NOTES FROM A PUBLIC TYPEWRITER - Review and Giveaway

NOTES FROM A PUBLIC TYPEWRITER
by Michael Gustafson and Oliver Uberti
Publication Date: March 27, 2018
Published by Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 160
Source: Publisher

DESCRIPTION

In the spirit of Post Secret and Other People's Love Letters, a collection of confessional, hilarious, heartbreaking notes written anonymously on a public typewriter.

When Michael Gustafson and his wife Hilary opened Literati Bookstore three years ago in Ann Arbor, Michigan, they put out a typewriter for anyone to use. They had no idea what to expect. Every day, people of all ages sit down at the public typewriter. Children perch atop grandparents, both sets of hands, young and old, hovering above the metal keys: Dear Gramma, I LOVE YOU.... Others walk in alone on Friday nights and type confessionals: I will find someone someday. And some just leave funny asides for the next person who sits down: I dislike people, misanthropes, irony, and ellipses ... and lists too. 

Now in NOTES FROM A PUBLIC TYPEWRITER Michael and acclaimed author and illustrator Oliver have combined these notes with essays and photos, resulting in a beautiful, four color gift book. It's a love letter to independent bookstores and a warm, loving portrait of a community that brings to life the magic of these beautiful, funny, inspiring, and sometimes even heartbreaking messages.

MY THOUGHTS

"Ink lasts."

There's a certain kind of magic contained a bookstore and the owners of Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan added another tool to create that magic - a typewriter. Visitors to the store were free to share their words - both profound and silly. The owner collected many of the typings and present them in this book. 

NOTES FROM A PUBLIC TYPEWRITER is a touching tribute to visitors, to readers, to all of us that have something to say  - our confessions, our secrets, our admissions, and just the random thoughts that we need to get out.
The book is filled with photographs and actual quotes from the writers arranged in collections with titles like Impressions, Catharsis, On Mystery, and Lost & Found.

From Catharsis

"The most poignant notes are found on rainy Saturday nights. Notes on sobriety. Notes on divorce. Notes on loneliness. I don't judge; I replenish the paper." (page 119)

A Favorite Note

"Maybe one day we will write

enough books and read enough words 

to understand each other.

I hope."

(page 69)

What I love most about this book is that it reminds us that we're not alone. Our words matter.
NOTES FROM A PUBLIC TYPEWRITER lovely book to gift to a friend or even, give it to yourself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Gustafson is the co-owner of Literati Bookstore, an independent bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He lives in Ann Arbor with his wife and Literati Bookstore co-owner, Hilary.

Oliver Uberti is an award-winning graphic designer and was Senior Design Editor at National Geographic before turning to books. He is the co-author and designer of two books published by Penguin in the UK, London: The Information Capital (2014) and Where the Animals Go (2016). He lives in Los Angeles.

WEBSITE: http://www.oliveruberti.com /  http://www.literatibookstore.com/

TWITTER: @oliveruberti / @LiteratiBkstore

FACEBOOK: @LiteratiBookstore

INSTAGRAM: @literatibookstore

ENTER THIS TWITTER GIVEAWAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF 

NOTES FROM A PUBLIC TYPEWRITER

https://twitter.com/ActinUpJoli/status/991459216790577152 

RT and Follow by 5/6/18 11:59 p.m. for a chance to win a copy of Notes from a Public Typewriter by Michael Gustafson and Oliver Uberti. US/CAN only. #bookgiveaway #grandcentralpublishing pic.twitter.com/EWP0LFmUHf

— Joli (@ActinUpJoli) May 1, 2018

THE MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS - Review and Giveaway

The Museum of Broken Relationships

by Olinka Vistica and Drazen Grubisic

Published by Grand Central Publishing

Publication Date: November 14, 2017

DESCRIPTION

"Leave[s] your heart feeling full and connected."-- Frank Warren, PostSecret

In the spirit of Humans of New York and PostSecret, MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS is a gorgeous gift book celebrating the objects that outlast love: a poignant, funny, sometimes bizarre and always delightful window into modern love and loss.

A postcard from a childhood sweetheart. A wedding dress sealed in a jar. A roll of undeveloped film. An axe used to chop an ex-lover's furniture in a fit of rage. A wind-up toy, a bar of bath soap, a tin of Love Potion with the simple caption "Doesn't work." These objects, and many more, make up the whimsical, imaginative, poignant population of the Museum of Broken Relationships.

Started by two former lovers who wanted a way to commemorate their relationship even after it ended, who couldn't bear to simply throw away the objects that had once meant so much, the Museum of Broken Relationships has captured hearts and imaginations around the globe since its founding in 2010. Anonymous submissions have poured in by the thousands: objects with brief, compelling captions confessing to the story behind their meaning. The museum's Croatian exhibit quickly became a main draw for tourists from around the globe, and has garnered enthusiastic, glowing media attention from sources as disparate as the New York Times and the Chinese national news. 

Now, as the physical museum arrives for a permanent spot in Los Angeles, the authors have collected the best, funniest, most heartwarming and heartrending stories from their huge selection of submissions. Much like the bestselling Postsecret series, this beautiful oversized, four-color book will offer an irresistible glimpse inside other people's secret worlds, creating moments of deep human connection. It is a must read for anyone who has ever loved and lost.

My Thoughts

The striking cover draws you in. A few weeks ago, while visiting an independent bookstore, I went straight for THE MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS before I realized that it was the same book in the mail on its way to me. I admired the cover, because it is has a cover that will make you want to pick it up, but I waited until I received my copy to see the "museum" and read the stories contained within.

What makes this book appealing, in my opinion, is the idea that heartbreak connects us all. It doesn't have to be a romantic relationship, it can be a friendship, it can be a relationship with a family member. The stories in THE MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS include the heartbreak, the regret, the rage, and the relief. But readers can also experience the love that was once there.

It's interesting the many objects people hold on to - you expect to see letters or a photograph, but there are some unusual items too - a child's pedal car, a broken Hello Kitty key, a single stiletto, a melted phone. And the stories behind the "released" object, are what make this book. Some are detailed and some are very simplistic - all are telling, as they share what it means to let it go.
 
THE MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS will leave you thinking about lost loves and your own broken relationships, but not in a way that leaves you devastated. Instead it makes you realize, others have experienced this feeling too and in that way, you aren't alone.

 

WEBSITE: https://brokenships.com 

FACEBOOK: @brokenships @brokenshipsla

TWITTER: @brokenships @brokenshipsLA

INSTAGRAM: @brokenships @brokenshipsla

EARLY PRAISE

"This menagerie of heart-felt creations like the wedding dress in a jar or love-letter piñata will hit you with unexpected emotions and leave your heart feeling full and connected.” —Frank Warren, New York Timesbestselling author of the PostSecret series

"If all the world is a museum of broken relationships, then telling our stories about what is left behind is the way to help us mend.” —Colum McCann, National Book Award-winning author of Let the Great World Spin and President of Narrative 4

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Olinka Vistica is an arts producer, born in Split, Croatia, and cofounder of the Museum of Broken Relationships. She holds master's degrees in English and French language and literature from the Faculty of Humanities at Zagreb University.

Drazen Grubisic is a versatile visual artist from Zagreb, Croatia. He holds a master's in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb and is a cofounder of the Museum of Broken Relationships.

Giveaway

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Review: THE FORBIDDEN by Jodi Ellen Malpas

THE FORBIDDEN

by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Publication Date: August 8, 2017

Published by Forever Trade Paperback

Pages: 368

Source: Publisher

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Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2l2apNG

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2lxLoqV

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2l2d3De

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Google: http://bit.ly/2kcr6XH

Synopsis

A new story of dangerous temptations from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man trilogy. 

Annie has never experienced the 'spark' with a guy - the kind of instant chemistry that steals your breath and blindsides you completely. Until a night out with friends brings her face to face with the wickedly sexy and mysterious Jack. It's not just a spark that ignites between them. It's an explosion. Jack promises to consume Annie, and he fully delivers on that promise.

Overwhelmed by the intensity of their one night together, Annie slips out of their hotel room. She is certain that a man who's had such a powerful impact on her and who could bend her to his will so easily, must be dangerous. But she's already in too deep. And Jack isn't only dangerous. He is forbidden.

My Thoughts

Do you believe in fate? Do you have think there is only one “meant to be”?

THE FORBIDDEN is the second book by Jodi Ellen Malpas that I’ve read, and she is quickly becoming an author whose books I will seek out. I loved the writing and the storytelling and the connection between Annie and Jack. I enjoyed reading it and getting swept up in the romance and the drama. Oh the drama.

I loved the Titanic connection and even some of the parallels - the overwhelming, consuming love that they felt for each other. The story starts out steamy and never lets up. And it’s not just the physical intimacy, but also the closeness and the tenderness as a couple - the care and concern, that had me rooting for them.  

Writing this review is challenging because THE FORBIDDEN is just one of the books that you can’t talk about without revealing spoilers. AND it is a book that you will definitely want to talk about, but I don’t want to ruin it for other readers. I actually scanned ahead to discover the spoiler to find out if it was something I would want to continue to read. Obviously, I didn’t have an issue with reading this storyline, but this book does challenge my ideals. It challenges what I would want in my own life.

THE FORBIDDEN explores guilt and forgiveness, temptation and deprivation. It makes you question what you would risk to be with your “meant to be.” Do fate and karma really exist? And when do you decide who’s in control - and what does that mean?

I hope that readers will give THE FORBIDDEN a chance, especially my reader friends, because I would LOVE to have someone to discuss it with.

Disclaimer:  I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Excerpt and Giveaway: THE FORBIDDEN by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Jodi Ellen Malpas is back with a new release - THE FORBIDDEN. The story starts out steamy and never lets up. Check out the excerpt below and you can find out for yourself. IF this is your kind of story, enter for a chance to win one of 10 copies from Forever Romance. 

AND

Make sure to stop by tomorrow for my review of this book that I just can't put down.

THE FORBIDDEN 

by Jodi Ellen Malpas 

Publication Date: August 8, 2017

Published by Forever 

A new story of dangerous temptations from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man trilogy. 

Annie has never experienced the 'spark' with a guy - the kind of instant chemistry that steals your breath and blindsides you completely. Until a night out with friends brings her face to face with the wickedly sexy and mysterious Jack. It's not just a spark that ignites between them. It's an explosion. Jack promises to consume Annie, and he fully delivers on that promise.

Overwhelmed by the intensity of their one night together, Annie slips out of their hotel room. She is certain that a man who's had such a powerful impact on her and who could bend her to his will so easily, must be dangerous. But she's already in too deep. And Jack isn't only dangerous. He is forbidden.

“Every kiss, every sexy scene, every word between this pair owned a piece of my soul.  I could read this book a hundred times and still react as if it was the first time.  The Protector is a top 2016 fave for me.” –Audrey Carlan, #1 bestselling author of The Calendar Girl series

READ AN EXCERPT

“Thank you for your help,” I say quietly, studying him, definitely detecting that he’s deep in thought. Don’t ask, don’t ask, don’t ask. I need to get back into my apartment without engaging with him, which could prove tricky when he’s blocking the doorway and looking like he has no intention of shifting to let me in.

“Annie,” he breathes. “I’m struggling so badly.”

“I’m not doing this.” I swallow, pushing my way past him. He grabs me by the top of my arm and holds me in place. “Let me go, Jack.”

“I’ve already told you I can’t do that. Annie, I’m drowning here. I’m going out of my mind, and the more time I spend with you the f**king worse it’s getting. Listening to you, talking to you, sharing a passion with you that goes way beyond the amazing time we had in bed together.”

“You have to forget!” I yell, knowing anger is the only way forward. Be angry with him. Let it dominate me and rule me, because the alternative scares me to f**king death.

He pushes me into the hall and slams the door behind us, forcing me to back up. “No,” he says, straight and even. “No,” he repeats, moving one more step forward, except this time I don’t retreat. Because I can’t. Because he has me locked in place with those grey eyes, and now they’re back to their full glory. Sparkling, even if it’s with anger. He reaches for his shirt and starts unbuttoning it before shrugging it off and throwing it to the floor, revealing the chest that’s haunting me.

I quickly look down at the pile of material, my mind reeling. His chest. His perfect damn chest. “What are you doing?”

“I have no f**king idea.” He reaches for me and slides a hand around my neck, pulling me to him. Our chests meet, and my determination to repel him vanishes under our connection. Wrongs turn into rights. Conflict turns into craving.

“I can’t get you out of my head, Annie.” His forehead meets mine, his palm massaging away the tightness in my neck muscles, softening me up until I relax in his hold. “I want you all over again, and I can’t even find the will to worry about how much more that’ll make me want you.” He breathes down on me. “I’ve played that night on repeat. I’ve dreamed of holding you in my arms again. I’ve craved the sound of your voice, the feel of your touch, the softness of your lips on mine. I know I shouldn’t want you. But I do. Nothing has ever made me feel this insane with need. Nothing has taken up so much space in my head. I can’t f**king help it, Annie.” His grey gaze sinks into me, my heart steadying to an even thrum. His head starts to shake mildly, his splayed hand moving up to the back of my head and fisting my hair. “I don’t want to help it,” he growls. “I want you. I don’t care how wrong it is.” His clenched fist tightens, gripping my hair harshly. “I know I’ve been on your mind since I f**ked you every which way in that hotel room. Stop denying it. Don’t insult me and tell me you don’t crave that amazing feeling all over again. I can see it in your eyes every damn time I look into them. You. Want. Me.”

It’s me who moves in first. All me. I lunge forward and smash my lips to his, the magnetic force winning. His words winning. Jack winning. My heart winning. I coax his mouth open with hard, hungry kisses. I’ve lost my mind to a craving too powerful to fight off. And, like Jack, I don’t care how wrong it is.

Lost.

Yet as he walks me backward until my back slams into the wall, I feel found again.

I cry out, and Jack moans. We’re clumsy and desperate. He’s pushing me up the wall with the force of his kiss, then he’s rolling away, taking me with him until it’s his back slamming into the wall. It’s the elevator all over again. The atmosphere is sizzling. I’m on fire. He scoops me up, pinning me to him, and carries me into my bedroom. I focus on him. Only him and the return of feelings that I’ve fantasized about since that unforgettable night. All the guilt is abandoning me, and I let it, unprepared to let anything stop me from taking the forbidden.

Buy the Book!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2l2apNG

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About the Author

Jodi Ellen Malpas was born and raised in the Midlands’ town of Northampton, England, where she lives with her two boys. Working for her father’s construction business full-time, she tried to ignore the lingering idea of writing until it became impossible. She wrote in secret for a long time before finally finding the courage to unleash her creative streak, and in October 2012 she released This Man. She took a chance on a story with some intense characters and sparked incredible reactions from women all over the world. Writing powerful love stories and creating addictive characters have become her passion, a passion she now shares with her devoted readers.

Social Media Links

www.jodiellenmalpas.com.uk

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WITH EVERY BREATH by Lia Riley - Q & A and Giveaway

This week is the Release Week for With Every Breath by Lia Riley. With Every Breath is part of the Wanderlust series. Today I am hosting Lia Riley with a short Q & A. Check it out then enter for a chance to win a copy of With Every Breath.

Welcome Lia!!!

What are some of the books that made you fall in love with reading and writing?

Wow, tough question when there are so many choices! A few romance favorites include books by: Laura Kinsale, Kristen Callihan, Victoria Dahl, Kristan Higgins, Jill Shalvis, Chanel Cleeton, Megan Erickson and Julie Ann Long.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

I love the line by Ernest Hemmingway, “Write hard and clear about what hurts.” Since I write romance, I like to keep going and add “…and then write how to make it better.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

First drafts don’t have to be perfect; they just have to be written.

Tell me 5 things about yourself.

1.     I’m a hopeless romantic who struggles to enjoy a book that doesn’t features some sort of love story
2.     I’m the oldest child so pretty bossy
3.     I can’t fall asleep at night without reading at least a chapter.
4.     I’d rather eat pie than cake.
5.     My biggest regret is not speaking a second language.

WITH EVERY BREATH 

by Lia Riley 

December 29, 2015

Forever Trade Paperback; Wanderlust

BREATHE DEEP . . . AND JUMP IN

At the ends of the earth, Patagonia is a land where ambition trumps reason and the savage summit of La Aguja lures the most determined climbers. It's also the last spot a "play-it-safe girl" like Auden Woods expects to find herself. But she'll lace up her brand-new hiking boots and do whatever it takes to secure a dream job at an adventure magazine . . . even if it kills her. And it just might. When disaster strikes, her only chance at survival comes in the form of the surliest, sexiest mountaineer ever to come out of Scotland.

After a climbing accident cost him his brother, professional mountaineer Rhys MacAskill is at the end of his rope. Redemption is not in his future. That is, until a terrifying storm blows a budding journalist into his tent and it's up to him to make sure they both survive until morning. Despite the demons weighing on him, Rhys can't resist the temptation of the charming American and one wild night just isn't enough.

Auden and Rhys soon learn there are no shortcuts as they navigate their way between life, death, and atonement, and discover something they never expected—love.

Buy the book!

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About the author:

After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, Lia Riley scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. When not torturing heroes (because c'mon, who doesn't love a good tortured hero?), Lia herds unruly chickens, camps, beach combs, daydreams about as-of-yet unwritten books, wades through a mile-high TBR pile and schemes yet another trip. She and her family live mostly in Northern California.

Connect with the author!

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