Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Guest Post: Kelly Simmons & Giveaway

Yesterday, I reviewed a terrific book called STANDING STILL by Kelly Simmons. In my review, I mentioned that I thought it would make a great book club discussion book and that Ms. Simmons is very gracious about meeting with book clubs.

I am so glad that Ms. Simmons has stopped by today and is sharing with us some of her more "entertaining" visists with book clubs!

Five Awkward Book Group Moments

For the most part, visiting book groups to discuss my debut novel, STANDING STILL, has been immensely pleasurable, even after nearly a hundred visits. People have been warm, welcoming, intelligent and fun. I have, in turn, tried my best to be prepared, intelligent, energetic, and entertaining. But . . . .there have been a few missteps on both sides.

Awkward Moment Number One: The Early Bird. I didn’t mean to be so prompt – but there wasn’t any traffic and there was no coffeeshop nearby to kill some time, so I thought, what the hell, I’ll arrive exactly on time. So what, right? Promptness is next to cleanliness which is next to Godliness, right? Wrong. No one was there. The food wasn’t there. Even worse, the wine wasn’t there. Horrors! Oh well, there were three dogs for me to pet.

Awkward Moment Number Two: The Scofflaw. Often, people want to buy autographed books for their friends and relatives. (I don’t want to come across like an Avon Lady so I keep them in my car unless someone asks.) And since I don’t take credit cards, I often end up with a check or two. And once . . . . yeah, you got it, Insufficient Funds. Add in the bank fees and the money order fee and that poor woman ended up re-paying me nearly $70. Hope she liked the world’s most expensive book!

Awkward Moment Number Three: The Loose Lips. It’s inevitable that the discussion veers away from books, and one night at a group a few hours from my home, a woman said, “Oh, I knew a girl from college who lived in your town. She went to some snooty high school called ______. Do you live near it?” Gulp. That’s, uh, where my oldest daughter, um, goes to school, uh, actually.

Awkward Moment Number Four: The Secret Ingredient. Oh, it’s delicious, you have to try it, have some of these too, Donna makes them from scratch and they are addicting, here take one! Wow, is that, uh, green pepper hiding inside? Cuz I’m allergic but no my throat won’t close up I’ll just uh, hey, is that the powder room over there by any chance?

Awkward Moment Number Five: The Dissertation. Once, just as I was putting on my coat to leave, a woman came up to me and handed me a manila envelope. “I will probably regret giving this to you, but so be it,” she said. I assumed it was a manuscript she wanted feedback on, and was too afraid to ask. I smiled and tucked it into my book bag, always happy to help a fellow writer. The next morning I was stunned to find a ten-page paper chastising me for all the grammatical errors in the book, and citing all the applicable grammar and usage rules that applied. Ouch!

Everybody puts hors d’oeuvres in their mouth at reading groups – but sometimes we also put our foot there. Have you?


STANDING STILL is now in paperback, and Kelly’s on the road visiting book clubs when she can -- and offering an exclusive Book Group DVD when she can’t. For more information, see her website: http://www.bykellysimmons.com/, or email her at kellysimmonswrites@yahoo.com.

I am thrilled to announce that Ms. Simmons has agreed to send one lucky reader an autographed copy of her novel STANDING STILL! Please leave a comment with your e-mail address telling me why you'd like to read this book for one entry. To double or even triple your chances, you can blog about this contest with a link back to this post or tweet about it! This contest is open until Wednesday, March 18th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will announce the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. mailing addresses only. Good luck!

97 comments:

  1. I love this post! I haven't ever put my foot in my mouth at a book club meeting (because I'm not in one) but I've done it plenty of other places. After reading your review and Jen's review, I'd love to read this book. milou2ster(at)gmail.com

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  2. Wow! Sounds like a very intense book. I'm headed on a business trip soon and need something to take a long for long nights in the hotel. This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ruthann (dot) francis (at) gmail (dot) com

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  3. i do not belong to a group so i have not done so, but i think my mouth is stretched for how many other times i have thanks for the giveaway minsthins(At)optonline(dot)net

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  4. Don't enter me, I just wanted to comment on Kelly's post. I can't believe that someone would a) bother to go through a book and document every misuse of grammar; and b) give their work to the writer! That is ridiculous, not to mention presumptuous.

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  5. I want to read this book because I suffer from panic disorder and I like to read books I can relate to.

    bridget3420(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  6. I have a bad habit of saying whats on my mind. It doesn't matter how inappropriate it may be, if I'm thinking it I'm probably saying it in the same moment. To make matters worse I don't pad what is said. Having said that it's probably a good thing I don't belong to a book club. I've always been interested to know what happens in that format. One of the reasons I would love to read this book, to get an inside view. Thanks for the opportunity! Indigo

    ravensquietscreams@gmail.com

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  7. I just read your review and the book sounds awesome! Thanks for the chance to win it!

    mlb108[at]gmail[dot]com

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  8. I have been reading rave reviews for this book all around.. would definitely love to read it!
    please enter me for the contest!

    ramyasbookshelf(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. The stories gave me a much needed smile this morning -- great post! I always seem to do awkward things -- it just seems to be in my genes -- sigh. And I would love to read the book, it looks great!

    vmlay@artsci.wustl.edu

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  10. I'd love to read this book. The cover intriques me. Well, the story does too. I lead our f2f book club at the library. I think if we served alcohol the group would be a little more outrageous, otherwise they are a pretty tame group.

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  11. I have read several great reviews, how could I not want to read it.
    sports dot erikalynn at gmail dot com

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  12. Super post!! love it! I just joined my first book club. I'll have to remember the awkward moments!


    Please do enter me in the drawing.

    BFish[dot]Reads[at]gmail.com

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  13. I read your review yesterday and thought the book sounded great, but I just loved her post. She sounds like a really fun lady. Thanks for entering me.

    carolsnotebook at yahoo dot com

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  14. Haha that was a fun post
    The book sounds interesting, I'm curious how it ends
    KawaiiNeko2008 (at) aol (dot) com

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  15. I love this author's wry sense of humor - the secret ingredient made me laugh so hard I wheezed! I do have panic disorder...

    teabird 17 at yahoo(dot)com

    (another melanie!)

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  16. Ooh! I just posted on your review that you convinced me to read the book, and now you're giving it away! Awesome!! momof5boys at gmail dot com

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  17. This does sound like an intense book! What a fun guest post, loved to hear the authors experiences! Add my name to the drawing, please!

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  18. The author is fascinating and the book sounds the same way! Please enter me in your drawing. I appreciate it. Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  19. I'd love to be entered to win this book. Why do I want to read it? Easy - your review!

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  20. This looks like an awesome suspense book...Right away when I read about it I connected with the lady since I also have anxiety attacks and am on medication for it. So I know this book I would probably read in no time because I would have a hard time putting it down. I love horror, suspense books and this one looks like it is right up my alley.

    sallylynnsara@hotmail.com

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  21. I'm not in a book club but am so good at just saying whatever is on my mind so I've had those moments definitely. sounds like a great read

    msboatgal at aol dot com

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  22. I've said questionable things during my book club meetings before. Sometimes my mouth and brain are not in sync and what comes out is borderline offensive to someone. Then I stumble over my words to try to correct the situation. It's not pretty but it happens.

    I would love to read this book because it sounds so psychologically tense.

    thereedfamily[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  23. Sounds like a great thriller! I'd love to win this book.

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  24. Think I just deleted my comment?
    Well, I think this book sounds interesting. I went to the author's site and watched the trailer for it.

    Please count me in too.

    BevE
    merryweatherbookblog@gmail.com

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  25. I loved her book club story and it made me laugh! It isn't like that hasn't every happened at one of our club meetings! Please sign me up!
    Staciele(at)netins(dot)net

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  26. I'd love to read this book because I feel like I can relate to the main character Claire since she has Panic Disorder and I have somewhat severe Anxiety. Thanks for entering me.
    unforgetable_dreamer_always AT hotmail DOT com

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  27. This sounds like a mother's worst nightmare - to think someone was going to harm your child. Of course you want to step into their place! Sounds like it will make a great read!
    And I promise, I will not make note of any grammatical errors!

    kherbrand at comcast dot net

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  28. ok do not belong to a reading group so not in a meeting but yes other places..and big time, I also like others have panic attacks but I believe that is stress of life

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  29. Wow after reading your review it sounds like my kind of book--full of suspense! It sounds very intriguing to go into the mind of a mother with panic disorder who gets abducted...

    michelle.kuool(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. Posted it in my blog:
    http://flyingsolooooo.blogspot.com/2009/03/book-giveaway-links-for-march.html

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  31. How funny! Thanks for sharing the embarrassment, now I'm going to have to join a book group, they sound fun!
    Please enter me!
    meh471 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

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  32. i'm not in a book club, but me and my coworkers do exchange books frequently.

    k_sunshine1977@yahoo.com

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  33. Please include me in your drawing.
    Thanks
    Debbie
    debdesk9@verizon.net

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  34. I read your review and it sounds like a very intense read. I can't imagine a situation like that!

    Blogged your contest:
    http://www.morbid-romantic.net/2009/03/02/book-giveaways-0302-0308/

    Valorie
    morbidromantic@gmail.com

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  35. Oh I put my foot in my mouth at book club, once that really stands out...I asked the members who liked to talk more if they could make sure to include the quieter members....yes I know, you wouldn't think that would cause a problem. I heard about it for months, and some people even left the group. I was glad to see them go.

    Thanks for hosting yet another wonderful giveaway!!

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  36. Thanks for the giveaway and the detailed intro.


    gahome2mom(at)gmail(d)com

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  37. This sounds like a good book, an intense read. I love to have a copy. Enter me please. As far as putting foot in mouth, I do that on a regular basis. I cannot believe anyone would give an author corrections for their book.

    Flabbergasted Fan,

    Dottie

    gymmom_027@yahoo.com

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  38. i want to read this because i too suffer from anxiety! argh.

    she
    pookielocks at ymail dot com

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  39. This book sounds great! I've never been in a book club, but I'm thinking about joining one. :)

    Totally could feel where you came from too when the lady handed you the letter filled with your errors...I write our company newsletter and if I even misplace a comma, there are three women there to cheerfully show me. Ugh!

    rachie2004 at yahoo dot com

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  40. What fun to read about her strange moment at book clubs. Great post!

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  41. I would like to win this so I can reccomend to my book group.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  42. I've entered a bunch of giveaways to win this book, and I haven't won it yet. :-( I think the premise is intriguing, and after reading her guest post, I'm pretty sure I'll like her writing! She sounds like a really fun lady!

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  43. I would love to read this because I have always been interested in disorders. Sounds weird when I type it, but even at a young age I was drawn to stories like, Cybil, where women were sick, but it was out of their control.
    Great post!

    shelcows AT gmail DOT com

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  44. I've posted this on Win a Book. No need to enter me.

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  45. I've posted this on Win a Book. No need to enter me.

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  46. I definitely think that Standing Still is right up my ally. I love thrillers/mysteries and add in the psychological aspects and I'll more than likely devour it.

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  47. First, your review of the book intrigued me. Then this guest post sealed the deal. I'd love to read this one. Thanks for the great giveaway. I've posted it in my sidebar.

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric
    diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com

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  48. I would love to read this because the guest post is wonderful. I love people who can laugh at themselves when they are put in awkward situations.

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  49. I would love to win the author sounds very nice con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

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  50. Sounds good. I can't do book groups at all. I constantly review every little thing I said and critique myself to death. It is just too exhausting.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    curlypixie(at)gmail

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  51. Count me in! This looks like a great book. Got my fingers crossed!

    Marta
    tbbycatt@ gmail.com


    http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com

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  52. Sounds like a great author and I think this would be a fun book. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  53. I tweeted your giveaway! (My username is @ThriftyJinxy)

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  54. I got goosebumps just reading about the book. I want to read this to know what happens next.

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  55. I would love to win this book and to have it autographed would make it even better!

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  56. I want to read it because it's a book I can relate to

    calliemist@yahoo.com

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  57. I know someone who would really relate to this book. Thanks for the chance

    jason@allworldautomotive.com

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  58. I'd like to win because this sounds like a good book.

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  59. I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I like how dramtic is sounds.

    I enjoyed reading the five awkward moments.

    Clbstitch at yahoo dot com

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  60. sounds like an interesting book. I've managed to put my foot in my mouth without the aid of a bookclub setting.

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  61. Please include me in your giveaway.
    Thanks
    Debbie
    debdesk9@verizon.net

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  62. I've read good reviews about this books and would love to read it!! Thanks!

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  63. I would love to win this because I am always looking for great new books & authors to read.

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  64. Great review. I don't belong to a book club, but I do have a tendency to put my foot in my mouth and then some.

    sharon54220@gmail.com

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  65. After reading awkward moment number three, all I can say is "wow". Sounds like someone needs to get a life.

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  66. I have put my foot in my mouth many times! Would love to win this!

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  67. I would love to read this. I put my foot in my mouth all the time. I don't mean to, it just happens.
    nhertel85 AT yahoo DOT com

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  68. This sounds unnerving! I would love a chance to win this book!

    Thank you so much for the giveaway! And thanks to Kelly for doing this with you!

    Kelly

    enroutetolife(at)gmail(dot)com

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  69. This book sounds very interesting and different from what I normally read so I would love to try it. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  70. Please put my name in the hat. Thank you.

    candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

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  71. I really need an intense read. I have posted about your giveaway here:

    http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/2009/03/oh-yeahheyheytime-for-some-more.html

    Thanks!

    Kelly

    enroutetolife(at)gmail(dot)com

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  72. Would I be able to tell someone to take me rather than my child. Yes, I think so, but I hope that I shall never have to find out. This sounds like a terrific book. One I would very much like to read.

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  73. sounds like an awesome thriller! Hope to win
    deefna@gmail.com

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  74. ty 4 the awesome book giveaway and 4 the entry:)

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  75. lol, loved the post! Please enter me in the contest, looks like a A+ book!

    lastnerve2000@gmail.com

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  76. Sounds like a great book.... thank you for the contest

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  77. I'd love to read this book - it sounds really funny - quite a switch from the serial killer novels I usually read.

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  78. After reading your book this sounds like a must read for me. I loved the review and the guest post.

    Thanks so much!

    dbkagrayson2002 at gmail dot com

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  79. Sounds like a great book. thanks for the chance to win it.
    helencutie06@aol.com

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  80. I would love to read this book because I heard awesome reviews about this book. In addition, I love to read this because I love novels that deals about female issues. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

    -I blogged about this giveaway in my LJ:
    http://okibi-insanity.livejournal.com/6114.html#cutid1

    Sue
    okibi_insanity[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  81. This looks like a really good book that would be well worth reading. So, please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks! As far as putting your foot in your mouth goes, I think everyone has that happen to them sometimes. Most of the incidents you told about are completely understandable, but giving an author corrections on their book? Ouch. That's just wrong on so many levels.

    tiffanyak1986(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  82. I would like to read this book because it sounds so interesting. The book's cover is so pretty. Thanks so much for having this giveaway.

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

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  83. This sounds like an awesome read!! I try really hard not to put my foot in my mouth, but sometimes it can't be helped - ha!

    areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

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  84. It's been a long time since I read a good complex thriller. I've been reading too many reference and study books. I'd love to read this. Thanks for the chance.

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

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  85. How funny!! #5- OMG, the nerve!!! I am one of those weirdo readers who notice typos and other errors while I'm reading, but to actually point them out to the ACTUAL AUTHOR?? Wow. I bet she's not a lot of fun to live with!

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  86. i so want to read this one! pls count me in.

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  87. I want to read this book because I think its sounds really interesting.

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  88. That's a hillarious guest post! Please enter me in this contest.

    I'm just amazed that someone would go to the trouble of documenting these errors and bringing them to your attention after you have been generous enough to go out of you way to meet with the book club.

    joannelong74@gmail.com

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  89. This just really sounds like a book that would grab my attention and hold it! I'd love an entry! Thank you!

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  90. The book sounds so interesting!

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  91. I would love to read this book... Thanks for the giveaway

    debbebennett at yahoo dot com

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  92. I would love to read this book. It sounds so interesting!

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  93. Possible embarassing faux pas or not, I would love to join a book club. I wish that any of my friends were readers, but, alas, I appear to be the only one. I will have to venture out and make some new book loving friends I should think. Please enter me in for this giveaway.

    I can be reached at booksnakereviews[at]gmail[dot]com .

    Thanks.

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  94. I can't imagine a woman giving someone all those pages on grammatical mistakes. Yikes, what colossal nerve!
    Please enter me in the drawing

    florida982002[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  95. I'd love to win this book because I have read such great reviews of it - including yours! What a hilarious guest post :)

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