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.
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.
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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Looks like a good book! Thanks for the chance!
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That sounds like an interesting book. May Canadians enter your draw?
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ReplyDeletetornem (at) yahoo (dot) com
I didn't know there were books like this. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteOOOh, this sounds so interesting! Thanks for offering this blog candy.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds so interesting! I always wanted to keep a journal, but never have, and it would be cool to see her thoughts!
ReplyDeleteticole96(at)msn(dot)com
I'd like this book to get pointers on doing better with my journal writing.
ReplyDelete-Terra
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to read this book.I have always been interested in writing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt 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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ReplyDeleteI like the idea of using my journal to write letters too!
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ReplyDeleteelkmeese (at) yahoo.com
I teach writing so I'd be very interested in reading this. Thanks for the great giveaway.
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ReplyDeleteand 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
This sounds like good motivation. I need another creative outlet (journalism major here) and my writing is stymied. Thanks.
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This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDangnngit I accidently deleted the post. I said "Oh my SCANDALOUS!I want it ;)" and info about reviewing.
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ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to have this! I've always felt a little akward writing in a journal.
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ReplyDeleteWaht a fun giveaway. I wonder if one would still benefit skipping over all the sex parts? It does sound like an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteOK, 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!
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This sounds interesting!
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ReplyDeletekpuleski at gmail dot com
Yes this does sound like some very interesting readings, and thanks for the chance to get a free copy!
ReplyDeleteThis really sounds like it would be helpful. I'd love to become a writer someday!
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tabitha at123pizza dotorg
This looks really neat. Thanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeletesounds like a great book..I would like some help in the writing department!!
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ReplyDeletejasonncaryn at yahoo dot com
Sounds interesting, need to learn to journal
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I'd love to read this!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI wouldlove this book, I love to read and write! I would also be interested in reviewing books as well.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read--and I love the cover:)
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ReplyDeletethis sounds so cool!
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ReplyDeleteI'd love to give this book a shot--thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteThis 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
ReplyDeleteAwesome 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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ReplyDeleteOh...how fun!!! I would LOVE to win this!!! Thank you so much for the chance! :)
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ReplyDeleteThis sounds interesting for sure. :) And I'd love to know more about reviewing. :) Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteadashofsassitude(at)gmail.com
Id like to win a copy, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI've heard this book reviewed before and would like to read it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to read it - thanks!
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ReplyDeletecmartin0055 @ aol . com
Sounds like a interesting read... enter me, please!
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ReplyDeleteThis book sounds interesting. I've never been good at keeping a journal, so maybe this would help me. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'd definitely like to review some books.
charlotte(dot)evard(at)comcast(dot)net
Received via e-mail:
ReplyDeleteI 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
This sounds like something I would enjoy. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in reviewing books.
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ReplyDeleteallynesma (at) aol (dot) com
The book sounds like a good read and I'd love to know more about reviewing books!
ReplyDeletebelinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com
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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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!
ReplyDeleteSounds 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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tiffanyannrosson at yahoo dot com
oh now this is right up my alley lol. another great giveaway!
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Hmm sounds interesting
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Sound interesting! Count me in!
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ReplyDeleteI'm trying to write a little more, just for myself. Maybe this could be a springboard.
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ReplyDeleteI would love to get more information about reviewing books. Thanks!!
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http://weirdstuffinmydesk.com/?p=133
and
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I really would like this book, as I've been interested in journaling.
ReplyDeleteCheril
cherilvernon@yahoo.com
www.newtotv.com
Sounds great!
ReplyDeleteThis book would push me to start a journal.
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ReplyDeleteI am very interested in reviewing books. I love to read, and I have strong opinions. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review - I'd love to read this book!
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sounds very interesting!
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ReplyDeletery13_2000@yahoo.com
I would love to win!
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wud luv this pl
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