All Over Coffee by Paul Madonna - Review & Giveaway
How often have you been in a public place and found yourself eavesdropping on the table next to yours? Heaven help the unsuspecting couple that dines next to me. I don’t mean to, I really don’t, But if someone nearby speaks loudly, I’m suddenly engrossed in their conversation, nodding my head or frowning as a good listener should. I think we’re probably all that way to some extent, and that’s what makes this comic strip collection of All Over Coffee such a huge success.
Unbelievably detailed pen and ink sketches of San Francisco skylines, architectural details, occasional interior scenes with no people, and a few lines of text make up these uncommon comic strips. Posted in the San Francisco Chronicle and on SFGate.com since 2004, All Over Coffee has gotten a mixed response ranging in “I love it” to “What the heck?!” Initially I was in the “What the heck?!” camp trying to make heads or tales of the comic. But as the book progressed, I enjoyed it more and more, feeling like I was gazing down over the city where all these conversing people live, eat, and work. It’s an amazing effect and completely original, something you’ll want to go back to and look over again and again. I definitely will.
So are Madonna’s comic strips taken from real life or does he make all that stuff up? Well, you’ll have to read it to find out. He explains everything at the end of the book.
If you really want to see this for yourself, or if you’re already a fan, I’ve got a special treat. Not only do I have one beautiful hardcover copy of All Over Coffee to give away, it’s autographed by Paul Madonna. As always, all you subscribers are already entered into this and every future giveaway. You can also leave a comment here telling me what grabs you about this book (something more than “sounds good” is kindly requested), or leave a link to this contest on your blog. Do all three and you’ve got three entries. A winner will be chosen on April 17th, 2008, at 12 midnight EST.
To see more of his artwork, check out Paul Madonna’s website.
April 13th, 2008 at 11:59 am
It sounds like a book I can leave on my coffee table and people can browse through.
Count me in!
April 13th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
would love to read it
April 13th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
sounds like a great timekiller.
April 13th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
please enter me thanks
April 13th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I’d love a chance to win because from the example you’ve given us I think the artwork is gorgeous.
April 13th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
[...] Stupid Celebrities Gossip wrote an interesting post today on All Over Coffee by Paul Madonna - Review & GiveawayHere’s a quick excerptNot only do I have one beautiful hardcover copy of All Over Coffee to give away, it’s autographed by Paul Madonna. [...]
April 13th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I like to listen on people’s conversations too! it’s the writer in me… always looking for a good story!
this book sounds awesome, please enter me. I’ll be posting this link to my giveaways blog
April 13th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I just love to read new books. Sounds like a great one to me. Thanks!
April 13th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I do this all the time, so I’d love to see what he did with that situation.
April 13th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Sounds interesting!
April 13th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
As always the Coffee Gossip intrigues me. Any Gossip really gets me going in the morning. I read all of the Smut Magazines and papers, because I can’t get enough Gossip. It’s so entertaining. I do have a life outside of Gossip, but it just seems to coincide with my life. Maybe I need reconditioning. But life is what you make it. My motto is “Live Life To The Fullest”. And then some. Thanks for the giveaway. As Always, try to pick me to win.
April 13th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I like your review! You make me want to read the book!
April 13th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
judging by the cover, unbelievably detailed drawings is so accurate
April 13th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
I love to eavesdrop. It makes me learn about human quirks!
Count me in!
April 13th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
[...] Where: carp(e) libris reviews [...]
April 13th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
This book sounds very intriguing because I am also a people watching and I like to eavesdrop as well. What people don’t? Or maybe I am just a little snoopy. I’d like to read this book because it would give me a chance to see this author’s perspective. Thank you for the chance.
April 13th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I was fortunate enough to vacation in San Francisco a few years ago and fell in love with the city. I’d love the opportunity to revisit some of the places I saw. I must admit that I too find myself listening in on conversations.
April 13th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Sounds like a great book. I would love the chance to win. Please include me in your drawing.
April 14th, 2008 at 12:57 am
Sounds interesting! I’d love to read his sketches. Thanks!
April 14th, 2008 at 1:03 am
Hi, I found myself getting very inquisitive about this book, the artist and what it is about ~ that I had to check out his website! His drawing are fantastic! I like how he says he carries a notebook around because our brain can only hold so much information. The new
FBI guy on “Criminal Minds” carries and writes in a notebook during every crime they are investigating. This man creates an imagination creation to me. He draws the pictures and the reader puts in his/her own words. Please enter me in your drawing. Many thanks…..Cindi
April 14th, 2008 at 1:04 am
That artwork is fantastic…
April 14th, 2008 at 2:52 am
YOU can’t help but eavesdropping on the loud conversation going on nearby?!! I remember traveling to Eastern Europe with a “certain” young lady. If memory serves me correctly, we both were listening in. It wasn’t so much as being ‘nosey’, as it was listening to their beautiful language, watching their hand gestures they would make during normal conversation, and their quick laughter. Winning this book would be a valued posession for me. The originality of this book would be a refreshing addition to my collection of my much loved books. Just having an opportunity to have a chance at winning is a blessing!
April 14th, 2008 at 7:04 am
The comic strip style really interests me.
April 14th, 2008 at 7:24 am
I dream of living in San Francisco!
April 14th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Sounds intriguing!! Bring it on!!
April 14th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Sounds wonderful. Thanks for the opportunity
April 14th, 2008 at 8:21 am
I too am guilty of eavesdropping. Actually, that’s how I came across this website!
April 14th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Eavesdropping is how I found this site!
April 14th, 2008 at 9:13 am
This fascinating book would definitely be a unique type to explore and it would be interesting to read and the artwork alone would make it fun.
April 14th, 2008 at 9:31 am
LOOKS GOOD!
April 14th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Would LOVE to win this…thanks!
April 14th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Sounds like a great book. I would like to see the author’s artwork!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
April 14th, 2008 at 11:41 am
LOVE PICS AND sAN fRAN IS BEAUTIFUL.
April 14th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I’d love to read this, the artwork looks fantastic.
April 14th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
enter me please
April 14th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
love comics and this sounds like an interesting idea
April 14th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Table book
April 14th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I love the bay area so the artwork has me intrigued!
April 14th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I’d love to read such an unusual comic book :0) Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
April 14th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
You have just described me. My boyfriend is always telling me to stop watching & listening to others conversations, but I cannot help myself. I love to hear about other peoples lives & thoughts. This would be a wonderful win for anyone!
April 14th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
would love to read
April 14th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
I’m always wondering about what other people are thinking, living, and feeling. I’d love to read someone’s take on it.
April 14th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Your words are very true!
April 15th, 2008 at 9:27 am
the art work is awesome! i also love to listen in on other’s conversations.
April 15th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I love to read it doesn’t matter the book
April 15th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I love art, anything art…and this book drives me to incredible curiosity (how is that for an intense sentence!?) haha. I would love to be on the list for this beautiful book!! Oh, am I on your subscribers list?? I am subscribed through google…is that what you are asking?
have a wonderful day, i hope it is sunny!
April 15th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I’d love to read an interesting art book!
April 15th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
enter me
April 15th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
would love to win this, thanks for the chance
April 15th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Hey Bethany and everyone else looking to subscribe! Subscribers have the updates coming into their email with Feedburner. It’s the box on the right-hand column with the area for plugging in your email address.
Good luck!
April 15th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Love this! I’d love to sit and study his work.
April 15th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
I blogged you on Prizeatron!
http://www.prizeatron.com
April 16th, 2008 at 11:42 am
This would be a great book to win and read!
April 16th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
as a psychotherapist I cant help but listen in to others conversations - it is just what I do!!!!
April 16th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Need this book to read
April 16th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Who doesn’t secretly love to listen to other people’s conversations? This book sounds like a guilty pleasure to read.
April 16th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
This can go by that “Sex” book by the other Madonna.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Something fresh to read and outstanding pictures to look at!
April 16th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I love irony and slightly twisted humor.
I also love comic strips and weird little drawings and pranks and sarcasm and eavesdropping.
I’m like a female version of Jim from The Office.
I think I could relate to this book and spend many happy hours cuddling up to it.
Thank you for the contest.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT BOOK
April 17th, 2008 at 12:20 am
This sounds very interesting. And who doesn’t love to listen in on others’ conversations? I know this gossip girl does
April 17th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Sounds very cool! Would love to win this!
April 17th, 2008 at 2:13 am
The art work and philosphy are a wonderful blend, just as my own cup of coffee!
April 17th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Sounds like a great book.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I’m a big SF fan. I’d also like to see more of the comics/art/poetry than the one example. Please pick me!
April 17th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Comfortable and enjoyable winnings if possible; especially after the horrors for income tax. Many Thanks Sarah W
April 17th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I want this!!!
April 17th, 2008 at 11:48 am
please enter me
April 17th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I’m a people watcher, which means that I inadvertently pick up on conversations as well. I love that someone has taken this and turned it into art.
April 17th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
this sounds like a great book.
April 17th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Love coffee Love to read. What more could you want.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Since SF is my favorite city I am intrigued by a book about SF with sketches.
April 17th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I would love to read this book.
April 17th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
i love books when you’re like “what the heck!” and then you’re like “i love it!”
April 17th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I would love to win this book
because I love the artwork in
comics and I have been to San
Francisco,it is one of my favorite places.Thanks for
the giveaway
April 18th, 2008 at 2:08 am
I’m interested in seeing someone else’s perspective of San Francisco.