Tuesday, August 19, 2008

7/7 Day One: Laura Dave's THE DIVORCE PARTY

There aren't many novels that prompt me to pull out a pen and underline. I write nonfiction, so novels are usually an escape for me, a way to be swept away in a story. Laura Dave's THE DIVORCE PARTY is the (wonderful) exception to this rule.

It's a story about relationships--one fresh and new, another falling apart, and then the interlinking familial bonds you can't just walk awayfrom, the ones you spend the better part of a lifetime working on and working out.

One of the pages I dog-eared: a mother thinking how she wishes she could go back in time and do things a bit differently. She longs to, "Make different choices, be braver, do just about anything so her daughter thinks she is worthy of getting everything that she needs as opposed to trying ot figure out how to be better at giving it away."

And this thought I loved so much, I used it in the first day of my Forty Days of Faith blog earlier this summer: "In the end, belief isn't supposed to make sense, at least not all of the time. In that, it finds its power. It gets to creep up on you and carry you forward."

So gorgeous. So true. So underlineable! (Is that even a word?)

Laura is not only brilliant, she's generous, too. She's sending me a signed copy of THE DIVORCE PARTY to share with one of you. If you'd like it, leave a comment. I'll include a pen when I mail it to you, because you just might need it :)

And if you'd like to see my thoughts on the romantic trials of Olympic swimmer Laure Manaudou, check out my inaugural post in the Love & Relationships section of Basil & Spice.

Happy Tuesday!

17 comments:

Grits said...

I would LOVE a copy of 'The Divorce Party'! I'm at a point in my life where I am trying to figure things out career-wise, relationship-wise, etc., while trying to be brave at the same time. Pick me! Pick me!

Krissy said...

You didn't say how you would choose, and now I'm feeling all competitive! What do I do to win? Throwing my name in there, anyway.

Anonymous said...

Hi Trish,

I think I read about The Divorce Party on Allison Winn Scotch's blog too and it sounds amazing. I would love a copy. The part you underlined about faith not always making sense is so me. I'm the type of person who wants proof for everything (I'm a reporter after all) so it doesn't make sense to some of my friends as to why I believe in God.

mslizalou said...

I would love a copy of The Divorce Party. It sounds amazing, and I love to find new authors.

Larramie said...

GULP! Please write the you don't really underline novels...just kidding, aren't you? If not, I may weep.

Btw, THE DIVORCE PARTY is on my TBR pile.

Anonymous said...

that sounds like an amazing read! pick me? :)

xxxx said...

I ADORE this book! I think she is just brilliant (London is the Best City in America may be my all-time favorite book).

Fun idea!

John David Robinson said...

Gotta toss my name on the pile, too. Sounds like a book I'd like to read!

hckygrl said...

Belief is a motivating force - yes, there is power in belief! Belief that I have purpose and greatness beyond my brokenness encourages me in times of fear and pain. Belief that I am truely loveable and capable of loving in return, softens my sometimes hard heart with tenderness. Belief in Divine wisdom affords me confidence when life does not seem fair!

Aimee said...

The Divorce Party sounds beautifully written and wonderful! I'd love to win it!

Anonymous said...

Ohmygoodness!! I LOVE Laura Dave!! I read "London is the Best City in America" twice in two days, crying and underlining both times. That book actually changed my outlook on relationships from my divorce-days to my current in-love days. Sigh, I heart Laura Dave.

xox

Anonymous said...

Okay--I'm Swishy's friend, Allee (remember me?). I loved, loved, LOVED her book London is the Best City in America. I've ordered it and The Divorce Party from Amazon. If I get your autographed copy of the Divorce Party, I'll pay it forward by passing my Amazon copy on.

The Spinning Room said...

Sounds like a great book - I'd love to win it!!!

Chesh said...

This book looks like a great one to either add to my collection or give as a gift. Thanks for the giveaways.

Melanie said...

Hope you're having a great weekend! Can't wait to hear who's won these books!

Katie said...

I love books! (especially free ones!!)

LEstes65 said...

Sounds interesting. But not sure it's for me. But I'll leave a comment because I feel cheap if I read you and don't comment.

Smooches...