Must-Have Swag for Book Lovers - 1 Million Books for Literacy Programs

Literary Must-Haves for Book Lovers

Do you read past your bed time? 
Find yourself begging, “Just one more chapter!”? 
Have an emotional break down when your favorite character dies?

Then say it loud and say it proud: I LIKE BIG BOOKS AND I CANNOT LIE!

Here is a list of must-have pieces for every literature lover.

1. If you are a Harry Potter fan:

Represent your Potter pride with this tank.

Cozy up with your favorite Quidditch player. Pillows here.

Just in case Hogwarts starts delivering their acceptance letters via text. Here.

***Attention Harry Potter Lovers: In honor of J.K. Rowling being named the Top Followed Author on Reader’s Legacy in 2015 we’re holding a 1 week sale on ALL of her books. From April 25th-30th, 2016 any Rowling book is 20% off AND double the LitCoins will be loaded into your account just for purchasing. Click the link to check out this limited time offer! ReadersLegacy.com/JKRowling***

2. If you are a fan of The Hunger Games:

If you get a set of these bracelets you’ll know it’s real. See what I did there? Click here.

Let’s be honest, Seneca Crane’s beard is the real winner of the Hunger Games. Mug here.

But what do we do about the tracker jackers? Tank here.

3. For Lord of the Rings fans:

The one fire pit to rule them all here.

You’ll love these leggings like a hobbit loves second breakfast.

4. Who Doesn't Like Alice in Wonderland?

Now you can go to Wonderland every night. Bedspread here.

“I’m not crazy. My reality is just different from yours.” -Cheshire Cat Here.

5. If You Loved "To Kill a Mockingbird":

…and stick it in my awesome tote, thanks.

6. Sherlock Holmes fanatic?

Nothing says ‘high-functioning sociopath’ like these Baker St. cuff links.

*ring ring* Detective Holmes, is that you? Phone case here.

7. The Great Gatsby

Why Daisy Buchanan, you are simply radiant tonight! Headband here.

Ain’t no party like a Gatsby party because a Gatsby party don’t stop until two people are dead and everyone is disillusioned with the jazz age as a whole. Gatsby envelopes here.

8. The Chronicles of Narnia

So how does it work if you keep your map of Narnia in your wardrobe? Do you fall into Narnia when you go to put it on? Narnia-ception. Scarf here.

Three cheers for The Great Lion! Necklace here.

9. Pride and Prejudice

Is it just us, or did Mr. Darcy give you unrealistic expectations of love too? Printable here.

Never leave home without your Jane Austen! Bag here.

This wisdom from the 18th century still holds. Pillow here.

10. Where the Wild Things Are

I think they’re hiding in your hair! Bow here.

Capture the wild side of parenting with this matching set.

And for all of the book lovers that can’t choose just one novel to rep!

How’s THAT for a full-fandom? Shirt here.

You other readers can’t deny; when a book walks in with a good plot base and a big spine in your face you get sprung! Tote here.

Deep breathe in. Ahhhhh books! Candle here.

~~~oOo~~~

***As an added perk of Reader’s Legacy’s Rowling celebration, we will be holding a special 20% off sale for each of her novels from April 25th to April 30th – ReadersLegacy.com/JKRowling. 

The sale not only celebrates J.K. Rowling, but was also brings attention for a special grant program we have created in order to give away 1 million physical books in support of literacy programs! Spreading a love of books, and ending illiteracy around the world is 100% possible, and with the help of reader’s on the site, we believe will be one step closer to achieving that goal! Get in on this sale HERE.

46.6K Facebook Shares - Are You KIDDING ME???

I was working on the Blog Ahead Challenge and received an email notification from Neil Patel of a new blog post he had written, "23 Snazzy Blogging Tools Every Successful Content Marketer is Using".  Now, if you've ever read any blog post of Neil's, you know that it is like attending the biggest smorgasboard all-you-can-eat for one low price - there is SO MUCH information in each post you could spend a couple of days on it.

So, I went to 'snazzy blogging tool #1" - BuzzSumo.

On Neil's first suggested use of Buzzsumo as a content marketing tool, he mentioned getting inspiration from popular headlines - one that has received a huge amount of social shares.  As I write a lot of book reviews, and I always seem to be in the dark about what new books are coming out when, I typed in "new book releases".

There was no shortage of information - 715 p.a.g.e.s. of links to popular shares with a total of 14,300 entries!  The top share was a story from CafeMom.com about how E.L. James is re-releasing her "50 Shades" series - but from Christian's point-of-view.  Want to guess how many shares it got on Facebook?  Go ahead.  Guess.  (Of course, if you read the title of this post, you already know.)  That's right:  approximately 46,600 shares on Facebook alone.

OMG.

I have not read any of the books.  I did not see the movie.  I have no intention of ever doing either, unless someone forces me to "A Clockwork Orange"-style.

To me, that series should not qualify as literature at all - it seems to me to be more of an outlet for people who are upset that Playboy will no longer be featuring pictures of naked women anymore.  Or, it may be for people who cannot tell the difference between sexual arousal and other forms of entertainment; or for people whose lives are devoid of sexual experience and have to get it from literature or the movies.

Obviously, I am not a fan of the work.  Just as obviously, so many other people were enamored of it to the point that they bought the books and a movie was made.

But I also know I am not alone in my dislike of "50 Shades".  People who actually live the bondage-domination-submissive lifestyle in real life roundly criticizes both the book and the movie - saying it was an inaccurate representation.  But then, would an accurate depiction have been so commercial?  Probably not.

OK.  I think my rant has run out.  (I haven't been on this big a tsunami since I read the story about that woman who sued her 12 year old nephew for $127,000 for giving her too forceful a hug at his 8th birthday party and causing her to break her wrist and even now be unable to hold her hors d'oeuvres plate at cocktail parties.  Seriously, and now she's trying to backpedal, putting the blame on her insurance company.  *sheesh*)

OK.  Now my rant has really run out.  For now.

My point is, I used the tool and found out an area that definitely needs better things to talk about!  HUZZAH!  Thank you Neil and Buzzsumo!

Now I could probably go to one of the frequent yard sales they have down at the corner of Hwy 150 and Hwy 39 near Crab Orchard, Kentucky, pick up a used and tattered graphic novel and write a review of that comic book that would be more edifying than anything connected with "50 Shades".  But I am fortunate to work with a number of quality virtual book tour companies (Great Escapes, Historical Fiction, iRead, Sage's, TLC, and Premier Virtual Author to name but a few) that keep me well stocked in new book releases and allow me to post reviews help match my readers to books they will enjoy.

And, despite everything I have written here, I'm not saying E.L. James is a bad writer.  I wouldn't know.  I've never read anything she has written.  I'm just exercising my right to express my dislike of and disappointment in 'that book'.

So, dear reader, if you have gotten all the way through this post, thank you!

One thing I hope you take away from this post is that if you find content you like online, share it!  It helps the content creator with a virtual pat on the back.  And you can show your desire to find things of interest to your own readers.

One thing I hope you leave before you go is a comment with the best book you have read so far this year.  I need something to get the 50 Tastes of Yuck out of my mouth.

~~~oO~~~

This post was actually written on October 20, 2015, as part of my participation in the "Blog Ahead Challenge" hosted by Anna at Herding Cats and Burning Soup and Kimba at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

#Review: Calming the Chaos by Jackie Woodside

Far too many people in contemporary culture feel they don’t have enough time to “get it all done.” The stress of this chronic overwhelm creates a disorganized mind that leads to a chaotic life. Based on her highly acclaimed “Energy Management” workshops, and drawn from over 25 years of counseling and coaching experience, professional trainer and speaker Jackie Woodside shares her breakthrough methods that lead to becoming the least stressed, most productive person you know!

In Calming the Chaos, you will learn the step-by-step skills and thought processes that lead to increased productivity and peace of mind. Jackie’s approach stems from the new frontier of human performance called energetic consciousness. Part philosophy, part psychology, fully practical application, you will learn:

• Why there is no such thing as time management and what to do instead.
• How to manage your energy instead of your time and stress.
• The three-step formula for managing every component of your life for the rest of your life!
• Why “to-do lists” are a set up for failure and what really works.
• “The Three Strikes Rule” that will end procrastination for good!
• How to always know that you have the time for what you want and need to do!

Many books promise to change your life. Applying these principles will make this a reality!

Review: How to Blog a Book by Nina Amir

Transform Your Blog into a Book!

The world of blogging is rapidly changing, but it remains one of the most efficient ways to write and share your work with an eager audience. But how do you purposefully hone your blog content into a uniquely positioned book that will be noticed by an agent or a publisher?

How to Blog a Book Revised and Expanded Edition is a completely updated guide to writing and publishing a saleable book based on a blog. Expert author and blogger Nina Amir guides you through the process of developing targeted blog content that will increase your chances of publication and maximize your visibility as an author.

In this revised edition you’ll find: 

• The latest information on how to set up, maintain, and optimize a blog

• Steps for writing a book easily from scratch using blog posts

• Advice on how to write blog posts

• Tips on gaining visibility and promoting your work both online and off

• Current tools for driving traffic to your blog

• Extensive information on how to monetize your existing blog content into a book or other products

• Profiles with authors who received blog-to-book deals, including four new “from blog to book” success stories

Book Review/Giveaway: Out From the Underworld by Heather Siegel

Heather Siegel was six years old when her mother disappeared, sending her father into a tailspin that took Heather and her siblings down with him— from a comfortable suburban home to a barely habitable basement apartment, a dark world they soon found themselves fighting to return to from the exile of foster care, then fighting even harder to escape.

Forty years later, Heather Siegel tells the remarkable story of how she and her siblings, Jaz and Greg, banded together to find out what happened to their mother and fight their way Out From the Underworld with nothing but their wits, determination, unbreakable bonds and gifts for humor and compassion to sustain them. A wrenching, inspiring story filled with heartbreak, hope and love, Out From The Underworld will move you to laughter and tears. 

Book Review/Giveaway: Life Outside the Box by Marilyn R. Wilson

Real Stories about Real People to Entertain, Inspire and Challenge You.

Get inspired to step out of your box and into a world full of potential. From the corporate world, to the arts, to working with the disenfranchised – the message is clear. There is no such thing as a normal way to live your life and no one right solution to any problem. Selected from amongst over 100 interviews, the stories shared here open a window on the journeys of seven women and three men who have charted their own path, including Ruthie Davis – top U.S. luxury shoe designer and the winner of the 2014 AAFA Footwear Designer of the Year award – and Geir Ness whose perfume is a staple in Nordstrom, Disney World and on Disney Cruise Lines. Enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes into the unique ways these individuals chose to deal with life's challenges and how they define success in their careers.

Guest Post: Climax, parts I and II by Christina George

  

Kate Mitchell has never forgiven herself for breaking Nick Lavigne’s heart. Now he’s back and he’s moved on, and it’s affecting Kate’s life more than she’s willing to admit. 

Kate Mitchell has everything. She's the head of a crazy successful publishing house, engaged to the traffic-stopping sexy Mac Ellis and she's about to sign one of the biggest authors of her career.

And that's when everything falls apart. 

Everything is perfect…until it’s not.

In a city of 8 million people Kate manages to run into someone she never expected to see again.

Nick is handsome, impossibly kind, every girl’s dream, and Kate’s former fiancé. He’s also the brother of the rising star author she’s trying to sign. Now that Nick’s back in town and has moved on he insists he’s over Kate, but part of him still can’t get past how amazing they were, and his sister won’t let anyone forget how brutally it ended.

When Mac is dealt a life-changing blow, it forces Kate to question every single choice she’s made.

Follow Kate as she embarks on a journey of life and love, navigating through the decisions that will change it all forever.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW/GIVEAWAY - Shelf Life by Christina George

Publishing: An industry of out-of-control of egos, unrealistic expectations, and books with the shelf life of milk. This is Kate’s world, but for how long?

When one of Kate Mitchell’s star authors is carted away in handcuffs, she thinks it’s only the beginning of her troubles. As her world crumbles around her, Kate desperately looks for anyone to hold on to but finds that happy endings are truly works of fiction. When her career and love affair hit their expiration dates, Kate sets off on a new adventure....

Starting over in California is easy, but Kate soon learns that leaving her old life behind isn’t. Nicholas Lavigne is eager to help her forget, but two things still own her heart: the dream of discovering the next great American novel and MacDermott Ellis. As Kate tries to rebuild her life, she finds a surprising gift that reboots her career in a new and unexpected direction. Suddenly her name becomes synonymous with one of the biggest best sellers publishing has seen in ages, and she's welcomed back with open arms. At the height of her success, the ghosts of her past come back to remind her of the world she'd been trying to forget and the man who never let go of her heart. Behind the book there’s always more to the story.

Review/Giveaway: Learning the Secret Language of Cats by Dr. Carol Teed DVM

Dr. Teed began to write this book because she felt a book like this was missing from the bookshelves of cat owners and lovers. It became a labour of love with each page written as she realized she could impact so many cat lives and hopefully prevent preventable disease, behavioural issues and euthanasia. With humour, candor and intelligence, Dr. Teed not only provides insight into modern day feline health and welfare issues, but describes how the experiences of the cat are mirrored in our own lives. 

Dr. Teed explores the body-mind-soul connection and notes what feeds the mind is often deficient in the modern world we have constructed for ourselves and our cats. These deficiencies then become written on the body. She feels a more integrated approach to care of our felines is what is needed now for the modern cat. Through personal stories of lessons learned over her years as a veterinarian in feline practice and as an overall cat lover, Dr. Teed calls the cat the ultimate success story and through careful study has found the secrets to his success. She has observed first hand time and time again the positive power of the cat to affect change in small sprees and reflects what an amazing thing it would be if we were all a bit more cat-like. In her words, every household can benefit from a cat.

Review/Interview/Giveaway: Vostok by Steve Alten

East Antarctica: The coldest, most desolate location on Earth. Two-and-a-half miles below the ice cap is Vostok, a six thousand square mile liquid lake, over a thousand feet deep, left untouched for more than 15 million years. Now, marine biologist Zachary Wallace and two other scientists aboard a submersible tethered to a laser will journey 13,000 feet beneath the ice into this unexplored realm to discover Mesozoic life forms long believed extinct – and an object of immense power responsible for the evolution of modern man.

In this sequel to The Loch and prequel to the upcoming MEG 5: Nightstalkers, New York Times best-selling author Steve Alten offers readers a crossover novel that combines characters from two of his most popular series.

Book Review: The Monster that Ate My Socks by A.J. Cosmo

SYNOPSIS

A young boy, who is about to be grounded for going through so many socks, discovers that a monster has been eating them.

Max is a young boy who is constantly getting in trouble for his socks disappearing. He doesn’t know where they go, but he does know that if he doesn’t do something quickly his mom will ground him for summer. Max soon discovers that a little green monster is sneaking into his room at night and eating his sweaty socks. His mother, of course, doesn't believe him, so Max calls on his best friend to come for a sleepover to catch the monster.

They devise a trap and capture the monster only to learn that the creature can speak. It hasn’t meant to cause any harm, it's just trying to feed its family. The monster shows them his home and his three little children and begs the boys not to turn them over to the adults. Adults, he says, want to destroy monsters. 

The boys are left in a pickle. Allow the monsters to be and get grounded, or turn the monsters in knowing what will happen to them? Neither idea seems good, so they come up with a new plan!

IgniteYourBook.com: Amazing Deals! E-Book Bestsellers! ($25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway)

Ignite Your Book is THE place for readers and authors to get amazing deals on fantastic eBooks!

If you're a reader: 

Ignite Your Book for readers showcases great deals on today’s top eBooks. View all the books on our site and sign up for a free newsletter to ensure you get notified as soon as the top books are discounted or made available for free. 

These discounts are available for a limited time so we make sure you never miss a great deal! Plus, all our newsletters subscribers are automatically entered into regular drawings for Amazon gift cards! 

If you're an author: 

Ignite Your Book for authors is an easy to use platform that ensures your book gets noticed by avid readers and eBook fans. And while many eBook promotions sites have have raised their rates we've stayed very affordable. With both free and paid feature options there’s guaranteed to be something for every title. Plus there's no limit on the number of titles you can submit and because we have such a big database, our quotas aren't as strict as the other guys. We even give you free author tools to help you on your book promotion journey!

So whether you’re a reader, or an author, you can’t afford not to check out Ignite Your Book and sign up!

Ignite your book and fuel your passion for great eBook deals at: www.igniteyourbook.com

For a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, write a post like this one about Ignite Your Book to help us spread the word, and then enter the link to your post's URL in the giveaway.

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Here are our participating blogs. Thank you so much for posting!

Library of Clean Reads

Essentially Italian

The World As I See It

Man of La Book

Back Porchervations

Bookfan

Deal Sharing Aunt

View From the Birdhouse

Celtic Lady's Reviews

Celiticlady's Book Recommendation

fundinmental

Storeybook Reviews

Frugal-Shopping

JBronder Book Reviews

Katie's Clean Book Collection

Bound 4 Escape

Bound 2 Escape 

Pinky's Favorite Reads

One Frugal Girl

Story Matters

This That and the Other Thing

DeDa Studios

Nighttime Reading Center

So, I Read This Book Today

A Madison Mom

A Bit Bookish

Pure Jonel: Confessions of a Bibliophile

Sincerely Stacie 

Lovely Reads

WOrkS of FiCTioN

Words and Peace

Coffee, Books & Art

fuonlyknew

Svetlana's Reads and Views

Clean Romance Reviews 

Seaside Book Nook

Mary's Cup of Tea

Rockin' Book Reviews

Melina's Book Blog

Chronicles...An Avid Reader and Indie Author

Working Mommy Journal

BlueRose's Heart

2 Kids and Tired Books 

Bookroom Reviews

Life With Katie

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing

Girl With Camera

bookfairy

iRead Book Tours