Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 06-16-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

It's cookie time. I'm ready to bake, are you ready to eat some of my famous chocolate chip cookies?

To enter this month's cookie giveaway simply send an email telling me what you like about your local library and you're entered in the drawing. Librarians love to get feedback. Don't be shy. Make a list: I love the library's online book club, the comfy chairs, the helpful staff, whatever you enjoy about your library jot it down and I'll forward your email on to your local library.

To see April's Chocolate Chip Cookie winners (I had to skip May because I was recuperating from surgery, so I'll choose a couple extra winners this month) and to enter this month's giveaway, go to: http://tinyurl.com/mc6pwh

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

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

SEARCHING FOR YOUR NEXT BIG THRILL? Read the "Between the Lines" feature interview with David Baldacci then read about great thrillers from: Richard Fountain, Steven Wilson, Jeremy Robinson, Lisa Unger, Linda O. Johnston, Dorothy McFalls, James O'Neal, Karen Harper, Arthur Rosenfeld, Nancy Taylor Rosenberg, Mike Angley, Kate Brady, Michael Parker, Bill Evans & Marianna Jameson, Rebecca Sinclair, Meg Gardiner, Natasha Mostert, Joe McKinney, and Henry Perez. Go to: http://www.thrillerwriters.org

Dear Reader Column 06-15-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Get the most from your online book club. Take advantage of the special giveaways in today's AuthorBuzz--including a chance to win a spa treatment from author Susan May Warren and author Mindy Friddle is giving away special seed packets from her garden (She's a master gardener.)

Check out AuthorBuzz: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Searching For Your Next Big Thrill? You'll find it at the thriller writer's link, right after my column tomorrow (Tuesday). Meet authors, exchange emails and be a lucky winner.

Keep the book club fun this summer. Read guilt-free. If you go on vacation, or get lost at the beach don't worry about hitting that delete key. I feature a new book every Monday and there are giveaways every week.

Please share the book club with your friends. Thank you. I sure do appreciate it.

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

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

AUTHORBUZZ: Win free copies of books you'll read and never forget from these terrific authors: Fran Cannon Slayton, When the Whistle Blows; Lev Raphael, My Germany; Susan May Warren, Nothing but Trouble; Mindy Friddle, Secret Keepers; and Judy Rodgers and Gayatri Naraine, Something Beyond Greatness. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 06-12-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Tune in every day and watch for fun giveaways next week, including the Chocolate Chip Cookie Giveaway.

Congratulations to the winners of last week's giveaway for the book Everybody Poops by Taro Gomi: Jennifer Tansey, Arletta Behary, Dawn Wandschneider and Eschelle Jewett.

If you missed the column go to: http://tinyurl.com/mv4rug

Grab Bag Giveaway winners were: Alice Book, Janet Gaardsmoe and Gertrude Jostes and Bobbi Hahn, who says she never wins anything:

"Hi Suzanne--your story about the paper shredder gave me a chuckle. I've heard about the tradition of burying a statue of St. Joseph, and am glad it worked for you. You're right, though--he must be severely overworked, these days. How's the feral cat doing...Goldie? (Is that right? My mind's a sieve.) Oh and I received a notice this morning that I won a grab bag--WHOOHEE! I never win anything, so I'm absolutely thrilled. Thank you so much."--Bobbi Hahn

(Suzanne replies:)

You are correct Bobbi, Goldie is the feral cat. My husband and I are working hard to gain Goldie's trust again. He still comes around every day for breakfast and evening dinner and after he eats he snoozes on my outdoor lounge chair. But Goldie keeps his distance. He still doesn't quite trust us and I can't really blame him. Because the last time Goldie got close we snatched him up, hauled him off to the vet and did "the deed." Goldie may still be upset with us, but he looks healthier now than I've ever seen him look before. I think the little snip, snip did him good. I'm sure eventually he'll consider us worthy of his trust again and we'll be buddies.

If you missed the paper shredder/St. Joseph column, go to: http://tinyurl.com/mx4pvg

I hope you enjoyed this week's book. Let me know what you thought, leave your comments at the Book Forum, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/talk.html

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

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

 

Dear Reader Column 06-11-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Just when I thought the party was over (way over, since my birthday was two weeks ago) one last gift was delivered to my door. A festive box filled with white cheddar and caramel popcorn, almonds, chocolate, cookies, and taffy, wrapped in bright striped paper, with a note on the outside of the box, "Happy Belated Birthday! Best wishes, Doreen."

It was the absolute best assortment of treats I've ever received, no kidding. Even my husband commented on the goodies as he was helping himself to the caramel corn--it's his favorite.

One last hurrah two weeks later, I'm sold on the idea of having at least one friend who never sends my card or gift on time. And that's exactly what I wrote in my thank you note to Doreen, (hoping she'd take the hint and volunteer). But in her reply, Doreen told me she's been the Queen of Belated Birthday Gifts for years. It all happened quite by accident. Here's her story:

"I'd always try and pick the perfect gift for my nieces and nephews when they were younger. It started out easy because when they were little anything was a hit, and I saw them a great deal, so I knew their personalities. But as they got older and I saw them less, finding the perfect gift was a lot of pressure. How could I please my niece who at three got drums from me that she loved, (my sister didn't but that's another story) or my oldest nephew, who when he turned 21, received an embarrassing photo album with pictures I'd snapped over the years. My procrastination got even worse when I had to start mailing gifts instead of bringing them in person. The birthday circled on my calendar would come and go and I'd still be searching for the perfect gift."

But now Doreen's tardiness has become a tradition and family members, especially her nephew Kyle, would be disappointed if her gifts actually arrived on time. "Now I know my birthday is officially over because I received your gift."

Personally, I've always felt bad standing in front of the Belated Birthday card section, looking for that special card to make amends. But not anymore. Isn't it amazing how Doreen took something that's usually a negative, feel bad about yourself thing, and turned it into an idea that just might leave folks clamoring to become the designated Belated Birthday Gift Sender.

If you're reading this Doreen don't forget me next year--but make it at least three weeks late next time. You know how I love to keep the party going.

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

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

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Tom Sullivan, Alive Day; T.L. Hines, Faces in the Fire; Ninni Holmqvist, The Unit; Jeanette Windle, Veiled Freedom; and Jeanne Adams, Dark and Deadly. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 06-10-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Through the years I'd cringe when grandparents would ooh and aah over their darling grandchild to the point of obsession. Photos on T-shirts, bumper stickers plastered on the back of their cars, I'd do my duty and smile, but inside I was taking the pledge to never be unrealistic about how cute, smart or talented my grandchildren were. After all, I clearly remember motherhood. Yes, I loved my children but they weren't always the best or the brightest and truthfully some days I could barely tolerate them and wanted to give them back, but couldn't find any takers.

Of course I'm proud of my grandchildren and I do my best to encourage them. I even called about an afternoon science class for 2½ year old Paul the other day. Paul loves gears and machines and I thought the introduction to simple machines class I read about in the newspaper would be fascinating to him.

"The afternoon class is for 3 to 5 year olds," the woman told me when I inquired. What a disappointment because I knew Paul would love the class. Yes, the instructor had clearly told me that kids had to be at least three years old, but nevertheless suddenly I was determined to get my grandson into that class.

"Well baby Paul, (immediately I retrieved the word baby) of course he's not really a baby anymore, I just lovingly refer to him that way. My grandson Paul is only two years old, and he doesn't talk a lot yet, but he's very advanced for his age. When he was tested at the speech therapy center the specialist said that even though Paul is only two, mentally he tests well above a 3 year old. So you see the actual number, the two year old label, it doesn't apply to him. Paul is really as intelligent as a three year old, probably three years and 6 months in some areas. You should see him put puzzles together, he cracks eggs and mixes them up for breakfast, and he even plays the drums. So maybe you could make an exception? I'm sure my grandson would add a lot to the class."

As soon the words left my mouth, I wished I could go back and retrieve them. I cringed imagining what the instructor must have been thinking, "Oh great, it's another one of 'those' grandparents." But the woman was gracious and let this grandparent down gently without snickering and rolling her eyes. (At least it felt that way through the phone.)

I've had a chance to regroup since that embarrassing conversation and I'm happy to report that I've returned to reality. I love my grandchildren, but the truth is they are simply nice, friendly kids who aren't much different than most other children their age. Except maybe when it comes to the drums--both Paul and his six month old brother James are definitely gifted way beyond any other kids in Sarasota--but of course that's just this grandmother's opinion.

Bitten by the grandmother bug, of course I have photos:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/grandkids0609.html

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

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

 

Dear Reader Column 06-09-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I spent this past Saturday watching old movies and shredding with my new shredder. Eighteen pieces of paper is the maximum my shredder can chew up in one bite and I had four big boxes of paper that needed to be destroyed. I'm usually a "shred-as-I-go girl," but three months ago when I didn't open a piece of direct mail from a Catholic supply store--just slid it into the shredder--instantly I heard a screeching metal grinding sound and my shredder hasn't moved one tooth since. The free St. Joseph medal tucked away inside the direct mail piece brought my shredder to its knees.

Let me back up a bit. Truthfully I have no idea which patron saint medal was inside. (Now I know how rumors get started.) I'm not of the Catholic faith, but I guess I've been referring to it as a St. Joseph medal because he's the Saint I'm the most familiar with. Years ago my husband and I decided to move to Florida even though we hadn't sold our home in Wisconsin and when there was still no sale after one year (a new development had been built nearby which hindered selling) the real estate agent called and announced it was time to "Bury the Saint!"

Clueless, everyone but me seemed to be aware of the practice of tipping a St. Joseph statue upside down and burying him in the backyard of a house you're trying to sell. So tip and bury into the ground St. Joseph went, and a couple of months later I did sell the house. Not to take any credit away from St. Joseph, but I also did some extra fix-ups on the house, too.

I've never asked a realtor but I do wonder, 'Why they don't just plant St. Joseph in the back yard immediately after they plant the For Sale sign in the front?' But then again, especially in today's housing market, I imagine St. Joseph must be exhausted so anyone with social graces would only call on him in an emergency.

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

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

 

Dear Reader Column 06-08-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Mondays and Thursdays are AuthorBuzz days. (The link is featured right after my column.) If you're not a regular AuthorBuzz visitor you're missing out on the opportunity to talk to authors, win signed copies and if you don't take a peek today--you're gonna miss out on some crazy fun--the chance to win a Shakespeare Action Figure, a Yodeling Pickle and an assortment of other oddball items. This week's featured authors are: Tom Sullivan, T.L. Hines, Ninni Holmqvist, Jeanette Windle and Jeanne Adams. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

The shenanigans of the folks at AuthorBuzz this week inspired me to find some oddball items to give away to readers, too. Thank you for visiting AuthorBuzz and as a thank you, after you check out this week's AuthorBuzz link, feel free to enter my Crazy Grab Bag drawing. Four surprises, for four lucky readers. Go to:  http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/contest-060809.html

Enjoy today's read. Make it a wonderful Monday.

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: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Tom Sullivan, Alive Day; T.L. Hines, Faces in the Fire; Ninni Holmqvist, The Unit; Jeanette Windle, Veiled Freedom; and Jeanne Adams, Dark and Deadly. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 06-05-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

It turned out to be the most crucial piece of information to my recovery, yet doctors barely touched on the subject in the "After Surgery" brochure they sent home with me. "Pain medication may cause constipation." Ya think?

The brochure copy advised me to drink buckets of water and eat plenty of fiber so I'd stay regular. But clearly the underwhelming one line warning, "Pain medication may cause constipation," is another case of doctors not exactly telling the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

I should have known there was more to it, because from past experience when I ask, "Will this hurt?" and the doctor replies, "You might feel some discomfort, but people react differently." Translated, the doctor's really saying: "This procedure is gonna be right up there with taking a hammer and slamming it down on your thumb, but remember pain is relative. It's different for different people, 50% of the people scream when the hammer hits their thumb and the other 50% pass out."

This food in, food out problem is big business. Since television was one of my companions during my recovery, I now realize from numerous commercials that backed-up Americans may be one of the major factors that have contributed to the economic slow down. My suggestion for President Obama is to be sure to include constipation coverage in the new health care package, because people who are backed up spend less money. They're not interested in going out to eat, or trying on new clothes and no leisurely strolls through the market; make a shopping list and get in and out as quickly as possible--just in case the big moment finally arrives. Come to think of it, maybe the reason Congress is constantly jabbing at each other is because sitting for hours on end and lack of activity, is one of the leading contributors to constipation.

Instead of CNN concentrating all of their efforts following the progress of the Stimulus Package, perhaps they should incorporate Constipation Stimulus coverage into their reports. Mothers and grandmothers have been relying on that stimulus report for years to insure happy children. Whenever I'm handing my grandchildren back to my daughter-in-law, included in the rundown of fun activities we did during the day, is a stimulus report, "Two poops for each of the kids today." It's been the crucial piece of information to insure things are moving in children, perhaps there's a lesson in there for the economy, too.

** Today I'm giving away four copies of the children's book, Everybody Poops, by Taro Gomi. It's a humorous book on a blushing subject that we never out grow. I have to admit after surgery, when the "big moment" finally arrived for me, I was so proud I felt like my two-year-old grandson who always wants to do a bit of Show and Tell, "Come and see, look at what I did!" To enter the drawing for a free copy of the book, go to: http://tinyurl.com/r69c7f

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

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

SEARCHING FOR YOUR NEXT BIG THRILL? Read the "Between the Lines" feature interview with David Baldacci then read about great thrillers from: Clive Cussler & Paul Kemprecos, Austin Camacho, Thomas Fitzsimmons, Gregg Hurwitz, Sean Ellis, Laura Caldwell, James Rollins, Colleen Thompson, J.C. Hutchins & Jordan Weisman, Christy Reece, Eric Van Lustbader, Sandra Balzo, Jeffrey J. Mariotte, Michael Stanley and Margaret Fenton. Go to: http://www.thrillerwriters.org

 

Dear Reader Column 06-04-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Find something easy and fun to cook this summer. My favorite recipes and reader recipes are at my blog: http://tinyurl.com/yuf6aq

"Dear Suzanne, I made your Porcupine Meatballs and they were great! I am no cook, but that recipe was so simple for the "cooking challenged" such as myself. My husband raved about them! I did add my own special touch of sprinkled parmesan cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking. Superb! We will for sure be having those again. Thanks for the recipe."--Dianna Williamson

When I was growing up we never bought potato salad, my mother always made it from scratch. I love to cook, but making potato salad is a big deal, peeling and boiling, slicing and dicing potatoes, onions, celery, hard boiled eggs, mustard, mayo, add little seasoning, then mix it all together and let it set for at least two days so all of the flavors have time to come together. Or you can mix up Red-Skinned Potato Salad. So simple, yet so very good. I hope you enjoy it.

Red-Skinned Potato Salad

1/3 cup gourmet mustard (I use Grey Poupon Dijon, or use your favorite mustard.)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 pounds small red-skinned potatoes, cooked and quartered
1 large tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
4 slices bacon, cooked well and crumbled

Combine the mustard, sour cream and mayonnaise in a large bowl, add the potatoes, tomato, bacon and green onion. Chill overnight in the refrigerator. Enjoy it with a friend and be sure to tell them about the book club. To print some book club flyers to share with friends or coworkers, including a copy of this recipe, go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com:80/nl/users/test/mweb/path23-17.html

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

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

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these are five that deserve your attention: Michael Stanley, The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu; Eva Marie Everson, Things Left Unspoken; Susan Mallery, Lip Service; Julia Gregson, East of the Sun; and Jeanne Adams, Dark and Deadly. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 06-03-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

There have been defining moments in my life when suddenly something was so clear. The clues had been there all the time, yet for some reason I didn't notice. But then someone said something or I found myself in the middle of a situation, and suddenly I could see.

When I was in the process of selling my book (don't look for it yet, it won't be out until 2010 and of course I'll let you know) my agent and I were making the rounds visiting interested editors at publishing houses in New York City. In one of the meetings, before I even had a chance to sit down, an editor announced, "Suzanne, I love your voice, writing is definitely your calling."

It sounds bizarre, but it was the first time anyone had ever referred to my writing as a voice or calling. Of course I knew it was a compliment, but I'd never thought about my writing in those terms. No big deal, all I do every day is sit down and write about what's on my mind, a simple conversation with a reader. A literary voice and the other dynamics that go along with the craft of writing--I'm just a small town girl; meat, potatoes and gravy were on the table every day--the basics had always been enough for me. But somehow that day in New York City, hearing the words, "I love your voice, writing is definitely your calling," suddenly I could see.

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

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