It’s officially spring, so let’s celebrate with a Gadgeteer gadget giveaway! We are giving away 15 prizes for music lovers, fitness buffs, travelers and more. We have a lot of good stuff to giveaway, so don’t waste any time, please click through to see the full list of prizes and instructions on how to enter.
Prizes:
Kinivo: Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit (BTC455)
Turns existing car stereos into Bluetooth compatible stereo systems.
- Allows you to take calls hands free, stream music, and listen to navigation instructions over the car’s speakers
- Features automatic syncing to your mobile device
- Allows you to connect and simultaneously sync up to two devices to your car’s stereo system via multi-point Bluetooth 4.0 technology
- Enables you to operate your device’s voice-command functionality through its built-in microphone
- Offers control over audio tracks, including play, pause, previous song and next song
- Easily connects to your car’s stereo system via 3.5mm audio input port
Prize value: $44.95
For more info: www.kinivo.com
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
Kinivo: ZX100 Mini Portable Speaker
Pocket-sized mini speakers produce monumental sound for rocking out while on-the-go
- Conveniently lightweight, rechargeable mini speaker with a 360-degree sound design
- Ultra-portable, featuring a built-in audio cable which folds to store directly into the bottom of the speaker for effortless portability
- Enhanced bass resonator delivers high-quality sound which can be intensified with the ability to connect multiple speakers for maximum sound
- Long-lasting internal battery can play music for up to 6 hours on virtually any gadget through a standard 3.5 mm connector
Prize value: $19
For more info: www.kinivo.com
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
CoolStream CarChat+
The Car Chat Plus seamlessly switches between incoming calls and music. Equipped with two rapid charging 2.5 Amp USB ports for quickly charging your mobile devices the Car Chat Plus is the answer to all your music, hands-free talking, and charging needs on the go.
Prize value: $35.99
For more info: coolstreamrocks.com
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
PEAR Sports: Mobile Training Intelligence System
App-powered smart training program that coaches you in real-time with customized programs designed by elite fitness experts
- Features a Bluetooth heart rate monitor for measuring body’s response during a workout
- Includes Stride earphones with earlock earpieces that work with the app to provide real-time audio coaching
- Exclusive earlock earpieces utilize seven contact points to ensure a secure and comfortable fit
- Free app includes 400 customized training methods and activities from elite fitness experts
- App can be downloaded in the iTunes App Store and at Google Play
Prize value: $99.95
For more info: www.pearsports.com
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
Patriot Memory: FUEL iON Charging Stand, Charging Case and Car Mount
Slim, Stylish, fully protective case makes charging effortless with robust magnetic power
- FUEL iON wirelessly charges faster than competing products with patent-pending magnetic connectors to charge the phone without the use of a plug-in cord, eliminating wear and tear on the lighting connector.
- The incredibly strong magnetic pad on both the FUEL iON phone cases and the charging stands create a direct connection between the two devices and snaps the phone into place; this allows for charging that is comparable to directly plugging into a wall outlet.
- FUEL iON Charging Stand: Ideal for the office with an ergonomic angle for viewing your phone while charging and the snap to position rotational access allows the user to manipulate the phone from vertical to horizontal positions.
- FUEL iON Car Mount: Simply installs on any windshield and can mount and rotate your phone, optimal for GPS use.
- FUEL iON Charging case.
Prize value: $29.99 – $49.99 MSRP
For more info: www.patriotmemory.com/fuelion
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
adidas Originals: Mobile Accessory Collection
The Brand with the 3 Stripes: Where a lifestyle of originality and fashion collide
- Quality faux leather cases display the famous 3-Stripes stitched on top and have the globally-recognized
- Trefoil logo embossed in contrasting colors.
- Molded case featured rubber coated sides for enhanced grip; Authentic book case includes a slip pocket to easily stow an ID or credit card; Protective flip case has hidden closure magnet closure.
- All feature printed microfiber lining protecting against scratches.
- Prize is an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus case.
Prize value: $35 – $60
For more info: www.adidas.com/us/originals
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
A-Audio: Legacy Over-Ear Headphones
Only headphones to offer Three Stage Listening Technology for customized sound with Base Enhancer, Active
- Noise Cancellation and Audio modes
- Much like a luxury sports car shifts gears at varying speeds, Three Stage Listening Technology puts you in the driver’s seat to select the sound that best suits you in the moment
- Built with 40mm custom drivers, powerful circuitry and anti-vibration aluminum for a power-packed soundstage
- Made with supple leather with diamond-quilted stitching in the headphone band and premium octagonal aluminum bezels on each ear cup
- Features chrome-plating and aluminum construction with steel hinges
- Closed circumaural ear cups with memory foam padding for comfort and isolated sound
- Dual jacks for sharing music with friends featuring 24K gold plated contacts for optimum signal transfer
- Detachable phone cord with remote and mic for connecting to your mobile device, plus one audio only cable and gold plated 6.3mm audio adaptor
- Comes with luxe travel case and polishing cloth
Prize value: $299 MSRP
For more info: A-Audio.com
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
Pronto
Ideal for the cable and satellite TV lover, Pronto turns your iPhone into a personalized universal remote control, centralizing control of all your entertainment systems
- Allows control of all entertainment devices (TVs, set-top boxes, DVDs and Blu-ray players) from your iPhone
Paired with the free Peel Smart Remote app, offers customized viewing recommendations based on your interests and viewing habits - Includes optional IR extension cable, allowing users to store away multiple entertainment devices and still control them
- Palm-sized and lightweight, the Pronto fits in the smallest of spaces and allows for easy mobility
- Optimized to control more than 3,000 entertainment devices, including all major TV brands
- Includes 4AA batteries
- Compatible with: iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPod Touch
Prize value: $49.99
For more info: www.getpronto.com
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
Bracketron: EZCharge
With EZCharge, there’s no “wrong” way to plug in your USB cables
- Allows you to plug in “upside down” or “right side up,” so you can connect USB charging cables without fumbling to insert them the “right” way
- Plugs securely into your vehicle’s 12V port; perfect for road trips and long commutes
- Features a sleek, lightweight aluminum housing for easy portability
- Available with one or two USB ports, and comes in all-black or black with silver accents
- Two-port model lets you charge multiple mobile devices simultaneously at the fastest possible speed, and has dual 3.4A capability with one port ideal for smartphones (1.0A) and one for tablets (2.4A)
- Single-port model charges smartphones and tablets at fast speeds
Prize value: $12.99-24.99
For more info: www.bracketron.com
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
Bracketron: Earth Elements Si Dash Mount
Attaches directly to most hard and textured surfaces for effortless hands-free driving
- Simply adhere the Mounting Plates to the back of your device or inside back of your case
- Device effortlessly clicks onto mount for safe driving
- The 3M adhesive will ensure the plates stay securely attached to your phone
- Integrated cord management for charging cables to keep them out of the way
- Collapsible and adjustable support feet help keep your phone securely mounted
- Perfect for travel and added support for larger phablet-style phones
Prize value: $39.95
For more info: www.bracketron.com
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
Penclic: Mini Keyboard
Wireless mini keyboard’s compact size and quiet-touch keys create a unique visual and ergonomic experience while maximizing work space and productivity
- Sleek, Scandinavian design combines superior functionality without sacrificing comfort for size; compact size allows you to centralize your work position, creating better focus and maximized desk space
- Optimal 5 mm profile and ergonomic design decreases strain on the wrists, serving to counteract and reduce Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
- Quiet-touch keys reduce noise and offer great tactile feeling, allowing you to utilize small keystrokes and minimal pressure when typing, leading to quicker results and productivity
- Compatible with Windows XP and later, Mac OSX version 10.1 or later and most Linux/BSD systems
- Nano USB- receiver with wireless reach up to 16 feet; rechargeable battery lasts up to 2 months before additional charging is required
- Available in several language variations and contemporary and relaxing colors that make the keyboard as easy on your eyes as it is on your fingertips
Prize value: $79.95
For more info: www.penclic.se
Follow on Facebook.
Penclic: Next Generation Mouse (Bluetooth version)
Lightweight mice feature symmetrical design that enables both left- and right-handed users to enjoy the Penclic experience
- Has two buttons with left and right click on pen’s shaft, fitted for left-handed users
- Center scroll wheel also doubles as a middle click button
- Looks, feels and acts like a pen, placing superior navigation at your fingertips
- Allows for laser-focused precision leading to better results and quicker movements
- Create a relaxed, ergonomic working position, enhancing user experience and allowing forearm to relax on work surface
- Sleek, Scandinavian design counteracts static tensions in arms, shoulders and neck, reducing Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) associated with typical mouse products
- Wireless and Bluetooth range up to 16 feet; compatible with Mac and PC products
- Ideal for design and 3D modeling programs
Prize value: $64.99 – $89.99
Website: www.penclic.se
Follow on Facebook.
ECOXGEAR: ECOROX Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
The most fearless speaker on Earth: 100% waterproof, shockproof, compact, lightweight and it floats, allowing you to add your soundtrack to life’s most extreme adventures
- 100% waterproof (not just water resistant), IPX7 approved and rubberized exterior protects from everyday drops and dunks
- Floats – listen at the lake, river, pool or campsite with no worries
- Play music from any Bluetooth enabled devices and answer incoming calls over the built-in speakerphone
- Integrated carabiner clip and top panel controls for power, pairing, volume, skip, play, pause, and speakerphone answer
- Built-in auxiliary in jack for an optional wired connection
- 10 hours of playtime
Prize value: $129.99
Website: www.ecoxgear.com
Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
How to enter (please read carefully – any missed steps and your entry will be disqualified):
1. Between now and 03/26/2015 11:59PM EST leave a comment on this page telling us the last book that you really enjoyed reading. Include the title, author and a sentence or two about the plot.
2. (optional) Get a 2nd bonus entry by tweeting:
Win a gadget prize pack of 13 prizes from @thegadgeteer http://wp.me/p3LRkH-JFQ
Make sure you come back and leave a 2nd comment on this page with a link to your Twitter post.
3. At some point on 03/27/2015, I’ll pick 1 random winner using random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hrs to claim their prizes. If I do not receive an answer to my email in that time period, I’ll do other random.org drawings till the prizes are claimed.
Rules:
1. Only one main entry per person (warning: I check IP addresses).
2. Gadgeteer writers, family members may not enter this contest.
3. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for any lost packages or incorrect shipping addresses.
4. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for the winner not accepting their prize within 48hrs. The winner will be posted on this contest page, in the comments section of this page and will be emailed. Check your spam folder.
5. Winner must have a US shipping address (sorry, this isn’t my choice…).
Update 03/27/2015
The winner is #48 Mario. Congrats to Mario and thank you everyone who entered and to the companies who sponsored this contest by providing the prizes.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
The original Sherlock Holmes. Fun read.
Just finished re-reading Loftlore by Stephen Hudler
Story of a young couple and their adventures in a fantasy’esck style book. I read this many years ago before it was published.
http://www.amazon.com/Loftlore-Trilogy-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00E4X9KB4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427147636&sr=8-1&keywords=loftlore
The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst. As a self-taught typesetter, this book opened up a whole new world of typography for me. It appears that the past has much more to offer us about design than most in this digital age realize.
Game of Thrones – A Dance with Dragons, by George RR Martin
No way I can explain the plot of this book in a sentence or two….Let’s just say its the next 1,000 pages of the enormous Game of Thrones saga!
https://twitter.com/Audemars02/status/580150316999536640
Recently read “The First Sergeants” by Richard E. Morgan. Great book about the 11th ACR during their years in Germany guarding the German border from the Soviet threat. A friend of mine David Dawson is mentioned, and he was the reason I pursued a career in Armor in college.
The last book I enjoyed reading was Bart Ehrman’s “How Jesus Became God” – a study of the early church’s theological arguments and development. I’m currently reading Hannu Rajamieni’s “The Quantum Thief” – Rajamieni’s first novel (SF, if you couldn’t guess) and I’ve enjoyed the first third but I’ll have to see how it finishes before I’d recommend it.
Just finished Unbearable Lightness by actress, Portia de Rossi.
Its a memoir about her struggles with body image and her eating disorder throughout her career and ultimately how she recovered. A wonderful and very intense read.
Just read “Treasure in Clay Jars: Patterns in Missional Faithfulness” by Lois Barrett. The author and others discuss patterns they discerned while researching churches that successfully live out a missional existence that extends beyond their inner walls. Inspiring read really.
Well the books that I read last and really enjoyed was the Ice Wind Dale Trilogy books and other from that series by R.A. Salvatore.
More or less it follows shenanigans of a dark elf Drizzit, that escapes from the underworld since his thinking doesn’t agree with the other dark elfes.
Reading Walking Dead comics…takes a whole new spin on the series..highly recommended…
An old favorite of mine is Millennium by John Varley (I have always loved time travel stories). It’s a story revolving around Louise Baltimore–a person living thousands of years in our future when the earth has become hostile to human life. In her time, snatch teams take human beings off sinking ships, crashing airlines, lost spacecraft with the purpose of sending them to another planet–and are hampered in their work by a paradox that threatens to eliminate the human race.
It’s an oldie–published back in 1983, but the ‘rules’ of time travel are well thought out and add to the tension and unknown factors that plague Louise as she desperately tries to keep the Gate project running. It’s a fast read–but completely worth it.
Best book I read in 2014 was Pet Semetary by Stephen King. And yes, that is how it is spelled.
King often has said in interviews that was the book he put away because he found it too disturbing – it truly is one of his best works. Great story, well thought from start to finish and avoids the mid-novel slowdown some of his more recent books seem guilty of.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, by Ishmael Beah, is the amazing story of the author’s young years in Sierra Leone. It’s difficult to describe the hardships he endured in a way that would believable to others. The only way to believe it is to read his incredible story. I felt my heart crumbling to dust at times during the reading, but ultimately it leaves the reader with a sense of hope (and a desire to change the world).
The Martian: A Novel by Andy Weir. Great story about an astronaut that gets stranded on Mars. The story is all about how he improvises to stay alive long enough to get rescued.
The last book I read was the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. It’s a great book about a man who was wrongly put in prison for years until he escapes and seeks vengeance. With themes of revenge, betrayal and redemption, it’s an epic book that can’t be put down!
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/raomeenas/status/580206071035219968
The Godfather:Mario Puzo…I just wanted to re-read this again…you know how it ended. Great classic movie was well.
Unbroken is the book I read recently.
It is by Laura Hillenbrand.
The best WWII story (Maybe the best struggle story) I have ever read!
The human spirit is strong in some people.
Strengths finder 2.0
Tom Rath
Make your strengths stronger, rather than wasting time trying to strengthen your weaknesses.
Clariel by Garth Nix. If you enjoy fantasy novels, this is a good one. Kind of a prequel to a trilogy of books. Story of a girl who comes into dark powers and how she manages to deal with it.
The Call by Yannick Murphy — The first person in this novel is a middle-aged father, a veterinarian who talks about his family and life as he faces problems little and big with humor and kindness. Many animal stories/characters in the book, too, but it has more depth than of All Creatures Great And Small.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. He’s a Nobel Prize winner for economics, but the book explains why we make some of the decisions/choices/thoughts depending on the situation.
I am currently trying to read the Bible throughout this year. learning awesome stuff in it.
God bless you!
5 Blanks by Michelle Erickson
It’s a Sci-Fi dystopian novel involving cloning with soul transfer as a way of reanimating up two five times, at a price.
https://twitter.com/vrsnake/status/580252685191921664
Future Crimes by Marc Goodman. he shows how easily we all want the convenience of cloud storage, online banking,online shopping, or having our social media open to anyone to admire and praise. on the other hand it also shows the digital underground to expose the alarming ways criminals, corporations, and even countries are using new and emerging technologies against you, and how this makes everyone more vulnerable than ever imagined.
https://twitter.com/KingtagTarek/status/580269282279317504
Reading Dark Space series by Jasper T Scott, good sci-fi read. Lots of unexpected twists.
https://twitter.com/Ty_Kent/status/580277660770795521
“Her Majesty’s Western Service” by Leo Champion. Great read, an alternative history Steam Punk style. In a steam-driven alternate 1963, the British Empire faces off against neo-Tsarist Russia in cold war over a divided former USA.
Sebastian Fitzek – der Augensammler (The Eye-collector). Great Psychothriller including a really insane killer, some mystery and a genious reporter solving the crime.
https://twitter.com/Schulze602/status/580306008075014144?lang=de
I’m reading Natchez Burning by Greg Iles. This book is about relationships and their complications during the civil rights movement in the 60’s thru today. Interwoven story is very interesting so far. Thanks!
I tweeted:
https://twitter.com/lefty22/status/580318504781537281
Mr. Mercedes: A Novel by Stephen King Kindle edition
I just finished reading The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau. It’s a dystopian novel, akin to The Hunger Games, Divergent, or The Maze Runner trilogies, which happens to also be a trilogy itself. After the world has been mostly destroyed through a world war, the United Commonwealth selects candidates from the graduating youth to go through the Testing to determine who will attend University and become the next leaders. But, the Testing is both an honor and a curse as the punishments for failure are great and no one can be trusted.
https://twitter.com/Hokie_x3_Hi/status/580337925621051392
I just read Libriomancer (Magic Ex Libris Book 1) plus the other 2 currently in the series, by Jim C. Hines. It’s an urban fantasy about a secret group led by (the immortal for the last 5 centuries) Johannes Gutenberg who can do magic with books – being able to “pull” items out of a story (e.g., a ray gun from an SF novel) – and their battle with an unknown dark power.
https://twitter.com/bettywiderski/status/580339670761930752
Dune by Frank Herbert published 1965.
Set in the distant future amidst a feudal interstellar society in which noble houses, in control of individual planets, owe allegiance to the Padishah Emperor, Dune tells the story of young Paul Atreides, whose noble family accepts the stewardship of the desert planet Arrakis. As this planet is the only source of the “spice” melange, the most important and valuable substance in the universe, control of Arrakis is a coveted — and dangerous — undertaking whereby the story explores the multi-layered interactions of politics, religion, ecology, technology, and human emotion, as the forces of the empire confront each other in a struggle for the control of Arrakis and its “spice”.
The audiobook “The Rope,” by Nevada Barr, part of the Anna Pidgeon series.
This novel brings readers back to the time when Anna first starts her service to the National Parks at Lake Powell, in Glen Canyon Park.
The last book I read (and really enjoyed) was Light of the World by James Lee Burke. The book is classic Burke with the good guys vs the bad guys (and it’s sometimes hard to distinguish between the two), woven into the tale of a serial killer, set against the backdrop of the wilds of Montana.
The Thought Pushers by Dima Zales. Darren is in search of who killed his biological family and get the crazy russian girl. He can stop time and read thoughts and more! It’s an enjoyable easy read with plot twists, plus who doesn’t like crazy girls.
My tweet – https://twitter.com/rusthawk/status/580347185625190401
thank you!
How to win friends and influence people- in the digital age, Dale Carnegie
Great re-write of a classic book about how to approach business relationships. It takes all of the lessons from the original and applies them to today.
Re-reading The Watchmen. It’s about disfunctional super heroes. Much better than the movie for sure.
Noah Gordon – The Physician (amazing medieval story about the birth of modern medicine and how the protagonist evolves from a poor boy on Englands streets to making it’s way across Europe to the Middle East to learn medicine from the greatest of all times. Wonderfully written and very captivating story!!)
Donna Woolfolk Cross – Pope Joan (another medieval book but this one I literally destroyed in 2 nights. Unbelievable!! “For a thousand years her existence has been denied. She is the legend that will not die–Pope Joan, the ninth-century woman who disguised herself as a man and rose to become the only female ever to sit on the throne of St. Peter. Now in this riveting novel, Donna Woolfolk Cross paints a sweeping portrait of an unforgettable heroine who struggles against restrictions her soul cannot accept.”
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Fight to the death by representatives of the different groups of society. I re-read the books before going to see the Mockingjay in a theatre.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/JTMcNally/status/580369242412838912
I am really enjoying the series the Chicagoland Vampires. I am on the last book which is number 11 now. I like it in that the main character was converted to a vampire without her say so. She had developed into a strong character and I love all of the references to Chicago.
Just finished “American Assassin” by the late Vince Flynn. It’s a prequel to the other books in the Mitch Rapp series about an anti-terror operative.
Steve Jobs, book about steve jobs.. “totally cracked tv” Totally mis-understood by the world.
I just finished reading Commodore: A Company on the Edge by Brian Bagnall. It was supposed to be the first of 2 books about the rise and fall of Commodore, the company behind the Commodore 64. Unfortunately, the second book has been cancelled. Excellent history, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Jodi Picoult’s “The Storyteller” was really good. It was about a man who was an officer in a concentration camp and a woman who became friends with him. It had sad parts but it was written so well. She is a great author.
My tweet: https://twitter.com/LindaHP/status/580385741429186560
Win a gadget prize pack of 13 prizes from @thegadgeteer http://wp.me/p3LRkH-JFQ
The most recent book I have read was Treasure Island. I decided to re-read it after starting to watch Black Sails. It is interesting to re-read the story that the characters came from in the first place.
Scott Spencer’s “Endless Love” is a classic for a reason. It’s intense, well-written, and gripping. It’s one of the only good books I’ve read where the denouement happens (arguably) in the first few pages and everything else is aftermath.
I really enjoyed Michael Connelly’s latest book, “The Burning Room”.
I enjoy all his books but his books with the Harry Bosch character are some of my favorites. This one has Bosch solving a murder where the “body is fresh but any other evidence is virtually nonexistent”. A real page turner.
Just finished reading “The Traveler’s Gift” by Andy Andrews this morning.
The personal journey of David Ponder’s seven decisions that determine personal success.
Recently reread NetSlaves by Lessard & Baldwin – real life stories of web workers, mostly bleak but quite an entertaining read.
Tweeted –
https://twitter.com/bystander_i/status/580405773475430400
Mel Odom Master Sergeant: The Makaum War: Book One
It was a fast read if you like sci fi war type books.
Redeployment by Phil Klay. An excellent collection of short stories about people who served in Iraq and Afganistan and the effects it had on them both while deployed and at home.
I am on the last Harry Potter book — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling. It’s the final showdown between Harry and the evil Lord Voldemort, and the fulfillment of a prophecy made before Harry’s birth.
After this, I can watch the movies without spoiling them.
A Man Called Ove
A grumpy yet lovable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.
Don’t recall the name, a Ray Bradbury non-science fiction about Ireland. Almost stranger than his pure fiction!
twitter…
https://twitter.com/mudpuddle/status/580429336509038592?lang=en
“Lost Cities of North and Central America”, by David Harcher Childress. The book is about David Childress adventures in North and Central America. He discuss the ancients ruins and his theories that ancient people, contrary to current believe, have travel across the sea and had trade routes from European continent to the Americas. This is a very nice read.
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Despite the gimmicky sounding name, the book talks about living and working efficiently, seeing the ‘big picture’ and setting your sights high. All good things to work toward, in my opinion!
The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth. If you haven’t heard of this story of dystopian Chicago, you need to come out of your cave more often!
You Can’t Make this Up by A. Michaels. It was just a good light read.
Interesting Times by Terry Pratchett.
Since he died earlier this month, I’ve gone back to reread some Discworld books. All of them are great.
“Ready Player One” – set in the not too distant future where virtual reality is just about everywhere and part of everything. The earth’s resources have been largely used up so people escape into VR. The creator of this VR universe sets a contest in motion upon his death so the person who wins the prize pretty much gets control of the VR realm. The book is full of 80’s references, movies, TV Shows, music, video games, and so on. Knowledge of that era is key to winning the prize. It’s an interesting premise and it has quite a few references to 80’s culture that a lot of slightly older readers will appreciate. Mixing that w/ the VR world should appeal to younger readers.
I really enjoyed Startide Rising by David Brin. It was the 2nd book of his Uplift saga. Apparently, all sentient species were uplifted to sentience by a patron race. The exception was humans. This causes much drama and strife between the space-faring species.
Read Unbroken. I think everyone knows the story of Louis Zamperini’s story of survival at this point.
Wisdom of Our Fathers: Timeless Life Lessons on Health, Wealth, God, Golf, Fear, Fishing, Sex, Serenity, Laughter, and Hope Hardcover – April, 1999
by Joe Kita
Zombie Fallout, by Mark Tufo. Zombies! Enough said.
https://twitter.com/hgsneider/status/580461467855638528
“The Bully Pulpit,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Concerns the intersection of Theodore Roosevelt, his good friend William Howard Taft, and Roosevelt’s decision to run for President for the Bull Moose party. Good historical read!
A Blink of the Screen: Collected Short Fiction by Terry Pratchett
AT LAST, SIR TERRY, WE MUST WALK TOGETHER.
Terry took Death’s arm and followed him through the doors and on to the black desert under the endless night.
The End
https://twitter.com/jae77BMC/status/580471038561116160
Personal – Lee Child.
Latest book in the Jack Reacher series. Good light read.
Adam Carolla’s In Fifty Years We’ll All Be Chicks, great comedy read
https://twitter.com/brian_kautz/status/580486944850866176
“Just the Two of Us: A Cycling Journey Across America”, by Melissa Norton
A middle-aged couple tackle a cross-country bike trip. It’s a nice travelogue. I’ve read a number of these books, and they always make me wonder if I could make such a trip.
The Chrysalids by John Wyndham.
Was a great book. I didn’t get to read it in secondary school. Any deviations from the norm as it came to humans were cast away to an area called the fringes. It’s a quite interesting read
Gadgeteer plug for eBooks(any manufacturer): Since getting a Kindle, I only read eBooks. Let’s face it, all these devices (particularly Kindle) are purchasing machines. Even so, I go through several books a month, and I love the convenience. It’s lightweight ultra thin
“The Hunter in the Woods” by Robert McCammon. A collection of short stories about a British Secret Service agent who is also a werewolf.
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
https://twitter.com/Ab3lfz/status/580640919491371008?lang=en
Slow burn by Bobby Adair – Its your basic zombie survival story, but well written.
https://twitter.com/AnnomousM/status/580704274944040960
“The Science of Leonardo” by Capra. Interesting look at how Leonardo approached science in a much different way than his contemporaries.
I recently read liars poker but michael lewis..man, what a racket. I’m surprised the country is as good off as it is at this point.
“Seize the Daylight” by David Prerau…fascinating story of the contentious fight over DST in the US and UK, mostly since the turn of the 20th century…really enjoyable writing style and interesting history…
The last book I read I really enjoyed was Gone Girl. Main reason was because the movie was shot in the area I grew up in and my friends back home said the book was pretty good. If you like murder/suspense/mystery with a strong female lead. This is the perfect book for you. And I was very surprised after I read the book to watch the movie and it stayed with the plot of the book. Even the ending which I didn’t like. LOL
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/tammy1999/status/580715164149768192
A next door neighbor just gave me a book to read that he wrote: B-Movie Blues is written by Terry Woods and is about the behind the scenes antics in the making of low budget horror movie’s in New York. Some funny moments so far.
The Martian by Andy Weir. It’s about an astronaut who gets left on Mars and he tells the story about how he tries to stay alive to get rescued. It’s like “Castaway” in space.
https://twitter.com/scatyGil/status/580724499060015104
I just re read ChapterHouse Dune by Frank Herbert. I have been reading the entire 19 book series written by him, and now his son and Kevin Anderson. ChapterHouse was a very intense book that had many political, religigous overtones. The book is about how the Bene Gesserit were deealing with a post Tyrant empire and the return of people from the Scattering. They are turning their home planet into a new Dune to try and grow more worms!
Just finished reading Dancing Barefoot by Wil Wheaton. A number of short stories about his career at Star Trek. I read non-fiction and pick books on a random basis. This was a quick read.
Just finished the book “Finding Me” by Michelle Knight. It is about one of the three Ohio kidnapped victims who managed to get free from her captor after years of abuse.
The last book I read that I really enjoyed (which I just bought because I want to read again): The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen. I believe it’s non-fiction, but Larsen weaves the story so well it keeps you engrossed. The story covers the Chicago World’s Fair and ties in with H.H. Holmes (possibly the first serial killer – or one of the first). There are many details about Chicago bidding for the fair, the plans, the building of the fair, the obstacles they had to overcome. And, the fair was the White City. Which to us now days, doesn’t seem like such a big deal, but this was back when coal use was rampant and the streets were covered in black coal dust. That’s kind of like having white carpet and kids. Bad idea. Engrossing read on how the fair came about and how H.H. Holmes turned his building into a hotel of sorts where he killed many young women. Horrific, but the weaving of the two events in history was well done.
https://twitter.com/DianeDeMasi/status/580766782836740097
Terms of Enlistment, by Marko Kloos. I’m a big fan of mil-SF, and when this kept popping up on lists of must-read SF books, I decided to give it a try. It’s a century or so in the future, and North America is a place most residents would prefer to leave. The only ways out are by the one-in-a-trillion lottery winners who get to go out to the colonies in space, or by joining the military. This book, the first in a trilogy, follows Andrew Grayson as he chooses the military and escapes into space – only to find that the human race isn’t the only one colonizing and terraforming planets in our galaxy.
I’m reading Legend by Tony Healey. It’s the first book in the Sci-Fi series Far From Home. It tells the story of the Defiant and her crew as they fight a war in space.
The Martian, by Andy Weir. It’s a wild ride about an astronaut being accidentally abandoned on Mars, and his struggle to survive. It’s being made into a movie.
The last book I read was “Die Again” by Tess Gerritsen. It’s the latest installment in her “Rizzoli & Isles” series. It tells the tale of a group of adventurers on safari in the African bush and before long, bad things start happening! The story then jumps six years later to a murder scene being investigated by Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles. It was quite fun trying to figure out how the two stories connected with each other!
I just finished reading Hunger Games: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I saw the first movie and honestly couldn’t wait another year to find out what happens! Suffice it to say, if you loved the series so far, you won’t be disappointed by the ending. I am excited to see the film later this year.
https://twitter.com/ChrisMabunga/status/580841461211525120
The last book I read was American Sniper by Chris Kyle. It’s an autobiography of a US Navy Seal sniper and his conflict between serving his country and being a husband and father.
https://twitter.com/huangsonone/status/580851659838001152
“A Brief History of Time” By Stephen Hawking.
Was there a beginning of time? Will there be an end? Is the universe infinite or does it have an end? It really is a must read for anybody at all interested in science.
Tweeted at:
https://twitter.com/MajorHavoc/status/580873840122687488?lang=en
Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison – it is an urban fantasy novel. It follows Rachel as she navigates the world as a witch – who is more than just a simple witch. She shares some demon abilities. The main coven of witches is trying to capture her for these powers, and her friends are trying to keep her safe. Friends being a vampire, pixie, and a gargoyle – just to name a few. It is book 8 in the series. A great series – Kim takes you on an amazing ride.
tweet – https://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/580907237473800193
Thanks for the giveaway!!!
The it is not recent I re-read Douglas Adams the Hitchhikers guide to the Universe. I originally read this book in High school. The second time through was no less enjoyable. Adams humor is spot on and provides a charming read and ironical view of the universe and mans insignificant presence within it.
“The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann is one of those books that sticks in your mind. The key to success and a good life is not always ‘getting.’ How to accumulate wealth and success by putting other interests first and adding values to others lives.
I read Stoner by John Williams. Follows the career of an english professor from birth to death in Missouri. Enjoyed the detailed narrative of early 20th century academic life with some ups and many downs.
Hi Gadgeteers!!!
I am currently reading Ice Station by Matthew Reilly. This is his second book and I have never read such an edge of your seat thrill ride!!! It’s a combination of Indiana Jones & Rambo on acid, as are all of his books. The story takes place in an Arctic Ice Station that sends out a distress signal when one of their scientists is found dead. When a team of United States Recon Marines led by Shane Schofield, code named Scarecrow, arrives at the station, they find several French Scientists have arrived, and several more come after the Marines’ arrival. The French reveal themselves as soldiers and that’s when all hell breaks loose. Throw in a mile deep ice tunnel with a possible UFO in an underground cavern, with killer denizens lurking in the icy pool below, a
Beautiful Scientist & her little girl and the action never stops. Read it!!! I highly recommend all of Reilly’s novels, you just can’t put them down!!!
__ Stevie G.
I just finished reading Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. It is about a brother and a sister who discover that they are keepers of a magical world. It becomes their responsibility to protect this world from dark forces. I am really looking forward to the continuation of the series.
I am a big zombie fan, movies, books, tv shows, you name it. So I am a bit behind book-wise but managed to read Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End by Manuel Loureiro. It has to do with something that happened in Russia and not really much is mentioned about the event-things happen fast as in all zombie shows, and there is a lawyer who is upset about his wife passing away so he writes like a diary/blog as a sort of therapy to help him cope with it. He then realizes that he is documenting the last days of humanity by writing about what is happening. And just like the movies, there is always a sequel… so I am looking to read that one and another one after that since he has several books in the series.
tweeted https://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/581280000491565056
The winner is #48 Mario. Congrats to Mario and thank you everyone who entered and to the companies who sponsored this contest by providing the prizes.