Spreading the Awesome + Signed Book Giveaway!

 

Elana has done it again.  She's organized something way too cool, a sort of "National Hug an Author Day" that we're calling "Spreading the Awesome."  The idea is to promote an author and book you feel deserves 10+ stars.  You know, that book.  The one that's the awesomest of the awesome.  The one you drool over love for its every word. 

I don't think I've made it a secret that I worship WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson.  If I have, feel free to kick me in the comment box because this book is A-MAZING.  I think I did a little jump-squeal when I saw the paperback in Costco yesterday.  COSTCO!  Go, Laurie!

Why is this my 10-star book?

WINTERGIRLS is a literary work of art, an amazing young adult novel that deals with the hard issues of eating disorders and death in a haunting, poetic way.  I feel that Laurie really embraced her talent and took it to the next level in this powerful story. I couldn't be more impressed. 

I've read a lot of young adult novels but I hadn't seen the potential of the written word in YA fiction until I read WINTERGIRLS.  Laurie is a master at "showing" rather than telling and brings a lyrical quality to her fiction that I'd never experienced before.  This book really raises the bar for YA writers everywhere, and it's been a large influence in the way I look at writing.  I recommend it to everyone studying craft and/or craving a mind-blowing read. 

Here's the awesome blurb.

"Dead girl walking," the boys say in the halls.
"Tell us your secret," the girls whisper, one toilet to another.
I am that girl.
I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through.
I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame.

Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the skinniest. But what comes after size zero and size double-zero? When Cassie succumbs to the demons within, Lia feels she is being haunted by her friend's restless spirit.

In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the multiple-award-winning Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson explores Lia's descent into the powerful vortex of anorexia, and her painful path toward recovery.

Holy moly, right?  Yeah.  BUY this book.  Or, perhaps you'll be the winner of the SIGNED hardcover copy I'm giving away to one lucky commenter.  All I ask is that you leave a comment to enter yourself.  I'll give an extra entry if you spread the word via Twitter, Facebook, blog, etc.  Just make sure to tell me in the comments if you do and leave a link if possible. 

The giveaway will be open until Thursday at 12 PM EST so everyone has a chance to enter.   I'll announce the winner on Friday.  I'm afraid I can't afford to ship internationally, so only enter if you have a US shipping address.

On your way out, definitely stop by Caroline Starr Rose's blog for a chance to win a signed ARC of Jame Richards's THREE RIVERS RISING, and the master-list-of-awesome (lots of books being plugged and given away!).

If you have the time, please tell me about a book that totally blew your mind.  I'm always looking for recommendations!  Thanks for reading and good luck to all who enter!