Thursday, December 16, 2010

On The Bookshelf Giveaway I

Since I have an awful habit of buying books instead of getting them from the library, I end up with tons. I read through about one a week and while this may not work out for my bank account, it might work out for you! I have decided to do a giveaway with the books I've read. Maybe a little review or some words about the book, comments left by a few individuals, and one lucky winner. For my first installment of On The Bookshelf... I present our first book, A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore.
This fictional novel is about a young woman, Tassie, who looks for a babysitting job while she is away at college. She finds a job, and along with it, a complex couple who are in the process of adopting a little girl. Throughout the book, you learn more about Tassie through her relations with this family, a boy she starts seeing, and the family she left behind. The book takes place a little after 9/11 and touches on the "people are out to get us" mindset, mixed race cultures and families, and class divisions. Overall I thought it was a good book. I think you will enjoy it too!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment with something you are looking forward to this holiday season, your name, and email. On Sunday I will pick one person to win the book!

4 comments:

Stephanie said...

I am looking forward to spending time with my whole family, baking cookies with my niece, not worrying about school!

Spanchez said...

im looking forward to seeing one of my coolest cousins ever!!

AnnChaples said...

'Tis the week before Christmas, I try not to grouse
Not a brain cell is stirring, my hand’s on my mouse;
The stockings are stuffed in some box somewhere,
with hopes that Carly will soon find them with care;
The children kick back on the sofa,
While visions of presents dance in their heads;

As I sit in another endless meeting,
my interest in holidays is fleeting.
And papa in his work truck, and I in my work trap,
wish we could settle down for a long winter's nap,
When suddenly a nieces’ question stirs the grey matter,
you are reminded to see what should really matter,

So, what to my wondering mind should appear,
But loving reminders of those who are dear.
I’ll need to be smart, so lively and quick,
to pull off the holiday shopping, a real trick.
Away to the internet I’ll fly like a flash,
tear open the checkbook and throw in some cash,
The presents must be bought on the go
and wrapped with great care and love as you know.

"Now, amazon! now, best buy! now, walmart and target!
On, gift cards! on credit! on, layaway and Blitzen!
Take time off of work to make this all happen!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

Soon it will be Christmas morning, over in a flash
filled with presents and joys;
Opening stockings with candy and toys.

The smells of breakfast cooking;
the coffee is brewed without even looking;
Greg’s eyes -- how they’ll twinkle! Carly’s dimples how merry!
My cheeks are like roses, the pups are so hairy!
Mike has a broad face and a little round belly,
That shakes, when he laughs like a bowlful of jelly.
He’s a bit chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I glow when I see him, in spite of myself;
So to answer your question, my spectacular niece
while I may have gotten carried away in writing this piece.
I’m looking forward to the moment with us all in our PJ’s
Oohing and ahhing over gifts, while I relax in the chaise.
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Anonymous said...

There is something special about sitting on the sofa in the living room with all the lights off, except the sparkling lights on the Christmas tree. The tree has no moving parts, makes no sound, but I'm always mesmorized by it and just love looking at it for a long time, I always have...even when I was a kid. How comforting it is in a warm toasty home, counting my blessings. Of which I have many.