G.P. Putnam's Sons
ISBN: 978-0399157127
Published June 9, 2011
Hardcover, 288 pages
When I closed the last page of this book I wanted to give a whoop of joy because, like its title suggests, this novel brings joy and satisfaction. It is a moving and inspiring book. Right from the beginning as I began to read I knew I was going to like it. The phrase, “There is nothing so seductive as reality,” on the first page caught me somewhere deep within. I had to keep reading.
When Kate recovers from breast cancer,
she has a festive dinner with the six women who stood by her and were
closest to her. When she tells her friends that her daughter Robin
wants to take her white water rafting down the Grand Canyon,
something that she is terrified to do, they encourage her to do it.
The women make a pact that if she does it, they promise to do
something scary or difficult too. And so the adventure begins for
each of the women and the reader.
The author chooses to tell each of the
women's stories separately (dedicating a chapter to each) so that it feels like reading seven short
stories with several of the same characters intermingling in each of
the stories. I didn't know if this was going to work for me at the
beginning, but I actually loved it. I got to know each of the women's
personal stories, and I felt I got to know them more intimately this
way. The character development was well-done. All the women had different circumstances, were of different
ages and with different life situations.
Each woman and her story offered gems
of wisdom and insight on a particular aspect of life. I savoured this
book. It gave me so much food for thought that I couldn't read too
much of it in one day because I needed time to absorb it all. Essentially, this is a book about healing, acceptance, and friendships.
Bauermeister's writing is beautiful, filled with metaphors, never
bogged down with superfluousness, but full of wonderful prose. It's the kind of writing that makes you ponder, reflect, and appreciate life. This book made me laugh.
It made me cry. It made me want to take risks and not fear failing.
If you are looking for an inspirational
read this summer, don't hesitate to pick up this book. I highly
recommend it. If you feel stuck in your life, have just undergone a
difficult time, or you simply want to read something that will make
you smile for a long time, take the time to savour this very
enjoyable read. And one more thing; if you have a best friend, this
would be the perfect gift book.
Note: This book had some mild language and some sexual references, not explicit.
Read an excerpt: http://www.ericabauermeister.com/joy-excerpt
Buy it on Amazon.com
About the Author:
Erica Bauermeister is the author of the national bestseller The School of Essential Ingredients (Jan. 2009). She lives in Seattle with her family. Connect with Erica on her website, www.ericabauermeister.com, and on her Facebook page
And now for the giveaway!
The publisher is offering to give away one copy of this book. Entering is easy:
1) Leave a comment with an email address.
2) Giveaway open to Canada and US.
Extra entries:
Each extra entry must be a separate comment.
1) If you are a follower, new or current, leave a comment telling me so.
2) Like me on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.
3) Follow me on Twitter and leave me a comment telling me you did.
*Buttons for following found on top left-hand corner of blog.
Giveaway ends July 8, 2011.
I will count this book toward the following challenges: Reading the World Challenge
 G.P. Putnam's Sons ISBN: 978-0399157127 Published June 9, 2011 Hardcover, 2...){kind=link}
I love when I begin reading the post in my Google Reader and pop in to leave a comment...and then I learn it's a giveaway, too! Wow, this sounds inspirational and lovely.
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I follow you.
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ReplyDeleteGreat review! This book sounds really interesting to read. Thanks for the giveaway!
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I am a GFC Follower
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ReplyDelete"crazymidwestgal"
Sounds great, would love to read this.
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GFC follower
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I like you on FB
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No need to enter me, as I already have the book. Just wanted to say I'm glad to see you enjoyed it. I really need to make time to read it, especially since I loved The School of Essential Ingredients so much.
ReplyDeleteI just finished this book and thought it was fantastic! It was so refreshing to read about women who supported each other instead of competing with each other.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so good. Definitely my kind of book :) Win or lose, I'll be reading it. But of course, I'd love to win a copy :) Thank you for the chance!
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Like you on Facebook as Tiffany Drew
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This looks lovely. Thank you.
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I'm following on GFC @headlessfowl.
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This sounds like it would be a great book club selection!
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds really good! This would be perfect to add to my summer reading. Thanks!
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singitm@hotmail.com
I am a GCF follower as well.
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singitm@hotmail.com
This sounds like a great book, exactly fitting my mood.
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This book sounds so interesting and inspirational! Sounds like a book for my TBR list. Your review was excellent.
ReplyDeleteI just won this book in a giveaway -- I can't wait to read it after hearing so many positive things about it!
ReplyDeleteI read her first and wasn't overly impressed...but this has gotten good reviews from several reliable blogs (like yours!) that I follow...may need to give her a 2nd chance.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful read - so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being on the tour. I'm featuring your review on TLC's Facebook page today.
ReplyDeleteI am going to a friend's 60th birthday party this weekend - her actual birthday is the 4th of July, and I am going to go and purchase this book for her.
ReplyDeleteShe gave me Poser by Claire Dederer (from Seattle) and I just loved that one and it was so perfect for me, and I was wondering what to offer her and up popped your review of Facebook. thank you It looks lovely
patricia@patriciaswisdom.com
or
patricia@wiseears.com
What a wonderful review! I love books that make you feel happy when you're done reading them; even reading your review put a smile on my face.
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This sounds like an interesting one. Please count me in. Thank you!
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I follow
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I would love to be entered. I've been seeing great reviews for it!!
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I'm a follower.
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I liked your page on Facebook.
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I want to read this book so bad.
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I follow via GFC as Jessy
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I follow in twitter @hootowl1978
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I am too late for the giveaway but wanted to let you know that I am a new follower from Book blogs. I am following GFC My Life. One Story at a Time. I would like to invite you over to my blog for a follow. Also, please like my Facebook page and post your book information there. Thanks. Donna
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Blog: http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com
Facebook: My Life. One Story at a Time.