I discovered this list of ten via a friend of mine who posted a link to the entry on her Facebook page. Drama buds in high school, and theatre scholarship recipients in college, our lives eventually diverged down different roads. My friend is now an Assistant Professor of Theatre at a Liberal Arts college, and I am now a writer. So what I really love about the blog post is that it points out how following your passions in college prepares you to thrive, no matter where your path leads.

Before I veer us toward what makes this a bookish post, I suggest you check out the aforementioned entry penned by a guy named Tom Vander Well. (It’s nice to meet you, Tom!) It’s helpful for students trying to choose a major, and an encouraging read for graduates—and students of life—needing a positive nudge to evaluate the value of individual experience.

If you haven’t already guessed, Tom’s entry got me thinking about which books have prepared me for success. I’ve read several great titles, but there is one very special book that tops the list as a must read.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

From the publisher:

A succinct, engaging, and practical guide for succeeding in any creative sphere, The War of Art is nothing less than Sun-Tzu for the soul. What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid the roadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece? Bestselling novelist Steven Pressfield identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success. The War of Art emphasizes the resolve needed to recognize and overcome the obstacles of ambition and then effectively shows how to reach the highest level of creative discipline. Think of it as tough love . . . for yourself. Whether an artist, writer or business person, this simple, personal, and no-nonsense book will inspire you to seize the potential of your life.

Which books have inspired you to reach your full potential?

Pause, drool, resume.

So to celebrate the movie premier on Friday, August, 13th, we’re asking our Book End Babe chapters around the country to host a special book club Girls Night Out. (See the full list in our Twitter directory.) We’re THRILLED to partner with Moroch & Associates to promote this story about a woman’s trip around the globe to find herself after a tough divorce and identity crisis rocks her world.

First, if you’re not an official Book End Babe chapter, I encourage you to join. We’re a sorority of lit sisters whose mission is to promote great reads, authors and girlfriends. This contest is open to our existing chapters, but we welcome new chapters! The more, the merrier.

I have EIGHT fabulous prizes so eight total lucky queen B’s (the hosts of our book club chapters). It’s first-come, first serve on the prizes. It’s up to you whether you want to keep the prize for yourself or do a drawing at your next book party.

HOW TO ENTER:
Host a Book End Babes EAT PRAY LOVE Girls Night Out, beginning Friday, August 13th. Doesn’t matter if you eat first, after, go for drinks, or what have you. Just get together and go see the movie! The first EIGHT queenBs to submit a photo of your event including AT LEAST THREE OF YOU and short summary of your night out and thoughts on what your gals had to say about the film. The first eight of you to do so will get to pick either a T-shirt or bracelet. We’re celebrating girlfriends so dates with your guys don’t count.

E-mail me at bookendbabes (at) me (dot) com with your photo and recap of your night and what your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice would be on your prize. LOOK AT THESE CUTE T-SHIRTS AND BRACELET. The shirts are fitted. The bracelets are one-size fits all.
I’ll keep you posted on Twitter and our Facebook page when we’ve reached our allotted number of winners. All winners will get some EPL bookmarks, too.

Good luck and enjoy the movie! The Bookettes (the fab BEB bloggers who keep this baby rockin’) are getting to see the movie early – next Tuesday – so we’ll post pics and give you our recap, too.

Books rock, gilfriends rule and girls night out at the movies based on a book we love is cool, too.

xo,
Malena Lott
BEB founder & author

P.S. Special thanks to model Kendall Cook for showing off the prizes.
P.P.S. Yes, I’m hoping you’ll still read the book.

It’s Party Time!  One of the time-honored traditions in our house are Book-to-Movie Premiere Night Parties.  Depending on the movie, sometimes they work out as mother-daughter affairs, other times they’re a fun Ladies’ Night Out.

With the recent premiere of Eclipse, we had a high school graduation themed party, complete with diplomas, miniature graduation caps, cocktail meatballs, and–of course–my famous trivia game.  A trip to the liquor store turned up an armful of red wines with such labels as: Jacob’s Creek, Alice White, Shine, and Wolf.  Perfect, right?  The top three winners of the trivia game (and depending on their age) got either a bottle of wine, a copy of the recently released, Twilight Saga novella, or a Barnes & Noble gift card.  Of course, the soundtrack added just the right ambiance.

The three keys to a good Book-to-Movie party are a table top theme, entree, and signature drink that reflect the book and get people revved up to see the movie.  If you’ve got time for a short contest or game, go for it!

Some past examples include:

P.S. I Love You (by Cecelia Ahern)

• Table Top: Green table cloth; Potted Shamrock
• Entree: Corned Beef & Cabbage
• Signature Drink: Guinness or Irish Coffee
• Game: Best Shoes Contest

The Time Traveler’s Wife (by Audrey Niffenegger)

• Table Top: Scattering of Watches and mini Hour Glasses from kids’ games
• Entree: Chicago Style Hot Dogs
• Signature Drink: Goose Island Beer

The Girl Who Played with Fire (by Stieg Larsson)–in theaters now

• Table Top: Mocked up Millennium Magazine covers; Matchbooks
• Entree: Swedish Pancakes & Lingonberries
• Signature Drink: Strong Coffee

Some upcoming movies promise more fun!

Eat, Pray, Love (by Elizabeth Gilbert)–hits theaters Aug. 13, 2010

• Table Top: Red & White Checked Table Cloth; Travel Post Cards
• Entree: Bruschetta and Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini
• Signature Drink: Chianti

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (by J.K. Rowling)–hits theaters Nov. 19, 2010

• Table Top: Witch Hat, Wands, Snakes (for the brave)
• Entree: Bat Wings (chicken wings) & Dragon Balls (meatballs in grape jelly & BBQ sauce)
• Signature Drink: Pumpkin Juice (Apple Cider w/ nutmeg and cinnamon–add Cinnamon Schnapps for adults)

If you decide to have a Book-to-Movie Party for these or any other upcoming movies, please post photos!  I’d love to see what you come up with!