Anthem by Ayn Rand + A Giveaway

Equality 7-2521 lives in a dark futurist dystopia in Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem. He has no words for love or self, and being alone is a crime. Yet, as do characters in countless other dystopian novels, he still finds moments to write his story of discovery.

By itself, Anthem is slim – just 100 pages – and quick to read. I enjoyed the story of Equality 7-2521′s literal self-discovery and I love the concepts within it: What is joy? What is pleasure? What is self?

Anthem has its faults, notably a complex ideology that Rand obviously hopes to impart to the reader. For me, this philosophy seemed to overshadow the story of Equality 7-2521 a bit too much. But, because it is a slim story, it was still a worthwhile reread for me. Continue reading »

The Planets by Dava Sobel + A Giveaway

In The Planets by Dava Sobel, one learns of the trivia and facts associated with each planet, as well as the moon and sun, in poetic terms. Scientist Dava Sobel, a New York Times bestselling author, shows that science can be beautiful and lyrical, not technical. Among other things, she tells of the mythology of Mercury, the superstitions associated with the Moon, the science fiction of Mars (told from the perspective of a rock from Mars), and the astrology of Jupiter, adding lots of interesting tidbits of information.

I enjoyed reading The Planets: it was a quick and naturally paced overview that gave me increased appreciation for the science that decorates the sky. I’d highly recommend her book for people looking for a popular (non-technical) approach to the subject.

Because I’m also watching a Carl Sagan program on the same subject, I felt like Sobel’s book was lacking. Both Sagan and Sobel impart of their own passion for the cosmos, but while Sagan’s seems full of facts, Sobel’s for some reason seems superficial – although it’s clear she’s done extensive research (and she includes a bibliography at the end).

In the end, though, Sobel’s book is probably just right for a general, easy-to-approach book (and a fast read) about a fascinating part of our life: the night sky. Continue reading »

A Holiday Challenge Poll + Giveaway at Sophisticated Dorkines

Does anyone host a “Holiday Favorites” challenge? I haven’t seen any information about any such challenge floating around the blogosphere, but correct me if I’m wrong. Continue reading »

Spooktacular Winners

With 27 entrants to the Spooktacular Hatchette Book USA giveaway, there are three winners of boxes of books. Each person was assigned a number, and using a random number, I selected three winners. They are: Continue reading »

Spooktacular Hachette Book Giveaway (USA) and Dracula Giveaway (non-USA)

Update: Contest closed.

I have been trying to figure out what I can do to celebrate Halloween on this blog, since I don’t often read horror novels or stories. Well, Hachette Book Group USA has solved that for me. They’ve offered me some boxes full of books for USA readers of Rebecca Reads. These are their “spookiest” books in honor of Halloween.

To add some fun for the non-USA readers, I’m also giving away one copy of Dracula by Bram Stoker to a non-USA resident. Continue reading »

Harry Potter Giveaway Winner

There were 37 comments on the post, 36 of which were entered into the contest. I assigned everyone a number (in the order you commented, excluding the person who didn’t want to be entered.) Using a random number generator, the winner is….. Continue reading »

Stories by O. Henry (and Another BBAW Giveaway)

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After reading, in the past months, the short stories of Turgenev, Chekhov, Maupassant, James Joyce, and Hemingway, I found O. Henry‘s stories to be remarkably different. They were refreshingly delightful, poignant, and easy to read, and yet, I was struck by the inferiority of O. Henry’s actual writing in comparison to the others. In the end, though, I think everyone should read some of O. Henry’s stories: they are enjoyable. Continue reading »

“Used” Books Giveaways Poll

I’m new to blogging giveaways. I have some books that I was going to mooch via Bookmooch but I then I thought I’d give them away on Rebecca Reads! (Bookmooch doesn’t seem to have any of the books I want anyway.)

However, when I mentioned this to my husband, he thought that was a strange idea. After all, these are used books. Some of them are Dover Thrift Editions (brand new and in great shape but very generic and ugly) and some of them are older. But, some are hardcover. (See my Deathly Hallows giveaway.)

Do you, as readers, care about a “thrifty” binding? Do you care how “used” a book is? I know, I prefer a nice hardback myself, but….

I’ll take a survey so you can be anonymous if you want. Only one choice, because I want to know your first preference or expectation when you join a blog giveaway. Feel free to make an anonymous comment, too. (I will delete spam.) Continue reading »

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (and BBAW giveaway)

In honor of Book Bloggers Appreciation Week, I’m giving away my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. For more BBAW giveaways, visit here and here. Continue reading »

BAFAB Week Winner

The winner of the Buy a Friend a Book week giveaway is Alessandra! Alessandra wants to read Henry James’ Portrait of a Lady. I’ll send you an email, Alessandra.

For the rest of you, I’m sorry I can’t buy you all a book. Happy reading, all the same!