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The Antelope in the Living Room by Big Mama Melanie Shankle #Giveaway

February 25, 2014 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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All month long we’ve been focusing on marriage and family, with a series of posts inspired and sponsored by Big Mama Melanie Shankle‘s new memoir. Read my thoughts about Making Time for Mom and Dad and Anna’s ideas for family fun night and ways to show your spouse you love him.

Jennifer Donovan, 5M4M contributor and 5 Minutes for Books Managing Editor, has read the book and is here to share her thoughts on The Antelope in the Living Room. She received a copy for review purposes.

 Antelope Review & Giveaway

If you’re like the thousands of people who visit the Big Mama blog, you know you can count on Melanie to be funny and practical and honest. I enjoyed her first memoir, but I can honestly say that this one is even better.

I laughed out loud several times. I also teared up as she shared honestly about her shortcomings, unreasonable expectations and her heart full of love for Perry and for God.

Getting married teaches a person a whole lot about themselves and about getting along with others. There are also everyday matters that get more complicated when you are sharing time, space and a checkbook with another person. Melanie muses on this list of things and so much more:

  • forgiveness
  • ugliness
  • shopping
  • sickness
  • in-laws and out-laws
  • gift-giving
  • decorating

Melanie has been married 16 years. She shares stories about hers and Perry’s courtship, wedding, and marriage. I’ve been married 21 years, so I loved reliving those early married years through her eyes, as well as recalling some of my own challenges as I read about hers.

Many books by bloggers read like a republishing of their best posts. That’s okay, but if you are a regular reader, you want something new. I may not have read the blog as carefully lately, but many of these seem like stories she hasn’t shared, or perhaps they are just put together in a new way. I appreciated that.

This is the kind of book that someone who’s been married for many years will appreciate, but I think it would make a great gift for a newly engaged friend or relative as well.

I love this book trailer. It truly represents the sweet and honest nature of this book:

Win it

Entry-Form

 

 

About the Book:Antelope in the Living Room

New York Times bestselling author Melanie Shankle comes through again with her hilarious memoir of married life. Read The Antelope in the Living Room!

 

Melanie reminds you of the joy that comes when couples learn to laugh together. Welcome to the real story of two people sharing one life.

Order a copy of Melainie’s book today.

 

 

 

 

 

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Win a Trip to Tresemme Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!
Wordless Wednesday — Got Your Nose…

About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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81 Comments

  1. DanV says

    March 11, 2014 at 11:40 am

    I’d like this because I think it could be really useful for me

    Reply
  2. susan smoaks says

    March 11, 2014 at 10:24 am

    I would love to win this for our daughter, she would love it.

    Reply
  3. Buddy Garrett says

    March 11, 2014 at 8:41 am

    I would like to win because it sounds very interesting. I love reading about other people’s experiences because there are things I can relate to.

    Reply
  4. Joy Q says

    March 11, 2014 at 8:41 am

    The book sounds like something I would like to read.

    Reply
  5. heather c says

    March 11, 2014 at 8:23 am

    I saw this on Pioneer Woman and was intrigued! Looks like a good read!

    Reply
  6. Sand says

    March 11, 2014 at 6:43 am

    I would love to win because it sounds like a good one.

    Reply
  7. Allison says

    March 11, 2014 at 5:15 am

    I love a new read!

    Reply
  8. Shea Balentine says

    March 11, 2014 at 1:47 am

    It looks like it would be a good read!

    Reply
  9. shawna says

    March 10, 2014 at 8:41 pm

    Sounds like a good read!

    Reply
  10. Daniel M says

    March 10, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    because it sounds like a fun one!

    Reply
  11. Charlene says

    March 10, 2014 at 4:12 pm

    I’d love to win this because I’m an avid reader & I’m always looking for a good read 🙂

    Reply
  12. Brenda Elsner says

    March 10, 2014 at 4:03 pm

    I want to win because I can always use a new good book. This one sounds like it will be great and very hilarious!!

    Reply
  13. Danielle hall says

    March 10, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    i love memoir..i love learning new things

    Reply
  14. Karen Drake says

    March 10, 2014 at 9:31 am

    I would love to win because I could use and uplifting book right now.

    Reply
  15. Annmarie W. says

    March 9, 2014 at 10:04 am

    I’d love to win because I’m finding lately that I need to look at some situations with a bit more humor.

    Reply
  16. Belinda Shaw says

    March 7, 2014 at 12:33 pm

    Since I’ve been married for 40 years, I would really like to read this great book.

    Reply
  17. Mihaela Day says

    March 6, 2014 at 10:41 pm

    I want to win because i need a good laugh 🙂

    Reply
  18. rickel bart says

    March 6, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    i’d love to give this to my wife to review

    Reply
  19. Holly Kennedy says

    March 5, 2014 at 9:34 pm

    I love when a book can exude a range of emotions. That is why I read.

    Reply
  20. Nannypanpan says

    March 5, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    My niece is engaged, would like it for her

    Reply
  21. Susan Smith says

    March 5, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    Sounds like a great book

    Reply
  22. Michelle C says

    March 5, 2014 at 3:17 am

    Getting married Nov 15. Looks like good reading.

    Reply
  23. Jenny Q. says

    March 3, 2014 at 10:40 pm

    I would love to read it- I am always looking for a good book!

    Reply
  24. Thomas lockhart says

    March 3, 2014 at 4:38 pm

    I want the book

    Reply
  25. Meredith says

    March 3, 2014 at 11:45 am

    I would love love love to win a copy of this book! I have read her first book and laughed and cried and was encouraged all the way through! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Kristie says

    March 3, 2014 at 8:46 am

    It sounds like a great book to read!

    Reply
  27. Xty Cruz says

    March 2, 2014 at 9:40 pm

    This sounds like a good read

    Reply
  28. Katie says

    March 2, 2014 at 5:14 pm

    Melanie Shankle is real, and really funny. Her first book was so encouraging to me as a mom, as well as fun to read. I would love to continue the encouragement and hilarity by reading her new one! Thank you.

    Reply
  29. Katy says

    March 2, 2014 at 4:12 pm

    I would love to win the book. Melanie writes as if she is can read my thoughts!

    Reply
  30. nicole says

    March 1, 2014 at 8:50 am

    it sounds like a hilarious read!

    Reply
  31. Marie says

    February 28, 2014 at 8:18 pm

    I LOVED her first book and I am so excited to read this one!

    Reply
  32. SueEllen Williams says

    February 28, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    Melanie’s blog is so funny, I’m sure her book will be too!

    Reply
  33. riTa says

    February 28, 2014 at 3:44 pm

    I am writing our love story as part of a memoir and hope to learn by reading other authors.

    Reply
  34. Gail says

    February 28, 2014 at 1:30 pm

    I enjoyed the first one, this one looks good too!

    Reply
  35. vickie couturier says

    February 28, 2014 at 11:32 am

    id like to win because I love to read an this sounds like something I would enjoy

    Reply
  36. holly says

    February 28, 2014 at 11:28 am

    i read the Big Momma Blog and would love to read her book as well!

    Reply
  37. Miscellaneous From Missy says

    February 28, 2014 at 1:32 am

    I’d love to win this book because I desperately need the perspective and the laughs right now.

    Reply
  38. Krista says

    February 28, 2014 at 1:10 am

    I used to read Melanie’s blog… when I had time to read blogs for fun! It would be so nice to have a book to take with me and read (no smartphone here)

    Reply
  39. Kathryn says

    February 28, 2014 at 12:21 am

    I have the first book… I need to have this one to make a pair of Melanie’s fab reads!

    Reply
  40. KimberlyC says

    February 27, 2014 at 11:38 pm

    I would love to win this book because I need some laugh-out-loud moments!

    Reply
  41. Theress says

    February 27, 2014 at 9:56 pm

    I love to read and have already read Melanie’s first book Sparkly Green Earrings and it was great!

    Reply
  42. Rebecca says

    February 27, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    I would love to read this because I’m a mom of 6 and sometimes you just need a good laugh. Reading her blog keeps me entertained and I’m sure this book will light up my day as well. 🙂

    Reply
  43. Stephanie H says

    February 27, 2014 at 4:54 pm

    I’d love to win because it sounds like a great book to read!

    Reply
  44. Kara Messner says

    February 27, 2014 at 4:03 pm

    I would love to win! Melanie’s first book was hilarious and I know this second one will be just as witty and side-splitting, yet also insightful. Fingers crossed!

    Reply
  45. JEN says

    February 27, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    Ooh! I’d love to read her book. Her blog makes me laugh almost every day!

    Reply
  46. LisaJQ says

    February 27, 2014 at 1:42 pm

    I loved her first book and can’t wait to read this one

    Reply
  47. Juli Jones says

    February 27, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    I’d love to win because I have yet to purchase the book and loved loved loved the first one! plus who couldn’t use a few tips/suggestions on marriage 🙂

    Reply
  48. Melissa says

    February 27, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    I love Melanie so much – I love laughing til I cry so I can’t wait to read her new book.

    Reply
  49. Lauren says

    February 27, 2014 at 11:55 am

    Melanie is a mom at my school and I just think she is so funny! As a new mom and relatively newly-wed, I love to hear how “normal” my life really is, even when it seems so crazy!

    Reply
  50. Kari F. says

    February 27, 2014 at 11:39 am

    I LOVED Green Sparkly Earrings and want to read The Antelope in the Livingroom SO BAD, but am watching our pennies right now with hubs off work due to an auto accident.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  51. Anna R. says

    February 27, 2014 at 11:33 am

    I loved Sparkly Green Earrings and would love to read this one too!!

    Reply
  52. Stephanie C says

    February 27, 2014 at 11:03 am

    I loved Sparkly Green Earrings – this one looks even better.

    Reply
  53. Anita Yancey says

    February 27, 2014 at 10:50 am

    I would like to win this book because I think it would make me laugh. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  54. Sarah D. says

    February 27, 2014 at 10:38 am

    I want to win because I love Melanie’s writing!

    Reply
  55. Jill says

    February 27, 2014 at 10:08 am

    I want to win because what mom doesn’t need a laugh.

    Reply
  56. Beth Taylor says

    February 27, 2014 at 9:56 am

    Well, basically because I never win anything. And I want this book.

    Reply
  57. Miranda says

    February 27, 2014 at 9:19 am

    I love Mel and am getting married this August, would love some “insight” as to what I am signing up for! 🙂

    Reply
  58. Kim says

    February 27, 2014 at 8:44 am

    This book sounds like it would be a good read. I’ve been married for 18 years and it’s always fun to hear about someone elses story because it really does give you a chance to sit and relive yours.

    Reply
  59. Sarah says

    February 27, 2014 at 8:25 am

    I would love to win because it is a wonderful book

    Reply
  60. sally says

    February 27, 2014 at 8:24 am

    I really enjoyed Melanie’s first book. Can’t wait to read this one!

    Reply
  61. judith says

    February 27, 2014 at 8:11 am

    melanie makes me laugh out loud and i need that in my 40-something sleep-deprived with a newborn state

    Reply
  62. Christine B says

    February 27, 2014 at 7:57 am

    I can’t wait to read this! I love Melanie’s blog!

    Reply
  63. Megan says

    February 27, 2014 at 6:53 am

    I would love to win because I have been reading The Big Mama Blog for years and would love to support her writing. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Reply
  64. Holly F says

    February 27, 2014 at 6:48 am

    I’ve been reading Melanie’s blog for 7 years now. Absolutely LOVE her sense of humor and can’t wait to read this book.

    Reply
  65. Kay Gee says

    February 27, 2014 at 6:39 am

    I loved her first book cant wait to read this one.

    Reply
  66. Hannah says

    February 27, 2014 at 5:23 am

    Just had my second baby and need a good book to read while nursing! Loved Melanie’s first book and have been wanting to read this one

    Reply
  67. Branalyn says

    February 27, 2014 at 12:12 am

    I’d love to win! Big Mama is a favorite of mine!

    Reply
  68. Leigh says

    February 26, 2014 at 11:12 pm

    Don’t need to win since I’ve read and re-read my copies (on the Kindle and a signed hard copy) already. Just want to highly recommend this book. It is, as Jennifer said, laugh out loud funny, while at the same time being one of the best books about realistic marriage I’ve ever read. Worth buying for those who don’t win the giveaway.

    Reply
  69. deborah says

    February 26, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    I want to win because I love Melanie’s sense of humor and I want this book really, really much!

    Reply
  70. Wendy Rozema says

    February 26, 2014 at 11:35 am

    I’d like to win b/c it sounds like a great book!

    Reply
  71. Cathy Holman says

    February 26, 2014 at 9:44 am

    This book and blog look wonderful, I haven’t heard of either before, thanks for introducing me to it!

    Reply
  72. Kate says

    February 26, 2014 at 8:48 am

    Love Melanie’s blog and thoroughly enjoyed her first book so I know I will enjoy this one as well!

    Reply
  73. Stephanie says

    February 25, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    Melanie’s blog was one of the first blogs I ever read starting about 6 years ago. I’ve been following ever since. Love her heart!

    Reply
  74. Stephanie says

    February 25, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    Melanie’s blog was one of the first blogs I ever read starting about 6 years ago. I’ve been following ever since. I love her heart!

    Reply
  75. Barb G says

    February 25, 2014 at 10:04 pm

    Would LOVE to win
    Thanks

    Reply
  76. Barb G says

    February 25, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    Would LOVE to win
    Thanks!

    Reply
  77. danielle says

    February 25, 2014 at 8:43 pm

    I’m always looking for a good book and this sounds hilarious

    Reply
  78. Alice says

    February 25, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    I want to win because i need a good laugh and I heard this book is hilar!

    Reply
  79. Adrienne says

    February 25, 2014 at 5:13 pm

    I would like to win because I’ve heard great things about this book from friends!

    Reply
  80. anne says

    February 25, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    This would be enjoyable and very memorable.

    Reply
  81. The Gang's Momma says

    February 25, 2014 at 2:16 pm

    I would love to win because it’s been a looooong time since I read a good memoir, and I especially love ones written about faith and family. It’s been a long time since I read Big Mama’s blog too, so the refresher would be fun!

    Reply

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