Note to Self

This giveaway is closed. Winners will be announced later this weekend.

Warning: Since I typically have a family-friendly blog, I want to let my readers know that this post is not safe for little eyes.

Have you ever sat down with a new friend and found you stayed up way too late talking about every subject under the sun? Discussing religion, careers, and yes, even sex, even though you've only known each other for a very short period of time?

That is what it was like for me to read Note to Self - On Keeping a Journal and Other Dangerous Pursuits, by Samara O'Shea. Once I started it, I felt like Samara and I were just hanging out on my couch, sipping decaf lattes and having a conversation. (Okay, Samara might be sipping something harder, but I'm still nursing.) It was that easy to read.

The basic premise of her newest book is teaching people how to write in a journal, by sharing her own journal entries.

Personally, she wrote for therapy, sharing "A journal is an effective way to peel back the fleshy onion layers and get to the center of yourself - bear in mind that there can be tears involved when handling an onion." But she is quick to point out that there are several different ways to journal and shares ideas with you about how to find your journal niche. There is even a chapter on writing specialty journals, for recording your dreams or your travels.

I especially liked her ideas about using your journal to write letters that will never be sent. I don't keep a journal (other than this blog) but often write letters that I never send. Heck, I often write blog posts I never publish. It just makes me feel better to work my thoughts out on paper, er, I mean the keyboard.

My only real beef with this book is the amount of space the topic of sex takes up. It might just have been my imagination (I didn't take the time to go back and count), but Samara shares more juicy details than I thought was necessary for a book on how to keep a journal. In the end though, these salacious entries actually cause the book to read a bit like an auto-biography instead of a journaling how-to. That isn't necessarily a bad thing... but you probably won't be giving this book to a teenage girl who loves to write in her diary (unless you want her to read about blowing a line, going down on a boy, or masturbating)

Despite all of this, I really enjoyed the book. I hope you will too, so I am giving away my copy. If you want a chance to win my copy for free, then leave a comment below. (I know, 3 giveaways in 1 week!) I'll draw a winner sometime after 5 pm on Thursday, July 30th.

Head back over the the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival for more chances to win great stuff.

Disclaimer: I had the privilege to receive an advance copy of Note to Self - On Keeping a Journal and Other Dangerous Pursuits, from Harper Collins Publishing. If you are interested in reviewing books for your own blog, let me know in the comments and I will send you the information.

Comments

  1. That sounds ... interesting. Certainly sounds like something I wouldn't buy for myself. I'm intrigued by the idea of reviewing books. That sounds like fun!

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  2. This sounds like an interesting book! I'd love to read it. Thank you!
    bunnybx at gmail . com

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  3. Looks like a good book! Thanks for the chance!

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  4. I would love to review books on my blog. Give me the scoop *conspiritorial wink*
    onlycancan at hotmail dot com

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  5. That sounds like an interesting book. May Canadians enter your draw?

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  6. It sounds like a very intersting book! I would love to read it! nicolmontero at gmail dot com

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  7. Always looking for new books! Thanks for the giveaway!

    tornem (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  8. I didn't know there were books like this. Thanks for the review.

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  9. OOOh, this sounds so interesting! Thanks for offering this blog candy.

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  10. This book sounds so interesting! I always wanted to keep a journal, but never have, and it would be cool to see her thoughts!

    ticole96(at)msn(dot)com

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  11. I'd like this book to get pointers on doing better with my journal writing.
    -Terra
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  12. I would love to read this book.I have always been interested in writing. Thanks!

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  13. It sounds like a cute book. I used to use a journal (or "life book" as I was taught to call it), but have stopped since I graduated college. Perhaps this will give me more motivation to start again.

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  14. This sounds great; I'd like to read it! urchiken at gmail dot com. :)

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  15. I like the idea of using my journal to write letters too!

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  16. I am always looking for something new to read. thanks

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  17. My reading pile is getting short! I would love to read this!

    elkmeese (at) yahoo.com

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  18. I teach writing so I'd be very interested in reading this. Thanks for the great giveaway.

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  19. honestly, this sounds amazing...

    and i would be interested in reviewing books. I am already a published film reviewer (not on my blog.) and have wanted to get into reviewing books. If you could let me know, that would be great!

    Come check out my giveaway too!
    www.mistywagner.blogspot.com

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  20. This sounds like good motivation. I need another creative outlet (journalism major here) and my writing is stymied. Thanks.
    Visit me at www.mypreppypurse.blogspot.com

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  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  22. Dangnngit I accidently deleted the post. I said "Oh my SCANDALOUS!I want it ;)" and info about reviewing.

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  23. This sounds like a great way to start journaling! Please enter me. ppreacherswife at gmail dot com

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  24. Sounds like an interesting book!

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  25. This looks like a really good book. I'd love to read it.

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  26. This looks like a great book. I should start keeping a journal myself. Maybe writing is the type of outlet I need because I always feel stressed and frazzled. I'm interested in reading this book.

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  27. VERY fun! I'd love to be included in the drawing.

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  28. I would LOVE to have this! I've always felt a little akward writing in a journal.

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  29. I'd like to read it, so throw me into the mix! :)

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  30. Waht a fun giveaway. I wonder if one would still benefit skipping over all the sex parts? It does sound like an interesting read.

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  31. OK, I'm intrigued--I used to journal a lot but haven't made time lately... I'm curious to see what others think about journaling!

    f dot chen at comcast dot net

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  32. Sounds interesting, and I would love to review more books, thanks!

    kpuleski at gmail dot com

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  33. Yes this does sound like some very interesting readings, and thanks for the chance to get a free copy!

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  34. This really sounds like it would be helpful. I'd love to become a writer someday!

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  35. Looks like an interesting book. I hope I win.

    I'd like to review books.

    tabitha at123pizza dotorg

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  36. This looks really neat. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  37. sounds like a great book..I would like some help in the writing department!!

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  38. That sounds great. I like your blog header. Pretty baby.

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  39. Sounds like a great read

    jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com

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  40. Sounds interesting, need to learn to journal
    cjinhb at msn dot com

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  41. I'd love to read this!! Thank you!

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  42. I wouldlove this book, I love to read and write! I would also be interested in reviewing books as well.

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  43. Sounds like a good read--and I love the cover:)

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  44. My kind of book! Oh, and I would LOVE the info on reviewing books!!

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  45. I've often thought to start a journal and would love to read this. Thanks for such a great giveaway! :)

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  46. I'd love to give this book a shot--thanks for the chance!

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  47. This sounds very interesting. I'd love to know how to get involved in reviewing books for my own (soon to exist) blog. Thanks! tinawittmer(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  48. Awesome giveaway. I'd love to read this book. It sounds like something I'd really enjoy. My email address is in my profile, just in case I win ;).

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  49. I would love to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  50. This sounds like my kind of book!

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  51. Oh...how fun!!! I would LOVE to win this!!! Thank you so much for the chance! :)

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  52. Sounds right up my alley! I promise to pass it on after I read it! Thanks for the chance!

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  53. This sounds interesting for sure. :) And I'd love to know more about reviewing. :) Thanks for the giveaway!

    adashofsassitude(at)gmail.com

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  54. Id like to win a copy, thank you!

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  55. I've heard this book reviewed before and would like to read it. Thanks!

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  56. I'd love to win this. Books are one of my favorite things- right up there with my kids, my family, and my computer. :D I would love info on reviewing books. That sounds like a dream job.

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  57. It would be interesting to read it - thanks!

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  58. This is something I would love to do easier. I have always writing and learning more would be great. Count me in

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  59. I love books thanks for this contest!

    cmartin0055 @ aol . com

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  60. Sounds like a interesting read... enter me, please!

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  61. This looks like an interesting read.

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  62. This book sounds interesting. I've never been good at keeping a journal, so maybe this would help me. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Also, I'd definitely like to review some books.

    charlotte(dot)evard(at)comcast(dot)net

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  63. Received via e-mail:
    I love journaling and this sounds like something I'd really enjoy!!! I'd also love to review books since I read about 5 a week.

    njeosys@juno.com

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  64. This sounds like something I would enjoy. Thanks.

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  65. I would be interested in reviewing books.

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  66. Sounds interesting...please add me!

    allynesma (at) aol (dot) com

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  67. The book sounds like a good read and I'd love to know more about reviewing books!
    belinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  68. Count me in for the draw, that sounds like a fascinating book. I'd also be curious about info on reviewing books as I've just started my own blog. Thanks!

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  69. Sounds amazing!!!! Count me in!

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  70. seems I didn't link that right...

    allveggedout.wordpress.com

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  71. I could use this - I've been contemplating this very thing. I've kept a journal for most of my life, off and on, and I've been thinking about how I could make it more than just a catalog of things that bother me or things that happen to be going well. Great giveaway!

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  72. Sounds like an interesting book. Even if I don't win, I would be interested in reviewing books for my blog. Thank you for offering the information.

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  73. It does sound interesting, thank you!

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  74. sounds like a great book!

    Thank you for hosting this giveaway.

    tiffanyannrosson at yahoo dot com

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  75. oh now this is right up my alley lol. another great giveaway!

    xbrandy04x@aim.com

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  76. Hmm sounds interesting
    KawaiiNeko2008 (at) aol (dot) com

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  77. Sound interesting! Count me in!

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  78. The book does sound interesting. Thanks

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  79. Please count me in.

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  80. I'm trying to write a little more, just for myself. Maybe this could be a springboard.

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  81. I would love to get more information about reviewing books. Thanks!!

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  82. I would love to get more information about reviewing books. Thanks!!

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  83. I would LOVE to win this! Thanks!!

    OH and be sure to come and visit my giveaways too.

    http://weirdstuffinmydesk.com/?p=133
    and
    http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=738

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  84. I really would like this book, as I've been interested in journaling.

    Cheril
    cherilvernon@yahoo.com
    www.newtotv.com

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  85. This book would push me to start a journal.

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  86. I am very interested in reviewing books. I love to read, and I have strong opinions. :)

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  87. Great review - I'd love to read this book!
    Thanks for a wonderful giveaway and giving us a chance to win!

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  88. Id really enjoy it. It sounds edgy

    ry13_2000@yahoo.com

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  89. I love to journal. Count me in.
    avonleajules@gmail.com

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  90. Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the giveaway.

    carissaad at aol dot com

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