One of my readers is having a giveaway of Momma Zen this week. Not even a new Momma Zen, but one she’s read a couple times. (Those are the best kind.) Seeing the enthusiasm people have for the leftovers gave me the idea to do something I haven’t done for a while: empty the closet. I have a load that’s drying on the line, and it’s time to make room.
Leave me a comment if you’d like to claim any of these books, held by my own grubby hands and greedily consumed by my literary appetite. I’ll choose the winners on Sunday evening, March 14 and ship them out.
Gardens of Water by Alan Drew – a stunning first novel about the cultural cataclysm between American Christians and Turkish Muslims in the aftermath of the 1999 earthquake.
How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill – decidedly latte fare, a sweet, warm, and true tale of the fall and rise of a working man.
Seeking Peace by Mary Pipher – (hardback) The bestselling author and psychologist writes about waking up on the dark side of fame, and how Buddhism saved her.
Momma Zen – a brand new one, because when you drop everything you’re holding onto, it’s always brand new.
Edited to announce winners: Bridget, Corinne, Marilyn and Jillian.
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Hand me down books are always the best.
They all sound like great reads (though I have a copy of your Mamma Zen on my counter that just arrived today!)
Comment by Corinne — March 10, 2010 @ 2:05 am
Hi,
read-before books are the best. there is such a connection beyond just what the book shares.
i’d love Momma Zen, if it’s still available.
~K
Comment by ~Kristina — March 10, 2010 @ 2:12 am
Yours is the only book on the list I’ve read. However I gave my copy away to a friend who needed your wisdom. I hope it benefits her as much as it’s benefited me.
Lately I’ve been a book worm and would greedily devour anything sent my way. And, of course, I can’t wait for Hand Wash Cold.
XO
Comment by Shalet — March 10, 2010 @ 2:15 am
I would love the copy of Momma Zen b/c the copy I read came from the library. However, chances are that I will read whatever is sent my way.
Comment by MamaFeelgood — March 10, 2010 @ 2:38 am
Hmmm…I’m feeling lucky:) I do have a lovely autographed copy of Momma Zen already though:)
Comment by Jeanette LeBlanc — March 10, 2010 @ 2:48 am
Wow. Tickled to find you. Giddy about the giveaway. I would adore reading yours…but any of course would be welcome. Have given all my books away in the past 6 months. I leave them on benches and secret hideaway nooks to find their new owner’s wings.
Delighted to find you/your blog. Tx for tweeting this giveaway 
@tresha
Comment by Tre ~ (Tresha Thorsen) — March 10, 2010 @ 3:00 am
I’d love to provide a new home for one of your books
Maybe I’d actually make the time to curl up with it! <3
Comment by diana — March 10, 2010 @ 3:01 am
All of these sound like wonderful reads. I, like others here, would really love a copy of your beautiful book, Momma Zen. Loved it so much! Thank you for writing.
Comment by Sarah — March 10, 2010 @ 3:10 am
i was so happy to find your blog! oh my gosh how i would love my very own copy of Momma Zen! i’ve borrowed it twice from the library cause i love to have it on hand…the others all sound neat to me as well..seeking peace especially.
Comment by apple wrangler — March 10, 2010 @ 3:11 am
I already have my own copy of Momma Zen, but I would love to read your already read Seeking Peace.
Comment by Heather Harper — March 10, 2010 @ 3:20 am
I would love the Momma Zen
I have only a library copy that I keep renewing because I cannot bear to part with it and it is not in our budget right now to purchase a new one 
Thanks for all your beautiful words.
Comment by Barbara Halabi — March 10, 2010 @ 3:33 am
I love books, especially used ones . . . but you choose. Isn’t the phrase “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear”? Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Sharon — March 10, 2010 @ 3:34 am
I love books, new/used any will work. I trade books with friends and am always looking for great reads. I have your Momma Zen book and I just pre-ordered Hand Wash Cold.
Comment by Amanda Shwetzer — March 10, 2010 @ 4:08 am
I would love Gardens of Winter or How Starbucks Saved My Life.
And I’ll be ordering another copy of Momma Zen soon for a young friend.
Comment by Kathryn — March 10, 2010 @ 4:27 am
Oops that was Gardens of Water — wasn’t wearing my glasses.
Comment by Kathryn — March 10, 2010 @ 4:28 am
Hooray for leftovers! Thank You for this opportunity. Momma Zen is at the top of my list.
Comment by Jessica — March 10, 2010 @ 4:32 am
I adore books! I adore leftover books – especially ones that have comments written in the margins. They aren’t leftovers. They are preloved. I’d love any of the books.
Comment by Elaine — March 10, 2010 @ 7:09 am
Great idea! I would love either Momma Zen or Seeking Peace. Regardless, thank you!
Comment by Emma Alvarez Gibson — March 10, 2010 @ 8:30 am
I would love to read Momma Zen so here is hoping that I win.
I am in Europe so not sure if you are willing to ship international.
Comment by Jolana — March 10, 2010 @ 11:27 am
Now, that’s an original idea !! I would love ‘Seeking Peace’. Used books have a history. Thanks. Els
Comment by Els Sevenants — March 10, 2010 @ 12:40 pm
I’d love to get a copy of Momma Zen!
Comment by Shauntelle — March 10, 2010 @ 1:35 pm
Add me, please. I’ve been meaning to read Momma Zen (I know, I know), but would read any of these offerings, on your recommendation.
Comment by Jaime McLeod — March 10, 2010 @ 3:43 pm
I would love to read the Mary Pipher book. When I was little I secretly read Reviving Ophelia, which my mom was reading at the time. I was stunned that someone would write a whole book about adolescent girls and trying to understand them. I felt so unworthy of being understood at the time.
Comment by Nova — March 10, 2010 @ 3:46 pm
Friends,
Please don’t interpret this offering as a recommendation of any of these titles. I’m not a picky reader.
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — March 10, 2010 @ 3:54 pm
I would love a little Momma Zen. Very welcome around here these days.
Comment by Jillian — March 10, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
I would so love a copy of your book! Thank you!
Comment by Amanda — March 10, 2010 @ 6:39 pm
Thanks, I accept your offer of a chance @ Starbucks or Peace.
–Chris
Comment by Chris — March 10, 2010 @ 6:53 pm
I’d love a chance at Mary Pipher’s book as well as MZen (see comment above)-
(oh, and I’ll be at the Plunge in Seattle!, how wonderful).
Comment by Jillian — March 10, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
Hi!
I would totally love to finally read the Mommazen book.
Have been wanting to buy it for long but keep not doing it because… hm… I’m not a mom.
Which – I know – is actually a lame excuse.
pick me.
Comment by Bahiehk — March 10, 2010 @ 9:13 pm
What an excellent idea! I am going to head hme and look for books to pass on in this manner.
Cat
(PS – no more books for me please – just wanted to commend the fun idea!)
Comment by Cat — March 10, 2010 @ 9:16 pm
I would love any of the books. This is a wonderful idea!
Comment by Bridget — March 10, 2010 @ 10:40 pm
i’d love a copy of seeking peace or your momma zen. i have to say i truly enjoy reading books that have already been read – especially when i can see signs of what parts the other person most enjoyed. there is just something nice about it. plus, the book is softer. you know?
Comment by robin (woowoomama) — March 10, 2010 @ 10:51 pm
I’d love to have Gardens of Water and Seeking Peace on my shelf, right beside the copy of your book that I already own. (Okay, I confess…multiple copies because I like to share!)
Comment by Joanna — March 10, 2010 @ 11:05 pm
Hey Karen, I suppose I’ll join the masses
) I’d be honored to recieve one of your old treasures!
-Jeannie
Comment by Jeannie — March 11, 2010 @ 3:34 am
Dear Karen, what a great initiative! If shipping to Amsterdam/NL is an option for you, I’d very much love to recieve “Momma Zen”. I’ve only read the Dutch translation and believe the original will be even more powerful!
For my daily dose of latte (as a mom I need lóóóts!), I’d also love “How Starbucks Saved My Life”.
Comment by Rose — March 11, 2010 @ 12:11 pm
Wee! What fun
Seeking Peace sounds like one I need to add to my ever-growing collection of peace-related books!
I own Mary’s Writing to Change the World. Good stuff!
Namaste’,
Lisa
Comment by Lisa — March 11, 2010 @ 2:09 pm
I would love the Momma Zen. I bought 5 copies for my mama friends and then gave away my copy, too. I’d love to read it again. I’d also happily read How Starbucks or Seeking Peace. All best, Deborah
Comment by debroah — March 11, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
Evidently, I have trouble spelling my name.
Comment by deborah — March 11, 2010 @ 2:41 pm
Dear Karen,
I left a message and it was erased when I corrected the spelling of my name. How interesting!
I gave away all my six copies of Momma Zen and would love to have another. I’d also happily accept Seeking Peace or Starbucks. I’d also happily accept nothing at all.
Warm wishes to you,
Deborah
Comment by deborah — March 11, 2010 @ 2:43 pm
I keep giving away my copies of Momma Zen, so could always use another
I’d also be happy to read Mr. Starbucks’ journey and Mary Pipher’s memoir – I heard an interview with her on NPR about it a while back and was intrigued.
xo
Comment by Jena — March 11, 2010 @ 4:12 pm
I would love to have Momma Zen. The women in my family enjoy trading books and that is one that I would love to read and pass around.
Comment by Samantha — March 11, 2010 @ 4:21 pm
Dear Maezen,
Would love a copy of Mary Pipher’s book. Thanks for sharing it.
Comment by Laura — March 11, 2010 @ 4:50 pm
loved Momma Zen and passed it to my beautiful daughter.
Would more than love Inner Peace, sounds like something I am in the midst of looking for continually…. I know Karen, as you say, perfect as I am
Comment by Chris McDaniel — March 11, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
I would love to read Seeking Peace or Momma Zen. I’m so pleased to have found you. Your helping me think in new and exciting positive ways.
Comment by Marilyn — March 11, 2010 @ 7:16 pm
Ha! Channeling Starbucks this week I guess. Someone actually suggested I read that one after reading this:
http://themiddlebit.blogspot.com/2010/03/va-va-via.html
I’d love to have your upcycled copy instead of starting with a new one.
Comment by Nancy — March 11, 2010 @ 11:28 pm
I would love a copy of Momma Zen. I’m waiting for a copy from the library!
Comment by Rebecca Delaney — March 12, 2010 @ 12:04 am
What a great idea! Count me in.
Comment by Pam — March 12, 2010 @ 3:01 am
Oh, I so want to read Momma Zen! Make that NEED to read Momma Zen xo
Comment by Megan K — March 12, 2010 @ 11:06 am
I would love to have your book of that one about Starbucks. I give away most of my books (my appartment would be to small for all the books I read) and it’s wonderful to see the ractions.
Thank you.
Comment by Els — March 12, 2010 @ 12:14 pm
What a great giveaway! A copy of Momma Zen would be amazing!
Comment by Carolyn — March 13, 2010 @ 1:32 am
All of these books look interesting, but especially Momma Zen as I’m looking for a little peace in my role as mom (and everywhere else in my life!) Thanks!
Comment by Ruth — March 13, 2010 @ 1:36 pm
I have just started reading your columns and have already peace in your writing. It really is the simple things. I would love to have any of your books. Thank you for sharing with us all!
Comment by Anne S — March 13, 2010 @ 8:24 pm
I’m so excited for a chance to win your book, Momma Zen!!!! I have been wanting to read it for ages. As a middle school teacher, I often have to read adolescent literature instead. I would relish the opportunity to greedily peruse every page of your book. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about it! Thanks for this wonderful giveaway!~
Comment by Diane — March 14, 2010 @ 6:26 pm
Hello Karen I am so delighted to see your photos and life affirming words for an ordinary woman’s life. It’s beautiful and serene and clear. I love the title of this post ‘nothing left over’.
I heard of you from Amazon this morning. They advertised your book to me. I am heartfully glad.
I am curious – I love the clothesline in the midst of being.
Comment by Colette — March 20, 2010 @ 3:32 pm