Books ......

I have had the great luck of winning a couple of books from other book blogs and I have to share one with all of you.

The first is Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford .... what a great title. Now, I have to tell you on the first look... I was interested... what a cover ... such promise of what's to follow in the pages beyond... now I didn't start reading this the minute I received the package in the mail. (direct from the author - more on this later) After finishing a couple books that were already in the line up I started this book... not knowing, not hoping, not wondering what would come from this lucky, free book.

Well, only chapters into it and already I know it's a good one.... it's not a long read; but, each page brings more thought provoking phrases and brings more questions concerning the atmosphere in the USA during the time period of this book. I feel that we, as Americans, will forget our nations history if not for these fictionalized books taking place in times of great challenge to our country. I, for one, do not read a lot of historically true books; but, to read fictional historical period books I am more apt to look up more information, discuss these issues and to be more aware of our nations not so glorious moments in our homeland history.

When we look at our nation ... I think we tend to look at only the good and may not see the trying times we have come through as a nation. We need to be aware of our own history in order to be more understanding to other countries and peoples of the world. We shouldn't stand in judgement of these countries and peoples of the world; but, offer our support and help them to see that change is needed -- as we, the USA, have been trying to do.

I won this book from Redlady's Reading Room (check her link); but, it was for just the AudioBook.... well, I waited for my book and received this rather large box in the mail. Now, the box was bigger than what an audiobook would be in... I opened it up ... and all this was from the author... a note from the author, a hardback book, the audiobook, two t-shirts with the book's title on the front and "Bitter" & "Sweet" on the backs of each of the t-shirts, and a bar of BitterSweet chocolate... was this an amazing win/gift from an author who only had my name and address?? I was so impressed... aren't you?? Check out Jamie Ford's web site http://www.jamieford.com/ and most of all read his book... it is a great read. I would have said this even if he had not sent the chocolate...