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.
Would love to read this book!
I would love to read her new book! Thanks!!
I. Need. Antelope! (Besides, we ate mystery meat – antelope – growing up. It just feels right.)
First let me say I love your blog! I must admit though, I am new to this blog thing. I would love to Roam with the Antelope in the Living Room.
I am always in need of laughter, encouragement and to see how someone else balances life. A new direction in any case, is wonderful.
Congratulations to Melanie!!!
AAAAH. I can’t wait!!!
Oh, and BooMama….I have to tell you this. I made kettle corn last night for the superbowl…and as I was watching the Broncos be annihilated (boo)…I was eating the kettle corn and thinking it was the perfect blend of salty and sweet, salt and sugar…..and your book title immediately came to mind! And then…..between the lack of Bronco defense, and a reminder of your sweet Southern book…..I teared up.
So thank you for writing. It brings my heart closer to my own grandparents that I miss so much.
I enjoyed book #1, and I’d like to read this one also!
I have a few friends who will be getting married soon, so I’ll pass the book along to them once I’m finished with it! One can never have too many books about godly living, marriage, and parenting (in my book)!
I have already pre-ordered 2 booksfor myself & best friend , but I would love to win another one to give to my sister!!
Can’t wait to read this book!!
I would love to have this antelope(the book, I mean)!
Love love loved Sparkly Green Earrings! And she even signed it for me at DotMom! Can’t wait to read this one!
Would love to read this!
I love you both so much, love your books and would love to win Melanie’s latest!
I would love this book! Thanks
I love antelopes! Hope I win.
Awesome giveaway, I loved her first book!
Just recently started reading both of your blogs and LOVE them both. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading your books but I’m thinking of heading to B&N tonight to pick them up. I’d love to win the new release!
Yes!! I want one!
I loved Melanie’s first book so I know her new book won’t disappoint.
I would also love to win a book. Melanie’s blog was one of the first that I began reading and I enjoy her writing so. Loved Sparkley Green Earrings.
Read SGE in no time! Can’t wait to read this!
Loved her first book! That’s how I found out about you and your book! :)
Excited to read the “pre-quel”
Sure would love to win!
Looking forward to reading her second book! It would be a plus to win it!
Pick me! I love to read books that have absolutely nothing to do with Llamas and their Mommas, Pinkalicious, or Jake and his gang of friendly pirates:). This book would only encourage adult literacy in this house!!
I would love to win this book! I really loved Sparkly Green Earrings! So glad you are all safe and back to normal life.
Ohhh I can’t wait to read it!!
Sounds delightful. :)
I’d love to win a copy!
I would love to win a copy. Thank you for the chance!
Who doesn’t love free? Bring it on!!
I would love to win a copy of Melanie’s new book! Thanks so much!
I would love this book!! I loved Sparkley Green Earrings, and know I would love this!! Trinity UMC is my sister, Amy’s church, and I’m letting her know right now you will be there!! I so hope she can come. I wish I could! So glad things are back to normal for you… thought about you alot during all the chaos… Love ya, Soph!!
I love both you AND BigMama. I would enjoy reading her next book!
So excited for her next book!
Yes please! Read her first book and fell in love!!
Thanks for the giveaway. Looking forward to reading this.
Yes, yes, yes!! I absolutely adored “Sparkly Green Earrings”!
I love Melanie’s writing, and I would love to win! Thanks!
Been waiting for this book – would love to win a copy!
Loved her first book & looking forward to reading this one!
Oh, I know it is going to be fabulous! Thank you!
After having to sell most of my fav books in the past few years just to buy food… I’m ready for some laughter and the chance to restock my “library.” I would love to win.
Hey Sophie!! Love reading your blog! I’ve just gotten connected, but I feel like I haven’t missed a beat!! I loved reading your book! Claire Jacobs Bush and I both read it at the same time! I would love a copy of any book you recommend!!
I would love a copy of the book!
I would love to win Melanie’s book!! Pretty Please with sugar on top!
I would love a copy of this book! I read BooMama and BigMama everyday – and wish that I knew you both personally! Thanks for the chance to win!
THANKS for a great offer. It would be exciting to win a copy. I loved “Sparkly Green Earrings”. Have a wonderful day!
Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to win a copy of this book!
Would love, love, love to win this!
I loved SGE and I’m sure this is more of the same fabulousness! I was planning on buying it, but maybe I’ll win a copy here. :)
PS – Thank you for the giveaway.
I love Melanie and can’t wait to read this book! Sparkly Green Earrings was so precious, and I know this book will be the same! Thanks for the giveaway!
This book is going to be so good! Can’t wait to read it!!!!
Loved her first book and her blog!!!
Can’t wait to read it!
would love to win!!! :)
I love her blog so I know I’d love this book!
I would love a book! Even if I don’t win, I’ll probably buy it for myself.
Pretty please!! Love some Melanie!!
Loved her first book. Looking forward to this one.
Thanks for this great opportunity! I would love to win a copy of this book!
I can’t wait to read this book! Loved the first one and I bet this one will be even better!
I loved her first book and can’t wait to ready this one. Would love to win!
Would love to win. Loved her first book!
I want to win a copy :) Love her!
I would love to win! Thank you for having this giveaway!
I absolutely love both your blog and Melanie’s…and I would love to have this book to go with Sparkly Green Earrings. I love your book, too….I have loaned my copy to so many friends and we all loved it!! It brings to mind so many sweet and funny memories. Thank you!
Loved the first one and will love this one too!
I would love, love to win this book. I just started following her blog and Love her!
Can’t wait to read her new book – thank you for the chance to win a copy!!
Loved her first book, can’t wait to read the second!
I just slathered IcyHot on my upper arm….As a child I remember laughing at my Mom’s older friend complaining ALL the time about her bursitis …I am not laughing now.
I would love to win her new book…laughter is always the best medicine!
You all provide a good laugh every day for me during lunch!
I would love to win a copy of this book! I read Sparkly Green Earrings and couldn’t quit laughing/crying the entire time!
I would really enjoy a copy of this book. Thank you.
Hope I get picked!
I would love a copy! Looking forward to reading it!
How wonderful it is to win a free book!
I would love to have a paperback copy of Melanie’s new book. I actually preordered her book to my kindle but would love the hard copy. Love, love, loved her first book!
Love your and Melanie’s books and blogs!
Ooh, I would love to win!
Can’t wait to read this!!!!!!!!
I would love one!
I would love a copy!
Love you and Melanie both!
Regardless if I win, I will be purchasing this book! I loved Sparkly Green Earrings!
Melanie makes me laugh with every blog that she writes! I loved SGE and am sure that I will love this one too!
Loved the first book! Can’t wait to read this one!
I would love an antelope, please & thank you!!!
Can’t wait to read this book and thanks for the chance to win it! wanted to also say that I live in Little Rock, AR, and your adventures over the past few days in the ice is so familiar…so glad you and your people made it home!
I can’t wait to read this book.
Boo Mama,
Please pick me! I loved Melanie’s last book!
Thanks
Shannon
I would love to win a copy of this book!!! Please Please!!
Loved Melanie’s first book. Can’t wait to read this one too!
Can’t wait to read this book!
I’ll get it even if I don’t win it, but winning it would be awesome :)
I love Melanie!
Love love loved Sparkly Green Earrings. Can’t wait to read Antelope. I think Melanie Shankle is absolutely hilarious! Looking forward to winning this book:-)
Please please please!