Happiness

365 Thank Yous, American Library Association, Book Buzz, Book Clubs, Books, CBS Evening News, Collection Development, Family, Happiness, HarperCollins Publishers, Hyperion, Inspiration, John Kralik, Katie Couric, Libraries, Memoir, Relationships, Thank You

365 Thank Yous

Kralik We at HarperLibrary are very excited about the buzz surrounding an extremely fascinating book entitled, 365 Thank Yous by John Kralik.  Kralik's book, published by Hyperion (on sale now), is an amazing story of how John turned his life around simply by learning the importance of two simple words…Thank you.

John Kralik tells how his life was on a downward spiral, and by simply writing thank you notes to those he interacted with changed his perspective and his life overall.  John was recently featured on the CBS Evening News.  If you missed the interview, you can watch it here!

If you haven't picked up 365 Thank Yous, what are you waiting for?  I know you'll be glad you did…and you can say "thank you" later (hahaha!).

Enjoy!

-Bobby

Books, Collection Development, Family, Happiness, HarperCollins Publishers, Librarians, Libraries, Love, Marriage, Relationships, Stiltsville, Susanna Daniel

Stiltsville – Guest Review

Stiltsville hc c We are so happy about the huge response we received for Stiltsville, by Susanna Daniel.  The love for Stiltsville continues! 

We received a great review from Lisa Steckhahn, Reference Librarian from the West Allis Public Library in Wisconsin.  Here is Lisa's review of Stiltsville:

This book is a look at the lifespan of a marriage and a friendship starting at the beginning and checking in at all of the major milestones along the way.  Frances meets Dennis and Marse at the same time.  Marse likes Dennis but he ends up falling for Frances.  Even with this rocky start Marse and Frances become best friends.  This is a testament to the author’s ability to create characters that are likeable but still fully realized with authentic flaws and strengths.  Susanna Daniel manages to avoid clichés and craft a believable story filled with a marriage’s mistakes and triumphs.  The Miami setting is another character in the book that lends an unforgettable setting.  It would be a great book to return to during the coldest days of winter. 

-Lisa Steckhahn
Reference Librarian
West Allis Public Library

Many thanks to Lisa and everyone at the West Allis Public Library.  If you have not added Stiltsville to your reading list, what are you waiting for? I believe you will love Stiltsville as much as we do!

Enjoy,

-Bobby

32 Candles, Book Buzz, Books, Collection Development, Early Word, Ernessa Carter, Fierce and Nerdy, Happiness, HarperCollins Publishers, Libraries, Molly Ringwald, Reinvention, Relationships, Sixteen Candles

32 Candles

32Candles hc c I blogged about a book entitled, 32 Candles, by Ernessa T. Carter.  Ernessa's book, 32 Candles is the story of a self-proclaimed ugly duckling who finds her voice and finds herself.  Check out my article.

We received a great review from Lisa Steckhahn, Reference Librarian for the West Allis Public Library.  Here is what Lisa thought of 32 Candles:

"32 Candles is a look at the life of a very unique girl who moves to Los Angeles after enduring abuse from her mom and high school classmates.  Davie enjoys Molly Ringwald movies and wants her own “Molly Ringwald Ending”, a sentiment shared by many girls of her generation.  When she arrives in LA she transforms herself into another person and becomes a nightclub singer.  After establishing a life there, she encounters her high school crush who makes her relive all of the memories she ran away from.  It was a very entertaining read and I couldn’t help but root for Davie even though she is flawed.  The flaws are what makes her interesting and cause the reader to hope that she finally finds her “Molly Ringwald Ending”.  

-Lisa Steckhahn, Reference Librarian
West Allis Public Library

Many thanks to Lisa and everyone at the West Allis Public Library!  I hope you add 32 Candles to your reading list.

Enjoy!

-Bobby

32 Candles, Book Buzz, Books, Collection Development, Early Word, Ernessa Carter, Fierce and Nerdy, Happiness, Libraries, Molly Ringwald, Reinvention, Relationships, Sixteen Candles

Monday Madness…32 Candles

32Candles hc c So if you are anything like me, you are probably sitting in front of your computer reading this and wondering to yourself "where on EARTH did the weekend go?" 

I know one great way to get over the "Monday Blues"…talk about and give away good books!

I am very excited about an upcoming book entitled, 32 Candles, by Ernessa T. Carter.  32 Candles, on sale in June tells the story of Davie Jones, a self-proclaimed ugly duckling from Mississippi, who feels her life couldn't be any worse than it already is.  She's teased at school, and doesn't have the greatest relationship with her mother.  On top of all this, she's in love with a handsome football player, who doesn't know she's alive.  After watching the movie Sixteen Candles,she believes that in spite of it all, if Molly Ringwald can have a happy ending, so can she!

After she realizes she can't take the drama anymore, Davie decides to try her luck at fame and fortune in the big city of Los Angeles, where she reinvents herself and becomes a successful nightclub singer.  As if life couldn't get any better, the handsome football player walks into the club one night.  He doesn't recognize her and her dreams of love become reality. By all accounts, everything is just perfect, until something from Davie's past threatens to haunt her and tarnish her bright future. 

I presented 32 Candles at the ALA Midwinter Conference during our Title Presentation.  To hear my "buzz" on the book, click here!

I am SO excited about this book and would love to hear your comments.  I will send free copies of 32 Candles to the 11 lucky people who send us a comment or an email at librarylovefest at harpercollins dot com.  If you would be so kind as to send a brief review of the book, I would greatly appreciate it! 

Please be sure to check out Ernessa's blogs (32candles.com and fierceandnerdy.com) I hope you find 32 Candles fun and heart-warming as I have.

Enjoy!

-Bobby

Grandparents, Happiness, Inspiration, Life Lessons, Making Toast, Memoir

Review Round-Up: Making Toast

9780061825934 We love getting your feedback on our books, almost as much as we enjoy reading them! With that in mind, here are three new reviews of Roger Rosenblatt's Making Toast from our trusty readers.  And while you're here, don't miss Virginia's review

Our first comes from 20something Lauren Gibaldi, who blogs on halfdesertedstreets.com.  Lauren calls the book "an absolute beautiful read, a truly wonderful tribute." Her full review can be found here

Next up is Diane LaRue. of LaRue Marketing & Public Relations.  She writes: "Their story will touch (and sometimes break) your heart."  Her review is here

Nancy Renfro, director of the Watauga Regional Library, writes:

There never can be too many books on the subject of the death of a loved one.  We all mourn in different ways, and each memoir about death has its own perspective that lends credence to our own unique ways of suffering.  When faced with death, we need reassurance that others have made it through the first numbing days of sorrow, survived, and even created beauty out of their suffering.  Making Toast is a sad, but welcome addition to the growing list of titles of regular humans going about their lives with the people they love and then, unexpectedly, tragically, having the specter of death thrust upon them.  Some of the most readable, poignant and noteworthy of these memoirs are from already published authors.  They already are adept at writing, and thus can explain the emotional tangle they experience in a coherent way.  There have been several over the years  from well-known women authors: Isabel Allende ‘s moving tribute to her daughter “Paula”, Joan Didion’s heart wrenching “The Year of Magical Thinking”, where she deals not only with the death of her beloved husband John Gregory Dunne, but the continued care for her daughter in critical condition in the hospital.  But this memoir is different.  From the perspective of a father, it is less emotional and inward looking, and more a chronicle of how he, his wife, and extended family get through the day to day living that must go on after the death of a vital, healthy wife, mother, and career woman.  How does a parent bury a child in the prime of her life, and then continue to live and find meaning in the life that is left?  Rosenblatt answers that question through his own life and the lives of the family members left behind.  This book is highly recommended.

Beverly Jenkins, Books, Family, Happiness, Libraries, Relationships

A Second Helping – A “New Year’s Giveaway”

SecondHelping pb c Author Beverly Jenkins does it again with her new novel, A Second HelpingA Second Helping, on sale today follows Bernadine Brown and her mission to save a small town in Kansas called “Henry Adams” from financial ruin.  While she’s attending to the task at hand, she discovers additional “projects” that need her help as well…and when her ex-husband comes into town hoping for a second chance, life in Henry Adams is never the same for Bernadine.

A Second Helping has gotten great reviews!  Check them out:

Booklist
Black History Preview (Fiction)
December 15, 2009

http://www.booklistonline.com/default.aspx?page=show_product&pid=3825110
 
Romantic Times Book Reviews
Mainstream Fiction Review
January 2010

"It's great to know that this is destined to be a continuing series … The characters are rich, and the kids all have a story to be told … In this gentle and fulfilling novel of second chances."
http://www.rtbookreviews.com/books_review.php?book=40421&sid=f4622c1eb87e86d524f9aa32ff658bf2

Romance Reviews Online
Fiction Review
January 2010

"Wonderful, marvelous story … This is so special I urge all to read it and experience a lovely experience that's guaranteed to give you with a smile on your face, over and over again."
http://hcussc105/TitleNet/Reportnet/Files//trade%20publicity/a/a%20second%20helping/romance%20reviews%201.1.10%20jenkins.doc

I would love to hear what YOU think about A Second Helping.  I will send free copies of A Second Helping to the first 25 lucky people who send us a comment or an email at librarylovefest at harpercollins dot com.  If you would be so kind as to send a brief review of the book, I would greatly appreciate it!

Happy New Year and Enjoy!

-Bobby

Barbara Graham, Books, Eye of My Heart, Family, Grandparents, Happiness, Inspiration, Libraries, Life Lessons, Relationships

Tune-in to Author Barbara Graham on Good Morning America! (New date and time)

EyeOfMyHeart hc c Yesterday, I posted about author Barbara Graham and her book, Eye of My Heart: 27 Writers Reveal the Hidden Pleasures and Perils of Bring a Grandmother

Barbara Graham's segment on ABC's Good Morning America, has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2009. This is definitely something you don't want to miss!

Enjoy!

-Bobby

Barbara Graham, Books, Eye of My Heart, Family, Grandparents, Happiness, Inspiration, Libraries, Life Lessons

Author Barbara Graham to be Featured on Good Morning America!

EyeOfMyHeart hc c Earlier this year, Virginia wrote a post and added a video from HarperCollins author Barbara Graham, talking about her book Eye of My Heart: 27 Writers Reveal the Hidden Pleasures and Perils of Being a GrandmotherCheck out Virginia’s post and the author video here.

Make sure you tune in tomorrow morning (November 13) to ABC’s Good Morning America as Barbara Graham will be interviewed by Annie Pleshette Murphy, the parenting expert on the show.  Barbara will be talking about difficult relationships between grandmothers on the parental side and their daughter-in-laws as well as her book Eye of My HeartDon’t miss it!

Enjoy!

-Bobby

American Library Association, Books, Celebrities, Diahann Carroll, Family, Happiness, Inspiration, Libraries, Marriage, Memoir, Race, Relationships, Television, The Legs Are The Last to Go, Wendy Williams Show, Women

The Legs Are The Last to Go!

LegsAreTheLast hc c We at HarperCollins were thrilled to publish The Legs Are The Last to Go: Aging, Acting, Marrying and Other Things I Learned the Hard Way by the legendary Diahann Carroll.  Some of you may have had the opportunity to see her at the Closing Session of the 2008 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, California.  In her book, she gives us a candid look at her life and everything she has had to overcome to be the success that she still remains today…a true inspiration for us all!  The buzz on Ms. Carroll (what I like to call her) continues!  Make sure you tune in tomorrow (November 13) to The Wendy Williams Show for Wendy's interview with Diahann Carroll.  Please check your local listings for time and channel.  This is definitely something you will not want to miss!

Enjoy!

-Bobby

Airport, Bargains, Books, Business, Current Affairs, Food and Drink, Happiness, Libraries, Money, Shopping, Travel, Vacation

“Wild Wednesday” Madness

Buy Ketchup pb c As you all know, we here at HarperLibrary are just WILD about our books.  We get even wilder when it comes to sharing them with you.  I have to tell you about this book…it is full of useful tips and information that I know will make your lives just a little easier.

Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon:  A Guide to the Best Time to Buy This, Do That and Go There, by Mark Di Vincenzo (on sale now) is a fascinating book that gives you information on everything you could possibly imagine…and a few things you didn’t.  Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon is a complete guide that tells you the best time of the day, week, month or year to do just about everything.  Whether you are contemplating the best evening to catch your favorite play or the best season to buy your favorite fruit, Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon will help you make the best decision that will comfort your mind and your wallet!

I enjoyed Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon so much that I just had to share some of the tips Mark Di Vincenzo provides with you.  Here are a few my favorites (with a brief description):

1. When is the best time of the day to buy shoes? (My all time favorite…you all know why!)
Late afternoon.  That’s when your feet have swelled and are at their largest size. Buying shoes in the late afternoon means they'll fit just fine in the morning when your feet are at their smallest.

2. When is the best time of the month to buy a car?
The end.  That’s when dealerships are most desperate to make their quotas.

3. When is the best day of the week to eat dinner out?
Tuesday.  Most restaurants don’t receive deliveries on Saturdays and Sundays and many are closed on Mondays…food deliveries start early in the week, so the food served on Tuesday is fresh.

4. When is the best time to go to a Department of Motor Vehicle Office?
Midmorning, mid-afternoon, middle of the week, and middle of the month.  The worst time of the month is the end…the worst day of the week is Saturday.

5. When is the best month to buy toys?
October or November.  New toys often arrive in stores in September, and retailers will wait a few weeks before lowering prices to try to beat their competitors’ prices.

6. Which is the best day of the week to shop for airline tickets?
Monday or Tuesday.  That’s when airlines often lower fares, and in fact, Tuesday is when most travelers buy tickets. Airlines raise fares later in the week.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  Given the times we live in…an uncertain economy, over the top prices and no clear end to it all, this book gives us ways to make life easier and hopefully better. 

I am SO wild about this book that I would love to hear your comments.  I will send free copies to the 25 lucky people who send us a comment or an email at librarylovefest@harpercollins.com  If you would be so kind as to send a brief review of the book, I would greatly appreciate it!  I hope you find Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon as informative and entertaining as I have.

Enjoy!

-Bobby

1970s, Baseball, Books, Celebrities, Cincinnati Reds, Happiness, Joe Posnanski, Ken Griffey Sr, Libraries, Pete Rose, Sports

The Machine

MachineHC c Attention all you sports fans!  Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with this exciting book by Joe Posnanski.  The Machine, on sale now takes a look at the 1975 Cincinnati Reds.  Considered one of the greatest teams in baseball history, The Machine explores everything the team went through to gain that status…the highs, the lows, the fights and the victories.  

Also, check out this great review from Brad Allen, Adult Services Supervisor for the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.  Here is the link:   http://tinyurl.com/yjzkc8q

Many thanks to Brad and everyone at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library!   I hope The Machine brings back fond memories of yesteryear or gives you the motivation to cheer on your favorite team.

Enjoy,

-Bobby
(GO YANKEES!)

Barack Obama, Books, Family, First Couple, First Family, Happiness, Inspiration, Libraries, Marriage, Michelle Obama, Politics, Relationships

Barack and Michelle

BarackandMichelleHC c

I am so excited about this new book that I had to share it with everyone.  Barack and Michelle: Portrait of an American Marriage, by Christopher Andersen is a fascinating book into the lives of "America's First Couple".

Barack and Michelle, (on sale now) gives us an inside look into their marriage and how they are making it a successful one.  Given everything they have to handle, whether it is trying to "save the country", raising a family or facing the reality of public scrutiny, they carry themselves with their heads held high, while never forgetting the love they have for one another.  Barack and Michelle also takes us back to their respective lives before they met and how despite the odds, progressed into very successful individuals.

In today's society where couples are getting divorced faster than we can blink, it is so refreshing to see an example of a marriage that does work.  Barack and Michelle gives those of us that are single hope that a marriage can survive the trials, tribulations and successes of life.  It also serves as a benchmark for married couples to remind them of why they got married and hopefully how they can stay that way.

Enjoy!

-Bobby

Africa, AIDS, American Library Association, Books, Family, Happiness, Inspiration, Libraries, Malawi, Memoir, TED Conference, William Kamkwamba

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

We are so thrilled to have Tavia Kowalchuk, Marketing Director for William Morrow, Eos and Cookbooks (imprints of HarperCollins Publishers) as a guest blogger today.  Tavia is excited about the publication of the forthcoming title, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

Enjoy!

-Bobby 
—————————————————————————————————————

BoyWhoHarnessed hc c The buzz is building for the soon-to-be-released THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND –the inspirational true story about an enterprising teenager in Malawi who built a windmill from scraps found around his village and brought electricity—and a future—to himself and his family.

William Kamkwamba, grew up poor in Malawi, Africa, a country suffering from poverty, famine, AIDS and lack of basic services like plumbing and electricity. When William was 14 and unable to attend school because his family couldn’t afford the $80 tuition, he began thinking a lot about electricity. After being given a book about windmills by his local librarian, he decided to build his own using scrap metal, tractor parts, and blue-gum trees, which grew near his village. William’s home-made contraption succeeded in supplying electricity to his family’s compound. You can click here to read an excerpt from his memoir before the book is on sale (September 29th), but in the meantime, here is an exclusive interview with the librarian in Malawi who gave William the book that changed his life.

Meet librarian Edith Sikelo.  Mrs. Sikelo was sitting behind her desk at the library when William first walked in.
Mrs. Edith Sikelo William Kamkwamba's Community Librarian

Wimbe Community Lending Library pic 2 (not as good)

She quickly noticed his interest in science books and encouraged him to keep reading. His library card soon grew to several pages, which Sikelo now keeps to show visitors, and to brandish to younger students as an example of success.
William's library card part 1 
Mrs. Sikelo was recently interviewed by Tom Rielly, Community Director of the TED Conference, a major party in promoting William’s story throughout the world.

Books, Business, Family, Happiness, Inspiration, Libraries, New York Times

HarperCollins Author Gary Vaynerchuk profiled in the New York Times!

9780061914171 Congratulations to HarperCollins author Gary Vaynerchuk!  He is featured in an amazing article in today's New York Times.  Check out this fabulous profile.

Gary Vaynerchuk's upcoming book entitled, Crush It!:  Why NOW is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion (on sale in October 2009), tells how he grew his family's wine business from four million to sixty million in five years using the internet!  Gary also shows readers how to discover their passion and turn it into a successful and profitable business. 

The Crush It! Tour Contest – Win a Trip on the Crush It! Cruise
At every book signing location, turn in your receipt to be entered for a chance to win a cabin for two on the Crush It! Cruise.  Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, FL throughout the Caribbean from March 20 – 27, 2010, the cruise will allow you to go "beyond the book" with a week's worth of interactive business seminars led by Gary, plus entertaining wine events and much, much more!  Learn more at http://crushitcruise.com.

At the conclusion of the book tour, Gary will draw one receipt for the grand prize winner who will accompany Gary on the cruise.  Drawing to be conducted live on ustream.tv on Thursday, November 19th!

*Please note, you must purchase a book at a book tour location and give your receipt to Gary during a book signing event to be entered in the contest.  One entry per receipt.  Prize winner receives a standard interior stateroom for 2 valued at $899 per person.  Winner is responsible for travel to and from Fort Lauderdale and any and all taxes, fees, on-board expenses, and gratuity.
 
TOUR DATES (More to follow. Check you local bookstore)

Tuesday, October 13       
BORDERS
7:00 PM       
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY
         
Friday, October 16       
BOSTON UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE
1:00 PM       
660 Beacon Street
Boston, MA       
        
Monday, October 19       
POWELL’S BOOKS
7:30 PM       
1005 W. Burnside
Portland, OR 
                

American Library Association, Books, Collection Development, Early Word, Francine Prose, Happiness, HarperCollins Publishers, Kaylie Jones, Libraries, Lies My Mother Never Told Me, Memoir, Mystery/Suspense, Relationships, Shelf Discovery, Lizzie Skurnick, The Roaring 20s

Fall Title Presentation

KVB If you were unable to attend our title presentation at ALA in Chicago this past July, fear not!  We’re bringing our book buzz to you! Click on the links below to watch us talk about the hot books coming out in Fall 2009.  Each link is about 10 minutes long and we’ve listed the titles being discussed in each video.  Also attached is the handout that we made available to all attendees of the presentation.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, Academy Award nominations, etc.

Thanks!

-Virginia, Bobby and Kayleigh

Video 1A
Included in this video: Introduction, information on HarperCollins Catalogs, eGalleys, Book Club Girl, Library Love Fest (radio show), twitter (HarperLibrary), HarperLibrary's blog (Library Love Fest), Shelf Help, Kayleigh’s blog (The Roaring 20s), Earlyword.com and Harper Perennial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2vF140GVoQ
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1A)

Video 1B
Included in this video: Information on Harper Perennial, and the following titles, Shelf Discovery, by Lizzie Skurnick, By The Time You Read This, by Lola Jaye, and Lies My Mother Never Told Me, by Kaylie Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUe2jl8-sxE
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1B)

Video 1C
Titles included in this video: Bending Towards the Sun, by Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, Under This Unbroken Sky, by Shandi Mitchell, Evidence of Murder, by Lisa Black, How to Paint a Dead Man, by Sarah Hall and I Shudder, by Paul Rudnick

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZIX7h_a8WI
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1C)

Video 1D
Titles included in this video: Beneath the Bleeding, by Val McDermid, The Financial Lives of Poets, by Jess Walter, Anne Frank, by Francine Prose and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, by William Kamkwamba

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX-b-Eh06c0
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1D)

Video 1E
Titles included in this video: Not Lost Forever, by Carmina Salcido, Manhood for Amateurs, by Michael Chabon and Hummingbirds, by Joshua Gaylord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjbIu4n5k3Y
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1E)

Video 1F
Titles included in this video:  Far from Zion, by Charles London, I am neurotic (and so are you), by Lianna Kong, The Hidden, by Tobias Hill, The Sand Fish, by Maha GargashTen Storey Love Song,by Richard Milward and The Body in the Sleigh, by Katherine Hall Page

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQgzm6b72TE
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1F)

Video 1G
Titles included in this video: Notes Left Behind, by Brooke and Keith Desserich, The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver, Lit, by Mary Karr, Wishin’ and Hopin’, by Wally Lamb and This Book is Overdue!, by Marilyn Johnson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBOV0CKk68A
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1G)

Video 1H
Titles included in this video: Be Careful What You Pray For, by Kimberla Lawson Roby, Gator A-Go-Go, by Tim Dorsey, Shadow Tag, by Louise Erdrich, and Horns, by Joe Hill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysmUlveJzyU
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1H)

Video 1I
Titles included in this video: Encore, Valentine, by Adriana Trigiani, Making Toast, by Roger Rosenblatt, The Lovers, by Vendela Vida and A Pearl in the Storm, by Tori Murden McClure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb6Sp0HEWk0
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1I)

 

Books, Happiness, Historical Fiction, Libraries, Love, Publishers Weekly, Relationships, Vincent van Gogh, Women

HarperCollins Author Sheramy Bundrick gets a Starred Review!

Sunflowers pb c Congratulations to HarperCollins author Sheramy Bundrick!  Sheramy’s forthcoming debut novel, Sunflowers just received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.  Check out this fabulous review:

Download Sunflowers – PW 8.17.09

Sunflowers,on sale in October of 2009, is a hauntingly beautiful and fascinating novel about Vincent van Gogh and his relationship with a mysterious young woman named Rachel and the passion they shared. Sheramy Bundrick’s background as an art historian helps craft the perfect novel: real historical figures, passion, romance and drama.  A true winner!

-Bobby

Airplane, Airport, Beach, Books, Happiness, Libraries, Travel, TSA, Vacation

Before You Get on That Flight…

WSJGuidetoPowerTravel pb c I think we can agree that this time of year is a major travel season.  Whether you are off to a family reunion, going to an extreme sporting venue or just planning to sit on the beach with a good book, chances are you will utilize “the friendly skies” to get to your destination.  The Wall Street Journal Guide to Power Travel has all the information you need to ensure your travel excursion is a pleasant one.

The Wall Street Journal Guide to Power Travel, by Scott McCartney (on sale now), is full of important tips and suggestions on everything from how to pack light (my personal challenge) to finding the best fares.  Some helpful hints included in the Wall Street Journal Guide to Power Travel are:

How to get cheap fares, first-class upgrades, and better seats
– How to minimize chances of lost luggage and what to do when baggage doesn’t show up
– How to avoid delays, get around TSA bottlenecks and minimize the chances you’ll get stuck at some distant airport–and what to do if you do get stuck
– How to complain to an airline and get some attention, right down to what to ask for in compensation and how to get the government’s attention

Before you leave for that awesome adventure, pick up a copy and become a true “Power Traveler”.  A big shout out to the Prospect Heights Public Library for making the Wall Street Journal Guide to Power Travel one of your staff picks!

Happy Friday!

-Bobby

Books, Chris Gardner, Family, Happiness, Inspiration, Libraries, Life Lessons

Chris Gardner Speaks…

StartWhereYouAre hc c Last month, I wrote about Chris Gardner’s amazing follow up to his New York Times bestseller, The Pursuit of HappynessStart Where You Are: Life Lessons in the Pursuit of Happyness, on sale in May of 2009 gives over forty lessons on how to not only make your dreams reality, but help you navigate on this crazy road we call “life”.  After each lesson there are “assignments” or exercises that you can do to fully understand that lesson and make it a part of your life.   Check out Chris Gardner’s video where he talks about the motivation behind Start Where You Are and how you can gain that needed push to start your life anew.  Enjoy!

-Bobby

Books, Family, Happiness, Inspiration, Libraries, Love, Marriage, Memoir, Parkinson's Disease

How Sweet It Is…

Have you ever read a story that took you on an emotional rollercoaster?  Did it take you from happy to sad all with the turn of the page?  Remember the Sweet Things is just that kind of story. It’s the true story of a woman’s twenty-year marriage where she found the love she was looking for and truly deserved.

RememberSweetHC c Remember the Sweet Things, written by Ellen Greene is a touching memoir where she talks about the love she found and the love she gained for herself.  Ellen was divorced, with two children.  After her failed marriage and an ill-fated relationship, she decided to move across the country from New Mexico to Massachusetts to start a new life for herself and her children. While there, she met her future husband Marsh.  She found him to be kind, charming, and  respectful.  Since she just knew this amazing behavior wouldn’t last, she decided to write down everything he did wrong so when the relationship was over, she would be justified in getting out.  However, she couldn’t find anything negative to add to the list.  Instead, she decided to write all the good things (good deeds, jestures, and sayings) that he made.

Check out this video of Ellen Greene as she discusses Remember the Sweet Things:

Books, Current Affairs, Family, Happiness, Inspiration, Libraries, Life Lessons

Start Where You Are

Do you ever have those moments where you allow your mind to wonder about life?  Do you think about where you are and where you are going?  Have you ever thought about a dream you once had, but allowed it to become a distant memory?  Start Where You Are gives realistic strategies on how to put a new spring in your step.

StartWhereYouAre hc cStart Where You Are: Life Lessons in the Pursuit of Happyness, written by Chris Gardner gives over forty lessons on how to not only make your dreams reality, but help you navigate on this crazy road we call “life”.  After each lesson there are “assignments” or exercises that you can do to fully understand that lesson and make it a part of your life. 

Start Where You Are, the follow up to his best-selling memoir The Pursuit of Happyness, answers the two questions he is asked more than any others…”How did you do it” and “How can I do it too?” Start Where You Are, on sale in May of 2009 gives us even more inspiration by showing us examples from Chris Gardner’s life experiences.

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