Friday, September 19, 2008

The Book of Calamities by Peter Trachtenberg Giveaway!

About the Book: What does it mean to suffer? What enables some people to emerge from tragedy while others are spiritually crushed by it? Why do so many Americans think of suffering as something that happens to other people-who usually deserve it? These are some of the questions at the heart of this powerful book.
Combining reportage, personal narrative, and moral philosophy, Peter Trachtenberg tells the stories of grass-roots genocide tribunals in Rwanda and tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka, an innocent man on death row, and a family bereaved on 9/11. He examines texts from the Book of Job to the Bodhicharyavatara and the writings of Simone Weil. THE BOOK OF CALAMITIES is a provocative and sweeping look at one of the biggest paradoxes of the human condition--and the surprising strength and resilience of those who are forced to confront it.

I think this book sounds really good and Hachette's giving away 5 copies! Leave a comment if you're interested in winning it and you have a United States or Canadian address.
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28 comments:

  1. AnonymousFri Sep 19, 06:49:00 PM

    What a provocative topic! I would really like to read this and see where different mindsets and life philosophies are coming from. I think this would really generate some deep thought and worthwhile reflection.
    doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
    Elizabeth

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  2. MeganFri Sep 19, 07:05:00 PM

    Sounds very interesting. Please put my name in the hat.

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  3. AnonymousFri Sep 19, 07:12:00 PM

    Count me in!! Thanks!

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  4. AnonymousFri Sep 19, 07:14:00 PM

    Those paradoxes are so intriguing!

    hannah DOT free AT gmail DOT com

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  5. windycindyFri Sep 19, 07:17:00 PM

    I have been brought up being told that "What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger!" My degree is in Psychology and topics like this really fascinate me. Seeing how people of these horrible acts of men and acts of God bounce back and begin living life again. Please enter me in your book drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  6. RonnicaFri Sep 19, 07:17:00 PM

    This is definitely a relevant topic in today's society. Thanks!

    taleofakansasgirl (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  7. The BookwormFri Sep 19, 07:19:00 PM

    This sounds like a great book.
    naidascrochetATyahoo.com
    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

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  8. cindysloveofbooksFri Sep 19, 07:24:00 PM

    I would love to read this book. It sounds really good. Please count me in.

    cindysloveofbooksarc(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. darbysclosetFri Sep 19, 07:28:00 PM

    I've seen this book before and would enjoy having a copy to read.
    BTW, I am in the US.
    Thank you for making all of this week's activities possible!!!
    Darby
    darbyscloset (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  10. Julie P.Fri Sep 19, 07:35:00 PM

    Sounds pretty interesting! Count me in!

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  11. AnonymousFri Sep 19, 08:17:00 PM

    I agree - it does sound interesting. I'd not heard of this one.

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  12. TammyFri Sep 19, 08:30:00 PM

    I'm intrigued, please enter me for this one.

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  13. UnknownFri Sep 19, 09:29:00 PM

    I think this sounds very fascinating, please enter me for this contest.

    Thanks!
    Kimberly

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  14. AnonymousFri Sep 19, 09:40:00 PM

    Sounds like a rather fascinating book and one that would be fun to read during the coming cold weather...

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  15. Rebekah (monkeygirlsmama)Fri Sep 19, 09:43:00 PM

    I think I've heard of this one before, but I haven't read it myself. Would love the chance to though. Please enter me!
    Thanks :P

    RebekahC
    littleminx at cox dot net

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  16. AlyceFri Sep 19, 11:00:00 PM

    In light of all of the tragedies that occur around the world, I think this would be an educational read.

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  17. AnonymousSat Sep 20, 05:28:00 AM

    I'd like to give this one a try.

    nbbaker1102ATmsnDOTcom

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  18. TarasviewSat Sep 20, 07:32:00 AM

    oh pick me! This book sounds amazing.

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  19. AnonymousSat Sep 20, 07:43:00 AM

    Sounds very interesting! Please enter me.

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  20. raychSat Sep 20, 07:53:00 AM

    I am so much interested! This sounds terribly interesting.

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  21. AnonymousSat Sep 20, 08:16:00 AM

    This definitely sounds interesting, enter me please.

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  22. DinaSat Sep 20, 09:14:00 AM

    This sounds like a book we all could learn something from.

    Please enter me also.

    Thanks,
    Dina

    dlsmilad(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  23. Literary FelineSat Sep 20, 09:22:00 AM

    Count me in!

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  24. AnonymousSat Sep 20, 09:27:00 AM

    This book sounds great!

    Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness)

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  25. SerenaSat Sep 20, 10:17:00 AM

    This sounds like a very educational and emotional book. I would love to win a copy of this. I am intrigued by books that take a look at recent conflicts and tragedies.

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  26. RueSat Sep 20, 02:55:00 PM

    I'm definitely interested. Sounds like it would be a good book with useful insights.

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  27. AnonymousSat Sep 20, 06:54:00 PM

    Ooooh!! It sounds like a very interesting read! I love stories detailing the human condition - and would be interested to see how those 'questions' are addressed!
    natasha_sacopaso[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  28. BookloggedSun Sep 21, 03:21:00 PM

    I've heard good things about this book. Would love to win it.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment! I appreciate hearing your thoughts.