Well, I think we are officially back to normal after last week’s craziness. I got THE SLEEP OF MY LIFE Wednesday night – the best sleep I can remember since the Saturday night after I took the ACT in high school – and Thursday I got to do really fun things like picking up my car and shopping for groceries. You’d better believe that I did not take either of those things even a little bit for granted. It felt like sweet, beautiful luxury to be mobile and run errands and come home and cook supper. Perspective teaches some memorable lessons, you know.
Friday I had a speaking thing (I don’t know what else to call it. Please forgive my awkward terminology.) down in Opelika, Alabama, and spending some time with those sweet women was a great way to wrap up the week. I was home by noon on Saturday, back in pajamas by 2, and happily napping by 3. So it was a pretty good day as far as Saturdays go.
(By the way, I have another speaking thing this Saturday, February 8th at Trinity UMC here in Birmingham, and the ladies who are organizing the event asked if I’d pass along the info to the folks who read my blog. So here’s the info if you’re interested; it would be so fun to see some of y’all there.)
So that’s about it, really, for our weekend. Today was pretty much a typical Sunday. I did manage to wrench my back when I was getting dressed this morning, so I have spent most of the afternoon slathering on Icy Hot and wondering when I turned 107. I’ve even thought about when I was little and those commercials for Doan’s Back Pills would come on during The Price is Right. I couldn’t fathom why the grown-ups had so many issues with their backs, but apparently the folks at Doan’s knew something that I wouldn’t know until I made friends with my 40s.
But listen. None of that even matters right now.
BECAUSE.
The real point of today’s post is this little treasure right here.
Oh, y’all. I love it so much. IT IS FANTASTIC.
And yes, I know that I am shamelessly, unabashedly biased when it comes to Melanie. She is one of my favorite people in the whole wide world and one of my very best friends. But that’s part of the reason why I am so crazy about The Antelope in the Living Room – because this book is so her. It’s hilarious and tender and real. You will laugh out loud on page one (and countless times after that), and you will shed a tear or nine, too. Basically it’s like sitting in Melanie’s den and listening to her tell stories – and by the time you get to the end of the book, you will be encouraged, inspired, and relieved that there’s someone out there who has shared the same struggles, the same joys – and who sees the same very good God behind every single bit of it.
This book is such a good ‘un, y’all. You don’t want to miss it.
So. I haven’t even told Melanie this (and considering that we talked, you know, last night, that is sort of a feat), but I’m giving away five (5) copies of The Antelope in the Living Room. This giveaway isn’t sponsored by anyone; neither Mel nor Tyndale asked me to do it. I just want to give away some copies because I love this book and I know that you will, too.
SO – if you’d like to enter to win a copy of The Antelope in the Living Room (which comes out THIS TUESDAY, February 4th), just leave a comment on this post. I’ll leave this giveaway open for 24 hours, which means that I’ll shut down the comments at 8:00pm central on Monday, February 3rd. I’ll notify winners ASAP, and you’ll be able to choose whether you’d like to have a paperback or an eBook. I’ll order your book just as soon as I have all the necessary information.
Ready, set, Antelope, everybody – you’re going to love it!
This giveaway is now closed.
I would dearly love a copy!
I can’t wait to read this book! P.S. I was given your book at Christmas and it was a little slice of heaven.
Oh please pick me!!! Can’t wait to have you in Oklahoma in a couple months!!
Great giveaway!
Yes, please!!
I would love to win this book.
Enjoyed Sparkling Green Earrings made me laugh out loud in Dr’s waiting room laughter better than medicine any day. Keeping my fingers crossed.
I would love to win this book!
I have shared her book and yours with everyone is know and can’t wait to get my hands on this one too!!
Oooh, I loved Green Earrings. I know I’ll love Antelopes, too! And, can’t wait for your next book, Boomama!
Oh I would love to win this! Thanks for the giveaway!
Loved Sparkly Green Earrings, can’t wait for the Antelope!
I would love to read this book! Melanie is so funny to read on her blog. I could use a good lol book to enjoy & pass around during these cold winter months!!! Please pick me!
I would love to win! I listen to your bigboo podcasts on the way to work and laugh all the way!
Would love to win this!
I’d love to read it! This is the second place this week I saw this book recommended!
Would love to win a copy of Mel’s book. How was the first day back at school?
I enjoyed Melanie’s first book so much and would love to win a copy of this next one!
I can’t wait to read it!! Thank you!
Who can refuse a contest to win a free book! I would love to win this book.
Would love a copy of her new book!
I would love to read it! Always like having a new selection in my reading choices!! :-)
I would love a copy! I need encouragement my husband and I are opposites as well
Would love. SGE And your book are the only two I ever bought e-copies of because I couldn’t wait to get it in person by mail or at the store!
I would love to read this book! I need some good laughter to make it through this winter mos.
Would love to be a winner! And I hope your back is better very soon.
Would love to win!
Oh, I can’t wait to read this! You and Melanie bring so many smiles to my face and warm my heart often.
Oooo, pick me!
Love to read this!
Would love a book! Glad things have gotten back to normal in Birmingham!!
Would love to read it!
I can’t wait to read it!
I would love to win a book, too! I love reading both of your blogs! Thank you for having the giveaway ~ so fun!!
I loved sparkly green earrings so much, I’ve been so excited waiting for this release, so I would be cstatic to win a copy!
I would love to win this book!!!
Melanie’s blog is a treasure….her Sparkly book a delight….I know Antelopes will not disappoint!
Can’t wait to read this!!!
I can not wait to read this!! Would LOVE to win a copy!!
You are such a sweet and supportive friend!
I pre-ordered a copy on iTunes, but would love the chance to pay it forward if I am blessed enough to win. Thank you!
I have never read anything Melanie has written. Because you think so highly of her, I am sure I will love her book.
You are such a sweet and supportive friend! :)
I would love a copy!! I laughed and cried through sparkly green earrings! I just ordered your book last week and can’t wait to read it! blessings! Mimi
Ain’t it great to have a friend or two that you can’t imagine sharing your life with. What a blessing indeed.
I haven’t read Melanie’s first book, but would love to read this one. :-) I loved yours by the way.
Not sharing your life with. Geez!
I loved her last book and would love to win this one!!
I want to the possibility of winning her book!:)
I LOVED her first book! So happy you’re doing a book giveaway! Crossing my fingers…
I’d love to win this! I plan to search one out tomorrow but would send this as a gift to a
young girl on strict hospital pregnancy bedrest! She’s in need of reading material and cheering up. I think this would be just the thing!
I would love to read this!
I pre-ordered “Antelope” for Christmas presents for my mom and sister, but I haven’t ordered one for myself yet! Would love a copy!!
Yes, please! Pick me, pick me!
I would LOVE to win this book !!!
I loved her first book and am certain that this one will be just as great.
I would love this!
Please, oh please pick me!!
I would love to win an ” antelope!” Thanks Boo Mama!
Ooooh, a book, yes please!
I only recently started listening to ya’lls podcasts, and had no idea what I had been missing these many years. What a hoot!
Nate’s Mom
So fun! I haven’t read any of her books yet but from the comments in this post and the comment section, the books sound wonderfully written!
It would be awesome to win one – would make it look like me neglecting to pre-order one was on purpose!
Can’t wait to read the book!
I’m ready for some big laughs from this book.
Would love love love to have her next book can’t wait to read it
I would love to win a book!!!!
I loved Sparkling Green Earrings and I know I will love this one too. I would love to win one but if I don’t, I’ll be ordering it.
I love Melanie’s writing. I would love to win her newest book!
Can’t wait for it to come out!
I would love to win a copy. Loved Sparkling Green earrings!
Can’t wait to read it !
I would love to win :)
Live Melanie’s blog and love your blog too! Can’t wait to read her book.
I’ve already bought mine, but I’d love another to share with a friend!
I can’t wait to read it!!!
Me me me! I want one!
Would love to read!
Can’t wait to read this!
Am I too late? I sure hope not!
I would love to read Melanie’s new book :-)
I would so love to have this book!!!
I would LOVE a copy of the new book. There is no doubt that if I’m not a lucky winner I’ll be buying it tomorrow!
Would love to read this book : )
I hope I am not too late to enter! I would love a copy of this book.
I loved her first book and can’t wait to read this one. If I win, it will make a great birthday present for myself on Thursday.
I would love a copy! Pick me! :-D
Looking forward to reading Melanie’s new book.
Cannot wait to read this book!!!
I would love a copy of Melanie’s book!
I loved your book and love your blog! Thanks for always making me lol!
I can’t wait to read this book!!!!
So, you know I’d love to have one!
I’d love this. Her other book is one of my favorites!!!
Christi
Just made it in under the wire! I want to read Melanie’s new book!
Love, Love, Love both your books! Would love to win!