Did you read any good books in 2016? When I pick up a book, I usually know within the first 10 pages if it’s going to take hold and keep my attention. And, if it does take hold, then I’m in it until the end, meaning I go deaf, dumb and blind to the world until I’ve devoured every page.
Because of my need to completely submerge myself into the pages of a book, I don’t read as often as I’d like to simply because nothing else gets done. Even so, I managed to read several books this year, three of which really made me sit up and take notice.
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk
I read Grandma Gatewood’s Walk in maybe a minute. Okay, a day. Her story took hold of me like no other and did not let me go. Not only did she just start walking the Appalachian Trail on a whim, her remarkable story of personal survival was beyond words. You have to read it to learn for yourself just how incredible this woman was. Read this book, you can thank me later.
Dearie
If you’ve been with us for a while, no doubt you are well-aware of my obsession unrequited love affair with Julia Child. It’s quite possible that I may be one of the few who are fascinated with her life but do not own a copy of her infamous cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Nope, I’m completely in love with and inspired by the person herself, Julia. What made her tick? She was a woman before her time and the biography, Dearie, tells her story from beginning to end, just the way I like it.
Are you a fan of Mitch Albom? Please tell me you are. I believe I have his full collection on my bookshelf. It’s not often I say that, but he has such a gift with words I find it difficult not to own his books – real books – not the Kindle editions. The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is perhaps his best, or at the very least one of my favorites. It’s a tale woven through the decades of a gifted guitar player whose life and guitar strings reveal twists you never see coming. I am in such awe of this man’s way with words.
In Celebration!
In celebration of good quality story telling, in both truth and fiction, we’re hosting a giveaway!
We’re giving away 4 $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Cards. Entering to win is super easy and there are multiple ways in which to do so for a possible total of 8 entries. Four winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter and each winner will receive 1 of the 4 gift cards. Here’s how to enter and please note – you can enter 1 time or you can enter 8 times, totally up to you!
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You have 10 days to enter and to spread the word among your friends. Just 10 days, that’s how long we’ll accept entries. So don’t wait, don’t hesitate, don’t delay, enter today! And then right away, tell your friends! Oh wait, maybe you won’t want to lessen your odds, but go ahead and share anyway. It’s the nice thing to do. And, since one of the ways to enter is to leave a comment below, feel free to share the titles of your most favorite books that you read in 2016. Inspire others to pick up a good book!
In 10 days from now the winner will be chosen randomly – through Rafflecopter – and once we’ve contacted the winners we will announce it on our Facebook page.
Please note: You can enter 1 time or you can enter up to 8 times, totally up to you. Good luck!
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Patti, thanks for offering this thoughtful giveaway! I love all books, from ‘Fun With Dick and Jane,’ to ‘Tuesdays With Morrie.’ ‘All Cats Go to Heaven’ still makes me cry each time I read it… and is a wonderful gift for those who have suffered the loss of a kitty! Thanks to Kim Dinan for pointing the way to your blog. It is fantastic! My next book purchase will be ‘The Yellow Envelope.’ Wishing you a cozy book filled winter! Respectfully, Gretchen in Oregon.
Thank you, Gretchen, for leaving such a sweet comment. I’m so glad you found us and I too am looking forward to reading “The Yellow Envelope.
Julia Child was fantastic. I love when people march to the sound of their own drums.
She was a woman before her time!
I am currently reading novels set in Sri Lanka as we recently moved here….. I just found one by Michael Ondaatje the author of The English Patient. Who knew he was Sri Lankan? Not me.
Peta
Peta Kaplan recently posted…Friend or Foe? ~ Sri Lanka
I did not know that either. I have not read the book, but I have seen the movie, “The English Patient” more times than I can count.
Ooh! I may have to get that one about Julia Child. I loved reading “Julie and Julia”!
Colleen Lanin recently posted…It Luggage Carry Tow Review & Giveaway ~ An Easy Way to Pack It All in!
“Dearie” is an excellent read and literally tells you her entire life story – so engaging!
Oh these all sound like such great reads! I have to pick up Grandma Gatewood’s Walk!!! I also love to read…but wish I had a bit more time for it! I do read every night before bed! So many great books out there and I learn so much from reading!
So many books, so little time!
I’ve just added a few new books to my Summer reading list! Julie looks great as I love Julia Child’s cook books. as does the Mitch Albom book. Thanks for the other suggestions Patti.
Jenny Freedman recently posted…A Walking Tour Through Prague’s Early History
You’re welcome, Jenny, and happy reading!
Terrific recommendations Patti! We have a love affair going on with Julia Child in this house too. Can’t believe we’ve missed this one. Thanks for providing a great holiday gift idea! And I may have to get that Grandma book for myself.
If you’re in love with Julia, “Dearie” is a must read. I promise you will love it! And, Grandma Gatewood will leave you inspired in more ways than one.
I love to read travel guides, for leisure reading.
It’s a good way to get lost in the pages of the book!
I haven’t ready any of these books but am a big fan of reading generally. I definitely prefer a good solid book over a kindle too.
Agreed. I love holding the actual book, but a Kindle is so much easier for travel! 🙂
Thx for offering up these giveaways. Julia Child was indeed quite the lady, wasn’t She? I think I would enjoy reading that book, and would certainly enjoy the B&N gift card. Thx!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…meet me in Montreux
Julia was amazing and someone I would have given just about anything to have the opportunity to sit and talk with her. If you’re a fan, you’ll love “Dearie.”
I loved before i fall
Thanks for sharing, Courtney, I will look for the book!
Winter….a fire, a cozy blanket, a cup of tea & a good book! Thanks for these great recommendations. I will definitely share this post. Anthony Doerr is one of my all-time favorite authors. I loved his “All the Light We Cannot See.” The way he uses such exquisite language to create vivid images and rich emotion! So many wonderful books….happy reading! Sheila
sheiladearden recently posted…A Salmon Story
Completely agree – I love sitting in front of a warm glowing fire with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. Happy reading!
Thanks to you I read two of your recommended books and now like to suggest one for you. A Widows War by Sally Gunning, Cape Cod in 1760, a interesting fictional history of the life and laws during this period.
Happy reading dear friend:) HUGS!!
I will look for “A Widow’s War” and thanks for sharing the one of your favorites.
Hey Patti. Now I have books to put on my Christmas list. Yeah. I love Julia too. What a women she was. My favorite book, all time, is The Book Thief. I will share this post. Linda
I haven’t read, “The Book Thief” but I loved the movie. Thanks for sharing!
I am a total book freak, always several going at once. My all time favorite is Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman. She is an incredible woman. Loved The Long Walk, by Sławomir Rawicz. A Thousand Splendid Suns is also up there among my faves. Grandma Gateway has been on my TBR list for a while now, hoping I find it in a used book store somewhere sometime soon.
Thanks for sharing these titles, looking forward to checking them out. Funny, I rarely will read more than 1 book at a time as I always become so engrossed in what I’m reading.
I hadn’t heard of Dearie but now am putting on my must read list! Thanks for sharing
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“Dearie” tells the whole story, and in her words, as told to her biographer. She was a woman before her time.
You guys are so generous. I love your blog and I love that you are my friends.
Thank you, Diane, we’re so glad to have you in our lives!
I also read Grandma Gatewood’s Walk this year! I’m currently reading Winter in Madrid by CJ Sansom and it is a page turner!
Thanks for the share, Laura, I will look for Winter in Madrid!
Thanks Patti!!! I’ll be sharing 🙂
Thank YOU, Kim!
I tend to read a new book, then go back to read an old favorite once again. My current old favorite is “Fumbling” by Kerry Egan – another story about personal experiences on her journey on the Camino. Since I can’t walk it again myself right now, reading about it is the next best way to be there!
I haven’t heard of “Fumbling” will definitely look for it. The Camino does tug at us, doesn’t it?!
I have Grandma Gatewood’s Walk on my bedside table. You know my walking El Camino fantasy, I’ve read a few books about walking the Appalachian Trail too.
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…Boomeresque’s Holiday Gift Guide – A Few of My Favorite Things
Grandma Gatewood put my Camino to shame!
I read “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk” a couple of years ago and LOVED it. What a woman! “Dearie” sounds fascinating so I’m going to put that on my list. As for books I loved this year – Sue Mond Kidd’s “The Invention of Wings” stands out and is now on my list of all-time favorites. And, while driving through the US this September, we listened to another great book for the second time, James Lee Burke’s “The Tin Roof Blowdown.” As far as I’m concerned, books are another form of travel!
Anita @ No Particular Place To Go recently posted…Emigrating, Immigrating and Celebrating Our First Year in Portugal
I have The Invention of Wings on my Kindle, along with America’s First Daughter – looking forward to both of them. Totally agree, books take you places you’ve only dreamed of in both time and place.