monthly book giveaway for september!

September 1, 2013

chef anne burrell

Congratulations to Gayle M. for winning the August book giveaway – a signed copy of Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. I know you will enjoy this New York Times bestseller! Enjoy! Taking a quick time out of the holiday weekend to announce the September giveaway…

Our September selection is a little different this month. It is a cookbook! It happens to be a wonderful cookbook written by celebrity chef Anne Burrell.

I love this cookbook, and when I got the chance to meet Anne Burrell a few months ago, I knew I wanted to get a signed copy of Cook Like A Rock Star for one of my monthly giveaways on pleasure in simple things. So, rather than the usual fiction novel, this cookbook will be the giveaway selection for September!

I enjoy watching Anne cook on television and found out she is a real sweetheart in person! And, believe me, Cook Like A Rock Star is a great addition to any cookbook collection…great recipes and wonderful photographs!

Be sure to leave some comments on the blog, facebook, twitter, or instagram to increase your chances to win! Good luck!

I hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Instagram users – please read on for the September Instagram Challenge…this month a color inspiration is provided each week – use the color of the week to inspire your instagram photos!

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monthly book giveaway for august!

August 1, 2013

author colum mccann

Congratulations to Jacqueline, who writes the blog Marbles Rolling, for winning July’s giveaway! I know you will enjoy the signed copy of Wonder by R. J. Palacio!

The August selection is a New York Times bestseller written in 2009. I read Let the Great World Spin some time ago and found it so wonderfully fascinating that when I got the opportunity to see the author speak in Philadelphia last week, I jumped at the chance.

Colum McCann spoke at the Free Library in Philadelphia and read selections from his newest book Trans Atlantic. Although his newest book seems to contain the same poetic passion that I enjoyed in Let the Great World Spin, I decided to have his last book signed for the giveaway since it was such a favorite of mine. A passionate, beautifully written book set in New York City in the ’70’s, McCann provides a very unique reading experience that includes a richness of characters and a vivid depiction of New York.

The New York Times Book Review wrote:

“An emotional tour de force…electric, profound…Like a great pitcher in his prime, McCann is constantly changing speeds, adopting different voices, tones and narrative styles as he shifts between story lines…It is a mark of the novel’s soaring and largely fulfilled ambition that McCann just keeps rolling out new people, deftly linking each to the next as his story moves toward its surprising and deeply affecting conclusion…Let the Great World Spin (feels) like a precursor to…The Bonfire of the Vanities.”

My favorite part of meeting Colum McCann was when he asked me to signed his book! How fun…although it did catch me off guard! I guess I should have been a little more thoughtful in what I wrote (Big Fan!?)…but, I was so excited to meet him!

Be sure to leave a comment on a post or on my Facebook page (or Twitter or Instagram) to be entered in the random drawing to win a signed copy of Colum McCann’s Let the Great World Spin. Good luck!

Thanks so much for visiting, Jackie

P.S. Instagram users, please read on for the August word prompt challenge! Share your photos daily with hashtag #pleasuregram.

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monthly book giveaway for july!

July 1, 2013

Congratulations to Emma from Connecticut, winner of the June giveaway book Little Princes by Conor Grennan! Emma, I know you will enjoy this wonderful read signed by the author. Now, for our July giveaway selection…

Temporary tattoos distributed by the Fairfield Library during the Fairfield University appearance of author R.J. Palacio, who’s book Wonder was chosen for Fairfield’s 2013 town read.

I don’t like vampires…or zombies…so; I am not a big reader of Young Adult fiction. Yet, every once in a while a really special book shows up in the YA category that deserves attention. Books like The Fault in Our Stars or The Book Thief come to mind. Recently, a book categorized for even younger readers – 9 to 12 year olds -was added to my list of recommended titles. This book is Wonder by R. J. Palacio, and it is a must read for all ages.

I was lucky enough to catch an appearance by the author when she was in Fairfield, Connecticut, and I am thrilled to be able to give away a copy of Wonder signed by R. J. Palacio to one of my blog readers. Just leave me a comment during the month of July to be entered into the drawing…each comment qualifies as an entry.

The book’s message? Choose kindness. Sounds simple, right? It certainly should be…and this is the sentiment illustrated beautifully in the story of a young boy with a facial deformity, named August, who mainstreams into school for the first time in fifth grade. The book starts from Auggie’s point of view, continuing on with the perspectives of others to help tell this story of friendship and acceptance.

R. J. Palacio, author of the New York Times best seller Wonder.

Inspired by her own personal experience, Ms. Palacio touches the hearts of all who read the story of young August. Put this book on your summer reading list. You will be so glad you did. And when you finish, you can let your children read it. :)

Be sure to enter to win this marvelous book!

Have a wonderful start to July! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie Instagram users, please read on… Please share your simple pleasures on Instagram! Use these word prompts for July to inspire photos to share. Be sure to tag your #pleasuregram …share today or every day! Enjoy!

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monthly book giveaway for june!

May 31, 2013

author conor grennan

Congratulations to May’s winners Lenny, Angela, and Betty! You will each receive a signed copy of last month’s selection A Diary of Healing, My Intense and Meaningful Life with Cancer written by Mary Ann Wasil. I know you will enjoy this heartfelt memoir.

Now, on to June’s selection. Since it is the last day of the month, this week’s Friday field trip will be to visit the author of June’s giveaway book…

I meet a lot of authors. And, once in a while I have an admiration for an author apart from an appreciation for his/her writing. This month’s author is one of those cases. His name is Conor Grennan and he is from my home state of Connecticut and a NY Times bestselling author.

I got the opportunity to talk with Conor on several occasions when his book Little Princes: One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal was chosen as a town read selection in a nearby town. He not only made an appearance at the town library, but also talked with the town in a couple of Skype sessions. In my estimation, when a town chooses an author’s book for a town read, the author can’t help but develop a special bond with the readers. The entire town, after all, is embracing his/her labor of love! I am not sure if that was the reason for my immediate admiration for Conor or if it was his genuine nature and old-school values. In any case, I liked him instantly. He also has a wonderful sense of humor for the everyday, which you may know if you have read his posts on Huffington Post or follow him on Facebook.

At 29 years old, Conor Grennan decided to spend a year traveling the world, beginning with three months as a volunteer at an orphanage in Nepal. After arriving at the orphanage, Conor soon discovers that the children are not orphans, but had been taken from their families by child traffickers. And what starts as a volunteer assignment to help legitimize a trip traveling the world turns into an experience that shapes Conor’s life…as well as the lives of the families he reunites.

Little Princes is a true-life story documenting Conor’s experience and demonstrates how one man can truly make a difference. It is a remarkably inspirational memoir that is sure to captivate. A signed copy of the book will be given away randomly at the end of the month. Just leave a comment to win! Good luck!

Thank you so much for visiting!

Have a fabulous weekend, Jackie Instagram users, please read on…

In an attempt to promote some sharing on Instagram, I am posting prompts for each month…share one day or every day! Just add #pleasuregram:) to your photo! I put the :) on the end to be sure our hashtag is totally unique! Have fun with it! Here are the June prompts:

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monthly book giveaway for may!

April 30, 2013

Congratulations to Nancy from New Jersey for winning the April book giveaway! Nancy has won a copy of Jodi Picoult’s newest novel The Storyteller. With the weather getting nice and warm, be sure to do some outdoor reading Nanc ;) Now, on to the May selection…

Since May is the month we traditionally recognize mothers, this month’s giveaway book is written by one of the most amazing moms I know. It is the newly published memoir My Intense and Meaningful Life with Cancer, A Diary of Healing written by Mary Ann Wasil. It is the touching, and humorous account of this mother’s battle with breast cancer.

The author of this book is the mother of three. Many are impressed by her beauty (both inside & out)…by her wonderful relationship with her children…by her courage…by her amazing attitude…these things are impressive to me too, but the thing that impresses me most about Mary Ann is her dedication to giving back. She is not content focusing on her own recovery. She has established a nonprofit called The Get in Touch Foundation to help others and to affect change. This foundation helps girls of all ages (starting in grade 5) to ‘get in touch’ with their bodies, information, and each other to help in the crusade against cancer. Mary Ann has made an amazing commitment with her life and I would like to share her story with you…I hope you win one of the three signed giveaway books!

Because this book is so special, I have decided to give away three signed copies! This month, I am asking you to say you are a cancer survivor, know a cancer survivor, or want to help eliminate cancer…just write this in a blog comment, in a tweet, in an email, or on my Facebook page and you will be entered to win one of the three copies I will give away at the end of the month!

Good luck! In the meantime, you can meet Mary Ann here.

Thanks so much for visiting! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

7 comments

monthly book giveaway for april

April 1, 2013

the storyteller ~ jodi picoult

Hi everyone…how was your weekend? It’s the first of the month, so I need to announce the monthly book giveaway winner and next month’s giveaway selection.

Congratulations to Theresa N. from SC! She is the lucky winner of the March book giveaway – a signed copy of the New York Times bestseller, Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee by Hoda Kotb. You can read more about the book and see photos of Hoda by clicking here. I know you will enjoy the book Theresa! Happy reading!

For April, I have a very exciting selection! I have not yet actually had the chance to read the book myself…it has not been out very long. I know there are many Jodi Picoult fans out there who would love to win her newest release, The Storyteller! This book has been signed by Ms. Picoult at a recent appearance in Philadelphia. I have received offers to buy this book, but it is not for sale!

It is this month’s book giveaway…and, no purchase is involved! Just ‘like’ the pleasure in simple things Facebook page or leave a comment on the blog and you are automatically entered in the random monthly drawing. Good luck!

I hope everyone enjoyed a Happy Easter weekend :)

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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monthly book giveaway for march

March 2, 2013

hoda kotb

Congratulations to Mona from Connecticut for being the winner of February’s giveaway! I used random.org to pick a winner from the author of every comment that was made to pleasure in simple things during the month of February. Mona will receive a signed copy of Ayad Akhtar’s debut novel American Dervish. It is a wonderful read and I know you will enjoy it!

For the March giveaway, I will be sending a lucky winner a signed copy of Hoda Kotb’s New York Times bestselling novel Hoda: How I survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee. New York Times bestselling author Adriana Triginai had this to say about Hoda’s book: “Hoda Kotb is a wonderful storyteller. Hilarious, honest, and inspiring, you will marvel as she describes her family’s roots in Egypt and their American sojourn, which leads her to the career of her dreams. This book is a manual for overcoming obstacles and living life with passion and purpose. I loved it. Hoda is the working girl’s Cleopatra. She rules!”

Like many women that work outside of the home, I have never seen the the “Today” show hosted by Kathie Lee and Hoda. The only thing I actually know about the show is the controversy over the hosts drinking wine during the show. And, I do know Hoda is a cancer survivor. I also know that she started out as a newscaster.

When I saw that the Wilton, Connecticut library was hosting Hoda, I decided to check it out and learn a little more about this newscaster turned controversial talk show host.

It ended up being a very enjoyable evening…Hoda was everything you would imagine a talk show host to be…very enthusiastic and engaging. In a light-hearted way, she told a detailed account of the almost thirty rejections she received before she landed her first job as a newscaster…saying, “it only takes one.” Even when she brought up the fact that she survived both cancer and divorce in the same year; her positive attitude was infectious.

I know you will enjoy this charming memoir by Hoda Kotb in this month’s giveaway. Good luck!

Thanks for visiting and enjoy the rest of your weekend, Jackie

3 comments

monthly book giveaway for february

February 2, 2013

author ayad akhtar

Congratulations to Lucy, (from the blog Craftberry Bush) for winning the giveaway book for January! I used random.org to pick a winner from the author of every comment that was made to pleasure in simple things during the month of January. Lucy has won a copy of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York’s newest book Ballerina Rosie (click here to see more about it.) I don’t know if Lucy has any small children, but knowing she is an artist, I am sure she will appreciate this beautifully illustrated picture book signed by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.

A signed copy of Ayad Akhtar’s debut novel American Dervish is February’s giveaway book. Last September I had the opportunity to meet the award-winning filmmaker, playwright, actor, and novelist Ayad Akhtar when he visited the Wilton Library in Wilton, Connecticut. The author discussion with Ayad Akhtar was truly one of my very favorites in some time. As an American-born, first-generation Pakistani-American, I found his discussion of the Muslim-American experience extremely enlightening.

American Dervish is a fresh and touching coming-of-age story of a first generation Pakistani-American that gives the reader a look inside the interplay of religion and modern life. The book examines the strong cultural forces at play for young men and women growing up Muslim in America. The child of immigrants in the story struggles to find a place in his life for the traditions and beliefs of his ancestral homeland in a new world of broader possibilities that are both enticing and threatening. Although the main narrative unfolds in pre 9/11 America, it is a timely and thought-provoking story. I always enjoy a read where I can better understand a culture different than my own and through the Shah family in American Dervish; the reader most definitely better understands the struggles, complexities, value, and cost of being Muslim in America.

It is a great read and I am excited to give it away to one of you! Make some comments during the month of February and you may win a signed copy of this beautifully written first novel by Ayad Akhtar, February’s giveaway book, American Dervish. Good luck!

Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful weekend :)

Thanks for visiting, Jackie

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duchess of york book giveaway

January 1, 2013

the duchess of york ~ sarah ferguson

Congratulations to Jessica (from the blog Brand New “We”), the winner of the December book giveaway. Jessica has won a copy of The Shoemaker’s Wife signed by author Adriana Trigiani! (Click here to see more about it.) It is a wonderful book Jessica…I am certain you will love it!

For January, the giveaway will be a little different…I am excited to be giving away a children’s book for the first time… because it is a special one from a New York Times best-selling author! I recently had the opportunity to have tea with The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, when she visited the New Canaan library in Connecticut. I asked her to sign a copy of her latest children’s book Ballerina Rosie to use for this month’s giveaway book! I will give away this encouraging story of an aspiring dancer at the end of January – randomly, to someone that has made a comment during the month as a way to thank you for visiting. Click here for the full details.

The January giveaway book from pleasureinsimplethings.com.

Any child you know is sure to enjoy this charming story and beautifully illustrated book signed by The Duchess of York…or, you may just want to keep it for yourself!

A great giveaway to start off the first one of 2013! I also have two special New Year’s gifts that I will mail out to the first two people to wish me a Happy New Year!

The start of this new year is the perfect time to thank you all for visiting my blog. As a novice, I especially appreciate everyone’s support. This has been a very challenging year for me and the support and friendship I have received through ‘pleasure in simple things’ has really helped me through 2012. Please continue to visit. I look forward to 2013 with much anticipation and I am looking forward to sharing it with you.

Enjoy a safe and happy 2013. Love, Jackie

“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” – Helen Keller

3 comments

december giveaway & tony danza winner

December 1, 2012

adriana trigiani

Congratulations to Theresa N. from South Carolina, the winner of the November giveaway! Theresa has won an author signed copy of Tony Danza’s first book, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High. Click here to see some photos of when I met Tony and had him sign your book! I know you will enjoy it! For December, the giveaway book is a wonderful, historical fiction by Adriana Trigiani titled The Shoemaker’s Wife. The story of Enza and Ciro starts in the Italian Alps at the turn of the last century.

Through the love story of Enza and Ciro, this rich epic tells the story of the immigrant experience in America over twenty years. I loved the book and was very excited to get the opportunity to meet the author when she was recently in Connecticut, courtesy of R. J. Julia’s bookstore in Madison.

I have to admit, having never seen Ms. Trigiani before, I was a little surprised by her presentation…it was more of what you would expect from a stand-up comic than a best-selling author. I didn’t realize she had a comedy background…including a stint as a writer on The Cosby Show! She kept the crowd in constant laughter as she discussed her family and her Italian heritage. The Shoemaker’s Wife, she explained, was inspired by her own family and took over 20 years of research for her to develop…truly, a labor of love.

A copy of The Shoemaker’s Wife, signed by Adriana Trigiani, will be December’s giveaway selection. To enter to win, simply leave a comment on any post during the month of December. Each comment will qualify as a ‘chance’ to win. Click here for more details. Good luck!

A photo of the author Adriana Trigiani. Her debut novel was Big Stone Gap.

Happy December! Thank you for visiting, Jackie

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