"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."— Mark Twain

Category Archives: Giveaways

Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop

Welcome to my stop on the Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop. This wonderful hop is hosted by KidLitFrenzy, Classic Children’s Books, Mymcbooks, and I Am a Reader, Not a Writer.

Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop

What is Children’s Book Week?

Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country. Each year, books for young people and the joy of reading are feted for a full week with author and illustrator appearances, storytelling, parties, and other book-related events at schools, libraries, bookstores, museums, and homes from coast to coast!

For more information, please visit: http://www.bookweekonline.com/

Because I often give away YA books, I’ve decided to go with the younger crowd this time. My kids are 4, 6, and 8 years old, so I’ll have some things that each of them just love. I will have three giveaways (all three international, so long as Book Depository ships to you): Toddlers/Preschoolers, Early Readers, and Early Chapter Books/Middle Grade (selections are based on what my own kids consider their favorites). You may enter for one, two, or all three.

Toddlers/Preschoolers

The Hidden Alphabet The Turn-Around, Upside-Down Alphabet Book

Kindergarten

Yes Day! Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad

Early Chapter Books/Middle Grade

Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Treehouse #1) The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles #1)

How to Enter

Because this is a giveaway hop with more than 100 participants, this’ll be simple. Just leave me a comment telling me which package (or packages) you would like to win. If you’re in for more than one, please state prize preference (meaning, tell me your first, second, and third choices).

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENT BODY! WordPress requires your e-mail address for you to leave a comment, thus it remains private if you leave it out of the comment box.

The Fine Print: Giveaway hop runs until 11:59 p.m. on May 13, 2012. Giveaway is open to everyone, so long as the Book Depository ships to you. One entry per person. You must be 13 or older to enter. Winners will be chosen with the help of the WordPress plugin And the Winner Is … and notified via e-mail. If I do not receive a response within 48 hours of sending the e-mail, a new winner will be chosen. I reserve the right to substitute titles in the event that Book Depository is sold out of books presented above. In that event, I’ll choose a similar-themed book. I am not responsible for books that are lost, stolen, or damaged en route to you.

Good luck!

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Product Review & GIVEAWAY: BookWedge

BookWedgeAbout: The BookWedge is kind of like a mini-WondaWedge. (If you don’t know what that is, just click the link to read my review from last week.) At least it looks like a mini-WondaWedge. And it operates much the same way, supporting – you guessed it! – books instead of you. ;-) And not just books, iPads, tablets, Kindle, etc. The more I looked into it, the more I wanted one. Like his big sister, BookWedge is made of sueded vinyl material, which is amazingly soft and cries Touch me! BookWedge is ergonomically designed to help reduce strain on your neck muscles, and being air-filled it’s lightweight.

My Thoughts: I was so excited to get a chance to review this! As an avid reader, I’m always trying to find the best, most comfortable positions for reading. And what an awesome added bonus that this can be used with my iPad and Kindle!

I found the BookWedge rather easy to inflate – even with my asthmatic lungs. (I had the husband inflate the WondaWedge because of its size.) My only complaint is that it was very hard for me to get the little bar in front to inflate. Although, that was only the first time I inflated it. Subsequent times have been much easier, thankfully. BookWedge is super-portable – inflated or not. It weighs very little and is relatively small, so carrying it around the house requires no effort. Wanna take it with you? deflate it, fold/roll it up, and stick it in your purse/tote bag. It’s that easy!

I tried using my BookWedge in a variety of places with both my books and my iPad. I have found that it definitely helps my neck. I can feel that there’s less strain, because I can sit in a position that better suits my neck. My favorite use, however, was on the table with my iPad. I use my iPad for my online banking, and while paying bills this week I used my BookWedge instead of the fold-under case the iPad is in. And that was when I fell 100% in love with this product! Don’t get me wrong, I really liked it before. But this made it even better! My fold-under iPad case elevates the top edge only a couple of inches. The BookWedge elevates it enough that it’s almost like a touch-screen computer. Observe:

BookWedge with iPad
The angle is perfect that I can just put it in place, and use as needed. (With the case I had to move it directly in front of me, covering up my work while using it.) I believe this made my task a little more efficient, which I can appreciate. I will definitely be using the BookWedge for this purpose every single time! If the BookWedge were a book, I’d give it 5 stars.

Source: Sent in exchange for an honest review.

More Information: To learn more about the BookWedge, or to order one for yourself, visit their Web site HERE.

Win It: I am currently holding a giveaway for a BookWedge! I love this product so much I’ve decided to extend the deadline to enter through the end of the month! The giveaway is posted HERE.
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Out of This World Giveaway!

Giveaway Button

My Little Sis, Gianna, is having a giveaway to celebrate reaching 200 followers! Join me in congratulating her on a wonderful milestone! :-) Her giveaway info:

Take your pick of these soon to be released/new YA books:

Clicking on a picture leads to its Goodreads link.
Some guidelines to refer to:
  •  As of right now, there is only going to be one winner that can choose one book of their choice for this giveaway.
  • This giveaway runs from today, April 8, 2012, to May 8, 2012. You must be at least 13 years old to enter, and as of today (4/9/12), I’ve decided to make this giveaway INTERNATIONAL! (Granted The Book Depository ships to your country)

Click on the button above to go directly to the post. If the image won’t show, just click HERE. She has a Rafflecopter form to make entering easy-peasy! :-) Good luck everyone!
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Product Review with GIVEAWAY: WondaWedge

WondaWedge
About: When I was approached about the WondaWedge, my first thought was the what? LOL As I perused their Web site, it became clear what it is. It’s an inflatable pillow for lounging. I agreed to review it when I saw that it was touted as something to lean on while reading in bed. Many nights I read in bed, and thought that perhaps this is exactly what I need. My pillows aren’t very supportive, and I often end up with a bit of a crick in my neck. I figured it’s worth a try – can’t get much worse than those saggy, smooshy, not-very-supportive pillows.

Before I get to my thoughts on it, though, I thought I’d give you more information on what the WondaWedge is and its many uses. As stated above, it’s an inflatable pillow designed by physiotherapists to be great ergonomically and offer excellent back support, making it better for one’s posture than many alternatives. There’s an attached mat that I have found helps to anchor it (no worries about it blowing away), as well as provides a barrier between my blanket/towel (if outside) and the ground. That’s especially nice if the ground’s not bone dry – no worries about soiling your blanket/towel, or even your clothes if you just sit on the mat. The material is a sueded vinyl, which is surprisingly soft and touchable. It’s waterproof, and claims to be even comfy in heat. (I can’t attest to that yet – ask me again in a few months, once it’s actually hot around here!) It’s very light-weight, which makes bringing it along to various places, such as the beach or on a picnic, easy.

Some uses of the WandaWedge:

  • Reading in bed
  • Gaming/TV floor seat
  • Dorm accessory
  • Pregnancy
  • Beach lounger
  • Sleep aid for GERD, acid reflux, respiratory problems, etc.
  • Back support during recuperation after release from the hospital.

There are many more uses, which can be found on their site.

My Thoughts: I will admit, I was somewhat skeptical. I figured it’s worth a shot, but my expectations were kinda low. And then I tried it. The WondaWedge is amazingly comfortable and supportive. I was very much surprised. The attached mat was something I was a bit wary of, but it’s great. It keeps the WondaWedge from slipping as you lean on it. And outside, it serves as an anchor – the wedge is attached, so it won’t be blowing away. And, as I mentioned above, it’s a great barrier between yourself (or your blanket/towel) and the ground. Given that it’s filled with air, it’s very light – which means bringing it along to the beach, an outdoor concert, or wherever else is easy. It folds small enough that it’ll fit in a backpack, diaper bag, tote, or even a larger purse.

In short, the WondaWedge is an excellent product. I love how much more comfortable I am reading in bed with this behind me. I would highly recommend it – and my kids would, too. All three of them love using it for TV watching and playing on the Wii. My oldest even brings down a blanket to snuggle on it.

Source: Sent in exchange for an honest review.

More Information: To learn more about the WondaWedge, or to order one for yourself (they are reasonably priced at $24 at the time of this post), visit their Web site HERE.

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*****GIVEAWAY*****

BookWedgeI am able to offer one lucky reader a BookWedge, which is a product by the same company that works for more than just books. You can read hardbacks or paperbacks comfortably with it, or use it as a stand for your iPad, Kindle, Nook, or other tablet/e-reader. It’s designed to help reduce strain on your neck muscles, which Lord knows avid readers like myself are prone to suffer!

To Enter:

Unfortunately, this is only open to those in the U.S. Sorry to my international readers.

  • Leave a comment telling me why you want a BookWedge. (Mandatory)
  • Like BookWedge on Facebook. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your FB info)
  • Friend WondaWedge on Facebook. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your FB info)
  • Follow BookWedge on Twitter. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your Twitter name)
  • Follow WondaWedge on Twitter. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your Twitter name)
  • Like Proud Book Nerd on Facebook. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your FB info)
  • Follow Proud Book Nerd on Twitter. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your Twitter name)
The Fine Print: Giveaway runs until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2012. Giveaway is open to those in the U.S. You must be 13 or older to enter. Winners will be chosen with the help of the WordPress plugin And the Winner Is … and notified via e-mail. If I do not receive a response within 48 hours of sending the e-mail, a new winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for prizes that are lost, stolen, or damaged en route to you.

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2nd Blogoversary Celebration (with GIVEAWAY)!

Balloons 3
Today is the day! Proud Book Nerd is officially 2 years old! :shock: I can’t believe it’s been two years – although sometimes it feels like it’s been longer. LOL Not in a bad way, though.

Last year I posted a bit of a retrospective about what started it all and where I’m headed. If you’re curious about how Proud Book Nerd came to be, check that post HERE.

What has changed since then? Well, a few things …

  • Proud Book Nerd had a makeover. I love this design, and hopefully will keep it for quite awhile.
  • I’ve lightened my load, so far as scheduled reviews go. It was becoming too much for me to balance with my family. I’m still probably trying to do too much, but not nearly as much as I had been before.
  • Google Friend Connect is gone. Following via e-mail, RSS, Facebook, Twitter, Linky Followers, or Google+ (which I hardly use).
  • Authors from A to Z began last June, and I intend to do it again this year. Stay tuned for more information soon.
  • I no longer accept review requests from random people. It’s not that I don’t want to help everyone; it’s just that I don’t have the time to do so. It was the easiest way to cut back on what was a way-too-big load.

Things to look forward to …

  • Reviews, reviews, and more reviews (of course).
  • Guest posts, interviews, and other blog tour posts.
  • Authors from A to Z, scheduled for June.
  • Giveaways.

Thank You
THANK YOU for your support! This wouldn’t be possible without you – my readers, contributors, and (in many cases) friends. To show my appreciation, I’ve decided to do a giveaway.

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To celebrate my blogoversary, I’m offering YOU presents! There will be two winners, one in the U.S. only, the other international (NO U.S.).

Giveaway 1

For a winner in the U.S. I have a $15 Amazon.com gift card. Use it to get whatever book – or other item, I suppose – you want. Or save it for something big, like a Kindle.

Giveaway 2

For an international (excluding U.S. entrants) winner, I offer your choice of book(s) from the Book Depository, up to $15 total in value. (To see if Book Depository ships to you, check HERE. If not, I’m sorry, but you are ineligible.)

To Enter

Leave a comment. It’s that simple! And, yes, there are extra entries (list below). Leave a separate comment for each entry, please!

Extra entries: follow via e-mail, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Linky Followers (box is in the footer on the left), or Google +; Tweet about this giveaway; Third Sentence Thursday participation.

Recap of entries.

Mandatory:

  • Leave a comment stating whether you are in the U.S. or elsewhere.

Additional entries (1 entry per action; leave a separate comment for each):

  • Sign up for e-mail updates (box in right-hand sidebar). Make sure to confirm following the link you get in your e-mail (and leave me the address so I can check).
  • Friend me on Goodreads. My page is HERE. Make sure to add a comment that you are entering my 2nd Blogoversary giveaway so I know who you are!
  • Like my page on Facebook. My page is HERE. Let me know what your Facebook username is so I can find you.
  • Follow me on Twitter. I am ProudBookNerd. Leave your Twitter name so I can follow you, too.
  • Follow me via Linky Followers. The box is located in the left side of the footer. Scroll down to find it. Leave your LF info so I can verify.
  • Add me to your Google+ circles. I can be found HERE.
  • Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a link to your tweet in your comment.
  • Participate in Third Sentence Thursday. Leave a comment with a link to your post every week (the same link you put in the linky).
The Fine Print: Giveaway runs until 11:59 p.m. on May 7, 2012. You must be 13 or older to enter. Winners will be chosen with the help of the WordPress plugin And the Winner Is … and notified via e-mail. If I do not receive a response within 48 hours of sending the e-mail, a new winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for books that are lost, stolen, or damaged en route to you.
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Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop

Welcome to my stop on the Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop. This wonderful hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and vvb32reads.

I am very excited to participate in this. Fantasy is my favorite genre, and YA has some great series. I have two giveaways, Faeries and Fantasy.

Faeries

This includes both books in Janni Lee Simner’s Faerie series.

Bones of Faerie

Bones of FaerieThe war between humanity and Faerie devastated both sides. Or so 15-year-old Liza has been told. Nothing has been seen or heard from Faerie since, and Liza’s world bears the scars of its encounter with magic. Trees move with sinister intention, and the town Liza calls home is surrounded by a forest that threatens to harm all those who wander into it. Then Liza discovers she has the Faerie ability to see—into the past, into the future—and she has no choice but to flee her town. Liza’s quest will take her into Faerie and back again, and what she finds along the way may be the key to healing both worlds.
My Review

Faerie Winter

Liza is a summoner. She can draw life to herself, even from beyond the grave. And because magic works both ways, she can drive life away. Months ago, she used her powers to banish her dangerous father and to rescue her mother, lost in dreams, from the ruined land of Faerie.

Born in the wake of the war between humanity and Faerie, Liza lived in a world where green things never slept, where trees sought to root in living flesh and bone. But now the forests have fallen silent. Even the evergreens’ branches are bare. Winter crops won’t grow, and the threat of starvation looms. And deep in the forest a dark, malevolent will is at work. To face it, Liza will have to find within herself something more powerful than magic alone.
My Review

Fantasy

This includes the three books released (to date, as there’s at least one more planned) in the Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima.

The Demon King

The Demon KingThis novel marks the first giant step in a momentous fantasy journey orchestrated by Cinda Williams Chima, the author of the popular Warrior Heir series. Its two chief protagonists are ex-thief Han Alister, an impoverished commoner, and Raisa ana’Marianna, the headstrong Princess Heir of the Fells. The Demon King brings them together, creating part of a volatile mix of action, magic, and danger. Empathetic characters; wizardly attacks.
My Review

The Exiled Queen

The Exiled QueenYou can’t always run from danger…

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean danger isn’t far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden’s Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.
My Review

The Gray Wolf Throne

Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.
(No review yet.)

How to Enter

Read these instructions before entering, because incomplete entries will be ignored.

Leave a comment with one of the following phrases:

  • Faeries Rule (this will enter you into the giveaway for the Faerie books ONLY)
  • Fantasy is King (this will enter you for the Seven Realms books ONLY)
  • Faeries + Fantasy = FABULOUS (this will enter you for BOTH)

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENT BODY! WordPress requires your e-mail address for you to leave a comment, thus it remains private if you leave it out of the comment box.

The Fine Print: Giveaway hop runs until 11:59 p.m. on January 12. Giveaway is open to everyone, so long as the Book Depository ships to you. One entry per person. You must be 13 or older to enter. Winners will be chosen with the help of the WordPress plugin And the Winner Is … and notified via e-mail. If I do not receive a response within 48 hours of sending the e-mail, a new winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for books that are lost, stolen, or damaged en route to you.

Good luck!

There are more than 100 blogs on this hop! Don’t miss your chance to win great books!

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YA Story Scavenger Hunt: Day 10

YA Story Scavenger Hunt

Hello, everyone! If you’re new, welcome to Proud Book Nerd! If you’re a return visitor – or a regular – welcome back! ;-)

I’m today’s hunt stop for the 2011 YA Story Scavenger Hunt!

Follow the hunt every day during the month of December! Answer the daily trivia questions from MG and YA books published during 2011 to be entered into the YA book giveaway.

Today’s question is from Delirium by Lauren Oliver.

Question #20: What did Lena and Hana call the statue they always high-fived?

Remember to fill out your answer in the form at Most Important Letter here!

Good luck, everyone!

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While you’re here, make sure to check out my other giveaways!

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2012 Books of the Month
January February March April
May June July August
September October November December
Favorite Series
A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies The Blood Journals by Tessa Gratton The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting The Chemical Garden by Lauren Destefano Codex Alera by Jim Butcher The Cousins' War by Philippa Gregory Darcy & Rachel by Emily Giffin The Dark Divine by Bree Despain Delirium by Lauren Oliver The Demon Trappers by Jana Oliver Everlasting by Angie Frazier The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton Fallen by Lauren Kate Firelight by Sophie Jordon Goblin Wars by Kersten Hamilton Gods & Monsters by Kelly Keaton Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare Kendra Chronicles by Alex Flinn Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin The Mark by Jen Nadol Matched by Ally Condie Mer Tales by Brenda Pandos Newsoul by Jodi Meadows Nightshade by Andrea Cremer Paranormalcy by Kiersten White The Pledge by Kimberly Derting Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes River of Time by Lisa T. Bergren The Riyria Revelations by Michael J. Sullivan Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini Stork by Wendy Delsol Talisman by Brenda Pandos Unearthly by Cynthia Hand Winterhaven by Kristi Cook Witch by Carolyn MacCullough The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater
May June July August
September October November December
Team Peeta ♥ Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Team Ren ♥ Nightshade by Andrea Cremer The Chemical Garden by Lauren Destefano Delirium by Lauren Oliver The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare Matched by Ally Condie Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi Unearthly by Cynthia Hand