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’m having a fit! I live an just south of Birmingham but will have company this weekend. I’m sad that I’ll miss you ! I’ll pray that you Rock the house and Christ will dance with you there!
Would love to win! Love both of ya’ll!!
Well. Since there about 500 comments ahead of me and they’ve all said what I was planning to say there’s nothing left for me to comment except for DITTO to all the above!
I’d love to win!!!
I can’t wait to read this!! Would love to win, thank you for the chance!
I can’t wait to check this out! I have a feeling I’ll be able to identify w her in this book, too, since I also have a hunter man :) Thanks for doing this giveaway for your friend.
Can’t wait for Melanie’s new book!!!! Yay for a give- away!!!
And re: back issues…you’re not alone! I had to ice my back after cleaning the house the other day. My bag o’peas is my friend. (frozen peas make great ice packs)
Hoorays for giveaways!
I’m in! Always on the lookout for a new read and good writing.
I would love to win this! So wish I knew you were in Opelika this past weekend – would have come to see ya!
Yes please and Amen! LOVE one!
I have NEVER won anything…ever. Would love for this to be my first!! :) Thank YOU!!
So sweet of you to give away copies of the book! What a good friend you are! Glad that you’re back to your normal routine after an eventful week. Yes, perspective is a good teacher. Thanks for the reminder. :) God bless!
I’m so excited! This is so cool, really you shouldn’t have, but I’m soo glad you did. (Ahem, I was just practicing my thank you note for when I win, cause I really want to read this one.) :)
I’d love it :)
Would LOVE to win a copy! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Pick me! I bought her first book and your Salty Sweet book for myself at Christmas. Loved them both and thanks to the podcasts, I was able to read both of them in your voices. In my head of course because WEIRD.
Looking forward to reading Melanie’s new book. I hope I win a copy.
“The BooMama Podcasts” cheer me up and make me laugh out loud. Loved “Sweet and Salty” and know I’d love this book, too.
I would love a copy of this book!!!
I would love to win this book! I loved Sparkly Green Earrings and I know I’ll love this one, too!
It would be absolutely fantabulous to have a copy of this book!! :))))
Hi Sophie,
I’d love a copy of the book. So glad your family is back together again!
I would love to win!
Loved her first book. Can’t wait to read this one. :)
Please choose me.
You are such a good friend! I am anxious to read this book as I loved Melanie’s first book. Also, I tweeted you recently telling you that I told my husband many months back about your book. He wrote it down in a note in his phone and for Christmas, he surprised me with it! I finished reading it last week while we were snowed/iced in Montgomery while visiting family. It was just the right book to help pass the time.
I’m so looking forward to reading this book!
So anxious to read this one! Thanks!
“ready, set, antelope”
you crack me up!
Would love this book!!
Can’t wait to read it! You are a sweet friend!
Yes yes yes, please
Can’t wait to read this! I just loved her first book.
I would love a copy! Thanks for the chance!
Me! Me! Me!
I love Melanie! Would love to win her book. Thanks for hosting this give-away
I would love to win. Please and thank you. :)
i would love to read it!! pick me! :)
Would love a copy of Antelope!
I would love a copy. I have been reading both of blogs forever!! I loved her first book and can’t wait to read this one. I’m also looking forward to your next one.
I love both you & Melanie and wish I could go to Birmingham and hear you speak!
I can’t wait to read Big Mama’s new book!
I feel like Melanie is my real life BFF and considering that I am here in B/CS with the Texas Aggies, I am sure my dream will become a reality one day! ;-) I can’t wait to read her new book!
Pick me!!
You and Melanie have my very favorite blogs EVER!
I have the sample on my Kindle right now. Just waiting to see if I have to push the ‘buy’ button. I’d love to win a copy.
Yes! I neeeed this book! :)
My husband got me Mel’s book last year for Valentine’s day! I would LOVE to have this one this year :)
would love to win this book!!! pick me pick me pick me :)
Yay!! I laughed out loud reading Sparkly Green Earrings & my mom & aunt were like, “That must be a good book because you keep on laughing!” I’m so pumped she has a new book coming out. It’s like laughing with a friend. Thanks so much for hosting this awesome giveaway!!!
Wow, I loved both of your first books so much and cannot wait to read more! This is a great giveaway!
I already preordered it, but would love to win one for my sister.
Thanks for the giveaway! This book is on my booklist. I really enjoyed reading your book & “Sparkly Green Earrings.”
I hope your back is better!
I cannot wait to read this book. I enjoyed the other one so much! Glad you are back to normal over in Bham! Just think, baseball season starts in 11 days! Can I get an AMEN???
I’m so excited about this book!
This book sounds refreshing and lovely. I would really love a copy.
I can’t wait to read this book and would LOVE to win it!
I cannot wait to get my hands on Melanie’s book! I know I will read through it like a mad woman and then be sad it is over, but then it is a comfort to know you will be right behind her.
I loved Sparkly Green Earrings and am excited to read this book as well!
I love the title!
(Picture hand waiving wildly in the air) Me! ME! Pick Me!!
Pick me, pick me! (Truthfully, I’ve already ordered 3 copies, but I would love to have more to share with even more folks!)
So thoughtful of you, Sophie dear! I would love to win a copy and CLEARLY, I’m not the only one!
I LOVED Melanie’s first book! Can’t wait to get my hands on this one!!
Thanks! Love your podcast!
I really enjoy reading your blog and Melanie’s blog. Laughter, tears and love is what I find in all your writings. Thanks for sharing your life.
Yes, I would love to win a copy of Melanie’s new book, The Antelope in the Living Room. :-)
I never win anything, but I have to at least try!
Oh my gosh! I am so excited to read this book. I just read her first one a few weeks ago (late to the game, I know, I know…) and was brought to tears in between snorts of laughter. As a young mom in the midst of the season of littles, her stories and writing hit home hard. Love both Melanie and YOUR story telling!
I can’t wait to read this! Love BigMama and BooMama so much!
Love her first book!!
Looking forward to reading the book!
Oh, how wonderful! I’d love to win this book.
Wahoo! Glad your world is back to “normal” and would love a copy of Melanie’s new book!
I’d love it!
Hi, Sophie, from Troy, AL!! I loved Melanie’s first book and I would LOVE to win a copy of this one!! And I can’t wait until your next book comes out, too!!!
Love her and can’t wait to read this book!
Yes, please!
Please? :)
I would love a book!
I so enjoyed Melanie’s first book, can’t wait to read the latest.
Pick me, please!! :)
I would love to win! I already pre-ordered a copy but I love her so much I’d be thrilled to share with one of my friends.
Can’t wait to read this book!
I would love to win this book. I’m glad your family is safe and home again.
Can’t wait to read her new book!!
I would love to win! Loved her first book!
Considering the fact that I could easily spend our life
savings on books, I would LOVE to win one! Sparkly Green Earrings was a favorite, and I can’t wait to read this one.
I would love to win this…thanks!!
I LOVED Sparkly Green Earrings; I can’t wait to read this one!
Sparkly Green Earrings was GREAT, I know this one will be WONDERFUL! Pick me!
I’d love to win!
I would love to have a copy of this book!
Hello,
I just finished your book – and loved it. I have been recommending it to everyone I come across :) And I loved Melanie’s first book, so I hope to win her second one. Glad you are mobile again and sorry about your back.
Love,
Kathleen
Please choose me, I would love to have a copy of this book!
Oh, I want, I want, I want! Can’t wait to read it!
Pick me random number picker – pick me!
Hi– I sure would like a copy of the book. I would especially like it if you would do one of those speaking things in the Nashville area! Please come visit us soon :)
I would love to win Melanie’s new book!!!
I would love to win a copy of Antelope!
Ooh I adored Sparkly Green Earrings! Would love to read the Antelope!