So, wow, I've been reading and blogging so much that my eyes hurt. That ever happen to anyone else? Mine get really red from the strain. I'm going to take a break here in a sec, but I wanted to mention a few things:

First, if you read my last review, you know that I'm going to be writing tests for the reading program at my kids' school. I'm really excited about this, probably pathetically so :) I just love the idea of encouraging kids to read, read, read. This program is something I would have just eaten up as a kid. Anyway, I mention it because you will probably see more YA/middle grade books on here than ever before. I mean, I've always read YA, but it looks as if I may be doing a lot more of it. So, just a heads up.

There are a lot of things coming up in the next couple months on BBB. Of course, there will always be book reviews. Some great author interviews are coming up as well - I'll be chatting with the likes of Kirby Larson, Catherine Ryan Hyde, J. Scott Savage and others. I will be posting an interesting interview with Beth Fehlbaum tomorrow, which has inspired me to write a post on censorship. I haven't finished it, but eventually it will go up. More book giveaways will also be coming. I wish I could say that I will be hosting my very own challenge, but things have been too crazy lately to even think about such a thing! Anyway, stay tuned. Good things are coming!

On a more serious note, I also wanted to say that it seems to be rough times for our fellow bloggers, from the whole Nie Nie thing to our own Amanda and Stephanie. Even though I don't know most of you IRL, I feel like I do, and my heart grieves when I hear about difficulties in your lives. If you lived close, I would rush over with a casserole, or better yet - a good book. I want you to know, though, that I truly believe there is a God who hears and answers our prayers. When I say I'm praying for you, I mean that very literally. It's the only thing I can do - I hope it brings some little comfort in trying times.

I'm still trying to catch up on all of your blogs. With my move and all that entails, I am woefully behind. However, I wanted to make you aware of some great giveaways and events that are going on. Of course, you've probably heard about most of them, since I'm usually the last to post this kind of stuff. I'm going to spread the linky love anyway! As always, if I missed a giveaway or fun even happening at your blog, leave me a comment. I hate to ignore any chance for free books!

Okay, here ya go:

Booking Mama is hosting two giveaways, one for Matrimony by Joshua Henkin, and one for Suspicious Minds by Christy Barrit.

Sam Houston is also giving away a copy of Matrimony. The giveaway ends on Friday, so hurry on over there.

Amanda is offering Saturdays with Stella by Allison Pittman. The contest ends on Friday at midnight, so hurry on over.

You've probably all heard about Natasha's efforts to raise money and awareness for Darfur. If you haven't had the chance to donate (or just haven't gotten around to it like slacker me), do it!

J. Scott Savage, who has been very grateful and gracious to us book bloggers, is having a release party on Saturday, September 13th from 12-3 at the library in Spanish Fork, Utah. There will be food, free stuff, giveaways, etc. Twenty percent of the proceeds from book sales will go to the library. If you live in Utah, go give him some support.

I got an interesting e-mail from Lynn Brittney, author of Christine Kringle. She is holding a contest for readers aged 9-90 to come up with a 1-page synopsis for the sequel to the book. The winner will receive $5,000 as well as his/her name on the cover of Brittney's new novel. How fun is that? Information is here. By the way, I tried to find the book at my local library to no avail, so I'm not sure how easy it will be to find. I don't even know if it's worth reading, but the contest sounds so fun!

Finally, run over to Amy's blog to find out what's going on with Book Bloggers Appreciation Week. Don't forget to vote for the finalists - I was excited to see that several of my nominations made it to the next level. She also has giveaways, a survey and other stuff. Check it out.

My eyes are really bugging now, so I better stop. As always, Happy Reading!