Women Reading (weekly)
*Every Wednesday*
Founder: Sasha Soren (Random Magic)
Here's what's news!
Edition: Dec. 14-20, 2011
Art and Quotes
A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors. - Henry Ward Beecher
A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors. - Henry Ward Beecher
Discussions and Book Chats
Bookie Brunch question: When it comes to the magical - how much do you believe in what you're reading? For you, are your books pure fiction or do you secretly hope that maybe there might be some truth to all of the stories?
I certainly hold out hope that there is some truth in what we read - I mean, how cool would it be that people out there really could turn into an animal at will or live forever. Even as I write this I feel silly, but I for one really want there to be more to this world than just humans, I want werewolves, vampires, faeries and magic
I know it's not really out there, BUT if they were to make themselves known, I would be one of the first people to turn around and say, 'I told you so.' - Amanda (host), Story Wings (@StoryWings)
I definitely hope that there is some truth to all the stories that I read, because I think the worlds they are set in are incredible...I think one of the reasons we all love reading these books is because we all secretly hope that what we are reading about is real. - Melody, Book and Music Lover
I'm an enthusiast of losing myself in a story. If the author is doing their job, I can get fully lost and live in this other world of paranormal and magical creatures. I wouldn't say that I think that they're real in the real world, just real in my imagination. There is truth in the stories, but not necessarily in the creatures that inhabit these stories. - Liz, eLizzie Books (@elizziebeth)
***** Join this discussion *****
Events and Parties
December 10-25, 2011: Visit: Feel free to join a group of great bloggers for a virtual round of caroling, with Songs of the Season, a fun and quirky music hop. From Dec. 10-25, discover new songs handpicked by each host, along with other fun things to enjoy each day. Event production by Random Magic Tour (@RandomMagicTour). Visit
December 1-24, 2011: Visit: Hosts Kailana from The Written World and Marg (@MargReads) from Adventures of an Intrepid Reader invite you to drop by for Virtual Advent Tour 2011. This is the sixth year for the event, and it has become part of the book blogging community's holiday tradition.
From the hosts: Each day anyone who wants to participate takes turns sharing a treat with our friends here in blogland. It could be something about your family traditions, recipes, your country's holiday traditions, or a favorite Christmas memory, movie, book, song...anything you like. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, we would like to hear about what your family does during the holiday season, whether it be celebrating Hanukkah or Kwanzaa (or a pagan holiday, etc.) or whatever it is that you do during this time. Visit
Dec. 1-31, 2011: Snowed In: Visit: What Book is That? (@whatbookemily) will be hosting an indie author event (shown above) in December. Event description provided by blogger: Every day in December, a different indie book will be reviewed. Each review will have a giveaway attached for e-books, print books or gift certificates. Stop by every day for a new chance to win!
Nov. 20-Dec. 20, 2011: Visit: Evie (@SeoEvie) of Bookish invites you to meet some of the authors working in teen fiction (also called young adult fiction or YA). Event includes interviews, reviews, and a chance to win some of the featured titles.
Memes and Features
(Incl. reading challenges)
Weekly: Every weekend (Fri. thru Sun.): Visit: Random Magic Tour (@RandomMagicTour) invites you to find and share a beautiful book nook every weekend - posts include a badge collection of all the pretty libraries, coffee shops or various reading rooms. Every weekend through Dec. 31, 2011. Visit or Participate
Weekly: Every weekend (Fri. thru Sun.): Visit: Random Magic Tour (@RandomMagicTour) invites you to find and share a beautiful book nook every weekend - posts include a badge collection of all the pretty libraries, coffee shops or various reading rooms. Every weekend through Dec. 31, 2011. Visit or Participate
Every Thursday: Visit: Words and Peace (@wordsandpeace) invites you to visit I Love France, a weekly meme posting every Thursday and featuring tidbits about French culture. Visit
Videos and Vloggers
Shown above: Vlogger Christina of I Love Books (@Booklover_622) shares a sneak peek at her vlog for Songs of the Season, a music hop featuring bloggers talking about their favorite winter songs, whether spiritual, religious or secular. Her stop on Songs of the Season will be December 20, 2011 - but here's the video ahead of time, for readers of Women Reading.
More: christinavlog622 (video channel)
More: The Book Addict (blog)
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day 11 - December Vlogathon
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day 10 - December Vlogathon
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Nine - December Vlogathon
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Eight - December Vlogathon
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Seven - December Vlogathon
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Fail?
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Notes: Rachel experienced some technical difficulties with her computer hard drive and YouTube upload process, so the vlogathon was interrupted, but the vlogathon continues after this video, as scheduled.
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Six - 19 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Five - 20 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Four - 21 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Three - 22 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Two - 23 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day One - 24 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Christina of I Love Books (@Booklover_622) shares a sneak peek at her vlog for Songs of the Season, a music hop featuring bloggers talking about their favorite winter songs, whether spiritual, religious or secular. Her stop on Songs of the Season will be December 20, 2011 - but here's the video ahead of time, for readers of Women Reading.
More: christinavlog622 (video channel)
More: The Book Addict (blog)
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day 11 - December Vlogathon
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day 10 - December Vlogathon
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Nine - December Vlogathon
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Eight - December Vlogathon
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Seven - December Vlogathon
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Fail?
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Notes: Rachel experienced some technical difficulties with her computer hard drive and YouTube upload process, so the vlogathon was interrupted, but the vlogathon continues after this video, as scheduled.
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Six - 19 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Five - 20 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Four - 21 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Three - 22 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day Two - 23 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel Superbook is doing a vlog countdown as part of her December Vlogathon - Christmas Countdown, co-hosted by Liddy of The Book Monster (Liddy spells it as TheeBookMonster).
Title: Day One - 24 Days to Go 'til Chrimbo
Channel: RachelVlogSpot
Book Adaptations and Media Marvels
(Incl. movies, music, games, tech, publishing news, other.)
Shown above: Author interview with Erica Bauermeister. You can win a copy of the book she's discussing here, at a Bookie Brunch hosted at The Fluidity of Time. Browse details
Shown above: Author interview with Erica Bauermeister. You can win a copy of the book she's discussing here, at a Bookie Brunch hosted at The Fluidity of Time. Browse details
Goodies and Giveaways
Win: Enter: Through May 31, 2012: The Ultimate Women's Expo offers a trip for four to Paris, France. Includes airfare, hotel stay, sightseeing via limousine, spa session. (More)
WIN: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: Win a great time - just add nibbles and a few buddies, to host your own 1930s mob movie marathon! (cont'd below)
Preview: Check out the deck
Win this: Details
Through Dec. 15, 2011
Part of Guys and Molls party - win a cute prize pack of a multi-title DVD (shown above) and mobster-speak flashcard set (shown above). Sponsor: Random Magic Tour. (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: How very convenient, given all the nice DVD prizes there are to win through Bookie Brunch, that there's an offer out via Audiovox for a portable DVD player (shown above). That's timing! (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: Win a charming book for a favorite foodie, or just a cozy read for chilly weather. Sponsor: Random Magic Tour. Part of Bookie Brunch, host is The Fluidity of Time. Preview book | Browse offer details
WIN this book at Bookie Brunch, offer open through December 15, 2011.
Win: Enter: Through May 31, 2012: The Ultimate Women's Expo offers a trip for four to Paris, France. Includes airfare, hotel stay, sightseeing via limousine, spa session. (More)
WIN: Enter: Through December 31, 2011: Now you won't have to wonder if the movie is as good as the book or not - win this classic novel and matching movie version. This set features a paperback edition of The Age of Innocence with a new, beautifully designed cover and a DVD of the feature film, nestled together in a sturdy case. This could be a nice treat to keep for a rainy weekend. Sponsor: Random Magic Tour. Win this book-and-DVD set
About the book: Edith Wharton's novel is a masterful portrait of desire and betrayal set during the sumptuous Gilded Age of Old New York, a time when society dreaded scandal more than death. This is Newland Archer's milieu as he prepares to marry conventional socialite May Welland. But when the mysterious Countess Ellen Olenska returns to New York, Archer falls deeply in love with her. Torn between duty and passion, Archer struggles to make a decision that will either courageously define his life - or mercilessly destroy it. (Publisher desc.)
Win: Enter: Through December 22, 2011: Win a Sony Vaio laptop (shown above). Offer via brand ambassador for Windows 7. (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 20, 2011: Win a gift card for BedandBreakfast.com, for a weekend away. Second and third prizes also available - Blue Willow tea and dinner set and foodie gift basket. Offer by romance novelist Maggie Brendan (@MaggieBrendan).
Win: Enter: Through December 18, 2011: The Explorer's Prize Package, part of Twelve Days of Giveaways at Savings.com. Gift cards for travel outfitters Lands' End and Magellan's and Joan of Arc boots by Sorels, from Rock Creek. Shown above: Book tote from Magellan's.
Win: Enter: Through December 18, 2011: Prize package with particular appeal for foodies, part of Twelve Days of Giveaways at Savings.com. Prize includes gift baskets from Cherry Moon Farms and The Fruit Company, plus gift cards for Wine.com and David's Cookies and two dozen chocolate-dipped strawberries from Shari's Berries. Shown above: The Plaid Tower gift from The Fruit Company; includes selection of cheeses, fruit, salmon, chocolate and other items.
Win: Browse or Enter: Through December, various dates: Here's the info page for the rest of the goodies available as part of Twelve Days of Giveaways at Savings.com. Please note: Offers not made or sponsored by Random Magic Tour. Browse or Enter
Win: Enter: Through December 18, 2011: A collective of bloggers have gotten together to offer one winner a nice prize pack of a new Kindle Fire (product image shown above) plus an Amazon gift card to help stock up on titles right away. (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 16, 2011: Amazon gift card to spend on books, e-books, movies, etc. (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 16, 2011: Cute little stuffed animal and book Story Buddy set (Jingle the husky puppy and Cooper the bear - interactive, speech recognition activated), chance to one set of Jingle and Cooper. (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 16, 2011: Gift certificate from quirky retailer, uncommongoods.com, purveyor of many things colorful, cheery, or slightly quirky. (More)
Shown above: Leaning bookends
Win: Enter: Through December 16, 2011: Consumer electronics price analysis site Decide.com has an offer for a Kindle Fire e-reader (shown above). (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 16, 2011: Food manufacturer Ragu offers an American Express gift card through one of their product ambassadors. (More)
About the book: Edith Wharton's novel is a masterful portrait of desire and betrayal set during the sumptuous Gilded Age of Old New York, a time when society dreaded scandal more than death. This is Newland Archer's milieu as he prepares to marry conventional socialite May Welland. But when the mysterious Countess Ellen Olenska returns to New York, Archer falls deeply in love with her. Torn between duty and passion, Archer struggles to make a decision that will either courageously define his life - or mercilessly destroy it. (Publisher desc.)
Win: Enter: Through December 22, 2011: Win a Sony Vaio laptop (shown above). Offer via brand ambassador for Windows 7. (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 20, 2011: Win a gift card for BedandBreakfast.com, for a weekend away. Second and third prizes also available - Blue Willow tea and dinner set and foodie gift basket. Offer by romance novelist Maggie Brendan (@MaggieBrendan).
Win: Enter: Through December 18, 2011: Prize package with particular appeal for foodies, part of Twelve Days of Giveaways at Savings.com. Prize includes gift baskets from Cherry Moon Farms and The Fruit Company, plus gift cards for Wine.com and David's Cookies and two dozen chocolate-dipped strawberries from Shari's Berries. Shown above: The Plaid Tower gift from The Fruit Company; includes selection of cheeses, fruit, salmon, chocolate and other items.
Win: Browse or Enter: Through December, various dates: Here's the info page for the rest of the goodies available as part of Twelve Days of Giveaways at Savings.com. Please note: Offers not made or sponsored by Random Magic Tour. Browse or Enter
Win: Enter: Through December 18, 2011: A collective of bloggers have gotten together to offer one winner a nice prize pack of a new Kindle Fire (product image shown above) plus an Amazon gift card to help stock up on titles right away. (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 16, 2011: Cute little stuffed animal and book Story Buddy set (Jingle the husky puppy and Cooper the bear - interactive, speech recognition activated), chance to one set of Jingle and Cooper. (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 16, 2011: Gift certificate from quirky retailer, uncommongoods.com, purveyor of many things colorful, cheery, or slightly quirky. (More)
Shown above: Leaning bookends
Win: Enter: Through December 16, 2011: Consumer electronics price analysis site Decide.com has an offer for a Kindle Fire e-reader (shown above). (More)
Win: Enter: Through December 16, 2011: Food manufacturer Ragu offers an American Express gift card through one of their product ambassadors. (More)
WIN: Enter: Through Dec. 15, 2011: Win historical fiction mystery The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë, featuring writer Charlotte Brontë. Part of Bookie Brunch. (Host: Phanee, of Funny Wool). Sponsor: Random Magic Tour. Enter to win
Preview: Check out the deck
Win this: Details
Through Dec. 15, 2011
Part of Guys and Molls party - win a cute prize pack of a multi-title DVD (shown above) and mobster-speak flashcard set (shown above). Sponsor: Random Magic Tour. (More)
WIN: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: Win a delicious book and DVD set of a creepy classic, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, as part of Bookie Brunch - Halloween edition. Interior artwork shown below. Sponsor: Random Magic Tour. Browse details
Win: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: Win a charming book for a favorite foodie, or just a cozy read for chilly weather. Sponsor: Random Magic Tour. Part of Bookie Brunch, host is The Fluidity of Time. Preview book | Browse offer details
WIN this book at Bookie Brunch, offer open through December 15, 2011.
About: When publisher Thomas Cadell declined an unsolicited manuscript offered to him by a Hampshire clergyman in 1797, he made one of the biggest mistakes in publishing history, for the manuscript was an early version of Pride and Prejudice, and the clergyman's daughter was destined to become one of the most recognizable names in literature... Sponsor: Random Magic Tour. (More)
Grapevine, Last-Minute News and Misc.
Way more scenic than the MĂ©tro. And away she goes.
Source: Je m'appelle (Trans. for the phrase)
Source: Fotolog
Upcoming
Weekly: Begins January 2012: Visit or Sign up: Host Snowdrop Dreams of Books (@snowdropdreams) invites authors and bloggers to share their must-haves for a stay on a desert island, in Deserted Island. Visit or Sign up
Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2012: Visit or Sign up: Host Tiffany from For Those About to Read (@AboutToRead) invites you to indulge yourself in up to 10 tales of myths and legends, in the Mythology Challenge, with focus on teen fiction (also called young adult fiction, or YA). The book list for the challenge is already up for browsing, so check it out, if you like: Book List
Visit or Sign up for the challenge.
January, 2012: Visit or Sign up: Host A Literary Odyssey invites you to get down your dusty volumes of the Bard of Avon, and join her for a month of reading the works of William Shakespeare. Visit or Sign up
Weekly: Begins January 2012: Visit or Sign up: Host Snowdrop Dreams of Books (@snowdropdreams) invites authors and bloggers to share their must-haves for a stay on a desert island, in Deserted Island. Visit or Sign up
Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2012: Visit or Sign up: Host Tiffany from For Those About to Read (@AboutToRead) invites you to indulge yourself in up to 10 tales of myths and legends, in the Mythology Challenge, with focus on teen fiction (also called young adult fiction, or YA). The book list for the challenge is already up for browsing, so check it out, if you like: Book List
Visit or Sign up for the challenge.
January, 2012: Visit or Sign up: Host A Literary Odyssey invites you to get down your dusty volumes of the Bard of Avon, and join her for a month of reading the works of William Shakespeare. Visit or Sign up
By the way, William Shakespeare does put in an appearance in Random Magic, by Sasha Soren. At a party held among the clouds. With some pals like Lord Byron and Mark Twain. Thrown by a celestial muse who can't stop falling into fountains overflowing with vodka tonics. There's also a nine-dimensional cat. It all gets a bit complicated. Yes, slightly skewed version of Shakespeare, granted - ah, the secret life of William 'Shakes' Shakespeare...
Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2012: Visit or Sign up: The Greek Classics reading challenge arrives in 2012. From the host: Take a look at the roots of Western civilization and ponder the great questions of existence by reading some ancient Greek literature. Participants will be reading from one to 12 classics of Greek literature. Host is Jean of Howling Frog Books and Musings of a Bookworm, no contact info available. Visit or Sign up
Book Nooks
(Weekly, every Wednesday - or every Sunday, for weekend edition)
Header image: Title unknown, artist is Francine Van Hove.
Image source: Tumblr
Additional excerpts from Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit by Henry Ward Beecher: Browse
Additional Henry Ward Beecher quotes: Browse
Image source: Tumblr
Additional excerpts from Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit by Henry Ward Beecher: Browse
Additional Henry Ward Beecher quotes: Browse
Talk to Us
Are you planning something cool for your blog, or have you heard about something great that we might have missed this week? Tell us about it!: @RandomMagicTour
