Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A Bookish Giveaway


Hello, my friends. I don't have much to say tonight, but I'll be back to normal soon, I promise. Right now, I am still fighting with my new computer system and working out the kinks left behind by the virus. I did want to tell you something, though. A few weeks ago I wrote a post about my best reads of 2009. Remember?

Well, this past weekend we went book shopping, and I found a paperback copy of my winning book. For you. If you think you might like to read Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell, now is your chance. A week from today I'll draw a name from the comments and mail the winner my best read of 2009. To enter, just leave a comment here and tell me the name of any book you read and loved in 2009.

Happy reading!


The wonderful painting,
Morning With Matisse, is by Marie Fox and was originally spotted here. Her blog is here.

51 comments:

Dandy said...

Oh me! Me! Oh!

I have a feeling I'll be working my way through your list regardless. I just started Graceling :)

Gigi Thibodeau said...

Count me in! I read oodles of books that I loved in 2009, but a fun one that comes to mind tonight was The Secret Diary of Charlotte Bronte.

Thanks for your amazing comments yesterday, my sweet. I adore you.

xoxo Gigi

A Box of Chocolates said...

Oh wow a book giveaway what a treat!!! Umm my favourite for 2009 let me see I think it was The Road by Cormac McCarthy, certainly not a love story in the romantic sense but a story of love all the same. Did you finish The Elegance of the Hedgehog yet? I have started it and find it hard going.

Mrs. E said...

Last year I read "The Hunger Games" a YA novel. It has the potential to be the next "Twilight" without the vampires--just a futuristic USA.

Tess Kincaid said...

The book I enjoyed most last year would have to be Michael Ondaatje's book of poetry The Cinnamon Peeler.

Heather Mattern said...

Oh pick me, pick me, :) My favorite book last year Jane Eyre!

Jeanne said...

Books are a gift you can open again and again.
Love you
Jeanne

Laura said...

I would like to enter! Well, you know my #1 was The Help.....but you already know that....

How about this great book....Have you read it???

Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg.

A perfect book.

Relyn Lawson said...

Dandy - I just finished Graceling again last night. Are you enjoying it?

Gigi - I Secret Diary on my request list at the library. Based on your recommendation, of course.

Kim - I did finish Elegance and I completely loved it. I do know what you mean, though. It is a bit cumbersome. I found that reading it in small snatches wouldn't do. You need time to sit and savor.

Mrs. E - I thought Hunger Games would be my top book of the year. I really love it. But, Graceling came along and bumped it further down the list.

Willow - I'll have to read The Cinnamon Peeler. I loved Michael Ondaatje's book Handwriting. Did you?

Chaotic Beauty - I am not usually a fan of books into movies, but did you see the most recent (still several years ago) Jane Eyre? Sigh. Better than the book for me.

Rita said...

Relyn, you know my favorite. Jane Eyre! You and Jeffrey gave me a wonderful copy of it several years ago. I always enjoy that book. The most recent one that I read was Between the Tides. The author's last name was Henry, but I forget her first name.

Sue said...

I read Pat Conroy's "South of Broad" and really enjoyed it.

I have a giveaway at my blog today too...check it out!

Sue

~Leslie said...

Very interested in reading the book. I've read plenty this past year. My favorite? Well, it's one a read and re-read again last year--Shelter for the Spirit by Victoria Moran.

Unknown said...

Hi Relyn,

Well, I thoroughly enjoyed Ken Follett's 'The Pillars of The Earth' and 'World Without End' for a mega medieval mix but I also loved Norah Lofts' 'Crown of Aloes', which I mentioned here:
http://melrosemusings.blogspot.com/2009/08/tuesday-teasers.html

Patti said...

Sounds like fun Relyn! One of my favorites was a kid's book- A Crooked Kind of Perfect. Very cute! Thanks for doing this!

Marilyn Miller said...

I recently enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

I would love to win your favorite book from 2009.

Marion Williams-Bennett said...

Olive Kittridge was the book I just loved in 2009!

The story was told in a series of short stories but they were all interconnected. It was a wonderful look at aging and relationships.

Elle Bee said...

I can't say I read this book because I'm still getting through it! But I started reading the bible from Genesis and hope to finish this year!

Kirsten Steen said...

Hi Relyn,
Count me in. I am currently rereading Eat,Pray,Love! Last year? I'd say I really enjoyed 'The City of Falling Angels' by John Berendt last year. Also 'In the Company of the Courtesan' by Sarah Dunant.
Would love to read your favorite read!
Ciao bella,
Kirsten

Hindsfeet said...

What a lovely gesture, Relyn!! How kind!

My favorite read of 2009 was Beryl Markham's "West with the Night"...Didn't want it to end...

crossing my finger's but happy for whoever gets your sweet gift : )

Jessica said...

I'm loving sifting through your blog. How lovely. The last book I read in 2009 was "Emotional Intelligence." Very enjoyable, very though provoking. Here's to many more good books!

christina said...

oh this is too sweet! in 2009, i read a book called "through painted deserts" by Donald Miller. it was a soft and giving and gentle book. i do believed it made my heart warmer.
xo

Macrina said...

Always enjoy stopping by here; it's like sitting down at a cafe (even music provided) and now it's books we're ordering; Of course I would like your favorite read of 2009 and if I don't win it I'll go to the library. I think, in addition to EAT, PRAY, LIVE, my favorite for 2009 was THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY. Happy Reading Everyone.

Delena said...

I love giveaways and must have one myself soon. The book I am reading right now is:
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski.
I am about half way through and it is a wonderful read.

margie said...

i read "the mistress of nothing" by kate pullinger. one of many since there is nothing i like better than a couch, a book, and a fire.

Jessica said...

I loved the Time Traveler's Wife this past year.

Lennye said...

How sweet! I'm reading too many work related books, so my best read of 2009 was "Readicide: How Schools Are Killing Reading and What You Can Do About It" by Kelly Gallagher.

Suz said...

I just finished reading Garth Stein's
The Art of Racing in the Rain

fab

beth said...

if it's your favorite, then I want a chance to read it !
count me in !

and I just re-read "talk before sleep" by elizabeth berg....and loved it more the second time around which I thought would be impossible

Gill said...

what a wonderful world....ahhh such a nice greeting here all the time Relyn

i am away too, i find this time of year my darkest...my horriblest

so i stay away until i'm chipper again

love that pic

reminds me of ME after a few mojitos! lol

xoxo

Melinda said...

WOW! After reading all these comments, I wish I had more time to read! :) I think my favorite book in 2009 was the Baxter Family "F" series by Karen Kingsbury!

Elizabeth Halt said...

The Untethered Soul

:)

Tracy said...

Oh, such fun... Thank you, Relyn! Do count me in on the fun. I've not read this title before, so this is exciting! I read so many great books last year, focusing a lot of re-reading the classics. One of my favorites was, of course, "Pride & Prejudice" but another great discovery was reading "My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail & John Adams"! Happy Day, my friend... and thank you for your email. :o) ((HUGS))

Relyn Lawson said...

Jeanie - I agree, books are like gifts. They make me happy just to see them standing shoulder to shoulder on the shelf. I always think they are holding their breaths thinking, "Pick me. Pick me." when I go to choose a new book.

Laura - I haven't read it, but guess which library website I'm headed to next?

Grammy - You need to go visit Chaotic Beauty. You two have the same taste in books.

Sue - I do love Pat Conroy. I'm listening to The Great Santini now.

Leslie - I've heard of that book quite often, but never read it. I'll have to put that on my to read list, too.

Derrick - I remember that post. You made the book sound so engaging.

Patti - I squealed when I saw you loved A Croooked Kind of Perfect. That one simply delighted me. I just grinned and grinned. If you loved that, I'm pretty sure you'll love Sweethearts by Sarah Zarr. Have you read it?

Marilyn and Mrs. K - I still haven't read that one. I think because it was such a big hit. Is something wrong with me, do you think? I rarely want to read the best-sellers. I'm odd, I know. But, if you both say it's a wonderful read.... I'm off to the library.

Lubna said...

Hi Relyn

My favourite read of 2009 is Three Cups of Tea.

Here is the url
http://writerscyberslate.blogspot.com/2009/09/three-cups-of-tea-promoting-peace-one.html

Happy reading in 2010.

Peaches said...

You have a neat blog!
:)

I like it very much!

I just started my blog too-- So yours is very inspiring! I like the pictures/photgraphs! I'm a collector as well :)

spread your wings said...

oh i do want to read that.
i love this painting to posted. i am inspired by matisse work as an artist.

Yolanda said...

I would love to read it. I know you will love the Ceecee book too.

Anonymous said...

i love books so very much! my favorite for 2009 was "the time traveler's wife".

gkgirl said...

oh...i only have a moment
but i had to comment...
and later i'll come back and check
this out for some ideas of what
i can read...

but i would say for 2009
i loved
the time travellers wife
and
pillars of earth

i'd put the authors but the
car is running and i'm
late late late....

heeheee...
:O)

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

I think geography of bliss was my favorite book in 09...

what a sweet giveaway :)

Relyn Lawson said...

Marion - I thought Olive was astounding. I have Abide with Me on my nightstand. I plan to begin it this weekend.

Elle Bee - I love that you are reading the Bible cover to cover. I've done that once, but only once. I read it nearly every day, but not cover to cover. Bravo. What's been your favorite book so far?

Hindsfeet - I was giddy when I saw you love West With the Night. That is the book I give most frequently. No one I know has read it. At least, until I give it to them. Everyone I know who reads it loves it, though. And, oh. Isn't the recommendation the best ever? Wouldn't you die if someone like Hemmingway said that about you?

Jessica - I'll have to check that out. Was it linked in any way to the theory of multiple intelligences? Just wondering.

C - I've already requested it from the library. Brooklyn Follies, too.

Macrina - Two book recommendations! Goodie!!

Delena - I'm eager to hear what you think of Edgar when you finish it. I read it. Let's talk.

More later, friends...

Relyn Lawson said...

Elle Bee - I meant favorite book of the Bible. Did I make that clear?

Olga said...

Hello Relyn!

This is Olga omn the Swedish blog "Färger, Ljus och Friska dofter) -you know the blog with the boy with "the beautiful toung" who was having Einstein behind him.

You asked about the music "My Garden". It is sung by our friend Cecilia Nanneson. The music and lyrics is by my man Hans Granström (who also played the piano here) and I was behind the camera and put the video together.
My man was glad to hear you liked it!

Lots of love!
/Olga

Jeanie said...

Good Saturday Morning! There is a blog award awaiting you at The Marmelade Gypsy!

And, I should love to enter. I think perhaps my favorite book of 2009 was "My Life in France" by Julia Child and Alex Prud'homme.

BONNIE K said...

Checking out your blog from my cousin The Marmalade Gypsy! Please enter me!

Anonymous said...

Too many good books to list here -- I loved both new titles from Elizabeth Berg and Alice Hoffman. Also enjoyed "Racing in the Rain" and "Loving Frank" which I wouldn't have read without a push from my neighborhood book club. As an aside, I am glad someone mentioned here that they were struggling with "Elegance of the Hedgehog," as I am struggling with it too....

Yiota said...

Hello there! 2009 was the year that I decided I hadn't done much reading as a teenager and so missed a lot of good books; so I started reading teenage literature by two exceptional Greek writers: Alki Zei and George (pronounced like French) Sarri; both women; loved them both.
Thanks for the bookish giveaway!

Relyn Lawson said...

Margie - I love how you describe that. Nothing better than a book, a couch, and a fire. I agree wholeheartedly.

Jessica and Jacqueline - I tried the audio-book version of Time Traveler's Wife and it was way too tough to follow. I finally gave up. Jeffrey says I should try again, but actually read it. He says it's worth the effort. So, did you see the movie? How does it compare?

Lennye - What a great title! I'm going to have to check that out. Did it apply much to elementary school teachers? I wouldn't think so. At least not in my experience.

Suz - That's one I've never heard of. I'll have to check it out.

Beth - We think alike. I just finished Range of Motion last week. She gets better over time. Have you ever read her blog? I love that, too.

Melinda - Is that the one you were telling me about? The Amish one?

Elizabeth - What an intriguing title!!

Tracy - I remember that you posted about the Adams' books. I love that you spent a year rereading classics. What a great idea.

Lubna - I can you believe I still haven't read Three Cups of Tea?

Miss B. - Welcome to the blog world. I can pretty safely say that you are going to LOVE it.

Leslye - I love that you are on GoodReads and we can peak in on each others' reading habits.

Yolanda - Ceecee is next, but I do have a big pile started. So many great books...

GKGirl - You too?? I really am going to have to read Time Traveler's Wife if three of my friends picked it as their best book of the year.

Krissy - I was so excited about yours that I came over and talked to you about it already, didn't I?

Jeanie - Do you ever read anything by M.F.K. Fisher? I think you'd love it. Maybe start with Two Towns in France

Bonnie K - Welcome. I'm so glad that you dropped by. So? What was your favorite book last year?

Cindy - That's two for The Art of Racing in the Rain. Oh, I do love getting good recommendations.

Yiota - I still read lots of young adult books. I would highly recommend Hunger Games and Graceling if you can get them in Greek. They both are wonderful books.

Ragamuffin Gal said...

Sweetie ~ I know I am way late AND I know you already know what mine is... but thought I'd join in and give it a shout out just the same!!!

THE HELP

mY MOM, the diehard mystery suspense gal even dubbed it her favorite as well.

Anonymous said...

am i too late? pleeze count me in! :)

TesoriTrovati said...

I hread Jewels: A Secret History by Victoria Finlay. Absolutely fascinating non-fiction that reads like a detective novel. Ms Finlay hopped on a quest around the globe to track down the history and fascination we have with 9 outstanding gems. From Amber to Diamond there are stops on mountaintops and in the desert, in river beds and pine forests. Extraordinary book.
Enjoy the day! Erin
enjoytheday{at}tesoritrovati{dot}com

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