Bachelors by Brian O’Reilly. LOVED Angelina’s Bachelors. Takes place in Philly which I’m familiar with and he really captured the place, the people and their attitudes. This was written by a cookbook author which is fun(and the recipes are incredible–way beyond my skill level!)
Nathan(my son) read My Hands Sing the Blues by Jeanne Walker Harvey which is the story of the migration of African Americans from the South to the North in the 1930′s. My son knew about the Underground Railroad but this told him about another part of African American history that he didn’t know. I think this would be a great book for the classroom.