I would like to formally and officially announce to you, my dearest Fridge Fans, the existence of my latest book. The book isn’t new, and I haven’t actually kept it a secret, but I just don’t talk about it on this blog. Why? Because this blog is where you can enjoy my writing with no strings attached. Of course, I can’t say I’ll never mention it, so welcome to my little ribbon cutting ceremony. *snip*
It is entitled Why Your Last Diet Failed You and How This Book Won’t Help You on Your Next One. If you like the way I babble on here, you’ll certainly find a modicum of amusement on the printed page too. Check it out:
What’s it like? Well, here’s one take on it:
Author Charlie Hills […] provides an entertaining and well-written look at his own struggles and successes with weight loss and the diet industry. [The book] offers a down-to-earth, satirical look at all the facets of weight loss. Overall, Why Your Last Diet Failed You is an impressive and entertaining look at an issue millions of Americans can relate to. […] It is meant to be a humorous, Dave Barry-esque look at dieting and the weight loss industry.
There are excerpts from several more reviews here.
But if you want to know my favorite review, it’s the one Roni wrote. Why? Because unlike the other reviews, she truly gets it. Not a simple, “Hey that was a good book.” But, “OMG! That was so me.” In short, she’s the perfect representative of the exact audience I hoped to reach. I hope you’re in this category too.
Which brings us to the part where I shoot myself in the foot. Part of me wants to say, “Go out and buy it, you fools!” However, in honor of this momentous occasion I have decided to give away a copy of the book to not one, but TWO lucky people out there. And since you’re all hoping to win a copy that means no one will actually go out and buy it. Oh well. Sucks to be me.
Standard Blog Giveaway rules apply: leave a comment below. Multiple comments from the same person are allowed but will count as a single entry. Winner will be chosen randomly by a flock of butterflies. If you would like to comment but not enter the contest, just add “exclude” to the end of your post. Winners will be announced next Wednesday, November 19, 2008, just to give all six billion of you a fair shot.
If for some strange reason you do want to go out and buy it (after all, it does make a great gift!) here are your options:
- Easiest (and cheapest): Amazon.com
- Amazon Alternative: Barnes & Noble Online
- On the shelf: BookPeople in Austin
- Special orders, signed copies, etc: Ask Charlie
Whew! Feels good to get that off my chest. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your comments!
on November 11, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I really wanted to read your book after reading Roni’s review, I’d love to win a copy! Consider me entered…
on November 12, 2008 at 1:14 am
Sweet I am #2…haha…I am #2 😀 My inner child is cracking up right now. Anyways please enter me in the drawing.
on November 12, 2008 at 2:26 am
I want one, please! I read about you a couple of weeks ago on Roni’s blog and am pretty sure I’m your target audience. Hooray for me.
on November 12, 2008 at 2:51 am
Roni and your great writing on this blog have sold me on the book… so (unless I win it) 🙂 I will definitely be buying it for myself for Christmas!!!
on November 12, 2008 at 4:55 am
I went to see A Flock of Butterflies in concert once in the late 80s, but I got such a contact buzz from all the granola in the crowd that I don’t remember a thing.
on November 12, 2008 at 5:00 am
I do get it! At least I hope I do. :~) You asked what drives me (I saw it but I won’t get to your ques for months!) it’s the same thing that drives you (I’m assuming) I want people to get it! I want them to relate to me, I’ve been on both sides of the scale, so to speak, and I just want to help people get out of that cycle I was in for some long. I really didn’t think it was possible until I did it myself. Once I did I wanted to scream it from the highest mountain… IT’S POSSIBLE!! It really is.
That’s what drives me.
on November 12, 2008 at 5:19 am
It looks like a book I would enjoy. Immensely. It looks like a book I would’ve benefited from 16 months ago. Immensely.
{adds to amazon shopping list, just in case}
on November 12, 2008 at 5:39 am
Look Charlie, just because I live in College Station does not mean that an Austinite like you can’t send your book my way 😉
And no, I’m not an Ag, but I live with one who also works there.
Pick me!!!
on November 12, 2008 at 5:57 am
Ooh! Oooh! Oooh!! Pick me! 🙂
Why do we have to resort to the old “kickball” way of begging to be picked anytime there is a free giveaway? Well, whatever the case, I’m jumping up and down with my hand raised. Oh and I’m giving you sad puppy eyes too. And there are violins playing in the background.
Like others here – I stumbled on your blog from Roni. Perhaps you could allow her to have half of one of your salami sammies…
No? Oh. Okay then.
on November 12, 2008 at 6:08 am
Wow. After reading Roni’s review, I’m shocked at how similar our dieting lives are. Even though I’m only a junior in college, I’ve struggled so much through the past eight years or so with my weight, and have definitely found myself at “Day One” more than a few times.
I can’t wait to read this book!
on November 12, 2008 at 7:06 am
I want to win! I read Roni’s review a few days ago and it sounded great.
on November 12, 2008 at 7:11 am
I didn’t read enough as a child. I’m trying to fix that now, and you can help! 🙂
The book sounds great.
on November 12, 2008 at 7:15 am
a flock of butterflies! ribbon cutting ceremony! It’s all peaches and cream over here this morning 🙂 congrats on the book, even tho it’s not brand new – still, such a major accomplishment. And being compared to Dave Barry is fab.
on November 12, 2008 at 7:19 am
No way Charlie that I would want a book about dieting that has absolutely any value to me and my 20 extra pounds.
I have all the information I could possibly cram into my head and one additional fact would truly make it blow up.
So if you want to see a guy from the shoulders down and just the background where the head used to be, send this to me. To spare my life, please hold off your generous offer.
on November 12, 2008 at 7:22 am
I heard about you thru Roni and I’d love to “win” your book. I enjoy reading your blog so I am sure I’d enjoy reading your book. Thanks!
on November 12, 2008 at 7:25 am
If your writing style is similar to your blog…I love it and think the book would be a great read! I am so impressed by you!
on November 12, 2008 at 7:32 am
Count me in. Hey did you happen to see the pics on Roni’s blog. not one but two copies of your book make an appearance.
Look like a fun read.
on November 12, 2008 at 7:46 am
Hi Charlie- I would love to win a copy of your book… enough to come out of lurk-dom here.
I’ve been reading your blog for the past few days, ever since you guest blogged for Mizfit
on November 12, 2008 at 8:43 am
I can’t pass this opportunity up! Enter me in the contest :). The holidays tend to bring out the grump in this turtle, so I could use something to lighten me up.
on November 12, 2008 at 8:46 am
My daughter and her husband are both authors and I know the hard work that goes into getting one written and on the market! Congratulations!
on November 12, 2008 at 8:53 am
Oh Charlie, you’re in for it now. Haven’t you learned that the giveaways garner the most comments ever! Even if I don’t win, I’ve already put it on my Christmas wish list and I come from a family of readers so one way or the other, I’ll get it!
on November 12, 2008 at 9:03 am
Being your sister, I already have a copy! Hope you get lots of comments today!
on November 12, 2008 at 9:08 am
Oooh me! Pick me!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze!!!! I have to tell you though, I have much more luck with a flock of seagulls than a flock of butterflies, but oh well, I’ll take my chances.
And even if I don’t win, I’ll prolly still buy the book, but it’s so much more fun to WIN!!!
on November 12, 2008 at 9:34 am
You’re funny! I had to come over because your comment made me chuckle. This post did too. Butterflies? Do they spell out the winning number or do they swarm the powerball spit out by a lotto machine? Poor creatures probably are then commanded to lift the massive object to show all the digit.
This reminds us to all love our butterflies. Gently. Hugs are dangerous to butterflies.
on November 12, 2008 at 9:45 am
Flock of Butterflies would be such a great band name.
Oh wait.
on November 12, 2008 at 9:50 am
I never win anything, but I do enjoy your blog.
on November 12, 2008 at 10:02 am
Please count me in also; thanks! Sounds like a great read!
on November 12, 2008 at 10:25 am
Oh, count me in – I don’t have a book budget, right now…stupid modern life that requires electricity to keep the house warm…
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who will buy one eventually if she doesn’t win…but, umm…don’t hold your breath)(when did recession become the norm??)
on November 12, 2008 at 10:57 am
ooh, I want!
on November 12, 2008 at 11:18 am
I would love a copy of your book.. I am a new reader of your blog and love it as well.
much luck with the sales..
on November 12, 2008 at 11:44 am
And, being your other sister, and since I have read it twice already while laughing my a** off, I don’t need a copy, but to all of you out there that don’t win, it is a great book, and it makes a great gift too!
on November 12, 2008 at 11:44 am
I would love to win a copy of your book!
I check your blog daily, and it’s certainly a highlight of my day. Always makes me laugh! Keep up the great writing!
on November 12, 2008 at 11:58 am
I found you through Roni, too, and I would love to win a copy of your book! I absolutely LOVE your writing style and sense of humor. Your book is on my Amazon Wish List, too, so if I don’t win, I still plan to get my hands on a copy.
on November 12, 2008 at 11:59 am
Love your blog, love your humor, would love to read your book! 🙂 This Austin girl is feelin lucky! 🙂 Thanks for the laughs Charlie! Have a great day!
on November 12, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Sweet! I’d love a copy of your book! 🙂
on November 12, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I would LOVE to win your book! Like a lot of other who have left comments, I was introduced to your website through Roni’s site. After reading her review, and your blog – I REALLY want to spend my workday morning and evening bus rides reading your book… PICK ME! 🙂
on November 12, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I want it!
on November 12, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I would love to read this book! I just discovered this blog from KERF and love it!!
on November 12, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Hey there! I just discovered your blog today..it was linked from Steph at BISJ. I’m like Cassie, I NEVER win anything, but you’re funny so I’ll definitely keep reading the blog anyway 🙂
And I can relate to your 3 pound gain after losing a whole bunch. I lost 12 pounds and then put ONE pound back on. And for 3 weeks it just chilled on my body somewhere (I’m guessing my hips). No matter what I did, it wouldn’t go away. Not only was I super frustrated, but I started to think I might be neurotic when someone pointed out that I was flipping out over a POUND. Its the PRINCPLE though, right?!
The PRINCIPLE!
on November 12, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I’d love to read your book. Please consider my entry!!
on November 12, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I want!!!! :]
Please.
Butterflies pick meee!!
on November 12, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I’m not usually lucky when it comes to contests, but I’d love to read your book and it can’t hurt to give it a shot. Thanks for writing a great blog.
on November 12, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Would love a copy of your book!
on November 12, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Would love to win your book. I look forward to every one of your posts- they always make me laugh or smile. I even try to read them to my husband who just looks at me funny.
on November 12, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Charlie, I don’t usually read novels, but I might buy your book anyway, IF I don’t win the drawing! I have also learned the secrets of weight loss, so maybe I will be writing my own book after I create a website like this one.
on November 12, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Hi Charlie, can’t wait to read your book, whether I win it or buy it. Tell the butterflies to pick me, not Gary, since he already knows the secrets of weight loss.
on November 12, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Roni talked so much about your book this past weekend that I have it on my “wish” list. So, I would love to win a copy. (pick me! pick me!)
I’ll even pass it along on my blog when I am done! (pick me!pick me!)
have you picked me yet? 🙂
on November 13, 2008 at 6:15 am
While the book looks awesome, I would much rather win a salami sandwich! 😉
Can I have both??
on November 13, 2008 at 6:50 am
I like to win things.
on November 13, 2008 at 2:17 pm
me likey.
ps – congratulations and good luck with your book!
on November 13, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I found your site thanks to Roni’s book review and I love reading both of you every day!! Pick me!!
on November 13, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Forget about dieting (at least while reading the book) , I just need something to make me laugh.
Come on lucky # 52 !!!
on November 13, 2008 at 4:15 pm
What a great present it would make. please enter me in the contest. I would love to win the book.
on November 13, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I did read Roni’s review and it sounds like a great book. I’ve just recently started reading your blog, but I really like your writing.
on November 13, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I need to win this book! I will read every page, promise!
Mind you, I am the kid who read every word on every cereal box and came home from the library with a stack of books as tall as myself, so it’s not a hardship exactly…
I’m new to your blog, but am enjoying it so far!
on November 13, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I love finding new sites to get addicted to, this is so great! Bookmarking now…
on November 13, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Enter me in, pretty please!
on November 14, 2008 at 8:12 am
Please enter me! I’ve been looking for a book like this!!
on November 14, 2008 at 9:27 am
I would love to win a copy of your book. It sounds great! Knowing me if I don’t win it I will go buy it anyways. Sounds too good not to read. =)
on November 14, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Just a quick reminder folks, although it’s okay in general to leave your name blank on the comment form below, it’s not-so-much-so for a contest. I’d hate to announce that “Anonymous” has won the drawing. If you’d like to claim one of the anonymous posts, let me know and I can backfill the name for drawing purposes. (Doesn’t even have to be a real name: just some sort of handle.)
on November 16, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Looks like I discovered your site just in time! Even if I don’t win a copy, I will probably buy one anyway. Funny stuff!
on November 17, 2008 at 10:45 am
I bought a copy and am in the middle of reading it, but would love a copy to give away to someone at Christmas.
on November 17, 2008 at 11:58 am
Don’t know if it is too late to enter, but just found your blog and LOVE it. So, I’m officially trying to enter, if it is not too late.
on November 17, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Not too late, folks! Drawing is Tuesday night, the day before the next ‘Leftovers’ post.
on November 18, 2008 at 10:00 am
You always remind me of my favorite quote, from some movie I think – though I have no idea which one:
“It’s funny because it’s true.”
I’d love to read your book and it looks like this might be the easiest way to get my hands on one. Thanks for the chance!
Tammy
on November 18, 2008 at 11:03 am
Hi!
I surfed over here from Anna’s Cookie Madness blog, because yes, only someone who “gets it” would go from a blog about cookies, to posting a comment on your blog in hopes of winning your book.