Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 9-30-04

Join my email book club. Over 250,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Last week I asked readers to send in a favorite recipe along with a photo if they had one. I think you'll enjoy this one...

From my Email Bag:

"Hi Suzanne, I'm a Captain in the U.S. Army currently stationed in Iraq. I wanted to share one of our favorite recipes for a dessert we make in the field. It is called Ranger Pudding.

You have probably heard of MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat). Inside of an MRE package is an accessory package filled with essentials such as toilet paper, matches, gum, hot cocoa mix, instant coffee, and other items to make life pleasant. To make Ranger Pudding all you need to do is combine the cocoa mix, sugar, instant coffee, and instant creamer into the cocoa package. Dry mix these ingredients and then add water for the desired consistency. It is incredibly delicious and with all the sugar and caffeine it gives a great boost.

My mother's neighbor is a lifelong teacher and she referred me to your book club. When I get home I will have so many books to read. I have started so many with you and I hope to finish them later. I have included a picture of me and a friend for your amusement. As you say, it is good to read with friends."--John Thompson

To see Captain John Thompson and his "friend"
go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/usa.html

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

[email protected]
www.DearReader.com

P.S. To sample this week's bonus book, "How to Remodel a Man," and to enter our contest go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/alt/reman1.html

Dear Reader Column 9-29-04

Join my email book club. Over 250,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I was talking to a friend of mine on the phone the other day and immediately after I hung up I told my husband, "She is such an unbelievable woman."

It's amazing. Every time I get off the phone with her I'm inspired. My mood is kicked up a couple of notches, and I'm usually laughing. She brings out the best in me. How does she do it? She is the most well-adjusted, kind, intelligent and loving human being I know.

I need to take a lesson from her. I mean it. Oh, I know she performs this "miracle" without thinking--there's no preplanning on her part. It's just how she lives her life. And that's what makes her even more remarkable.

"Linda, you're one of a kind."

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

[email protected]
www.DearReader.com

P.S. To start reading "How to Remodel a Man," and to enter our contest go to: www.emailbookclub.com/alt/reman1.html

Dear Reader Column 9-28-04

Join my email book club. Over 250,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I can't find my watch. The one with the big, bold, orange, strap. It wasn't expensive. I have two other watches, so I guess it's really not that big of a deal--at least that's the story I've been trying to sell myself.

But ya' know, it is a big deal. That watch was different. That watch has a history--probably one that only I can appreciate, but a history nevertheless.

I bought it when I was in Minneapolis on a business trip. My appointment was in the afternoon and I had time to kill in the morning, so I put on my tennies and went for a speed walk around the Mall of America. I wasn't planning on doing any shopping, but when I turned the corner, I veered slightly to the right and mysteriously ended up speed walking right up to the jewelry counter in the Nordstrom store.

And there it was. My watch. It was meant to be. I smiled when I saw it--didn't take me but an instant to commit. I realized I couldn't wear it to my afternoon meeting--a big, orange, banded watch would send a conflicting message with the business suit I had on--but I could clearly see myself wearing it on the plane trip back home, and it was looking pretty darn sexy on my arm.

I'm beside myself. I can't find my watch and I haven't been able to finish this darn column either. It's been sitting in my draft folder for the past two weeks. I think I'm afraid if I write that last line, what I'll really be doing is saying a final goodbye to my watch. And I'm just not ready to do that.

To be continued, when I find my watch.

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

[email protected]
www.DearReader.com

P.S. To start reading "How to Remodel a Man," and to enter our contest go to: www.emailbookclub.com/alt/reman1.html

Dear Reader Column 9-27-04

Join my email book club. Over 250,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

My husband and I couldn't stop laughing when we read Bruce Cameron's book, How to Remodel a Man. It's absolutely hilarious, especially Chapter Five. That was our favorite. Well, technically pages 68 through 71 (in the midst of Chapter Five).

I know, I know, you're going to write and tell me I'm a tease, because the sample that I'm giving you today, from his book, doesn't get to page 68. But it doesn't really matter. You can pick up this book--open it to any page--and you'll be in the midst of a print version of a priceless stand-up comedy routine.

To start reading How to Remodel a Man, and to enter our contest:

Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/alt/reman1.html

To enter this week's contest, just send me an email describing why your man needs remodeling, or if you're "the man who needs remodeling" confess your shortcomings--(just kidding) and you'll be entered in the contest.

I have five signed copies of the book to give away and one grand prize winner will also win a personal phone consultation with author Bruce Cameron. He'll give you some tips, techniques, and clever ideas about how to "remodel."

Looking forward to hearing from you.

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

[email protected]
www.DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 9-24-04

Join my email book club. Over 250,000 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 writing to me. I always love to hear from readers. Would you please tell a friend about the book club this week? Or contact your local newspaper and tell the editor about the great online book club you belong to. Maybe they'll decide to do a story and help us spread the word. Over 250,000 people read with us every day!

From my Email Bag:

"Dear Suzanne, last night as we watched 'Jeopardy' and when Ken Jennings gave his intro he said he contributed his success to his parents, who instilled a love of reading. They read to him every night. My eight year old son leaned over and hugged me and said, you're making me a success too, mom!"--Paula

"Suzanne, I have been a member of your book club for close to two years. I was looking for books to read and always felt lost. Now I have a list I keep from the reads you send, and periodically I go to my library and put holds on books I have listed. Many are ones I never would have found on my own. Now I am never bookless.

It's contagious, my husband is now reading every night, too, and my daughters curl up on the bed with me at night to read (for one of my daughters this is a major accomplishment). This has become a special part of our day.

I enjoy your comments every day, I feel like I've known you for years. Good work Suzanne."--Bev

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

Gratefully,

[email protected]
www.DearReader.com

P. S. You could WIN...send me one of your favorite recipes (along with your photo, if you have one). Email or send it to: Suzanne Beecher, 1002 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236. I'm collecting readers' recipes and I'll share them in a later column.

When you send your recipe and photo, you'll automatically be entered in a drawing for one of two cookbooks: "Sandwich" by Yisrael Aharoni, and "Burgers" by Rebecca Bent. In the meantime, enjoy a recipe for one of my favorite sandwiches.

Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/recipe2.html

Dear Reader Column 9-23-04

Join my email book club. Over 250,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

There's a cat in my hat. There's a cat in my bed. There's a cat on my desk and there's a cat hiding out--somewhere in my house. I've been looking for her for the past hour. My son and daughter-in-law are on vacation and my husband and I are babysitting their two cats, Frank and Chloee. We have two cats of our own, so I'm now living in a cat house.

"Kitty, kitty." Where is that cat?

Chloee, the missing kitty, is a shy girl and one heck of a good hider, I might add. She's definitely won this game of hide and seek.

I give up. "Ollie, Ollie oxen free."

I've searched behind curtains, cupboards, bureaus, and under beds. I've found everything on this kitty scavenger hunt except the cat--two dimes and a quarter, dust bunnies the size of ear muffs under the beds, (I'm moving the beds and vacuuming tonight) a bag of licorice, a couple of dead bugs, and a Christmas present that I bought for our son two years ago.

I know, I know, the cat will turn up eventually--my husband keeps reminding me of that--but now it's the principle of the thing. I should be able to out think a cat.

Where is that cat? "Kitty, kitty."

Cats are not hospitable, at least not mine. My two normally affectionate kitties have rolled up the "Welcome" mat. Between all the hissing and snarling, it's apparent that their take on our house guests is, 'You weren't invited by me, so keep out of my stuff, especially my litter box. Stay off of my favorite chair--don't even think of sleeping there. And I hope you brought your own food because I'm not sharing mine.'

"Kitty, kitty." OK, I've had it, come out right now.

It's gonna be a long two weeks.

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

[email protected]
www.DearReader.com

P. S. You could WIN...send me one of your favorite recipes (along with your photo, if you have one). Email or send it to: Suzanne Beecher, 1002 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236. I'm collecting readers' recipes and I'll share them in a later column.

When you send your recipe and photo, you'll automatically be entered in a drawing for one of two cookbooks: "Sandwich" by Yisrael Aharoni, and "Burgers" by Rebecca Bent. In the meantime, enjoy a recipe for one of my favorite sandwiches.

Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/recipe2.html

Dear Reader Column 9-22-04

Join my email book club. Over 250,000 people read 5-mintues a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I gave up five minutes ago.

I'm starting to feel much better now, content and at peace with myself. The situation hasn't changed, but I have. I'm not fighting it anymore. I'm not trying to be in control. I've given up.

Giving up is always a last resort for me. Can't really tell you why I always wait so long. The deep breath comes, inhale, slowly exhale--my shoulders relax and the pressure's off.

Did what I could--it was my best. But still it wasn't meant to be.

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

[email protected]
www.DearReader.com

P. S. You could WIN...send me one of your favorite recipes (along with your photo, if you have one). Email or send it to: Suzanne Beecher, 1002 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236. I'm collecting readers' recipes and I'll share them in a later column.

When you send your recipe and photo, you'll automatically be entered in a drawing for one of two cookbooks: "Sandwich" by Yisrael Aharoni, and "Burgers" by Rebecca Bent. In the meantime, enjoy a recipe for one of my favorite sandwiches.

Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/recipe2.html

Dear Reader Column 9-21-04

Join my email book club. Over 250,000 people read 5-mintues a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

My toilet whistles at me. It's kind of a sly, little "Yoo hoo!
Come hither!" sort of whistle. This a new thing for me and my toilet. Our past propinquity has been the customary toilet/owner relationship. We keep each other clean and tidy.

Don't get me wrong--I always applaud creativity. So at first, a whistling toilet was actually quite amusing. I was even a little boastful, thinking I probably had the most entertaining toilet on the block. Why, my toilet whistles every time I flush! It even puckers up in the middle of the night for no apparent reason. But this whistling thing is beginning to get a little irritating. You know how a joke is hilarious the first time out, still funny the second go-around, but after three times, the punch line just doesn't do it for you anymore? Well, my toilet has whistled one too many tunes.

I asked friends if they had any ideas about how to solve the whistling toilet mystery, but they were only amused.
"Why does your toilet whistle, Suzanne? Maybe it wants to play, 'Name That Tune?' Maybe it thinks you have a cute butt."

O.K., it's time to call a professional.

"Joe's Plumbing. Can I help you? Why does your toilet whistle?
Well, maybe it thinks you've got a cute...."

Yeah, yeah, I've heard that one before.

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

[email protected]
www.DearReader.com

P. S. You could WIN...send me one of your favorite recipes (along with your photo, if you have one). Email or send it to: Suzanne Beecher, 1002 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236. I'm collecting readers' recipes and I'll share them in a later column.

When you send your recipe and photo, you'll automatically be entered in a drawing for one of two cookbooks: "Sandwich" by Yisrael Aharoni, and "Burgers" by Rebecca Bent. In the meantime, enjoy a recipe for one of my favorite sandwiches.

Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/recipe2.html

Dear Reader Column 9-20-04

Join my email book club. Over 250,000 people read 5-mintues a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I had a favorite when I was a kid and I sheepishly admit that I still love it today.

Put two pieces of olive loaf luncheon meat on top of one slice of bread, add a piece of colby longhorn cheese, cover those sandwich innards with a complete layer of potato chips, fold the piece of bread over, (some of the potato chips might try to get out, but stuff 'em back in) and then...SMASH...that sandwich with your hand. When you hear the potato chips crinkle, it's ready to eat. Bon Appetit.

O.K., Bon Appetit might be a stretch for that particular fare. So here's another recipe for one of my favorite adult sandwiches, "Shredded Barbecued Beef." It has a couple of preparation steps, so I usually make it when I'm doing the laundry (which, in my house, means I'm near the stove). But no doubt about it, it's worth that little extra attention. And once it's finished, you've got ready-made sandwiches for the entire week.

For the recipe, go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/recipe2.html

Send me one of your favorite recipes (and a photo, if you have one). You can email it to me or send it through the mail. Mail it to: Suzanne Beecher, 1002 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236. I'm collecting readers' recipes and I'll share them in a later column.

When you send your recipe, you'll automatically be entered in a drawing for one of two cookbooks: "Sandwich" by Yisrael Aharoni, and "Burgers" by Rebecca Bent.

Enjoy the Barbecued Beef sandwich.

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

[email protected]
www.DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 9-17-04

Join my email book club. Over 250,000 people read 5-mintues a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I was a guest on a live radio show the other night. My segment was scheduled at 7:38 p.m. (Pacific Time). I live in Florida, so it was 10:38 my time. Little did they know they were interviewing me while I was sitting in my pajamas. The evening's topic was love and dating.

"So Suzanne, tell us about your love affair with books. And do you remember your first love--the first book that you dated?"

When I was young, my love affair with reading and books was pretty rocky, and so were my dating experiences. I spent a lot of nights alone. A good man may be hard to find, but let me tell you, it can be just as tough to find a really good book. My parents had a long list of rules for dating and reading. The most important: if I started reading a book, I had to finish it. Consequently I was always afraid to commit. And there was that curfew. Lights out by 10 p.m. "Ah, gee, that's just when the fun started--the story was just getting good."

Frequently, well-meaning people would recommend books, bragging up their good qualities, telling me how "nice" they were, but my blind dates were usually a disaster. You can't snuggle up to a book that you aren't really attracted to. My mother wanted me to date the classics, but I wasn't the least bit interested. I wanted to read on the wild side.

When I got older, my job was consuming. Life got busy and I thought there wasn't any time to find that special book. When I wanted to get back in the game, I was overwhelmed. Hardcover, paperbacks, fiction, mystery, true crime, science fiction--where was a girl supposed to begin? Should I date for fun, or should I get serious and head straight for the Business Section?

But then I came up with the idea of the book clubs--kind of like speed dating. You get to sample a book for five minutes, just a little bit every day, and if you decide "he's" not your type--"Sorry Charlie"--hit the delete key and every Monday you're introduced to another possible match.

"Well, our time's up, Suzanne." Wow, where did the time go? A good book, a great date, a fun interview--it's true, they always end too soon.

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

[email protected]
www.DearReader.com

P.S. You Could WIN...Sample M.J. Rose's book, The Halo Effect.
Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/alt/halo1.html.

Send me an email with your thoughts about the book, and you'll be entered in a special drawing. I have copies of the book to give away, and one lucky winner will receive a phone call from the author and she'll read to you from the book she is currently writing.