As part of my 101 in 1001 challenge, I’m giving away a copy of some of my favourite books on my blog each month until the challenge ends.
For the month of March, I’ve decided to give away a copy of Jeanette Winterson‘s collection of short stories, The World and Other Places
The only way I can describe her writing style is to say this: imagine you’re swinging on a hammock, under a tree’s shadow, watching the clouds morphing from shape to shape – a contemplative “what if” starts to form in your head or a playful voice comes out of nowhere and prompts you to swing higher and close your eyes and laugh out loud.
Well, Winterson’s “voice” is kind of like that. It’s dreamy, it’s philosophical, it’s honest and magical – you will be transported into imaginary landscapes that you won’t want to leave. You’ll wonder why the world can’t be more like her stories. Until you realize that sometimes, it is.
I have gifted a few friends with this book and last Christmas, I accidently ordered two copies of it. Instead of returning one, I decided to keep it so I could give it away on my blog. I knew this challenge would end up on my list so I’ve been waiting with a smile for this moment to come for two months. 
How to enter: It’s simple. Just post a comment on this article. You don’t have to write anything specific but if you don’t know what to write, I’d love to hear about your favourite author, poem or play.
Deadline: March 15th 2010 at 11am EST. Later that day, I’ll draw a name, announce the contest winner and I’ll contact you if you’ve won!
Related posts:
10 Comments
Pick me! Pick me!
Thanks for the comment, you’re in the draw! And, I LOVE your blog. It’s one of the most endearing little places on the web that I’ve found so far. In fact, I’m adding you to my blogroll. I hope that all of my readers visit it (because they should).
Wow, thanks!!
It sounds like just what I need right now, and even if I’m not the one who receives this book, I’ll be going into the bookstore I work at to take a chance on Jeanette. I have fallen into a few new authors that I needed to find everything they wrote:
Matt Ruff- I would suggest starting with “Set this House in Order” about a person with multiple personalities, and who lives a life as many people in one body. It’s beautiful and modern. Each of his books is vastly different from the other, and I anxiously await his new one.
Right now I have found Peter Cameron. I began with “Some day this pain with be useful to you”, and moved on to “Andorra”…again very different books, but painful and searching.
My favourites though are children’s books written well. Eva Ibbotson, Lynn Reid Banks, Julie Andrews Edwards, Frank L. Baum, Roald Dahl…those who write with humour, imagination and a simplicity of truth.
Danielle, this comment has rocked my world. Not only because it’s book recommendations from of the best spoken word performers in Canada (which means you LOVE words and stories so I know that these will be awesome), but also because you’re willing to give Jeanette a chance. You know what? I am entirely confident that you will love her. In fact, if you don’t win, I will happily lend you any book you want from my collection of her work… especially if that’s just what you need right now.
Thanks for the recommendations! You’re in the draw.
You do sell Jeanette!! I’ve just written an article on Oranges are Not the Only Fruit, and fell in love with her style. As you say, philosophical and dreamy. I’ve also read a couple of her articles, with one of my favourites being hers on night and day (I love night too!).
Her style reminds me of when I read Michael Cunningham, The Hours. Not the same at all, but the questioning of normality and life on the outside, as well as the evident pleasant feel of the flow of time.
Please feel free to view my article. I’m just starting out as a freelance writer. I’d love to review more of Jeanette’s books.
http://britishfiction.suite101.com/article.cfm/giftedness-in-oranges-are-not-the-only-fruit
Hi Tracey! Haha, at first I thought you meant “sell” as in I sell her books but now I think I understand that you meant it as in I advertised her work properly in my post?
Thanks!
Yeah, I haven’t read anything of hers since Lighthousekeeping (which I bought and read in Vancouver, B.C., right next to the Pacific ocean – it was so fitting). You’re right, her articles are worth reading, too. I also love how she features poetry on her website, http://www.jeanettewinterson.com/poetry.asp. So, if you love her work, you will also likely love the poems that she features.
Thanks for sharing your article with me. I’ll read it over a cup of coffee as part of my Sunday morning reading ritual. And by commenting, you’ve been entered into the draw for the book.
Actually, if I ever decide to give away another Winterson novel that you have already read, maybe you could provide a review for me. If there are novels by other writers that you recommend and would like to write a short review for, send me a list of those books and I’ll let you know if I choose to give one away in the future! You can post the list as a comment here or just contact me directly through the contact tab.
I should clarify that I haven’t read anything of hers since Lighthousekeeping but only because I’ve ventured into non-fiction for a while. I can’t wait to get back to Winterson.
I’ll keep the reviews in mind. Haven’t read anything else of Winterson yet, but will definitely check out the poetry. Let me think of a list of books. I’m just starting on D H Lawrence (Sons and Lovers) at the moment, but during my English degree I wrote loads of essays. Wish I had all those books with me now (I’m abroad at the moment), as it would be quick. Anyway, let me know if you like the article. And I’ll think of some review ideas
Oh, and yes, I did mean advertise well
)))
Ok, that would be great! Sure, I’ll post another comment after I’ve read your article.
Cheers!
5 Trackbacks
[...] every month (photo and recipe to be included on blog) 31. Giveaway one book a month on my blog (click here for the March book giveaway!) 32. Document a day in the life of Julie one day a month, in pictures. 33. Watch two TED lectures [...]
[...] still time to participate in the free book giveaway. I haven’t received any entries yet so I’m wondering if it’s due to lack of [...]
[...] my first book giveaway as part of my 101 in 1001 challenge was a success! I had my doubts when, after quite some time, [...]
[...] 31. Giveaway one book a month on my blog: Done! [...]
[...] Book Giveaway: Jeanette Winterson – The World and Other Places [...]