I’m very excited to have a giveaway of The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha. The book is already getting a lot of great reviews and was recently chosen as a Fall 2009 selection of the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers program.
Here’s a little bit about the book: While covering an execution for public radio, and then later in her talks both with Sister Helen Prejean, and with the parents of murder victims, author Naseem Rakha was baffled by the overwhelming course of emotions facing families who are dealing with unspeakable loss. She wanted to understand how an individual could move from hate to forgiveness, despondency to hope. She wanted to know what that road looked like and what toll it must exact.
The Crying Tree is that story, told through the lives of two main characters: Irene Stanley, the mother of slain fifteen-year-old Shep; and Tab Mason, the stoic and determined Superintendent of the Oregon State Penitentiary who is preparing to execute the boy’s murderer, Daniel J. Robbin.
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I started this book a couple of days ago and am really involved in the story. I clearly see the pain the parents feel and I understand the struggles the Superintendent faces. Ultimately, I just can’t imagine how it will all be resolved in the end so I’m eagerly turning the pages to see what will happen. I promise a full review after I’m done with the book.
So if you’d like to win a copy of this book, just leave me a comment and I’ll do a drawing for the book on Tuesday, September 15. No rules or anything but because I’m nosy if you want you can tell me what book you are planning to read this weekend.
Hi Iliana, please enter me in the drawing for The Crying Tree. I would love the opportunity to read it. I leave for Maui tomorrow and am currently reading House of Sound and Fog by Andre Dubus. If I don’t get too lazy in Maui I might finish that book and start another over the weekend!
Hi,
The book sounds very interesting… I’d love to win the copy & have the chance to check it out for myself.
Right now I am reading two very different books — an ARC of Joshilyn Jackson’s The Girl Who Stopped Swimming and Jennifer Lancaster’s memoir Such a Pretty Fat. I don’t have much planned for the weekend, but I’m heading to the beach next week, so I’ll have to stock up on books beforehand 🙂
Sounds like a good read to me! I’d love to win this book.
Thanks for the giveaway, Iliana! 🙂
Oops, I hit the send button too fast. 😛
I’m currently reading a YA novel titled The Sweet Life of Stella Madison. It’s quite entertaining. 😉
I’d love to read this, so count me in if international entries are ok!
I’m reading Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Linqvist and will continue this weekend. It’s great (and spooky) so far!
I just read a review of this one recently (of course I don’t remember WHERE) and even though the topic is heavy, it is important I think. I think it is good to dredge these emotions to the surface, and I’d love to read it. rnawrot at cfl dot rr dot com
I’m looking at Joanna’s comment, and realize I have Let the Right One In on my shelf and really want to read it. I need to clone myself!
Sounds good! Definitely would like the chance to win. I’m trying desperately to finish a review book–Royal Blood by Rona Sharon–this weekend.
Oh, and I didn’t make it to the HPB Labor Day sale either, so we may have to hit it this weekend. 🙂
I tried to comment on your previous post, but the site wouldn’t let me — weird! Anyway, I think I’ll bow out of this give-away, as I have plenty of books already, but it does sound really good and I’m glad you’re enjoying it. And I’m planning on finishing The Beekeeper’s Apprentice this weekend.
Hey guys – Thanks for entering! And, Dorothy, I had to close off the comments on my other post as it was getting spammed bit time. Sorry about that! 🙂
This seems like a great book to add to my to-read list. Please enter me to win!
Would love to read this book. I love your blog, I’ve been reading it for a while.
Que tenga un buen dia!
Tricia
This is one book that I would love to read after reading all of the reviews on it. Please enter me in the giveaway.
I have been reading The Master and Margarita for awhile now and hope to finish it this weekend.
Hi there, I just discovered your blog. This title is on be TBR list!
What I plan on reading this weekend is The Lovely Bones by Sebold OR The HUnger Games by Collins.
I’m now a follower.
Hi there,
I didn’t leave my name in the above Anonymous post. Oops!
Please enter me in the drawing, thanks! I’m reading The Lacuna, the latest from Barbara Kingsolver.
I would love a chance to win this book. I am always intrigued by books about grief.
I am currently reading Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah. However, I just got word that several books I ordered from the library are in!!! The highlight of which is a memoir titled, The Geography of Love.
I wonder how Jodi got a copy of the new Kingsolver? I cannot even find out what it is about. Jodi, if you read this could you let us know?
Thanks!!!!!
I’d love to win a copy.
Currently I’m reading Last Last Chance.
Sounds like a good book. I’m reading Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz.
I’m a fan of this book and this author. Would love a copy of my very own to read and keep. I’ll be reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte this weekend. It’s old, yes, but Bronte’s eloquence and ability to dramatize so sharply the need for social and financial equality for women in the 19th centurey makes this a fascinating and in some ways timeless read. I love Jane Austen’s delicate wit, but Bronte pulls no punches. And it’s romantic to boot…
I like a book that moves me, even if it takes riding on some waves of tears, so count me in for the drawing for this book! Since you asked, I am starting “Spirit Horses” by Alan Evans tomorrow. Some grieving, Native Americans, and lots of horse in it.
I can’t wait to read the Crying Tree. Have heard Naseem speak at the book store and on TV about her book and I have read several reviews. I don’t have the money to purchase the book right now so do pray I win the drawing. Thanks.
This looks amazing – I’d love to receive and review it for my blog.
This weekend I’m reading ‘On the Jellicoe Road’ by Melina Marchetta.
*fingers crossed* Hope I win!
-Aimee 🙂
Good to know this is turning out to be a good book. I haven’t seen it around much, so I was wondering. I have the ARC, but haven’t been able to get to it yet. Now I’m a little more curious to find out what it has to offer.
No need to enter me to win, but I’m happy to see you are enjoying this book. I have this one on the shelf.
I identified with the charachters in this story. It takes a long time to deal with the anger & bitterness, when you are a victim or a survivor. Ultimately, forgiveness brings a sweet freedom & the ability to enjoy life. I would love to win this book for a friend.
Please enter me, Iliana.
This weekend I read Dan Chaon’s Await Your Reply. Definitely worth reading!
Hello, please enter me in your drawing! I’ve heard a lot about this book and very much look forward to reading it. Currently, I am reading “Water For Elephants” and “A Brave New World”… Both of which I have read many times before!
Please enter my name for the book drawing. Our book club is reading it for next month’s meeting and I’d love to give the book to a new member.
It’s a great book, well written, thought provoking, and reminds me of the writings of Willa Cather.
I am always looking for good books to add to my shelf. Count me in! thanks…
I would love to win this one.
I am currently reading Holly’s Inbox.
Wow!! that sounds like a great book and yes I have read quite a few good reviews of it already!!
I am reading Cleopatra’s Daughter, which I want to finish this week… i am just on time! Enter me!
givingreadingachance AT gmail.com
Please enter me in your draw. There are so many book sthat I want to read next but tonight I will pick up historical fiction and it will be the Heretic queen by Michelle Moran.
Sounds like an excellent book.
This weekend I’m reading Everything Was Fine Until Whatever by Chelsea Martin.
This weekend I finished two books: Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner and The Master Butcher’s Singing Club by Louise Erdrich.
Please enter me to win The Crying Tree. Currently reading multiple books: The House Always Wins(Marni Jameson), Harlot’s Ghost(Norman Mailer) and Blood Ties: Possession(Jennifer Armintrout). Who needs TV?
Would love to read this
Jaime
I attended a talk & reading Naseem gave @ Powell’s bookstore. If her prose is as good as her presence before a crowd, this book will be a wonderful experience. Please add me to your drawing for a copy. Thanks!