"Never Give Up," an Interview with author Bill Moushey

I had the pleasure to sit down with author Bill Moushey, a professor at Point Park University and an award-winning journalist. Last year, Moushey released, "Never Give Up," a book about Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker James Harrison. The book focuses on Harrison, his dedication and how he overcame the numerous obstacles standing in his way.

But it wasn't an easy undertaking for Moushey. While he shares several similarities with Harrison, Moushey experienced some initial difficulties. Regardless, the neither the player nor the author has any regrets.





Check out my interview with Moushey to learn more.

To learn more, or to buy the book visit, http://www.jamesharrisonnevergiveup.com/home/ .


Also, test your knowledge and see how much you know about James Harrison, take this quiz !

Test your Knowledge on Steelers Linebacker James Harrison » online testing software

Let's not say Goodbye, but see you Soon !

Starting a blog was something I always wanted to do, but I didn't know how to go about it. In an effort to learn, I enrolled in a multimedia class and I think its safe to say it was successful ( at least for me).

Part of the class requirement was to have a blog and update it on a weekly basis. This is my last week of classes. While several of my fellow classmates have decided not to continue their blogs, I am looking forward to hopefully expanding it and changing things up a bit.

But before I do that, I wanted to get your opinions. Do you like the way Page Turner is set up now ? Is there anything missing that you would like to see? Please feel free to answer honestly, and I am open to any and all suggestions.

I just wanted to let everyone know what was going on, and let you guys know I'll be taking a small hiatus. I have one or two more posts for you guys; I did an interview with Point Park's own Bill Moushey about his book "Never Give Up." For those of you not familiar, it is about James Harrison, a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. After that, I'll take a small break and return January 19th.

Thank you guys for all of your support and have a Happy Holidays !!!

( PLEASE BE SURE TO GIVE ME SOME FEEDBACK ! I want to continue to improve ! )

Reunited and it Feels so Good....

As I was searching the Barnes & Noble web site this afternoon, I was surprised to find they were offering a book I'd read years ago. Upon entering my freshman year of college, Point Park ( or was it the School of Communications?) asked all the incoming freshman to read a book.

I was infuriated that I was "assigned" homework before classes even started, and more upset once I saw the name of the book. However, the book, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," by Mark Haddon, turned out to be a wonderful adventure.

The book focuses on Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old with Asperger's Syndrome, which is a form of Autism. Boone knows a great deal about math, but little about interacting with people on a day-to-day basis. When Boone finds his neighbor's dog murdered, he set out to find the killer. Instead he goes on a terrifying journey, one that turns everything he thought he knew upside down.

Haddon does an amazing job with this book. It was released in 2003 and was immediately a best-seller. I couldn't up it down and have read it several times since. Barnes & Noble is currently offering a discount, and when you spend $25 you get free shipping, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?cds2Pid=24698&ean=9781400032716&inframe=y.

I suggest anyone who loves a good mystery/thriller to give it a try. I promise you won't regret it !

 

Get More for Your Books...

Tis that time again. It's the end of semester. After all that work and energy, it is finally come to an end. But what to do with the hundred of thousands of dollars worth of textbooks ?

Luckily, you have several options. First there is the ever popular, but enormous rip off, your campus bookstore. Most bookstores buy back books to a certain extent.  However, once there quota is filled for the next semester, they stop buying that book. They also only give 50% or less back for books. And personally, there is nothing worth than getting $50 back when you spent over $200 for a textbook.

But no worries, thankfully there are other options. Few people think to sell their books to fellow students who will be taking the class in the following semester. Most students are willing to pay at least half for the book, and you are both doing each other huge favors.

There are also several stores and sites that buy back textbooks for very reasonable prices. First, there is Half Priced Books, http://www.halfpricebooks.com/sell_to_us.html. My only qualm is that they don't always buy everything. They too have limits, and once they reach them they stop buying.

Other sites, like Amazon.com, http://www.amazon.com/ and Cash4Books, http://www.cash4books.net/textbooks/?gclid=COr02bj92KUCFYHc4Aod3nXAkw, also do great jobs at providing students with outlets to sell back their books.

These are only some of the sites out there, so check them out and be sure to pass them along !

When did that Book Come Out ?

Check my time line to see when the Harry Potter books and movies were released !

The Chronicles of Harry Potter on Dipity.

Twas the Night Before Christmas and all Through the House.....

Well, the holidays are right around the corner ( 21 days to be exact), and I am finally getting into the Christmas spirit. My shopping is almost done, I've helped decorate my parent's house, and I'm spending time with friends and family.

On one such occasion, as my roommates gathered around the table, they rambled off what they've bought so far and for whom. My one roommate has a 2-year-old nephew. Searching for something special to get him, she realized he didn't own a Christmas book. She later bought him "The Night Before Christmas," and is looking forward to reading it him on Christmas Eve.

Looking back, I remember having similar traditions with my parents, but I couldn't remember which stories my mom used to read. So I searched for the top Christmas books to see if I could remember. Amazon.com had the best list, http://www.amazon.com/Best-Christmas-Books-All-Time/lm/R1PZTIQNXUGMXS.

Here's their top 10, ( I've read all but 7, 8, and 3).Check them out, and see if you remember any of these. Did your parents read you Christmas stories ?

1.  A Christmas Carol  by Charles Dickens

2.  The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

3.  The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

4.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Rick Bunsen

5.  The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

6.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Theodor Geisel - Dr. Seuss

7.  Nutcracker by Ralph Manheim

8.  The Little Match Girl by Jerry Pinkney

9.  A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe

10.  Frosty the Snowman by Steve Nelson         

Opinions, Opinions, Opinions

Do reviews really affect what books people choose to read ? It is something that has prelexed me for awhile, do people choose books based on others opinions or do they choose books based on their own interests?

Personally, I choose books based on my own interests. However, there are times when someones review will sway my attitude towards the book. Yet as I asked some friends and my lovely roommates, I was informed that book reviews really influence which books they read and why.

If they read a negative review for a certain book, they won't even bother picking up. If the review is somewhere in the middle, they may decide to give it a try, and if it is a positive or outstanding review, they definitely read it. I was surprised by this, but I guess to each their own.

I tend to wait until after I read the book to read the review. That way it doesn't really sway me. Like I said, reviews can reflect my attitude towards a book, and if I have a negative attitude going in, it can be the best book in the world and I'll hate it.  To check out reviews for the latest books you're reading, visit http://www.goodreads.com/. Where do you stand on reviews? How do they affect which books you choose ?

As the sun plummeted into the horizon...

I am really into descriptive writing lately.  It makes the characters and the story become more realistic, and more interesting when the picture is already painted for me. While it doesn't leave much to the imagination, it takes a great deal of skill to do it correctly.

It is something that I hope I can one day achieve as a writer, and what better way to hone the skill then to immerse yourself into it ? Although I haven't had much time to read over the last couple of weeks, I keep finding books that just call for my attention. "lit," by Mary Karr is one such book. Karr, a daughter of alcoholics, depicts her own descent into alcoholism and recovery in her memoir.

Barnes & Nobles, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Lit/Mary-Karr/e/9780060596996/?cds2Pid=35042, has a feature that allows members to read the first few chapters of books online before the decide if they want to buy it or not. I was memorized by Karr's book. She is an amazing writer and VERY descriptive. I really suggest that you give this one a try, and I think it is really something special. Once again, I've found another book to add to my Goodreads account.....

And the Winner is ........

See if you know when these authors won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.....

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Gobble, Gobble !

Happy Turkey Day !! Hope everyone is and will have safe travels. Thankfully, my family and I don't have far to go for all of us to gather around the table ( we all live within 15 minutes of each other).

I am really excited for this Thanksgiving in particular. Normally my grandmother does all of the cooking and all of my aunts and my mom pitch in. But this year, I'm going to make a green bean casserole ( I can't cook, so this is big).

For those of you who are doing the same or tackling the big feast on their own, I've looked around for the top ten Thanksgiving cookbooks. Tara's Kitchen Online Blog, http://taraskitchenonline.wordpress.com/2008/11/01/top-10-thanksgiving-cookbooks/, had the most diverse list of cookbooks, providing new and old recipes and secrets to make the perfect turkey. Check them out, and have a great holiday !

1. Thanksgiving: Festive Recipes for the Holiday Table
2. Thanksgiving 101: Celebrate America’s Favorite Holiday
3. The Thanksgiving Table: Recipes and Ideas to Create Your Own Holiday Tradition
4. How to Cook a Turkey: *And All the Other Trimmings
5. Betty Crocker Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook
6. How To Cook a Cheap and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner
7. Giving Thanks: Thanksgiving Recipes and History, from Pilgrims to Pumpkin Pie
8. Vegetarian Times Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook
9. How to Cook the Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner
10. Thanksgiving Recipes – A Wonderful Collection of Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes!

Beat the Black Friday Rush...

It's that time of year again, Black Friday. The early morning sales and the ridiculously long lines. Well, if you're like me and don't want to wait, or wake up for that matter, than you should check out Barnes & Nobles pre-Black Friday and Black Friday sales.

Everything from nook accessories to books and movies and more are up to 45 % off. And the best part, you don't have to wake up at 5 a.m., or even leave you house to take advantage of these deals. Check out Barnes & Nobles to shop from over 1,000 gift ideas! You can even get a free $10 e-card when you spend a $100 or more. That could be one free book for your nook, so check it out, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/holiday-gifts/index.asp.

What's the Difference....

For quite some time, I have been stumped by the separation of paperbacks and hard cover books. So I am going to pose a question here : Why is it that sites have compiled lists of the best selling paperbacks and the best selling hard covers ? Essentially, its the same book . The only real differences are the texture of the pages and the cover. And the only real benefits are that they offer consumers differences in prices.

So why then do sites and book stores compile two different lists ? If it is selling well in either category, or both, it is still a best selling book. Why does it need to be a best selling paperback or a best selling hard cover? Does separating the two into these categories sway consumers to buy in one way or another?

Another issues that stumps me is that the bestselling hardbacks and the best selling paperbacks lists rarely ever have the same books. Take for example Barnes & Nobles bestselling list for today, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Bestseller-Books/379001057/. The first on the top ten for hard covers is George W. Bush's, "Decision Points." While the number one selling book on the paperback's list is "Heaven is for Real," by Todd Burpo.

Maybe I'm the only one who notices, or really cares, but I'm interested to find out the reasons....

It's Cheap...

In keeping with a theme, I wanted to offer some other ideas for acquiring books on a budget. Like everyone else, at this time of the year all of my money is wrapped up in Christmas gifts. And like everyone else, or it is possible its just me, my reading list keeps getting longer.

While I love my nook, buying or renting an e-book can get pricey. And while most paperbacks are pretty cheap, I don't have the room to store the books I buy. So I've come up with a nifty little strategy. Whenever I stumble upon books at a garage sale or thrift store, I buy them ( I make sure I'm interested in them first).

Then when I'm through reading them, I either sell them at another garage sale or donate them. Buying books this way is ridiculously cheap; I've never paid more than $5 for a book. And when I'm done, I essentially get my money back. Plus making a donation to Goodwill or the Salvation Army never hurts.

Most of the time, the books are like new, and it's a great way to save money.  Also, some books stores have an exchange program, I believe Half Price Books is one of the stores, where you can exchange old books for other ones or store credit, http://www.halfpricebooks.com/. So if you have any old books lying around, give it a try.

Be a Borrower...

While I love to read, keeping up with the latest literature can be pretty expensive. Books and e-books start at $15 and work their way up, especially if they are a new release. And although there is always the choice of your local library, there can be a hefty waiting list for the books you want.

So I recommend an old, but forgotten idea; borrow a book. My aunt and I exchange books all the time, and in doing so we expose one another to all types of genres as well as keeping the costs down. Exchanging books also offers us a conversation stater, and most of the time we create our own little book club. In doing so, our exchanges have provided us with a common bond and have made us much closer.

My only word of advice when letting others borrow your books is to make sure that you and the person you are lending the books to have an understanding. There is nothing worse than lending a book out and having it returned to you in shambles.

So the next time your looking for a new read, ask around. You may be surprised at what you can kind in the process.

Some Like it Under the Kitchen Table....

I asked some of my fellow students where they enjoying reading. Check it out !

The new nookcolor !

I've been avoiding this post for awhile, so I must apologize. My reasons are simple, I'm jealous and torn. As you know, I got a nook for my birthday in July. I love it, and have had little complaints about it. WELL, several weeks ago Barnes & Nobles introduced the nookcolor.

When I first heard about it, I thought that it would basically be the same thing, except that everything would be in color. Silly me ! It is  a completely new beast.  It actually reminds me of the iPad, which is where I am torn. In my opinion, the nookcolor doesn't do nearly as much as the iPad. Yet those that are reviewing the nookcolor say its now the iPad's biggest competitor.  Personally, I'd rather have the iPad than the nookcolor, but I will admit it is pretty awesome. Crave did a pretty nice write up and really offers a great overview, http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20020747-1.html.

  Here are some of the aspects provided by Crave:

• 7-inch VividView color touch screen (1,024x600 pixel resolution at 169 ppi; more than 16 million colors)
• 8.1 inches by 5 inches by .48 inches (HWD)
• 15.8 ounces
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Runs on Android 2.1 (upgradeable to 2.2 in 2011)
• 8GB of built-in memory, plus microSD expansion slot for adding more memory
• Supports PDF and ePub files, as well Word, Excel, and PowerPoint using built-in Quickoffice software
• Image files supported: JPG, PNG, GIF, and BMP files (use personal photos for wallpaper)
• Video playback via Android Media Player
• Sealed-in battery delivers eight hours of continuous reading time
• Pandora preloaded
• Web browser (no Flash support in Android 2.1 but will be added in 2.2)
• No Android Market, but Barnes & Noble will sell some apps through its own store
• Integrated social-networking and LendMe apps
• Price: $249
• Available in Barnes & Noble stores, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Books-A-Million

 To interact with the nookcolor and to learn more, visit Barnes&Nobles at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nookcolor/index.asp?cm_sp=Gateway-_-NOOKcolor-_-Explore%20Now%20Btn&cds2Pid=30919.

Barnes & Nobles, more to Offer than just Books !

As you know, I really utilize the Barnes & Nobles web site, and for good reasons. They have so much to offer including reviews, top books, e-books,  and interviews with authors just to name a few. One of my favorite aspects of Barnes & Nobles is their facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/#!/barnesandnoble.

They offer special features like discounts on books or accessories, exclusive videos and interviews and conversation starters. I make sure to check out the page at least once a day, and today I found something new ! Every month they compile a list of the top selling books and offer discounts to online buyers. I think I mentioned this before, but the discounts are new.  As I was looking at  November's list, I noticed they also complied a list of the "hour's" top selling books. Each hour they update the page with their most popular books.

From what I can tell, their  lists are pretty diverse, and each link takes you to the book's individual page where you can learn more about the author or purchase the book ( if you buy online you get a discount).  I suggest checking it out, if nothing more can you see if the book interests. For today's lists, and others, visit http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Books-Fiction-Nonfiction-Must-Reads/379002364/?cds2Pid=30121.

 In the meantime,  November 12th 2 o'clock bestsellers are...

1. Decision Points
   by George W. Bush
2. The Ugly Truth (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series #5)
   by Jeff Kinney
3. The Confession
   by John Grisham
4. Autobiography of Mark Twain
   by Mark Twain
5. Elf on the Shelf
   by Carol V. Aebersold
6. Full Dark, No Stars
   by Stephen King
7. Hell's Corner (Camel Club Series #5)
   by David Baldacci
8. Cleopatra
   by Stacy Schiff
9. Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?
   by Ina Garten
10. The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus Series #1)
    by Rick Riordan

Book-Based Films, Why must you Upset Me ?

When I started this blog, I set some goals for myself. One of those goals was to turn this blog into something useful for my audience. In other words, I promised myself I wouldn't rant. However, there is a "subject" that I can no longer ignore. I HATE when books are turned into movies !!!

About 70 % of the time, the movie is interpreted completely different from the book. The characters may be the same, but too many things are changed or tweaked. Take, for example, "The Lords of The Rings." While I LOVED the movies, I felt that there were too many things missing.  Maybe it was the fact that I am just a really big nerd, but regardless I felt like things were almost incomplete. I realize that there is only so long that people are willing to sit in a theater. But, wouldn't you rather sit there an extra half an hour than walk away feeling disappointed?

Others complain about the Twilight movies, but I can't comment because I refuse to both read the books or see the movies ( I know weird right ? But I feel like I need to put my foot down somewhere.) 

I do have to admit though that there are some books that are translated to the T. The bug that got this little bitch-fest started is the quickly approaching premier of the final installments of the Harry Potter books. I think the producers and directors have done a great job so far. However, I am a bit annoyed that they are breaking the final book into two films. I am SICK of waiting for this to finish. Not the mention the fact that I am a little tired of contributing to J.K. Rowling millions.

Plus, if whoever wrote this money globber doesn't do Dumbledore's death justice, I'll flip ! To get tickets or to see movie times visit, http://www.fandango.com/.

My hope for future book-based productions, is that producer/writers respect the original score, and attempt to do the book some justice. Most books that are translated to film are best sellers, so in my opinion they've already done the hard part, getting people interested.

So there is my rant, but I must ask, were do you stand on book-based films?

Fellow Students Weigh in, Which Trilogies and Series are your Favorite?

I was updating my Goodreads account, when I noticed I've been stuck on trilogies or series lately. I've finally progressed on the Stieg Larsson's Millennium Series, which Barnes & Nobles is now taking orders for the holidays, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Books-Thrillers-Stieg-Larsson-Millennium-Trilogy/379002100/?cds2Pid=16743&linkid=1621110.

 But after reviewing my little list, I was wondering what the more popular trilogies or series are? 

I checked my sites to see if any lists were available, and was surprised to learn that there was not. So I asked around and complied a list for myself. I am not going to rate these, because everyone has their own opinions and I have not personally read many of these.


"Harry Potter," by J.K. Rowling
"Lords of the Rings," by J.R.R. Tolkien
" Millennium Series," by Stieg Larsson
"Twilight," by Stephenie Meyer
"Game of Thrones," by George R.R. Martin
"Gemma Doyle Trilog," by Libba Bray
"Dune," by Frank Herbert
"Sandman,"by Neil Gaiman
"The Golden Compass," by Philip Pullman
"The Chronicles of Narnia," by C.S. Lewis

The ones that I have read, like "Harry Potter" and "Lords of the Rings," I've enjoyed. The others, like "The Golden Compass," I've considered children's books. However, after listening to some of my fellow students explain, they seem like they are worth giving a try.

For  full reviews on any of these books visit, http://www.goodreads.com/.

Memoirs, To Read or Not Read ?

I want to pose a question here. How many of you are interested in "famous" memoirs? I've tried to read a couple in the past, and just had to put them down. I felt like I was choking the contents down. The only one that I can say I've enjoyed was, "I Am the Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope and Possibility," by Trisha Meili. Maybe it was the fact that she, herself, was not famous. The incident in which she was involved is what spotlighted her.

 Regardless, it was an amazing book focusing on the power of hope and how, after a horrible incident, you can rebuild your life. I was addicted to the pages, and Meili underlying meaning. If you are ever looking for something to put your life in perspective, read it, http://www.brainline.org/content/2008/08/i-am-central-park-jogger-story-hope-and-possibility.html.

Meili wrote the book to clear up the numerous misconception about her life and the incident. However, others who try to do the same seem to fail. President Bush's memoir is set to be released next Tuesday. The New York Times has several reviews up, http://papercuts.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/bushnixon/. I am not sure if I'll pick up or another memoir.