This giveaway series is making it look like I stalk authors on a regular basis, but that's simply not true. There have been dozens of titles I've read this year that I loved in a polite, quiet way, turning the last page and then placing them back on my shelf without harassing the author at all.But Joshua Henkin's MATRIMONY was not one of those books. I harassed Josh (note that I call him "Josh" now, instead of Joshua, totally inflating the level of our discourse, which basically consisted of me emailing him and saying, "I love, love, love, love, loved MATRIMONY...thank you for writing it!" and "Josh" emailing back to say, "I'm so glad you enjoyed it." Of course now, in my mind, we're best friends forever...even though I have no idea if anyone in his real life ever calls him Josh...) and am so glad I did. Because as he planned the launch for his paperback, he emailed me and asked, "Would you like a signed copy for one of your blog readers?" Which was where the whole idea of Seven Books in Seven Days began.
MATRIMONY is an awesome story about relationships and writing and characters in the midst of figuring out what life--individually, collectively--might be about. It also taught me the correct use of the semicolon, which is no small thing. You'll love it, even if you already have a firm grasp of basic punctuation.
If you'd like to win a copy, leave me a comment. Perhaps with an observation about...matrimony.
Here's to a wonderful Saturday :)
12 comments:
As I might be going through a mid-life crisis, I think Josh wrote this book with me in mind to help me figure out what my writing career, my marriage and my future are all about. And if I got the extra bonus of learning more about the semi-colon, I'd be so blessed. I think I know how to use a semi-colon, but I've seen it used in different ways lately so maybe I'm wrong. I'm definitely open to learning, like I did recently when I read something about marriage: "Don't expect your spouse to meet your needs. Just love him." I wish I could remember who wrote it, and I wish I could remember to follow it more!
I'm currently reading "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas, subtitled "What if God Designed Marriage to Make us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy." The thing about marriage is that it teaches us so much about ourselves, and about God. It's an adventure, even (maybe especially) when it's really hard. I love learning from other marriages--fiction or non--and I avoid semicolons at all costs. So count me in for this drawing!
I might not be married, but I am always open to reading about it. :) Sign me up!
I just moved 3000 miles across country, following my husband to California for his new job. I now find myself unemployed and with nothing to do but read (and, erm, find a new job). I am enough of a grammar geek to have a favorite punctuation mark (the ellipsis) and so this book looks like great reading to me!
I'm not married, but enjoy reading about it!
!!! that sounds like an incredible book - not to mention i could probably use some punctuation help also :X
The semi-colon is a very underrated form of punctuation :)
I've been wanting to read this book for a while. I love writers who can capture the essence of relationships - a grab bag of hope and wonder, disappointment, surprises, secrets, honesty, and intimacy - wonderful and difficult all at the same time.
I would love to read it, especially since I am about to get married in April and learn lots about 'matrimony'. :-)
Oh! OH! Pick me, please? I spent my Saturday in your home state! Does that carry any bribing weight?
It is a definite life changing event, but as long as you realize that marriage is a two way street and neither are the right way. It works. I always hear that marriage is 50/50 I want to tell people they are wrong. Marriage only works if you both give 100%.
Matrimony. FEH.
I doubt I'll win with that answer. Not to mention I'm totally behind on my blog reading.
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