Friday, June 17, 2011

LONG DRIVE HOME by Will Allison & PARENTS BEHAVING BADLY by Scott Gummer

WINNERS:

Parents Behaving Badly:
Gwendolen Gross
(who just happens to be the author of The Orphan Girl! I think it's so cool that she won a book!)

Long Drive Home:
Joelle who said Jim Higley was her fave male author!
Please email me your mailing addresses so we can get you your books! Congrats!

NOTE: I am posting more frequently or doubling up books because I have many to get through by the end of the month, so make SURE to check previous posts so you don't miss ANY of the fabulous books I'm featuring! If there is not a highlighted WINNER on top of the POST, then you may still ENTER to win that book!

Long Drive HomeBy Will Allison



Parents Behaving Badly


Today I’m so very excited to bring two talented MEN to MaNiC MoMMy! Am I allowed to call them DILFs????? Cuz yep, they are quite sexy in their videos, if I dare say so! You MUST check them out ladies! And they are such talented writers!

A man and his pen is not to be shunned!

Let me preface this by saying this is NOT a two-fer post – TWO separate winners will win ONE book each. However, you only have to post ONCE and you will have the chance to win each of the books. Do you get what I’m sayin? (Yes, I will draw from the same batch twice, so you could possibly win both books.)

The first book up is Parents Behaving Badly by Scott Gummer, and I am part-way through and laughing like crazy over it. Seriously, this book reads like it should be on TV or a movie. Almost like the New and Improved Bad News Bears for women who love to read a great book. Tom Perrotta, one of my favorite male authors, said this of the book: “Not just a sharp satire about Little League madness but a shrewd and sympathetic portrait of a midlife marriage.”

Here’s the blurb on the book:

When Ben and Jili Holden must move from Manhattan with their three children back to their small hometown of Palace Valley, California, they are forced to reconcile the parents they've become with the dreams they had, the choices they've made, and a sex life much more down-to-earth than the epic Ferris wheel tryst of their youth. After reluctantly stepping up to lead his son's Little League team, Ben is challenged to finally come to terms with the long shadow of his father, a legendary high school baseball coach and mentor who is beloved by generations of players, yet largely a stranger to Ben.

At the heart of the story are the universal experiences and themes of family and community, as Ben and Jili struggle to connect with their technology-addicted children and grapple with issues of marital fidelity—both at home and in the hotbed of sexual tension that is the Little League park. Among an unforgettable cast are Del, an autocratic coach who issues his own Ten Commandments; Liza, Ben's unrequited high school crush; Logan, a smart-aleck ringer whose preteen talents are eclipsed only by his ego; and Cyn, the sultry thong-wearing team mom with the serpent tattoo. Every mother and father of every boy and girl who have ever participated in youth sports can relate, and in Parents Behaving Badly Scott Gummer brilliantly skewers overzealous parents and lunatic coaches, giving the grown-ups who seek vicarious glory the send-up they so richly deserve.


Check out an excerpt HERE.

And here is Scott in a video about Parents Behaving Badly where he fesses up about where the idea for the book came about.

NEXT UP:

Long Drive Home By Will Allison



Next up is a book I have been dying to get my hands on from the moment I read about it. Long Drive Home by Will Allison is a book about what happens when an impulsive act can turn your whole life into a downward spiral. When a simple jerk of his wheel, intended to scare a reckless driver, causes the driver to die in a car accident, Glen Bauer has to face the moral consequences knowing he was the one who may have caused the death. Add some extra tension to the story – Glen’s young daughter, Sara, was in the backseat at the time. An impulsive lie to his wife, the police, and his daughter, and the game begins. Long Drive Home is going to be an emotional and psychological drama that I will have to gear up to read. You know how there are some books that you just have to prep for? For me, I actually need to allocate a quiet time and place, and enough time span to be able to sit and really get into the drama of the book. And I cannot wait to settle in for this one!

Here’s a blurb:

Life can change in an instant because of one small mistake. For Glen Bauer, all it takes is a quick jerk of the steering wheel, intended to scare a reckless driver. But the reckless driver is killed, and just like that, Glen's placid suburban existence begins to unravel. When Glen realizes no one else saw the accident, he impulsively lies about what happened--to the police, to his wife, even to his six-year-old daughter, Sara, who was in the backseat at the time of the crash. But a tenacious detective thinks Sara might have seen more than she knows, or more than her parents will let her tell. And when Glen tries to prevent the detective from interrogating Sara, he finds himself in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game that could end in a lawsuit or prison. What he doesn't see coming is the reaction of his wife, Liz--a panicked plan that threatens to tear their family apart in the name of saving it. But what if the accident wasn't really Glen's fault? What if someone else were to blame for the turn his life has taken? It's a question Glen can't let go of. And as he struggles to understand the extent of his own guilt, he finds himself on yet another collision course, different in kind but with the potential to be equally devastating.

Here’s a great video of Will Allison talking about LONG DRIVE HOME.

An interesting side note I just discovered about both of these books: Tom Perrotta is mentioned in Long Drive Home too. No wonder I was drawn to both of these books and to these male writers! I have found two new faves!

To qualify to win one or both of these two great books, leave a comment on who is your favorite male author! Thanks!

P.S. How many of you were smart enough to catch my subtle yet intentional joke up there?

Thanks for reading and being a part of June Blast-O-Books.


Don't forget to enter for any of the previous books that you may have missed. AS LONG AS A WINNER's NAME is NOT posted at the top of the blog post, then that means a winner has NOT yet been chosen so you can still enter to win that book but ONLY ONE TIME per book entry PLEASE!

If you're new here, check out the rules and other stuff for the June Blast-O-Books there under that highlighted link back there, or feel free to leave me a comment always and I'll answer it in the thread, or email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. It is always at my discretion to change things up, and because of some regulations, I guess I must say that the books I review are given to me by either the authors or publishers or publicists, and I am never paid for my reviews, and they are my own personal reviews, and you know what, because I'm here telling you this anyway, I will also tell you that I never review a book I don't like, because you know what, why waste my time, life is too short to read a crappy book! There. There's my new mantra!



110 comments:

absolutahnie said...

i'd have to say patrick o'brian.
i watched "master & commander" ages ago, fell for russel crowe as capt. jack aubrey, found th books and haven't looked back!

Jenn3128 said...

James Jaros has grabbed my attention this week!

DILF - OMG, there are so many I want to do bad things with!!!

Margie said...

My favorite male author is John Grisham. Thanks for the giveaway!
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Brantly's Mom said...

Nicholas Sparks

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

Stephen King gets my vote! Thanks for the giveaways!

Carie Casey said...

Dean Koontz but that is really only for the Odd Thomas series.

Carie

Jeryl M. said...

My favorite male author is Harlan Coben.

Leah B said...

This is a tough one ... I have read the most Stephen King, although I love some of Pat Conroy's work.

Casey said...

I love the classics - dickens and f scott fitzgerald. I also LOVE David Sedaris, Ken Follett and Michael Lewis. As you can see, I will read pretty much anything!

Laura Kay said...

Edger Allen Poe~~so dark :D love him. You didn't say had to be current ;)

Hope to win!

CChristyW said...

Dan Brown's books hook me everytime! There are others as well, but I always have to read whatever he's written!

Kristi said...

My favorite male author right now is Michael Korytas. I'm loving his mix of suspense and paranormal.

Literary Chanteuse said...

My favorite male author is Micheal Crichton.


Margaret(singitm)
singitm@hotmail.com

BrendaL71 said...

Wow, I read such an assortment of books that its hard to pick a favorite. But I'm a big fan of J.A. Konrath.

Homestead Jen said...

Christoper Moore or Terry Pratchett. Depends on what I want to laugh about!

Books & Reviews said...

Favorite male author (It is hard to pick just one) is Dean Koontz!!

Tina B. said...

Nicholas Sparks!!

Megan said...

Oh my, I love so many authors, although my favorite male author is Steig Larsson

your invisible pixie said...

Nick Hornby!

Amy R. said...

Michael Crichton. I was devastated when I found out he died. :(

ludy2288 said...

nicholas sparks

Beverly Victoria said...

Stephen King.

Joelle said...

Jim Higley is my favorite and he is a major DILF. lol

Anonymous said...

My fave male author that I love is Nicholas Sparks, he hasn't disappointed me yet. jenniferb75

Kristi said...

This is completely unoriginal but I can't help it... Nicholas Sparks. I'm such a sucker for his love stories!

Kristi Hooke

Karen said...

Ooh, these look great! My favorite male author is Max Lucado. I honestly love his work. I also like Nicholas Sparks, John Grisham and John Steinbeck. ktmixon315

ronda in bham said...

Finished the girl with the dragon tattoo trilogy and loved them. So Steig Larsson for rught now but i also love reading jjohn grisham.

LeslieB83 said...

Nicholas Sparks. I love that he writes such romantic stories, yet he is upfront in not being romantic at all in real life.

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

James Patterson love the short chapters, big font, and quick action!

Ally said...

Wade Rouse!

The Poty's said...

I think I would have to say Nicholas Sparks

denny144 said...

Where do you find all these delicious books. My summer reading list is going to keep me busy until Christmas.

denny144 said...

Favorite male author is Stephen King.

Carly said...

My favorite is David Sedaris. Followed closely my Augusten Burroughs.

Love them both.

Les.ey Davis, Esq said...

James Patterson

Ready To Be A Momma said...

I love John Grisham!
qweska8402

Dani In Chicago said...

My favorite is Wally Lamb. I can't wait to read his books when they come out.

Dani Patarazzi

Nicole Marie said...

Right now it's got to be Wade Rouse... hilarious!

NicoleMG from CT

A.C. Morris said...

My favorite male author is Harlan Coben. I love how sarcastic his characters are and his sense of humor!

jdstec said...

Stuart Woods, particularly his Stone Barrington novels.

Dawn said...

One that sticks out is Chris Bohjalian, I couldn't believe a man wrote Midwives!

Emily said...

Tom Perrotta is the b-e-s-t. The Abstinence Teacher is one of my all-time favorite books.

Emily116

Melissa said...

James Patterson is the only male author that I read regularly. Melissa Rem

Joansey 15 said...

Absolutely Pat Conroy

Terri said...

Always love a good Stephen King book.

Terri M.

Nanette said...

Nicholas Sparks..."Three Weeks With My Brother" is one of my faves. LOVE HIM! Nan :)

Christine in NJ said...

Favorite? Love so many I can't pick... reading through your comments I kept saying "Yeah he's my favorite too!"
I'll go with James Patterson for right now. I've been reading all his YA lately to keep up with my Tweens!

These books sound fabulous MaNiC! Thanks again for the introduction!

Christine

Logan Collins said...

James Lee Burke and of course Nicholas Sparks

Anonymous said...

My favorite male author is Nicholas Sparks.

-Donna W.

Juliet Farmer said...

Garth Stein, hands down!

Anonymous said...

I didn't realize how many women authors I read until you asked for my favorite male author! I guess I'd have to say Nicholas Sparks. I'm not sure that counts since his work is 100% chick lit, so I'll add a second one, Pat Conroy. That man can weave a great story!

~Colbey J

Ronit said...

Jonathan kellerman is my favorite male author.

Katy F said...

Nicholas Sparks is my favorite male author and I had the pleasure of meeting him! It was when Nights in Rodanthe came out and he signed my copy. He's a very interesting guy!

Hally said...

Oooohhhh....Good ones!

Thanks for giveaway Manic.
I fully admit that my favorite men authors are for 'children's/young adult reads'.

Roald Dahl, Eric Carle, CS Lewis, Tolkein.

equinn726 said...

I love John Irving - A Prayer for Owen Meany is my favorite book of all time...

Bridget said...

I would say James Patterson.
Iambtinrb

Tiffany Drew said...

Stephen King, love his books. Guaranteed to creep me out :)

jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

Meg said...

David Sedaris is probably one of my top favs ever. Always good for a twisted laugh!

michelle m said...

john grisham

EBrowning said...

I'm a Nicholas Spark's kinda of girl...even though most of his books make me cry!

Mom'sLove said...

Randy Pausch of The Last Lecture.

Philadelphia said...

I'd have to say currently I really like Markus Zuzak. He's a YA author, but I LOVE his writing style.

Dolly said...

Stephen King hands down. Close second, Frank McCourt.

Both books sound good - love it - DILF!

Anonymous said...

I've only just realized that 90% of the books I own (and that's A LOT!!) are written by women! Time to change that by winning one or both of these books!! I guess I'd have to say Nicholas Sparks or Wally Lamb....

SPepper22

lucy872 said...

I don't have a "fav", but do enjoy Nick Hornby and John Grisham. I also like Nicholas Sparks.

Jonessa said...

Nicholas Sparks for sure! He's a total dilf!!!

Liz said...

pen is... hehehe. was that your joke or am I a pervert?
I looooove Augusten Burroughs!!

Wanda Z said...

Nicholas Sparks

holly wohle said...

I really don't read many male authors but I really love David Sedaris.

holly wohle

Stark Raving Shannon said...

Mine's David Sedaris.

BRN2SHOP9 said...

My favorite male author is Nicholas sparks

karenk said...

charles martin....

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

IandSsmom said...

Well I'm a huge Stephen King fan so I'll have to go with him!! Love John Grisham too! oh and this week fell in book love with Larry Hammersley!!
shannonjean14(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would have to say Jonathan Tropper.

Rebecca E

Emma S. said...

I can't pick just one. Probably some of my favorites are David Sedaris, Jeff Shaara, Paulo Coehlo, Ben Mezrich, Tucker Max and Khaled Hosseini.

MonaLisa said...

David Baldacci (I think that's how it's spelled)

Jessica said...

That is a good question. I just realized that I don’t know of many male authors. I’ve read a few books by David Nicholls and I think he’s great. His book “One Day” was amazing.

Thanks,
Jessica

kathygold9778 said...

Nicolas Sparks....I even turned my 22 year old brither into a fan! LOL!

kathygold9778

Amy Nichole G said...

Nicholas Sparks, James Patterson and right now I'm hooked into George R.R. Martins Game of Thrones series thanks to my husband.

Amy Nichole G

buttah said...

I always love a good James Patterson book...Nicholas Sparks is great too!

Lynn said...

Right now, it's H.P. Lovecraft. Never really been into Sci-fi/horror, but he's definitely one of the best!

Thanks for all the giveaways!

CAnative said...

James Patterson

Nicole

Erin T. said...

I'd have to go with Dean Koontz - only because his bizare form of suspense/horror.

Actually, now that I think of it I think he's part of the reason I'm still afraid of the dark!!!

Crystal said...

There are male authors?? LOL! JK! To be quite honest I don't think I've read very many male written books. In my defense I only started reading for "fun" once I graduated college 1.5 years ago and now that I'm trying to figure out who my fave male author is, I don't think I've read anything written by a guy! (except A Child called It. which I did read for fun b/c I'd heard so much about it).

I do have a couple Nicholas Sparks books that I just know I'll love, but I've heard rave reviews about Koontz and Grisham too (random fact: Justin Timberlake once said his fave author was John Grisham and ever since then I've wanted to read his books.) (and yes, if Justin Timberlake said he loved to wear his underwear backward or eat boogers I'm sure I would like it too! LOL) OK I'll stop now. :)

Thanks MaNiC!

Crystal717

val said...

arthur nersesian is for sure my favorite male author.

-valerie

Melissa said...

I caught your joke. I had to go back to look, but then it was so obvious. Sean Connery on Celebrity Jeopardy on SNL would be proud!!!

I love Nicholas Sparks and James Patterson for romantic fiction and I triple love Wally Lamb for being an incredible writer!

Bethy said...

James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks.....complete opposites I know...but love them both.

Kimmi said...

I tend to gravitate towards female authors, but I've read everything John Grisham writes. Augusten Burroughs is also a favorite.

DaphneSFL said...

My favorite male authors: David Sedaris and Sudhir Venkatesh

Kristin Shelburne said...

My favorite male author is Jonathan Kellerman. He writes excellent mystery novels featuring Alex Delaware, plus is wife Faye Kellerman writes mystery novels also. They occasionally do cross over novels!

Lizett34 said...

Dan Brown

Kizzy Preston said...

I enjoy Wally Lamb. I read "She's Come Undone" in two days.

Krystal said...

Nicholas Sparks

Lindsay Elizabeth said...

Garth Stein-read The Art of Racing in the Rain in one day and bawled like a baby!

The Jagow Family said...

Wow! They both sound so good! I can't wait to read Parents Behaving Badly...WOW!

My favorite male author is John Grisham. Aside from the "Painted House", I've liked all of his books.

Thanks again MM!!
michelle jagow

Gwendolen Gross said...

Oh, enter me in this, dear Stephanie! Even if I win, I'm looking for both of these at my bookstore later today!
ggross at optonline dot net

Anonymous said...

Can't name just one...I read pretty much everything written by James Patterson, David Baldacci, John Grisham, and Harlan Coben. LeslieGC

Nancye said...

urrently my favorite male author is Jeffrey Stepakoff who wrote "Fireworks Over Toccoa" Awesome book!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Alice said...

Nick Hornby. I don't love all his books, but the ones I do, I REALLY love.

Nearl said...

I haven't read many books by men yet cause I'm a huge chick lit fan. However these look very interesting. I would love to win a copy. And DILF - LOVE IT!

Kim W. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kim W. said...

Sydney Sheldon was the last male author I read I think!! That was years ago. Oh wait! I read a couple of books by Dean Koontz! I always read books written by women, I guess, and I'm just coming to that realization as I write this! Huh.

kewalker1972@gmail.com

Melissa said...

The male authors I tend to read regularly are James Patterson (just got hooked on his books this past year) and Dean Koontz (ever since I was in high school).

-tmd636

BuffyDee said...

Micheal Crichton.

Erin Goff said...

Jonathan Tropper and Tom Perrotta

Anonymous said...

Don't have one...

xx(fingers crossed)
~Nattygirrl

TinaPow said...

LNG drive home sounds awesome!

LizzybethDJ said...

I'm amazed that most of my "go-to" authors are women... seriously having a hard time thinking of a male author...
I'll go with Clive Cussler.

Katie said...

Augusten Burroughs is definitely my favorite male author! My cousin had him sign me a book for my birthday once and I was so excited!

Kristin said...

Shakespeare is my favorite male author.