back in business

I've finally beat the (acute) bronchitis so expect a lot of new content this week.

In the meantime, pop over to WestofMars - the meet and greet to learn all about the Hidden Treasures contest (you can also read my post about it), then go read a book so you can review it for the contest!

Hidden Treasures Contest

My friend Susan over at West of Mars is hosting another read-and-review contest. This time, the name of the game is Hidden Treasures.

Here are the basics:

1. Find a book that's a "hidden treasure". That means a book that hasn't made it to a best-seller list anywhere that you can find. A suggested reading list is available at WestofMars.com (some of you will recognize two of my suggestions right away, the other is one that I haven't mentioned here before). Feel free to find your own treasure, though.

2. The book MUST be from a royalty-paying publisher. If in doubt, ask.

3. Read it.

4. Post a review somewhere on the Internet between July 15 and August 15.

5. Sign the Mr. Linky at West of Mars. Include the permalink for your review.

6. Yes, you can use a Hidden Treasure book that fulfills another contest or reading challenge.

7. Yes, you can review more than one book.

8. If, for some reason, you don't want to win a prize, let Susan know.

9. If you have suggestions for the Hidden Treasures Suggested Reading List, or a prize for the winners, drop Susan an e-mail.

10. Prizes will be awarded August 20. Winners will be contacted and winning list will be posted no later than 22 August; be sure to have a way for us to contact you!

For more information, check out this post.


If you have any questions about the contest, feel free to ask me. I look forward to seeing what you decide to read-and-review and you can bet that I'll be playing along as well.

It's Debut a Debut week!

I am so happy to report that today is the first day of the Debut a Debut contest.

Because I was out of town for the better part of last week I'm not quite ready to post my first 'Debut a Debut' review so you'll just have to check in tomorrow to see what I've picked to read for the contest.
Right now I'm planning on featuring three debut novels, though if I'm really productive this week I may be able to squeeze in a fourth.

You can read more about the contest here.

And to whet your appetite for the week ahead, go here to see a list of qualifying debut novels and contest prizes.

If you are participating in the contest, leave me some links so I can check out your 'Debut a Debut' reviews.

great new contest

My friends Susan and Erica have just posted a fabulous new reading contest, Debut a Debut.

A great concept with pretty simple rules.
Basically to enter you have to
~ pick a debut novel published between January 2006 and February 2007,
~ read it,
~ write a review and post it online between February 12 and 17, and
~ send a link to the organizers.

There are prizes, so you'd better go read more about the contest here.

Personally, I love reading debut novels.
Now, I just have to find the perfect one for this contest!

Last chance to enter...

Buy a Friend a Book Week is coming up soon!

Don't miss your chance to enter the fabulous contest my friend Susan (of West of Mars) is hosting.
Here's what she says:

"During the month of September, I want YOU to send ME a story of how music has touched your life. [...] What I'll do, during Buy A Friend a Book Week, coming up this first week of October, is Buy a Groupie a Book. [...] Seven of you lucky groupies will win a copy of a book."

Visit her blog to see all the details and learn how you can enter the contest.

more crazy good news

I just got an email from M.J. Rose and Co.
Apparently I'm this week's Summer Buzz Promotion winner (imagine my jaw dropping to the floor)
I'll be getting a signed copy of The Venus Fix...
All because of my little blog post
How unbelievably cool!
And good for Rose too because now I'm going to have to go get the first two books! LOL