I think I've mentioned this before – I'm a book addict. I have boxes and boxes of books stacked in the boys' rooms downstairs, waiting for the library Tom has promised me (and promised me… and promised me…)
(Okay, in his defense, he built this whole house … even finished out my closet while he barely has a rod to hang his shirts on, so I understand a proper home for my beloved books isn't high on the priority list. Really I do. Sigh.)
Anyway, back to my addiction…
Books fill windowsills and mismatched bookshelves that are scattered around the house. Books are stacked on tables, fill cabinets… you get the picture. I just can't throw a book away or resist "adopting" a homeless one (for the right price, anyway.)
But I think I've also already mentioned that I don't take time to read anymore – not books, anyway. Not often. I have good intentions and dream of reading all of the books I adopt, but the reality is they sit waiting, neglected, while I spend my hours trying to make money and chase the dreams I've put off for so long.
I miss reading a good book. There's nothing like it, getting sucked into the pages, caught up in the lives of the characters, becoming oblivious to everything around you, laughing, crying, getting mad.
Growing up I spent hours reading, and when the kids were younger we shared dozens of books over the years, 30 minutes at a time, every single night. When they got older, summers would find me next to the pool with a book in my hand while they splashed around with their friends.
Now they're grown up and I'm too busy trying to make money.
And that's why I'm so grateful to BlogHer – they started a Book Club and asked for reviewers. Immediately, I raised my hand. Not only would I be sent a book (for free!) but I'd be paid to read and write a review. Not much, mind you, but any little bit was enough justification to me.
The first book I read for the Book Club, Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks, is a historical fiction, a genre I love, but it's been awhile since I read one I enjoyed this much. It was tough to put it down! It's about the first Native American to attend Harvard, although for me it was more of a coming-of-age story about a young girl named Bethia who befriends him.
If you're interested, click HERE to read my review and others on BlogHer. (But if you decide to buy it, please come back here and click on my link!)
Now (thanks to BlogHer) I'm reading a memoir – A Jane Austen Education, by William Deresiewicz. After my adventure with Caleb's Crossing, I was tempted to jump into another novel, but this one called to me for some reason, and I'm glad I picked it. Stay tuned for my review later this month.
Besides giving me an excuse to read, BlogHer also recently gave me a chance to try some new dog food (well, for Belle to try some new dog food) and to give readers a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. I won't give any of the details away here, though … if you're interested, click HERE to read my review on Purina Pro Plan Selects and see how to win.
Okay, I'll tell you this much – all you have to do is leave a comment on my review blog (not here) to be entered to win. (Although I love reading your comments, here, too!)
You'll also get to read a little about me and my dogs and see some cute pictures of them. And also find out how to increase your chances of winning!
Good luck, and I hope you're having a great week!
Long Hollow 
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