The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on my blog and share news about what’s coming up in the week ahead.
This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
Yesterday it snowed again. Why are we not done with winter? I live in Chicago, not Alaska.
On Monday, my mom and I spent a couple of hours volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank, a fantastic organization that gives books to low-income kids. I was surprised that they have three two-hour volunteer sessions every day (6 days a week). They need a lot of help since they’ve given away 14.5 million books since 2009! Volunteering there was a great experience–we filled bags with books for kids in grades K-1 and then grades 2-3. They had bins in different categories and we had to choose a book from each bin to fill a bag with six books (they give the books 6 books twice a year). I’m thinking of making this volunteering a regular thing–maybe every other week?
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Reminiscing: The First Ten Books I Reviewed
- I Want to Post It NOW! (AKA One Reason I Almost Never Blog Ahead.) Let’s Discuss.
- April 2019 Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up Link-Up & Giveaway
Book Blogger Birthdays and Blogoversaries:
Here are the birthdays and blogoversaries for this week! I hope you’ll go wish these bloggers well on their special days! Make sure you check out the calendar to see what you might have just missed or what’s coming up. (If you want to be added to the calendar, it’s easy! Just fill out the birthday/blogoversary form.)
- April 30th – Asha @ A Cat, A Book, and A Cup of Tea‘s Birthday
- May 3rd – Carmela @ TeachingAuthors‘ Blogoversary
- May 3rd – Cat on the Bookshelf‘s Blogoversary
- May 3rd – Stephanie Jane @ Literary Flits‘ Birthday
- May 4th – Graced with Books‘ Blogoversary
- May 4th – Kaitlin Michelle @ Vivacious Hobo‘s Birthday
Book Haul:
From NetGalley:
I signed up for the tour for Hope and Other Punchlines. I love Julie Buxbaum, so I’m excited for this one! Then I also got approved for The Kingdom. The reviews coming in for this one are awesome!
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Shannon shares her favorite Book Cover Glow-Ups
- Author K.A. Holt shares her experience with “soft censorship.” I’ll confess that I teared up when I read this.
- Check out these awesome high-res AURORA RISING character illustrations!!
Pre-order Campaigns
Listed in order of release date. Any new deals that I just added to the list this week will be denoted with a *** so you can easily find them!
Please note: Almost all pre-order giveaways run “while supplies last,” so I can’t guarantee that they’ll be open until the date listed. Pre-0rder early for your best chance to get all the goodies!
- Pre-order LITTLE DARLINGS by Melanie Golding to be entered to win a swag box, including one copy of The Complete Grimm’s Fairy Tales, one leather-bound notebook, and one wood-burnt bookmark! (US only)(ends 4/28)
- Pre-order A THOUSAND YEARS TO WAIT by L. Ryan Storms to receive a one-of-a-kind talisman necklace (first 15 pre-orders only—must also follow a few other instructions to qualify). (ends 4/29)
- Pre-order KING OF FOOLS by Amanda Foody to receive an exclusive Vianca Augustine short story! (INT)(ends 4/29)
- Pre-order THE TIGER AT MIDNIGHT by Swati Teerdhala to receive a signed bookplate, a bookmark, and 2 custom illustrated character cards. OR request it from your local library to receive a bookmark. (INT)(ends 4/29)
- Pre-order BRIEF CHRONICLE OF ANOTHER STUPID HEARTBREAK by Adi Alsaid to receive a personalized, autographed postcard from the author’s travels. You’ll also be entered to win a free flight up to $500. (ends 4/30)
- Pre-order BEFORE YOU WERE BORN by Deborah Kerbel to receive a themed bookplate autographed by the author and illustrator, two coloring pages based on art from the book, and a limited-edition whales magnet. Plus, you’ll be entered to win more prizes! (US/Can)(ends 5/2)
- Pre-order MY SO-CALLED BOLLYWOOD LIFE by Nisha Sharma to receive an e-copy of a mega list (pdf) of Bollywood movies and Nani’s recipe for mango lassi. (UK only–or, at least, must purchase UK version of book)(ends 5/2)
- Pre-order CONFESSIONS OF A MIDDLE-AGED RUNAWAY: AN RV TRAVEL ADVENTURE by Heidi Eliason to receive companion photos taken during the author’s travels that go along with each chapter in the book–more than 40 photos! (ends 5/3)
- ***Pre-order DARK SHORES by Danielle L. Jensen OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookplate, a bookmark, and an exclusive art print featuring Marcus and Teriana. (INT)(ends 5/6)
- Pre-order SHOUTING AT THE RAIN by Lynda Mullaly Hunt to receive a classroom pack that includes a discussion guide, tote bag and poster. (US only)(ends 5/6)
- Pre-order HOT DOG GIRL by Jennifer Dugan OR request it from your local library to receive a set of six vinyl character wall stickers. (INT)(ends 5/6)
- Pre-order KEEP THIS TO YOURSELF by Tom Ryan to receive a bookmark, postcard, signed bookplate and a surprise gift (the gift was announced to be an illustration of a scene through a vintage lens, that pays homage to the classics of the thriller genre, re-imagining them to include LGBTQ rep). (US & Can)(ends 5/6)
- Pre-order FINALE by Stephanie Garber to receive a Deck of Destiny. (US only)(ends 5/6)
- Pre-order ASK ME ANYTHING by Molly E. Lee to receive a Girl Coder bracelet by Arie & Co., a signed bookmark and a magnet. You’ll also be entered to win a HUGE grand prize. (INT)(ends 5/6)
- Pre-order ROMANOV by Nadine Brandes to receive Nadine’s exclusive annotated notes from Romanov chapters and a downloadable recipe card from the book. The first 20o preorder submissions also receive a watercolor Romanov bookmark, a quote sticker, a printed recipe card and a signed bookplate. (INT)(ends 5/6)
- Pre-order I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST by Mason Deaver for a chance to win a book bundle (including books signed by Becky Albertalli and Nic Stone), a non-binary pride book/writing planner, exclusive buttons, a signed poster, AND super secret surprise art by Alice Oseman! (INT)(ends 5/13)
- Pre-order DON’T DATE ROSA SANTOS by Nina Moreno to receive a checkout card from Port Coral Library as a bookplate, a bookmark, and a postcard. You’ll also be entered to win a giveaway! OR request from your local library to receive the postcard & bookmark. (INT)(ends 5/13)
- Pre-order THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT SWEETIE by Sandhya Menon to receive a print, bookplate, and an exclusive key chain! (US only)(ends 5/13)
- Pre-order AURORA RISING by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff to receive an exclusive Illuminae Files novella. (INT)(ends 5/14)
- Pre-order BENEATH CRUEL FATHOMS by Anela Deen to receive Deadbolt, a New Adult urban fantasy e-novella and an ocean-fantasy adult coloring book. Plus you’ll be entered to win one of ten character art prints and a grand prize. (ends 5/16)(INT)
- Pre-order KINGSBANE by Claire Legrand to receive a signed bookplate and an enamel pin. If you pre-order from their list of indie bookstores, you’ll also get a sheet of Empirium Trilogy temporary tattoos. (US/Can)(ends 5/20)
- Pre-order GIRL GONE VIRAL by Arvin Ahmadi to receive an exclusive decal pack. (US only)(ends 5/20)
- Pre-order THE MISSING SEASON by Gillian French from The Briar Patch bookstore to receive a signed copy of the book, a morbid lapel pin, a Day of the Dead iron-on skull patch, organic TMS cherry lip gloss, a Halloween wind-up, a TMS postcard, and a sterling silver jack-o’-lantern charm with spooky children’s rhyme from the book (first 20 pre-orders only). (US only)(ends 5/20)
- Request NO PLACE LIKE HERE by Christina June from your local library to receive a set of bookish stickers, a signed bookmark, and an entry to win a signed set of Christina June’s 3 books to be donated to your favorite classroom. (INT)(ends 5/20)
- Pre-order THE ISLAND by Jess Rothenberg to receive a signed bookplate, a bookmark, an invitation postcard, and a sticker. (ends 5/27)
- Pre-order WITHIN AND WITHOUT by Deborah Maroulis to receive a bookmark, a signed postcard, 2 stickers, and a ceramic pin. (INT)(ends 5/27)
- Pre-order BRIGHT BURNS THE NIGHT by Sara B. Larson to receive signed bookmarks from both books in the series and a signed bookplate. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize giveaway. (INT)(ends 5/28)
- Pre-order THE REST OF THE STORY by Sarah Dessen to receive a themed beach tote! (US only)(ends 6/3)
- Pre-order STORM AND FURY by Jennifer Armentrout from Fountain Bookstore to receive a signed book, bookmark and Book Beau bag. (INT)(ends 6/9)
- Pre-order MAGIC FOR LIARS by Sarah Gailey to receive an enamel pin. (US/Can)(ends 6/11)
- Pre-order THE PAPER & HEARTS SOCIETY by Lucy Powrie to receive an official membership pin. (US/ROI)(ends 6/12)
- ***Pre-order HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (House Edition) by J.K. Rowling via the Bloomsbury website to receive an exclusive house pin badge. (UK/ROI or AU/NZ only)(ends 6/12)
- ***Pre-order SOMETHING LIKE GRAVITY by Amber Smith to receive a special swag bag (think: bookmarks, stickers, pins, and more!). (ends 6/17)
- Pre-order THE EVIL QUEEN by Gena Showalter to receive a golden apple necklace! (US/Can only)(ends 6/24)
- Pre-order SWITCHBACK by Danika Stone to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark and postcard. Plus you’ll be entered to win other goodies! (INT)(ends 5/27) PLUS there’s a library only giveaway (scroll through the thread to see the pic with details! (INT)(ends 6/28)
- Pre-order STRONGER THAN A BRONZE DRAGON by Mary Fan OR request it from your library to receive a signed postcard, a magnet, and a red envelope containing a mystery prize. (INT)(ends 6/20)
- Pre-order HEART OF BARKNESS by Spencer Quinn to receive a digital copy of “Upper Story.” (US/Can)(ends 7/1)
- Pre-order CALL IT WHAT YOU WANT by Brigid Kemmerer to receive a signed bookplate, and an email containing exclusive bonus content set in the Letters to the Lost/More Than We Can Tell universe. Plus, 1 Grand Prize Winner will have a character named after them in a future published book, to be decided between you and Brigid! (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand)(ends 7/1)
- Pre-order WANDERERS by Chuck Wendig to receive an exclusive pin! (US only)(ends 7/1)
- Pre-order THE LAST WORD by Samantha Hastings OR request it at your local library to receive a signed bookplate, a bookmark, a sticker, and a vintage-style handkerchief. (INT)(ends 7/8)
- ***Pre-order ME, MYSELF, AND HIM by Chris Tebbetts to be entered to win a t-shirt (one will be given away for every 10 pre-orders) and a grand prize. Also, for every pre-order $1 will be donated to Pride Center of Vermont. (US only)(ends 7/8)
- Pre-order SPIN THE DAWN by Elizabeth Lim to receive exclusive art, an official bookmark and a signed bookplate. (INT)(ends 7/29)
- Pre-order THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE by Katherine Center from Blue Willow Bookshop to receive a signed/personalized copy, a bookmark, and special SWAG. (ends 8/12)
- Pre-order MOMENTOUS EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS by Dusti Bowling to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark, & bonus story. (ends 9/16)
- ***Pre-order HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE (Illustrated Edition) by J.K. Rowling via the Bloomsbury website to receive an exclusive Goblet of Fire tote bag. (UK/ROI)(ends 10/7) OR (AU/NZ)(ends 9/18)
- ***Pre-order CALL DOWN THE HAWK by Maggie Stiefvater from specified bookstores to receive a signed limited edition bookplate (I believe it features Maggie’s art?). (INT)(ends 11/4)
More Awesome Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @bookish_abby is giving away a paperback copy of There’s Something About Sweetie
- @tonyaleeh is giving away any book you want!
- @rachael_emma_89 is giving away a paperback copy of Once & Future
- @booknonsense is giving away a preorder of one of her most anticipated May releases
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the March Wrap-Up Round-Up and the April Discussion Challenge and Giveaway. Plus, you can enter to win an annotated copy of THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES!
- Lots of blogs participating in the Mother’s Day Giveaway Hop!
- Head over to The Debutante Ball for a chance to win GIRL IN SNOW by Danya Kukafka
- Penguin Random House is giving away a copy of THE NIGHT DIARY!
- Head over to Angel’s Guilty Pleasures for Win It Wednesday! This week she’s giving away Highland Betrayal by Alyson McLayne
- Head over to Stuck in Books for a chance to win The Cliff House
- SJ Pajonas is celebrating her 1000th post with a giveaway!!
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win Zero Repeat Forever or Three books from her ARC/Books for Trade shelves
- Katie McGarry is giving away signed copies of the Pushing the Limits series, the Thunder Road series, Say You’ll Remember Me and Only a Breath Apart.
- Head over to Literary Meanderings for a chance to win SERIOUS MOONLIGHT by Jenn Bennett and GIRLS ON THE VERGE
- Head over to Pink Polka Dot Books for a chance to win LAST GIRL LIED TO by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
- Head over to Bookhounds for a chance to win one of 3 WONDER WALK Swag Packs
- Follow some authors on BookBub and be entered to win a $350 Amazon gift card!
- Lots of blogs participating in the April Of Books Giveaway Hop!
- Writers, head over to Teaching Authors for a chance to win THE MAGIC WORDS by Cheryl Klein
- Head over to It Starts at Midnight for a chance to win THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES.
- Enter to Win Penguin’s Shakespeare in the Park Picnic Set Sweepstakes!
- Head over to Alyssa Carlier’s website for a chance to win Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
- It’s Once Upon a Twilight’s 9 year blogoversary! Head on over and you can enter to win a Blogoversary Prize Pack: Books, Gift Cards, Books/Movies swag
- Head over to France Book Tours for a chance to win The Song Peddler of the Pont Neuf, Smoking Kills, or The Crypt Thief
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
- Head over to Bookish for LOTS of giveaways!
Lots of good stuff! Have any giveaways or great discussions happening on your site right now? Feel free to share them in the comments!
Snow?!? Yeah no I couldn’t deal with that. Wow what a great place to volunteer. Oh ma I am so excited for new Julie Buxbaum and can’t wait to see what you think. Have a great week!
I’m hoping we’re finally done with the snow, but I’m not holding my breath.
Oh no, no more snow! The volunteer book bank sounds wonderful. Enjoy your week!
It was a great experience! I definitely plan to do it again.
Yuck, sorry about the snow. The book bank sounds like an awesome volunteer opportunity. I wonder if we have anything like that around here? I’d volunteer with books.
That’s how I felt! I love the idea of volunteering in a way that involves books!
I love what you’re doing with Bernie’s Book Bank. It’s fantastic!
I also received Hope and Other Punchlines and The Kingdom for review. I hope you enjoy them!
just reviewed Hope and Other Punchlines today—loved it! Hope you do too!
Bernie’s Book Bank sounds fantastic. That’s great you volunteered, and hopefully you can continue to do so! Oh gosh – it snowed again?! It needs to stop! It’s almost MAY!
-Lauren
I definitely want to volunteer again. It was really fun and a great cause!
Tell the snow to cop on, it’s nearly May! The volunteering sounds fun. And I’ve a giveaway on my Facebook age for a surprise book (open int’l). https://www.facebook.com/BetweenMyLines/
I know, right? I’m DONE with winter! Thanks for sharing your FB giveaway!
Thank you! Really appreciated you sharing it 🙂
🙂
Oh wow! That sounds like a fun volunteering experience! Anything book related with other readers would be a fun experience!
I have The Kingdom on my TBR pile to read as well. I’m thinking I will squeeze that one in after my Caraval re-read marathon! Lol. Hope you enjoy your new reads!
Here’s my STS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Yeah, I feel like there aren’t THAT many ways to use my bookishness as a force of good, so it was nice to find a volunteer opportunity like Bernie’s.
I think you could change the world if every child got the opportunity to read six good books twice a year. I think this is very good work, and I commend you for doing it.
Thanks for sharing all the giveaways and contests. That is great fun!
Maybe you should try a snow chant similar to the “Rain, rain, go away” ditty!
So true! I definitely plan to keep volunteering there because it’s such a worthy cause!
Did I know you’re in Chicago??? Waving at you from the western suburbs! We got *seriously* lucky, because Sunday was my daughter’s birthday party, and we had a bounce house. The day turned out pretty decent and the kids were able to go outside and bounce to their hearts’ content, which was fantastic because my house is so not big enough for that many people… Crossing my fingers that that will be the last of the snow we see until late fall at the earliest!
I’ve never heard of Bernie’s Book Bank, but that sounds awesome! What a great way to spend a few hours. 🙂
I’m in the northwest suburbs, so we’re probably not all that far from each other! Bernie’s is in Lake Bluff if you’re ever interested in volunteering there (probably closer to me than to you, but it’s worth the drive if you want to try it out). It was a great experience!!
Oh my goodness wow DD: It really needs to stop snowing over there so you guys can start enjoying spring! And that charity sounds wonderful and it is amazing how much they have accomplished. I am glad you volunteered and contributed too <3
I really loved volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank, and definitely plan to do it again soon.
I’m so glad you have a place by you where you can help out, with your time! That’s amazing! And YES, I’m ready for winter to go away! The weather was spitting snowballs at us, last week, while my kiddos had a baseball practice and game. I became a Popsicle after two hours lol!
Yeah, we had one track meet canceled because the track was just completely covered in snow. ugh!!