, can we all agree that Elana Johnson is a genius? Yes? Good. Thank you Elana for having this amazing idea and for bringing over 60 writers together to celebrate their favorite books. For those of you looking for a good book to read, click here and take a look at the following incredible book reviews.OK, so as soon as Elana told us she was planning this event we staked our claim on BEFORE I FALL
by Lauren Oliver. We simply fell in love with this book. The writing is gorgeous, the characters felt like old friends and we literally could not put it down. Our YA book club declared it their favorite book of all time. They raved and gushed and reminded us exactly how great books are supposed to make you feel.The girls in our book club initially chose the book because of this trailer. They could not stop talking about it.
So, we knew we absolutely had to vlog about our love for BEFORE I FALL.
Here's the deal. You've got one week to enter to win the signed copy of BEFORE I FALL
. Just make sure you're a follower and leave a comment on this post about the one thing you absolutely have to do before you die. We'll announce the winner next Monday May 7th!In the meantime, head over to Emily Benedict's blog to hear all about why she loves Deanne Gist
. And don't forget to spread the awesome. Write a review of your favorite book, send some fan mail (just not the creepy kind) and buy a book for a friend that you know they'll love. Happy Monday!
128 comments:
I love this book...I could gush for hours! What I want to do before I die...I'm a travel junkie, so I want to travel to every continent in my lifetime. I'm close, but I haven't been to every one yet.
Someday picking up my book that's on submission right now in a bookstore would be great, but that's a given!
Great contest! Happy Monday!
I have to have a beach house on the water!! (It can be on the Intercoastal Waterway!!)
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
I haven't read the book but it sounds ... awesome of course!
I'm sure there is something more important I ought to do before I die, but reading all these writing blogs in the morning the only thing I can come up with is: get published.
Thanks ladies.
OMG, I've heard such great things about this book!!
One thing on my bucket list I haven't accomplished yet is a marathon! I'm not anywhere close right now, but I really want to do one before I die.
I've heard so much about this book. I must read it.
Man, I REALLY need to read that book! I have so many books I need to buy, the list is growing every day. Maybe that's what I need to do before I die, read all my tbr books. *kidding!*
I guess what I really would like to do before I die is change someone's life. For the better, obviously. :)
Oooh thanks for giving me another book to add to my reading list!
Hmm, before I die I want to spread the word about a treatment for autoimmune disease that I know of (that isn't mainstream, but that has been saving lives for quite awhile now). I want to bring it to the attention of the millions of people suffering from these horrible diseases.
I have witnessed a few people make their way back from their deathbed with it, and nothing would make me happier than to help others get there too.
I would also really love to travel!
I can't wait to read this book! That trailer was brilliant. And I love, love your vlog!! Hey Lisa, I'm a lefty too :))
Before I die, I'm going to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Loving Spread the Awesome!
Good choice for the book selection!!!
I can't watch the vlog because my work computer doesn't like certain videos! I'll have to come back and watch it!
Sounds like a "must read." Before I die...oh gosh, there's a list...I guess I'll start with finishing the project I am currently working on.
I've been waiting to read this book. Eventually. Someday.
And what's up? Why didn't you spread the awesome about Nancy Drew?
One thing I want to do before I die is...wow that's such a loaded questions. I'll say, see my children happy with their lives.
Sounds like a book I need to read!
I want to read this book before I die--so puh-leeze draw my name!!
My goal used to be to get on the Oprah show, but time is running out on that one . . . sob. I'll have to say be published. That's about all that's on my brain these days.
sf
I started reading this in the book stare when I was broke:/
Before I die...meet Steven Tyler.
Or teach a gorilla sign language (aka Cocoa)
Well, now I really want to read this one. Loved your vlog! Would you please just read some Elmo for Lydia!
One thing I'd like to do before I die is to visit Hawaii.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
Well, you see, I simply HAVE to be published!
Nice job on the vlog! You guys are so endearing!
Before I die, I want to remodel an old house.
Btw, BEFORE I FALL is at the library, with my name on it!
*happy sigh* Today is such a fun day - though I'm going to have to buy a few more bookshelves to hold all the books that I'm adding to my TBR list!
One thing I must do before I die.....well, actually, the big one on my list will be happening shortly so I'll say travel to another country (and Canada and Mexico don't count, though I'd like to go both places) :D
Oooh, sounds like a great read!
Before I die, I'd like to visit Scotland. My grandfather was a Campbell and I'm fascinated with our ancestry.
Haven't read this book yet, so I'm in.
My one thing, big surprise, see one of my novels in print...on a bookstore shelf.
I keep seeing this book around. After that glowing review I guess I'd better read it!
The one thing I'd like to do before I die. Hmm. I'd really like to see all my kids graduate from college. But that's 4 things. :)
I need to give Gerard Butler a nice snogging before I die! :)
kpic724 (at) gmail (dot) com
Ooh, I so have to read that... I'm never going to get through my TBR list at this point.
What would I like to do before I die? Well, just like a majority of people here, I would love to be published and be able to hold it in my hands.
This one has been on my tbr list for awhile. I really need to read it!
Before I die, I want to perform the role of Christine Daaé from "The Phantom of the Opera".
Before I Fall is already on my books to read immediately list. So one of the million or so things I want to do before I die is read it.
Sounds great!! That's easy: white-water rafting!! Simple. Every time my husband went, I was either pregnant or we'd just had another baby.
My turn!!
Oh, I've been wanting to read this one too! My TBR is huge right now.
Enter me!
Before I die, I want to howl at the full moon and ride a mechanical bull.
Thanks! Great contest!
I have not had the opportunity to read Before I Fall yet, but it's definitely on my list now since I've read so many great reviews about it.
One thing I have to do before I die is to meet Leo DiCaprio. Maybe not even to actually meet him, but just to see him in person. I know, I have problems. :)
As always you ladies are awesome!!! This book has been on my radar for some time! I would love to win a copy.
One thing I want to do before I die...my life has been so blessed and there are many things that would be amazing to do...If I had to pick one: see my name on a book in a book store and see someone reading it, curled up, cross legged on the floor, so engrossed that they may be half way through before they stand to buy it and take it home...
Visit My Kingdom Anytime
I already have a copy but I wanted to echo your praise. When I started the book, I knew I would swoon over the writing. I just didn't know if I would be able to fall in step with the main character. By the end of the book ... I was rooting for her. I think a book that can take you on a journey like that is pretty special. Even though I finished the book thinking about how fragile time is, I didn't end the book feeling depressed. I can't wait for Lauren Oliver's next novel.
I already have a copy as well. And I'm glad to know you loved it because I am having a hard time getting into it. The characters are, um, so into themselves at this point...but I will tough it out and let the beauty of the writing carry me.
And even though I won't be entering, I'll say my thing to do before I die is read Before I Fall.
(Did anyone notice how close the author's name is to Laurence Olivier? I wonder if it's a pen name...)
Wow. This book sounds hella cool. Before I die I want to visit Japan and attend an authentic tea ceremony. *happy sigh*
P.S. LOVED the blog! Especially the little kid's head bobbing behind the sofa at the end. Classic!
I'm SO in love with this book. It's a new favorite, big time. I could die happy right now, but I'd love to see the aurora borealis before I die.
Wow, need to get this book ASAP!
Before I die....I need to travel back to Europe with the one and only - Lisa Roecker Leighton. I'm thinking this might happen for our 40th? Or on a book tour of "She's Leaving Home"? Either way, the trip can't happen soon enough!
This one is on my list, so I must try to win!
One thing before I die: I want to travel somewhere cool, preferably New Zealand or Japan.
Before I die, so many things.
I'll choose this one:
...see at least one sign exhibited by each child that they are going to be all right, that they know kindness and compassion, perseverance, that they have people who love them and whom they love, that they are happy.
Eek! It's signed? I guess Lisa's fan mail worked!
I absolutely have to go to Cedar Point and ride every stinking rollercoaster there. I'd also love to skydive, but I'm slightly terrified and, thus, making no commitments.
(p.s. Can I tell you I'm somewhat intimidated by you now, what you you saying that the characters in BIF felt like your friends? You're not going to send me a rose with some mean note attached, are you???)
Whoa! That gave me goosebumps! The trailer was awesome! I'll have to get this book. =)
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! I want it signed!!! I love this vlog. And I have to find true love before I die.
On my list. Please pick me!!
I'm so jealous you have a YA book group! Sounds like a great book.
Before I die I want to run an ultramarathon. Thanks for the awesome contest!!! :D
I WANT TO READ THIS BOOK!!! Before I die, I'd like to swim with a great white shark. In a cage, of course. Like on "Jaws." lol
Book related Before I Die: NYT Bestseller List
Non-Book Related BID: swimming with dolphins
Before I die I want to dive the Great Barrier Reef or visit Greece. This book is on my list so I would LOVE to win a copy :)
This is totally on my TBR list! I asolutely HAVE to swim the La Jolla Rough Water before die...I know...weird...but something I have always wanted to do!
Please include me if this is open internationally. I've heard great things about Before I Fall. I would love to win a copy!
One thing I would do before I die? Build a foundation that will provide scholarships for college students in the Philippines.
Thanks!
precious_shusky@yahoo.com
yay contests!
wOOt!
I'd love a chance to win this book
I'm a little sad to say I still haven't read this book! : ( Maybe I'll win a copy (lol)...
Something I have to do before I die? Make sure everyone I love knows I love them. This isn't just a one time thing, though, it's a continuous thing that I can do every day so no matter when I die, they know.
Or I'd like to go to Israel, Greece or Ireland.
Doing all of the above would be just peachy. : )
Thanks for the giveaway.
ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com
Count me in! I'd love to read this.
Ummm, one thing I have to do? Does getting a book published count? If not, it would be going to New Zealand.
Awesome Vlog ladies! That was a cool trailer too - sounds haunting! Another one to add to my ever growing list today ;o)
Hmmm. Before I die, I'd like to travel, I'd like to watch my child (of which I don't have any - so there's another thing I want to do before I die) walk down the isle, get excited about a book/movie he/she just read/saw. I want to go to my father's gravesite (it's in Oklahoma). Man, there's too much. I better get started now!!
Sounds like an awesome book ;o)
Okay, I'll have to check this book out. Your vlog wouldn't play on my work computer :(
Before I die---hmm...
I have to get a book published. lol
realistically, I have to make sure my family knows how much I love them.
This is one book that I keep hearing about over and over. Sounds fantastic and definitely one I want to read. :)
The writing in Before I Fall is AMAZING. Although I was iffy about the MC initially, it was one of my favorite reads this year. I cannot wait for Delirium. Lauren Oliver is brilliant!
Leave it to you guys to make us all look bad with your fancy vlogs and stuff. *crosses arms and sulks*
Love it though, and this book sounds amazing. I will be adding it to my TBR list for sure.
As far as things to do before I die...um...hm.....everything seems so lame (like really, THAT'S what you'd want to do?) But...I'm fairly simple in my wants, so I guess I'll say I'd love to see Europe one more time, and I'd love to see the Lake district of England. To do so requires renting a car and driving on the wrong side of the road though, so I'm not sure my husband and I will ever feel quite brave enough to do it. :)
I've heard great things about this book (and not just from this comment section, which is a fan base in itself!!), and it's been on my TBR list for a while.
I think up until last year my main goal before I die was to publish a book. Now that that's done, I have to find another goal to take it's place.
High on my list has always been to take an African safari and a cruise to Antarctica. I guess those are now my number one. I'm going to have to sell a buttload of books to afford that, though. :)
Elana is a genius - this is such a great idea! And so interesting to see how many different books people love.
I have a lot of things on my "bucket list" but one of them is to go on an African Safari. That would be awesome! Another is to see Orcas in the wild.
Before I die, I want to travel the world for an entire year.
- Rebecca
rebeccaswells(at)gmail(dot)com
This is such a great idea! Elana is indeed brilliant.
I must check out this book!
Before I die-take a drawing/illustration/painting course.
Thanks for taking part in this...too, too fun. And yes, Elena is made of awesome!
Before I die, I would love to be published with a series under my belt. That and visit the ocean again. I haven't been back since before my deafness.
Thanks for the opportunity! (Hugs)Indigo
This book is definitley next on my list!
Before I die, I must travel to my ancestral homeland...Scotland.
Then stand on a cliff and sing something by Queen and pretend I am in an episode of the Highlander.
I want to go on an African safari with my whole family.
I'm a follower!
I haven't read this one yet either but hearing that it's your YA Book Club's all-time favorite makes me know I've got to get it.
Before I die, I'd like to go back to Europe, but with the kids.
Before I die, I have to go to Athens, Greece. As a lifelong lover of Greek mythology, it wouldn't be right if I never got to see the marks in front of the Parthenon where Poseidon struck his trident into the ground and a saltwater spring gushed forth. It definitely wouldn't be right if I couldn't see the city where Theseus, my favorite hero, reigned as king!
The other, kind of stalkerish thing, is have lunch with Libba Bray. :D
Other than see my book(s) published, I'd love to open a restaurant/cafe, maybe even a B&B in Michigan, before I die.
What a brilliant trailer. Thanks for sharing this book L&L. Will definitely add it to my to-read list.
This is my favorite book I've read so far this year! Excellent choice!
As for one thing I need to do before I die, that's easy! Get published!
You two are vlog naturals. (Lydia too.)
My bucket list is really long, but one very important thing to me is to meet my grandchildren before I go. Sappy, I know!
Thanks for the great post!
YAY, I actually got on a blog today (I still can't get on my own though, or get email--damn you google). Should I do the total cliche writer thing and say I want to see my book on a bookstore shelf one day? Yep, I said it!
You guys are awesome.
The one thing I gotta do? See more of Europe. France, England, Italy, and Rome, primarily. :]
Suh-weet. I haven't read this yet.
Oo, I hope I win. I haven't read this one and it looks REALLY good. Before I die I want to be published.
This book is on my waiting to read list. Even more excited now.
One thing I've got to do before I die is be good and kissed. Don't get me wrong, I've had kisses. What I want us one of those toe-curling kisses that make the world go hazy.
Oh yeah, and if I can't have that then I want to be published. Whichever comes first. :)
Oh, wow! What a great book - hopping over to snag it on Amazon. Thanks!
i wanted to pop by and tell you that i have some awards i would love to give to your marvelous, exuberant, wonderful blog! but... i do not know how to link to them! they are at priyaparmar.blogspot.com at the plum bean project. i love your blog!
I heard a lot about his book. I would love to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!
yilingni@yahoo.com
watch otters play in the water and be able to touch one. They are the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen and they look so playful. I even have a tatoo on my shoulder of one
I hadn't seen that book trailer and I can understand why the book club was moved by it. Tremendous. I presume by your love of it the book is even more so. So I would love to read it, and, before I die, I would love to write something that moving.
Just added another book to my Books A Million shopping list.
One of the first things on my bucket list is to travel to Europe.
Thanks for the contest =]
This book sounds so great. Thanks for the review.
I can't wait to read this book. I'd love to see my published book in the shelves before I die, which I hope is a long time from now :-)
Before I die, I need to finish a book. A manuscript even. I just need to write.
Wow, awesome trailer! Totally want to read this book.
Before I die, I'd like to see my kids grow into happy adults.
I LOVED this book - It had me hooked all the way through! :-)
Before I die, I hope to visit Ireland.
I've seen so many good things about this book. I'd love to read it!
Before I die I'd like to write a book.
I. Must. Have.
Yes, yes, yes. Gimme gimme gimme.
Please?
Okay, I suppose I'll go the traditional route of entering the contest. So, first, before I die, I know that I must see my daughters grow up. No ifs, ands, or buts. That's just the way it is.
There we are, I've entered. I am now concentrating really hard on winning. Can you feel my mental energy?
Please please please let me win. Please.
Oh, I really want to read this book! I am a follower/borderline stalker. :P
Hmmm...I'd really like to publish a book before I die, but I don't have a lot of control over that, so...I'd like to hold my grandchildren before I die. :)
sounds like a great book! Before I die, I want to make my family happy... truly happy.
WOW LADIES - what an enthusiastic review!
Book and trailer are awesome!
Before I pass on....I want to meet my
great great great great great great great.........blah .....great great
GRANDCHILDREN and still have ALL my own teeth.
ELANA you are a genius!
I have heard such good things about this book. I would love the chance to read it.
One thing I have to do is go to Austrailia. And hopefully hold a koala.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Before I die, I'd like to see my daughter grow up to be healthy and happy...maybe even give me some grandchildren to play with. I want to live ON the beach again. I want to travel through Europe for an entire year with my husband, and stay in quaint 5 star hotels.
I have not read this book yet, so please enter me. :)
Love,
Lola
I have heard so many good things about this book! One thing I want to do before I die is to finish writing a novel!
a_readers_adventure @ yahoo.com
Just to see my kids grow up to be healthy, well adjusted human beings who love their parents very much.... lol
Before I die I'd have to visit Japan. It's at the top of my to-do list.
Travis
spongyman1026@yahoo.com
Oh, thanks for the genius comment. That made me smile. (Sure have got you fooled!)
Um, one thing I have to do before I die? I will stand at the top of the White Cliffs of Dover. I will.
Before I die I'd like to write a book. I've started, and I want to accomplish it.
I'm a follower!
Before I die, I must fly somewhere on an airplane. Flying is my number one fear in life, and I must conquer it.
Before I kick the bucket I am going to beautiful Hawaii. Aloha!
Before I fall I want to write a book that will touch the hearts of many.
Fab giveaway! I'm there.
PS: Love that you are sisters who write. Myself and my two sisters are writers, too!
I want to live abroad before I die. And be published!
Awesome vlog -- your daughter is SO CUTE!
I have heard this book is fantastic.
Before I die, I really want to write a book.
zenfoxflowerATyahoo.com
I need to go sky diving before I die
bratdownstairs @yahoo.com
I can't believe I haven't read this book yet either!!
On my goodreads now!
Before I die I'd love to be published AND go to Italy. :)
I've heard a lot of buzz about this book and it's already on my to-read list. I really can't wait to read it now!
Before I die, I want to send my parents to the destination of their choice! They've done so much for me and never even had a proper Honeymoon because my dad was in the Air Force. They deserve an exotic vacation!
I'd say the thing I want to do before I die would be to read Before I Fall. But you already know I've done that.
How about be published and see one of my books (doesn't have to be my wip) made into an awesome movie? Good thing I'm immortal. I've got plenty of time to achieve my goal. :D
I have to take my kids to Disney World. It's something I've promised to them and myself. We're going next summer. :)
I've done a lot of things just because I want to be able to say I did before I die. But the one thing I haven't done, but intend to, is live in a beach house.
Oh yes, and see one of my books in a top New York Times Bestseller list spot.
So, there. Two things.
By the way, that is a great trailer. Thanks for helping spread the awesome.
I'm a follower and i MUST skydive!!!
alannahjavier@gmail.com
I've loved today- Elana really is a genius!
The book sounds fabulous! So many today have- my TBR list has grown out of control!
thorntonstephanie at hotmail dot com
I am a follower.
I have heard so many good things about this book,I am dying to read it!
Before I die I would love to travel all around the world.I love traveling so I guess it has to be it :)
frndz.debas@gmail.com
Thing I would do before I die: visit Scotland. I've been wanting to do this for a looong time, but we don't have the money right now.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Kelsey
krae991 at yahoo dot com
Have heard such great things about this book, I'd love to win!
And before I die, I'd love to move to London for a while - my favorite city in the world (well, that I've been to so far anyway).
I simply wish to achieve happiness and success beore I die.
New follower. Thanks for the giveaway. :D
~Briana
thebookpixie[at]yahoo[dot]com
Ooh keeping my fingers crossed that I win!
You know that feeling you get when you fall in love? When your heart stops and your wonder where it's gone then you find it dancing in your stomach with butterflies? That's the feeling I got when I first discovered this book and then again when I watched the promo video you posted.
I'm a new follower and will def be sticking around!
Rebecca :)
rebecca_haile (at) hotmail.co.uk
One thing I've got to do before I die is tell my family I love them and sign a organ-donating agreement.
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I absolutely HAVE to hold my own published book in my hands before I die. Thanks for this chance to win! Isn't Spreading the Awesome fun???
I would like finish fixing up my old house.......but I think I might have to live a very long time indeed, at the rate we're going.
And I'd love to read this book!
I would have to have gone skydiving!!!! It's one of my ultimate dreams!
sena.sagani [at]gmail[dot]com
I would like to fall madly in love before I die!
If I knew I was going to die I would like to go camping with my 2 sis, or just to have a small getaway with them, just the 3 of us, spending some great sister bonding time, so that when they remember me, us when I'm gone they would have one more good memory in the batch :-)
And of course I would also like to spend time with my parents, hug them a lot :-)
Thanks for this amazing giveaway, ahve been wanting to read this book for so long, heard fantastic things!
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
Hi there!
The book sounds really amazing!
I signed up to "follow" you...and I'd really appreciate a "follow" back on my blog, "Cynde's Got The Write Stuff".
Gosh. I have more than one thing I'd like to do before I go to heaven...but I guess if I actually had to chose, I would want to see all my loved ones "born again" so that they could go to heaven with me.
If it were something that I wanted to accomplish myself, I would say that my desire is to have a book published and to have it be successful. That would make me very happy. I just want to know what it feels like, that's all.
Sincerely,
Cynde
Cynde's Got The Write Stuff
Been hearing a lot about this one so I'm eager to see if I win! Either way it will go on TBR list.
I'd like to be published before I die or die trying!
Looks like a great book! Adding another to the list. I have to go sky diving before I die! I think that would such a thrill and something I've always wanted to do.
I'm a follower of your blog. :)
As soon who is chronically ill, and has been mostly bedbound for a year and a half, the one thing I would do before I die would have to be something I can't do right now - I love writing and reading and many other things at the moment, but the things I desire the most are a cross between having a family of my own and being able to rise horses again - I rode since I was 8.
I am hopeful though. I am getting new diagnoses all the time and making small improvements.
Wow. That trailer was amazing. Added the book to the must read list.
Thank you. I am now following this blog!
Laura Ann Dunks
http://www.lauraanndunks.com/
Just reporting back that I read Before I Fall and thoroughly loved it. So much so that my internal editor shut off. Reading it for the beauty of its prose was the key. And then I ended up loving the entire book. Thank you for featuring it!
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