BBAW Giveaway #1 (US Only)

Friday, September 18, 2009

Since most of the giveaways are going to be ending today, I thought I'd shake things up and start my giveaways today. CRAZY, I know.

First up is a hardcover copy of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke.



I bought a cheap paperback edition of this book on a whim to read during a long trip. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I've seen it billed as 'Harry Potter for adults', but I think that description is misleading. This is nothing like Harry Potter. It reads more like a 19th century novel. The focus is less on story or plot, and more on characters and style. There is little actual magic done in the book, and it's a hefty one, weighing in at 782 pages. But I thought that Clarke's writing was wonderful. Because of the length of the book, you really get to know the characters. One of my main problems with this story, though, is that while the male characters are multidimensional, the female characters are flat and uninspiring. But, I did enjoy the book, and since I found a hardcover edition of it( in perfect condition) at a thrift store for one dollar, I've decided to share it with you! Huzzah for thrift store finds!

To enter the contest, just leave a comment telling me why you think you'd like the book. I'm not going to make you jump through any hoops to enter, everyone gets only one entry. Just remember to leave your contact information in your comment. The contest ends at 11:59 P.M on Monday the 21st.

19 comments:

Beth said...

Please enter me. Thanks for the chance.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

holdenj said...

One thing I miss about college, is getting to read some of those old, long tomes from the past. I think this one echoes that feel, perhaps and I'd love to read it! Thanks.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

rubynreba said...

It would be cool to read a long book and get to know the characters. I haven't read that long of a book for a long time!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

SusanB said...

Sounds like an interesting book. Please enter me.
susan.byerly@comcast.net

ccqdesigns said...

I LOVED Harry Potter. I read each and every one straight through the day they came out. I was the only 55 year old standing in line at Barnes and Noble that was buying the book for herself. And, I bought them in hardcover and kept the whole set!!I just finished buying the Outlander series, so now I am ready for a new one. I have never heard of this book so it may just be THE ONE!!!

rebecca dot cox at charter dot net

Sheila (bookjourney) said...

The Harry Potter series has always intrigued me - so have books that claim to be like them - but I have yet to find a real strong comparison. This one sounds interesting.

mindy said...

because it looks captivating thanks minsthins at optonline dot net

throuthehaze said...

I love long books! I enjoy getting to know the characters and this book sounds good
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Sue said...

I love your review. I'm bummed to hear that the men are more interesting than the women, but I think it sounds like a great read.
Thanks for sharing!

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Book Sp(l)ot said...

I'd like to give reading a book with magic in it that isn't a quick read a try...though that male/female character difference could be trouble..hmm


book.splotATgmailDOTcom

Rebecca N. said...

I would love to have a chance to win this book! I know what you mean about thrift store finds!! I get a lot of my books from the thrift stores! I read a ton of books and could never afford to buy them all new! Thank you for your giveaways so much!

imsosweepy { at } gmail { dot } com

Alyce said...

I love a good long story that sucks me in, so I'd like to give this one a chance.

akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I'd like to read it because I love Harry Potter and huge books!

sundaygirl at gmail dot com

D Q said...

Please enter my name in the drawing. I think I would like this book because sometimes I just love a good long story.
djeanq(at)gmail(dot)com

Gaby317 said...

One of my best friends has been encouraging me to read this. I keep planning to, but have had a backlog of review books, so I keep having to return the book to the library.

I would love to win - I've heard that the writing and characters are very absorbing.

thanks for the entry

gaby317nyc at gmail dot com

Ali said...

Harry Potter for adults! Even if it's not true, and I admit, I like female characters to be as dimensional as the men, but it still sounds like an interesting read, and I am so tired of short little books that don't satisfy!
gibbylet21(at)hotmail(dot)com

Sandra K321 said...

I hadn't heard of this book before, but it sounds interesting. I enjoy books that have good characterizations (love the classics). I think my son would also enjoy reading it.
seknobloch(at)gmail.com

Lindsay Frost said...

I would LOVE to win this!!
Thankyou!! :D:D:D

-Lindsay

lindsay15photo@gmail.com

Stitchin in the Sip said...

Kids are back in school. Time for me to get back to reading!!!!

Thanks

ryspenc@yahoo.com