Archive for August 14th, 2010

The 2010 Thurber Prize for American Humor Finalists were just announced and one of the three contenders happens to be Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhonda Janzen. This book has been on my to-read list for some time now and this may just have given me the nudge I needed to pick it up very soon. Congratulations and Good Luck!

Here’s a bit about the award itself:
Started in 1997, the Thurber Prize for American Humor is the only recognition of the art of humor writing in the United States. A panel of national judges selects the three finalists from a selection of seven or eight semi-finalists. Books submitted for a prize year had to have been published the prior year.

The winner is announced at a special awards ceremony at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City where James Thurber once lived. The winner of the prize receives $5,000 and then is the guest entertainment for the annual December Thurber Birthday Gala

About Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhonda Janzen:
Not long after Rhoda Janzen turned forty, her world turned upside down. It was bad enough that her husband of fifteen years left her for Bob, a guy he met on Gay.com, but that same week a car accident left her injured. Needing a place to rest and pick up the pieces of her life, Rhoda packed her bags, crossed the country, and returned to her quirky Mennonite family’s home, where she was welcomed back with open arms and offbeat advice. (Rhoda’s good-natured mother suggested she get over her heartbreak by dating her first cousin—he owned a tractor, see.)

Written with wry humor and huge personality—and tackling faith, love, family, and aging—Mennonite in a Little Black Dress is an immensely moving memoir of healing, certain to touch anyone who has ever had to look homeward in order to move ahead.

Nina Garcia’s Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion

Not Chick Lit Fiction, but definitely one of the most anticipated Women’s Fashion “How-to’s” of the recent past. Nina Garcia is a household name in fashion thanks to her continued participation in the hit show Project Runway as well as her Fashion Director positions with companies like Marie Claire and Elle. Nina’s fashion-sense and genuine opinions are sure to make this the fashion advice book not to miss! It’s out now, so don’t forget to pick up your copy and start “dressing to impress!”

“Every woman, at one time or another, has contemplated an all-important job interview, first date, formal party, or important presentation and wailed to herself and to her closest girlfriends, “What should I wear?” In Nina Garcia’s Look Book, style guru Nina Garcia solves this universal quandary with an inspired and unbeatable combination of fashion knowledge and common sense. She shows us the pieces, the accessories, and the strategies to create the looks that will take us from the first day on a job through the day we ask for a raise and beyond, from the first time we meet our boyfriend’s parents (or his children) through the day we see our own children walk down the aisle. With Nina by your side, you can’t go wrong. You’ll have all the tips you will need to navigate every day looking your best. True style is not about having a closet full of expensive and beautiful things—it is instead about knowing when, where, and how to utilize your collection.”

I saw this on Facebook today, and just had to share it with you because it’s quite an exciting opportunity! Sophie Kinsella is giving away 10 hardback copies of her new book Mini Shopaholic, which both Leah and I have been lucky enough to read, and it’s fantastic!

All you have to do is register on Sophie’s official website before AUGUST 19TH at midnight and all the entrants will be put into a draw.

“the 10 winners will be selected at random from separate territories (3 UK residents, 3 US residents, 2 Canadian residents and 2 rest of the world). Winners will receive their own copy of the book - prior to publication - in a Keep Calm and Carry on Shopping bag signed by Sophie.”

The book is out in the UK on September 2nd, and in the US on September 21st, so the winners will receive their prizes before it’s publication date, a nice treat for you! If you’ve already registered, fear not because you will automatically be entered into the draw! Good luck!