The lovely Lisa of that wonderful company had sent me a delightful package of some NICE books, and I figured I'd share that goodness with one of you! I decided to keep one book for myself and offer the rest up as a giveaway. Here's what you could win!
The four books included are the following:
Silver Linings - Meditations on Finding Joy and Beauty in Unexpected Places
Giving Thanks: The Gifts of Gratitude
Comfort and Joy
Random Acts of Kindness by Animals
So I'll bet you're asking, "What do I have to do to win, Melissa?" Well, while we're on the topics of books, why don't you leave a comment here and tell me what one of your favorite books is or a great book that you've read lately. Or maybe you have a NICE book suggestion that I can add to my library. Either way, you get the theme. So be sure to leave your comment by next Thursday, January 15th by 8pm EST. I'll draw one lucky winner who will receive this package of inspiration!
Good luck!
114 comments:
In the past year I've sort of have a thing for books about personal journey & growth -- two books that I ended up reading on this topic are the ever popular 'Eat, Pray, Love' & more recently 'Good Grief'. Both were recommended by friends & both leave you feeling pretty gosh darn nice inside.
Peace! Have a lovely Thursday morning ^_^
Hi Melissa,
I just read The Devil in the White City. It's been around for a while, but I simply couldn't put it down. Come to think of it, it's not a very "nice" book. It's partly about a serial killer. It is, however, suspenseful and educational non-fiction.
I know it's been out as a movie, but I really loved "Secret Life of Bees". The story is truly about love and acceptance on many levels. It was definitely NICE!
I've recently been reading Hillary Clinton's autobiography. I used to not be a big fan of her, but she's a pretty good writer and through reading her book I'm starting to like her more and more. Very interesting book and I found it for only two bucks at a thrift store! Thrift stores are great places for bargain books :D
One of my favorite books of all time is, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. I first read it in high school and have since re-read it several times. Each time I read TKAM, I find new things to love.
Atticus Finch is one of the greatest literary characters of all time. His kindness to everyone sets a wonderful example for his children, who are in return kind to the outcast, Boo Radley. It's a lovely lesson on how being nice and kind to others is best taught by example. When I was completing my student teaching, I had the pleasure of exploring the novel with one of my classes. It presented a great opportunity to discuss topics often overlooked in schools: random acts of kindness, integrity, and just being nice :)
I actually haven't read anything recently, but I do have a book I've been reading on and off and still haven't finished. I guess it's sort of a memoir, but would fall into the category of self-discovery, enlightenment, etc. It's called Tales of a Female Nomad. I don't recall the author's name at the moment. I think it's right up your alley though.
You know what? My mom introduced me to the author Maeve Binchy. I never wanted to read them cause they seemed so "old lady". But one day, I finally picked one up and it was SUCH a relaxing, enjoyable read that I've read almost all of her books now! Definitely recommended from me!
Shanicherie@gmail.com
I'm currently reading two great books. One is "100 Ways To Simplify Your Life" by Joyce Meyer (I Highly Recommend) and the second book is a great classic "Pride and Prejudice."
Have An Awesome Day!
The two books I've read int he last year that stand out for me (and I read a TON!) are "Eat, Pray, Love" which I'd say was very nice. The second "The Host" by Stephenie Meyer (the writer of the Twilight series). I absolutely loved this and hope she makes it her next series. I have to say though, it's hard to get into but well worth wading through.
Lindastamps
I have a love of childrens books :) my all time fav is "The Giving Tree" ! I love having it just nestled amongest my other books, each time I see it I am reminded to give all that I am to the people I love. Something about childrens literature is so touching, and yet so simple, I think as adults we sometimes for get the genuine kindess we teach children :)
Right now, I'm in the thick of Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. It's great. And it could sort of be considered a kindness book -- toward yourself, the environment, and even your food.
When I was going through a tough time in my life, my Mom gave me a book called "Finding Joy: 101 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance with Life" by Charlotte Davis Kasl. I read it 10 or 12 years ago, but it's never far from my desk or night stand and I still practice much of what I learned from it today! Here's to positive reading!
I haven't read many books by choice lately since I'm in school. One of my recent favorites would be Anatomy and Physiology. I have a copy of Kite Runner waiting to be read....Can't wait to have free time to read again!
I'm giving you my official list because why hold back?!
Keeping the Moon, Sarah Dessen (finding yourself), The Tale of Desperaux, Kate DiCamillo (such a cute, multileveled story), The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini (beautiful, sad story of friendship), The Cat Who series (light, easy, fun reads), The Golden Compass, Philip Pullman, (an intense, long, dynamic story, I recommend the book on tape, it's great)
My favorite book of all time is Pride & Prejudice but since everyone knows that one, I'll give you another: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. I read it so fast and definitely didn't want it to end! I love getting recommendations so this was a great post to read all the comments from. Thanks! :)
I'm with Kreativekate711 on The Tale of Despereaux. (and The Kite Runner, but others have mentioned that one, too, so I'll stick w/ Despereaux) Depereaux was such an enchanting book with such a lovely message of acceptance and honor and redemption. The movie was a yooge disappointment. Skip it. But read the book. Or really treat yourself to the book on tape, narrated by the incomparable Graeme Malcolm.
I just finished reading "Bliss to You -- Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life" written by Dean Koontz's dog! Written from a dog's perspective, it is a funny & heart warming guide to how we should live each day. I also enjoy Candy Paull's books, "The Art of Simplicity", "The Art of Encouragement", and "The Art of Abundance."
I just finished The Eight bu Katherine Neville. It was written so smartly that I had to put it down a few times but in the end it was awesome.
I love Michael Pollan, especially The Omnivores Dilemma and In Defense of Food.
As a little Christmas gift to myself, I bought "Bartlett's Words to Live By--Advice and Inspiration for Everyday Life". It's full of quotes by all kinds of people from FDR to Socrates to Ralph Waldo Emerson, some of which are appropriate to use when you can't quite find the right words to say. It also reminds me of my mom.
My favorite nice book ever: Marc Ian Barasch's "Field Guide to the Compassionate Life." I especially loved the chapter about becoming a panhandler just to see what it's like. Super moving and inspiring. I highly recommend it.
My favorite nice book ever: Marc Ian Barasch's "Field Guide to the Compassionate Life." I especially loved the chapter about becoming a panhandler just to see what it's like. Super moving and inspiring. I highly recommend it.
I just finished The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, great book. cdziuba@aol.com
I am currently re-reading a Course in Miracles, and this classic is one of my all time favorites. If you need inspiration, this is the way to go.
A murder mystery that took place in the town I live in titled
"Taken from Home"
good read.
haven't had much time to read lately !!! eeekks, purpose driven life is great thought
Anything by Roald Dahl - you just can't go wrong! I also love The Phantom Tollbooth by Norm Juster. I have two all-time favorites and they're polar opposites: Jurassic Park by Michael Cricton and The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffendegger (I think that's the right spelling...). Yay for books! :)
The last book that I can recommend is The PaperBag Chrstmas, and The Joy of Cooking newer edition. I have read soem really bad books the past few weeks and ready for a great read.
"The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold
one of my favorite book is the classic Jane Eyre. I just love it. con5459(at)gmail(dot)com
What a fabulous giveaway! I'm just re-reading Beyond Interruptions by Cori Howard. It's a collection of essays written by mothers on various aspects of motherhood. Love it!
The "A Boy called It" series is extremely hard for me to get thru, but i love that he went on to build such a great life for himself and others despite the hell he went through. I also read "the Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks about five times a year. I LOVE IT! True love that lasts forever, it's awesome!
Any book by Janet Evanovich. She makes me laugh so hard I cry. So when I need a lift I pull out one of her books.
I need to get back to reading. I have been mostly reading online to learn about different topics.
donna444444@yahoo.com
Well, my favorite book is The Giving Tree. I have always loved that book. I haven't read any new books on gratitude or thanks lately and I guess I am in sore need of some. These look quite promising.
Thanks for this blog... I find so many things of worth within it.
Mimi Hancock
Ephraim, Utah
Book I am currently reading is Dewey: A small town library cat who changed the world. or something like that.. I am too lazy to walk upstairs and look up the exact title or google it.
I just got around to reading 'The Secret' these books sounds similar would love to continue 2009 on a positive note!
What a great giveaway!
My favorite book of all time is E.M. Forester's "A Room with a View." And, I'm currently obsessed with the Twilight series. They are well worth reading!
I just read "The Anatomy of Peace- Resolving the Heart of Conflict," and I absolutely loved it. It is definitely a NICE book about how to have peace in the world and peace in your heart.
I just found this page a few days ago, and I love it so much! Thank you!
Hi, Melissa, one of my favorite sites is a site called www.simpletruths.com. They have several books on quotes and inspirations but what I really love is that some of the books were showcased with minivideos that you can watch..they are so beautiful and inspiring...my favorite is the one called: THe Power of Attitude: here is a link to the little music slide video of the book: http://www.powerofattitudemovie.com/.....Hope you like it! Maria
One of the best books I've read in the last month or so was I Can't Believe I Just Did That by David Allyn. It was about the role that shame plays in our lives and overcoming shame in the places it cripples us. Excellent book.
It's interesting to see that several others have read Eat, Pray Love. Starting that this week - as soon as I finish Stuart Wilde's To Get Money You Have To Have Some, which is also a motivational book about thinking and being abundant in all areas of your life. I read a lot of Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Eckhardt Tolle and Abraham-Hicks, so I almost always have one of their books going.
I Like The Thorn Birds by Colleen Mccullough
Any book by Joanne Harris is always a joy to read, especially the ones that are set in France, eg. Chocolat, Five Quarters of the Orange, Coastliners... As for insipirational reading, I guess Awakening by Anthony de Mello would be a classic.
I am halfway through Hilary Clinton's autobiography.What an amazing lady.
I just read The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It was pretty incredible!
I just finished falling in love with the Twilight series (sigh). I would only like to keep the animal book, so please feel free to give the rest away if I win!
Rescuing Sprite, I cried all the way through it. Thanks for a great giveaway!
I subscribed to your feed in my yahoo.
One of the best books I read last year was Little Heathens by Mildred Armstrong Kalish. I grew up on a farm and it was very cozy and funny and just a mish-mash of her memories that I really dug. But I can see it appealing to city-slickers too, it would be all fresh and new to them. Fun book!
You have to read a Child Called It...best book I have ever read.
I don't know if this would qualify, but I have been reading my nephew some Shel Silverstein. Always a classic
jason@allworldautomotive.com
I love reading, I'm currently reading "Waterfall" by Carla Neggers - but I have been reading the Shopaholic series too, which is a fast and fun read!
Tarah
tarah716[at]ymail.com
These all sound so thought provoking, I'd like to read them all.
I thought the book Tuesdays with Morrie was a nice book.
I just found this super old Victorian detective series by Anne Perry that's been around since at least the 80's. The characters are well rounded, 3 dimensional and very kind. It's like opening a door to a past time where birth was the most determining factor in your success. It's so much better than it sounds! Start with book #1: The Cater Street Hangman
i love anything by ann rule but with them being true crime i guess they are not"nice"
I just read the book Run by Ann Padgett. It was a very good read.
I love true crime! Anything by Ann Rule or M. William Phelps is the very best! Recently I read, Never Enough by Joe McGinniss which was a great story.
I just re-read Gone With the Wind, I don't know how nice it is-but it is certainly entertaining!
smchester at gmail dot com
I just read "White Teeth" by Zadie Smith and couldn't put it down.
I hope I win - those books look super cool!
One of my favorite books is Tuesdays With Morrie.
The best read of 2008 for me was THE SHACK, it was exciting, profound and very moving. Thanks
One book that I just finished reading and really enjoyed was 'The Bishop's Daughter' by Wanda E. Brunstetter.
-Terra H.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love Charm School by Nelson Demille.
I recently read
How Starbucks Saved My Life...was wondering thru the Harvard Coop and the title caught my eye...and loved it...reminded me so much of my dad...a wonderful book
I recently read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and really enjoyed it.
What a beautiful story and this site kicks!
I am currently reading Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and just purchased Secrets of Simplicity: Learn to Live Better with Less by organization expert Mary Carlomagno. It's workbook-style and is very well designed - I can't wait to dig into it!
Beth
bethjaworski@kc.rr.com
Life is Verb by blogger Patti Digh (of the blog 37 days)--wonderful! and inspiring...
I read Tragedy and Hope: A History of the World in Our Time (1966)by Professor Carroll Quigley, I had to special order it at the library and renew it a few times because if I remember it was over a thousand pages long but it was a great book, even now, thanks titanicluck at gmail dot com
If you love dogs or own a dog...I recommend a book I just finished titled The Other End Of The Leash by Patricia McConnell. You will look and act differently toward a canine after ready this book. It so opened my eyes to the many things I thought I was doing right?
Really nice giveaway!
My fav books are ones about good vibrations, energy, respect for other, oriental phylosophy and most of the thing that run around that theme.
They always light my days in some way making me think about lots of big and little things.
Everything is worth and everyone is special. Sometimes we forget this.
Sorry for my bad english... I write from Italy, and well, those books should help me to improve my english! ;)
Good luck to all... and tonz of love!
mika.da.art [at] gmail [dot] com
I love to cook and bake. My cookbooks include everything from The Joys of Jello to 1000 Gluten free recipes. I even have a put together recipe book from my grandmother's wonderful recipes from the Old Country, Lithuania. I love to cook for family and friends. Their comments during meals can be interesting to say the least. For example. "I didn't know you could do that with Jell-o" or "What is a gluten?" We have some wonderful conversations around the table during meals. It's NICE.
-Fran
Just finished (an hour ago) The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. It's beautifully written and will keep you reading, especially if you have a soft spot in your heart for dogs.
The best book I've read in 2009 (so far) is "20 chickens for a saddle" by Robyn Scott. It's about her childhood growing up homeschooled in Botswana. the story is both funny and poignant without being too pushy about getting back to a more natural lifestyle in cooperation with the planet.
I love the book "The Bean Trees" by Barbara Kingsolver, it warms my heart everytime i read it. Thanks for this great giveaway opportunity! Peace!
I've been reading Winnie the Pooh to my 4-month-old. It doesn't get any nicer then A. A. Milne in my opinion. It's classic, timeless, and warm & fuzzy in its non-Disney-ized form.
a child called it is a very heart wrenching sad book
I am learning how to incorporate more love and joy into my life and I find these two books really interesting and helpful.
1) Love Thyself: The Message from Water III by Masaru Emoto
2) Soul Love by Sanaya Roman
PS: Did you know that if you project thoughts and feelings of love to water you can literally change the shape of water crystals within it?
i was reading Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas! which was really great, and i really liked the book Mirror, Mirror
I just finished the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer - the books were incredible, can't wait to see the movies.
ktgonyea at gmail.com
John Irving's 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' is my all time favorite book. It moved me like no other.
I am a mom with 2 kids under the age of 2 so I haven't read much beyond Baby Einstein and Rainbow fish lately. But I am looking for a good read. Thanks for the chance
giving thanks is my favorite
ardy22 at earthlink.net
My fav right now is the tightwad gazzette. Thanks for the chance to win.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
I just finished Peace Like a River. A real thought provoker. but I love feel-good movies too. liz
I just read Uncommon Law - a funny one about silly laws. Thanks for the chance, justicecw@hotmail.com
my fave is the moon is a harsh mistress by robert heinlein
One of my favorite books is "The Stand" by Stephen King.
madamerkf at aol dot com
"On Chesil Beach" by Ian McEwan
theyyyguy@yahoo.com
marley and me is one of my most recent favorite books. memoirs of a geisha is really good too.
a_true_goddess@hotmail.com
There's a really neat book that is quiet, but very insightful, by Robert Grudin -- Time and the Art of Living. I think you would like it.
:)
cdrury@gmail.com
i just reread Aztec my all time favorite book!
I love the book "Made in the USA" by Billie Letts
froggypartyof2@aol.com
My favorite book of all time is THE STAND...thanks for the contest!
bahjeep@aol.com
Two of my favorite books are the Kite Runner and a Thousand Splendid Suns-great understanding of Muslim culture
rosans4@comcast.net
My favorite book is "The Last Lecture' and I read it over and over to inspire me to become a better person.
Bshaw75015@aol.com
I am currently in love with the book Dewey - The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. It is amazing how animals touch our lives.
I am reading One Italian Summer by Janet Mills. It is really good, so far!
rlgrady[at]yahoo[dot]com
I just read the DaVinci Code and I thought it was great. Two other good books I read recently were Siddharta and Tuesdays with Morrie. colorfulcarla@ gmail.com
My favourte book of all time is Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel.
I also like reading spirituality books and am currently reading "The Shack". I would suggest adding that to your library.
Great blog and contest. Thank you so much. Kind regards,
Amy
amy in kamloops@gmail.com
One of my favorite books is Catch-22 by Joseph Heller.
There is a book that I picked up some time ago titled: "The Art of the Handwritten Note." It's a great book that helps you write Thank You Notes, etc. Something that we sometimes hesitate on doing because we don't know how to start. It gives great tips on doing just that! A note of thanks can go a long way!
Here is the link to it: http://www.amazon.com/Art-Handwritten-Note-Reclaiming-Communication/dp/0767907450/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232033756&sr=8-1
"A Year of Mornings" by Maria Alexandra Vettese and Stephanie Congdon Barnes. It's all photographs but I've been flipping through it the last couple of days and it's so inspiring.
Anna Karenina by the great Russian writer is one of my favorites. I have discovered many great Russian books by reading Russian Literature. garrettsambo@aol.com
I constantly read A Year of Living Consciously by Gay Hendricks. It keeps me level.
I lent this book out and now I can't find it. I may not have gotten it back so I can't verify the title. It is called "Tuesdays at Berni's". (?) It is about a man who is dying and he has such a positive attitude. Thanks for the contest.
I adored "A Thousand Splendid Suns." It was a wonderful book!
My fave book is To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it every couple of years and it shows me new insight everytime. I do love it's message of not judging others.
One of my all-time favorite books is A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. I go back to it often and it holds up as well for me as it did for the first reading.
I like the Narnia series.
donna444444@yahoo.com
I just love books! My all-time fave is Pride and Prejudice. I just finished the Twilight series and loved it. I think some 'nice' books are the Chicken Soup books. They always make me smile, laugh out loud or cry, depending on the level of happy they make me feel. Worth it, always.
Definitely Charles Dickens- 'A Christmas Carol' .. so meaningful so, so heart-warming. skyxsky27(at)gmail.com
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