I just became aware of a program called Read It Forward.   Crown Publishing, by Random House Publishers, offers readers a chance to win one of 3 free uncorrected proofs once a month.  This is simply an uncorrected paperback copy of the book.  You simply enter your name and address for a random chance to receive one.  Supplies are limited.

I received 2 books this week!  “Claude & Camille” by Stephanie Cowell, and “The California Roll” by John Vorhaus.  I just finished “The California Roll” and it was such a joy to read!  A con man gets conned by a con within a con.  I’m going to have to read it again to really sort out what happened (which is great for me, since I always read books twice)!  The author invents words, such as “bafflegab,”  which is the con man’s pitch to the victim, or “smook.”   I just started reading “Claude & Camille.”  So far, I am enjoying it.  Claude is Claude Monet, and the story details both his struggle to become accepted in the art world, and his love for a woman named Camille.  Both books are beautifully written, and both may have been overlooked by me in either the library or bookstore, since the topics aren’t usually ones I seek out.  For this, I am glad!  Through the Read It Forward program, I have already been exposed to two new styles of writing and two new authors!

Once I’m done with these wonderful, free books, I am going to Read It Forward by sharing them with another friend of mine who loves a good read.

Check it out here!