Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading
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Month: January 2012
JANUARY 11 to JANUARY 25th, 2012
AMERICAN DERVISH
by AYAD AKHTAR
SYNOPSIS:
Hayat Shah is a young American in love for the first time. His normal life of school, baseball, and video games had previously been distinguished only by his Pakistani heritage and by the frequent chill between his parents, who fight over things he is too young to understand. Then Mina arrives, and everything changes.
Mina is Hayat’s mother’s oldest friend from Pakistan. She is independent, beautiful and intelligent, and arrives on the Shah’s doorstep when her disastrous marriage in Pakistan disintegrates. Even Hayat’s skeptical father can’t deny the liveliness and happiness that accompanies Mina into their home. Her deep spirituality brings the family’s Muslim faith to life in a way that resonates with Hayat as nothing has before. Studying the Quran by Mina’s side and basking in the glow of her attention, he feels an entirely new purpose mingled with a growing infatuation for his teacher.
When Mina meets and begins dating a man, Hayat is confused by his feelings of betrayal. His growing passions, both spiritual and romantic, force him to question all that he has come to believe is true. Just as Mina finds happiness, Hayat is compelled to act — with devastating consequences for all those he loves most.
American Dervish is a brilliantly written, nuanced, and emotionally forceful look inside the interplay of religion and modern life. Ayad Akhtar was raised in the Midwest himself, and through Hayat Shah he shows readers vividly the powerful forces at work on young men and women growing up Muslim in America. This is an intimate, personal first novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.
Mina is Hayat’s mother’s oldest friend from Pakistan. She is independent, beautiful and intelligent, and arrives on the Shah’s doorstep when her disastrous marriage in Pakistan disintegrates. Even Hayat’s skeptical father can’t deny the liveliness and happiness that accompanies Mina into their home. Her deep spirituality brings the family’s Muslim faith to life in a way that resonates with Hayat as nothing has before. Studying the Quran by Mina’s side and basking in the glow of her attention, he feels an entirely new purpose mingled with a growing infatuation for his teacher.
When Mina meets and begins dating a man, Hayat is confused by his feelings of betrayal. His growing passions, both spiritual and romantic, force him to question all that he has come to believe is true. Just as Mina finds happiness, Hayat is compelled to act — with devastating consequences for all those he loves most.
American Dervish is a brilliantly written, nuanced, and emotionally forceful look inside the interplay of religion and modern life. Ayad Akhtar was raised in the Midwest himself, and through Hayat Shah he shows readers vividly the powerful forces at work on young men and women growing up Muslim in America. This is an intimate, personal first novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.
THANKS TO ANNA, AND THE WONDERFUL
PEOPLE AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP
I HAVE TWO ( 2 ) COPIES OF THIS
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
*ALL COMMENTS TO BE SEPARATE*
AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: FROM READING THE SYNOPSIS,
WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK?*
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*LEAVE COMMENT: FROM READING THE SYNOPSIS,
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*U.S. AND CANADA RESIDENTS ONLY*
*NO P.O. BOXES*
**PER PUBLISHER**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.
*NO P.O. BOXES*
**PER PUBLISHER**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.
*GIVEAWAY ENDS JANUARY 25th AT 6PM EST*
WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG AND NOTIFIED
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
DISCLAIMER / RULES
Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,
the giveaway on behalf of the
above. I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in
exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are
ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
the giveaway on behalf of the
above. I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in
exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are
ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed
Today’s guest is more like family. She has visited many times, not only here but all over bloggy land. I think that’s one of the reasons, beside her writing and books, that I most admire about her. The fact that she is so accessible, loves and appreciates her readers, has an unending abundance of energy, is a genuine, caring person with a huge heart. So grab a seat, something to drink and eat, and let’s have a book get together with Melissa Foster!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Foster is the bestselling, award-winning author of three novels, Megan’s Way, Chasing Amanda, and Come Back to Me. She has also been published in Indie Chicks, and anthology. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, and the WoMen’s Literary Cafe, a cross-promotional site for authors, reviewers, bloggers, and readers. Melissa is currently collaborating in the film production of Megan’s Way, and hard at work on her next novel.
Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she’s written for Calgary’s Child Magazine and Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family. Melissa’s interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on The Women’s Nest or her personal website.
Melissa’s interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod. A portion of every book sold is donated to Provincetown Cares.
Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.
You can visit Melissa at the following sites: website, Facebook, Twitter, The Women’s Nest. WoMen’s Literary Cafe.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Tess Johnson has it all: her handsome photographer husband Beau, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.
Tess struggles with the news of Beau’s death and tries to put her life back together. Alone and dealing with a pregnancy that only reminds her of what she has lost, Tess is adrift in a world of failed plans and fallen expectations. When a new client appears offering more than just a new project, Tess must confront the circumstances of her life head on.
Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing honor killings find Beau barely alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged by the crash. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.
What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.
See my review here.
Watch the trailer:
Read my review for Megans’ Way here.
Awards received for her previous books:
Awards:
Megan’s Way
2011 Beach Book Award Winner (Spirituality)
2011 Readers Favorite Awards, Winner (Fiction/Drama), Finalist (Women’s Fiction)
2010 Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist (Spirituality)
Chasing Amanda
2011 Readers Favorite Awards, Winner (Paranormal), Finalist, (Women’s Fiction, Mystery)
2011 Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards, Winner, (Paranormal)
THANKS TO AUTHOR, MELISSA FOSTER,
I HAVE TWO (2) EBOOK EDITIONS TO GIFT AWAY.
CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
THE GIFTAWAY ENTRY PAGE.
DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
JANUARY 10th to JANUARY 24th, 2012
COME BACK TO ME
by MELISSA FOSTER
SYNOPSIS:
Tess Johnson has it all, Beau, her handsome photographer husband, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.
As Tess struggles to put her life back together and deal with the pregnancy she can no longer hide, a new client appears, offering more than just a new project.
Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing Honor Killings find Beau alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.
What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.
THANKS TO AUTHOR, MELISSA FOSTER
I HAVE TWO ( 2 ) EBOOK EDITIONS OF THIS
BOOK TO GIFT AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
BOOK TO GIFT AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
*ALL COMMENTS TO BE SEPARATE*
AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: FROM READING THE SYNOPSIS,
HOW DO YOUTHINK THIS STORY ENDS?*
AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: FROM READING THE SYNOPSIS,
HOW DO YOUTHINK THIS STORY ENDS?*
*EXTRA ENTRIES*
*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU PUBLICLY FOLLOW THIS
BLOG (IF NOT, GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT ON RIGHT SIDE).
*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK.
*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER.
*REMEMBER TO INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ALL ENTRIES.
*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER.
*REMEMBER TO INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ALL ENTRIES.
*INTERNATIONAL–EBOOK EDITIONS*
**
**HONOR SYSTEM**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.
**
**HONOR SYSTEM**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.
*GIVEAWAY ENDS JANUARY 24th AT 6PM EST*
WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG AND NOTIFIED
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
DISCLAIMER / RULES
Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,
the giveaway on behalf of the
above. I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in
exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive areever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed
COME BACK TO ME by Melissa Foster
Published by Greenforge Books (October 26, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0984716513
ISBN-13: 978-0984716517
At the request of the author, a Kindle edition was provided, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (from Amazon): As featured in USA Today’s, Happily Ever After blog, “Come Back to Me is perceptive and penetrating look at the intricacies of love, respect and relationships. Foster’s characters are solid; her writing style engaging and her story moving.” —IndieReader 5 STARS
.
Tess Johnson has it all: her handsome photographer husband Beau, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret–only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.Tess struggles with the news of Beau’s death and tries to put her life back together. Alone and dealing with a pregnancy that only reminds her of what she has lost, Tess is adrift in a world of failed plans and fallen expectations. When a new client appears offering more than just a new project,Tess must confront the circumstances of her life head on.Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing honor killings find Beau barely alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged by the crash. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.
My Thoughts and Opinion: This book is poignant, heart wrenching, emotional, a love story, suspenseful, with images of war, real life trauma, betrayals, friendships, family dynamics, lies, secrets, and so much more, that once the first page is opened, it can’t be put down. Bravo Ms. Foster!!!! I finished reading this book on December 30th, 2011, and as the saying goes, saved the best for last. This was definitely one of my top 5 books of 2011.
Ms. Foster’s writing style allowed the characters to jump from the pages, they were so life like. Her writing style, with detailed descriptions, allowed me to create images as if it were in real time be it if I was in Iraq or standing outside the doors of both the ICU and PICU of the hospital. The emotions and relationship dynamics between the characters were so profound and touching within the story line. However, for the reader, at least for this reader, thought provoking as each character examined their own what ifs and the guilt of their actions that might have changed the course of the outcome (vague–do not want to include spoilers).
This is the 2nd book I have read of Ms. Foster’s. The fist being Megan’s Way, which I also enjoyed. I highly recommend not only this book, but this author. This book is a must read, but, it is a box of tissue read. An Awesome Read!!!!
DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading
Today’s question:
Are there any “raved reads” –books that everyone seems to be talking about– that you’re hoping to get read this year, yourself? What books are they, and why are you hoping to read them? Is it because you want to say you’ve read it? Or, would you have chosen to read it, even if you’d discovered it yourself, and no one was raving about it?
My response:
I don’t think I have heard about any “raved reads” yet.
I have received an ARC that I was approached about and that I am anxious to read. I read his debut book this past year, Dead of Wynter and it was fantastic. The author is Spencer Seidel and his new novel is Lovesick. I’m not sure if it will be considered a “raved read” but I was excited when I was asked to review his latest novel.
Plus there are some other authors that I am hoping will have new books published this year. Will they be “raved reads”? I don’t know. But then I choose books that I enjoy not just because it’s the “hottest title out there”.
What abut you? Any “raved reads”? Or are you like me, it doesn’t matter what the IT book is, it depends if it is something I would enjoy?
January is being hosted by At Home with Books
Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of A girl and her books and is now on tour.
According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”
Two weeks in a row….no books in my mailbox. It’s not like I don’t have enough books waiting for me to read. I have a bookcase and 2 Ereaders full of books, however, I love hearing the UPS truck pulling up to my house or checking the mailbox and seeing a big envelope containing a book and ripping it open to see what I received…but…not this week. Oh well….I’ll just come by your place and see what you got so I can add it to my “hopefully in my lifetime tbr list“
……..of SCREAM CATCHER by Vincent Zandri
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
24
Timestamp: 2012-01-09 00:48:22 UTC
Jim said…24 i like you on facebook
An email has been sent to the winner and he has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Thank you to those that entered.
……..BUT……..
I had absolutely no choice, not a one, just had to, backed into a corner, hand cuffed type justification to add one more challenge (a quiet snicker lol)
Justification….I, along with Gina from Hott Books, co host the Reading Challenge Addict Challenge and our resident Queen of Challenges, Bev from My Reader’s Block, has just decided that she is once again hosting this challenge and has posted it on A Novel Challenge. So my thinking is that it would be rude of me if I didn’t sign up. Don’t you agree? Please say yes!!! lol
Here are the rules if you would like to play along.
2012 Color Coded Reading Challenge
January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012
Hosted by Bev from My Reader’s Block
Last year I found that I had quite the color-theme going on with my reading and I decided to put together a challenge based on colors in the title to tempt all those Reading Challenge Addicts out there. I had only 5 or 6 folks join me, so I thought I might shelve it for a year or so and try again later. But I’ve had a couple of the participants tell me how much they enjoyed it and I’m game for another go round. So, for your challenge reading pleasure, I will once again host The Color Coded Reading
Challenge:
Here are the rules:
*Read nine books in the following categories.
- A book with “Blue” in the title.
- A book with “Red” in the title.
- A book with “Yellow” in the title.
- A book with “Green” in the title.
- A book with “Brown” in the title.
- A book with “Black” in the title.
- A book with “White” in the title.
- A book with any other color in the title (Purple, Orange, Turquoise, Pink, Magenta, etc.).
- A book with a word that implies color (Rainbow, Polka-dot, Plaid, Paisley, Stripe, etc.).
* Any book read from January 1 through December 31, 2012 will count.
*Crossovers with other challenges are fine.
*Everyone who completes all nine categories will be entered in a year-end drawing for a book-related prize package.
*Please post about the challenge on your blog. Sign ups accepted until Nov 30, 2012.
*Please sign up using the Linky below. Give your name & blog (Example: Bev @ My Reader’s Block) and use a direct link to your challenge post as your url. Please don’t connect to just your home page.
*Please use the Review Page to post review links and a final wrap-up post when you finish the challenge.
*No blog? That’s okay. Post a comment here to announce your entry into the challenge and when you have completed the challenge just post a comment at the review site with a list of your books.
For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.
