Nerves make us bomb job interviews, first dates, and SATs. With a presentation looming at work, fear robs us of sleep for days. It paralyzes seasoned concert musicians and freezes rookie cops in tight situations. And yet not everyone cracks. Soldiers keep their heads in combat; firemen rush into burning buildings; unflappable trauma doctors juggle patient after patient. It’s not that these people feel no fear; often, in fact, they’re riddled with it.
  In Nerve, Taylor Clark draws upon cutting-edge science and painstaking reporting to explore the very heart of panic and poise. Using a wide range of case studies, Clark overturns the popular myths about anxiety and fear to explain why some people thrive under pressure, while others falter-and how we can go forward with steadier nerves and increased confidence.

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Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,
agent and/or author. This blog hosts the giveaway on behalf of the
above. I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in
exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are
ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
*Grab your current read
*Open to a random page
*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
*BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
*Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

She was simply falling apart before my eyes.  Beneath the pain dwelled the complexity of a hurt I knew I would never be able to understand.

THE WEIGHT OF GLASS by Stuart Heatherington

Published by Stuart Heatherington
ASIN: B003WMA670
At the request of the author, an EBook edition was provided, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from author): Hidden in the words of Amy Macon’s memoir, as much a work in progress as a survival guide for a torturous childhood, is the need to stitch together the fabric of a family’s dark history.
  For Lee Macon, growing up meant you had to forget waking up inside your mother’s coffin or the memory of the man that put you there. That’s a secret he’s kept from his sister for 30 years.
  Things change, however, when Amy joins Lee at the family’s beach house to lay their sister to rest. Showing up will ease some of the scars brought on by time, if not the memory of the ones etched upon Amy’s wrists. But more importantly, Lee understands the staggering truth behind her murder.
  What they know is this: out of a houseful of children, only two of them remain alive. One is pushing to escape the past and the other hell-bent on bringing it to light. In this, Lee finds himself blindsided by a sister’s resolve, drug around by the corners of a broken heart and forced to remember what, as a boy, he so desperately fought to hide. Problem is no one said it would be easy digging up the dead. It never is. But if they’re going to sift through the bones of memory, it will mean uncovering the mystery of a family long buried in violence.
  A provocative novel of survival and redemption, The Weight of Glass is a story of one family’s struggle with forgiveness in the wake of tragedy.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: This was a very hard read due to the nature of the story line. A very disturbing and profound plot of extreme child abuse of 4 siblings, only 2 surviving to adulthood and trying to deal with the past. The story alternated between an adult brother and sister reliving and confessing to each other the torture they both endured of their childhood and how it affected them. At times, I had difficulty as to who was remembering the memories and had to reread a few pages to fully grasp which sibling it was. The characters were very hard for me, and this is my opinion only, to relate to as the abuse was so horrendous at times, that I could not imagine. A very depressing, and at times, horrific read. Unfortunately, in this day and age, we hear and see real life stories like this on the news every week.

THE WEIGHT OF GLASS by Stuart Heatherington

Published by Stuart Heatherington
ASIN: B003WMA670
At the request of the author, an EBook edition was provided, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from author): Hidden in the words of Amy Macon’s memoir, as much a work in progress as a survival guide for a torturous childhood, is the need to stitch together the fabric of a family’s dark history.
  For Lee Macon, growing up meant you had to forget waking up inside your mother’s coffin or the memory of the man that put you there. That’s a secret he’s kept from his sister for 30 years.
  Things change, however, when Amy joins Lee at the family’s beach house to lay their sister to rest. Showing up will ease some of the scars brought on by time, if not the memory of the ones etched upon Amy’s wrists. But more importantly, Lee understands the staggering truth behind her murder.
  What they know is this: out of a houseful of children, only two of them remain alive. One is pushing to escape the past and the other hell-bent on bringing it to light. In this, Lee finds himself blindsided by a sister’s resolve, drug around by the corners of a broken heart and forced to remember what, as a boy, he so desperately fought to hide. Problem is no one said it would be easy digging up the dead. It never is. But if they’re going to sift through the bones of memory, it will mean uncovering the mystery of a family long buried in violence.
  A provocative novel of survival and redemption, The Weight of Glass is a story of one family’s struggle with forgiveness in the wake of tragedy.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: This was a very hard read due to the nature of the story line. A very disturbing and profound plot of extreme child abuse of 4 siblings, only 2 surviving to adulthood and trying to deal with the past. The story alternated between an adult brother and sister reliving and confessing to each other the torture they both endured of their childhood and how it affected them. At times, I had difficulty as to who was remembering the memories and had to reread a few pages to fully grasp which sibling it was. The characters were very hard for me, and this is my opinion only, to relate to as the abuse was so horrendous at times, that I could not imagine. A very depressing, and at times, horrific read. Unfortunately, in this day and age, we hear and see real life stories like this on the news every week.

According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”
                                                                  From Doubleday

According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”
                                                                  From Doubleday

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Since book bloggers are the “nicest bloggers”, I thought that our Sunday “Hot Chick’s Get Together” (as Jeff, Lori’s from Dollycas’s Thoughts’ hubby, now knows to call us) and who is suspected of not delivering the dessert lol, is for us to get to know a little bit more of the established bloggers but also welcome new bloggers into our neighborhood.  I met this new blogger through this weekly event.  She wrote such a lovely and thoughtful comment that I headed right over to her blog and invited her to be not only a visitor but a guest, and she accepted.  I introduce you all to McGUFFY ANN from McGUFFY’S READER. 

I am an avid reader; I carry a book with me everywhere I go. After joining a couple of book sites and doing several reviews, I decided book-blogging would help me keep organized…and perhaps even earn me some advanced reader copies! My blog is still in the early stages, but thanks to some hard work and very nice people, it is growing.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
McGuffy is my first name. It comes from “The McGuffey Reader”, which was introduced in 1836 and widely used in the 19th century. It was used to teach students to read phonetically.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
I want my blog to mainly reflect the love of books and reading. Of course, along with that comes musing and writing! The love of animals and those who love animals are especially welcomed and even encouraged.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I mostly read books by women, for women, about women. I love women’s memoirs, women’s literature/fiction (particularly Southern fiction), and women’s poetry. I do love a good animal story, and one of my favourite animal authors is Bob Tarte. He is hilarious, and a very nice guy! His third book should be coming out soon. (I hope!)

*How often do you post?
I try to post something every couple of days, or so. I do read other’s blogs daily, and I make a special effort to comment on them.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love sharing books, trading books, discussing books. I love interacting with like-minded people.

*What are some of the negatives?
Blogging can be addictive. There is so much going on and so much to do, with so many people and blogs! It also takes time away from my beloved books and reading!

McGuffy’s Reader

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I obviously love my cats. Grizelda & Chloe are my librarians. Maggie P. is my profile picture. I also love when people leave comments for me.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Read other book blogs, but focus on your own: be true to yourself. Make it your own, reflect yourself, and relax.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
I follow those who welcome me, those who have inviting blogs that are easy to navigate. I like blogs that are straightforward and truly give me a feel of its author.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
I am not a fan of complicated contests or “giveaways”. I don’t like having to keep posting for several things, to earn several points. I find it difficult to follow a blog with many things going on, as well. For me: less is more.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
*I write poetry. I have had many published, and have won some awards as well. I am currently working on a poetry book and a children’s book.


*I began writing in high school, when I was in NJROTC. I was second in command, and the highest ranking female officer. I wrote ROTC articles for the local newspaper, and high school paper. I also started an ROTC newsletter, linking the three high schools that formed our Unit. (My post-high school military career was ended due to rheumatoid arthritis.)


*I’m a very straightforward, no-nonsense person. I’m first generation Northerner, so perhaps that factors in. I think this is also why I love Southern literature so much.


*I love some sports: NASCAR and football. I do follow these and have favourites!


* I love learning about all kinds of animals and wildlife. I used to be a veterinary technician, and had a pet care/pet sitting business. I learned about proper care of animals. I also became involved in animal rescue. I found that I have a special gift of being able to bottle-feed orphaned animals, and rehabilitate ill or injured animals.


*I love to fish, and am quite good at it! I can tie my own knots/lures and bait my own hook! I can land and net a fish, too. My favourite place to go and to fish is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I plan to retire there, where nature and wildlife is abundant!

*Any other info you would like to share with us?
My review of Bloodroot, by Amy Greene, was chosen by a bookseller site, winning me several books of my choice!

McGuffy, thank you for being my guest today and Welcome to the great book blogging community.  I am sure you will be meeting many new “friends” that have similar interests and not only of of book genres but some bloggers came to mind who love southern literature, NASCAR, poetry, etc etc.  McGuffy has recently had knee surgery and is recuperating so I know that she would appreciate it if you would stop by and say hi and welcome her into this world wide, friendly association of avid book readers.

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Since book bloggers are the “nicest bloggers”, I thought that our Sunday “Hot Chick’s Get Together” (as Jeff, Lori’s from Dollycas’s Thoughts’ hubby, now knows to call us) and who is suspected of not delivering the dessert lol, is for us to get to know a little bit more of the established bloggers but also welcome new bloggers into our neighborhood.  I met this new blogger through this weekly event.  She wrote such a lovely and thoughtful comment that I headed right over to her blog and invited her to be not only a visitor but a guest, and she accepted.  I introduce you all to McGUFFY ANN from McGUFFY’S READER. 

I am an avid reader; I carry a book with me everywhere I go. After joining a couple of book sites and doing several reviews, I decided book-blogging would help me keep organized…and perhaps even earn me some advanced reader copies! My blog is still in the early stages, but thanks to some hard work and very nice people, it is growing.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
McGuffy is my first name. It comes from “The McGuffey Reader”, which was introduced in 1836 and widely used in the 19th century. It was used to teach students to read phonetically.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
I want my blog to mainly reflect the love of books and reading. Of course, along with that comes musing and writing! The love of animals and those who love animals are especially welcomed and even encouraged.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I mostly read books by women, for women, about women. I love women’s memoirs, women’s literature/fiction (particularly Southern fiction), and women’s poetry. I do love a good animal story, and one of my favourite animal authors is Bob Tarte. He is hilarious, and a very nice guy! His third book should be coming out soon. (I hope!)

*How often do you post?
I try to post something every couple of days, or so. I do read other’s blogs daily, and I make a special effort to comment on them.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love sharing books, trading books, discussing books. I love interacting with like-minded people.

*What are some of the negatives?
Blogging can be addictive. There is so much going on and so much to do, with so many people and blogs! It also takes time away from my beloved books and reading!

McGuffy’s Reader

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I obviously love my cats. Grizelda & Chloe are my librarians. Maggie P. is my profile picture. I also love when people leave comments for me.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Read other book blogs, but focus on your own: be true to yourself. Make it your own, reflect yourself, and relax.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
I follow those who welcome me, those who have inviting blogs that are easy to navigate. I like blogs that are straightforward and truly give me a feel of its author.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
I am not a fan of complicated contests or “giveaways”. I don’t like having to keep posting for several things, to earn several points. I find it difficult to follow a blog with many things going on, as well. For me: less is more.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
*I write poetry. I have had many published, and have won some awards as well. I am currently working on a poetry book and a children’s book.


*I began writing in high school, when I was in NJROTC. I was second in command, and the highest ranking female officer. I wrote ROTC articles for the local newspaper, and high school paper. I also started an ROTC newsletter, linking the three high schools that formed our Unit. (My post-high school military career was ended due to rheumatoid arthritis.)


*I’m a very straightforward, no-nonsense person. I’m first generation Northerner, so perhaps that factors in. I think this is also why I love Southern literature so much.


*I love some sports: NASCAR and football. I do follow these and have favourites!


* I love learning about all kinds of animals and wildlife. I used to be a veterinary technician, and had a pet care/pet sitting business. I learned about proper care of animals. I also became involved in animal rescue. I found that I have a special gift of being able to bottle-feed orphaned animals, and rehabilitate ill or injured animals.


*I love to fish, and am quite good at it! I can tie my own knots/lures and bait my own hook! I can land and net a fish, too. My favourite place to go and to fish is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I plan to retire there, where nature and wildlife is abundant!

*Any other info you would like to share with us?
My review of Bloodroot, by Amy Greene, was chosen by a bookseller site, winning me several books of my choice!

McGuffy, thank you for being my guest today and Welcome to the great book blogging community.  I am sure you will be meeting many new “friends” that have similar interests and not only of of book genres but some bloggers came to mind who love southern literature, NASCAR, poetry, etc etc.  McGuffy has recently had knee surgery and is recuperating so I know that she would appreciate it if you would stop by and say hi and welcome her into this world wide, friendly association of avid book readers.