Book Review & Giveaway: The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha

Tuesday, Sep 8, 2009

Book Review & Giveaway: The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha

The_Crying_Tree Author: Naseem Rakha

Publisher: Broadway/Random House

ISBN #: 978-0-7679-3140-3

Type: Fiction

Pages: 360 Hardback

Published: July 7, 2009

Website: http://naseenrakha.com

Purchase: $15.61 (HERE)

The Story

In 1983, Nate believed that the best thing for his family was relocating them from Illinois to a rural community in Oregon. His wife, Irene, his daughter, Bliss, and his son, Shep, were all against this decision and wanted to remain close to their family and friends in Illinois. However, Nate suggested that the opportunity that awaited him in Oregon, would far surpass his existing job. When they arrived in Oregon, their lives eventually adjusted to the new environment. That is, until one day while at work, Irene receives a telephone call from her husband to come home immediately. What Irene discovers when she arrives home is more horrifying than any nightmare she has ever had before… her son, Shep, has been brutally murdered.

Not long thereafter, the police make an arrest of Daniel Robbins. After his trial, in which Daniel Robbins is sentenced to death, Irene and Shep return to their original home of Illinois. However, with their lives shattered, their family does not manage to find a way to mend. Irene is lost in depression and alcohol. Their daughter, Bliss, self-sufficiently raises herself in her parents’ emotional absence.

Irene’s depression brings her to the point of unbearable existence and she makes an attempt on her own life. Not long thereafter, she writes to Daniel Robbins and unloads all of her rage sadness upon him. His response to her letter, and the future that awaited the both of them, was purely unpredictable and changed the course of both of their lives.

The Review

naseem Some books you begin reading with a general idea as to what the book was about. When I first began reading The Crying Tree, I had no idea what the novel would bring. And, I’m thankful for that because what this novel delivered was one unexpected turn in the story line after another. But, more than the twists and turns, this is a novel about the power of forgiveness.

To truly forgive another person, even one who damaged your life to such a irreparable degree, seems nearly impossible. However, if you are able to truly forgive, you will have taken the power out of the action that harmed you to begin with. What hurts you can no longer hurt you again. Could I ever forgive somebody who intentionally killed my child in cold blood? I’m not sure that I ever could. But, if hatred was eating up my soul, diminishing me to a shell of a person and forgiveness was the only way of helping me discover life again, I may be reduced to finding no other alternative but than to forgive. It seems unfathomable to me and yet I know that the abductions, rapes, and murders of children happen constantly. How those parents of these children ever recover is just beyond my mental conception.

The other controversy that is brought forth in this novel is the topic of capital punishment. Bibically speaking, there are two mindsets about it. Morally, there are two very strong opinions about it. Legally, it differs from state to state, country to country. Does the murder of one man constitute the murder of another? The Crying Tree produces both sides of this issue and let’s the reader form his or her own decision about it.

In addition to the foregoing, what I appreciated about this novel was that it provided the storylines of the personal lives of Nate, Irene, Daniel, Bliss and Tab Mason (the prison executive in charge of the execution). For each character, the reader was able to see each of these characters face their challenges and navigate their way the other side. How their lives were all intertwined while they faced obstacles was a true writing accomplishment.

The Giveaway

I am so pleased to present a giveaway of this great novel! I’ve got 3 copies to offer. Here are the entry details:

* Contest Is Open Through September 18th, 2009 – 5:00pm PST *

* A Comment Gets You One Entry *

* Add yourself to my Google Friends Connect (sidebar) Gets +1 Entry *

* Follow me on Facebook or Twitter (sidebar) – Add +1 Entry *

* Mention the contest on your blog – Add +2 Entries *

* Tweet About The Contest and you get +1 Entry *

* Open to U.S. and Canada Only *

The Rating

In the genre: Fiction, on Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale,” I am giving The Crying Tree a rating of 9 out of 10. The novel was packed with sadness, tragedy, forgiveness and redemption. There were times in this book that I wanted to scream at Irene and tell her to find her voice… to stand up to the people in her life who told her what to do and how to feel. At other moments, I empathized with Daniel for facing the consequences of the actions of 2 other people in addition to his own. I secretly wished for Bliss to actually find bliss in her life… as her named implied. Overall, the story evoked all sorts of emotions out me… always the sign of a really good book!

Giving Thanks

My heartfelt thanks to the Gretchen at Tandem for “insisting” that I read this book. It was so well worth my time! YOU WERE RIGHT!

What Do You Think?

Are you "FOR" or "AGAINST" capital punishment?

Yes

No

View Results

75 Comments

| Posted in Books Books Books, Contests

75 Responses

Sandy

September 8th, 2009 at 11:12 am

Wow…heavy heavy topic. But something I would love to read. These books are good for one’s soul, even if it drags you through the muck on the way. You know, at one point, I really thought I knew how I felt about capital punishment (and abortion for that matter). You know, the whole debate on the value of a life. Then I read “Into That Darkness” by Gitta Sereny, about the Holocaust, and the how and why it happened. I changed my opinion 100%. I am not a wishy washy person, but it impacted me that much. Anyway, don’t know how to answer your question above by the way its is worded! I would absolutely love to be considered for this giveaway. I am a follower! rnawrot at cfl dot rr dot com
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..A Chicago Treasure =-.
Jenny

September 8th, 2009 at 11:53 am

Sounds great! Please enter me.

jennala @ cfl . rr . com

I am already a follower

I already follow you on twitter
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..It’s Time to Vote =-.
Kellygirl

September 8th, 2009 at 11:57 am

I think capital punishment is a topic that is often overlooked, because of its divisive nature. I have been wanting to read this book because of its great reviews but also because I think the author really wants us to question how capital punishment fits into a modern countries politics.
Pam R.

September 8th, 2009 at 1:28 pm

Sounds like a great book. I’ve really been wanting to read this.

I’m following you already.

I’m also following you on facebook.
Lisa (Books and Cooks)

September 8th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

This is a book I definitely want to read. Your review was fantastic! I’d love the chance to win a copy of this book!

I am a follower
I am a friend on FB
.-= Lisa (Books and Cooks)´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday: The Summer Kitchen =-.
Jo-Jo

September 8th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

I would love a chance at winning this book Sheri.

I’m also a follower.
.-= Jo-Jo´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday-Sept. 8 =-.
Brenda

September 8th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

This book sounds very interesting, but also heartbreaking. I’d like to be entered in this giveaway.
Natalie

September 8th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

I would love to enter!
I’m a follower on Facebook,
Follower on Google Friend COnnect
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/nataliew2/status/3848301599
Thank you
nataliew2(at)gmail(dot)com
.-= Natalie´s last blog ..Book Review : The Burn Journals =-.
Alyce

September 8th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

This sounds like such a powerful story! I have added it to my wish list just in case I don’t win.

akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com

I follow on google.
I follow you on facebook & twitter.
.-= Alyce´s last blog ..The White Queen – Review =-.
Barbara S.

September 8th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

What a powerful plot. It is something I would truly love to read.

I follow your blog
I follow on Facebook and on Twitter (@pine1211)

I tweeted this: http://twitter.com/pine1211/status/3850402287

Thanks for holding this contest.
Mariag

September 8th, 2009 at 3:53 pm

Sounds like a great book.
Please enter me to win.
I follow.
Mariag
Barbara S.

September 8th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

I posted it on my blog also: http://meditativereading.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-review-giveaway-crying-tree-by.html
DarcyO

September 8th, 2009 at 4:07 pm

Sounds like a heavy read. Please count me in!

I follow with Google Friend Connect.
I follow on Twitter (darcy1956).
softdrink

September 8th, 2009 at 5:24 pm

I’ve seen this book around and it looks great. I’d love to read it.

How did I miss you on Twitter? Oh, well, I’m stalking you now. Off to tweet.

fizzybeverage at gmail dot com
.-= softdrink´s last blog ..Guest Post – Lisa Tucker =-.
Kathy

September 8th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Wow, that sounds like a powerful book. I’m not sure what I think about capital punishment. Part of me thinks you’re no better than the criminal when you carry out capital punishment. Also, what happens if the person is actually innocent? Another part of me wonders how I would feel if a member of my family was the victim of the crime. No need to enter me in the giveaway – I have the book.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Review: Mix Shake Stir =-.
Nancy Foulke

September 8th, 2009 at 5:50 pm

I am so looking forward to reading Naseems book. I listened to her speak about her book at a local book store. Thankyou. See you on facebook and google.
Nancy Foulke

September 8th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

Have you reviewed “I Must Be In Heaven, A Promise Kept” by Valerie Faulkner. It is also a very good read.
MJ

September 8th, 2009 at 6:31 pm

I’d love to read this.

mj.coward[at]gmail.com
MJ

September 8th, 2009 at 6:32 pm

I follow.

mj.coward[at]gmail.com
MJ

September 8th, 2009 at 6:32 pm

I follow on twitter – sumrthyme

mj.coward[at]gmail.com
Shawna Reppert

September 8th, 2009 at 6:53 pm

When I first heard about this book, I thought ‘no one could pull this off.’ Then I met Naseem, and I’m fairly sure she could. Looking forward to someday reading the proof myself.

(Adding you on Facebook. Sorry, I don’t Twitter)
amandasue

September 8th, 2009 at 7:38 pm

I would LOVE a chance to read this book thanks!

And I’m a follower!

unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com
West Of Mars — Win A Book! » Blog Archive » The Crying Tree

September 9th, 2009 at 4:09 am

[...] Click here to get there to enter. [...]
Bridget

September 9th, 2009 at 4:10 am

Hi! Just stopping by to tell you that I blogged about this on Win A Book. As always, no need to enter me.
.-= Bridget´s last blog ..The Crying Tree =-.
Amanda

September 9th, 2009 at 5:29 am

Please include me in your giveaway!

Thanks,
Amanda
fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com
Amanda

September 9th, 2009 at 5:30 am

I follow on Google Connect.

Amanda
fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com
Amanda

September 9th, 2009 at 5:31 am

I also follow on Twitter @fitz12383.

Amanda
fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com
Amanda

September 9th, 2009 at 5:32 am

Last but not least…I tweeted!

http://twitter.com/fitz12383/status/3862117752

Amanda
fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com
pixie13

September 9th, 2009 at 8:22 am

Sounds like a great book. Please accept my entry. Thanks!
elizabeth

September 9th, 2009 at 8:22 am

i have been seeing this book at my local indie bookstore,looks compelling.please count me in to win.
pixie13

September 9th, 2009 at 8:23 am

New Google Connect Follower
.-= pixie13´s last blog ..New Today 9/9/09 =-.
elizabeth

September 9th, 2009 at 8:23 am

i am now a member
pixie13

September 9th, 2009 at 8:23 am

Listed this contest.
http://pixie13-justconteststuff.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-today-9909.html
.-= pixie13´s last blog ..New Today 9/9/09 =-.
Karen K

September 9th, 2009 at 11:08 am

I’m very interested in reading this book…an excellent review.

karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Wanda

September 9th, 2009 at 11:25 am

I would very much like to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
Wanda

September 9th, 2009 at 11:26 am

I am already a follower of your blog.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
Lynette

September 9th, 2009 at 2:08 pm

I SO want to read Naseem’s book! And this is definately a site I’ve added to My Favorites!
Jessica

September 9th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

Well this is not a light fluff bit of fiction. Serious topic’s in play here. It really sounds wonderful the kind of read that stays with you long after you have finished it. Please count me in for the giveaway.
jessica(at)fan(dot)com
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Mario awesomeness =-.
Lisa Garrett

September 9th, 2009 at 5:30 pm

Please enter me.
Lisa Garrett

September 9th, 2009 at 5:30 pm

I just joiined your Google friends.
Sara

September 10th, 2009 at 8:38 am

Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
Mel (He Followed Me Home)

September 10th, 2009 at 10:10 am

this sounds great! please count me in for th giveaway

hefollowedme AT gmail DOT com

and I’m a follower
.-= Mel (He Followed Me Home)´s last blog ..Thoughtful Thursday – September 10, 2009 =-.
Penny Ehrenkranz

September 10th, 2009 at 4:34 pm

As a former office manager for our county district attorney, I’m looking forward to reading this book. It has gotten great reviews and clearly deals with a sensitive topic in a unique way. I suspect it’s a book which will make it to our local book group list.

I am a Networked blog follower.
I sent a Facebook friend request.
I am a Twitter follower.
I sent a Tweet.
.-= Penny Ehrenkranz´s last blog ..National Punctuation Day =-.
Jo-Jo

September 11th, 2009 at 7:18 am

I blogged about your contest here:
http://jo-jolovestoread.blogspot.com/2009/09/current-giveaways_10.html
.-= Jo-Jo´s last blog ..Current Giveaways!!! =-.
Bookish links for Saturday, September 12, 2009 | BOOKS AND MOVIES

September 11th, 2009 at 10:00 pm

[...] ~ Win The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha at A Novel Menagerie. [...]
Carrie K.

September 11th, 2009 at 11:38 pm

I’d love to win a copy – it looks like a terrific read. I also blogged about it here:

http://booksandmovies.colvilleblogger.com/2009/09/11/bookish-links-for-saturday-september-12-2009/
.-= Carrie K.´s last blog ..Bookish links for Saturday, September 12, 2009 =-.
Dawn M.

September 12th, 2009 at 12:41 am

I remember hearing about this book and not being real sure that I wanted to read it. (Not my normal genre.) But after reading your review, I think I might like to give it a try. Thanks for giving me the chance to win my own copy. :0)
Win a copy of The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha « wordstock festival

September 12th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

[...] blogs are giving away copies of NW author Naseem Rakha’s novel, The Crying Tree. Visit A Novel Menagerie and Bookgirl’s Nightstand for your chance to score a copy of this gripping debut before [...]
Peggy Woolsey

September 13th, 2009 at 1:11 pm

I was abused as a child. I was a very angry, bitter teen and young adult. Although, the murder in this book was very different from child abuse, I was able to strongly identify with the charachters. Some times forgiveness takes a long time, but it is so freeing. This book resonated with me, becaise it took me to age 28, to start working on forgiveness. It took another 15 years before I could say I was free from anger, bitterness & hatred. Today I am a happy person. I have this book, but I would love to win it for my friend.
Cynthia V

September 13th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

This sounds like a must read! Thank you for such a wonderful review.
I’m a new follower

Dutchlvr1(at)aol(dot)com
Aba Gayle

September 14th, 2009 at 7:39 am

I just read this fabulous book for the second time. The first time it was just a bunch of paper in a plastic bag. Naseem is such an excellent writer. She has done her research and understands the criminal justice system. Love, compassion and forgiveness are what finally healed me after my 19 year old daughter was murdered. I can testify that Nassem gets it right. You will learn how difficult it is to be healed from the murder of a family member. I would love to win a copy of The Crying Tree because I have bought so many copies to give to friends I am going broke.
This is a wonderful story. The book should come with a supply of kleenex.
Beth

September 14th, 2009 at 9:56 am

This looks great! Please enter me!

BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com
.-= Beth´s last blog ..Guest Post: Joanne Sundell author of Meggie’s Remains =-.
Christine

September 14th, 2009 at 11:07 am

Please enter me!
Christine

September 14th, 2009 at 11:07 am

Also I follow you on Twitter (cgmanley)
Marni

September 14th, 2009 at 5:56 pm

Please enter me- this sounds like an intriguing tale! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Peace
Shawntele

September 15th, 2009 at 7:15 am

I have had this book recommended to me a few times but have yet to read it…thanks for the entry.
Beth

September 15th, 2009 at 7:45 am

Please enter me. Thanks for the chance.
Jen D.

September 15th, 2009 at 1:39 pm

Thank you for introducing me to a new book and author! And thanks for the giveaway. Count me in.
Kira

September 16th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

Count me in please.
I am a follower.

kirar59(at)yahoo(dot)ca
Winning Readings

September 17th, 2009 at 12:08 am

I’d love to read this book!

janemaritz at yahoo dot com
.-= Winning Readings´s last blog ..Beyond the Edge =-.
Jonnie H

September 17th, 2009 at 8:59 am

This is on my list of books that I am waiting for at the library. I would love to win it.
dftrew(At)gmail(dot)com
Janet F

September 17th, 2009 at 1:04 pm

Please enter me.

Thanks!

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Janet F

September 17th, 2009 at 1:07 pm

I follow on Twitter – Janetfaye

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
.-= Janet F´s last blog ..New Food-Safety Site =-.
Janet F

September 17th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

I follow with Google Friend – janetfaye

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Janet F

September 17th, 2009 at 1:11 pm

1. Blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/09/giveaways_17.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Janet F

September 17th, 2009 at 1:11 pm

2. Blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/09/giveaways_17.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Judy

September 17th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

I would love to have these! Thanks for the giveaway!
.-= Judy´s last blog ..Post Your Contests and Free Giveaways Via McKlinky =-.
Tom L

September 17th, 2009 at 7:49 pm

I have yet to read the book, however, having gotten to know both the author and the person who inspired the book, I would recommend it to anyone.
Mariag

September 18th, 2009 at 5:23 am

I have heard a lot of great things about this book.
Please enter me to win, I would love to read it.
Nancye Davis

September 18th, 2009 at 1:15 pm

I would LOVE to win/read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis

September 18th, 2009 at 1:16 pm

I follow you via Google friends

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis

September 18th, 2009 at 1:17 pm

I am a fan on Facebook

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis

September 18th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

I follow you on Twitter
@NancyeDavis

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis

September 18th, 2009 at 1:19 pm

I Tweeted about this Giveaway

http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/4086913135

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Menagerie

September 19th, 2009 at 7:55 pm

Wow. So powerful.