Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 05-31-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

A few housekeeping items today.

Hopefully you're going to have a fun and busy summer. So remember, read only what you like. If a book isn't a good match for you, hit the delete key, and don't feel guilty when you do. Keep the book club fun.

If you ever miss receiving one of your daily reads, the Missing Read link runs right after the title and author information at the top of each read. Or you can send me an email and I'll be happy to get another copy right out to you.

On Monday and Thursday watch for the AuthorBuzz link--it's right after my column. The link is: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Every month I feature a new Penguin Classic. To sample the current classic My Antonia by Willa Cather and to enter the drawing--free Classic books and book bags--go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh

You'll always find the Classic link below my column and I feature a new Classic the second Tuesday of every month. June's Classic, The Quiet American by Graham Greene will be available on June 11th.

I have all kinds of great stuff to give away this summer: bubble machines, paper lanterns, quirky garage sale "finds," aprons, journals, cookie droppers (like the kind I use when I make chocolate chip cookies) and I'll be featuring the Write a Dear Reader Contest again. The first and second place winners will receive over 40 books--all signed copies--and the winning columns will run in the book clubs when I'm on vacation. Watch my column for more details!

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Books that you'll want to read, authors you'll want to meet and signed copies for winners. Jean Sasson, Love in a Torn Land; Jennifer Kaufman and Karen Mack, Literacy and Longing in LA; Emma Mclaughlin and Nicola Kraus, Dedication; and Kate White, Lethally Blond. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 05-30-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Thea inspired me to get out my hula-hoop today.

"Dear Suzanne, I have been reading with you since the beginning of 2002 and I must admit it is still the highlight of my day. There are so many choices now. You have opened my eyes to books I would never even have glanced at never mind read. I would love to get some of the baked goodies from time to time but the rules are so strict here in Australia with regards to sending food, so I just drool when I see the photos.

You have become my dear reading friend--going through all your life experiences, son marrying, mother passing away. My favourite though was the 'hula-hoop' picture. I have found it so uplifting and have it on my wall. Take care and many happy readings."--Thea F.

(Suzanne responds:) Thea, not only did you inspire me to find the old column and rerun it (below), but you inspired me to get out my hula-hoop. I can still rock and roll my hips and keep that thing going round and round. And I took a new photo for you, too. To see the old and new hula-hoop photos go to:

http://tinyurl.com/2lac8d

The Hula-Hoop Column from March 2003...

Dear Reader,

I was in a toy store the other day and saw some hula-hoops. I just couldn't resist--I pulled a purple and white striped one out of the box, put it around my waist and started moving my hips. I had my doubts about keeping it from hitting the floor, but my childhood hula-hooping skills were still with me. I could have kept it going and going. When the clerk behind the counter started rolling his eyes and giving the other store employees the 'this one is a weirdo look' I thought I better make my purchase and get out of there. Hula-hoops are a real deal now. I got mine for only a $1.29.

I keep my new toy by my desk, and periodically throughout the day I jump up for a 5-minute hula break. When I tell people about my pastime they either smile and fondly recall their own childhood hula-hoop memories or they get a disgusted look on their face and tell me about what an embarrassing experience this colored circle was for them.

I'm counting on hidden benefits from this new hula-hoop craze of mine. I've convinced myself that with every right and left twist of my hips, the inches are melting off my waist and behind. I sure hope it's true. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
http://www.DearReader.com

READ THE CLASSICS: My Antonia by Willa Cather and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh

Dear Reader Column 05-29-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I've found my passion. I love to write and most of the time my passion is right there on the surface. I feel every word. It's easy to get lost in my thoughts and when I've finished a column, the best part of me is right there in what I've written.

I love it when my passion is burning--when it's difficult to close my eyes at night, because I don't want to waste time sleeping, and when it's not a problem hopping out of bed in the morning, because I can't wait to "begin." But the heat of passion comes and goes and that's frustrating for me.

I want to be able to grab ahold of that passion anytime, anywhere, but sadly it doesn't always work that way. When I have to dig deep, when things don't come as easily as they usually do, my first thought is, 'It was a good ride and now it's over.' But the other day, when I was looking at my Coleus plants, I discovered a new way of thinking about passion.

One of my flower gardens is under a big oak tree and I always plant a lot of Coleus there. Coleus plants like a little sun, but mostly shade, and that's the climate underneath my big oak tree. The setting and the soil in that garden are the perfect match for Coleus and they thrive. Big, huge, overgrown plants fill up the space. The Coleus plants get so big and are so passionate about doing their job that their roots come up right out of the ground. Instead of staying buried a couple of inches underneath, when the Coleus are in full bloom, the stalky stems, with the sinewy roots, actually lay on top of the soil.

The Coleus is so determined it keeps on growing for months and months, nothing stands in the way of that plant. It knows its purpose. It thrives and is a thing of beauty to look at. But eventually, it starts to look a little ragged, not enough so most people would notice, but I've seen the Coleus at its best and I know it's time to cut the plant back and give it a rest.

And I've decided that's the way of passion.

Most of the time the words will flow and be a thing of beauty, but sometimes the writing will be a little ragged--not enough so most people would notice--but I won't let it bother me, because like the Coleus, I just need a little time to renew my passion.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

P.S. Enter Suzanne's Book Giveaway! Sample Writing Poetry at http://tinyurl.com/2t5uma, then send me an email and let me know if you enjoyed the read and if you plan on finishing the book. I'll forward your comments on to the author and when you tell me what you think, your name is entered in a drawing. I have 20 copies of Writing Poetry to give away to readers. Send your comments to:
enter-to-win4@emailbookclub.com

READ THE CLASSICS: My Antonia by Willa Cather and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh

Dear Reader Column 05-28-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Curtis was curious, so he wrote and asked...

"Suzanne, I just realized something. I don't remember you writing about what 'you' are reading and how it impacts you. You seem to be living my dream life, surrounded by books, free to kick back and read what you like and getting paid for it to boot! I would love to do what you do.

My passion is turning people onto audio books. I check things out of the library and lend them to co-workers just to get them started. I love to get the book back and then have a chat about how they liked it. One thing I can't believe is how challenged people are in using the library. I would love to run training sessions on using the online catalog, reserving books and tapes, etc. How can I get paid for doing what I love? (Instead of crunching numbers and stressing over deadlines all day.)

I suspect the reality of your job may be somewhat different. Maybe you are so busy answering emails, calling publishers and libraries and baking cookies that you don't have time to read. That would just be too bad!"--Curtis M.

(Suzanne responds:)

Curtis, one of the books I've been reading lately is Writing Poetry: From the Inside Out by Sandford Lyne. Even if you aren't interested in learning how to write poetry, you'll love the book. The author snagged me right away with his wonderful storytelling.

I was so inspired when I was reading Sandford's stories, that I found myself talking out loud to him, making comments and hoping for a reply. But when I called the publisher to get Sandford's telephone number I discovered that he'd passed away this past February, one month before his book was published. What a sad thing to hear. But thankfully Sandford didn't have to wait to write a book to discover his passion, he'd been leading poetry writing workshops across the country for 20 years.

It's wonderful that you've discovered something you're passionate about, too. Keep your day job and don't be concerned whether or not you're getting paid when you work on your new idea.

I'm not downplaying getting paid for what you do. Everybody needs to pay the light bill. But I'd have to say that most of the things I've done in my life--the things that have turned into a career--I started out doing for free, including the book clubs.

Offer one "how-to" library class, and see what happens. Think of it as an experiment. And don't be put off by numbers, if ten people sign up, great. If only one person signs up, that's just as good. You still get to share your love of books with another person. Trust your instincts and follow your heart.

Now about my job, yes, it's very different from what you envision, but that doesn't mean I don't love what I do. There are 15 people on my staff. Not only do we provide book clubs for libraries, we also create specialty book clubs for publishers and we develop software programs for libraries, too. And yes, I do get time to read, but who ever gets enough time to read--not even me!

Best of luck to you, Curtis. I hope you decide to create an adventure for yourself. And in the meantime, sample some of Writing Poetry: From the Inside Out by Sandford Lyne. To read two inspiring chapters and enter to win a copy of his book--I have 15 books to give away--go to:

http://tinyurl.com/2t5uma

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Books that you'll want to read, authors you'll want to meet and signed copies for winners. Jean Sasson, Love in a Torn Land; Jennifer Kaufman and Karen Mack, Literacy and Longing in LA; Emma Mclaughlin and Nicola Kraus, Dedication; and Kate White, Lethally Blond. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

READ THE CLASSICS: My Antonia by Willa Cather and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh

Dear Reader Column 05-25-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

He looked handsome in his black suit, white shirt and dark tie. His shoes were polished, there was a black chauffeur's hat on his head and dark shades covered his eyes. Every woman in the hair salon was staring at the mysterious man that walked through the door, and so was I.

"Is Suzanne Beecher just about finished?" the handsome man, who sounded like my husband, asked the receptionist.

And when the receptionist told him it would be 10 minutes before I was ready to go, the handsome man, who resembled my husband, thanked her and said, "Would you please let Suzanne know that her driver is waiting outside?" And out the door he went.

I was shocked, and within minutes every woman in the beauty shop, including me, was pressed up against the front window staring at my husband, dressed in chauffeur attire, standing beside a stunning old-fashioned MG Roadster sports car.

It was my birthday and as a gift, my husband was in "character," playing the part of my personal chauffeur, and he had rented the MG Roadster for the weekend. It was a birthday I'll never forget.

After we left the hair salon, for the rest of the day my "driver" chauffeured me around town to all of my favorite boutiques and galleries. Every time we made a stop, my husband jumped out of the car and hurried around to open my door, then he took my hand and ushered me inside the store.

My personal chauffeur never went inside the store with me, that would have been a driver's indiscretion. Instead, my "guy" would go back to his "post," with his chauffeur's hat tipped ever so slightly, legs stretched out, and he'd lean up against the side of the MG Roadster and publicly wait for me. It felt like a Cinderella birthday--everyone inside the store and outside in the parking lot was dying to know, 'who was this woman with the fancy car and driver?'

Tomorrow is my birthday and I'm not sure what my husband has planned, but wouldn't it be fun if my driver magically reappeared? In the meantime, let's start celebrating. I have 30 books to give away, plus 4 Starbucks giftcards (you know how I love my Starbucks coffee.) To enter my birthday giveaway and see a photo of me and the Roadster go to: http://tinyurl.com/2b8d2u

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

READ THE CLASSICS: My Antonia by Willa Cather and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh

Dear Reader Column 05-24-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Thanks for taking the time to email. Nina responded to last week's column about crying. If you missed the column, you'll find it at: http://tinyurl.com/2unvxc

From My Email Bag:

"I remember my dear Aunt crying about some sensitive situation and her husband and daughter laughing at her...and then I'd feel my eyes sting because I knew Aunt Fran now felt doubly sad. I was only 10 or so, but it taught me the grace of '...weep with those who weep'. It's a rare person who joins me in a cry... and I don't know why.

As a Pan Am stewardess, I often replenished the Kleenex pack for passengers and brought a freshly dampened towel to catch sobs on our long overseas flights. To lessen their feeling conspicuous I'd sit in an adjoining empty seat knowing that a good cry often makes ya' feel better, quicker. It is strange how tears make some people uncomfortable.

This last New Year's Eve 'Discovery' ran a program on the well-known therapy of laughter. Associations have formed to get together just to laugh. It needn't be funny to be therapeutic. It's not the 'emotion' that's healthy, but just the physical act: 100 laughs is equal to 10 minutes of aerobic exercise. Perhaps there's a market for Sobsters to just get together and chop some onions!

It's nice to know there are others who appreciate crying as a valuable expression...and I join Schulz's Lucy: 'Smile and the world Smiles with you,' Cry and you break the Monotony:) "-- Nina

Thanks for your email Nina, I always appreciate hearing from readers. And of course, thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Find out about new books you'll read and never forget from these wonderful authors: Diana Meehan, Learning Like a Girl; Margaret Ahnert, The Knock at the Door; Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson, The Potluck Club Takes the Cake; Resa Nelson, The Dragonslayer's Sword; and Leslie Schnur, Late Night Talking. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

READ THE CLASSICS: My Antonia by Willa Cather and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh

Dear Reader Column 05-23-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

The writing is fresh, the cover is cute and it's a paperback that will easily travel along with you this summer. Be sure to sample Zoology by Ben Dolnick, this week's special book. There's even a Print Friendly version of the sample and I have 20 copies of the book to give away to readers.

Read the sample, then send me an email and let me know, "Did you enjoy it? Do you plan on finishing the book?" That's all you have to do to enter the book drawing. I'll forward all of your responses to the author. Ben will love to hear from you.

Talk to you tomorrow, I was inspired--I'm off to visit the zoo. To sample Zoology go to: http://tinyurl.com/2v95qp

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
http://www.DearReader.com

P.S. "Suzanne's Cookies Rock!" Enter this month's cookie giveaway, see a photo of last month's winner Ken and his bowling buddies, and read all about their cookie-inspired bowling success. Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/cookie14.html

READ THE CLASSICS: My Antonia by Willa Cather and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh

Dear Reader Column 05-22-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

When I have a new idea, "Shh!" I don't want to tell anybody else about it, at least not right away.

I'm not superstitious, or worried that someone might steal my new idea. No, I'm more afraid of someone killing my dream all together. Especially in the beginning, when I'm still in the exciting, anything is possible stage, where nothing can break my spirit, except--hearing too many times, "Oh, no, that won't work because..."

People don't intentionally set out to squash creativity, but I'm here to tell you there are a lot of talented idea killers walking around. It's a skill friends and family don't even realize they possess and unfortunately, for most of them, it comes naturally. I'm fired-up, practically breathless, in the middle of describing my new idea, my arms are waving around in the air, but even before I get to the really "good part," I see the verdict in front of me. The lines in their forehead are all squished together and the lower half of their body is bobbing up and down, like a kid who has to go to the bathroom, but he has to wait his turn, and at this point I don't want to stop talking, because if I relinquish the floor I know what I'm going to hear, "Oh, no, that won't work because..."

So, in the beginning, it's much safer to keep my new idea close. I need to sit with it for awhile, and maybe add a few new things, before I open it up for discussion. Because if my little-bit-of-genius hasn't had time to really become part of me, it's not going to be easy to brush aside negative comments. And every time I have to re-rally the excitement in my own mind, it's more likely I'll simply dismiss my dream.

Yes, I do have a new idea, but, "Shh" it's not safe to tell anybody else about it--at least not yet.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
http://www.DearReader.com

P.S. "Suzanne's Cookies Rock!" Enter this month's cookie giveaway, see a photo of last month's winner Ken and his bowling buddies, and read all about their cookie-inspired bowling success. Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/cookie14.html

READ THE CLASSICS: My Antonia by Willa Cather and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh

Dear Reader Column 05-21-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

"Suzanne's Cookies Rock!"

That's what Ken, one of last month's cookie winners, said about my famous chocolate chip cookies. In fact, Ken's entire bowling team can vouch for the magic of my chocolate chip cookies. If you want to improve your bowling score, (or turnaround your tennis, golf or even chess game) "Eat Suzanne's Chocolate Chip Cookies!"

Enter this month's cookie giveaway, see a photo of Ken and his bowling buddies, and read all about their cookie-inspired bowling success. I'm ready to bake for you, but you've got to enter to win. Go to:

http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/cookie14.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Find out about new books you'll read and never forget from these wonderful authors: Diana Meehan, Learning Like a Girl; Margaret Ahnert, The Knock at the Door; Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson, The Potluck Club Takes the Cake; Resa Nelson, The Dragonslayer's Sword; and Leslie Schnur, Late Night Talking. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

READ THE CLASSICS: My Antonia by Willa Cather and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh

Dear Reader Column 05-18-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Thanks for taking the time to write. I know you are busy and I appreciate it.

From my Email Bag:

"Suzanne, you are such a gift to so many people. Participating in the book club is fun but you are the 'heart' of the program, you give it life...you give permission for people to laugh, to cry, to try new things...to experience the reality of life. I've told you that your column was what I looked forward to each day because you are real, and you let people see it..."--Cheryl E.

"Hi Suzanne, your Dear Reader column has meant so much to me. We have used two of your books as professional readings for development at our corporate office. We even contacted one of the authors and are meeting him for a retreat. Thanks for making a difference in my life."--Sincerely, Mary Q.

"Suzanne, I am so excited! I emailed you a few weeks ago about my 80-year-old mother and how your column about your friend who 'collects' cows reminded me of my mom, and the corsages I thought she liked. I shared your column with my mom then and asked her to try it. She told me yesterday she is LOVING it! She joined the book club. To see her so excited about something, when she hasn't felt well in the past year brings such joy to me. Thank you for encouraging your readers to share the book club with friends and family. You never know whose day you might be uplifting. Bless you!"--Dana P.

Congratulations to this week's "Sweet Deal" winners: Sean M. and Linda E. Be sure to tune in next week. You'll be able to sample great books, enter the May Chocolate Chip Cookie Give Away, and it's birthday week for me so I'll be giving away a lot of free books and other birthday treats.

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
http://www.DearReader.com

READ THE CLASSICS: My Antonia by Willa Cather and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh