Miriam Parker graciously said I could give away one galley of The Swan Thieves for BBAW on my blog! Isn't she the best? I know this book is hotly anticipated so I was really excited!
Here's what the book is about according to Hachette: Psychiatrist Andrew Marlowe, devoted to his profession and the painting hobby he loves, has a solitary but ordered life. When renowned painter Robert Oliver attacks a canvas in the National Gallery of Art and becomes his patient, Marlow finds that order destroyed. Desperate to understand the secret that torments the genius, he embarks on a journey that leads him into the lives of the women closest to Oliver and a tragedy at the heart of French Impressionism.
Kostova's masterful new novel travels from American cities to the coast of Normandy, from the late 19th century to the late 20th, from young love to last love. THE SWAN THIEVES is a story of obsession, history's losses, and the power of art to preserve human hope.
To enter this giveaway you must be a United States or Canadian resident. No purchase necessary. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. A valid email address must be left so I can contact you if you win.
Now for the fun stuff! Leave me a comment and tell me if I should prioritize reading the Historian this fall or Her Fearful Symmetry and if you a fan of the show Supernatural, explain to me why The Historian book was prominently featured in an episode. :) Contest ends September 18th!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
BBAW Giveaway: The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova Galley
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52 comments:
This is my most super anticipated book of the fall! I haven't read Her Fearful Symmetry yet but I love The Historian so I would have to say that you should read that first. But I could change my mind in a month ...
Oh man, I want to win this one.
webereading AT gmail dot com.
When Jen (Devourer of Books) posted about this, I started to twitch. I need this book in a very bad way! I loved The Historian...I got swept away in it. There is nothing better than a book about delving into the past (especially a vampiric past) via letters. The size of the book was not an issue. I've not read Her Fearful Symmetry, so I'm not sure I can compare the two though. And I'm not a tv watcher, so I can't help with the Supernatural thing either! I'm no help today, am I? rnawrot at cfl dot rr dot com
I feel like everyone is getting an ARC of this but me, but I really want it anyway! I've only read The Historian but I loved it. It completely appealed to my bookish and history-loving sides, which is basically all of me, LOL. So, I would recommend that.
(I'm entering all contests this week under my USA address, just fyi)
meghankk at gmail dot com
Thanks for the giveaway. I haven't read the Historian or Her Fearful Symmetry. So I can't help there. And I don't watch Supernatural. So again I'm no help. But I'd still love to be entered in this one.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Oh dear, this is a tough one! I really enjoyed The Historian, and it might make for a good Halloween read. Also, since the giveaway book is by the same author, it might be a nice gesture to prioritize that one.
(I feel a bit hypocritical not making a case for Her Fearful Symmetry as I can't wait to read it myself!)
My husband just downloaded Supernatural-I haven't really been watching it, but now I'll have to pay attention to see where/how the book is featured.
spiceduck@gmail.com
Oh! I want, need, must have this book! As for which to read first... I haven't read HFS yet, but the buzz is big for that one, so read it now. Save The Historian for October - it is wonderfully creepy and perfect for a stormy fall evening.
This book sounds fantastic! I haven't read either. I've heard superb things about The Historian but I've been really looking forward to Her Fearful Symmetry. Since HFS is the newer release though, you may want to read it before it gets over-hyped and ruined by the hype.
melacan at hotmail dot com
I haven't read Her FEarful Symmetry, but loved the Historian, so have to vote for that one. Thanks so much!
ang_vaughan[at]yahoo[dot]com
I loved loved loved The Historian! It's one of the books I recommend the most to friends. I may be biased, but I haven't read Her Fearful Symmetry yet! I am very excited to read Kostova's newest book :)
acgreene@ymail.com
Okay, The Historian was great (and I should probably tell you to prioritize it, given the nature of this giveaway), but seriously girl, Her Fearful Symmetry rocked my world and should definitely be at the top of the stack.
I am still very excited about this book, though, and would love to win it!
I NEED this book. :P Um, so yes, please enter me. And definitely read The Historian this fall. I don't watch Supernatural, but the book would be a perfect fall curl-up for Carl's RIP. Um, and oh ya--I NEED this book. You got me down, right? :)
The two books are great and it is hard to prioritize which should be read first. However I would read Fearful Symmetry first and then the Historian since the Historian would be better in October.
I don't watch TV very much so I can't help with the second answer.
I would really love to read the book. Please enter me in the contest.
bstilwell12 at comcast dot net
I'd say to read The Historian, because you might give me an incentive to pull it back out and finish it (FINALLY - two and a half years later!) :-). This new one of Kostova's sounds pretty good.
3.rsblog@gmail.com
I really liked The Historian so I would say to go with that one first -- but then I don't know much about the other book :-)
I really want to watch Supernatural but my husband always seems to have control of the remote and I'm usually busy with the kids -- but I'm going to Netflix it so I can finally get to see it!
marielay@gmail.com
Very cool giveaway, Amy! I am so looking forward to this book. You need to read THE HISTORIAN first because it is awesome and because it's a better written novel than THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE (which I also enjoyed). I've heard iffy things about HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY, unfortunately. So my vote's for Kostova. :)
angiegirl (at) gmail (dot) com
OMG I can't believe you're giving away this book Amy!!! I'm dying to read it!! I can't even tell you which you should read more :p I guess I'll go with The Historian, only because I've read that one already and I absolutely adore it!! It's a tale of Dracula, but it's a modern day mystery and it's beautifully written. I really think you'd like it!! But of course,if you decide to go with HFS, I wouldn't be disappointed at all. And I think you have my email, but just in case, it's chrisa511(at)gmail(dot)com.
I had no idea she had another one out. Where have I been hiding? The Historian - hands down. As for the Supernatural connection, I have no idea since I don't watch the show but my guess was a vampire connection of some sort. Either way, you HAVE to read The Historian! (And I want this book!!) ;-)
jmchshannon@gmail.com
My vote: The Historian! I'm reading it right now, and the mood Kostova sets is wonderful and the details of all the cities are so vivid. Plus, the story is interesting enough to make me want to make it through all 800+ pages!
alitastark[at]gmail[dot]com
Having read both THE HISTORIAN (and have a signed first edition, first print) and the ARC of HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY I would have to say that I would re-read THE HISTORIAN before I would re-read HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY. I find the writing richer in Kostova's work and there is a point in HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY where I couldn't quite believe any of the characters anymore.
So re-read THE HISTORIAN.
I actually have never watched Supernatural, one of the side-effects of working too much - but I would guess that vampires are involved?
balletbooksknitting (at) gmail (d0t)com
Thank you for the giveaway! I LOVED The Historian. But darn it all I've been wanting to read Her Fearful Symmetry too. Hmmm...decisions decisions. You should read The Historian. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks!
nycbookgirl at gmail dot com
The Historian was in a Supernatural episode?!?!
As much as I like Audrey Niffeneger, the Historian made me feel like I was taking a trip to Europe that included dusty old castles and crypts and stuff. Which was amazing. So that's why I would recommend that.
Thanks so much for having this giveaway!!!
~Rachel
sentas_cry516@hotmail.com
I haven't read HFS, but The Historian is a bunch of fun! Sooo...you can prioritise HFS for the thrill of reading it before us mere mortals get to, or The Historian because so many of us already love it! :) How's that for indecision?
What an exciting giveaway-my e-mail addy: astripedarmchairATgmailDOTcom
I would say start with The Historian. That book looks the most awesome (although Her Fearful Symmetry is a close second).
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
Love The Historian (definitely one of the best vampire books I've ever read) and Supernatural (My all time favorite show), but for the life of me I can't seem to place the book in an episode for the show. :)
Awesome contest! Please enter me.
hauntingorchid (at) aol (dot) com
A tragedy at the heart of French Impressionism? Awesomesauce!
I haven't read either the Historian or Her Fearful Symmetry, but I'm going to say you should read the latter first... just because everyone else seems to be recommending The Historian. I'm a rebel like that. :P
kitty fischer [at] gmail [dot] com
Definitely read "The Historian." For starters, I couldn't out it down. It is dark and fast paced, but very well researched. It was the book I loaned to my room mate that made her really find a love of reading. deedy(at)peachtree-online(dot)com
I've never heard of The Swan Thieves, but it sounds fantastic. I am a fan of history, psychology and art, so I think that this book has the potential to be fascinating!
As for the problem of which book to read first... That question is the bane of my existence! How do you choose?! Especially between vampires and ghosts? Well. Since I've read Niffengger, but never Kostova, I think I'd go for Her Fearful Symmetry first.
missa(dot)moe(at)gmail(dot)com
The book sounds great. Please include me in your giveaway.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net
What kind of question is that?!?!
I'll say The Historian, just because it's older.
fizzybeverage at gmail dot com
You rock! I can't believe you're giving a copy of this away! I think I would vote for The Historian for this fall! It's a big, deep, book, perfect for those cool days. Count me in!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
My vote goes to The Historian, although I have Her Fearful Symmetry on pre-order and am looking forward to reading it. I read The Historian not long after finally getting around to Dracula--and I honestly enjoyed it more.
Please enter me in the drawing.
pagesturned (at) carolina (dot) rr (dot) com
The Historian-without a doubt-I am not a vampire theme fan and I loved the book-you will not be disappointed. Have the fireplace roaring and enjoy it.
chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com
I haven't read either book, though I have Her Fearful Symmetry on my shelf and have just started it. I couldn't give an opinion on it yet though.
I don't watch Supernatural. I have a hard time seeing Jared Padalecki as anyone but Dean from The Gilmore Girls.
akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com
Oh, I wish I could tell you which to prioritize - as it is I am going to read The Historian for the RIP IV Challenge, and can't wait to get my hands on Her Fearful Symmetry so I can't specifically steer you to one. Maybe a chapter of one, then a chapter of the other - LOL! Since The Historian was featured in Supernatural, maybe you should read that first.
baileysandbooks (at) gmail (dot) com.
Thanks!
I think you should start with The Historian because that way you can see the evolution of the author's writing style. I always like starting at the beginning. Great giveaway BTW! Thanks!
emily DOT wittenberg @ gmail DOT com
I'm so glad to see that other people loved The Historian! I read it for our book club a few years ago, and I was the only one who liked it. I was beginning to feel like a bit of a freak! ;)
Well I haven't read HFS yet like most but I would read alphabetically so Kostova before Niffenegger. I've never watched Supernatural so nothing there. I would love to win this book-please enter me!
stephaniefleischer889 [at] gmail [dot] com
I love Audrey Niffenegger (loved Time Traveler's Wife) and am eagerly awaiting her new book. However, as books about Dracula, vampires and the like are my favorite and The Historian is one of my favorite books, I'm going to have to recommend The Historian. I'm also a big fan of Supernatural...have watched it every week since it started. The only thing I can remember about The Historian being in an episode is that one of the characters was reading it. I only remember because, as I said, I love that book! I'm not sure what the significance is behind it being used in the show. I'm assuming it's probably a favorite book of someone attached to the show, either writers, directors, producers, or actors OR Kostova herself is a fan of Supernatural. LOL!
Anyway, thanks for the contest and for all the BBAW fun this week. I'm a new blogger and I'm really enjoying it!
miller4plusmore(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I want to win this so badly! I would say to read HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY first because I'm dying to read it too!
bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com
Sorry; haven't read either book. Looks like The Historian is getting the majority of the votes, though.
Thanks for the great giveaway.
gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com
I'll have to agree with many others here and say read The Historian. It is just an awesome story, I loved it! Haven't read Symmetry yet so can't help you there. Please enter me!
Carey
I haven't read Her Fearful Symmetry yet (but I want to read it, for sure) and since I loved The Historian, so I'd have to go with that.
As for Supernatural - around which a portion of my world revolves - I seem to recall the book being in one of the early episodes of season 3. (Maybe "The Kids Are Alright"? Or "Sin City"?) I don't remember it being integral to the story arc or anything, but...This'll give me a good excuse - not that I need one - to pop in my dvd and track down the sighting!
Since I can't seem to include it in my profile, my email is: temptingpersephone@gmail.com
The Swan Thieves sounds wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.The Historian. augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you.
such a great giveaway; thanks so much
dd DOT bookgoddess AT gmail DOT com
I saw read the Historian first and no, I don't watch Supernatural!
Thanks
Sarah
believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com
Definitely prioritize reading The Historian. You don't have to be a fan of vampire novels... in fact they are among my least favourite books but THE HISTORIAN is my favourite book of all time. Immersive, atmospheric, enthralling...a book for book lovers and a must read. Actually I have been thinking of rereading it just to make sure its my fav of all-time. I'd love to get my hands on Kostova's The Swan Thieves to see if its as good as The Historian was.
Sorry, I don't know the answer to your Supernatural question.
obsessedwithbooks(at)shaw(dot)ca
I hope it's not too late to enter the giveaway! I loved The Historian & look forward to Kostova's new book. It'll be sending me down to the National Gallery for sure!
ama(dot)wertz(at)gmail.com
This is a new author for me that I will be adding to my reading list. Would love to win a book!
susan.byerly@comcast.net
read the historian! i picked it up and had to make myself go to bed bc i just couldnt put it down!
please enter me in the giveaway!
thanks
dubyaD@hotmail.com
I'm afraid that I haven't read either book...
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oh my gosh! I'm so glad I didn't just delete this post without reading it. I know I'm too late to enter, but I had to stop in and say that I loved, loved, loved The Historian and hadn't heard the author had another book coming out. Thanks for the heads up, Amy.
I haven't read either of those books but I would love to be entered to win this one please. Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway!
imsosweepy { at } gmail { dot } com
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