Okay, today is July 12. I promised to draw the winner for my initial Dog Days of Summer contest on July 4th. I got sidetracked by the fireworks and news about my new niece Lawson (she’s a doll baby, BTW), and apparently it slipped my mind. I’m back on the ball today!
To refresh your membory, I recently came into possion of two books featuring dogs:
The Art of Racing the Rain by Garth Stein, sent to me by HarperCollins
Secrets of Happiness by Sarah Dunn, which I won from Beth Fish Reads (whoo hoo!!!)
I decided to set aside a week in August, when we’re all hot and in need of a break, to dedicate to some wonderful books about dogs. I wanted to have three books to review that week. I also will have commemorative bookmarks, books, and rub-ons to give away. It sounds like there are other bloggers and readers out there who would like to participate as well, which really makes me happy. I’ve got a feeler out for a button right now. As soon as I have one, I’ll post about it and have Mr. Linky available for others to sign-up.
When I first posted about this, I was beginning to feel a malaise hit me. I wanted other’s suggestions for the third book, but I wanted the book to be older and I would ultimately pick what interested me the most, regardless of who won my contest. I actually picked two books. I may read and review them all, or one may end up just being there as an alternate if it’s needed. Here are the two books I’ve selected:
The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst
Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
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Thanks to everyone who commented and left book suggestions. You were all included in this drawing, brought to you by List Randomizer. Without further delay, here is the winner of a Dog Days of Summer bookmark (to be delivered once they actually exist) and a grab bag of three books. Our lucky winner is:
Veens from Giving Reading a Chance!
Congratulations! Please send me your address and your books will be sent out this week!
I hope you’re all having a wonderful week!

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Congratulations to Veen! I’ll be looking forward to your review of The Dog Days of Babel.
.-= Kathy´s last blog .. =-.
Way to go Veens! I get emotional when I read anything about a dog (we lost ours five years ago and I’m still in mourning!). I will look forward to your reviews!
.-= S´s last blog .. =-.
I am not a big fan of dog books but I must say that when I read The Art of Racing in the Rain I fell in love with Enzo the dog and with the book, it is very moving and yes, it did make me cry.
I think you’ll enjoy it.
.-= lilly´s last blog .. =-.
After seeing that cover, how could I pass up Secrets of Happiness?!
I vote for Travels with Charley. I’m reading it myself right now. It’s quite light.
.-= debnance´s last blog .. =-.
Congratulations to the winner! I have both The Art of Racing in the Rain and Travels with Charley on my TBR list.
.-= Vasilly´s last blog .. =-.
Oh, GOOD choice with Steinbeck. Charlie is one of my favorite dog stories in literature.
.-= Pam´s last blog .. =-.
Congrats to Veens! And I hope you really enjoy your August dog books!
.-= Beth F´s last blog .. =-.
Sounds like you have a fun week planned! I hope you enjoy all those dog books. =)
.-= Meghan´s last blog .. =-.
Congratulations, Veens!
I think you have a good variety of dog books for August.
.-= Amber´s last blog .. =-.
**GASP**
God! WILL YOU BELIEVE it! I mean really, my heart is racing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please let me tell you what really happened..
I was searching for a cover for my Cover Attractopns post… I saw this post and I was reading down.. I saw this adorable cover [ 3rd one] I loved it.
Right clicked … was about to come and comment when I read my names.. i was LIKE… whoaaaaaa! I went back and re-read the WHOLE post 3 times.. to make sure it is ME
Wow! feels darn gooD! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
wow!
You made my day!
i will be senidn my mail right away! Thank YOU!
.-= Veens´s last blog .. =-.
Congrats to Veens. Looks like you selected some great books.