Showing posts with label Videos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Videos. Show all posts

Cute prize bundle for Video Week: 'Random Magic' (Oct. 21-31, 2012)

Hi! Thanks for dropping by to enter to win the nice prize bundle for Video Week: Random Magic (Oct. 21-31, 2012).
Update: This offer has now expired. The winner has been drawn and will be contacted. Thanks to all for playing and visiting this fun tour!


WHAT'S THE DEAL?

There are 11 vloggers on this tour. In honor of Halloween, each vlogger will share their personal answer to a specific question, somewhere in their vlog(s).

The question: If you were invited to attend a masquerade disguised as one of the characters in Random Magic, which character would you choose to go as - and why?

Just watch the tour vlogs, comment on the vlog, then collect each vlogger's character pick. 

HOW TO PLAY

1. Watch any video from this tour. Listen for the vlogger's answer to the Random Magic masquerade question, somewhere in their video.

2. Leave a comment below his/her video.

3. Then just click over from their video page to enter their character pick into the Rafflecopter (box shown below).

Note: There are approximately 11 answers to find, spread across the vlogs on this tour. You don't have to enter more than once, but the more times you enter, the more likely you are to win. You can enter up to one overheard answer per day.

If we reach at least 200 valid entries, there'll be a double treat for the winner (details on this listed with the prize info a little further down on this page.) The Video Week: Random Magic prize bundle offer is international, and good through November 21, 2012, midnight EST. Good luck to all!

SURE, LET'S GO
Choose any video below to start

Oct. 21 - BookBunnyReviews 
Review | Mystery feature

Oct. 22 - PaperBookmark
Review | Mystery feature

Oct. 23 - EmilyTheOddOne
Review | Mystery feature (N/A)

Oct. 24 - RachelSuperBook
Review | Mystery feature

Oct. 25 - NerdInTranslation
Review / Mystery feature (combined)

Oct. 28 - StuFromTheThing
Review | Mystery feature
(Unavoidable delay, RMT informed and totally okay with this. Will post when available.)

Oct. 29 - Petra Bryant
Review | Mystery feature

Oct. 30 - TheBookTart
Review | Mystery feature

Oct. 31 - vvb32

Review / Mystery feature (combined)


What do I get if I win?: Everything! There won't be multiple prize packs, one winner takes all. If you'd like to know what the prize bundle is before you enter, feel free to browse below for details about all the cute items the winner will be receiving. 
How do I do this?: There are 11 vloggers on the tour. Just visit their tour vlog and keep a lookout for their Random Magic masquerade answer, which they'll share with you. Comment on their vlog, then come here to enter their personal character pick. Collect a few different answers and you might be the one who'll be receiving this nice prize bundle for book lovers.
How do I use Rafflecopter? What info do I need? Is it a hassle?: Nope, Rafflecopter is really easy to use. Someone has helpfully uploaded a quick walk-through about entering using Rafflecopter, and you're welcome to check that out below:


It's easy to enter all of your info into the Rafflecopter, you'll just need your name or nickname and an email address where you can be contacted, if you win. To protect the individuals who are playing the game fair and square, we will verify each entry before the final draw is made. Invalid entries will be deleted. 
The contest is open to *all, international, and the offer is good through November 21, 2012, midnight, EST. Good luck to all! 
Update: Contest has ended.
*Ineligible: Bloggers found to have 'no indies' review policy in effect at their blogs.

Prize bundle for Video Week: Random Magic


First edition copy of Random Magic, by Sasha Soren

About: When absent-minded Professor Random misplaces the main character from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, young Henry Witherspoon must book-jump to fetch Alice before chaos theory kicks in and the world vanishes.

Along the way he meets Winnie Flapjack, a wit-cracking doodle witch with nothing to her name but a magic feather and a plan.

Such as it is.

Henry and Winnie brave the Dark Queen, whatwolves, pirates, Strüths, and fluttersmoths, Priscilla and Charybdis, obnoxiously cheerful vampires, Baron Samedi, a nine-dimensional cat, and one perpetually inebriated Muse, to rescue Alice and save the world by tea time.

Shown above: Book trailer for Random Magic

Shown above: Best Bits! This video features a more in-depth look at the book, and includes dramatic readings, comedy skits, an online game, and other delightful things.


Alice's Adventures in Wonderland plushie - Mad Hatter or White Rabbit

About: Alice thought she'd found just the place she was looking for, but ended up wanting something a bit less...mad. This charming White Rabbit plushie stands approximately seven inches tall and features the tardy bunny with his trademark uniform from the royal court of the Queen of Hearts. - Manufacturer description

About: The Mad Hatter, the endearingly insane character from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, is shown here wearing his signature suit and hat. This cute plushie is ready to cuddle you in retro style. - Manufacturer description

Details: Winner's pick of one of the two adorable plushies shown above - you can choose either the Mad Hatter or the White Rabbit, based on characters from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Random Magic actually features the character of Alice - in fact, the reason for the entire madcap adventure is because absent-minded Professor Random accidentally misplaces Alice during an otherwise quiet and completely uneventful afternoon tea party. Doll dimensions: 3 x 4 x 7 inches (7.60 x 10.16 x 17.78 centimeters). We'll be offering a chance to win the matching Alice plushie in an upcoming Video Week: Random Magic tour in December 2012.

BONUS TREAT: If we reach 200+ valid entries for the Rafflecopter on this tour, the winner won't have to pick between taking home either the Mad Hatter or the White Rabbit - he or she will receive both dolls!



Tiny deck of tarot cards

About: One of the more arcane cameo appearances in Random Magic is a woman whom Winnie and Henry meet in the Garden of the Muses; she's actually the living embodiment of a tarot card representing hidden knowledge. 

This teeny tarot deck, billed as the world's smallest tarot deck by manufacturer US Games, fits into the palm of your hand, and would be a fun diversion to take along anywhere you like - it comes with a little booklet explaining how to read tarot. Each card is barely the size of a U.S. quarter or a postage stamp, but the illustrations are lovely and each wee card is a tiny work of art. Card size: 1.7 x 1.2 inches (4.31 x 3.04 centimeters). Image credit: Product image via retailer Melken Essence; they stock the same tiny deck pictured above; details may be found here.


Just for fun! Oscar Wilde action figure

About: Oscar Wilde was a playwright, poet, the author of several short stories and one novel. Oscar, though a brilliantly gifted writer, was even more famous for his scathing wit, clever quips and outlandish style, becoming one of the greatest ‘celebrities’ of the late Victorian era.

Wouldn't it be nice to meet your favorite writers at one big literary party? In Random Magic, that’s exactly what happens! Callie, the First Muse, is friends with every writer ever born, and so it’s not unusual at all for her to throw a bash attended by, say, Mark Twain or Edgar Allan Poe.

In fact, you’ll meet both writers at one of Callie’s parties - along with their fellow party guests, Charles Baudelaire, Lord Byron, Noël Coward, H.P. Lovecraft and Dorothy Parker.

Here are some five-minute bios about some of the writers you'll meet in Random Magic, including P.G. Wodehouse, Fyodor Dostoevsky, the Brontë sisters, and, as noted in the book, an assortment of gloomy Russian poets.


Oscar puts in a cameo appearance in Random Magic, also as a guest at a celestial bash thrown by Callie, the firstborn of the Nine Muses. Win this adorable action figure of the dandiest dandy of them all - you'll smile every time you see his little debonair self sitting on your bookshelf.

Women Reading (Dec. 14-20, 2011)


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

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



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

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

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 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)


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
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 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)

Win: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: A collective of bloggers is offering one prize of e-reader Kindle Touch (product shown above), plus a gift card to spend at Amazon.com. Please note: Offer not made or sponsored by Random Magic Tour. (More)

Grapevine, Last-Minute News and Misc.

Way more scenic than the Métro. And away she goes.
Source: Je m'appelle (Trans. for the phrase)


If you've totally forgotten - or are just way too lazy - to bring home a tree...improvise!
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

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
Source: Tumblr
More places: Book Nooks (weekly)

Participate in Women Reading
(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

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

Women Reading (Nov. 23)


Women Reading (weekly)
*Every Wednesday*
Founder: Sasha Soren (Random Magic)
Here's what's news!
Edition: Nov. 23-29, 2011

Art and Quotes
Reading in the Garden, Nikolai Petrovich Bogdanov-Belsky
In my garden I spend my days; in my library I spend my nights. My interests are divided between my geraniums and my books. With the flower I am in the present; with the book I am in the past. I go into my library, and all history unrolls before me. I breathe the morning air of the world while the scent of Eden's roses yet lingered in it, while it vibrated only to the world's first brood of nightingales, and to the laugh of Eve. I see the pyramids building; I hear the shoutings of the armies of Alexander; I feel the ground shake beneath the march of Cambyses. I sit as in a theatre,—the stage is time, the play is the play of the world. What a spectacle it is! [...]

O men and women so far separated yet so near, so strange yet so well known, by what miraculous power do I know ye all! Books are the true Elysian fields, where the spirits of the dead converse; and into these fields a mortal may venture unappalled. What king's court can boast such company? - Alexander Smith

Discussions and Book Chats


Bookie Brunch question: How do you discover new books? Do you look for recommendations on book blogs, ask your friends, go to the library? All of the above? None of the above? Have you ever received a book recommendation from a completely unexpected source?

Since I'm a librarian, I'm always ordering new books for the collection, and I'm always reading reviews (professional journals, newspapers, online sources, book blogs). - Jo (host), The Fluidity of Time

I discover new books from other bloggers, publisher catalogs, and goodreads. - Tiffany, About to Read

I find most of them on blogs and on goodreads, but I also find them at the library and *gasp!* at the bookstore! I follow many bloggers who have the same tastes in reading as myself. Last week I added my 1000th book on goodreads and I've created a series of shelves to help me keep track of how I find books to read. So far, 'Saw it on a blog' has the most books with 96.

I find new books from other online sources, too, like NetGalley, Shelf Awareness, Amazon Vine, and publisher newsletters. My library sends out an email every week with all of the new titles they've acquired, and mostly I find books I already wanted to read and add them to my check-out list, but occasionally I find a new one to add to the list. - Jenny, Let Them Read Books

***** Join this discussion *****

Events and Parties



Nov. 23-30: Visit: Oh! For the Love of Books! and Of Thoughts and Words (@WordDiaries) have put together a brief blog hop to celebrate debut authors, the event will feature giveaways and interviews with several authors. Visit


Nov. 26-27: Visit: The Bookish Brunette (@BookBrunette) hosts Saints and Sinners, about favorite fellas in fiction. (Tip credit: The Geeky Blogger)

Memes and Features
(Incl. reading challenges)


Weekly: Every weekend (Fri. thru Sun.): 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 Sunday: Jo at The Fluidity of Time shares some of her adventures as a librarian, in Library Lagniappe. Visit


Take Five series: Nov. 1-30, 2011: Visit: The Take Five series is a month-long feature this November, featuring writing advice to help with NaNoWriMo. The series is curated by author Sasha Soren (Random Magic). Browse all posts


Home for the Holidays reading challenge: Nov. 28 - Dec. 31, 2011: Visit or Sign Up: A Blooming Spirit (@Marie_Chamorro) invites you take part in Home for the Holidays reading challenge. Message from the host: I am hoping you will join me and take on the challenge of reading your favorite winter holiday books, as well as some new ones.

Videos and Vloggers



Shown above: Liddy at Thee, Book Monster shares some of the titles she's acquired recently.




Shown above: Stevie at SableCaught shares her thoughts on Oxford (UK) and takes you on a quick tour. Video includes some bookish places, mix of old and new architecture.




Shown above: Review of The Age of Innocence, by vlogger SSP. Win a copy of this film at Bookie Brunch this week! Win this book-and-DVD set (Through Dec. 31, 2011)

Book Adaptations and Media Marvels
(Incl. movies, music, games, tech, publishing news, other.)


Shown above: Amusing series based on time-swap Jane Austen theme.
This episode: 'Transportation'



Shown above: Theme (outro), Foyle's War

Well, here's an interesting spin on the concept of 'try before you buy' that might be welcome news for folks who enjoy British programming and costume drama.

Acorn Media, which owns the rights to 20th century costume drama/mystery Foyle's War, in addition to several other titles, is making full episodes of various shows available for a limited time, with an onscreen option to buy episodes in DVD format or have them available in streaming format as part of an Acorn Online TV subscription. Details: Register to watch free episodes, with option to upgrade to subscription.



Shown above: Preview, 'The French Drop'

About: Investigating a suspicious death, Foyle gets caught up in the rivalry between the established spy agency MI5 and the newly created SOE (Special Operations Executive).
Watch: 'The French Drop,' Foyle's War
Available Nov. 28, 2011



Shown above: Author interview with Erica Bauermeister. You can win a copy of the book she's discussing here, at a November Bookie Brunch hosted at The Fluidity of Time. Browse details

Goodies and Giveaways


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. 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 15, 2011: Win a great time - just add nibbles and a few buddies, to host your own 1930s mob movie marathon! Part of Guys and Molls party - win a cute prize pack of a multi-title DVD (shown above) and mobster-speak flashcard set (shown below).



Preview: Check out the deck
Win this: Details
Through Dec. 15, 2011


WIN: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: There are several charming Jane Austen-related titles introduced as prizes during Pemberley Ball, and most offers open through Dec. 15, feel free to browse some of them: Browse titles


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. Browse details



Win: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: Win a charming book for a favorite foodie, or just a cozy read for chilly weather. 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... (More)




WIN: Enter: UK only: Piccadilly Press has cute offer, although only available to residents of UK and more of interest to readers of teen stories and picture books, rather than novels - but it's still going to be a nice package of books for someone. Tip credit to Book Angel - Booktopia (@BookAngel_Emma), via Twitter. Browse offer details


WIN: Enter: Through December 3, 2011: Titles of your choice up to value of USD 20 from The Book Depository. Offered by Librarian Mouse (@Sontrei).


WIN: Enter: Through December 2, 2011: Win up to USD 500 of quirky Chronicle Books titles - plus a matching big box of the same titles you've selected, for one other person. There are a few rules, but they're all simple. (Details)




WIN: Enter: Through Nov. 30, 2011: Win a trip to London via retailer The Foundary (@The_Foundary) and interior design site Apartment Therapy (@AptTherapy), with their co-sponsored London Calling sweepstakes. Offer includes hotel stay and flight allowance. Open through Nov. 30, 2011. Details


WIN: Enter: Through November 28, 2011: Lucy of Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf (@MoonlightGleams) is celebrating her one-year blogoversary and offers three winners a Book Depository certificate up to USD 10 each.




WIN: Enter: Through November 27, 2011: A rare chance to win a copy of Random Magic (Sasha Soren) during Pemberley Ball festivities at vvb32reads. Details


Grapevine, Last-Minute News and Misc.


News: Writer Anne McCaffrey has died.
About this author: Wiki | Books | Home


Harper, tell me of the road
That leads beyond this Hold,
That wends its way beyond the hill...
Does it go further on until
It ends in sunset's gold?
- Anne McCaffrey (1926-2011)


Seen around: Only the Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy: Team blog featuring reviews on fantasy or sci-fi books. Visit

Book Nooks


Source: Daily Dose
More Book Nooks!
Upcoming


December 1-24, 2011: Visit or Sign up: Hosts Kailana from The Written World and Marg (@MargReads) from Adventures of an Intrepid Reader invite you to be part of the virtual Advent Tour for 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 or Sign up



Dec. 1-31, 2011: Snowed In: Visit or Participate: 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!




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



Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2012: Visit or Sign up: Explore a debut author, in the Debut Authors reading challenge, hosted by Book Addict (@jennifer_q85). Visit or Sign up

Participate in Women Reading
(Weekly, every Wednesday - or every Sunday, for weekend edition)

Notes
Read full essay by Alexander Smith: Books and gardens

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