Now that we’ve turned the clock back and it will start getting dark earlier, I can’t think of a better way to spend the evenings than reading! Here are four totally different books that will warm you up on these chilly nights.
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
I think I’ve read everything Jodi Picoult has ever written. I love that she writes about issues that are timely and important, weaving them into novels that are impossible to put down. This one deals with a subject that’s so close to my heart – elephants! – and part of it takes place at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, where I volunteered this summer. The story revolves around Jenna, whose mother mysteriously disappeared from the sanctuary where she was studying grief among elephants. Although a decade has passed, Jenna is determined to discover the truth. In signature style, Picoult has created a powerful story of love, family and the unbreakable connection between mothers and daughters. It’s so appropriate that this is a tale about elephants because it is unforgettable.
Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores by Jen Campbell
Okay, I am still crying laughing over some of the ridiculous things my poor friend, Jen, has been asked while working at her London bookstore. For example, “Where’s your true fiction section?” Or “May I have a copy of The Tiger’s Wife? How did she live with Tiger Woods all those years!” Or “I read a book in the sixties. I don’t remember the author, or the title. But it was green, and it made me laugh. Do you know which one I mean?” With contributions from booksellers in the UK, the U.S. and Canada, readers will gain a new appreciation for these literary workers’ knowledge, creativity and patience. This little volume is hilarious and revealing, and shows why we need bookstores more than ever.
The Lodger by Louisa Treger
I often learn more about historical figures through fictionalized stories of their lives, and this novel introduced me to Dorothy Richardson, a writer who was the peer of Virginia Woolf and mistress of H.G. Wells. I had no idea she was credited with one of the earliest uses of stream of consciousness as a narrative technique, and I found her unconventional life fascinating. Taking place in London at the beginning of the 20th century, the story focuses on her self-discovery, and deals with her bisexuality, her yearning to be independent and her dissatisfaction with the conventions of the realist novel to tell a story her way. Treger has bemoaned the fact that “this extraordinary woman died unrecognized, and her work has largely been forgotten.” This beautiful debut novel may change all of that.
Many Paws: The Years of Change by Susan DeGarmo
I always bought pop-up books for my kids, and I’m so excited to have my own now! This little altered book features not only pop-ups but cut-outs and flaps, all to lighten the load of menopause. It’s filled with great quotes, mixed media artwork and places to glue your own personal photos. It’s awesome! How fitting to use an altered book to talk about the change. This is such a fun little gift to make women feel they’re not alone in their confusion and hormonal hell.
Hot flash! I’m giving away a copy of Many Paws!
For a chance to win a copy, simply leave a comment below about any of the books I recommended here. For a second chance to win, Tweet this:
[Tweet “Enter 4 #Books and a #Giveaway! I just did! @JodiPicoult @LouisaTreger @aeroplanegirl”]
Contest ends on November 16 at midnight Pacific time. Winner will be notified by return email. Prize can only be mailed to a U.S. mailing address.
Hands down, I’m going to love the one about bookstores. It’s intriguing!
The Jen Campbell book looks really good! I love wandering bookstores so I feel like I need it in my life!
These sound like some great titles. It is important to have some reading material during the cold weather months.
Excellent suggestions. And, I also love visiting old bookstores.
I’m so with you on that reading thing. I love reading in the winter when the place gets darker sooner. Nothing like curling up in bed with a good book.
Lois you always pitch books in a way where I want to read all of them. I for one am intrigued by The Lodger.
I just had a debate with myself (when you debate with yourself you can’t lose) over which is better literary fiction or popular fiction and I think for all those long, cold, dark winter nights ahead, I’ll need something fast paced and Jodi Picoult’s book sounds like just the ticket.
Ha ha! I have lost debates with myself.
These all look like great choices. It is almost winter and it is the best time to catch up with reading. It looks like you gave me some great ideas.
Your list sounds great! All I need now is some hot chocolate to go with it.
I love every opportunity to laugh and “The Weird Things…” sounds wonderful! Perfect book to buy and pass on. And Many Paws looks like the perfect gift! Thanks for sharing both!
I Love Jodi Picoult and would love to read this one. The Lodger looks good too.
I tweeted also https://twitter.com/wikichoco/status/529073365013630976
Many Paws- I always wanted a pop up book of my own!
Wow. What fun reads! These all sound fun but I want a popup book of my own. I love how surprised my son always was with his popup books, and I think I will still gasp at this one, cause I’m still a kid!
They all sound so interesting. The bookstore — how funny — and the novel about the writer. So mysterious. I need to read of the mystery of others — not that I’ve got my life figured out by any means.
These all sound excellent, but I’d most love to read Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult.
Never heard of these books. What a great giveaway!
Bookstores and libraries… love ’em, fictionalized biography (or is biographical fiction?) intrigues, and altered books — Yikes — one of my favorite art forms. Even the elephant mystery sounds great, although it is out of my usual go to genres. My reading lists have been updated!
I spent so much time in book stores last year with my book and the stuff I overheard was outrageous. I am so glad someone thought to write it all down.
Many Paws looks adorable, the Lodger fascinating and Jodi’s new book I have no doubt is fabulous.
I am looking forward to reading all of these!
They all sound great!!! I love to read!!! Thank you for running this contest!!!
Some great reading options. Would love Many Paws to laugh through this “period” in my life!
Meanwhile, have you read “The Paying Guests” by Sarah Waters? Same time frame as The Lodger and set in London. It sounds like there are some similarities that might attract your interest.
I love Jodi Picoult!!! She is one of my favorite authors. I would love to win her book.
I love this idea, Lois! Since I also enjoy collecting books from old bookstores and thrift stores, I have more books than I’ll probably ever read (mostly nonfiction). Your giveaways always inch me a little closer to following in your footsteps.
I love Jodi Picoult, but haven’t read this book yet. And I do need something to read on my train ride.
Many Paws looks like a lot of fun, and very timely! Thanks, as always, for the book suggestions.
I used to work in a library and got so many bizarre questions, so I’m really looking forward to reading Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores!
All of the books look good but “Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores” sounds hilarious! Thanks for having the contest.
Jodi Picoult has written some amazing books, I’d love to read this one!
Many Paws sounds adorable and I hope to read all of these!
My BFF is a big fan of Jodi Picoult. I’m sharing this giveaway with her! Plus, I love books in general! I’m looking forward to the reading time with the time change as well!
Sign me up! Love the collection. I’ll be huddling in my living room watching the San Francisco fog blanket the streets … and hopefully some rain, too.
I would love to win this. These look great and what a perfect time to read…this cold weather!
The Weird Things Customers Say In Bookstores sounds very funny.
The Lodger sounds like a book that I would really enjoy.
These all sound like great books. I am getting them down on a piece of paper and will go off to see if I can find them. I love to curl up with a good book at night.
These all sound great. The Lodger has been on my “to read” list for awhile.
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