Book Giveaway #2! In which I get tricky, for a good cause.

February 27, 2012 by Simcha Fisher

Oh boy, it’s almost March 1! That’s the release date for Hallie Lord’s new book, Style, Sex, and Substance: 10 Catholic Women Consider the Things that Really Matter. Hallie assembled a truly swell group of writers, and also me, for this project (I wrote the chapter on motherhood). And look, now books have TRAILERS!

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You can pre-order the book here, and you can see some excerpts here, here, and here.

A couple of weeks ago, I gave away one copy autographed by all ten authors. I would like to give away a second autographed book — this time with a small, optional, slightly weird catch, for an excellent cause.

Here’s the deal. For this contest, you can enter just like you did last time, simply by leaving a comment on this post. Doesn’t have to be witty or articulate or even sane — just say something, and you’re entered in the random drawing.

BUT. Last time, there were nearly 500 entries, and only one winner. Wouldn’t you, oh wouldn’t you like to increase your odds of winning this time? How about having your name entered TEN times, instead of just once?

Here’s how:

to the fundraiser for my kids’ wonderful little charter school. Any dollar amount will get you entered. After you make your donation, leave a comment on this post with the words “I donated to SVCS” (no need to mention the amount, unless you want to!), and your name will be entered in the random drawing ten times. And you will make me very happy, because I love this school, and want to see it flourish!

I’m having a really hard time describing the school. Everything I say makes it sound impossibly idealized. What can I say?

They have this shabby, sunny little building way out in the country. The playground is dotted with canvas pup tents constructed by the 3rd and 4th graders, who are learning about the Civil War. As I wait for school to let out, I see a string of kids strolling back from the village library, and a couple of boys lugging a bucket of the day’s compost for the school garden. As I sign my kids out, the kindergartener is grinning will glee over the hand-sewn birthday crown from her teacher’s mother; the 6th grader is humming a little song about the parts of the brain; and the 4th grader is being teased and hounded by some first grade girls, who treat him like a big brother. The hall smells like wood pulp, apples, and wool, from the various projects the kids are making. The school’s lone TV is stored in the bathroom — because of a shortage of space, but it’s a nice illustration of how the classes are run: The kids are too busy reading, writing, singing, playing, building, cooking, weaving, making rockets, writing plays, and just generally learning things, thoroughly and contentedly, to stare at a screen.

The kids act like kids. They dress like kids. They are allowed to do kid things, like play with sticks and rocks on the playground. They aren’t straining (or being pushed) to shed their childhood. They aren’t too cool to play with younger kids, and they speak politely and openly to adults — no muttering or pawing the ground with their feet.

I know, I’m making it sound like the Sunshine Academy, where Maeby earned a crocodile in Spelling one year. But their academic standards are very high, and all of their policies affecting student life are effective, compassionate, and sensible.

So naturally, they get far less money from the state than the regular public schools.

If you

you can be sure that your money will be used very, very well. And you will have a much better chance of winning an autographed copy of this amazing book, signed by all ten authors!

The contest will close on March 8.

So, to recap: there are two ways to be entered into the random drawing:

#1: Just leave a comment at the end of this post, and your name will be entered.

#2: Click on one of the “donate” buttons above, make a donation in any amount to Surry Village Charter School, and leave a comment saying “I donated to SVCS” on this post, and your name will be entered ten times.

Thank you, and good luck!

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Posted in Uncategorized | 143 Comments

143 Responses

on February 27, 2012 at 10:02 AM razzbelly

Wow. If I could find a school like that, I might just send my kids there. And free to boot! I’m truly jealous.
on February 27, 2012 at 10:03 AM karen

. Have a great day.
on February 27, 2012 at 10:04 AM Joemy

The book looks so good!
on February 27, 2012 at 10:05 AM AZLori

I love charter schools! And Catholic authors writing awesome books!
on February 27, 2012 at 10:10 AM EKElizabeth

Sounds like a good book!
on February 27, 2012 at 10:15 AM Heather

I can’t wait to read this book. And that sounds like an amazing school!!!
on February 27, 2012 at 10:16 AM tory puthoff

looks like a great book and I donated to SVCS. Thanks!
- on February 27, 2012 at 9:05 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Thank you, Tory!
on February 27, 2012 at 10:36 AM Jeanette

would love to own a copy of this book – enter me in the drawing!
on February 27, 2012 at 10:42 AM richard

Good luck.
on February 27, 2012 at 10:56 AM Joanne

Sounds like a great school.
on February 27, 2012 at 11:04 AM Sarah M

Thanks for setting up another drawing!
on February 27, 2012 at 11:32 AM Kimberly Bombak

I donated to SVCS
- on February 27, 2012 at 9:05 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Thank you, Kimberly!
on February 27, 2012 at 12:31 PM Dianna

I would love a copy of this book!
on February 27, 2012 at 12:46 PM Tracy

Thanks for another chance to win!
on February 27, 2012 at 1:27 PM Emily G

I’d love to enter again!
on February 27, 2012 at 1:38 PM Kevin

I donated to SVCS…if only because after reading your description, I was jealous enough that I needed to perform an act of penance.

Seriously, though…I’m really happy for you and your kids that this school is available to you, and its existence gives me hope.
- on February 27, 2012 at 9:07 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Thank you, Kevin! Sorry about the whole occasion of sin thing. I have noticed that some of the public schools in the area are starting to adopt the practices that used to be only for little private and charter schools – so yes, there is hope.
on February 27, 2012 at 1:44 PM Nancy B

I donated to SVCS! Great idea for the fundraiser—I’m a sucker for something like this, ha! I’m sure they appreciate it!
- on February 27, 2012 at 9:09 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Thank you, Nancy! They are so extremely cool about my deadbeat ways (we’re supposed to do at least 20 hours of volunteer work, and I am, like, 20 hours behind), so I hope this does some good.
on February 27, 2012 at 2:08 PM Susan

I’d love to win that book!
on February 27, 2012 at 3:00 PM Francine

I’d love to win a copy of the book!
on February 27, 2012 at 3:05 PM Kara H.

You said to put something, so….

“Something.”

There.
on February 27, 2012 at 3:14 PM Michele

Looks great!
on February 27, 2012 at 3:15 PM MightyMighty

I donated to the wonder school! Sounds like an amazing place.
- on February 27, 2012 at 9:10 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Thank you, MightyMighty! I appreciate it more and more as time goes by.
  - on February 27, 2012 at 11:59 PM MightyMighty
    
    I’m a teacher-turned-tutor-and-homeschool-overseer and I have such respect for schools that do it right. It’s so hard to do it right, especially with these weird standards that are changing all the time, and this odd belief that teachers can “differentiate” every single lesson to reach every single student, regardless of how motivated said students are. The best schools seem to develop a curriculum that understands the knowledge that is timeless and expands the mind, and the students get sucked in whether or not they want to be. The worst schools consistently teach to the lowest common denominator, and try to break big ideas into little pieces, but a lot of times those big ideas can’t be put back together again. Kids pick up fragments of understanding, which they can’t transfer or use, and end up thinking, rightfully so, that their time at school is a waste. Throw in the average school’s perverted focus on sex ed for toddlers, and it’s a wonder there are any children to be found in schools at all.
    
    So, I am really glad that someone with your high standards for academics and morals has found a school that really lets kids develop the way they ought. I wish I had access to a school like that, but our local Catholic school has standards too low, the local Catholic-but-not-archdiocesan school has Regnum Christi people involved in formation, and the local Montessori schools are $8k a year per child. The public schools are good until about 3rd grade, when the social agenda stuff gets intense and the kids start to sour. We’ll probably homeschool.
on February 27, 2012 at 3:24 PM Barb S

Sounds like an excellent book. I would love to read it.
on February 27, 2012 at 4:02 PM Kirsten

As if I didn’t already think you were cool, you had to go and reference Arrested Development. Thanks for the grin today! And congratulations on finding such fantastic school for your kiddos!

I can’t wait to read the book. Please enter me into the contest.
on February 27, 2012 at 4:08 PM Beadgirl

But did science make your children feel like Elvis?
- on March 1, 2012 at 3:56 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  No, it made them feel like a reactionary right wing sorehead (they did a climate change unit). Ha ha, no school is perfect!
on February 27, 2012 at 4:26 PM jen

I’d love to be entered!
on February 27, 2012 at 4:39 PM Karenmarie

I donated to SVCS and would love a copy!!
- on February 27, 2012 at 9:10 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Thank you, Karenmarie!
on February 27, 2012 at 5:38 PM Kelly

I’d love to win a copy of the book!
on February 27, 2012 at 5:44 PM Maria

Please enter me! I’d love to read the book.
on February 27, 2012 at 6:16 PM anna lisa

Ah ha! …” Apples, wood pulp and wool”. I knew you were a closet hippy. Why does that make me gleeful?
- on February 27, 2012 at 9:12 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  No no, it’s a special subset of New England culture where you work with your hands AND hate Commies.
  - on February 28, 2012 at 12:00 AM MightyMighty
    
    Love it!
  - on February 29, 2012 at 7:19 PM anna lisa
    
    Lol, JK. I meant MINUS the commie element. Sometimes I threaten my husband that I’m going to become a hippy (so I’m free to be a slob, but others interpret as “free spirit”) He recoils in horror Truth is, that I like makeup too much so I’d never find peer acceptance. I’m more of a priced out “Anthropologie” hippy, (who loves apples, wood pulp,wool, the farmers market and my cozy Uggz) *Awesome that yours is a charter school. It sounds like expensive “Greenwood,” in Mill Valley, minus the statues of Buddah, the elephant god, and the Virgin Mary, where there are no sins except high fructose corn syrup, and where they all learn to knit with their fingers.
on February 27, 2012 at 6:31 PM Diapeepees

I’m entering! (Plus, your school sounds enchanting…that’s a good word to describe it, isn’t it…almost like a homeschool, but a real, live school.)
- on February 27, 2012 at 9:11 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Yes, this is how it always seemed to me. So much like what our homeschool was like in my dreams – the difference being, they actually DO these things.
on February 27, 2012 at 7:03 PM Natalie

I am excited about this book!
on February 27, 2012 at 9:02 PM Natalie H.

Your school sounds great, we may consider moving in order to avoid homeschooling in a couple of years
on February 27, 2012 at 9:54 PM Rose

This book sounds great, I’m excited for it to be released!
on February 27, 2012 at 10:20 PM Michelle B

I have already ordered the book but would love to have a copy to give as a gift!! I can’t wait to read it!
on February 28, 2012 at 1:55 AM Katherine Brown

Would love a chance to win this great book! If not…I’ll surely buy it anyways!
on February 28, 2012 at 6:11 AM Seegal

I donated! I would love the book and I love good schools!
- on February 28, 2012 at 7:11 AM Simcha Fisher
  
  Thank you, Seegal!
on February 28, 2012 at 10:24 AM Megan Smith

I am looking forward to reading this book! Thanks
on February 28, 2012 at 11:09 AM Terrie

Can’t wait to read this book!
on February 28, 2012 at 11:34 AM Susan

Really, really, really want to win this!
on February 28, 2012 at 11:59 AM Michelle

I donated to SVCS. Sounds like a wonderful school.
- on March 1, 2012 at 3:57 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Thank you, Michelle!
on February 28, 2012 at 1:07 PM Andrea

Looking forward to reading this book!
on February 28, 2012 at 1:22 PM Ashley

Would love to win the book — as well as see more schools like SVCS!
on February 28, 2012 at 3:15 PM Kati

Thanks for another chance to win. I can’t wait to read it.
on February 28, 2012 at 3:50 PM Karen in SC

I’m excited about the book!
on February 28, 2012 at 4:58 PM David L.

Sounds like a great school!
on February 28, 2012 at 6:38 PM Michelle

Wow, that sounds like a wonderful school! Like you said, all the perks of homeschooling, minus the “home” part of that.
on February 28, 2012 at 8:43 PM Joseph Nelson

I hope I win this book for my wife!
on February 28, 2012 at 9:13 PM Antonina

Can’t wait to read the book!
on February 28, 2012 at 10:15 PM Kari

I comment again in which I hope to win again.
on February 29, 2012 at 12:14 AM Kempy

I made a donation to SVCS! I’m a new follower and I have enjoyed reading your past posts before bed every night. Looking forward to the book launch. Remember, real women wear socks with cheerios stuck to them … and pants!
- on March 1, 2012 at 3:58 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Thank you, Kempy! And wow, rereading this, I just realized that I totally stole your “Cheerios stuck to socks” joke in today’s post at the Register! Sorry about that!
on February 29, 2012 at 2:02 AM Lani

Can’t wait to book the read!
on February 29, 2012 at 11:20 AM More excerpts, including one from my chapter! « I have to sit down

[...] don’t forget to enter my drawing for a copy of the book autographed by the whole crowd, pictured [...]
on February 29, 2012 at 11:21 AM Tess

That school sounds amazing. What is its educational philosophy? Montessori?
- on March 1, 2012 at 4:04 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Not Montessori, but definitely some elements, I think. I’m pretty clueless about various educational theories. Here is some more about their curriculum:
  http://www.surryvillagecharterschool.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=60
  
  and their “mission” and “philiosophy” :
  
  http://www.surryvillagecharterschool.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=55
on February 29, 2012 at 11:24 AM JM

would like a copy, thanks!
on February 29, 2012 at 11:25 AM Kaitlin Finn

This looks ridiculously good. Seriously. Haven’t picked up a book in *cough cough* sometime now, Especially being pregnant with our third in under three years. But seriously, I’ll find some time somewhere. Maybe when I lock myself in the bathroom for a few minutes. Enter me, Kaitlin Finn!
on February 29, 2012 at 11:56 AM Carolyn A

Enter me, please.
on February 29, 2012 at 2:26 PM Dave R.

for my wife (38.5 weeks)
on February 29, 2012 at 3:12 PM Joy L

Already pre-ordered from Amazon, but would love another copy to give to a friend! Thanks!
on February 29, 2012 at 4:56 PM richard

Good luck everyone.
on February 29, 2012 at 6:53 PM Rebecca Currier

I second that.
on February 29, 2012 at 9:39 PM Callie

I would love to win a copy of this book! thanks
on March 1, 2012 at 12:23 AM Naomi

I would love a copy!
on March 1, 2012 at 9:01 AM Diane

That school sounds wonderful–makes me want to move near you.
on March 1, 2012 at 9:45 AM theliteraryproject

I’ll buy the book if I don’t win it
on March 2, 2012 at 10:18 AM Abby

Simcha, I love your writing…my family knows I’m reading you when I burst out in laughter and tears (I also just had baby #3 so I’m a little on the edge these days)!
on March 2, 2012 at 2:57 PM Marya

Your childrens’ school sounds wonderful. My son attends a private Catholic school that is also wonderful. These small schools need so much support because they, along with caring parents, are producing such wonderful results. I cannot donate, but I would still love to win the book!
on March 2, 2012 at 10:41 PM Gretchen

I love the title!
on March 3, 2012 at 7:27 AM Katarina

Kepp it up!
on March 4, 2012 at 8:59 PM Ashley

What a clever way to elicit donations! I totally want that book! (Does the prospect of a reward decrease the charity in the act?)

“I donated to SVCS”
- on March 6, 2012 at 11:16 PM Simcha Fisher
  
  Thank you, Ashley! Nah, it’s Lent – I think the Holy Spirit assumes good intentions all around.
on March 5, 2012 at 3:06 PM Maria

Please, please, I want a copy!! (And forgot to put it on my Amazon wish list in time for my last order so I will either a) need to win a free one or b) wait until the next time my order reaches $25 for supersaver shipping!)
on March 5, 2012 at 6:38 PM Heather

No money to donate, but I’d love to be entered in the contest!
on March 7, 2012 at 7:00 AM Last Chance! « I have to sit down

[...] will be too late. . . but today, you still have time to enter the book giveaway. Remember, it’s free to enter, but if you donate to SVCS, your name will be entered ten [...]
on March 7, 2012 at 7:08 AM Ann Calderaio

I would like to win the book
on March 7, 2012 at 7:20 AM January

Please enter me!
on March 7, 2012 at 7:44 AM Julia Stell

Looking forward to reading this book!
on March 7, 2012 at 7:46 AM Sarah

I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance!
on March 7, 2012 at 7:56 AM Elizabeth

The book looks great!
on March 7, 2012 at 8:18 AM Kristy

i am last minute getting to the drawing… but i would LOVE a copy! thanks!
on March 7, 2012 at 8:21 AM Heather

I would so love to win this book! It would just make my day, …my week!
on March 7, 2012 at 8:40 AM Leah Gaines

I donated.
on March 7, 2012 at 8:48 AM Jinger Birkholz

Would love to win!
on March 7, 2012 at 8:58 AM Michaele

Thank-you for sharing your school with us. The coolness factor is in the rich dirt making they are creating with compost! And the tv shelved in the bathroom –

how. simply. appropriate.
on March 7, 2012 at 9:10 AM Diane

Would like to read this book! Thanks for the chance to win!
on March 7, 2012 at 9:15 AM Maggie

I hope I win
on March 7, 2012 at 9:19 AM Jordan Guernsey

Here’s my entry!
on March 7, 2012 at 9:21 AM Cristina Freyre

Hi, I donated to the school!

Maybe you can ask if they want to open a Miami, FL location?
on March 7, 2012 at 9:30 AM melissasims

thanks!
on March 7, 2012 at 9:33 AM Angie

Would love to read this book!
on March 7, 2012 at 9:33 AM Theresa

I thought I’d enter at the last minute. I love your blogs, Simcha! I’ve gotten many of my friends hooked on you!
on March 7, 2012 at 9:40 AM Beth

I donated to SVCS and am pleased to be able to. Sounds like a great school.
on March 7, 2012 at 9:45 AM Melanie Gillespie

Hi! I donated to SVCS. Thanks!
on March 7, 2012 at 10:08 AM Marianna

Can’t wait to read the book!
on March 7, 2012 at 10:20 AM Diane S.

I donated to SVCS. Sounds like a great school!
on March 7, 2012 at 10:43 AM Lisa

Did I already enter this? I didn’t bother to look through the responses…
on March 7, 2012 at 10:56 AM Melissa

The book looks awesome, and the trailer really made me want to read it! Especially since it was banned from YouTube…
on March 7, 2012 at 11:01 AM Sarah L

If the book already didn’t look fun, that banned peppy pink trailer has me sold.
on March 7, 2012 at 11:07 AM Tim

I donated. My wife loves your blog, and this would be a great gift for her! She already has an unsigned copy, which she would gladly pass off to one of her zillion sisters if she had a signed copy.
on March 7, 2012 at 11:16 AM Maureen

I would love to read this book! Maybe I can justify buying a kindle if it keeps selling out in print though….
on March 7, 2012 at 11:44 AM aedill

I would L-O-V-E to read this book…and plan to whether I win or not!
on March 7, 2012 at 11:53 AM Christy Czarniecki

Thanks for a chance to win this great book!
on March 7, 2012 at 12:02 PM Lynsey

I would love to win a copy of this book! It is on my “wish list”!!
on March 7, 2012 at 12:27 PM Gretchen P

I’d love to read this!
on March 7, 2012 at 12:40 PM Katie S

I’d love to win this book!
on March 7, 2012 at 1:19 PM Ryan M

I would love to get a copy of your work.
on March 7, 2012 at 1:29 PM Emily

Thanks Simcha!
on March 7, 2012 at 1:43 PM eve

Oooh, pick me.
on March 7, 2012 at 1:54 PM Moni

Do want.
on March 7, 2012 at 1:59 PM Sarah in MI

I donated to SVCS. My kids also attend a public charter school and I like to support charter schools that are doing good work.
on March 7, 2012 at 1:59 PM Elaine

Enter me please! Thanks
on March 7, 2012 at 2:04 PM Lisa Burnham

Fingers crossed. Can’t wait to read this book.
on March 7, 2012 at 2:42 PM Katey

I would love to win this book!
on March 7, 2012 at 2:47 PM berenike

mememememememeMEEEEE!

Gies the buik!
on March 7, 2012 at 3:01 PM Angela

I would love to win a copy!
on March 7, 2012 at 3:06 PM Esther

I would love to read this book!
on March 7, 2012 at 5:20 PM Tiffany

Hoping to win!
on March 7, 2012 at 6:16 PM Kristen

I donated to SVCS! Sounds lovely. Winning a book would be great : )
on March 7, 2012 at 6:45 PM Donna Marie

Your book looks lovely! I would love to read it!
on March 7, 2012 at 7:33 PM Marissa

I’m looking forward to reading this one. Thanks!
on March 7, 2012 at 8:53 PM Tori

The book looks fantastic. Sorry I can’t donate, though. Tight times until the tax return comes through!
on March 7, 2012 at 8:56 PM catholicbibliophagist

I want to enter please (if it’s not too late).

–C.B.
on March 7, 2012 at 9:36 PM mandamum

Glad it’s doing so well! I’d love to win a copy.
on March 7, 2012 at 10:31 PM corita

If it is not too late, I would like to be entered in the contest.

Thank you, Simcha.
on March 7, 2012 at 11:29 PM Ashley

I donated to SVCS! Your school looks wonderful & I am so happy you have the option to send your kids there. We are hoping to send our son to Montessori school in the fall, but it’s so expensive he might only be able to go for a couple of years. Wish we had a charter school here too!
on March 8, 2012 at 1:40 AM J

Looks like a great book!
on March 8, 2012 at 8:29 AM Cathi D

Would love this book! Great video too.