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Saturday, July 9, 2011

Two Buck Books and a Free Song

China Grove, by The Doobie Brothers, is today's free song of the day at Amazon. I don't expect this one to be free for long, so try to grab it today, if you can (geo limited to the US, I believe). If you haven't opened your Cloud Player recently (or even if you did, the news is in tiny print), you might have missed a big change there - you now get unlimited space for music with any paid plan and with all the free credits that Amazon has thrown around lately, I suspect most of my readers have grabbed at least one of the under $1 albums in order to get that basic 20G plan for free for the first year. When the Cloud Player first started, one of the biggest problems that I had was that it didn't grandfather in the music you had already purchased from Amazon and if you uploaded it, it would quickly eat up the 5G basic plan space. With this update, if you maintain at least a 20G plan (plenty for my backups, at this point), then you also get an unlimited amount of space for your music. You do have to upload it (which can take days - I'm not sure how long mine will take), rather than them reading a signature from your MP3's and just updating the database, but once you do, you can treat the imported music just like the music you purchase from Amazon - it appears that what I've uploaded so far is being recognized by genre and album, just as if it had been purchased from Amazon since the Cloud Drive was introduced (and after two days of downloads, I am still in Classical, but haven't used any of my purchased space).

The Everything Mediterranean Diet Book ($1.99), by Connie Diekman and Sam Sotiropoulos, is published by Adams Media. Only one review so far and the text of it reads much better than the 3 star rating would imply. One of the co-authors, Sam Sotiropoulos, used to write a blog on Greek cooking, Greek Gourmand, if you want to browse some of his recipes (it hasn't been updated lately, though).

Book Description
Did you know that eating nutrient-rich vegetables, healthful olive oils, and getting plenty of exercise can help you shed pounds and prevent diseases? It’s true! In The Everything Mediterranean Diet Book, veteran dietician Connie Diekman counsels you on how eating a diet direct from the Mediterranean—as well as getting plenty of exercise—will have you dropping a size (or two!) in no time! Not only will you learn how to adopt heart-healthy habits, you’ll also find the book packed with 100 delicious recipes such as:
  • Chicken Tagine with Whole Wheat Couscous
  • White Bean and Tomato Pizza
  • Grilled Fennel Shrimp
  • Pancetta with Peaches
  • Hazelnut Ricotta Cake
This is the Mediterranean Diet you’ve heard so much about, demystified. By learning to utilize the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid, you’ll eat your way to better health!

Adams Media, in fact, has a number of books under two books (or slightly above), that are worth taking a look at. It appears that one one review for 501 Things to Do with a Zombie ($1.24) panned it, but these all appear to have good reviews (amongst others - click the publisher name to see the whole list):
A Perfect Wedding ($2.99), in the Titanic series by Alice Duncan (writing as Anne Robins), is the highest price title in this series published by Kensington at the moment

Book Description
A NEW LIFE: Rescued from the doomed Titanic moments before its sinking, stewardess Marjorie MacTavish is determined to find happiness at last. The dear friends who stood by her on that fateful night have vowed to help her now, and Marjorie, ever hopeful, accompanies them to the bustling port of San Francisco to begin all over again, far from the gloomy slums of Glasgow. Anything is possible in America, it seems--especially romance . . .

A NEW LOVE: Dr. Jason Abernathy, dashing man about town, is beguiled by Marjorie's soft brogue and fresh charm. He has no way of knowing how much his gallantry delights her--or that his kindness to the less fortunate has already melted her heart. If the shy lass from Scotland would just say yes, he would consider himself the luckiest man on earth . . .

99 cent titles either in the series or by the same author include (see full list - most of her backlist is on sale):
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place ($1.99), by Maryrose Wood and Jon Klassen (Illustrator), is a children's book for middle graders.

Book Description
Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.

Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies.

But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?

The Secret Zoo ($1.99), by Bryan Chick, is another children's book, but this one is aimed at the earlier grades (around third).

Book Description
Something strange is happening at the Clarksville City Zoo. Late at night, monkeys are scaling the walls and searching the neighborhood—but what are they looking for?

Noah, his sister Megan, and their best friends, Richie and Ella, live next door to the zoo. Megan is the first to notice the puzzling behavior of some of the animals. One day Megan disappears, and her brother and their friends realize it's up to them to find her. Their only choice is to follow a series of clues and sneak into the zoo. But once inside, will they discover there's much more to the Clarksville City Zoo than they could ever have guessed?

Mysteries in Our National Parks: Wolf Stalker ($1.99), by AUTHOR, is part of the Mystery in Yellowstone National Park series for kids.

Book Description
In this fast-paced adventure, the Landons trail a wounded wolf in Yellowstone National Park. The park is abuzz with rumors of a wolf attack. Meanwhile, a killer stalks the woods. Unaware of the danger, Jack and Ashley are more concerned about rebellious teenage foster child, Troy Haverson. From the opening moments at Old Faithful through 48 action-packed hours, the tension builds: What is lodged in the wolf's radio collar? And what is the meaning of the Native American story of Sin-a-Wavi? A heady mix of suspense, adventure, and moments of tenderness lure readers into this story of kids discovering the natural world. The book's afterword, by Yellowstone's Michael K. Phillips, explores the park's Wolf Restoration Program.

The Princess Diaries ($1.99), by Meg Cabot, is aimed the the teen to young adult market and is the first in the series.

Book Description
What? A princess??

Me??? Yeah, right.

Mia Thermopolis is pretty sure there's nothing worse than being a five-foot-nine, flat-chested freshman, who also happens to be flunking Algebra.

Is she ever in for a surprise.

First Mom announces that she's dating Mia's Algebra teacher. Then Dad has to go and reveal that he is the crown prince of Genovia. And guess who still doesn't have a date for the Cultural Diversity Dance?

Boys, Bears, and A Serious Pair of Hiking Boots ($1.99), by Abby McDonald, is also a young adult title, but a bit more my style (I've worn out more than one pair of hiking boots, but worn not a single tiara).

Book Description
Can a boy-hungry Jersey girl survive the wilds of Canada with her eco-identity intact? A witty new YA novel from the author of SOPHOMORE SWITCH.

Jenna may hail from the ’burbs of New Jersey, but Green Teen activism is her life. So when her mom suggests they spend the summer at Grandma’s Florida condo, Jenna pleads instead to visit her hippie godmother, Susie, up in rural Canada. Jenna is psyched at the chance to commune with this nature she’s heard about — and the cute, plaidwearing boys she’s certain must roam there. But after a few run-ins with local wildlife (from a larger-than-life moose to Susie’s sullen Goth stepdaughter to a hot but hostile boy named Reeve), Jenna gets the idea that her long-held ideals, like vegetarianism and conservation, don’t play so well with this population of real outdoorsmen. A dusty survival guide offers Jenna amusing tips on navigating the wilderness — but can she learn to navigate the turns of her heart?

Into the Wild ($1.99), is the first in the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. This one is again aimed at middle graders, but may be enjoyed by anyone who has shared their household with a cat (324 reviews and still a 5-star average).

Book Description
Fire alone can save our Clan...

For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by the powerful ancestors. But the warrior code is threatened, and the ThunderClan cats are in grave danger. The sinister ShadowClan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying -- and some deaths are more mysterious than others.

In the midst of this turmoil appears an ordinary housecat named Rusty . . . Who may yet turn out to be the bravest warrior of them all.

The Trouble With Harry ($1.99), the third in the Noble series by Katie MacAlister, was originally published under the title Noble Pursuits. I haven't read the romance series books from this author, but have enjoyed the Aisling Grey, Guardian and Dragons series. Also in today's price range, she has the novella Bring Out Your Dead (Dark Ones Novels) ($0.99) and novel Suffragette in the City ($1.99).

Book Description
Just What is the Trouble With Harry?
  1. He is Plum’s new husband. Not normally a problem, but when you consider that Harry advertised for a wife, and Plum was set to marry his secretary, there was cause for a bit of confusion.
  2. He has a title. Plum has spent the last twenty years hiding from the ton, and now Harry wants her to shine in society? Horrors!
  3. He doesn’t know about her shocking secret. How is she going to explain about the dead husband who isn’t a husband…and who now seems to be alive again?
  4. He’s fallen in love with her. And yet, the maddening man refuses to confide in her. For Plum knows the real trouble with Harry is that he’s stolen her heart.

Honeymoon For One ($0.99), by Beth Orsoff, is self-published, but marked down and looks interesting.

Book Description
There are worse things in life than being dumped at the altar. Like being accused of killing your fake husband in a third world country where you can't speak the language, for example.

When Lizzie Mancini booked her honeymoon to the secluded Blue Bay Beach Resort on the small Caribbean island of Camus Caye she thought it would be relaxing to spend the week at an isolated couples-only retreat. But that was before she knew she’d be honeymooning sans groom. Touring alone, dining alone, and worst of all, having to explain to the resort’s thirty other guests why she was staying in the bridal suite alone—Lizzie was dreading it. But it still beat the alternative, eight more days hibernating in her empty apartment feeling sorry for herself.

Then Lizzie meets Michael, a gold-chained antiquities dealer who offers to play her husband for the week no strings (or sex) attached. The plan works perfectly until Lizzie spends the night with scuba instructor Jack, and Michael’s body washes up on Blue Bay’s pristine shore. Lizzie becomes Polizia Nationale’s number one suspect and the only way she can prove her innocence is to solve Michael’s murder herself.

Deadline ($2.99), by Chris Crutcher, is a young adult novel.

Book Description
Ben Wolf has big things planned for his senior year. Had big things planned. Now what he has is some very bad news and only one year left to make his mark on the world.

How can a pint-sized, smart-ass seventeen-year-old do anything significant in the nowheresville of Trout, Idaho?

First, Ben makes sure that no one else knows what is going on—not his superstar quarterback brother, Cody, not his parents, not his coach, no one. Next, he decides to become the best 127-pound football player Trout High has ever seen; to give his close-minded civics teacher a daily migraine; and to help the local drunk clean up his act.

And then there's Dallas Suzuki. Amazingly perfect, fascinating Dallas Suzuki, who may or may not give Ben the time of day. Really, she's first on the list.

Living with a secret isn't easy, though, and Ben's resolve begins to crumble . . . especially when he realizes that he isn't the only person in Trout with secrets.

A View to a Kiss ($0.99), by Caroline Linden, is currently being discounted by Harper Collins.

Book Description
Mystifying kisses . . .

It was a most coveted invitation—a glittering ball attended by all the important people of the ton. But Mariah, a ravishing beauty thought by all to be the catch of the season, never expected to find true love amid the shadows. The mysterious man she meets there ignites a passion within her she never thought possible. When he starts a clandestine midnight courtship in her bedroom, Mariah is scandalized—and enthralled.

From a man who knows just what he desires . . .

Harry Sinclair is a man of secrets who would do anything to protect those in his charge. But when he lays eyes on the stunning Mariah, duty and desire collide. Though every man in London lusts for her, he knows the fiery attraction between them is unparalleled. But in a world where trust can turn to treason and scandal can topple the throne, Harry and Mariah will fight a perilous fight for their precious love—and their lives.

Relative Discomfort: The Family Survival Guide ($2.16), by Jeremy Greenberg, is just one of a dozen titles on sale from Andrews McMeel Publishing today (although a couple of the titles in the list are only on sale outside the US).

Book Description
Seeing family is like catching a head cold: a temporary discomfort relieved by a snifter or four of brandy. --Jeremy Greenberg

Relative Discomfort is a sidesplitting, guffaw-inducing guide to living through and laughing at all of our family encounters. You know that knot you get in your stomach when you're about to come face-to-face with your Uncle Drunk and Aunt Enabler, or the brother-in-law who always wants to show you his gun collection? This book unties that knot.

If your family more closely resembles the Simpsons as opposed to the Tanner, Keaton, or Huxtable clans, then chances are this book is for you. International headlining comedian Jeremy Greenberg writes from the premise that although we love our families, many of us don't particularly love spending time with those who share our dysfunctional DNA.

To liven up the holidays, bar mitzvahs, funerals, and other family gatherings, Greenberg offers a collection of tips, tricks, games, and helpful hints that will not only help you survive your cousin's combination wedding/baby shower/high school graduation, but will also provide insights on how to move back into your parents' home when you're no longer a kid, or how to kick your adult-age son or daughter out of the family home if you're a parent.

Sections like Children During the Holidays (How to Have Fun at Their Expense) and Red- and Blue-Staters (What to Do When the Two Americas Show Up at the Same Family Reunion) provide a lighthearted look at surviving inner-family dynamics, along with a possible concrete solution or two. (Peanut butter-Valium cookies anyone?)

Other titles include (several at $1.24):
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