Friday, March 04, 2011

DRIVING SIDEWAYS by Jess Riley

WINNER ANNOUNCED!
Congratulations to:
DOMESTICATED GAL!
Please contact me with your name and mailing address so you can receive your copy of
Driving Sideways!

But, readers, don't despair!
Jess was thrilled with the interest in her book and sent me this note:

For anyone who doesn't win (but picks up a copy of Driving Sideways anyway), I would love to send them a signed bookplate. Just drop me a line at jess(at)jessriley.com!

See, I told you Jess was AWESOME!



Book: Driving Sideways

Author: Jess Riley

Winner: DOMESTICATED GAL
Website: Jess Riley

Full disclosure: Jess is a real live friend of mine, but I met her because of books and the love I have for books. She completely ROCKS, and I just love her to death. We live in different states, but if we didn't, I would spend as much time with her as I could. I've written about the times we have had together on my blog a TON. I just did a search and she's EVERYWHERE.

If you have some time on your hands and you follow the link above, you will not only find stories about Jess Riley, but I know many of you came here via Jen Lancaster (and thank you so much for doing so), and there are posts about nights out with Jen there too on that link, and other fun authors who will be featured here this month, including Eileen Cook and Jenny Gardiner.

(Seriously, it's Friday, if you're at work and have nothing to do, spend some time scrolling through that WHOLE link above -- you'll find out a ton about Jess, and some more great authors, including some night-time fun with Jen Lancaster and photos too! Plus there are cute pics of my kids from when they were younger and cuter!)

But Jess is a dear, dear friend, talented author and you'll definitely want to check her out! My kids love her, Mr. Manic loves her. You would love her too. She's AWE-FRICK-en-SOME. And a hilariously heart-felt incredible writer too. And we're crossing fingers she may have some fun book news soon for her fans!

I read Driving Sideways a couple of years ago, so I'm giving you my review that I wrote on Amazon right after I read it. It's about a girl with kidney disease who goes on a roadtrip in search of ... well, that's where I'll stop, because you've got to find out what she's looking for, right? Anyway, here's what I put on Amazon:

I finished Driving Sideways today, and when I got to the last line, I felt like there was a lesson learned and that there was a bit of hope passed along to all those who suffer from PKD, a disease I did not know much about. The main character, Leigh, was never "Oh woe is me" and "I feel so sorry for myself, I should just lie in bed and wait to die."

NO! She had received a beautiful gift by being the recipient of an organ donor, and was going to now live life to its fullest, and that she did.

Through Leigh's physical, emotional, spiritual, and literal (road-trip) journey, the reader meets a cast of characters that will have you laughing as well as wondering throughout the book what is going to happen--all the way till the very end. And I even found myself crying on page 311, feeling for what Leigh has just been through, and wanting more for her, but feeling she would be OK.

I came away extremely satisfied, and with a sense of peace really when I finished reading. I closed the book and sat for a moment, just being with Leigh, wondering where her life would take her next, for surely, there are still some great things ahead for her, a woman who shares a spirit that illuninates when faced with such adversity in life.

I truly hope this book brings awareness to those unaware of this terrible disease and I'm grateful to Jess Riley for bringing it to the forefront, while also bringing us a heartwarming beautiful tale of a woman whose hopefulness shines through and through.


Since I have read Driving Sideways, I have met a very close friend who gave her 14-year-old son her kidney and I look at her every day and think WOW, YOU GAVE YOUR SON YOUR KIDNEY! Not that that has anything to do with Jess's awesome book, but well, it kind of does because I think about what my friend did for her son, and I think about Jess's book, and the two are connected. It's an amazing gift, organ donation. Go sign the back of your driver's license. Oh, and speaking of driver's licenses, here's a funny story about when I got my license when we moved from Chicago to Scottsdale just nine months ago ... about how I lied on my driver's license. It's pretty funny.

* * * *

You're figuring out how this is working now huh? I'm loving your creative comments and am reading them ALL! Keep commenting, and all those who do will qualify to win Driving Sideways! I’ll draw the winner on March 6 (always TWO days after I post the daily book, unless it’s a weekend, I may allow for more time), and I will post the winner’s name at the TOP of this post, in the highlighted area.

Come back and read about each book every day in March. Choose the books you'd like to win. Enter for any or ALL the books. Each entry will count as an entry toward the grand prize of winning ALL 31+ books at the end of the month. You can win the book of the day and still qualify to win ALL the books at the end of the month!

PLEASE be specific with your name in the comment section, and IF YOUR NAME is listed as the winner, you must email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com in order to claim your prize. Email me with your full name and address so I can have your book(s) sent to you.

Thanks, and GOOD LUCK! And come back tomorrow to see what book I’ll be giving away then too!

It’s MaNiC MoMMy’s March Madness Book-A-Day Giveaway! Read ALL the Rules and Details Here!

Sorry, only U.S. and Canadian residents only!

169 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah, first comment again. This book has special interest to me as I donated a kidney to my brother last summer. We're both doing well. TaraUB in IN

Missy B said...

Sounds like a must-read.

Meredith said...

Sounds great!

Karen said...

Looks like a great book! :) ktmixon315

Sarah Lashua said...

I have this book, but I want to be entered everyday for the big giveaway. I haven't read this one though...

Anonymous said...

Hope u pick me! Sasse1Susan

Lesley Davis, Esq said...

Sounds like a great book!

Ally said...

Man you have picked some great books!
Ally N

Angie McCraine Parks said...

Sounds great!

Anonymous said...

This book sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance to win it.

-Donna W.

Anonymous said...

Such an interesting topic!

RebeccaErin

Debbie said...

Sign me up!

Debydew110

Logan Collins said...

If she is a friend of Jen she must be awesome. Hope I win!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a good one. Patti Col

Tina Brannan said...

Sounds interesting!!

Katy Finn said...

Awesome story!!

Kirsten said...

Any friend of yours MUST be an awesome writer! Thanks for doing this giveaway it is going to brighten up my whole month <3
Kirsten R.

Tiffany Drew said...

On my must-read list!

Sadie said...

Fingers Crossed

Anne said...

I hope to be the big winner at the end of the month, because I want to read all the books!

Anne Beth

Homestead Jen said...

This sounds like a good read!

Anonymous said...

This sounds amazing. Definately need to pick this up.

K.Loeser

Jess said...

Sounds good. Jess Heady

Emma Straley said...

This sort of reminds me of "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. I loved that book (hated the movie), so I'm sure I'll love this book, too!

keltban said...

This book sounds great. Would love to win :)

absolutahnie said...

on my TBR list for ages!

Becki*** said...

This sounds awesome.

grandytaiko said...

It sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the review!

buttah said...

Sounds like a great read! I will have to check it out even if I don't win.....but PICK ME!!!

Buttah

Jen R said...

This is another one on my wishlist!

Jen Rabenstine

Ronit said...

Sounds good! Ronit W

Christina said...

My cousin is the recipient of an organ donor (twice!) so this sounds like a great read!

ChristinaL

Leah B said...

Sounds like a good book on an interesting topic!

Unknown said...

This looks like a good read!

janabailey said...

Sounds like a good book.

Jana B

Sharon Cox said...

This book sounds great and inspiring!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great read!
J Ferf

Tracy Miller said...

Can't wait to check out this book.

Tracy Miller said...

Can't wait to check out this book.

Dani In Chicago said...

Love learning about new writers!

Dani Patarazzi
danisilvia223@gmail.com

BrendaBMarion said...

I work for the blood bank that provides the blood for the Jacksonville Mayo clinic where they do frequent organ transplants, so this story sounds like it would provide an glimpse into the lives of those we help!

shopgirl said...

AWE-frick-en-SOME - LOVE IT!! That's what this book give away is and you are!! AWE-frick-en-SOME!!!

Thanks again for this great give away!
Jill in OH

Ready To Be A Momma said...

looks good!
qweska8402

Kim Ritter said...

It sounds interesting.

Erin T. said...

Can't wait to read this one. I can't wait to read all these books!

Alli said...

Sounds fantastic!
Alli M. Jones

Cori Bravo said...

This sounds like a fantastic book. I have a feeling that by trying to win all of these books, I will soon find myself purchasing most of them. hee hee hee!

DaphneSFL said...

This sounds like a perfect read and a perfect reminder to enjoy life. I'll read it even if i don't win it here.

BRN2SHOP9 said...

Sounds like a good book

Brn2shop9 at gmail dot com

Crafty Mama said...

I've had my eye on this book for awhile now. Would love to read it!

Erin Goff said...

Sounds like another great book!

Chelsea Hoffman said...

I want this one!

Stark Raving Shannon said...

I've been wanting to read this one for a while. Sounds like a good one!

Stark Raving Shannon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jpetroroy said...

Ooh, this sounds fantastic

Jenn3128 said...

Manic, great choices on books!

Nicole Marie said...

Sounds like a great read!

NicoleMG from CT

Unknown said...

Sounds like it will be a great read! Christin Greb

Anonymous said...

xx (fingers crossed)

~Nattygirrl

Holly W said...

I've heard of this but never read it yet.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a tear jerker and one I will definitely be sharing with my BFF and sisters when I'm done.
THANKS!!
Angelini197

Terri said...

Sounds like an inspiring read...and I love that you told us all to spend the day googling Jess from work! :)

Terri M. in Phoenix

Siobhan F. said...

I know someone who's father has PKD, but don't know much about the disease. It would be enlightening to read someone else's viewpoint.

RedDragon said...

Actually read this one a year or so ago but do not have a copy on my shelf. Highly recommend this book.

Natalie M. in VA said...

This book sounds really good, and is reminiscent to me of some books by Jodi Picoult where you walk away having learned something new along with having picked up a great read.
Would be interested to check it out!
Natalie M.

SarLaz said...

This has been on my "to-read" list for a while now actually!

Amanda said...

Looks like a good book :)

amandie1029

Kimmi said...

Pick me! Pick me!

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

I would love to read this book. At this very minute I am in Denver waiting for my husband to start the procedure to be a bone marrow donor for his sister who has leukemia. We are hoping it will save her life. I am so proud of him!

Thanks for your giveaways!
Suzebomb -The Book Bag

jdstec said...

I look forward each day to reading about the next book in your giveaway

IandSsmom said...

Love this contest and as always another great book!!

Bridget said...

I would like to read this one. Sounds good.
IamBTinRB

Erika Lundquist said...

I would love to win this book. I snuck a look at the post while I was at work and had to finish reading the review, which has made me want to go and get the book right now.

Thank you.

Unknown said...

Pick me! Pick me! Sounds like a good book! :) -Kim-

Hawkzter said...

This contest is amazing. I love learning about new authors and great reads!

Michelle said...

Ok seriously, this is take THREE of my comment attempt. Brain = dead.

Boooooooo. But yay for Jess and for you. Love it! Michelle from Honest & Truly!

Mom'sLove said...

ok, don't pick me. I have this book already and its GREAT! I love this story and the characters. Great read..
Aaammmaaannndddaaa
(but include me in the 31 books giveaway!)

AnnEliz said...

Another good book. Summer is coming, time to stock up!

kathygold said...

Thanks for this great give-a-way!

Carly said...

Looks great! I'm in!

Carly Haynes

equinn726 said...

This book looks like a great read! I have a friend who is a kidney recipient and has gone on to have two beautiful daughters with his wife - living life to the fullest :)

Meg said...

So I've learned that I should not "do a quick check of Manic Mommy's blog" while my croissants are toasting. As I will be left with burnt croissants, another book on my must read list, and a heightened social awareness.

Not that those are bad things.

Except the burnt croissants.

Those are very, very bad.

Anonymous said...

Wish I could raid your book shelves! jennyfromthecube@yahoo.com

Melissa said...

I've heard about this book, but haven't had a chance to read it yet!
tmd636

ChristineCet said...

Heard about this book and wanted to read it badly. thanks for the link too.

Kas said...

Looks like a great read!

Kassie H.

Lilianarenee said...

Friday with no work to do would start my weekend off really good. That is just not the case.

lizett34 said...

I feel that this book will cause me to shed lots of tears, however, well worth it I am sure!

LindsayK918 said...

Sounds like an amazing book, all the titles on this giveaway are going to cost me some money!!

Lauren said...

Sounds great! Lauren Royall

Buffy Dee said...

Sounds like a touching story... fingers crossed

Casey said...

Ok, so if you don't pick me to win, can I at least hang out with you and Jen Lancaster? Its been a dream of mine to drink wine with her.

Jonessa said...

Win or not this book hits the to read list!

Lauren Louise said...

Sounds like an interesting read!

Jeffie Laura said...

Sounds like a good read.

CariL said...

Can't wait to read it!

Melissa said...

I'm not really aware of PKD, so I think I would leave with awareness after reading this book. Melissa Rem

Kate said...

I've wanted to read this one for a while. I passed it on the table at Borders in favor of a dusty book I had to read for school (BOO).

xoelaxo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Julie Carroll said...

looks like a great book!

Elizabeth Kowalski said...

woohoo....I found my next book to read!!!

The Jagow Family said...

Sounds like a great book to add to my list of "must reads".

michelle jagow

Dawn Gross said...

Even if I'm not the winner - learning about so many new books/authors! Thanks!

Dawn MG

Brenda L B said...

Driving sideways sounds like a book I could use right now about spiration and the love of life. Being a single mom and soon to be unemployed it hard to see that sometimes. Brenda L B.

Rachael said...

Sounds interesting! Rachael M in CA

Dolly said...

Sounds like a great read!

Nanette said...

Thank you so much for opening my world to all these new books and authors! I am in Heaven!! Nanette N.

Sherry bercu said...

Love coming to this site everyday to check out new books ---and a chance to win!

Juliet Farmer said...

another book to add to my reading list!

Amy said...

I had so much fun meeting Jess last spring with you -- can't wait to read her book!

-Snarky Mommy

LizzyBethDJ said...

I think you're stealing my to read list! I'd love to have most of the books on the list for the month!

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

BethC said...

I really, really want this book!

Rachel Marie said...

This is the book I want most :) Hope I win it. I need reading material so so so bad.

Most auhmazing Rachel Marie

Heidi @ Decor & More said...

My TBR list is growing and growing, thanks to all of these awesome books. What would I do without books? They're my guilty pleasure-- my drug of choice {besides sauvignon blanc}. Thanks, MM, this is another good one!

Beverly Victoria said...

Sounds like my type of book. Roadtrip!!!

Jennifer :) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jennifer :) said...

I've been an organ donor since I was 16, and every time someone asks me why I tell them this: I'm not using my organs in the grave. If I can help even just ONE person live just ONE more day, I will rest easy until kingdom come... :)

Jennifer Marie Rebekkah Harley

Anonymous said...

Sounds really fantastic.

clynnc

jne said...

sounds pretty good! -jenni(fur) N.

Sugar__Mama said...

sounds great! count me in please!

Unknown said...

Books equal awesome, free books equal Awesomer!

Anonymous said...

You are giving us a nice list of books to read and possibly win.
Thank you!
Pennygirl, Manitowoc

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
amanda mcneil said...

Ohhh this is on my To be read list!

-AmandaTX

Christy said...

I really enjoy reading stories that inform as well as entertain. And if I can feel some involvement with the main character, all the better!

Christy Finepoet said...

Okay, specific name for the Christy of right above is::::
Christy Finepoet

StephRochelle said...

I've seen a ton of reviews for this book - all positive! I guess it's time that I finally give in and read it!

Jamie McNealy said...

Sounds like a book my book club would enjoy!

Dulcibella said...

I am so interested in reading this book!

Anonymous said...

Sounds different. I have a family member who was an organ recipient so wondering what this would be like.

fanficfan44

Croppergirl said...

So...I'm totally loving coming here everyday to enter! I've read every word of all your pages.

Pamela Hoffman
croppergirl@tx.rr.com

Christine in NJ said...

Would love to win this book! Thanks for the daily book giveaway MaNiC!

Christine

Amy Risner said...

pick me! weee! :)

kristinrose said...

I will check this book out even if I dont win..it sounds good!

Unknown said...

I would read in a heartbeat. EBrokaw

Jess Riley said...

Steph, don't pick me, but thanks again for this amazing contest!

I want to add that for anyone who doesn't win (but picks up a copy of Driving Sideways anyway), I would love to send them a signed bookplate. Just drop me a line at jess (at) jessriley.com!

xoxo

Tyra said...

Every book so far has looked so great! I really hope I win something!!

Michelle Mierczewski said...

Loving this!

Anonymous said...

If you and Jen Lancaster love her than I know i will too! :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great read! Sasse1Susan

Ms. Thouvenel said...

Looks fascinating.
mthouvenel

paige allred said...

memememememe!!!!!!!!!

Katrina Swiney said...

This book sounds tender and poignant. I think donating organs to someone whether you know them or not- is a beautiful and selfless thing. I would love to win this book! :)

Katrina Swiney

Unknown said...

sounds like a winner! Alyson Ray

Mary said...

I think that we should all sign our cards for organ donation. I recently had a friend that received a new cornea and it's opened up the world for him.

Mary Ward

Melissa Braun said...

Not only would I live to win this book (and, honestly, will buy it on my nook if I don't), but I think y'all would be so much fun to hang out with!

Maggie D. said...

I've heard great things about this book and it's currently on my Amazon.

Kristi said...

I read it a while ago (library book) and loved it. Would love it for my keep pile to read again and share with my friends.

I did find my way here from Jen Lancasters blog and I'm so glad I did.

Kristi Marie W.

A.C. Morris said...

Sounds like a really great book!

Colleen Turner said...

This sounds really good! What a wonderful gift to give someone, or to receive....the gift of life. I would love to win this!

The Book Chick said...

This one has been on my wish list for a while and would love the chance to read it. Interestingly enough I just finished reading "Moonface", a memoir about a kidney donation!

Gina Borkowski said...

Sounds like an excellent story...love the blog!

Lindsay Elizabeth said...

Sounds like a great book! I'm loving reading your reviews/adding new authors to my ever growing list of to read books!

amypackster said...

I love real-life stuff!
amypackster

Kristin J said...

Pick me!

Wendi from Louisiana said...

I love reading a book that I already know has heart! Crossing my fingers!

Abi and Jezebel's mom,

Wendi

Anonymous said...

I've wanted to read this book since you reviewed it way back when but haven't gotten to it - winning it would ensure that I read it!

Thanks for the chance!

SPepper22

Anonymous said...

sounds like this one will make me cry! There are so many good books out there!!! I hope win 31 this month ;)

Laura Bolin
ANovelReview

Margie said...

Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the great giveaway.

Sarah S. said...

What an honorable thing to do, organ donation.

Sarah S.
sslinsky@hvc.rr.com

kristin said...

Added to the "to-read" list... which keeps growing...

Ronda C. in B'ham said...

Sounds great.

Tara S. said...

Sounds good to me!

Kristy said...

Crossing my fingers for this one! :)

Teresa Thiel said...

I have read this book and it is excellent. I've never laughed out loud so many times reading a book. These characters truly come to life - and even over a year later I still wonder how Leigh is doing...

xxxx said...

LOVE JESS!

emily said...

It is a great book... and my SIL rocks! Love you Jess! I've already got my copy, but still love to share as gifts... bring it! Lol.
~Emily Riley-Berghorn

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

i've done my own driving sideways! right thru the ditch & climbed a chain link fence! ok ok i know it's not humour, but this is going to be a great read ")