So, as I have mentioned, first I insinuated myself into the Unbored book series, and now I get to do a give-away here of Unbored Games. Life is, despite the hideous election results, totally grand.
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| That's me, all the way at the bottom left, looking dauntedly at the amazingly creative ways the art folks signed the books. I just wrote my name, like a schmo, but I was so happy to be there. Also, the Unbored team is almost weirdly attractive. |
1) Bloomsbury is generously donating three copies of the book to this particular cause, the cause being readers of this blog who want the book. That means you have a guaranteed 1 in 3 chance of winning! Okay, it doesn't mean that. But still.
2) I am a big fan of Unbored, and of games, making this second book in the series just completely perfect for people like me (and hopefully you) plus the essay I contributed
3) I actually got to meet Joshua Glenn and a bunch of the crazily talented creatives at a book event on Saturday, and they were so much fun, and Josh and my Michael even share the worst and most hideously small-hearted phobia that I am not at liberty to share here, but that makes me love them both all the more.
So please enter! Just write a comment in the comments saying you'd like to enter and you will be entered. (Sorry. I did it again. Gross molesting passive voice. "You will be entered by me" was worse though, and then "I will enter you" was even worse than that. Sorry.) You have to live in the U.S., also, sorry. Sorry sorry sorry. I'm having that kind of day. Sorry.
Two other things:
Ben's latest stop-motion claymation is up on youtube (speaking of Unbored, which is where he learned how.) Please watch it. It's very, very short, but it does have a notably distinct narrative arc. Also, please note and admire his correct usage of "its." Atta boy.
I have a new piece at the NYT Motherlode blog, and I'd love it if you went over there to read it! (Sorry.)
Thanks, friends. And thank you for being such a bright spot in the bleak November ick of this particular day. xoxo
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| Gratuitous cat belly. |
Oh! Pick me, pick me!!! I've been reading your blog since the BabyCenter days. You guys seem to have so much fun with all of these neat games/books, and I'd love to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteLots of love from New Orleans!
Would love to win a copy! It's been on my wish list for our family since you first posted about it, so am hoping it will end up under the Christmas tree one way or another :)
ReplyDeleteThis is also on our wish list. And good luck with today, it must be a solar flare up;)- my kids are giving me a good workout!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! You don't need to apologize, though :)
ReplyDeleteYes, please! Would love to win this--and to shake these post-election blues.
ReplyDeleteI loved your piece on the Times Motherlode blog. As someone who was raised to be fiercely independent, it really struck a chord with me. I hope that I am raising my sons to be more interdependent, but it's a definite challenge for me. Thanks for giving me something to think about.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE that book!
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered. Oh jeez. You're right. Sorry. ;)
ReplyDeleteWould love it!
ReplyDeleteI have Unbored and would love Unbored Games to add to my collection!
ReplyDeleteYour piece at Motherlode was really beautiful. I'm going to call it compassion. Also, whether we win or not, I think an Unbored will come to our house this holiday season. xox
ReplyDeleteI would love the book. The first one was great!
ReplyDeleteSign me up!
ReplyDeleteThat book (and the first one) have been on my wishlist forever! Would love to win it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy boys love Unbored, and I'm sure we'd all love Unbored Games!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I LOVE Ben's movie. My boys have been making stop motion movies with their Minecraft figures, and another set of movies using little hamster erasers and Lego buildings. They're quite fun to watch!!
DeleteWhy does it always have to be in the US (little sad face!) - so don't enter me but I loved the article (as always!) and am on my zillionth read through of all your baby centre articles as I prepare for our 3rd baby! Verity (sadly in England!)
ReplyDeleteWe love Unbored Version 1.0. Looking forward to the upgrade. Would love to win.
ReplyDeleteMy comment just got eaten!!! I just wanted to say how much I love your essay, Catherine, that is my parenting style too and the way that Ben and Birdy look out for each other, and for you, is a tribute to how kind you are to them! I wish the current trend for leaving kids floundering and overfaced in the name of independence would f-f-f-fade away! (to quote The Who)...
ReplyDeleteAngela
We're planning a move from Louisiana to Washington (state) next month, and I've already packed a lot of our toys. An entertaining book would be perfect! Also it would probably help fill so many of those rainy Seattle days I'm told we'll face.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance, and thanks for sharing your writing and parenting (and eating!) with us all.
Love the Motherlode article. Even commented on the NYT webiste. Would love to participate in the giveaway. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, you can enter me anytime! (I too needed a smile on this dismal day.)
ReplyDeleteEntering!
ReplyDeleteWould love to win a copy - thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI just put this book on my wish list. I am not sorry to say that >75% of the things on my wish list are taken straight from the blog!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about Unbored for Christmas. (Ack! I know, so soon, but if I don't start now we'll have a horribly generic year.) So I'd love to be entered! BethY
ReplyDeleteMy oldest son loves games but does not particularly like to read. My middle son is not the biggest fan of board games but loves to read. I'm wondering if a book about games would be a great read for both of them. We've picked up a few games over the years that you've recommended and they've all been great (except the one with the bean cards - Bohnanza! - we've completely missed something important in how to play that one). Would love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteWe love our Unbored book! But this is one we don't have.
ReplyDeleteWe would love to have one of these!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to be entered into the contest! We love Unbored.
ReplyDelete-Rachel C.
I am going to hurl myself into the sea of hopefuls. I would love to win this book!
ReplyDeleteI write, therefore I am. . . entered. Right?
ReplyDeleteThanks! Waving wildly.
I need to be cheered up. Please enter me, er have me be entered by you, um, whatever.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting the world (and me) know about Unbored and Unbored Games. Desperately needed at this household!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me, too
ReplyDeletePlease enter me into the contest. Love, Linda
ReplyDeleteEnter me, please!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great! would love to win!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine! I LOVED your article on Motherlode. So beautiful! So perfectly expressed! Thank you xoxo
ReplyDeleteMy kids are just testing the "I'm bored!" waters - I would love to win before they really develop the habit.
ReplyDeleteI would love a copy of Unbored! And I love ALL your blogs and recipes and essays!
ReplyDeleteI would love a copy of Unbored - fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteGood book to have, I'm sure. Kudos to Ben for the claymation video--nice work!
ReplyDeleteI will like to be "entered"
ReplyDelete:)
I bought Unboard because of you and others as gifts, we'd so love Unboard Games. :)
ReplyDeleteBeth
** How do I leave a comment that sends you my email address, but not everyone? I have a gmail address ** Thanks.
We would love this!
ReplyDeleteWait, did it enter? If not, I'm entering. If it did, then I've just entered twice. (insert dramatic music here...duhn duhn duuuuhnnnn)
ReplyDeleteEnter me, please!
ReplyDeleteSo, if you enter me, I and everyone-in-my-life are guaranteed a 1 in 3 shot at serious fun? By all means, sign me up!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this opportunity! Lots of us neeeeeeed post election pick-me-ups. midwest g'ma
ReplyDeleteI would love this!
ReplyDeletePick me, please!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this book. Enter away!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me....now I'm off to the Motherlode Blog instead of putting my kids to bed! Lucky me and lucky them! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this!
ReplyDeleteYes enter me! ( is that English??)
ReplyDeleteWill you sign it?! I would love to be entered by you in the drawing!
ReplyDeleteEnter me, please! Love the Unbored book! Can't wait to see this new book.
ReplyDeleteYes, what was up with that election? I will need this book to keep my mind occupied for the next two years at least. Please enter me in the drawing or please have me entered in the drawing or please allow me to be entered in the drawing by you or ... :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have the next Unbored! Please throw in my name. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI want to be entered to win a copy! My girls 10 & 12 would be so pleased and hopefully Unbored!!
ReplyDeleteOk, I'm having trouble with all these comments that say, "Enter me, please!" But how else to say it?? Please consider me an entrant? Whatever. I have Unbored in my elem school library, and I want to add Unbored Games right next to it, so ENTER ME, BABY! :-{ )
ReplyDeleteMe too - me too. Need some new stuff. So please enter me. whoops (sorry) Loved the doorknob article btw - missed it and then found it. Well done, I really enjoyed it and it made me think, think, think. (off to read your new stuff and see Ben's creation) (also irritated with the election results.) Take care Miss Catherine - enjoy the fall. :)
ReplyDeleteSo I had to check out Ben's other videos. The states-a-popping was so creative. I loved that. Want me kiddos to watch it. Great idea. Tell him well done.
ReplyDeleteYes, enter me please....we need some unboredom in our lives!
ReplyDeleteAs we enter the indoors months and I am desperate to prevent a Minecraft addiction, please enter my name ( thus avoiding the awkward use of me) in the contest. Cat bellies are never gratutitous and sometimes necessary to take the edge off an icky November day.
ReplyDeleteI live in Tennessee, so my post-election ick is one of the worst icks. Goodbye, freedom of choice! Hello, 1960! Kill me.
ReplyDeleteAnd so I need this book to cheer me up! Unbored is on my Christmas list for my daughter, and this would be a great accompaniment to that.
I would love to win this!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this. Also,stop apologizing. You're the best!
ReplyDeleteWe'd love to win this. Our family is gearing 'down' this holiday. Trying to NOT do electronics. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI would love this book - thanks for the chance! The motherlode piece was beautiful. Compassion! Kindness! That's what I want to teach. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Catherine, for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteWould love this book for my boys!
ReplyDeleteGames! Fun! Books! I'd like to be entered. (And now giggling over that stupid double entendre.)
ReplyDeleteMe me, me! I need a bright spot too (although you are actually enough of a bright spot - I shouldn't be so greedy...)
ReplyDeleteBut me, me, me please!
(raising my hand up as high as I can) Ooo - Yes, please enter my name in the contest! I love Unbored, and have been wanting this follow up since I first read about it. Would make an AWESOME gift for the holidays!
ReplyDeleteI'd love a copy!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me! Would be a great addition to our "boredom" library
ReplyDeleteOooh! My 9-year old would especially love this book - he is both a game-lover but also in the thick of a quick to be "bored" phase. If we don't win, this will go on the Christmas list. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I loved your Motherlode article. So well written and thoughtful. And the premise really feels like a beautiful, valuable way to live. Clearly modeling kindness and generosity with your children has seeped into their inner being.
ReplyDeletei would love to win this
ReplyDeleteWe love Unbored, and I'm sure we'd love Unbored Games as we head into another Polar Vortex winter....
ReplyDeleteYou're right, there's also no good, clean way to say: "I want to be entered, please enter me" Ugh. :) But we love Unbored. In fact my son who perpetually says: "What can I do??" still thumbs through it constantly since we got it on your recommendation and is never disappointed.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in this event (Ick, can't find a good way to say this!) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteApologies if this posts twice.. Chrome is being weird. Anyway - I would love to win Unbored! Also, I could write a wee essay of my own here in the comments about the thoughts your Motherlode piece inspired in me. Instead, I will just say YES. THAT. And thank you.
ReplyDeletePick me, please! And, thank you... :)
ReplyDeleteUmm, please enter me? No wait, I'd like to be entered?
ReplyDeleteUm, how about... Yes, Good Book, Good! :) Thanks!
Please pick me, oh goddesses of random comment prize winner fates!
ReplyDeleteplease enter me!
ReplyDeleteooooh- Our family loves the original Unbored book- can't wait to check this out!!
ReplyDeleteMy 11-year-old daughter would love this book!! Here's to hoping you pick me!
ReplyDeleteLooking for some ideas to get us through the long winter ahead.... Enter me, please!
ReplyDeleteI'd love a chance to win. Please enter my name. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI hope I win
ReplyDeleteFor my son who always says I'm bored
I won't say what my smart a** reply usually is...
I'd love a copy of this book for an upcoming family weekend in the mountains. 16 of us, all ages, looking for games to play!
ReplyDeleteYea games!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me! --Cathy K
ReplyDeletePlease enter me, Catherine.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteEnter me, though I think my chances of winning will be SUPER slim. We'll see! Thanks for the give-away!!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I've been following you for years but I've always been too afraid to write to you. For reasons that are too long to list here. But I'm here now! :) Thank you for making me laugh and cry and for giving me courage! I loved your NYT piece on the Motherlode blog and I'm sharing it over on my blog and Facebook page, thecounterstool.me Maybe you'll come and visit me some time. Thank you for years and years of comfort!
ReplyDeleteYes, please enter me.......yep, gross!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to be entered in the drawing, please. Your Motherlode piece was beautiful as always and I wish you lived up the street from me.
ReplyDeleteI am in tears over your Motherlode piece, I SO NEEDED to hear this today, and put so eloquently? God, I just love you, and totally selfishly want you to live next door to me too! And do please enter me...HA! Yes, no clean way to say that! All of my boys love board games, and are getting older, and this book sounds like a really really great family time. Thanks, as always, for all you do!!
ReplyDeleteYea! We would love this book! Family game night could use a few new ideas. :-)
ReplyDeletewe would love love the book. we need a game night expansion :)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to enter!
ReplyDeleteAll the "enter me" jokes have already been made, but I still want this book!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the contest.
ReplyDeleteWe LOVE books, games, and not being bored. Hope to win the book!
ReplyDeletePlease to enter me!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to enter. Thank you! It's my husband's birthday and we're trying out the buffalo cauliflower.
ReplyDeleteI can't get picked if I don't sign up and I would love to have this book!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to enter. Thanks for offering it!
ReplyDeleteIt would be a perfect Hannukah and/or Christmas gift for my perfect 13 year old son whose only imperfection is that he occasionally HATES HIS MOTHER so much.
ReplyDeletesigned,
his mother
Please enter my name!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy. Please put my name in! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo pick us! Would love to win. Thanks for giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMe!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your NYT article. Self-reliance, or being a self-made person, is overrated. And usually fictional.
ReplyDeleteThis is my second comment, so you can chuck one of them out of the drawing.
Oh, how I would love to be entered! Ahem.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love your piece in the NYT. We'd all like to live in an interdependent world, wouldn't we? So why is it such a struggle to begin building that world with our kids?
ReplyDelete(And I can't wait to try the sweet & spicy tofu bowl and the Buffalo cauliflower - both queued up for this week.)
Unbored Games looks fantastic! Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteAnd perhaps if I won I shouldn't be anonymous. But I couldn't figure out how to add my email privately. -- Karen S.
DeleteI would love to win the book, but even more than that I would love to be as cool and connected a mother as you! Love NYT piece.
ReplyDeletelove that book. we have checked it out of the library numerous times and would prefer to take ownership. I, too, am trying to ignore the hideous voting results. LALALALALA can't hear you!
ReplyDeleteMy 14 year old was impressed with Ben's claymation. Maybe he'll try it if we win!
ReplyDeleteOur family would LOVE this book! Thanks for hosting a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, awesome, awesome!!! Sorry for the repetition and the gratuitous exclamation points. (Sorry, sorry, sorry). But, seriously, we would love this- we have the original Unbored and love it! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteyes, unbored games ! as usual, your article is a great read. keep em coming! sorry, sorry, sorry. ahkraus at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteFun, fun!! Thanks for thinking of us.
ReplyDeleteWe've checked this book out from the library so many time! It would be awesome to have a copy of our own!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to enter myself in the book drawing. Enjoyed your Motherlode piece; that's how I got here.
ReplyDeleteI need a way to unplug my 8 year old, 11 year old and husband from their individual ipads! This book might be the ticket. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I read your Motherlode piece just now and (unsurprisingly) am once again grateful for your brilliance, your kindness, and your way with words. Not to mention the personal example of your parenting and your family. I love the image you tucked into your essay of that tiniest matroyshka doll inside our growing children, and I so appreciate your larger point about human interdependence. I was worrying about this just this morning at a parent meeting at school as we discussed the kind of social/emotional learning the school is working to promote... Independence is not everything!
ReplyDeleteInterdependence it is. Many moons ago I used to work with adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting, teaching them to be more independent. I remember one weekend though getting a reminder to think about what exactly it is we're teaching them. Don't I feel good and loved and part of my community when someone offers to pour me a coffee and stir the cream in to it? Should the individual who is seen as less capable by society not be allowed the pleasure of someone being giving and helpful to them? You could tell the experienced workers- they didn't act like trainers or workers- they moved with the person- not for or against them.
ReplyDelete