Friday, May 6, 2011

ARE YOU LISTENING? FRIDAY: BIG GIRL BY DANIELLE STEEL - A GIVEAWAY

WELCOME TO
BOOKIN' WITH BINGO'S
"ARE YOU LISTENING? DAY"
I AM EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THIS FRIDAY'S
"ARE YOU LISTENING? DAY"
AUDIO BOOK CHOICE IS.....
GIVEAWAY ENDED
BIG GIRL
AN AUDIO BOOK
BY DANIELLE STEEL

ABOUT THE AUDIO BOOK:
In this heartfelt and incisive new novel, Danielle Steel celebrates the virtues of unconventional beauty while exploring deeply resonant issues of weight, self-image, sisterhood, and family.
 
A chubby little girl with blond hair, blue eyes, and ordinary looks, Victoria Dawson has always felt out of place in her family, especially in body-conscious L.A. Her father, Jim, is tall and slender, and her mother, Christina, is a fine-boned, dark-haired beauty. Both are self-centered, outspoken, and disappointed by their daughter’s looks. When Victoria is six, she sees a photograph of Queen Victoria, and her father has always said she looks just like her. After the birth of Victoria’s perfect younger sister, Gracie, her father liked to refer to his firstborn as “our tester cake.” With Gracie, everyone agreed that Jim and Christina got it right.
 
While her parents and sister can eat anything and not gain an ounce, Victoria must watch everything she eats, as well as endure her father’s belittling comments about her body and see her academic achievements go unacknowledged. Ice cream and oversized helpings of all the wrong foods give her comfort, but only briefly. The one thing she knows is that she has to get away from home, and after college in Chicago, she moves to New York City.

Landing her dream job as a high school teacher, Victoria loves working with her students and wages war on her weight at the gym. Despite tension with her parents, Victoria remains close to her sister. And though they couldn’t be more different in looks, they love each other unconditionally. But regardless of her accomplishments, Victoria’s parents know just what to say to bring her down. She will always be her father’s “big girl,” and her mother’s constant disapproval is equally unkind.

When Grace announces her engagement to a man who is an exact replica of their narcissistic father, Victoria worries about her sister’s future happiness, and with no man of her own, she feels like a failure once again. As the wedding draws near, a chance encounter, an act of stunning betrayal, and a family confrontation lead to a turning point.

Behind Victoria is a lifetime of hurt and neglect she has tried to forget, and even ice cream can no longer dull the pain. Ahead is a challenge and a risk: to accept herself as she is, celebrate it, and claim the victories she has fought so hard for and deserves. Big girl or not, she is terrific and discovers that herself.

Go HERE to read an excerpt from Chapter One. 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world’s most popular authors, with over 590 million copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include Legacy, Family Ties, Big Girl, Southern Lights, Matters of the Heart, One Day at a Time, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death.
Photo by Brigette Lacome 

ABOUT DANIELLE'S DOGS (from her blog):
"I have a lot of kids, and we all have a lot of dogs. When my children were younger and all still at home, each of them had a dog, and some had two. (We also had a potbellied pig, which was a LOT less fun! Having had one, I think pigs are over-rated as pets.) We’ve never had cats because I’m allergic to them, so dogs were the order of the day. And each of the children have their favorite breeds.
I grew up with pugs, so I always had a special fondness for them, though they’re not always an easy breed." READ THE REST ON DANIELLE STEEL'S BLOG HERE.

MY QUICK COMMENTS:
I grew up (from newly married to many years later) reading Danielle Steel books. I bought every one of her books the day they came out. I must admit that my interests broadened as I grew older and haven't read one of her books in a while. Being a HUGE fan of Wally Lambs' SHE'S COME UNDONE (one of my top 5 all time favorite books), and having read the premise of the book, I decided to buy this myself. I am glad I did as I totally enjoyed the audio book and story. I have Steel's newest book also coming to you for a giveaway this next week so watch for that. Just goes to show that we can always go back and read our favorite authors and we shouldn't let it go so long. Good luck to those who enter!

 GIVEAWAY

I HAVE ONE AUDIO BOOK OF
DANIELLE STEEL'S BIG GIRL 
WHICH I ADORED AND AM
GIVING TO ONE LUCKY READER
 
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!


HOW TO ENTER:
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING ABOVE THAT MADE YOU WANT TO WIN BIG GIRL. 

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK THAT I CAN FOLLOW

+1 MORE ENTRY: VISIT DANIELLE STEEL'S WEBSITE HERE AND THEN COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING THERE. PERHAPS YOU HAVE READ, OR WOULD LIKE TO READ, ONE OF HER OTHER BOOKS

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHETHER YOU HAVE BECOME A SWAGBUCKS MEMBER FROM MY WEBSITE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO, YOU CAN JOIN IN THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN AND EARN SWAGBUCKS FOR YOURSELF, AS WELL AS FOR ME (IT IS ONE WAY I AM ABLE TO FURNISH SOME OF MY GIVEAWAY BOOKS)
 
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, MAY 20
GOOD LUCK! 

46 comments:

debbie said...

It sounds like the parents treated her terribly, and it is really hard to grow up with the "perfect" sister. I would love to read the book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I remember reading her book, the house, I really liked it.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/66499596846768129


(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I BECAME A SWAGBUCKS MEMBER FROM YOUR WEBSITE


(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I didn't realize that DS had written a series of kids books.

(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

Pamela Keener said...

In my family I was the skinny girl and my sister was not. It was always so hard for her. Then came my other sister who was a beauty. I understand the dynamics although fortunately I don't think my parents singaled her out. This story sounds interesting & I love DS
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I became a SB member from your website.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I have been a fan of DS from way back. The story that has stayed with me is "The Long Road Home" Unbelievably she completed her 80th bestseller last year. You Go Girl.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Anonymous said...

The relationship between the father and his daughter and food sounds timely. I love audiobooks.

westwardd [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I went to DS web site. On April Fool's Day her kids play jokes on her. They actually told her they were in jail. How could kids do that to their mom?

westwardd [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

I love reading Danielle Steel's book. This one sounds really good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I had a sister who was hard to go up with too. I would like to see how it turns out.

Anonymous said...

I had a sister who was hard to go up with. I would like tosee how this comes out.

Janelle said...

In superficial LA being known for more than surface beauty is a feat, would like to see how the character evolves!
Thanks for a chance to win this wonderful giveaway!
Chanticlear1 (at)gmail(dot)com

Janelle said...

Her children are practical jokers!
Thanks for a chance to win this wonderful giveaway!
Chanticlear1 (at)gmail(dot)com

lag123 said...

This story sounds like "True life" that many children have to live because they don't come up to their parents expectations. I would like to read it to see how it all turns out.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/lag32583/status/66683316484575232

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Like you, I read so many of Danielle Steele's early books but not so many of the recent ones. My absolute favorites were Crossings and Thurston House. I loved how she tied history into these storylines.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

I was already a swagbucks member before I discovered it on your site. I think it is great that you can use this site though to obtain more books. Thank you for all of your great giveaways!

lag110 at mchsi dot com

Unknown said...

I would like to win Big Girl because I'm interested to see how she handles her struggles.

christauf4(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I just tweeted about this giveaway!
http://twitter.com/#!/christauf4/status/66929613187715073

christauf4(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I visited Danielle Steele's website was amazed by how many books she has written! A whole bunch of her books have also been turned into movies!

christauf4(at)gmail.com

rbooth43 said...

I have been reading Danielle Steel's Books for 30 years, and would love to listen to Big Girl. I am retired now and can't afford to buy the new books until they come out in paperback or at a used book store.
Thanks!
Rebecca
rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

mamabunny13 said...

I want to win this book because I have some of those same issues
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

tweet http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/69136719445897216
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I would like to read Danielle Steel's Southern Lights.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I was a little chunkette as a child. I had the weirdest growth spurts. I would grow tall then stop completely. Then I would spend the next two years growing sideways. Then the height would catch up again. Not too good for the ego. Fortunately, I finally evened out. I think I can relate to the book.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I would like to read Family Ties.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Maria U. said...

I love the stories by Danielle Steel, and would love to win this.
munis21(at)comcast(dot)net

Maria U. said...

I find it very interesting that Danielle Steel has sold over 590 million books over the years.
munis21(at)comcast(dot)net

Anonymous said...

I like the cover of the audiobook!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

susansmoaks said...

i have struggled with weight my whole life and i know that i would really enjoy this book
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

Mippy said...

Hi!
I can relate to not accepting how I look and having the beautiful sister.
I'd love to hear this book and see how things turn out!
Thanks so much for the opportunity!
~Mippy :)
bunnysmip (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

Mippy said...

Hi!
44 Charles Street looks like an interesting read.
I have read some Danielle Steele over the years, but it's been a while since.
It'd be nice to hear or read some again!
Thanks so much for the opportunity!
~Mippy :)
bunnysmip (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

Mippy said...

Hi!
I have not become a Swagbucks member via your site as I already am one and have been for some time.
I highly recommend joining through your link if anyone is not sure. Swagbucks is an easy way to get points which in turn you can turn in for Gift cards and get some Christmas gifts for others or treats for yourself! ;)
Thanks so much for the opportunity!
~Mippy :)
bunnysmip (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

esldiane@gmail.com said...

What I found interesting...is all the interwoven relationships...sounds like reality.
Diane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com

Tarah said...

It sounds like she struggled to really find her place in life.

Tarah
tarah716[at]ymail.com

christal couturier said...

unfortunatley this story mimicks many true like accounts. IE weight, father, family issues. I would love to read the whole book
willdebbie97 at yahoo dot com

christal couturier said...

mothers day and xmas are her favorite holidays
willdebbie97 at yahoo dot com

christal couturier said...

I have not become a swagbucks member yet. Im thinking about it
willdebbie97 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

It is easy to relate to the "perfect" sibling story line. I too read Danielle Steel as I matured. This looks like a great listen!! Audio books are so---o nice!!


lknott@partnercom.net

dvice12 said...

I like it because of her job as a high school teacher

Deadmonkeys90 said...

i want to win this because ive been having some self esteem issues of my own and i think this could help me
deadmonkeys90@yahoo.com

Sand said...

I struggle with my weight and can certainly relate to the main character.

April said...

Danielle Steel celebrates the virtues of unconventional beauty while exploring deeply resonant issues of weight, self-image, sisterhood, and family.

Unknown said...

It sounds like an interesting book. Victoria's struggle to find herself and accept herself as she is sounds compelling. garrettsambo@aol.com

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