Publicist and Authors are Wonderful

I started this blog about, I gosh I don't know, maybe about 5 years ago. I started this book blog to let my book club know what is going on. But, what transpired is a wonderful experience with authors, and publicists that I am in touch with.

I don't blog like others, reaching out to the community of book bloggers. I wish I could but, I don't have the time.  But, I do have a small following of book lovers in the community. I don't get alot of comments, but there is still a following.
I blog for my enjoyment. If I get a comment or two every so often I am happy. What does get me excited more than anything, when authors visit my blog and left comments. That is excited to me. Instead of big hollywood names, I am more excited about authors. They are my movie stars!!!

 I have met some wonderful authors, and publicists a long the way.  Every year I contact authors and publicists to ask them if they would like to donate books for our temple's dinner/dance silent auction. Each year I am amazed by how thoughtful, and kind these people are.

Most of the time I do get a response, of course when do you need them. This year it was personal, because I used my contacts for book reviews and asked if they would be interested in donating. It is a win-win situation. I get the books donated for my temple, and they get publicity.

It doesn't hurt to ask, when I first thought of this. I remembered many years ago, when my dad was a USY leader( teen age Jewish youth group). He went to all the clients he worked with to ask if they would donate.
So, that is where I got it in my head.

So here are the authors, and the publicists that donated to our Temple Emanu-El dinner dance/silent auction. Oh, and if you are interested, and live in the area of Myrtle Beach, SC give Jessica a call to attend. Here is our temple website.

Here on the red carpet are the books that were donated:
I am picturing the book with the author below.  First is Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner. You can read my review here from when it first was published.

Next is Joshua Henkin, A World Without You.  Without hurting anyone's feelings. I admire this author because of what he does. Besides being a awesome author.  He reaches out to book clubs, and will even come to your book club if you live in the area.  Unfortunately, I don't live in the Metro New York area any longer.  I will tell you this is probably he's better books that I have read.  You can read my review here.

Next, is the one I am really excited about. I contacted Jodi Picoult's publicist. She signed a autograph copy of her newest yet to be released novel, Story Teller.  Yes, people in my hot little hand is newest, not even released yet. Jodi, is basically a household name. Book clubs love her books and eat them up.  This is going to be great, I would love to see the reaction of people's faces when they hear I was able to pull this off.   I wonder how much they will auction this off for, and who will get it.

Unfortunately, I have not reviewed Story Teller to let you know what I think. Jodi Picoult's publicist only sent it to me yesterday. But, I plan to review. Like her other books, I am hoping it will be great for discussion. Easy to read, and discuss and a hot topic on social issues.

Last but not least. Imposter Bride by Nancy Richer.   Again, I did not review yet, because I just recently received the galley. Imposter Bride will be published soon.

 This list is not comprised as starting with the best to worst.  It is in random order.
All these books are writen by Jewish authors.

I bet you did not know that Jodi Picoult was raised Jewish as a child. I don't know if she is a practicing Jew now.  How, I know this I wrote her a few years ago, and asked her directly. It was in reference to a book she wrote, Change of Heart. There was references that coincided with the practice of Judaism.

I would like to personally thank all the authors, and publicists that helped support my temple.