The On Reading column doesn’t usually feature a giveaway, but when Erica Bauermeister saw my review of her book The School of Essential Ingredients, she offered up a giveaway.
When I was reading this book, the following passage screamed out to me to be included in this column which features instructive or reflective posts On Reading every Sunday:
Lillian had been four years old when her father left them, and her mother, stunned, had slid into books like a seal into water. Lillian had watched her mother submerge and disappear sensing instinctively even at her young age the impersonal nature of a choice made simply for survival, and adapting to the niche she would now inhabit, as a watcher from the shore of her mother’s ocean.
In this new life, Lillian’s mother’s face became a series of book covers, held in place where eyes, nose, or mouth might normally appear. Lillian soon learned that the book covers could forecast moods much like facial expressions, for Lillian’s mother swam deeply into the books she read, until the personality of the protagonist surrounded her like a perfume applied by an indiscriminate hand. Lillian was never sure who would greet her at the breakfast table, no matter that the bathrobe, the hair, the feet were always the same. It was like having a magician for a mother, although Lillian always suspected that the magicians she saw at birthday parties went home and turned back into portly men with three children and grass that needed mowing. Lillian’s mother simply finished one book and turned to the next.
Excerpted with permission from the author from The School of Essential Ingredients (pages 7 – 8 ) by Erica Bauermeister, published by Putnam.
The winner of this contest will receive an exclusive not-available-for-purchase (here) Australian edition of the book. Same text — different cover.
Erica Bauermeister is the author of the novel The School of Essential Ingredients. She lives in Seattle with her family and is working on novel #2. To learn more, go to www.ericabauermeister.com.
To enter the 2009 Mothers Day Giveaway of The School of Essential Ingredients, leave a comment below.
- All Mother’s Day Giveaways are open to U.S. shipping addresses only.
- The giveaway will close on April 30, and the winner will be announced on May 1.
- For information on how to enter the grand prize to win a copy of each book in the Mother’s Day Giveaway worth over $225, see the instructions on the main post.
- Check out the list of all Mother’s Day giveaways. Enter to win each book by leaving a comment on that post.
Alicia says
This book sound powerful.
amber d. says
I read a review of this book in our newspaper and thought it sounded great. I would love to win a copy!
Thanks!
Gerry Dee says
I would luv to immerse myself in this book.
Just Mom says
This is the second reveiw I have read of this book and they have both been enticing! Please enter me in the giveaway and thanks for hosting!
nfmgirl says
This is on my “must read” list. Please count me in. I’m dying to get it. Thank you!
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Angela Calvert says
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
accoupons at gmail dot com
Beverlydru says
This book sounds terrific. Thanks for the change to win.
Sharon Walling says
I would really like to win this book. Please enter me.
Thanks
[email protected]
courtney from mommie blogs says
I am finally jumping back into reading again. the baby fog is lifting. Please enter me!
Amy says
I’ve read a lot of good reviews of this book. I’d love a copy!
Angie says
I would love to be able to read this!
edj says
Oh I remember your review of this book and how fascinating it sounded. I really hope I win! 🙂
Sue W. says
I would really enjoy winning the School of Essential Ingredients. This is a recipe for a good book.
Kim says
I’d LOVE to win this one!
Susan says
What a great book! Would love to read it.
Tina S. says
I think I could slip away into this book, enter me please:)
Carey says
Looks good!
Kim says
Sounds like an interesting book. Different. I like different 🙂
rita says
An amazing giveaway!
Holly says
I’ve wanted to read this. Terrific giveaway!!
Shelly T. says
I would love to have my own copy of this book!
Thanks for the chance to win.
Sarah says
Sounds good, I would love to win this!
Djp says
sign me up please
Amy says
This book sounds amazing! That is such a great passage; it’s got me hooked!
Krista says
Sounds interesting.
gahome2mom says
Slipping Away sounds like a very interesting book to read. Thanks.
gahome2mom at gmail dt com
randi oaklief says
It sounds fascinating, I’d love to read it! Thanks
cris says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Michael Capp says
I’d love to win!
corrie clemens says
i want to win, i like to read alot.
Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug) says
I’d love to read this 🙂 *Thanks* for the giveaway!
stephanie says
Interesting!
Barbara says
Looking forward to this one.
Martha C says
This sounds intriguing. To have the time!!
Jeane Howell says
This would be a very good book to read I think.
Amber G says
I would love to win please!
Denise says
This sounds pretty interesting.
MRS.MOMMYY says
would love to read
Catherine says
Thanx for the contest
Angie Gulley says
please enter me. thank you.
Tisa says
Sounds like an interesting book – count me in please! ~ 🙂 Thanks!
renee says
enter me please and thanks
Annmarie says
Wow! This book seems to have so much emotion to it. Would love to read it!
Kristi says
Please enter me in this giveaway!
thanks!
Anita Yancey says
Sounds interesting. Love to read it. Please enter me.
Sherry says
Sound like a great read, thanks for the chance to win.
Kim V says
Thanks for the giveaway!
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ginny says
Looks very good!
Heather Goldsmith says
Somehow this made me feel a little guilty because I read so much. Ah, a mother’s guilt, the gift that keeps on giving. I do feel strongly that children who see their parents read will see the enjoyment a person can get from a book. I’s really like to read this one. Wish me luck!
Serena says
This sounds like a really intriguing book. I’d love to read it!