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GIVEAWAY ENDEDWAKING UP IN THE
LAND OF GLITTER
A CRAFTY CHICA NOVEL
BY KATHY CANO-MURILLO
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With glue guns, glitter, twigs, or yarn, the ordinary can become extraordinary . . . especially at La Pachanga. Owned by Estrella "Star" Esteban's family, the restaurant has a rep for two things: good food and great art. La Pachanga brings people together-even when it looks like they couldn't be further apart.
One ill-fated evening, Star jeopardizes her family's business, her relationship with her boyfriend, and her future career. To redeem herself, she agrees to participate in a national craft competition, teaming up with her best friend, Ofelia-a secretly troubled mother whose love for crafting borders on obsession-and local celebrity Chloe Chavez-a determined television personality with more than one skeleton in her professional closet. If these unlikely allies can set aside their differences, they'll find strength they never knew they had, and learn that friendship, like crafting, is truly an art form.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With a life motto of “Crafts! Drama! Glitter!” Crafty Chica Kathy Cano-Murillo is a creative force of nature. A former syndicated columnist for The Arizona Republic, she is the founder of the award-winning Web site, CraftyChica.com and the author of seven nonfiction craft books and a Web series on LifetimeTV.com. Kathy has a Crafty Chica line of art supplies that are sold nationwide. Her crafts have been carried by hundreds of retailers including Bloomingdales, Target, and Hallmark. She also has been featured in numerous media outlets such as The New York Times Magazine, NPR’s Weekend Edition, USA Today, Bust, and Latina magazine. She has shared her crafty ideas on local television, as well as on Sí TV, HGTV, and DIY network. She has been writing stories longer than she has been crafting. Inspired by Judy Blume and Erma Bombeck, she caught the literary bug in grade school, where she used to draw a picture and then write a colorful story to go with it. It’s a creativity exercise she still practices to this day! Kathy lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband, two kids, and five Chihuahuas. This is her first novel.
MY REVIEW:
WAKING UP IN THE LAND OF GLITTER is a dazzling “Crafty Chica”, first novel by Kathy Cano-Munillo. Estrella, or Star, Estaban is the star the story revolves around. Still living at home at the age of 28, rent free for that matter, Star’s family--her father especially--has had quite enough of her lack of commitment and goals in her life. Her father puts his foot down finally and demands that Star grow up and become a productive member of the family. He wants her to commit to something and follow through--something she has not done at this point in her life. So he gives her an ultimatum commanding Star to design and complete an event to help their family’s business, the well known restaurant, La Pachanga. La Pachanga is known for great food and for extraordinary art. So Star tries to live up to the challenge and enters a national craft competition. Little do any of them realize that this will finally set Star on the road to success and a positive plan for her life.
Along with her friends Ofelia and Chloe, Star sets out with all the enthusiasm one can muster and all the glitter one can carry. The three of them, along with young Benecio who has hidden artistic talents, create a craft project for competition that will far exceed anyone’s, especially Star’s father’s, expectations! However, it isn’t done overnight and without lots of fun and craziness. Their friendships strengthen during this project as does the reader’s delight at their antics and attempts to be successful. With each character having their own sub-plot, readers must be careful to keep them all straight. But in the end, the power of their artistic achievement and development of great friendship brings WAKING UP IN THE LAND OF GLITTER a glitzy, glistening, gleeful and of course, glittery conclusion.
The story is pure enjoyment and entertainment. Some of the storylines may be a little implausible but if you take it as a pleasurable journey, and not so seriously, you will have done what the author, I think, intended…had a really good time!
Note: For those who may struggle with some of the Hispanic references and words, a glossary is included to help with their meanings.
READING GROUP GUIDE:
1. How do you think the title of this book, Waking Up in the Land of Glitter , relates to each character? What is your perception of “the land of glitter?”
2. From her clothes to her music and, more important, her life choices, Star is all over the map. Do you think she is hardwired that way, or is it more because of the way she was raised by her parents? Why do you think she was so flighty and indecisive in the beginning of the book? Or
do you think that is an unfair description?
3. What do you think it was that made Star get serious? Do you think she wanted to make up for the mistakes she made at her parents’ expense, or prove she could be a responsible adult? Do you think she made the changes for other people or for herself?
4. Star found a good friend in Harrison, but for some reason, things didn’t click. Do you think it was because she was still in love with Theo, or because Harrison just wasn’t her type?
5. All of Ofie’s family and friends love her so much that they hide the truth about her lack of talent because they don’t want to hurt her feelings. Do you think this was the correct way to handle the situation? What do you think would have happened to Ofie if they continued the lie? Do you think it is more important to always tell the truth, or to let a person enjoy doing what she loves?
6. What role does crafting play in each woman’s life? Did the experience of knowing and working with one another change their original perception of what crafting is all about? Did their stories change your perception of crafting?
7. Chloe went to many extremes for the sake of her career. Why was it so important to her? Can you think of a time when you almost lost yourself in trying to achieve a goal? When is it time to stop?
8. Do you think being apart from each other helped Star and Theo’s relationship? In what ways? If she had never spray painted his mural in August, do you think they would have ended up engaged by December?
9. Can you identify what each woman subconsciously yearned for in their lives and if they attained it? For example, what void did Gustavo fill in Chloe’s heart? After being so precise and strategic with her decisions, what made her elope with a man she barely knew? Do you think their relationship has a chance to survive?
10. Do you think Chloe deserved what Frances served her, or was Frances being unfair?
11. Did culture play a part in how you perceived these characters? Did their heritage make you feel more connected or less connected?
12. Which character do you feel most in touch with and why? Which one would you like to spend the day with and chat?
13. What is your take on art vs. craft?
14. Have you ever been in a craft group? What were the dynamics between the members?
GIVEAWAYWith glue guns, glitter, twigs, or yarn, the ordinary can become extraordinary . . . especially at La Pachanga. Owned by Estrella "Star" Esteban's family, the restaurant has a rep for two things: good food and great art. La Pachanga brings people together-even when it looks like they couldn't be further apart.
One ill-fated evening, Star jeopardizes her family's business, her relationship with her boyfriend, and her future career. To redeem herself, she agrees to participate in a national craft competition, teaming up with her best friend, Ofelia-a secretly troubled mother whose love for crafting borders on obsession-and local celebrity Chloe Chavez-a determined television personality with more than one skeleton in her professional closet. If these unlikely allies can set aside their differences, they'll find strength they never knew they had, and learn that friendship, like crafting, is truly an art form.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With a life motto of “Crafts! Drama! Glitter!” Crafty Chica Kathy Cano-Murillo is a creative force of nature. A former syndicated columnist for The Arizona Republic, she is the founder of the award-winning Web site, CraftyChica.com and the author of seven nonfiction craft books and a Web series on LifetimeTV.com. Kathy has a Crafty Chica line of art supplies that are sold nationwide. Her crafts have been carried by hundreds of retailers including Bloomingdales, Target, and Hallmark. She also has been featured in numerous media outlets such as The New York Times Magazine, NPR’s Weekend Edition, USA Today, Bust, and Latina magazine. She has shared her crafty ideas on local television, as well as on Sí TV, HGTV, and DIY network. She has been writing stories longer than she has been crafting. Inspired by Judy Blume and Erma Bombeck, she caught the literary bug in grade school, where she used to draw a picture and then write a colorful story to go with it. It’s a creativity exercise she still practices to this day! Kathy lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband, two kids, and five Chihuahuas. This is her first novel. WAKING UP IN THE LAND OF GLITTER is a dazzling “Crafty Chica”, first novel by Kathy Cano-Munillo. Estrella, or Star, Estaban is the star the story revolves around. Still living at home at the age of 28, rent free for that matter, Star’s family--her father especially--has had quite enough of her lack of commitment and goals in her life. Her father puts his foot down finally and demands that Star grow up and become a productive member of the family. He wants her to commit to something and follow through--something she has not done at this point in her life. So he gives her an ultimatum commanding Star to design and complete an event to help their family’s business, the well known restaurant, La Pachanga. La Pachanga is known for great food and for extraordinary art. So Star tries to live up to the challenge and enters a national craft competition. Little do any of them realize that this will finally set Star on the road to success and a positive plan for her life.
Along with her friends Ofelia and Chloe, Star sets out with all the enthusiasm one can muster and all the glitter one can carry. The three of them, along with young Benecio who has hidden artistic talents, create a craft project for competition that will far exceed anyone’s, especially Star’s father’s, expectations! However, it isn’t done overnight and without lots of fun and craziness. Their friendships strengthen during this project as does the reader’s delight at their antics and attempts to be successful. With each character having their own sub-plot, readers must be careful to keep them all straight. But in the end, the power of their artistic achievement and development of great friendship brings WAKING UP IN THE LAND OF GLITTER a glitzy, glistening, gleeful and of course, glittery conclusion.
The story is pure enjoyment and entertainment. Some of the storylines may be a little implausible but if you take it as a pleasurable journey, and not so seriously, you will have done what the author, I think, intended…had a really good time!
Note: For those who may struggle with some of the Hispanic references and words, a glossary is included to help with their meanings.
READING GROUP GUIDE:
1. How do you think the title of this book, Waking Up in the Land of Glitter , relates to each character? What is your perception of “the land of glitter?”
2. From her clothes to her music and, more important, her life choices, Star is all over the map. Do you think she is hardwired that way, or is it more because of the way she was raised by her parents? Why do you think she was so flighty and indecisive in the beginning of the book? Or
do you think that is an unfair description?
3. What do you think it was that made Star get serious? Do you think she wanted to make up for the mistakes she made at her parents’ expense, or prove she could be a responsible adult? Do you think she made the changes for other people or for herself?
4. Star found a good friend in Harrison, but for some reason, things didn’t click. Do you think it was because she was still in love with Theo, or because Harrison just wasn’t her type?
5. All of Ofie’s family and friends love her so much that they hide the truth about her lack of talent because they don’t want to hurt her feelings. Do you think this was the correct way to handle the situation? What do you think would have happened to Ofie if they continued the lie? Do you think it is more important to always tell the truth, or to let a person enjoy doing what she loves?
6. What role does crafting play in each woman’s life? Did the experience of knowing and working with one another change their original perception of what crafting is all about? Did their stories change your perception of crafting?
7. Chloe went to many extremes for the sake of her career. Why was it so important to her? Can you think of a time when you almost lost yourself in trying to achieve a goal? When is it time to stop?
8. Do you think being apart from each other helped Star and Theo’s relationship? In what ways? If she had never spray painted his mural in August, do you think they would have ended up engaged by December?
9. Can you identify what each woman subconsciously yearned for in their lives and if they attained it? For example, what void did Gustavo fill in Chloe’s heart? After being so precise and strategic with her decisions, what made her elope with a man she barely knew? Do you think their relationship has a chance to survive?
10. Do you think Chloe deserved what Frances served her, or was Frances being unfair?
11. Did culture play a part in how you perceived these characters? Did their heritage make you feel more connected or less connected?
12. Which character do you feel most in touch with and why? Which one would you like to spend the day with and chat?
13. What is your take on art vs. craft?
14. Have you ever been in a craft group? What were the dynamics between the members?
THANKS TO MIRIAM AND THE
HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I
HAVE FIVE COPIES OF THIS
FUN BOOK TO GIVEAWAY!
--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
--INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT
--ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY
HOW TO ENTER:
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHAT KIND OF CRAFTS YOU LIKE TO DO, OR ALWAYS WANTED TO BE ABLE TO DO
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING ON AUTHOR KATHY CANO-MURILLO'S WEBSITE HERE. THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE...ENJOY!
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING ON AUTHOR KATHY CANO-MURILLO'S WEBSITE HERE. THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE...ENJOY!
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON IF YOU BELONG TO A BOOK CLUB AND IF YOU THING THIS WOULD BE A GOOD CHOICE. IF YOU AREN'T IN A BOOK CLUB, YOU CAN STILL COMMENT ON THE WHY IT IS A GOOD CHOICE PART.
+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, MARCH 31
Good Luck, My Friends!
Audio and Video
March 8
http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/
http://nilkibenitez.blogspot.com
http://thecajunbooklady.blogspot.com/
http://foreigncircuslibrary.blogspot.com
http://booksnyc.blogspot.com
http://brokenteepee.blogspot.com
http://katiesnestingspot.blogspot.com/
http://therempels4.blogspot.com
March 9
http://frugalplus.com/
http://readingatthebeach.com
http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com
http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com
http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com
March 10
http://www.rundpinne.com
http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com
http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com
http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com
http://blesstheirheartsmom.blogspot.com
http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com
March 11
http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com
http://aseaofbooks.blogspot.com/
http://thedmlibrary.blogspot.com
http://reviewfromhere.com
http://www.libslibrary.blogspot.com
http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com
http://imbookingit.wordpress.com
http://reesspace.blogspot.com
March 12
http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/
http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com
http://www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com
http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com
http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com
http://www.thedivinemissmommy.com
http://www.booksrusonline.com
51 comments:
+1 i love her virgin mary themed crafts, beautiful stuff
wheresmyrain at yahoo dot com
I love to knit, and would love to learn how to quilt
wheresmyrain at yahoo dot com
I like making picture frames. I get a plain frame and write quotes on them and decorate them then give them to my friends.
stephaniet117(at)yahoo(dot)com
+1 I love to do beadwork, knit and crochet!
+1 I haven't visited Kathy's site in a long time and I see that she has a writing blog! Yay!
jgbeads(at)gmail(dot)com
I used to do stain glass but haven't for years.
Please enter my name in the giveaway for the book. Thanks!
pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
thanks for this great giveaway. I do scrapbooking. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
This book would be unusual for a book club. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Her site is amazing and special. What unique items. The scarves she makes are lovely. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
I love to knit, crochet, sew, and cross stitch. I've always wanted to learn to tat, though.
faithinhim(at)gmail(dot)com
I love to knit, crochet, sew, and cross stitch. I've always wanted to learn to tat, though.
faithinhim(at)gmail(dot)com
I am in a book club and think this would be a fun read - not too deep or thought provoking just fun
msboatgal at aol.com
She has her own craft products line
msboatgal at aol.com
I wish I was crafty but I am not at all
msboatgal at aol.com
I love stamping, it's a great creative outlet for me.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)ocm
I didn't know Cano-Murillo has a whole line of Crafty Chica items! How great for those of us who don't always have tons of creative ideas.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I think this would make a great bookclub book. The reader's guide seems to have some great questions and since the focus is on Star and her friends, there is probably a little something for everyone.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I used to do needlepoint and crochet until repetitive injuries to both arms. I always wished I could knit.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
Please enter me in the giveaway.
I am an avid Cross-stitcher. I have done counted cross stitch for years and love it, but I'm also a former teacher and a mother. So, I've done about any kind of craft you can think of over the years LOL...
I like to crochet and scrapbook
anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com
Her blog says that "any person who celebrates life through art and inspires others to do the same" is a "crafty chica"
anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com
I have always wanted to be able to cross stitch.
simplystacieblog at gmail dot com
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/bekki1820cb/status/10326056926
bekki1820cb at gmail
I really like her love shrines. Cute and totally something I would have done in middle or high school!
bekki1820cb at gmail
I like to scrapbook and make cards using stamps. Other than that...I am not to crafty. Thanks for the chance! bekki1820cb at gmail
I do not currently participate in a book club but think this would be a fun read for one if they are reading for pure pleasure and not taking their reading too seriously.
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com
I love to cross stitch or embroider, but like to try just about any kind of craft. I would really love to learn how to make a quilt or sew clothes.
Thanks,
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com
I really enjoyed her pop art page were you can buy her unique stuff!
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com
I enjoy painting and cross-sttch. I'm trying to learn to sew and would love to do stained glass...
melacan at hotmail dot com
I would like o learn to make quality jelwelry and I would like to learn to sculpt.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com
I do belong to a bookclub. I think that it's a good choice for bookclub,it may inspire creative and crafty members to practice and display their talents.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com
I found the artist's preoccupation with death to be intresting.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com
Tweeted. http:twitter.com@enylstil#bingo
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com
I'm really good at decoupage but have always wanted to be able to do stained glass.
misusedinnocence@aol.com
I think it would be a great choice for a book club. It seems like one of the strongest themes is friendship and isn't that what most book clubs stem out of? :)
misusedinnocence@aol.com
I love the crafty chica product line!!
misusedinnocence@aol.com
I love to make jewelry. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
Kathy is known as The Crafty Chica who is always ready to sprinkle glitter on everything. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love to craft but don't always finish what I start! I love to do jewelry right now.
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com
I'm not in a book club anymore but I think most groups would like this. People like lighter books, especially with a reading guide.
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com
I've never seen crafts centered around the Virgin Mary!
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com
I like to cross stitch but lately I don't have much time for it.
dftrew(at)gmail(dot)com
I just learned how to knit, and now I want to learn how to crochet
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com
I don't belong to a book club, but the book club guide would be handy to get the conversation going
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com
I sketch or at least I did when I had more time for such things...would love to perfect that....
I LOVE the title of this book, btw.
ashleymaymott(at)aol(dot)com
This would be a great book club book --- it so easy to discuss a book with actions we can relate to.
ashleymaymott(at)aol(dot)com
I was completely unaware she had a product line....not surprising though. :D
ashleymaymott(at)aol(dot)com
I'm into scrapbooking and papercrafting. Thanks.
kusuma10ny@gmail.com
I would love to be able to scrapbook. I have seen so many awesome scrapbooks that people have made. I just don't have a creative bone in my body! :)
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Tweet! Tweet!
http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/11336965753
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I do not belong to a book club, but this book seems like it would be a good pick because it sounds interesting.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Kathy's website is really cool! I especially liked the craft section. I plan to return their to get some ideas for projects I can do with my kids.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
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