The world of book blogging is not as big as one might think. I have met so many wonderful people through the blogs and especially through participation in reading challenges. And that is how I met Nattie…a single mom with a passion for books and a beautiful smile. I didn’t know her for long, but she touched my heart. Sadly, Nattie left this world far too early on June 7, 2007 at the age of 33. As a tribute to Nattie and as a way to keep her memory alive through the love of books, Heather has established The Nattie Challenge blog where she hosts reading challenges dedicated to Nattie.
This month a new challenge has been posted. The Thinking of Nat Challenge encourages readers to read a book which reminds them of Nattie; and to give away a book in her name.
I am going to read one (or both) of the following books for this challenge:
- The Amateur Marriage, by Anne Tyler (which was a Nattie pick for the Something About Me Challenge)
- The Bright Side of Disaster, by Katherine Center (a book focused on motherhood) – COMPLETED May 14, 2008; rated 4.5/5; read my review.
CHALLENGE WRAP UP:
I had thought about reading both books for this challenge, but given that in the last 2 weeks ARCs have been arriving on my doorstep much faster than I can read them, I’m going to wrap up this challenge having read The Bright Side of Disaster…and having given away TWO books. This was a wonderful challenge because it was in memory of Nattie. I am always blown away by the generosity and caring of the book world. Catherine Center stepped up and donated a signed edition of her book; many comments got posted about Nattie…and I kept thinking how pleased Nattie would have been to see the beauty of the human spirit in her name.
= Excellent
= Good/Very Good
= Okay read
= Not recommended
= Ugh! Don't waste your time.
I’m the author of The Bright Side of Disaster, and I feel very honored that you are thinking of reading my book for The Thinking of Nat challenge. I’d be happy to send you a copy for a giveaway, if you’d like one!!! Just let me know!
Katherine: Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I would love to have your book, The Bright Side of Disaster, as my giveaway book. Nattie was very committed to her kids and wrote about them all the time – the good stuff, and the ‘disaster’ stuff. This would be the perfect book to give away. Thank you. I will try to contact you on your site. Or you can email me at caribousmom at gmail dot com
THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us.
I can see why those books remind you of Nat. I have read the first one, and it is very good. Nat had good taste.
How sweet. Thank you for passing this along.
hey!!!! I just “re” found your blog and i came across this note… because I am now wondering .. do i know Nattie? is she someone you met via the yahoo groups?
Anyway, i’m subscribing know so maybe i can keep up…
marie (the ratmammy)
Heather: Thanks for hosting this challenge!
Andi: You’re welcome!
Marie: You may have known Nattie – she was in a lot of the book groups and challenges. I met her through challenges and regularly read her blog. Glad you’re subscribing
Thanks!
This is such a lovely way to remember a book lover and fellow reader
RR: I agree – the Remember Nattie Blog holds regular reading challenges in Nattie’s memory.
Heather – I hope you love the book as much as I did! Katherine is VERY sweet…and she has a new book slated to come out in 2009 which I will definitely put on my wish list!