Tag: Laughing through Life

Elise (front) & Ava Wilson Represent Pure Joy & Laughter

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Connie Corcoran Wilson – Laughing Through Life

27. Laughing Through Life by Connie Corcoran Wilson (2011)
Length: 115 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started/Finished: 15 December 2011
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Connie and Teddy Rose a tour guide from Premier Virtual Author Tours for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 27 October 2011
Why do I have it? I liked Ms. Wilson’s It Came From the ’70s: From The Godfather to Apocalypse Now and jumped at the chance to read her next book.

This is a collection of humorous essays written by Ms Wilson as part of her newspaper column. I absolutely loved this book and chuckled all the way through it – from start to finish. There have been comparisons made between Ms. Wilson and Erma Bombeck. I have read several of Ms. Bombeck’s books years ago and I have to totally agree with these comparisons. It was also an incredibly fast read for me as well. I give this book an A+! and look forward to Ms. Wilson’s next book with bated breath.

A+! – (96-100%)

May you read well and often

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Labels: Grade A+, Non-Fiction

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Thursday, December 15, 2011

Connie Corcoran Wilson – Laughing Through Life

A+! – (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Posted by emeraldfire at 6:00 AM

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Labels: Grade A+, Non-Fiction

New Review of “Laughing through Life” from the Book Zone

By Connie Wilson

On December 16, 2011

In Books, Humor and Weird Wilson-isms, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Politics, Pop Culture, Reviews

cat-right

Blog Tour/Review: Laughing Through Life

Posted by Dee on Dec 15, 2011 in Blog Tour, Featured Articles, Reviews | 2 comments

Huge apology to Connie and Teddy for being a day and a half late posting this due to a migraine, but you can’t keep a good woman down so here we go:

Today BookZone welcomes Connie (Corcoran) Wilson who is touring with Virtual Author Book Tours promoting her latest contribution to the literary world, Laughing Through Life. Since I love to laugh, I was happy to receive a book with laugh in the title for review and I was not disappointed–laugh I did. So make yourself comfortable and get ready to read more about Laughing Through Life and my thoughts about it below:

Title: Laughing Through Life
Author: Connie (Corcoran) Wilson
Publisher: Quad City Press
Release Date: July 13, 2011
Available Formats: Paperback (180 pages), Kindle, Nook
Category: Humor, Essays
Reviewed by: D.S. White

About the Book:

(From the Backcover)

“Laughing through Life” is the book of funny essays and obsrvations that critics have called “Erma-Bombeck-meets-David-Sedaris,” with hilarious results. You’ll find yourself nodding your head in recognition of many of the situations that a young mother, teacher and business-owner encountered while raising 2 children born 19 years apart (PTA membership from 1973 to 2010!).

Connie’s adventures while covering the 2004 and 2008 presidential campaigns with press passes also will amuse—especially if you thought “W” was a bonehead. (If you are not a progressive, you might not laugh quite as heartily. Be warned.)

Smile. Enjoy! Laugh through life with Ava & Elise Wilson, the author’s 2-year-old twin granddaughters, who provide a never-ending supply of funny anecdotes, (just when she thought it was safe to go back in the water.)

My Thoughts:

Connie is hilarious! Her down to earth style creates an ageless effect. It was amazing that some of the stories were written years ago because you are left thinking, that happened to me just the other day! (cooking incident). My all time favorites were the ear piercing incident, (I would have loved to see the faces on the two adults waiting their turn before they disappeared.) the Verizon cell phone conversation (I’ve been through 3 phones this year, Sprint loves me!), the perfumed feet incident (one of us would have had to relocate…lol) and The End (while such convos are really not most people’s cup of tea, I loved the spin she put on this story and felt in good company for writing this).

What I liked:

As I read through the book, cracking up at Connie’s irreverent humor, the message I got from Connie is that family, education and politics are important to her. She doesn’t take herself too seriously, however, she has strong convictions and stands behind them. She is patient with our youth and her outlook is ageless.

…..

Thanks for taking the time to write this book Connie! At certain parts of it, I felt like I was a part of your world.

It reinforced the thought: No matter what life throws your way, it’s your approach that makes the difference! Try laughter for a change.

I gave Laughing Through Life 3.5 out of 5 stars.

About the Author:

Connie (Corcoran) Wilson (MS + 30) graduated from the University of Iowa and Western Illinois University, with additional study at Northern Illinois, the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Chicago. She taught writing at six Iowa/Illinois colleges and has written for five newspapers and seven blogs, including Associated Content (now owned by Yahoo) which named her its 2008 Content Producer of the Year . She is an active, voting member of HWA (Horror Writers Association).

Her stories and interviews with writers like David Morrell, Joe Hill, Kurt Vonnegut, Frederik Pohl and Anne Perry have appeared online and in numerous journals. Her work has won prizes from “Whim’s Place Flash Fiction,” “Writer’s Digest” (Screenplay) and she will have 12 books out by the end of the year. Connie reviewed film and books for the Quad City Times (Davenport, Iowa) for 12 years and wrote humor columns and conducted interviews for the (Moline, Illinois) Daily Dispatch and now blogs for 7 blogs, including television reviews and political reporting for Yahoo.

Connie lives in East Moline, Illinois with husband Craig and cat Lucy, and in Chicago, Illinois, where her son, Scott and daughter-in-law Jessica and their two-year-old twins Elise and Ava reside. Her daughter, Stacey, recently graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, as a Music Business graduate.

Connie’s Website: www.WeeklyWilson.com

New Reviews of “Laughing through Life” from Virtual Blog Tour

By Connie Wilson

On December 12, 2011

In Books, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Politics, Reviews

"Laughing through Life" Reviews

“A Life Sustained” (Courtney)

Review appeared Saturday, December 10, 2011

“The thirty-one essays that make up Laughing through Life (Quad City Press, 2011) by Connie Corcoran Wilson represent a broad selection by this prolific writer, a collection of “hits,” if you will. TOpics range from anecdotes of everyday life to notable bits from the local news to coverage of the 2004 and 2008 Presidential elections. They span a large chunk of time—at least 25 years. A fellow Midwestern woman, Wilson writes with honesty, an eye for detail, and without pulling any punches. She seems to always be searching for the kernel of levity in all interactions and stumbles upon some poignant life lessons along the way. My personal favorite detailed a conversation between the author and her cell phone company regarding her daughter’s phone usage: we all should be so bold. Corcoran’s observations are wry, and we might take a lesson from her willingness to say exactly what is on her mind.”

From “Read More Books” blog:

“An amusing book to read written by Connie Corcoran Wilson. I have to say that I really enjoy Connie’s sense of humor. She has written some interestingly funny essays and put them together in this book. There were several laugh-out-loud moments while I was reading the book that I can honestly say that, even as I am now thinking of them while I am writing this, I am still smiling…Connie has certainly experienced many interesting events, such as covering the 2004 and 2008 Presidential campaigns with press passes, which she shares in the book. I did find much of it to be quite humorous. I didn’t really expect to laugh as much as I did at the end of the book. Coincidentally, I am not speaking solely on the chapter which is entitled “The End.” Her conversational piece with the Verizon Guy was wonderfully amusing but, for me, the final laughing began with the ‘R.I.P. Gerard’ and continued all the way to ‘The End!’ I want to say ‘Thank you’ to Teddy Rose for putting this book in my hands. I agreed to read it and review it here, which I am very happy to have done.”

Pearl Harbor Day @ Bettendorf Public Library: FREE Reading, Caroling, Refreshments

By Connie Wilson

On December 7, 2011

In Books, Local, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Pop Culture

"Laughing through Life," a collection of humorous essays and anecdotes now on a Virtual Tour.

Just a reminder that December 7 at 7 p.m. I’ll be at the Bettendorf Public Library (Lillienthal Room, I think) both reading two short humorous selections from “Laughing through Life” (one only takes a minute and a half) but, also, playing carols (2 per instrument) on both accordion and piano for your sing-along pleasure.

Since one of the funny pieces is about a cat, that will be a logical segue for showing you my new Christmas book “The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats,” which is short. At 11 a.m. on Dec. 10th, Emily Marquez of Venezuela will be at Barnes & Noble with me to sign copies, which will be at a special pre-Christmas sale price of $10!

At 2:30 p.m., Emily and I will be at Razzleberries in LeClaire, because Mr. C, the store cat, invited us.

At 6 p.m., Emily and I will be in Geneseo in the window of the Four Seasons store for their annual Christmas walk. Come out and meet a girl from Venezuela who hasn’t seen any small-town Midwestern life (she’s been in Chicago) and welcome her to our local communities. She speaks excellent English and, as one of the illustrators, will happily sign our book for you at the bargain price of only $10 for the cat book and $10.95 for the humor book.

We wish that Andy Weinert could be with us (the other illustrator) but he is graduating from Northern Illinois University on December 11th with an advanced degree in Graphic Arts. Way to go, Andy!

A cool Christmas books for children aged 2-7.

Updated Appearance Listings for 2 New Books

By Connie Wilson

On November 26, 2011

In Books, Local, News, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest

"Laughing through Life:' humorous essays and anecdotes.

Although I’ve sent my schedule to both newspapers and the “River City Reader,” which has a nice write-up online right now, here is a reminder of when and where you can find me during the run-up to Christmas, with my two new books, The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats and/or Laughing through Life.

Both books are brand new. One is a collection of funny anecdotes and essays similar to Erma Bombeck or David Sedaris. I’ll be reading a couple short selections from that book at the Bettendorf Public Library during a free presentation on December 7 at 7 p.m., with free refreshments (delicious cookies from the Village Bakery) and piano and accordion accompaniment(s) for some brief caroling. I’ll also have the children’s cat book, The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats.

The next place I’ll be with the book is the District in Rock Island during the December 2nd Gallery Hop. (Atlante Trattoria restaurant). On December 3rd, I’ll be at the East Moline Public Library from 12:30 to approximately 1:30 before joining other local authors at Barnes & Noble at Northpark for a fundraiser for the Midwest Writing Center that starts earlier than I’ll get there. I’ll stay at B&N for about 2 hours (2 to 4, approximately) before relocating within the Woodland Gallery in the Village of East Davenport.

"The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats" for 3 to 5-year-olds; full-color Dr. Seussical book.

On December 7th, it’s the Bettendorf Public Library’s free “Readlocal” promotion. First floor room. On December 10th, one of the illustrators of the book, Emily Marquez of Venezuela (see article in the “River City Reader”) will join me at 11 a.m. at Barnes & Noble at Northpark Mall and again at the Victorian Christmas Walk in Geneseo.

Hope to see you there! If none of those works for you, the books are available online (Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites) and, in town, at the Watermark in downtown Moline for the children’s book only and at Barnes & Noble at Northpark for both.

“The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats” Proofs Arrive!

By Connie Wilson

On November 10, 2011

In Books, Local, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Pop Culture

The new illustrated cat book "The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats."

I’m pretty excited: the proofs for “The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats” have arrived, and the book is really cool. I will have it at all the appearances I’ve booked here in the Quad Cities during the holidays, and, if you’re reading this in some far-flung part of the world, order a copy from Amazon or Barnes & Noble! (It does not exist as an E-book title, yet, but may, in the future.)

I wanted to put this out here to encourage any readers that are interested to please come to the signing(s). The December 10th signing at Northpark Mall will also feature illustrater Emily Marquez from Venezuela, who will come from Chicago for that signing. Other places I plan to be are as follows:

November 21: 4:30 to 10 p.m.- Sizzlin’ Soiree at the downtown Radisson Hotel in conjunction with the Festival of Trees.

December 2: Gallery Hop in Rock Island from 6 to 9 p.m.

December 3: 12:30 to 1:30 at the East Moline Public Library.

December 3: 2:00 on at Barnes & Noble, Northpark Mall, for a Midwest Writing Center fundraiser

December 7: 7:00 p.m. at the Bettendorf Public Library, which is going to involve a humorous reading from “Laughing through Life,” a piano, an accordion and refreshments. Please come so I don’t bomb on Pearl Harbor Day.

December 10: Signing at Barnes & Noble at Northpark that will involve Emily Marquez, one of the book’s illustraters from Venezuela, beginning at 11 a.m..

December 10: The Victorian Christmas Walk in Geneseo, beginning at 5:30, in the window of The Four Seasons, again with Venezuelan illustrator Emily Marquez present.

If you have any interest in humor OR an illustrated children’s book with a good lesson for children to learn, come to any or all of the above events.

“Laughing Through Life” on Virtual Tour Beginning Nov. 28th

By Connie Wilson

On November 4, 2011

In Books, Humor and Weird Wilson-isms, Reviews

My new humor book Laughing through Life will go on Virtual Tour beginning on November 28, 2011.

Here is the schedule:

Nov. 28th – Page Flipperz. (Interview and Give-away on November 29th)

Nov. 30th – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – Giveaway of book with blog post.

Dec. 1st – She Treads Softly – Guest Post on Dec. 2nd

Dec. 5th – Carabosses’s Library – Giveaway

Dec. 6th – Ruthi Reads – Giveaway and Interview on December 7th

Dec. 8th – Joy Story – Giveaway

Dec. 9th – Read More Books

Dec. 10th – A Life Sustained – Giveaway

Dec. 12th – Stacy’s Books – Interview and Giveaway on Dec. 13th

Dec. 14th – Book Zone – Giveaway

Dec. 15th – Guest Post on Dec. 16th

Check these blogs for reviews of Laughing through Life and the chance to win a free book in either Kindle or paperback formats (check giveaway blogs, above).

You can read more about the book at www.ConnieCWilson.com at the link devoted to Laughing through Life, or you can go to PremierVirtual Author Tours or Amazon.com (Connie Corcoran Wilson) and read reviews already posted.

Spider Monkey Alert!

By Connie Wilson

On August 9, 2011

In Humor and Weird Wilson-isms, travel, Uncategorized

A close girlfriend, just returned from a 3 month visit to France, explained how her basic sense of honesty caused her to declare that she did, in fact, have a “food item” in her luggage at customs in Minneapolis. The food item in question was a sealed can of pate someone had given her as a parting gift.

She was ushered into a large room with various peoples who also had “food items” and got to watch surly customs agents launching various fruits and vegetables at bins along the wall for hours. Add to that the delights of experiencing a drug-sniffing dog! After the first “food room,” there was (apparently) a second food room and, well, the connecting flight didn’t allow for hours spent watching surly customs inspectors launch miscellaneous fruits at garbage bins.

When it finally came time for her to “declare” the precise food item she had, the customs agent just grunted and passed her on through…too late to make a connecting flight to Des Moines, I think.

Reminds me of the time we were asked, when re-entering the country from Cancun, if we had had any contact with “livestock” and I truthfully piped up, “What about the spider monkeys that climbed all over us at Coba?” Despite my husband’s best attempts to muzzle me, much merriment ensued. These are the sorts of adventures I relate in “Laughing through Life” because, really, you have to laugh or else you’d cry.

“It Hurts All the Way to God”

By Connie Wilson

On August 4, 2011

In Books, Humor and Weird Wilson-isms, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest

"Laughing through Life:" enough laughs to keep you from yawning.

With the recent release (as a paperback) of “Laughing through Life” and the various anecdotes that make up this stroll down memory lane, I felt it apropos to share with you an amusing anecdote that is similar to those in this book

Here’s a new one for you. My nephew’s 4-year-old daughter, Sophia, decided to do a header by shoving her tiny body through a play tube that was never meant to hold a 4-year-old. She did a tremendous “clunk” to the floor below, where she immediately moaned and began crying. (Fortunately, she landed on a carpeted surface).

Her father and mother, Chris and D.J., ran to her side and asked her if she was “Ok” and did it hurt.

She was crying intermittently and then looked up at us and said, “It hurts all the way to God.”

[Out of the mouths of Babes. OR from “Laughing through Life!” (Try it, you’ll like it!)]