Six Books

CNN Hero of the Year

2008-10-15T05:37:00.001-07:00

Writer's Cafe

2007-01-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

I found this site that showcases writer's work. I just wanted to pass it on to my readers. Check it out. If you write, you should join. Below are links to three of my latest stories...

Read My Writing at WritersCafe.org
Read My Writing..

Reviews and the New Year...

2006-12-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been missing in action. I've been a little busy.

Here are my New Year's Resolutions:

I promise one book review a week.
I promise to update the book signings page at least twice per month
I promise to update the blogging part at least once per month.

If you have any ideas for reviews or wish to post a review yourself, please email me.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful New Year!

Happy Readings!

I Love My State

2006-11-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

I love the great state of Wisconsin, which is why I got up this am and walked the two blocks to the polling place and voted.

Here's my suggestion for you: If you love your state, make sure you go and vote today. I don't know if you and I agree on politics, but I'm sure that we can agree that American is the best country on earth and we should do everything in our power to keep her safe. One way to do that is to vote.

If you're in Wisconsin, don't forget to vote no on the amendment -- removing the chance of civil rights from a group of people is unAmerican.

God Bless.

Child's Play

2006-11-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

I am nearly positive that all of you all ready know just what Child's Play is all about. But, for those who don't, here's what the website says:

"With the help of hospital staff, we’ve set up gift wish lists full of video games, toys, and movies. You can go to each hospital’s list and buy a toy, and that toy will be sent to the hospital. Some of these kids are in pretty bad shape. Imagine being stuck alone in a hospital over the holidays, getting something from a fellow gamer would really raise their spirits. Some of the stuff the hospital will give away for kids to keep, while other gifts (like consoles) will be kept by the hospital for patients to use throughout the year."

The gifts shouldn't be gift wrapped. Any other questions should be checked out here.

Not to toot my own horn, but I donated last year. I try to give to a lot of charities, especially at this time of the year, but this year -- due to the fact I'm broke -- I'm going to have to cut back on the money I give. BUT, Child's Play is the one charity I'm keeping on my list. I'm sure there are others out there in the same financial spot as me, but try to give something. Even $15.00 can be used to buy a gift for a child. They raised over $600,000 for children last year. Let's help them make it to a cool million this year!

Also, I'll be placing a banner for Child's Play and leaving it there (and on my other websites) until after Christmas.

God Bless

Where have I been?

2006-10-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posts in the recent past. I've been a little busy with school and work. I haven't been able to keep up with my reading six books a week as I had been.

But, there is a new review on the review page about a book I'm still in the process of reading. (My Lover the Rabbi, My Husband the Doctor: What more could a Jewish girl want?) I promise that there will be more on the way. I've picked up a couple of books from the library and I have some new ones I need to sit down and start reading.

Thanks for sticking by me in this slow time!

Julie

My Favorite Niece...

2006-10-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Caitlen Totsch, my favorite niece, has a cool opportunity to go to Washington D.C. next spring with her class. This is an expensive trip and to help with the costs, the school is planning a fund raiser.

So, if you have some spare cash and want to purchase anything from the below link, that would be great!

God Bless

http://www.eZfundraising.com/customer/customer.asp?evtId=75373&parId=88134

Asterisk

2006-10-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

According to Mark LaFlamme, eighty years from now, cars will drive themselves and most of California will be gone, but Baseball, that all American game, will still be played. There will still be statiums to go to, but no hotdogs. Mr. LaFlamme frames the ideas of the future in a story told by a grandfather to his grandson.

In many ways, this story is reminicent of Shoeless Joe Jackson.

But, don't take my word for it, read it for yourself.

Happy Reading!

Jamie Lee Curtis -- Signing...

2006-09-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

Never in my life, my adult life - that is, have I been more impressed with a celebrity and Jamie Lee Curtis is just that celebrity. I love watching her in interviews. I love her movies -- my all time favorite is "True Lies". But, to see her live and in person is just amazing.

We get to Alverno College and find the hall and we're early. So, Cheryl goes to the ladies room, while I exchange our vouchers for books. I ask the lady if they're all ready signed (as Julie Andrews Edwards did) and she says no, "Miss Curtis is in there right now signing books." Now, as in fifteen minutes early? Really? Well, can we take photos -- no, you can't and thanks for asking. But, what happens inside? Everyone is taking photos -- every one! So, I snapped a few -- both with my 35mm and with my digital camera.

Anyway, Miss Curtis talks, signs books -- but no movie posters, as she isn't allowed and she adheres to that rule. She spent time with each audience member, as if she was only there for that one person. She worked wonders with the kids and she touched my arm, so I've come home with goose bumps! It was so cool! She talked to Cheryl and me as if we were her best friends, which is why all the pictures I took of her are from her speaking to other people. I just forgot I had a camera in my hand. It was great!

If you get a chance to see Jamie Lee Curtis at a booksigning -- go -- go -- go!!!! You'll be glad you did. I only hope she comes back to the Milwaukee area for her next book and we'll be able to take Danny and Alex with us!

Oh, and she read the book, which has a very interesting premise.

Now, I've tried to post the pictures, but they won't show up, so I'll post the two good digital ones I took right below this post and we'll have to see if that works. Otherwise, I'll post them on the signings page.

Happy Reading!

From the mouths of Babes...

2006-09-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here laughing my rear off and all because of CNN's latest book reviewer, Andrew Oglesby. Mr. Oglesby on occasions reviews children's books for CNN.com. He is a bit of an expert on these types of books because, well, he's a seven year old.

Now, I'm not sure if I'll be picking up any of the books Mr. Oglesby reviewed. Afterall, I'm, well, a lot older than seven, but he is so dead on good about reviewing them, that I do want to read them.

For example, he writes about 'Let's Go, Pegasus!' by Jean Marzollo and states, "It's a great storybook with nice pictures. But it doesn't teach you anything -- it's just an adventure book."

However; his best line in his reviews has to be this one from his review of 'Wilky the White House Cockroach' by Howie Schneider, "It's a bit made up but some of this could really, really happen." From the mouths of babes.

Check out Mr. Oglesby's reviews at CNN.com.

You won't regret it.

Happy Reading!

Banned Book Week -- 9/23 to 9/30

2006-09-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

In case you don't know, this is Banned Book Week. This is the week that everyone is encouraged to pick up and read a Banned Book.

Many books have been challenged throughout the ages for various reasons. The Catholic Church used to keep a list of books Catholics were not allowed to read. The fear of reading a banned book is that the reader might learn something or be able to make up their own mind about a subject.

So, take the time this week to read a book that has been banned. It just might change your life.

Happy Reading!

Watch This Space...

2006-09-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate those Watch This Space messages? Me, too.

But, really, watch this space! I've decided to move the Six Books blog over to its own website: sixbooks.net. If you travel over there now, there isn't much to see, but give me a little time to work out the kinks and there will be a lot there!

Happy Reading!

September Signings -- Updated.

2006-09-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

9/5/2006:

Lou Holtz signing Wins, Losses and Lessons at the Happy Bookseller in Columbia, S.C.
Amy Wilentz is signing I Feel Earthquakes More Often Than They Happen at Book Soup in West Hollywood, CA.

9/6/2006:

Lou Holtz is signing Wins, Losses and Lessons at Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh, NC.
Jamie Lee Curtis is signing Is There Really A Human Race? at Olsson's Books in Washington D.C.
Dean Kuipers is signing Burning Rainbow Farms: How a Stoner Utopia Went Up in Smoke at Book Soup in West Hollywood, CA.

9/7/2006:

Caroline Kennedy is signing A Family of Poems at Books of Wonder in New York, NY.
Anna Quindlen is signing Rise and Shine at Alverno College's Wehr Hall in Milwaukee, WI.
Kevin Powell is signing Someday We’ll All Be Free at Book Soup in West Hollywood, CA.
Jim Sallis is signing Drive at Book Soup in West Hollywood, CA

9/10/2006:

KEVIN CLASH is signing My Life As A Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love, and Laughing Out Loud at Books of Wonder in New York, NY.
Alan Young is signing There’s No Business Like Show Business… Was at Book Soup in West Hollywood, CA.

9/14/2006:

Alan Alda is signing Never Have Your Dog Stuffed at Alverno College's Wehr Hall in Milwaukee, WI.

9/17/2006:

Alan Alda is signing Never Have Your Dog Stuffed at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, WA.

9/20/2006:

Alan Alda is signing Never Have Your Dog Stuffed at Northshire Books in Manchester Center, VT.
Ken Jennings is signing Braniac at Book Passage in San Francisco, CA

9/21/2006:

Joe Eszterhas is signing The Devil’s Guide to Hollywood at Book Soup in West Hollywood, CA.

9/25/2006:

Barbara Boxer is signing copies of A Time To Run at Olsson's Books - Dupont Circle. Washington DC.

9/27/2006:

Ken Jennings is signing Braniac at Olsson's Books in Washington D.C.

9/30/06:

Jamie Lee Curtis signing Is There Really A Human Race? at Alverno College's Wehr Hall in Milwaukee, WI.

Another PayPal Scam...

2006-08-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

I received the following email from a PayPal scammer. I'm posting it here so that all of my readers can be aware of this new way to get your account information. I have reported it to PayPal.

If you receive an email like this, please, please, please DO NOT click anywhere on it. Forward the email directly to spoof@paypal.com. They will do their best to get the scammer site shutdown.

Julie

From: "PayPal" <support@paypal.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 1:08 AM
To:
Subject: Please review your information!

Dear valued PayPal® member,

We recently reviewed your account, and suspect that your PayPal account may have been accessed by an unauthorized third part. Protecting the security of your account and of the PayPal network is our primary concern.

Therefore, as prevention measure, we have temporarely limited access to sensitive PayPal account features.We encourage customers to get their information up-to-date and change password often.

PayPal has assigned you an unique tracking number.
Unique tracking number :
8233105134

Please review your information after loging in. Use only your assigned unique URL.
Click this button to access your unique URL (! please read below for security tips) and gain full access:

For more information about how to protect your account, please visit PayPal's Security Center.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and appreciate your assistance in helping us maintain the integrity of the entire PayPal system. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

PayPal has assigned you an unique tracking number. URL in your browser's address bar should begin with " http:// " following your tracking number.

Unique tracking number :
8233105134

Me and a Guy Named Elvis

2006-08-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'd like to start this by saying, I love Elvis. I really do. I love the energy you get just by watching him in Elvis: That's the Way It Is. It feels like he's going to pop out of my TV and entertain me in my living room. When an Elvis tune comes on the radio, I never, ever change the station.

Now, I haven't been to Graceland and I don't really own a lot of his "Elvis" products. The books about him I own were given to me as gifts. I'm not an Elvis collector. But, if someone would recreate one of the rings he actually wore, I'd stand in line to buy it. Actually, the shop at Elvis.com did offer such a ring, but at the time, I couldn't afford the purchase. I don't believe in celebrating August 16th, as that's the day we lost the guy I consider to be the greatest entertainer to ever live. Personally, I believe that had he had a better manager, Elvis would've been better and achived more in his young life than he did. I believe he wouldn't have become the shell of a man he became in his later years. On my list of people I wish I could've met, I would have loved to have stood in a room with him just once. Just once.

On the other hand, I feel sorry for Elvis. He was the first of his kind. Fans didn't really go that nuts about music stars, like they did movie stars until Elvis came along. He never really got to be himself, I believe, ever. Could you imagine not being able to feel safe enough to be you? Top if all off by the fact that Elvis was really just a poor country boy at heart and he was lonely.

Anyway, the reason I started this post was to ask the question, do we really need another Elvis book? Jerry Schilling, whom I'm sure is a nice guy, has written Me and a Guy Named Elvis. But, do we really need to read one more version about Elvis and his life? What new ground can Mr. Schilling cover?

Well, you know when it makes it to the Racine Library, I'll check it out and read it, but that's only in the interest of passing on the details to you, my gentle readers.

Until then, I recommend getting yourself a copy of Elvis That's the Way It Is. Watching Elvis in action is way more fun than reading about him.

Happy Reading!

Club George: the Diary of a Central Park Bird-watcher.

2006-08-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

In my email today, I receive an email message from Bob Levy. I scan it and it is about a book on birdwatching. So, I send a reply thinking that he's promoting someone else's book -- I'm reading this when I'm really suppose to be doing something else, so I didn't pay attention -- I think, hey, if someone is offering a review of a book or wants to contribute, I have no problem with that. Long story short, Mr. Levy is the author of Club George: the Diary of a Central Park Bird-watcher. Yes, that's right, I said author and he's willing to send me a copy of the book to review. I mean, how cool is that?

I don't know anything about bird watching. I know my dad knows a lot, as well as my Aunt Nancy, as they are both really into it, but me, I can identify red-wing blackbirds, eagles, hawks and the robin. That's it, pretty pitiful bird knowledge I have.

Plus, I know that this is a small site with many quiet visitors and I don't know how many are interested in bird watching. I sent Mr. Levy the stats of my page and told him that if he still wanted me to review his book, I would read it and write a review.

However, I got to thinking that maybe my readers would be interested in Mr. Levy's book. According to his email, the book is "a tale about one man's adventures with George, a particularly charismatic Red-winged Blackbird. Wryly humorous and brimming with affection for birds in general and George in particular, this book combines solid natural science with stylish prose and endearing photographs. The cast of characters includes creatures of all kinds, both human and not, and supporting roles are played by Pale Male and Lola, the famous Red-tailed Hawks whose nest was unceremoniously removed from their fancy Fifth Avenue building to a worldwide furor of protest."

It sounds like a good book. So, if Mr. Levy sends it, I promise to read and review it. In the meantime, if it sounds interesting, pick yourself up a copy.

Happy Reading!

Bookends

2006-07-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

So, I wanted the new Al Gore book -- and I wanted it autographed. I ordered first from a store I'm not bothering to name where they sold out and didn't send an email until AFTER I called them. I was so angry, I cannot tell you, because I didn't discover this until the exact day that Bookends of Ridgewood, NJ was having their session with Mr. Gore.

So, I called them and I forgot the person's name, but a few days later I got the book. My only disappointment was no bookmark -- most bookstores include a bookmark with their store's name and location on it. I always keep this in the books in case I ever need to sell the book and need proof that it was signed by the author. And, more importantly, no paper naming the event. I save those as well. It, also, helps me remember if I want to do business with that store again or not.

Despite these two items, I am very happy with my order. I have no idea how they packaged it, because someone thought she should open it and not wait for me to get home -- You know who you are!

So, they have some nice upcoming events listed on their website. I recommend them, if you are interested in their books. Here is their information if you are interested:

BOOKENDS
232 E. Ridgewood Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Tel: 201/445-0726
Fax: 201/445-8301

Happy Reading!

BookSlut

2006-07-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

Bookslut, isn't that a great name for a website that is all about books? I was surfing the Net and came across it and I just had to stop what I was doing and create a quick post!

They have a blog and author interviews, along with book news. If you have a spare moment, take the time to check them out.

Happy Reading!

Julie Andrews

2006-04-26T04:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I promised new reviews, but I lied. I just can't find the energy. I have added new books to my reading list this week including, Manhunt, Team of Rivals and a book by the lady who wrote what looks like crazy on an ordinary day. I'll review them soon.

Anyway, what I do want to write about is Julie Andrews. I love Julie Andrews. First, because of the reason every kid loves Julie Andrews -- we all wish she was our nanny, Mary Poppins. Second, because my parents named me Julie after her.

So, when I had the opportunity to go and see her in Naperville, IL, well, I didn't pass it up. My niece, Caitlen, (who is 13) came along for the ride.

Dame Julie (the Queen has bestowed on her the title, but since I don't know that much about the Brits, I don't know what that all entails) starts the evening by showing a movie about her career. Clips from her movies, TV specials and even a clip of 13 year old Julie singing in a Royal Command performance for the King of England. And, it included a clip of the funniest scene she ever did with Carol Burnett -- who could imagine those two being friends! Anyway, after the little movie, out comes Julie Andrews. She reads a prepared speech and then opens herself up to questions from the floor. One tiny tot asked, "Why is Julie Andrews Edwards famous?" To which the lady herself answered, "Beats me."

The great disappointment of the whole evening is this no picture rule. I mean, how often will common boring folk like us get a chance to see a star of Julie Andrews' caliper up close -- not very often. At least let us take one picture. But, it was not to be.

The evening ended and we all received autographed copies of her new book, "The Great Mousical" and headed for home, except...

Well, just call me a stalker. I drove around until I found her limo and we (my neice and I, along with ten or so more stalker fans) waited for her to come out. Still, no pictures were allowed, but she graciously stood -- in the dark -- and signed anything us fans tossed in front of her. She said some very kind words to everyone of us, before getting in the limo and leaving.

How cool is that?

Just when you think old Hollywood is dead and gone, you see someone like Julie Andrews to prove you wrong.

Happy Readings!

Bookstores...

2006-04-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

First, let me say sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Been busy with homework and work work and haven't had a chance. I have two books that I want to put up here to review, but I want to tell my sweet readers about bookstores...

I collect books. I've called all over the country trying to get copies of signed editions for favorite authors or actors who have become authors. I have a very small collection that includes Dean & Me by Jerry Lewis -- who doesn't personalize and only signs his books Jerry; My Life So Far by Jane Fonda -- who I got to meet and I thought was a nice person -- I have a cool Jane Fonda story, but let's save that for another time; and, one of my pride possessions is my signed copy of Lillian Gish's An Actors Life for Me.

Anyway, in gathering these books, I've talked to a lot of bookstores. Small ones, large ones, etc. Let me tell you the best way to get a signed copy of a book, if you can't appear at the signing. Call a small bookstore -- STAY AWAY FROM THE CHAINS (BARNES & NOBLE AND BORDERS). You can NEVER get a Barnes & Noble or a Borders to get a signed copy of a book for you. What they tell you is that they aren't set up for that.

Well, they should be. They're the big boys, the ones who are driving the small, quaint Mom and Pop bookstores out of business. But, their customer service leaves much to be desired. I think it is easier to get an ice cube in Hell than it is to get a signed book out of these two places.

So, this is my SHAME ON YOU blog. When you're looking for a signed book, stick with the small shops and, actually, try not to shop in the big stores anyway. I'd hate for all the good bookstores to go out of business so I'm left with the two stores who are pretty much useless to a collector.

When I have time, I'll write about some of the small shops with whom I've done business, so we can spread the word about the good stores.

If you've have a good experience with a bookstore, feel free to post it here.

Happy Readings!

Casper D Dog

2006-03-16T04:52:00.000-08:00

As you may or may not know, I run another blog for my American Eskimo Dog. It's just a cute little blog about his "adventures". Anyway, few weeks ago, another Eskie stopped by and left a comment. I didn't check out his blog right away, but by the time I did, I saw that the little guy is suffering from Evan's Syndrome.

So, if you're an animal lover and have a couple extra bucks to spare, please read Casper's story and donate to his medical bills.

God Bless

I need a new blog...

2006-03-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

Like I need a hole in my head, but what the heck, life's short.

Here's the deal, at any one time, I'm reading at least Six different books. Yes, you read that right, six books. I have one that I read at work on lunch, one in bed, one when I'm on the couch, one in the car (either a book on tape/CD or just one that's handy for drive-thru reading), one in the bathroom and one in my purse (just in case I'm stuck somewhere and I have to wait). In addition to my book reading, I read at least three different magazines a week, plus the reading I do for homework assignments.

So, someone suggested that since I do so much reading, I should start a blog about books -- so, here it is. And, since I read six different books at one time, I thought Six Books would be a really great name.

So, I'll review one book a week. I have a wide range of interests, so sometimes, it'll be a biography or maybe a mystery -- just depends on my mood. Some reviews will be for books I've finished reading or books I'm in the middle of reading. So, if you love books, you've come to the right place!

See you at the library!