Tom Loxley, an Indian-Australian professor, is less concerned with finishing his book on Henry James than with finding his dog, who is lost in the Australian bush.
Joining his daily hunt is Nelly Zhang, an artist whose husband disappeared mysteriously years before Tom met her. Although Nelly helps him search for his beloved pet, Tom isn't sure if he should trust this new friend.
Tom has preoccupations other than his book and Nelly and his missing dog, mainly concerning his mother, who is suffering from the various indignities of old age. He is constantly drawn from the cerebral to the primitive--by his mother's infirmities, as well as by Nelly's attractions. THE LOST DOG makes brilliant use of the conventions of suspense and atmosphere while leading us to see anew the ever-present conflicts between our bodies and our minds, the present and the past, the primal and the civilized.
A bit about the author:
Michelle de Kretser is a Sri Lankan who has lived in Australia since 1972. Her previous book, The Hamilton Case (L,B 2004) received the Commonwealth Writers Prize (SE Asia and Pacific) and the Society of Authors' (U.K) Encore Award for best second novel of the year. It was also first runner-up 2004 for B&N's Discover Award in Fiction and a New York Times Notable Book. THE LOST DOG is her third novel.
Check out the book and then enter to win the random drawing. I will choose five winners via Random.org. on August 10th
If you want a chance to win, simply leave a comment with a way to contact you. If you want five chances to win, then tweet about the giveaway or post a link on your blog. If you follow the blog you are going to get an extra entry!
Seven years ago, readers everywhere fell in love with Jim Glass, the precocious ten-year-old at the heart of Tony Earley's bestseller Jim the Boy. Now a teenager, Jim returns in another tender and wise story of young love on the eve of World War Two. Jim Glass has fallen in love, as only a teenage boy can fall in love, with his classmate Chrissie Steppe. Unfortunately, Chrissie is Bucky Bucklaw's girlfriend, and Bucky has joined the Navy on the eve of war. Jim vows to win Chrissie's heart in his absence, but the war makes high school less than a safe haven, and gives a young man's emotions a grown man's gravity. With the uncanny insight into the well-intentioned heart that made Jim the Boy a favorite novel for thousands of readers, Tony Earley has fashioned another nuanced and unforgettable portrait of America in another time--making it again even realer than our own day. This is a timeless and moving story of discovery, loss and growing up, proving why Tony Earley's writing "radiates with a largeness of heart" (Esquire)
About the Author:
Tony Earley is the author of four books: Here We Are in Paradise, a collection of stories; the novel Jim the Boy; the personal essay collection Somehow Form a Family; and The Blue Star, a novel forthcoming in Spring, 2008. A winner of a National Magazine Award for fiction, he was named one of the twenty best writers of his generation by both Granta, in 1996, and The New Yorker in 1999. His fiction and/or nonfiction have appeared in Harper's, Esquire, The New Yorker, The Oxford American, The New York Times Book Review, Tin House, Best American Short Stories, New Stories from the South and many other magazines and anthologies. He is a native of western North Carolina and a graduate of Warren Wilson College and The University of Alabama. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife and daughter, where he is the Samuel Milton Fleming Associate Professor of English at Vanderbilt University.
Yes, we have a new August giveaway compliments of Valerie at Hachette Book Group.
Check out the book and then enter to win the random drawing. I will choose five winners via Random.org. on August 8th
If you want a chance to win, simply leave a comment with a way to contact you. If you want five chances to win, then tweet about the giveaway or post a link on your blog. If you follow the blog you are going to get an extra entry!
This is the story of James Leininger, who-- a little more than two weeks after his second birthday-- began having blood-curdling nightmares that just would not stop. When James began screaming out recurring phrases like, "Plane on fire! Little man can't get out!" the Leiningers finally admitted that they truly had to take notice.
When details of planes and war tragedies no two-year-old boy could know continued-- even in stark daylight-- Bruce and Andrea Leininger began to realize that this was an incredible situation. SOUL SURVIVOR is the story of how the Leiningers pieced together what their son was communicating and eventually discovered that he was reliving the past life of World War II fighter pilot James Huston. As Bruce Leininger struggled to understand what was happening to his son, he also uncovered details of James Huston's life-- and death-- as a pilot that will fascinate military buffs everywhere.
In SOUL SURVIVOR, readers are taken for a gripping ride as the Leiningers' belief system is shaken to the core, and both of these families come to know a little boy who, against all odds and even in the face of true skeptics, harbors the soul of this man who died long ago
I really enjoyed this book. (Understatement). I was enchanted throughout the entire story. The characters are brave and headstrong and yet each vulnerable. I won't go so far as to say flawed as they are just so very human. The writing is lyrical and descriptive. It is also comsuming and addicting. So many times I paused while reading to imagine a setting, a situation or a sensation. This book is a treat for all the senses and a full on romantic meal for your heart and a treat to your literary taste buds. There are dramatic scenes that caused me to gasp and read faster as well as bed time "star stories" that caused me to read slowly, savor and enjoy.
At first glance one might think it is the story of the big wonderful hunk man rescuing the poor little blind girl and one might think it is some sort of damsel in distress story. That is not the case in this story. It is so much more. You will not find a weak, helpless woman waiting to be rescued. And yet at times you want her to just "be rescued." The books is passionately, sensual and a real treat.
I wish to thank Linda Gillard for sending me the autographed copy. It is one of the best treats in books I have had this year. I suspect I will have the glow of this book upon me for a while.
I came across this book on Rhapsody in Books web-site. Check Jill's review here. It is an amazing review and I just want to say...uh yeah... ."what she said." But I don't quite have that gift, but I must say I agree with it 100%.
I didn't get my post ready and was going to skip. But as I went around commenting, I thought... I want to share too! So here is my quick post.
This week I got The Brutal Telling, by Louise Penny.
and
I won a copy of FyodorDostoyevsky's, A Disgraceful Affair from The Bluestocking Society. I won a drawing there. Thank you Jessica.
On a somber note, rest in peace Frank McCourt Francis "Frank" McCourt (19 August 1930 - 19 July 2009) was an Irish-American teacher and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, best known as the author of Angela's Ashes
Quick, cheap and easy Chicken, Asparagus and Rice Bake (not a book post....sigh)
This is the second time I tried this concoction. It is pretty good.
I just took a Chicken Fajita Rice a Roni Mix. I dumped the ingredients into a pan, with the recommended amount of water (2.25 cups), and two tablespoons butter/margarine. Then I added about cup or two of chopped asparagus, and 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional). I brought it to a simmer/boil and poured it it to a 13 x 9 skillet and added Chicken breast. Cover with Aluminum foil and bake at 375 for 35 minutes or so.
It is very tastey! I mean it can be done with broth, seasonings, and rice from scratch... but this is a quick and easy way. If you are trying to eat healthy I bet you can do it with brown rice, and broccoli...mmmmm.... and omit the margarine.
So the end result picture isn't so great. But it really tastes good. On another note I made this really good turkey club sandwich today. It was great. I think it was about 10-12 WW points. But it was 1/2 for breakfast and 1/2 for lunch. I have been full all day. Contents: Bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, turkey and three slices (Yep, a double decker) of bread toasted.
Curious if I have been reading? Yes I have. Three books at once. But not too much. I hope to have some July reviews. Sorry for the lack of reading content. I had the day off and I knitted, cooked and ate. I will be checking in blog land soon. I had to borrow my son's key board, it looks like mine is broken.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Lets close with a Dex shot. I think he is saying.... "Why won't she sit down and read"
So is anyone else pretty excited for the movie this week? I am excited to say the least. I think I am going on Thursday after work. Yep ... big fan here. This was me Halloween 2007. I made my official Hogswart Scarf to wear to the last movie (Order of the Phoenix) as well as the midnight party at Borders for the release of Deathly Hallows.
I sort of can't believe am posting this picture of myself. I did win the costume contest at work that October. Mostly because I think I surprised everyone! (Harry Potter Scarf Pattern)
I just wanted to post and talk about Harry Potter with anyone that cares to chat. Shoot I just cracked open Breaking Dawn (The final Twilight Book) and I can NOT put it down. Otherwise, I wish I had pulled The Half Blood Prince to read before the movie. Who knows.. there might still be time.
Below is my Harry Potter Book Scarf. I love it! For those that knit, click on the link. If you don't knit, click anyway, there is a gallery of completed projects (book markers) to peruse.
Feel free to comment with all your Harry Potter Comments. I'd love to chit chat about it.
I am giving away my extra copy of: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer.
This is a hard cover version of the book that I bought gently used. I wanted to share my extra copy with all those that follow and support A Circle of Books. I also hope to meet some new bloggers and readers. As always, if you have a blog and I haven't visited feel free to do a shout out in your comment and I would love to visit.
Thank you!
Rules: You have Until July 24thto enter the giveaway. Winners to be announced on or about July 25th.
Just leave a comment here for a single entry.
Followers get two entries.
Tweeters get five entries.
You must leave your email address, it is okay if your email links from your google profile, I don't mind getting it from there.
USA and Canada Only. (sorry.. I hope to do something world-wide before the year is over!) No P.O. boxes Book will be mailed by me.
Good Luck.
I wanted to say, I know my blog is lacking book reviews lately. I hope to get to producing some more soon.
Hey all.. sorry for the delay on the announcing the winners... vacation, life and a 40's brain are my excuses.... and I am sticking to that story.
Dex turned 10 months yesterday. I came home at lunch to take him from the back yard to nap in his kennel for the rest of the day. I said, "Hey Dex, I have to go back to work, time for a nap..." He just froze and stared at me. Long enough to get the camera, turn it on, and take a picture. He was in shock. Not that he doesn't always have the "eyes", but I tell you I can still read his different expressions. As every day goes by my heart belongs to Dex more and more.
The Harmattan wind scorches across Nigeria, and an old man lies dying. His community gathers to pay its respects; their haunting songs echoing in the warm twilight. Around his bed his family is gathered and they listen as he speaks his last words. Yet in the face of death this old man doesn't talk of regrets, neither does he talk of petty grievances, instead he talks softly about life; how to survive, how to be happy and how to achieve self-respectI was deeply moved and impressed by the wealth of knowledge and insight from this beautiful simple story.
My Thoughts: (this is a re-post of my review)
The book has a striking appearance with a rich quality through out the whole book. Quality paper, artistry, and yet the words are simple creating a rich reading experience. Reading this book was a spiritual experience for me. I immediately thought of all those that I love with whom I want to share the book.
I recommend this book for everyone living on this planet. I suggest you pick up a copy or two as I know you will want to pass it on to a child, niece, friend or co-worker.
The story over flows with wise words and practical advice for each and every one of us. The words will touched me with a sense of spritual justice. Not preachy, just common sense humanity. I won't share too much more. I hope you are as pleasantly surprised as I was. I feel peace in my heart and mind after reading the book. I feel blessed to have received my copy from the author.
Thank you Tomi for this great book. Thank you for sending my my cherished and loved review copy.
That is my book... on my very legs... on my very own vacation. I am loving the book. Sorry to say my review is not ready. You want the excuse? Well it is because when I mixed the beach, the Fourth of July, and a mini family getaway, a lot of the time that I thought I would spend devouring the book, was lost. However, I did crack it open in Bodega Bay on the Fourth of July weekend. The weather despite lack of a blue sky was warm, with a hint of a breeze, just a perfect day to lounge and read. I am promising Dexter/beach trip photos this week! And my thoughts on the book will be revealed this week as well.
But it is tour day so you won't be without reviews and good stuff. Check out the following blogs for all the usual fun "tour-day" stuff.
Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed.
Once again, Hilderbrand masterfully weaves an intense tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of endless summer island life.
A bit about Elin Hilderbrand:
Elin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, PA, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her seven previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa
Surfsider, The orginal "Castaway Cocktail"
Named after the town in Nantucket which is also home to Surfside beach. This cocktail is a spin on the classic Southside (2 oz. Gin, 1 oz. Lemon ½ oz. Simple, Fresh Mint) cocktail, which is a requisite cooler for any beachside vacation.
1.5 oz G Vine « Floraison » Gin ½ oz Lemon Juice ½ oz. Simple Syrup 4 Leaves Lemon Verbena 4 Slices Cucumber Club Soda 3 dashes A.B. Smeby Summer Verbena bitters
Quickly muddle the Verbena and cucumber with the lemon juice and simple. Add the Gin and ice and shake. Pour contents into a highball glass and top with soda. Finish with 3 dashes lemon verbena bitters.
Garnish with cucumber wheel.
G’Vine Gin
G’Vine is a French gin based out of Cognac Most gin products are, at their core, distilled from grain. The unique thing about G’Vine gin is that it is made from neutral grape spirit, from the wine of Ugni Blanc Grapes. Ugni Blanc is also known as a Trebbiano and is used in the brandies of Cognac and Armagnac. In addition, the gin is infused with the flowering Ugni Blanc blossoms which are picked before they turn into grape berries. This period is called “Floraison”, hence the name. 9 botanicals are distilled separately (ginger root, liquorice, green cardamom, cassia bark, coriander, juniper berries, cubeb berries, nutmeg and lime) and then blended with the base and distilled one final time. The result is a uniquely floral gin that is quite smooth due to the grape distillate and floral in a similar vein as Hendricks.
Created at The Modern by Ehren Ashkenazi. For more delicious cocktails, see MIX SHAKE STIR
The New York Times bestseller - SOUL SURVIVOR: The Reincarnation of a World War II Fighter Pilot by Bruce and Andrea Leininger with Ken Gross. The forward to SOUL SURVIVOR was written by Carol Bowman (author of Children’s Past Lives).
This is the story of James Leininger, who-- a little more than two weeks after his second birthday-- began having blood-curdling nightmares that just would not stop. When James began screaming out recurring phrases like, "Plane on fire! Little man can't get out!" the Leiningers finally admitted that they truly had to take notice.
When details of planes and war tragedies no two-year-old boy could know continued-- even in stark daylight-- Bruce and Andrea Leininger began to realize that this was an incredible situation. SOUL SURVIVOR is the story of how the Leiningers pieced together what their son was communicating and eventually discovered that he was reliving the past life of World War II fighter pilot James Huston. As Bruce Leininger struggled to understand what was happening to his son, he also uncovered details of James Huston's life-- and death-- as a pilot that will fascinate military buffs everywhere.
In SOUL SURVIVOR, readers are taken for a gripping ride as the Leiningers' belief system is shaken to the core, and both of these families come to know a little boy who, against all odds and even in the face of true skeptics, harbors the soul of this man who died long ago.
Giveaway Details:
Contest to run through July 17th. Winners Announced July 18th.
Leave a comment on this post to enter with your email.
I have Five Copies to offer, thanks to Valerie at Hachette Book Group.
Hip Hip Hooray.. I am off work for a few days and will be going to Bodega Bay for the Fourth of July. I will be spending Saturday and Sunday on the beach. I am so excited. Of course Dexter is going along to walk the beach with me!
I can't wait to sit and read by the beach. This will kind of be "it" for my summer vacation. I hope to get a mini trip with Hubby to San Francisco/Napa around September/October. But as it stands this is my little vacation. Hey we take what we can get right?
On the flip side the next two days I am home to blog, knit and catch up on things.
I am about to blast into blog land and rain comments forth to all!! Hey, If I haven't commented on your blog or visited, Please comment here with a link and I will drop by in the next few days.
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