Beijing Tai Tai: life, laughter & motherhood in China's capital - BOOK GIVEAWAY

Greetings all,
I read Beijing Tai Tai a few years ago, when i first met Tania McCartney.  I went to her book reading & as i read the book myself, i heard her voice telling me her story, personally.  It's just that kind of fabulous book.  Now it has been relaunched with a fresh cover & extra content, the kind folks at Exilse Publishing have offered a copy of the new release for one of my lucky readers.

"I feel like everyone should know about Beijing Tai Tai... it's the Eat Pray Love for mothers." - author Dee White
& Tania is gorgeous, she'd star in her own Hollywood movie version too!!
The official word . . .
Intensely personal, at times a little controversial, Beijing Tai Tai is a rollercoaster ride of honesty and openness as a wife (tai tai) and mother juggles suburban family life in urban Beijing. Presented in a series of love/hate column-like snippets - on topics ranging from the consumption of bull testicles to the life-altering experience of walking the Great Wall - it exposes expatriate life in a country on the brink of great change
From tragic hair moments and bustling silk markets to China's quest to stay true to its ancient origins, Beijing Tai Tai is a book for anyone interested in this diverse and culturally rich country. It's for anyone from anywhere who knows what it's like to fall in love, explore new worlds and live with challenges. It's about life in a city full of soaring highs and disconsolate lows - but never anything less than remarkable.

"This book rewrites the myth of the full-time expat mother." - Lee Mack, Managing Editor, City Weekend Beijing

Me, well my favourtite stories in Beijing Tai Tai include . . . trying  open a bottle of wine on a train journey, sans corkscrew; her little boy's first day of International School - still wearing size 2 underpants (i hear you Tania!!); & the hilarious under current/ parrallel story of the housemaid, sometimes sinister but always entertaining, always at the McCartneys expense.  I didn't want the book to end, i savoured the last few pages, great entertainment for $24.95.  There is also a neat glossary at the back with all the must-know terms for life in China.  Yes, Tania thought of everything!!

 Cover Girl Tania & ACT National Year of Reading Ambassador Tania; wife, mother, author, writer, friend Tania, the lady is an incredible talent, you should see her blog - filled with craft, style, humour, travel, parties . . .

 Tania even runs this amazing KBR website, a must for young readers!!

Follow the virtual book tour - more giveaways, reviews & amazing blogs to discover too!!

Thanks to Exisle Publishing for sponsoring this book giveaway. 

You can also order a copy of the book here. 

Just follow this blog & leave a comment here to win a copy of this fantastic book, open now until midnight on Thursday 19th April. 

If you're in Canberra, come along to the launch at the National Library of Australia on Wednesday 18th April (evening), details & RSVP here.

Good luck everyone, i'll announce winners of all my latest blog giveaways on April 20th.  Love Posie

did you know it was the National Year of Reading??

Greetings all,
This post is dedicated to beautiful Felicity from Gifts of Serendipity blog who is not only a teacher & raising 3 wonderful children, but she nurtures her followers to Vive Le Livre too.

 I was invited by author Tania McCartney to the National Year of Reading launch, at The National Library of Australia.  We arrived early to eyeball the Handwritten Exhibition from Berlin.  WOW.  To view the handwriting of Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante, Einstein, & to read the wit of Napolean first hand + handwritten music of Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms (& dozens more) . . . huge treat.  There were manuscripts dating back 1000 years, i want to find 'monk font' as their penmanship was perfection!!   

 I suggested we sit behind the VIP seating & da dah - the Prime Minister sat in front of us.  I could never be a celebrity, the flashing lights were migraine inducing!!  Ditto for yet another white/ cream/ off white jacket for our PM.

 I didn't watch the news but guessing i was in the background of some footage.  I had a very sparkly sequined Alannah Hill cardigan on - right back at you bright lights!!  The PM, Arts Minister & Education Minister all gave inspired speeches on reading.  I married an avid reader, most military men are, like my papa, it's their escape.  My children all devour books, not so much my 3rd girl, she'd rather be crafting, like her mama.   

 Dishy William McInnes is the NYR patron, here with Children's Laureate Boori Monty Pryor who had those school children thoroughly engaged with his stories & imagination.  The lights kept dimming, to total darkness (during all speeches, including the PM) it was completely bizarre & after the 10th time, really funny.  I learnt afterwards, the media folks were leaning on the light switches & over riding the main NLA remote controls!!   

 Now for my How To Have Your Photo Taken With A Celebrity master class - it's easy, just be polite, friendly & camera ready.  I called out "William, would you have a photo with my friend please" & he obliged.  Totally made Tania's Valentine's Day!!

Ditto with Jennifer Byrne . . . "may i take your photo please Jennifer" & look at her, beaming, such a delightful lady.  You might know her from her First Tuesday Book Club or The Project, she was a fantastic host of this "3 Minister Supported Event".

 NYR local Ambassador Tania - enthusiastically tackles colleagues.  I love being available for these events, housewife one day . . . high profile events the next!! 

I headed off to school with the contents of the event goodie bag for our principal, who was thrilled about getting her hands on the not-yet-released merchandise.  It's who you know people!!  Now get reading & spread the word, it's Australia wide, check out the Love2Read events at your local library/ city/ state or territory all year, love Posie