Monday, August 30, 2010

ARU Updates


Wow!! I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve posted here. We have a lot of catching up to do. Let’s see, for those of you not following me on the Avid Readers Unite fan page on Facebook, I purchased a Nook last month. After months of going back and forth between the Nook and Kindle, I finally chose the Nook because of its lending feature…I’m loving it! I recently borrowed ‘Firefly Lane’ by Kristin Hannah from a fellow Nooker and it was so good! Hannah has become one of my favorite authors and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books. I also read Jodi Piccoult’s ‘Magic Hour’, ‘Look Again’ by Lisa Scottoline (ARU book club pick), ‘Glorious’ by Bernice McFadden and Michelle Moran’s ‘Heretic Queen’. And, I just received the copy of ‘Mockingjay’ I pre-ordered way back in February! If you haven’t started the ‘Hunger Games’ series, I envy you. Wish I could read them for the first time all over again. Additionally, I’ve added at least 4 more books to my tbr list. Thanks, ARU fans! Keep’em coming!

This month’s book club pick is ‘Do They Hear You When You Cry’ by Fauziya Kassindja. So far I’m getting mixed reviews. Most say it’s a difficult read, but really appreciate the message when it ends. I’m still reading it. Due to a recent family tragedy, I probably will not finish in time for the discussion tomorrow night. I’ll still initiate a post and will jump in where I can. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

I’ve chosen Jean Kwok’s ‘Girl in Translation’ for September’s selection. I’m really excited about this one. Great news! The author has agreed to join in on the discussion. Yayyy!! She’ll be on our fan page Sept. 30th @ 1:30 pm EST. This is her debut novel and the reviews are very impressive. You don’t want to miss this discussion.

Upcoming events: Sept. 25th – Oct 2nd is Banned Books Week. I hope everyone is planning to participate. Take a stand against the banning of books! Visit our facebook fan page for periodic updates.

Oct 9th begins Dewey’s 24 hr read-a-thon. Mark your calendars! 24 hrs of reading, posts and fun! I’ll be checking in periodically on this blog and the ARU fan page. If you are unable to participate the full 24 hrs, drop by when you can. I, for one, will certainly get a few hours of sleep in at some point. Oh, and don’t forget to visit other blogs. Blog hopping is what makes it so much fun! What a great way to bring the reading community together. More information to come as the date gets nearer.

August has been a slow month for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure fundraiser, but we have lots of events planned for Sept. Look out for the breast cancer warmer that will be available on Sept. 1st on my Scentsy website. Also, stay tuned for information on our Tupperware fundraiser; 40% of sales will go towards the cause. Once again, thanks to all who have donated and are supporting us by using the ARU Bookstore for Amazon purchases. Happy Reading, Everyone!!