Monday, Aug 10, 2009

Book Review & GIVEAWAY: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

guernseytrcoverAuthor:       Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Publisher:    Dial Press/Random House

ISBN:          978-0-14-311350-8

Website:      Here and Here

 Type:         Fiction:Historical

Pages:        279 Trade Paperback

Purchase:    $7.70 @ Amazon.com (HERE)

The Story

“January, 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, Dawsey Adams, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name in a book? 

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of Dawsey and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—a book club born as a spur-of-the- moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts an outstanding cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable conversation in letters with the Society’s members, learning about their lives, their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on all of them. Over time, and despite a demanding and dramatic life in London, she finds herself drawn to the self-contained Dawsey Adams, and to the story of Elizabeth, a young woman whose bright spirit and strength live on in the daughter she left behind when she was sent to a concentration camp. Juliet knows she has found the subject of her book, and possibly much more, and sets sail for Guernsey, changing the course of her life forever.”

(Above excerpt is from http://www.anniebarrows.com/otherbooks/)

My Thoughts & The Review

Ever since I caught great reviews about this book on the Internet, I have been wanting to read it.  I finally ordered the book from Amazon.com and was very much looking forward to a big cup of tea and a few hours to read it.  Shortly thereafter, I was invited to tour the book for TLC Book Tours.  WOW!  The consequences of this little tale:  I’ve got a shiny, brand-new copy to give away to a lucky reader (below).

I think that my excitement about the book stemmed from the reviews which suggested this was a book that had heart, memorable characters, and a distinct storyline.  After reading the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, I am in total agreement.  This book has all of the heart that you could want and story that you need.  This book is written in the format of letters written from and to the central character, Juliet.  We get to read letters to & from her publisher, best friend, acquaintances and the pen-pals-turned-friends  from Guernsey.  The benefit of this format is that the reader gets the enjoyment of reading from the minds of many characters, not just the central one.  It enables an intimacy with the characters in which the reader almost feels as if he/she is building the friendship with the writers of these letters.

This is a book that also exposes the war-time injustices when occurred during the German invasion of The Channel Islands off England.  It’s hard to imagine having your homeland invaded and your rights completely stripped of you.  Further, the rations of food and household items became so scarce that there was little or no inventory for the islanders to share.  We learn, through this story, that children were shipped off the island to England after the German occupation in hopes for their continued safety.  I cannot imagine shipping off my children to another country without knowing who would care for them and how they would fare.   

The authors share the story of how it was written at the end of the book.  I am saddened to hear that Mary Ann Shaffer passed away in 2008 and is no longer with us to share more of her beautiful stories.  Annie Barrows, her niece, completed the book and performed all the needed re-writes.  Their real-life story promotes joy, yet is sad in that Mary Ann Shaffer didn’t get the full enjoyment of seeing the incredible success of her novel. 

Memorable Quotes

This book is about a group of people who are brought together for a good meal, but who get to really know one another by forming their “literary society” (aka bookclub).  It is through the they share books that they are able to open up and show sides of themselves that have normally been hidden to these neighbors and community members.  I thought about this influence in my own life.  I do find that I have opened myself up to my readers as well as my book club friends when I express my opinion of a particular book that I have read.  I believe this is because your tastes and opinions really do divulge themselves when you are discussing literature.  Take for example how Isola’s discussion of a book opens up her personality to the readers:

“You will want to know why I admired those girls.  I like stories of passionate encounters.  I myself have never had one, but not I can picture one.”

Isola said:

“… reading good books ruins you for enjoying the bad ones.”

Without a doubt!

Would You Like To Win A Copy?

As mentioned above, I am pleased to present a giveaway of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society to UP TO FIVE of my lucky readers!  Here are the details:

  • Contest is open through August 20, 2009
  • Contest is open to residents of the United States or Canada
  • For every 20 comments I receive, I can give away 1 copy of the book…up to 5 books!
  • 1 Entry:  Leave your name and email address
  • Additional Entry:  Post about the giveaway on your blog or sidebar
  • Additional Entry:  Follow me On Facebook
  • Additional Entry:  Follow me on Twitter.
  • Additional Entry:  Tweet about the contest on Twitter
  • Additional Entry:  Tell me about the ”story teller” in your family in your comment below.

 

On Sher’s “Out of 10 Scale:” 

85This book is a well-written novel that offers so much to the reader in the voices of its characters.  I would most definitely recommend this book and for the genre Fiction:Historical, I am going to rate this book an 8.5 OUT OF 10.

My thanks to TLC Book Tours for including me in the tour of this celebrated read!

 tlc-post-size

 

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85 Comments

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85 Responses

  1. Anna

    July 10th, 2009 at 4:26 am

    Glad to see you enjoyed this one. I absolutely loved it. It was emotional and sad and heartwarming all at the same time. No need to enter me in the giveaway, of course, but I’ll add a link to my sidebar.
    .-= Anna´s last blog ..Guest Post: Bill Surie, Author of HOLLY’S INBOX =-.

  2. Kathy

    July 10th, 2009 at 5:16 am

    Don’t enter me. I found this book to be delightful and just didn’t want it to end.
    .-= Kathy´s last blog ..Review: Priceless Memories =-.

  3. MARIE BURTON

    July 10th, 2009 at 6:19 am

    From all the wonderful reviews on this, I am going to have to put this on my TBR list. Please enter me for the giveaway!

    Thanks for the opp, and for the review.. quite thorough!
    I was reminded of my recent review of Miep Gies’ Anne Frank story, and how Miep had to go to great lengths to secure food, soap and other simple items for her and her friends, the Franks. And this was in Amsterdam, it is sad to hear how many countries and thus people were horribly affected by Hitler’s regime.

    As far as a Storyteller in my family~ that was once my mom’s mom, and now my mom has had to take her place. I hope to be able to remember all they have told me so that the memories of my ancestors can live on and be taught to my children as something precious and priceless.

    marieburton2004 at yahoo dot com
    .-= MARIE BURTON´s last blog ..Friday Fill-In- Guess the Queen =-.

  4. Jo-Jo

    July 10th, 2009 at 7:00 am

    I would love to be entered in this one!

    I have added the contest to my sidebar and I will also blog about it next week.

    Storyteller of the family would definitely be my Grandma! It’s a joke within our family how my Grandma always share how she was kidnapped by the gypsies when she was little and her dad had to buy her back. Nobody every believed her, but I did some research a few years ago for a class and learned that very well could have happened at that time in our area. So I no longer doubt Grandma’s story.
    .-= Jo-Jo´s last blog ..Current Giveaways!!! =-.

  5. Amanda

    August 10th, 2009 at 5:10 am

    Please enter me in this giveaway! I’ve been wanting to read this one for awhile…

    Amanda

    fitz12383 AT hotmail DOT com

    Thanks!

  6. MARIE BURTON

    August 10th, 2009 at 7:30 am

    Thanks for entering those comments again :)
    I knew I had read this before! And still.. It’s STILL Awesome second time around!
    Hope you have a great day!
    .-= MARIE BURTON´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday & A Mystery =-.

  7. lissa

    August 10th, 2009 at 7:52 am

    sounds like an interesting read, I like the setting enough

    enter me in the giveaway, thanks

    lissawrites(at)gmail(dot)com
    .-= lissa´s last blog ..Monday’s Movie: Love Letter =-.

  8. Kelly B

    August 10th, 2009 at 9:12 am

    I absolutely loved reading your review, and what an incredible video! You really grasp how interesting and moving this book is. I just cannot wait to get my hands on it. I will wait, but only until after you pick your winners. I have a feeling that you will not have a problem getting 100 entries! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Kelly

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
    .-= Kelly B´s last blog ..And The Winner Is….. =-.

  9. Kelly B

    August 10th, 2009 at 9:17 am

    I posted your giveaway on my blog side bar, and it will be posted later in a giveaway round up on my blog.

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
    .-= Kelly B´s last blog ..And The Winner Is….. =-.

  10. Kelly B

    August 10th, 2009 at 9:19 am

    I follow you on Twitter. (kellyblackwell)

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
    .-= Kelly B´s last blog ..And The Winner Is….. =-.

  11. Kelly B

    August 10th, 2009 at 9:20 am

    I follow you on facebook (just sent the request) :)

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
    .-= Kelly B´s last blog ..And The Winner Is….. =-.

  12. Kelly B

    August 10th, 2009 at 9:23 am

    I tweeted like a happy little bird: http://twitter.com/kellyblackwell/status/3227482229

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
    .-= Kelly B´s last blog ..And The Winner Is….. =-.

  13. Kelly B

    August 10th, 2009 at 9:27 am

    The story teller in my family is a tie. That would be my mom and my aunt Charla. My aunt has given me amazing and fun stories about my mom and life growing up in California as teenagers. They were so lively (my mom once tied a string to her toe and hung it out the window so a boy she liked could pull it and wake her up so they could sneak outside to see the sunrise). My mom tells me all about when they were much younger and living in Minnesota. Plus my aunt tells me that when they were kids, my mom would dress my aunt up to play a game and my mom would tell her all about the story they were going to act out. My aunt would be so excited to play. She said that after about an hour of story telling and dressing her up, my mom would say “Okay…that’s it.” She’d be done because she weaved the whole thing in her head as she got her little sister dressed up. :) My aunt said she fell for it every time. :)

    Thanks again! That was fun!

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
    .-= Kelly B´s last blog ..And The Winner Is….. =-.

  14. West Of Mars — Win A Book! » Blog Archive » Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

    August 10th, 2009 at 10:08 am

    [...] Yep, if you haven’t jumped on the Potato Peel Pie bandwagon yet, it’s not too late. [...]

  15. Susan Helene Gottfried

    August 10th, 2009 at 10:09 am

    No need to enter me, babe. I’m dropping in to say WOW about this post. Awesome job!

    Oh, yeah. Thanks for the e-mail about the contest, too. I’ve got that posted at Win a Book.
    .-= Susan Helene Gottfried´s last blog ..Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society =-.

  16. trish

    August 10th, 2009 at 11:43 am

    Don’t enter me in your contest, I just wanted to say that I love how reading the letters makes you feel so intimate with the characters. I can’t wait to see what Annie Barrows comes up with for her next book!
    .-= trish´s last blog ..My New Favorite Arteest =-.

  17. Jake Lsewhere

    August 10th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    Looks like a good book, please enter me into this drawing.

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
    jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com
    .-= Jake Lsewhere´s last blog ..Morning Book Giveaways № 20 =-.

  18. Stephanie

    August 10th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    Don’t enter me (as you already know I have a copy). Now I’m really excited to read it for my book club!
    .-= Stephanie´s last blog ..The Magicians =-.

  19. Gaby @ Starting Fresh

    August 10th, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    This is such a good book! I would love my own copy – pls count me in.

    gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com
    .-= Gaby @ Starting Fresh´s last blog ..Book Review: Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz: A Quinceanera Club Novel by Belinda Acosta =-.

  20. Gaby @ Starting Fresh

    August 10th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    I follow you on twitter as startingfreshny

    gaby317nyc AT gmail Dot com
    .-= Gaby @ Starting Fresh´s last blog ..Book Review: Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz: A Quinceanera Club Novel by Belinda Acosta =-.

  21. Gaby @ Starting Fresh

    August 10th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    posting a link on my blog’s sidebar

    http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com

    thanks again for the entry!

    gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com
    .-= Gaby @ Starting Fresh´s last blog ..Book Review: Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz: A Quinceanera Club Novel by Belinda Acosta =-.

  22. Gaby @ Starting Fresh

    August 10th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    The storyteller in my family is my Tito Eddy. He’s very reserved, but has such a strong sense of family and fondness for history that even when we were children he would take the time to tell us about things that happened to our great great grandparents during the Spanish Revolution.

    Even today, now that we’re grown up and living half way across the world, he is the only person who updates us on current events and things that are happening to our family in the Philippines.

    He doesn’t like small talk or socializing but through the updates, emails and stories he’s given us a strong sense of family.

    gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com
    .-= Gaby @ Starting Fresh´s last blog ..Book Review: Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz: A Quinceanera Club Novel by Belinda Acosta =-.

  23. Gaby @ Starting Fresh

    August 10th, 2009 at 4:53 pm

    I tweeted the contest

    http://twitter.com/startingfreshny#/startingfreshny

    gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com
    .-= Gaby @ Starting Fresh´s last blog ..Book Review: Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz: A Quinceanera Club Novel by Belinda Acosta =-.

  24. Gaby @ Starting Fresh

    August 10th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    Just joined networked blogs and follow you there too.

    gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com
    .-= Gaby @ Starting Fresh´s last blog ..Book Review: Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz: A Quinceanera Club Novel by Belinda Acosta =-.

  25. Sharon Walling

    August 10th, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    What a review. I’ve been wanting to read this for awhile now and you make me want to read it more.
    Thanks for the chance.

    sharon54220@gmail.com

  26. Maya M.

    August 10th, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    I was so happy to see your blogtour stop because I feel as though I’m the only person left who hasn’t read this book, which all agree is charming and thoughtful! I had recommended it to my bookclub for our next selection but too many people had already read it.

    Is there really such a thing as potato peel pie??
    .-= Maya M.´s last blog ..Book Blogger Appreciation Week, 2nd Edition =-.

  27. Maya M.

    August 10th, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    oops, forgot to mention: I’m a follower, and the people whom I’d consider the storytellers in our family are – the kids, when they are trying to weasel their way out of trouble!
    .-= Maya M.´s last blog ..Book Blogger Appreciation Week, 2nd Edition =-.

  28. nfmgirl

    August 10th, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    I’d love this book! Please count me in. Thank you!

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
    .-= nfmgirl ´s last blog ..Winners! Into the Beautiful North and The Chosen One =-.

  29. nfmgirl

    August 10th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    I blogged it:

    http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-08-08-09.html

  30. nfmgirl

    August 10th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    I follow on Twitter: nfmgirl

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

  31. nfmgirl

    August 10th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

    I tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/nfmgirl/status/3238224440

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
    .-= nfmgirl´s last blog ..Winners! Into the Beautiful North and The Chosen One =-.

  32. nfmgirl

    August 10th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

    My father is the great storyteller in the family on my paternal side. I have some uncles who are great storytellers on my maternal side. But I love listening to my father tell his outrageous stories. Stories like the military police dog with chrome teeth and the time that he climbed into the panther cage at the Thailand zoo thinking it was empty, only to come face to face with a panther.

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
    .-= nfmgirl´s last blog ..Winners! Into the Beautiful North and The Chosen One =-.

  33. LuAnn Morgan

    August 10th, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    I want so much to read this book. I hope you draw my name!

    reading_frenzy at yahoo dot com
    .-= LuAnn Morgan´s last blog ..Monday Mail Call =-.

  34. Jessica

    August 10th, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    I’m always on the lookout for a good book. Sounds like a wonderful read. jessica(at)fan(dot)com
    .-= Jessica´s last blog ..Mail and the UPS guy. Part 2 =-.

  35. Jessica

    August 10th, 2009 at 10:33 pm

    The story teller in the family was my dad. I loved it because he knew how to tell a story not something many people can do and do well. The one problem is that he would repeat stories from time to time. He passed away last year in October, I would give anything to hear those stories again. It’s when it’s gone that you appreciate. jessica(at)fan(dot)com
    .-= Jessica´s last blog ..Mail and the UPS guy. Part 2 =-.

  36. Barbara

    August 11th, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    I posted the giveaway on my blog:

    http://meditativereading.blogspot.com/

    bstilwell12 AT comcast Dot net

  37. Barbara

    August 11th, 2009 at 7:51 pm

    I am following you on Face Book.

    bstilwell12 AT comcast DOT net

  38. Barbara

    August 11th, 2009 at 7:51 pm

    Follower on Twitter. My name is “pine1211″

    bstilwell12 AT comcast DOT net

  39. Barbara

    August 11th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

    My grandmother was the storyteller of the family. We learned much about the early history of our hometown and family from her. She also liked to share the good times and the hardships that the family faced and conquered. It is difficult to not have her around for these stories. Our family’s oral history sharing has a gap in it now.

    bstilwell12 AT comcast DOT net

  40. Barbara

    August 11th, 2009 at 7:57 pm

    I tweeted about the giveaway on Twitter.

    http://twitter.com/pine1211/status/3257987737

    bstilwell12 AT comcast DOT net

  41. Barbara

    August 11th, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    I have read many reviews of this book over the past few months. I really would like to read this book. It is on my TBR list and every time I pass it on a bookshelf in Barnes and Noble, I am tempted to purchase it. So I thought I would try one more time to win it. Hope I have luck this time.

    bstilwell12 AT comcast DOT net

  42. Wrighty

    August 11th, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    This was such a good book, I loved it! I had the honor to participate in a book club online at Barnes & Noble when it first came out. Annie Barrows joined us and she was wonderful! She chatted about the book and how her aunt was able to know that the book had sold before she passed away. Annie finished the process and they did a wonderful job. I read the library copy and would love to have a copy of my own to share. Thanks so much for the offer and your review!
    .-= Wrighty´s last blog ..Free copies of hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick =-.

  43. Wrighty

    August 11th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

    My grandfather was the best storyteller. He had a terrific memory, a great sense of humor and a way with words. Of course he was never wrong either! As kids we enjoyed most of the stories but didn’t really appreciate the important events he lived through like the wars and the depression. He passed away 6 years ago and I am so grateful for everything he shared with us and also with my own children. I miss him so much and will never forgot his stories.

  44. Karen K

    August 12th, 2009 at 10:35 am

    I would love the opportunity to read this book…thanks for the chance.

    karen k
    kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

  45. Jake Lsewhere

    August 12th, 2009 at 10:58 am

    I’ve also blogged about this giveaway here.

    Thanks,
    jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com
    .-= Jake Lsewhere´s last blog ..Morning Book Giveaways № 21 =-.

  46. Marie

    August 12th, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    I would love to read this, I’ve heard wonderful things about it!

  47. Marie

    August 12th, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    I follow you on twitter — doodlebug40.

  48. Marie

    August 12th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    The storyteller in our family was my grandmother. Her mother was from Ireland and came from a family of storytellers — and boy could my grandmother tell a story — a bit of truth, a bit of exaggeration and a lot of humor!

  49. DarcyO

    August 12th, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    I’d love to read this one. Count me in!

  50. DarcyO

    August 12th, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    I follow on Twitter and tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/darcy1956/status/3275553433

  51. Mozi Esmes Mommy

    August 12th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    I’d love to read this!

    But tell me; I keep tripping up over this. How do you pronounce “Guernsey”?
    .-= Mozi Esmes Mommy´s last blog ..Wordless(ful) Wednesday – The Fair =-.

  52. carrie anne

    August 12th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    It looks like this might be the next book my book club might read. Would love to win a copy. Cheers,
    .-= carrie anne´s last blog ..Write a Review Wednesday: Timmerman Was Here =-.

  53. Wanda

    August 12th, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    Please enter my name in your draw. Thanks!
    wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com

  54. bcteagirl

    August 12th, 2009 at 10:25 pm

    No need to enter me as I have already read this book. I just wanted to say this book is as fantastic as everyone says it is.. It is one of the few books I will keep for a long time to come. I was sad to read that this author has passed away and will not be writing more books :(

  55. Jo-Jo

    August 13th, 2009 at 6:58 am

    I blogged about the contest here Sheri:
    http://jo-jolovestoread.blogspot.com/2009/08/current-giveaways_13.html
    .-= Jo-Jo´s last blog ..Current Giveaways!!! =-.

  56. Amy

    August 13th, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    I have had this book on my TBR list for a while just haven’t purchased it yet so I was thrilled to see your giveaway.

    My dad was the story teller in my family. He loved having 1 or 10+ people to “weave a yarn” for. He did a different voice for every person/character in his story, he was great at creating suspense, always injected witty comments and could add detail to the story depending on his audience. Having grown up in Wisconsin with a large extended family, my dad had plenty of stories to tell. He was a joy to listen too. He has passed on now but my husband, Scott, is a lot like my father and tells a great story. The unfortunate thing is that my dad and my husband never got to meet. I know they would have been fast friends. I have told Scott some of my dad’s stories and he has read some that my dad wrote down. Now he tells my dad’s stories and his own!

    Thank you for another great giveaway!
    Amy
    .-= Amy´s last blog ..Wonderful World of Books! =-.

  57. Valorie

    August 13th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    I’ve had this book on my wishlist for a few months. I love Post WWII books.

    Blogged: http://www.morbid-romantic.net/2009/08/13/book-giveaways-08-10-08-16/

    I follow you on Twitter.

    Tweet: http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/3293587741.

    My grandfather (mother’s side) looooves to tell stories. Of course, he thinks his life has been more fascinating than it has been, but we love him and don’t mind it as it tells the same stories over and over again. To be fair, he has a lot of good stories about living in Korea and Japan, as well as being in the military.

  58. etirv

    August 13th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    I would like to be entered, always wanted to read this book!

  59. Jonita

    August 14th, 2009 at 7:08 am

    Please enter me! I have heard so many good things and Amazon even “recommended” it to me- I’m hooked! Thanks so much for hosting the giveaway!

    jonitathebookchick@gmail.com

  60. Sara M

    August 14th, 2009 at 8:37 am

    My friends and family use my bookshelf like a free book store. I had a copy of this book, and it has since been taken. I’m sure In end up purchasing another copy, but it sure would be nice to win…Thanks!

    Skkmiller (at) live (dot) com

  61. Laura's Reviews

    August 14th, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    I would love to win a copy of this book!

    laarlt78 at hotmail dot com
    .-= Laura’s Reviews´s last blog ..Holly’s Inbox by Holly Denham =-.

  62. Laura's Reviews

    August 14th, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    I am also a follower!
    .-= Laura’s Reviews´s last blog ..Holly’s Inbox by Holly Denham =-.

  63. Trin

    August 15th, 2009 at 12:47 am

    +1 I would like to win this one, I have heard good things about it.
    +1 I follow you on twitter
    +1 My mom is a pretty good story teller buy she exaggerates everything. You never know what to believe.

    khal5671 AT mwcc.edu
    .-= Trin´s last blog ..Dancing with Ana =-.

  64. nomadreader

    August 15th, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    I’d love to win a copy!

    My favorite storyteller in my family is my grandmother. When I would visit her when I was younger, I would always ask her for a “real” story about my mom when she was a kid rather than the made-up stories I asked my parents for at bedtime. She never let me down.

  65. Sheila DeChantal

    August 16th, 2009 at 6:00 am

    I am looking forward to reading this book someday! I do follow you on Google and on Twitter.

    I am adding this giveaway to my giveaway page.
    .-= Sheila DeChantal´s last blog ..Morning Meanderings…. =-.

  66. Victoria

    August 16th, 2009 at 7:33 am

    I would love to win this! I’ve heard many good things about it. Also, I’m sure my grandmother would love this!

    Thank you!

    Victoria

  67. Lethea Benson

    August 17th, 2009 at 4:38 am

    I’d love to win a copy, thanks for the giveaway!
    Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

  68. Amanda

    August 17th, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    I have already entered the giveaway but failed to mention that I follow on Facebook also.

    Thanks!

    Amanda
    fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com

  69. Bianca

    August 18th, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    I love the book. I didn’t find out how much of an addict I am to letters until I started reading. The witty writing style constantly made me smiling. Aside from that, I also learned about the island and the effect on people after the war, all in a story-telling way. I love to win a book and give it away as a gift.

    Thanks.
    belliet(at)yahoo(dot)com
    .-= Bianca´s last blog ..Zefferelli’s =-.

  70. Libby

    August 18th, 2009 at 4:15 pm

    I’d love to win a copy of this one. My daughter read it and said it was great!

    Thanks so much

  71. Libby

    August 18th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    Forgot to leave my email address:

    libneas[at]aol[dot]com

  72. Libby

    August 18th, 2009 at 4:19 pm

    OMGosh – My father tells stories like crazy. He is almost 90 years old, and can remember everything (except where he’s left his glasses – LOL) – me, I can’t remember my name some days!

    My kids have asked him to record some of his favorites, so that we can put them and writing and print them for posterity!

    Thanks

    libneas[at]aol[dot]com

  73. Amy

    August 19th, 2009 at 4:34 am

    I blogged about this giveaway!

    http://homeofaimala.blogspot.com/2009/08/some-great-giveaway.html
    .-= Amy´s last blog ..Introducing Amy World! =-.

  74. Amy

    August 19th, 2009 at 4:34 am

    I follow you on Twitter! (Amestir)
    .-= Amy´s last blog ..Introducing Amy World! =-.

  75. etirv

    August 19th, 2009 at 10:33 am

    The hub is the storyteller in our family. Just loves to tell stories to the teen about his childhood (especially putting on boxing gloves as a little boy and fighting the school bullies) and he’s also a spontaneous creator of fun stories… it’s sometimes challenging to figure out which story real and which is invented!

  76. Cheli

    August 19th, 2009 at 2:10 pm

    Put me in!

    Cheli
    Cheli’s Shelves

  77. Cheli

    August 19th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    My Dad was the storeteller in our family, unfortunately, a lot of the stories died with him.

    Cheli
    Cheli’s Shelves

  78. Nancye Davis

    August 20th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    I would like to win this book!

    Nancye Davis

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  79. Nancye Davis

    August 20th, 2009 at 6:26 pm

    I follow you on Facebook

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  80. Nancye Davis

    August 20th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    I follow you on Twitter

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  81. Nancye Davis

    August 20th, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    Tweet! Tweet!

    http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/3440028638

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  82. Nancye Davis

    August 20th, 2009 at 6:34 pm

    My dear, sweet Grandma Maudie was the storyteller in the family. She was born in “Nineteen and Six” (1906, as she would say). She had some wonderful tales to tell about walking to school 20 miles with the snow up to her chest, up hill both ways!!! I so wish I would have recorded her telling her stories. She passed away in 2003 and I miss her terribly every day.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  83. Jan

    August 22nd, 2009 at 12:40 pm

    Please enter me in the contest. I’ve wanted to read this book since it has come out.
    Thanks

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    August 13th, 2010 at 4:11 am

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  85. Jane Levington

    May 17th, 2011 at 1:47 am

    What an interesting novel! I’m looking forward to purchasing one, and I’m really eager to read it. I’m sure I can learn a lot of lessons in this book. Thank you for sharing. I will definitely enjoy reading this, and I’ll make it to point that my friends will also like this.
    Jane Levington´s last [type] ..Two Seasons Boracay


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