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It was our very first "Not really a competition contest, but we give stuff away anyway because we LOVE BOOKS and we LOVE ELLEN DEGENERES contest!"
We call it, "the ellen degeneres book contest"
The contest is closed and we have picked the winner. We printed out all of the entries and randomly picked one. Thank you to all of you that entered.
The winning entry was from Meme in Wisconsin. She chose the book "Profiles in Courage" by John F. Kennedy
For me picking a book that has a profound effect was very easy. "Profiles in courage" by President Kennedy has had a great effect on my life. At the end of the book, President Kennedy states "In whatever arena of life one may meet the challenge of courage, whatever may be the sacrifices he faces if he follows his conscience - the loss of his friends, his fortune, his contentment, even the esteem of his fellow men - each man must decide for himself the course he will follow."
We all face challenges everyday of our life be it personal challenges or challenges within our families. Right now we are all facing a national challenge on who will serve as our next President. I truly believe we have to look inside ourselves, like President Kennedy did and face our challenges head on with the one we love at our side, even if they do not agree with our point of view. As parents we sacrifice some of ourselves for our children to teach them strong moral values. As we all must follow our own conscience to determine right from wrong and we must live with the decisions that we make.
We picked out a few more of the books that you recommended and are including them here. We hope that many of you will be inspired and intrigued to read some of your recommendations! You can click on any of the book links to order directly from amazon.com.
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept from jana in sweden: By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho I love this book because it’s a very different love story, it a journey through life. I like this book so much because it has taught me that love is always new. It doesn’t matter how many times you have been in love before, its always a new kind of love. We have to take love where we find it, even if it comes with disappointment and sadness. The moment we begin to seek love, love begins to seek us. The story is a celebration of the many possibilities life has to offer, and a fable about opening your heart to miracles. This book has taught me to have fait and to take a step back and lock around to see the world for what it really is. I wish that everyone could read this book; it teaches us to not get hung up on simple things her in life and to see the whole picture. This book is full of deep meanings, warmth, joy and unexpected sorrows.
Remarkable Changes : Turning Life's Challenges into Opportunities from kimberly in michigan: One of my favourite books is the book "Remarkable Changes" by Jane Seymour. This book reaches in to show you the heart and soul of Jane and also shares with you the experiences of her life. She shows us how each choice you make takes us down one path that leads to another, but if you do not like the choice you have made you have the power to change it. It touched me in such a way that I was able to make changes in my own life. It brought me back from being on the verge of destroying myself, my life, past the point of no return. Anyone who is looking to make a change in their life small or large should try reading this book to make their own "Remarkable Changes".
A Patriot's Handbook: Songs, Poems, Stories and Speeches Celebrating the Land We Love from rose in new york: Multi-partisan. A word I made up as bipartisan doesn't cover it. Read the book, A Patriot's Handbook, a compilation by Carolyn Kennedy. I was so touched by it. In it you see where we came from and get hope of where we are going. From George Washington's Farewell address, Thomas Jefferson's Inaugeral address, to the song Big Yellow Taxi (they paved paradise and put up a parking lot). The pictures of our struggles and our triumphs made me swell with pride and tear up, so grateful to be an American. If there is one book that shows us our faith is not contained in church, but should encompass all that we are, it can be found in this book. The biggest chord this book struck for me were the speeches from our founding fathers. Their gracefulness, their humble gratitude at the honor they knew was bestowed upon them, the honor to serve their country. I wish we could experience political leadership of this nature in our lifetime. Maybe if all politicians read this book they would find their way home and we wouldn't have to go thru another 9-11 to bring us together as one people, multi-partisan, through and through.
Bono: His Life, Music, and Passions from stacey in australia: I love to read biographies and the one I have just finished reading is"Bono The Biography" by Laura Jackson, It is a fascinating look into the life of one of the most famous and inspiring person alive today. It tells of the childhood up bringing of a young boy who at the age of 14 lost his mother and from that experiece grew into the man we all know and love today as "Bono". It also explores his social conscience and world issues and also his love for his family and his passion for music. Reading this biography has made me grateful that my husband comes home from work every night and that his job doesn't require him to be away from his family for any length of time. For any U2 fans out there I highly recommend this wonderful book. I've read a few different biographies on Bono by so far this would have to be the most accurate.
from liane in germany: I would like to recommend Australian poet and author C.J. Dennis.The book is called "SELECTED WORKS of C.J. DENNIS" This book is in the form of verse tales with robust humor and human-hearted tenderness and is a collection of some of C.J.Dennis's best works, including "The Sentimental Bloke". It also has a collection of verses for children in it. This makes good reading for the whole family. I have had this book many years, and whenever I "re-discover" it, I enjoy it as much as I did the first time I read it. The other book which touched me for the endurance and courage of the persons involved,is the book "WILD SWANS" by Jung Chang.It is a wonderful book which tells the life of a family from the beginning of the 20th Century to 1988. It also gives insight to life in China during this period. It is not only a "ladies book" but was enjoyed also by the males who read it. This book made me realise how lucky I am to have grown up in democracy. Both books , each in it's own right is wonderful reading.
from sylvie in luxemburg: You asked us to tell you about our favorite books and for me it's the very first English novel I'd ever read REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier. Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again ... With this terrific book I discovered my love for the English language and it has left a lasting impression on me ever since! A book hard to put down. The story of a very shy young girl who becomes the wife of a rich and esteemed man. But what begins like a fairy-tale turns soon out as a night-mare. She is very intimidated by the man's first wife Rebecca, as present in her death as she was in life. Can a dead women reign over the living? The atmosphere is so strong . . . love, suspense, thrill and I understood why Hitchcock made a movie of it. This book teaches us to never compare ourselves to anybody, to never try to step into a dead person's shoes and how the past affects the future. I highly recommend REBECCA. No-one who reads it will ever forget! Since Rebecca I love English books, English and American movies and Charlie's website!
from lisa in iowa: Although I haven't read this book in some time The Shell Seekers, by Rosamunde Pilcher comes to mind when thinking of my favorite book, a purely pleasurable read, to be enjoyed curled up by a fire in the winter, or under the shade of a tree in the summer. This book is set in Porthkerris, a seaside town in Cornwall; London; and the Cotswolds. It encompasses several generations of family and delves into their lives, the art world, and WWII history. Pilcher writes her characters in such a way that they seem to exist for the reader, so much in fact, that you can see yourself sitting down with them as they enjoy that "restorative cup of tea" by the Aga. Her descriptions transport you, making the cliffs and the waves feel as though you could reach out and touch them and actually feel the mist. It is the type of book that you hate to see end, and one that can cause you to read into the wee hours of the morning. I have read all of Rosamunde Pilcher's books and can recommend any of them.
from rosemarie in new jersey: The book I really enjoyed recently is called "Scents" by Johanna Kingsley. I found this book at a garage sale. The story begins in New York City and flashes back to France just before World War II. It¹s the story of a Frenchman and his two daughters. He is a renowned chemist who makes exclusive perfumes but gets involved with German soldiers and is accused of being a collaborator. The story tells of his romance, his escape from France, his involvement with another woman and, subsequently, the fate of his two daughters. This book was very enjoyable as it contained romance, a little bit of history and sibling rivalry. I was happy with the ending, which was a little bit of a surprise, and I really got into the characters and almost hated to see it end.
from jennifer in canada: 1975. The year my parents gave me a strange book for my birthday. Who gives a 15 year old a book about some old guy growing up in Brooklyn during the 1920's? I wrinkled my nose and tossed it aside until one day out of boredom, I began to read. It was called "In One Era & Out The Other" by Sam Levenson and it made a big difference in my life. No matter what life threw at him, Sam looked on the bright side and offered up corny but astute observations such as: "If you need a helping hand you'll find one at the end of your arm." You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself. His books were like the Jewish version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding circa 1923. They were hilarious and irresistible. I eagerly read everything Sam wrote and took his advice to heart. From that year forward, I've tried to see the brighter side of life even when it's been tough. Sam helped shape my view of life, honed my sense of humour and got me through allot. Thanks Sam!
"Life Was Never Meant to Be a Struggle" from delores in california: One of my favorite books is "Life was never meant to be a struggle" by Stuart Wilde. I keep it in my nightstand drawer whenever this hurry-up, multi-tasking, competitive world is too much and I need a quick hyacinth for the soul. Wilde gently instructs you on how to cultivate peace of mind, calm and happiness, effortlessly and without struggle.
from joey in louisiana: hi my name is joey i just finish reading this book enola gay,paul tibbets wrote it . it is about august 6,l945 the nuclear weapon they use in japon, mr, tibbetts was pilot.to him it mean putting a end to the war. i learn alot from the book. i am 11 years old. i collect autrographs and mr.tibbetts send me his book. i love history tru my hobby i have to read about the person before i contact them. i live with my grandparnets and my grandmother makes me do it. it is book everyone should read, because he is a american hero.
Judi Dench: With a Crack in Her Voice from bente in germany: I would like to recommend this biography of my favourite actress Judi Dench. I just love her movies and I was even able to see her on stage in London during my year abroad in England. I was very pleased having found this book in a bookshop because I wanted to know everything about this great actress. The book covers her childhood, her career and many features about her private life. Especially the part about the loss of her beloved husband after a long and happy marriage was very touching. You also find a list about all her roles in theatre, films and TV as well as the prizes she received. That's why I recommend that book.
from stephanie in germany: This book goes back to my childhood, but I just discovered it again. It's called "The Petit Nicolas" by Jean-Jacques Sempe and Rene Goscinny. It's about a little boy called Nick who is just like any other kid his age. He takes you on his little adventures with his friends, shows you how much fun school can be and how difficult it can be to have parents! This book is a lot of fun to read, because the stories are for the whole family . . .for a Dad who failed by shopping, for a Mom who should give in more easily and even for a Grandma who always brings the wrong pressies for her Grandchild. Kids will love it the most, because Nick is just like any other kid! I've read the book when I was little and well, I have to admit that this one still cracks me up nowadays! There is still a little kid in all of us!
Junie B. Jones Smells Something Fishy (Junie B. Jones 12, paper) from shelby in tennessee: I am 7 years old. My favorite book is Junie B. Jones Smells Something Fishy. I like all of the junie B. Jones books. This one is my favorite because it is really funny. I like the author Barbara Park is my favorite too.
from andrea in florida: my favorite book is "Star Wars - Survivor's Quest." The author is Timothy Zahn who is one of the best "Star Wars" writers. He really seems to understand the path inwhich George Lucas started with the three original "Star Wars" movies. This book is one that once you start reading it, you can't put it down. The book is about Luke Skywalker and his wife, Mara Jade Skywalker, who are both Jedi, have only been married for three short years, and have spent little time together, find themselves on a ship full of Jedi that was captured by the Galactic Empire and all on board were killed several years ago, now find themselves working together to see what this ship is all about. The ghosts of these Jedi are still on board the ship and Luke and Mara are learning more and more about what happened to the Jedi on their fatel journey. What they don't know is that the ship was boobytrapped by the now defeated Galactic Empire and Luke and Mara are in danger. But by coming together as one and using the powerful "Force," they are able to conquer the deamons and save themselves and the ship. What I learned from this book is that when you are married, and you don't see each other very often, you learn alot about yourself and your spouse when times are at their worst and the only way to overcome it is to work together as a team. This is a really good book, if you like science fiction. It's kineda like riding a rollercoaster. You get all excited when the ride starts its journey up the first hill, and then takes your breath away going into that big loop and all the twists and turns until it finally reaches the climax and you can feel your heart racing as you get off the ride. This is what this book will do to you!!!!
from michelle in france: I suppose that my most recent favorite was Running In the Family by Michael Ondaatje. Generally speaking, I'm not a big fan of nonfiction, but this book was left by a guest and I was desperate for reading material. And I'm so glad it was. It was one of the most beautifully written pieces of prose I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It's the story of Mr Ondaatje's return to Sri Lanka to find out about his roots in a more concrete way. When I say that it was beautifully written, I mean that it pulls the reader in to such an extent that he feels every sensation the writer wants to convey: the way the light falls, the sounds of the jungle, the heavy all consuming heat, the smells of the kitchen. And despite this inundation of sensation, it's a peaceful place to be, inside the author's body.
Self Matters: Creating Your Life from the Inside Out from jessica in texas: The book that influenced my life is Dr. Phil's Self Matters. I read several self help books before from a wide variety of authors and topics, but most are written formally and diagnose you with some type of disorder or depression. Then I saw Dr. Phil's show, heard his "straight talk" and no nonsense advice and decided to read the book. I cried through it. I felt as if he had written it specifically for me! He did what most of us need when we need to improve ourselves, get over a situation or rethink our lives. To recognize the problem, and own it before we can begin moving on. Most importantly he sympathizes, empathizes, or justifies our feelings before showing us how to move on. That means everything sometimes just having someone say " You have every right to feel that way." He doesn't leave you with the same advice to be more positive or look at the brightside. He gives you step by step instructions on how to take back control of your emotional well-being that will work for your current situation, and can be applied to the future! It is plainly written for eveyday people with sometimes not everyday problems.
from lauren in scotland: The book that i am writing about is called The Slab Boys by John Byrne. The book is based in 3 parts The Slab Boys. Cuttin a Rug and Still Life. The book started of as a play and was a hit in theatres all over the UK and also on Broadway. It is set in 1957 in a paint mixing room of a carpet factory in Paisley, Glasgow then it follows onto the staff dance and then 10 years later in a grave yard. The 2 main characters are Phil and Spanky phil has applied for art school. Neither of them like working there and dont do any work whilst they are there and when late for work they come out with some very funny reasons why they were late. . I loved this book as it was full of great gags and it was easy reading, i would have to say this is one of the best books i have read in a while and it has a lot of scottish humor as well in it that i am sure alot of people over the word will love.
from sara in ohio: Boy - keeping it at one favorite and under 200 words - nothing like a good contest :) Any of the books by Patrick McManus have been a favorite of this family for a long time. . .any time you can read a book and HAVE to stop because you are laughing too hard to see. . .THAT is a great writer! From his sister The Troll, his dog Strange, the mountainman/hermit Rancid Crabtree, to his wife Bun, to his friend Retch Sweeney . . . throughout all of his books even the cookbook! Had us in stitches . . . something in each book for every age, and every situation. . .I tried reading some stories aloud at work and failed for the laughter :) He CLAIMS these are true stories knowing the boys in MY household. . .I don't doubt that one bit! I think he should be required reading by all. . . The Grasshopper Trap, They Shoot Canoes Don't They, Never Sniff a Gift Fish, Real Ponies Don¹t Go Oink. . . And if I don't win read McManus anyway you¹ll be glad you did!
Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation from jo in tennessee: The book that I have read and one that has had a profound affect on me is the book "Founding Brothers" by Joseph J. Ellis. This book takes the reader through some of the most important time period in American history. The seeds of freedom and democracy were planted in this time period as well as the seeds of political back stabbing and rivalry. The ultimate goal of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr was the same; every man, woman, and child should be able to live in a country where they are free to do what they want to do without being persecuted for exercising their God given rights as human beings. This book is a must read and hopefully it will inspire someone else like it has inspired me. I am not affraid to voice my opinion on the things that go on in our country and our government because I have the constitutional right to do so.
Blue Heaven from anne in pennsylvania: I'd like to recommend two hilariously funny books, "Blue Heaven" and "Putting on the Ritz," by Joe Keenan, (executive producer and writer for TV's "Frasier"). Both follow the misadventures of two gay men: the charming, unemployed, and ever scheming, Gilbert Selwyn, and his highly-strung, longtime friend and former lover, Phillip Cavanaugh. In "Blue Heaven," Gilbert's scheme, simply put, is to get married for the gifts. He plots, with the reluctant help of Phillip, to wring a nice pile of loot from his mother's newest, obscenely wealthy husband. He secures a fiancée, the conniving and greedy Moira Finch, and later learns his stepfamily's fortune was not amassed as innocently as he first believed. The scam gets bigger and the deceit multiplies leading toward the wedding of the season. "Putting on the Ritz" has the guys cozying up to a tasteless New York real estate and media magnate to try to turn his talentless wife into a chanteuse in order to win the affections of a suave magazine editor. I recommend both books for their witty, sophisticated writing style and pyramiding farcical complications. Fresh and campy, both stories had me laughing out loud with every turn of the page!
Because, we LOVE BOOKS and we LOVE ELLEN DEGENERES, we decided to have you write in and tell us what one of your favorite books is and why and give the winner, Ellen's new book! People are always writing in to me about the books that I recommend in my amazon.com store, so we decided to have YOU write in and tell us about your favorite books and give stuff away too! The grand prize will be a copy of Ellen's new book "the funny thing is. . .," a personally inscribed photo from me, Charlie, and your recommendation and entry goes on the website in our amazon.com store. 
Pick a book that has in some way been meaningful or profound, or helpful to you, made you laugh or cry or affected you in a way that you want to recommend it to everyone else to read! It can be of any genre from drama, to comedy, to children's books, to social commentary, to politics, to history books, to technical writing, to fiction. ANYTHING! We will print out all of the entries, put them in a box and randomly pick the winner, so everyone that enters will have an equal opportunity to win, no matter what book you choose. In 200 words or less, tell us what it is about the book that makes you love it so much that you would recommend it to other people, and how it has affected, touched or influenced your life.
Only ONE (1) entry per person. You MUST include your first and last name and the city & state or city & country where you live and a legitimate email address that is not blocked, as that is how we will contact you. You MUST have the words ellen degeneres book contest as the subject title of the email or we may not receive it. You MUST limit your entries to 200 words or less
This is very important. With so many to read you MUST limit your entries to 200 words or less. This will be strictly adhered to. NO exceptions. Anything over 200 words will be disqualified. It MUST be 200 words or less. If it is over 200 words, it will not be eligible for the contest. NO EXCEPTIONS. Just to make it clear, this 200 word limit applies to the entry itself. The part with your name and where you are from is separate and not counted as part of the 200 words. One way to ensure your entries contain 200 words or less is to count them by hand OR, an easier solution. . . is to first create it in a word processing program, like MS Word and then use Tools --> Word Count menu option which automatically counts the words. (or any word processing program that counts the number of words in your document) Once it is 200 or less, you can then just copy it and paste your entry into an email. To keep it honest and give everyone an equal chance, remember, only one entry per person will be considered AND . . . You MUST have your first and last name and the city & state or city & country where you live and a legitimate email address that is not blocked, as that is how we will contact you. You MUST have the words ellen degeneres book contest as the subject title of the email or we may not receive it.
The winning entries will be posted on the website. The winner will be contacted by email then announced on or about 14 May, 2004 Any entry that does NOT meet the rules properly will be disqualified and will NOT be eligible to win.
Have fun and thanks for playing!
Any personally identifiable information will be used solely by Shaughnessy Productions. The name and winning entry will be posted to the website. IF you are the winner, at that time you will need to give us a full postal mailing address in order to receive your prize. It cannot be emailed. Entries become the sole property of Shaughnessy Productions.
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10 may, 2004
