Book Review and Giveaways (print and ebook): You Know What I'm Sayin'?: Poetry * Drama by Daniel García Ordaz

I really enjoyed the tempos and cultural experience of this collection.
You Know What I'm Sayin'?: Poetry * Drama
by Daniel García Ordaz

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: El Zarape Press; 2nd edition (August 7, 2011)
• Language: English, Spanish
• • ISBN-13: 978-0978995416

Genre: Poetry, Drama
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

El Zarape Press presents its first collection of poetry by the eclectic Daniel García Ordaz, The Poet Mariachi, "the voice of the Rio Grande Valley" (Texas), an emerging voice in Chicano literature. You Know What I'm Sayin'? is a celebration of the common experience of language and culture transfiguring time and place and juxtaposing the politics of urban hip-hop America with the lyricism of rural deep South Texas, a retelling of ancient history sung by a contemporary voice. With an introduction by Fulbright Scholar Dr. Debbie Cole, a linguistic anthropologist. Mainly English; some bilingual (English/Spanish), Tex-Mex and pieces. Hispanic/Latino themes as well as All-American experiences relevant and appropriate for 3rd grade to college-level.

Review:
This is a decidedly different read for me and I greatly enjoyed it. I do like to read poetry – I just haven’t done so for some time. I don’t always think of poetry in a sense of “tempo” but you couldn’t read this collection without feeling the depth of rhythm. I could hear the hip-hop or jazz beat with the rhyme and that made it fun to read. There is even a very Spanish poem, These Are a Few of My Favorite “Che’s”, set to the tune of “A Few of My Favorite Things”.

Chitos, Chalupas
and Chilaquiles,

Cholos and Chukos,
Chales and Chiles,

Chelas and Cha-Chas,
and Chocolate,
These are a few of my favorite “che’s”.

And that is just the first verse!

Another plus in this collection is the sharing of the author’s personal view of a different culture. Yes, there was some Spanish I didn’t understand, but even that made sense in its adjacent context. The majority of pieces share images of a culture very different from my growing up place and yet many of the social themes cross over culture and class. I found it interesting to see poems about Affirmative Action and Mohammad Ali (Ode to a Butterfly II). The works are “rich”in imagery of coming of age, poverty, a young man’s ‘fancy’, racial issues and other expressions of life. Daniel makes beautiful use of language - English and Spanish.

Here is a quick bit of wisdom that any reader can appreciate:
Literary Séance

You don’t have to die
To speak to the dead.

Read instead.

A big thank you goes out to Daniel. I enjoyed meeting him at EPICon 2015 and I appreciate seeing a bit of his Hispanic American culture through this book. I was torn between keeping this personally autographed collection or sharing it with others. The solution: I will gift a print copy to one commenter and gift an ebook to another.

I was gifted this book by the author in March at EPICon 2015.

GIVEAWAY 

ONE new PRINT (US Only) 

and one Kindle eBook (Worldwide)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the AUTHOR'S QUOTE site and tell me a quote you like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print; Worldwide for eBook.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) December 1, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 1, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Sunday Post November 22, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 23, 2015

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This was another busy work week - title, law and publishing.   

My reading and listening was fun with three books completed. I finished two audiobooks, and one ebook with a second one started. I posted four reviews and the usual memes.

I enjoyed visiting (but didn't to reply here) other bloggers at the beginning of the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 15, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 16, 2015.

• Book Review: Dead Girl Running (The New Order Book 1) by Ann M. Noser; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review: Power of the Matchmaker by Karey White, Rachael Anderson, Kelly Oram, & 9 more; Romance, Novella; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review and Feature: What's In My Pocket and Who Stole My Homework by Todd Key, Illustrated by Steve Ryder; Children, Family; my rating 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 20, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 11/26/2015.

• Audible Review: Day by Day Armageddon: Beyond Exile by J. L. Bourne; Thriller, Sci Fi, zombies; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #228 Comment Giveaway November 21, 2015 Open Worldwide. Ends 11/28/15.

• Book Winners from July 25, 2015 Through October 25, 2015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 22, 2015.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3

Day by Day Armageddon: Beyond Exile
Written by: J. L. Bourne
Narrated by: Jay Snyder
This is entertaining.
My review for this is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Steal Me (NYPD's Finest)
by Lauren Layne
I really enjoyed this.
My tour review and feature will post 
on November 25 for Forever Romance.
IN HOT PURSUIT
Being a cop might be in Anthony Moretti's blood, but protecting and serving the city of New York has always been more than just the family business. If that means his love life stays locked up, well then that's just another sacrifice made in the line of duty. That is, until he sets eyes on the gorgeous new waitress at The Darby Diner and suddenly Anthony's morning coffee is leaving him a whole lot more hot and bothered than usual.
Though waitressing at The Darby isn't exactly Maggie Walker's dream job, it pays the bills and gives her time to work on her novel. Now if only she could stop fantasizing about gorgeous Anthony Moretti every time he sits down at her table, she'd really be in great shape. But when he needs her help identifying a criminal threatening The Darby-and Maggie recognizes her ex-husband-she fears her fresh start might be a pipe dream. Faster than a New York minute, Maggie and Anthony find themselves in one perilous pursuit that only gets hotter with each and every rule-breaking kiss.

3. Audio/MP3

Special Talents: Goon Squad, Vol. 1
Written by: Jonathan L. Howard
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir
This looked/sounded fun and it was!
I will post a review this coming week.
I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
An ongoing, episodic "prose comic" from which the pictures are summoned by the magic of words, Goon Squad is set in a version of modern-day Manchester. Its biggest divergence from the real city is that it - along with most other large urban centers - has a team of superheroes to protect it against unusual threats with which the conventional forces of law and order would have problems.
Goon Squad, Volume 1: Special Talents is composed of six tales: "The New Girl", "Nightclubbing", "By the Water, by the Grave", "Changes", "No-No Dojo", and "Exterminating Angel" as well as an introduction read by the author.
©2015 Jonathan L. Howard (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc., and Skyboat Media, Inc.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays
by Maia Chance , Janine A. Southard, Raven Oak,G. Clemans
I am two books into this collection and enjoying it.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3

Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1
Written by: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
This is another Sci FI that I chose
and received through Audiobook Jukebox.
I just got it today so I have to add it to my player and will start tonight.
Publisher's Summary
Jason Burke was a man hiding from himself in a small cabin high in the American Rocky Mountains when his simple, quiet life was shattered one night by what he first assumed was an aviation mishap. But when he investigates the crash, what he finds will yank him out of his self-imposed exile and thrust him into a world he could have never imagined. He suddenly finds himself trapped on a damaged alien spacecraft and plunged into a universe of interstellar crime lords and government conspiracies, along the way meeting strange new friends… and enemies. As he struggles to find his way back home he is inexorably drawn deeper into a world where one misstep could mean his death. Or worse. He desperately wants to get back to Earth, but it may be the end for him...or is it just the beginning?
©2013, 2014 Joshua Dalzelle (P)2014 Joshua Dalzelle

3. ebook/Kindle

Sheltering Hearts (Virgin River Book 11)
by Robyn Carr
This is Book 9 for my TBR Pile Challenge (three more after this one).
This is a free novella which has been on my Kindle shelf since 2010.
New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes readers back to her beloved Virgin River country in this heartwarming tribute to Rhonda Clemons, founder of Zoë Institute and a winner of a Harlequin More Than Words award.
By discovering a seed of compassion and nurturing it to effect real change, the dedicated women selected as Harlequin More Than Words award recipients make our world a better place. To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by their lives and work.
This special eBook is yours at no charge because Harlequin is committed to celebrating women’s efforts and supporting the causes that are meaningful to them. By sharing Rhonda Clemons's story, we hope to turn awareness into action and mobilize others to make a difference.
To find out more or to nominate a woman you know, please visit www.HarlequinMoreThanWords.com.

4. eBook/Kindle

The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection: 12 Heartwarming 
Historical Romances for the Season of Love

by Mary Connealy (Author), Diana Lesire Brandmeyer (Author), Margaret Brownley (Author), & 9 more

I am looking forward to enjoying these stories.

This is (may be) my last NetGalley title for the year. 

Christmas is the time for love—and weddings—and twelve historical women are on their way to the altar, whether they know it or not. In Nineteenth Century settings across the heartland of America, readers will experience heartfelt gifts, old-fashioned Christmas traditions, sweet romance, and inspiring faith from twelve acclaimed Christian authors, including Mary Connealy, Margaret Brownley, Pam Hillman, Maureen Lang, Michele Ule, Amy Lillard, Miralee Ferrell, Susan Page Davis, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Davalynn Spencer, and Vickie McDonough.

October 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.

I posted four reviews last week which left one plus two new so I remain at three although. again, I hope to post four reviews this coming week. I finished one NetGalley selection and added the last one on my shelf.  There is one other but it has to be read on the computer so I'm not sure if I will get to it so I haven't been counting it.
I have read 8 of my 12 TBR Pile books and added one of the last four this week. The others are full novels so I will have to read one a week after the Netgalley reading is complete. 

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received two audio review titles from Audiobook Jukebox.
I purchased four $.99 kindle titles.
And of course I added more free kindle titles to my library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received two titles through Audiobook Jukebox:

Special Talents: Goon Squad, Vol. 1
Written by: Jonathan L. Howard
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir
This looked/sounded fun and it was!
See the description above under Finished reading.

and

Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1
Written by: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
This is another Sci FI that I chose.
See full description under Currently Reading above.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I am starting to plan for 2016 Challenges so I am picking books and authors I know I want to read.
I picked up four titles for $.99 each.


My Reckless Heart
(The Thorne Brothers Trilogy, Book 2)
Jo Goodman
I have book 1 and decided to get book 2 while on sale.

The Reunited Hearts Collection 

(The Reunited Hearts Series Collection (3 Book Series))

Vicki Hinze

I enjoy this author and this set of military and inspirational romances sounds good. 

I finished book 1 last month and decided to pick up these two while they are on sale.


Immune (A Rylee Adamson Novel, Book 2)
Shannon Mayer

Raising Innocence (A Rylee Adamson Novel, Book 3)
Shannon Mayer

Free

Over the past week I added 55 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 22, 2015

Pastor shared a message for Thanksgiving.
Governor Bradford sent forth a proclamation for everyone to gather to celebrate and give thanks for the community’s third year, 1623. They gave thanks, just as we can today, for being saved by God’s mercy and grace.
We are reminded that we should give thanks ALWAYS (Ephesians 5:19-20) and in ALL circumstances (Thessalonians 5:16-18). That means we should have an ‘Attitude of gratitude’.
There are three things that can keep us from being thankful:

1. Pride or the attitude of “I deserve it”.
2. Critical spirit - always complaining.
3. Carelessness - we do not respond because we take things for granted.

Thanksgiving needs to be expressed.
See Psalms 100:4 and Psalms 107:1.
In Luke chapter 17 ten lepers were healed but only one returned to thank Jesus. Jesus told that one that he was ‘made whole, not just healed.’

Rudyard Kipling considered the word “thanks” worth a $100.00. [The reporter reached into his pocket and pulled out a one hundred-dollar bill and gave it to Kipling and said, ―Here‘s a one hundred dollar bill, Mr. Kipling. Now you give me one of your hundred dollar words.
Rudyard Kipling looked at the money, put it in his pocket and said, "Thanks!"] 

Gratitude gives stress release. [Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.]

We express thanks when we spend time with Him, share time with others, in service and in ministry (evangelism). God wants us to give the best of our time, treasure and talent.

Thanksgiving needs to be unreserved.

• For the blessings of life.
• For the burdens of life. See Romans 8:18 and Philippians 1:12.
• For the benefits of life. Learn to be grateful...submission helps recognize benefits. Look at what we have, not what we don’t have. We should focus on the eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 17-18.

Thanksgiving is expected.
Continually giving thanks is a mark of a growing Christian, a giving Christian, and a glowing Christian. We can/should sparkle for Jesus.
Shadows are banished by thanks giving. (James 1:17.)

The next time you are struggling - Try Thanksgiving!

I was looking for a different song today - perhaps not a traditional Thanksgiving hymn.
I found this and LOVE the thought of all God's children giving praise at once! It gives me chills.

A Verse for today:
Psalms 100:4 (KJV)
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

I think if I read back on many of my Sunday posts I will see expressions of thanksgiving. There is so much to be thankful for - earthly blessings, yes but more so, an eternal hope!  I am thankful that I have a thankful spirit. :-)

Book Winners from July 25, 2015 Through October 25, 2015

I have been remiss in posting winners in a winner announcement although they can be found on the right sidebar a week or so after being announced and always on the Giveaway page. (Friday Pick and Sharing Beyond Books winners are in that link as well as the weekly posts and sidebar.)

This covers the winner list up to November. :-)

Some of these are tour wins so winners should check the rafflecopter announcements on those giveaway posts.

***ALL WINNERS at MBS: Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers. I am now asking for mailing info in the giveaway forms so I can mail the books even if I don't hear from the winner.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)] Email: mesreads AT gmail.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS!

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Giveaway Ended July 25, 2015



Giveaway: Love in Disguise by Carol Cox
WINNER: CHARLENE



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Giveaway Ended August 8, 2015

Giveaway: Two Hearts: When I Said I Do, I Meant Forever 
by James Richey
SEE RAFFLECOPTER for winners: 10 Copies plus two $20 Amazon Gift Card



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Giveaway Ended August 24, 2015

Giveaway: Double Exposure (The Justice Agency Book 1) by Susan Sleeman;
WINNER: FAYE




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Giveaway Ended September 12, 2015

Print Giveaway: Dying to Read (The Cate Kinkaid Files Book #1): A Novel by Lorena McCourtney;
WINNER: BETH C




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Giveaways Ended October 15, 2015

(Plus Giveaway Link): The Last Chance Christmas Ball - Collection of Eight Wonderful Authors. Check link for winners.




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Hardback Print Giveaway: First the Dead: A Bug Man Novel by Tim Downs
WINNER: BN100



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Giveaway Ended October 24, 2015

Print Giveaway: Jennifer: An O"Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson; US only
WINNER: VICKI W





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Giveaway Ending October 25, 2015

Tour Giveaway Link: Midnight Kiss: Touched by Midnight, Book 1 by Nancy Gideon.
Check Rafflecopter for winners.




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Sharing Beyond Books #228 November 21, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I've had a busy week and busy today working on publishing tasks. I have work to complete before we take off a few days for Thanksgiving. I hope everyone enjoys the week and takes some time to stop and give thanks. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Many of us like soups starting in Autumn (four votes for soups); three people like pumpkin recipes; one had no favorite while another had no favorite because she doesn't get four seasons. We also had one vote for beef stew and one for  "a boudin blanc et compote" which I believe is white pudding and applesauce... maybe served with bratwurst? Is that right Miki? The sauce does sound yummy.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #227 comments is: #5 bn100  who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #228 (One Question.)

Miki asks: At this moment we see a lot of Christmas bookish things gift guides around the blogosphere. Did you look at them? Is there any item that got your heart beating a little faster or does your own wishlist stay exclusively filled with books??

I hadn't really seen many 'bookish' items around so I went looking. I found many site links but these are four favorites:
Book Lover Gifts
Just Write - 10 Gifts for Book-lovers this Christmas
The Literary Gift Company
Bookish Accessories at For Books' Sake

But books are always welcome under my Christmas Tree --- or on my Kindle. (Especially if I don't get - or even if I do get - a fitbit.)

This might be good to play with young readers!
Image found at The Literary Gift Compnay.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:
Miki asks: At this moment we see a lot of Christmas bookish things gift guides around the blogosphere. Did you look at them? Is there any item that got your heart beating a little faster or does your own wishlist stay exclusively filled with books??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday November 28, 2015 at 5 PM central.