"My new gym is strategically located in a shopping center that experienced not one but two fatal shoot-outs in the span of two weeks' time. It is right next door to a grocery store that was recently covered in broken glass and yellow crime-scene tape.
I haven't told my parents this news. They may think I'm crazy to go to this gym. But I think it is serendipity. What are the chances of another fatal shoot-out happening in the exact same location again anytime soon? I look at it as a good thing--my gym has already been pre-crimed. I believe we got all the fatal shootings out of the way and now the odds are in my favor. It is probably the safest gym in the area."
When I read this passage from Laurie Perry's new book, Home is Where the Wine Is, I was hooked. When another person writes about their gym in this way, I am instantly curious and smitten. You know me, I'm a sucker for gym stories, and since I haven't been to my gym as regularly as I like to lately, even typing out her passages makes me hanker after an hour or two on one of the bikes for a bit of people watching.
I'm someone who doesn't read a lot of blogs, so when Laurie's publicist asked me if I wanted to read her book and write a blog post about it, I thought, why not? I knew who Crazy Aunt Purl was and had seen her blog, but never followed it, but now that I've read this book, I think I will.
She's funny, but I think most of you already know that. And this book? It's probably a lot like her blog: honest, hilarious at times, self-deprecating in the most charming way, and uplifting, too.
It's a quick read: I finished it in just a couple days of bathtub reading. There are also a handful of simple-funky knit and crochet patterns in the back and include some from Drew Emborsky (The Crochet Dude). Among them are kitschy numbers like matching toilet seat and paper covers and a felted wine bottle cozy.
The publisher will let me give away five copies of her new book (U.S. and Canada). So, just leave a comment to enter. In a couple days I will close the comments, randomly generate five numbers and contact you for your address.
BTW: Still watching my neighbor across the street.
COMMENTS NOW CLOSED.
I enjoy reading Laurie's blog--she's funny and and writes well. She and I share a similar view of wine, apparently.
Posted by: JelliDonut | February 08, 2010 at 11:32 AM
You and Laurie are the two funniest knitting blogs (and the ones I quote most)!
Posted by: Cindy | February 08, 2010 at 11:35 AM
i agree with Cindy's comment above, your two blogs are on my small rotation of must read blogs! :) Pick me!
Posted by: Kristen Lozada | February 08, 2010 at 11:39 AM
I was looking over that book this weekend. I simply love her blog.
Posted by: Heather | February 08, 2010 at 11:39 AM
I enjoy Laurie's blog and yours too!
Posted by: Cindy | February 08, 2010 at 11:39 AM
Sounds hilarious!
Posted by: Liz | February 08, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Sounds like a book I would enjoy...Now I must go and follow the blog!
Posted by: Cassidy | February 08, 2010 at 11:48 AM
oh, I love both of these blogs!
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 08, 2010 at 11:48 AM
What a great couple of paragraphs... and I do agree. If the shootings have already happened, you're safer.
Posted by: Stacy | February 08, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Thanks for the chance for a book-sounds like a fun read.
Posted by: Diane | February 08, 2010 at 11:53 AM
would love a good read for an upcoming, much-needed, vacation since I won't be watching my neighbors instead of doing the knitting I need to get done! love the laughs...
Posted by: Bridget Bosch | February 08, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Gym stories? Yes, please.
Posted by: frances | February 08, 2010 at 11:56 AM
I'd love some fun reading!
Posted by: bethh | February 08, 2010 at 11:59 AM
Love your blog and now will add Laurie's to my feed...the book sounds charming!
Posted by: wendy | February 08, 2010 at 12:05 PM
I love her blog!
Posted by: Jenn | February 08, 2010 at 12:06 PM
Very good reasoning, absolutely convincing!
And I just loved your entry about watching your neighbours, aren`t we all a bit addicted?
Posted by: Hanna | February 08, 2010 at 12:07 PM
always up for a contest.
Posted by: lydia | February 08, 2010 at 12:11 PM
I'd like to read her new book!
Posted by: Amanda | February 08, 2010 at 12:14 PM
What can I say? I love reading about SoCal Knitters.
Posted by: Laura | February 08, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Sounds like exciting reading.
Posted by: Yulita | February 08, 2010 at 12:19 PM
I've kept up with Lauries' blog for a couple years now it seems. There are many days that she totally gets me out of my funk and I love her for it. Also love the fact that her cats are like people to her. I feel the same!
Posted by: Rebecca | February 08, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Her blog is awesome - I've read her first book, and it's written the exact same way. Laurie's blog is definitely a worthwhile read.
Posted by: chemicalpink | February 08, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Loved her first book - I laughed, I cried, etc, etc. I imagine the second will be as good. Love your blog too. :)
Posted by: Lise | February 08, 2010 at 12:28 PM
I love Laurie's blog, and yours, and look forward to the updates from you both. And now, here's a taste of both in one! It's like a Reeces' Cup. But without getting melty in my hand.
Posted by: imjustlori | February 08, 2010 at 12:28 PM
I've been reading Crazy Aunt Pearl since she started her blog and love it, won't miss a post. She's fun and refreshing!
Posted by: dora | February 08, 2010 at 12:30 PM