Freebie Friday book giveaway
Welcome to an abbreviated, vacation-time Freebie Friday. Congratulations to mrsshukra, the winner of Anita Shreve's "Rescue." Her recommendation for transporting the reader to another place was Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence," a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Mayle helped launch the modern "Year of/in ... " genre, one that has had authors walking the Bible and cooking like Julia Child.
This week's giveaway is "The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey" by Walter Mosley. Here's how the author's website describes the book, which was released this week: "At ninety-one years old, Ptolemy Grey is one of the world’s forgotten: by his family, by his friends, by even himself. Marooned in a cluttered Los Angeles apartment overflowing with mementos from his past, Ptolemy sinks deeper into lonely dementia and into a past that’s best left buried. He’s determined to pass the rest of his days with only his memories for company. Until, at his grandnephew’s funeral, he meets Robyn and experiences a seismic shift, in his head, his heart, and his life.
"Seventeen and without a family of her own, Robyn is unlike anyone Ptolemy has ever known. She and Ptolemy form an unexpected bond that reinvigorates his world. Robyn will not tolerate the way he has allowed himself to live, skulking in and out of awareness barely long enough to cash his small pension checks, living in fear of his neighbors and the memories that threaten to swallow him. With Robyn’s help, Ptolemy moves from isolation back into the brightness of friendship and desire. But Robyn’s challenges also push Ptolemy to make a life-changing decision that will affect both of them: to recapture the clarity and vigor of his fading mind and unlock the secrets he has carried for decades."
For a chance to win, tell us what you're reading, and add your favorite work for the upcoming holidays. It can be a book, movie or song. My favorite: "Scrooged" with Bill Murray.
Comments
This week I'm reading "The Constant Gardener" and "At Home". I'm also listening to "Watership Down" in the car (ah, what memories!)
My favorite for the holidays i usually Peanuts, with Charlie Brown's sad little Xmas tree. But I also love "Olive, the other Reindeer!"!
Posted by: Michelle | November 12, 2010 8:41 AM
Reading David Sedaris' "Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary" and w/out a doubt....National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
Posted by: Andy Flacks | November 12, 2010 8:43 AM
Here I am with yet another re-read: "War of the Worlds" The movie, "Skyline" though I haven't seen it yet, set it off. I enjoy Science Fiction and the movie of WofW was horrible with Dakota Fanning screeching throughout. A classic, ruined. For the Holidays it can only be (and how many times??) "A Christmas Carol" Am anticipating the Disney version available next week. I didn't catch it when it came out. With constant re-reads and re-views I probably have a bit in common with Ptolemy Grey. Sounds like a good read!
Posted by: Ruth | November 12, 2010 9:16 AM
I am reading "I Do Come to YOU by Chance. For Christmas time, I have a couple ofl Debbie Maccomber's books. She writes a new one each year. One of them is 'Mrs. Miracle' and the other is 'Glad Tidings"
Posted by: Carol Wong | November 12, 2010 12:37 PM
I am currently reading "Man in the Woods" by Scott Spencer. I am about halfway through - very good so far. My favorite holiday work has to be "A Charlie Brown Christmas" - the show, the music, all of it. Also looking forward to local musician Rob Fahey's new Christmas CD.
Posted by: Karl Hildebrandt | November 12, 2010 1:55 PM
Currently reading People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.
Holiday faves are A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Skipping Christmas by John Grisham!
Posted by: Nancy Johnston | November 13, 2010 9:33 AM
I'm about to start Keith Richards' Life. I grew up listening to Jean Shepherd, Live from the LimeLight Room on Sunday nights, so Christmas Story will always be a fovorite.
(I've gotten a Captcha Fail notice twice when trying this. My apologies if this is a repeat.)
Posted by: Eve | November 15, 2010 10:44 AM
I am currently reading Nightingale by Susan May Warren.
My favorite movies for Christmas? It's a Wonderful Life and Elf!
Posted by: Judy Dudley | November 18, 2010 3:38 PM