Monday, October 6, 2008

The Uncommon Reader & Giveaway

Summary: A deliciously funny novella that celebrates the pleasure of reading. When the Queen in pursuit of her wandering corgis stumbles upon a mobile library she feels duty bound to borrow a book. Aided by Norman, a young man from the palace kitchen who frequents the library, Bennett describes the Queen’s transformation as she discovers the liberating pleasures of the written word. With the poignant and mischievous wit of The History Boys, England’s best loved author revels in the power of literature to change even the most uncommon reader’s life. -- Picador

Last April, I read THE UNCOMMON READER by Alan Bennett as one of my books for The Novella Challenge. I thought this book was wonderful (and very funny) -- you can read my review here. This book is now available in trade paperback; and trust me, it's just adorable. I am thrilled to announce that I have up to 5 copies (courtesy of Picador) to share with you!

I will definitely give one book away no matter how many entries I get; but for every additional 15 entries, I will give another one away. For instance if I get 15 entries, there will be two books available. If I get 30, I will give away three copies; and so on! I've never tried this before, so I think it will be interesting!

If you'd like to win a copy of THE UNCOMMON READER, please leave a comment with your e-mail address. As usual if you want to double your chances, blog about this contest with a link back to this post. The contest will be open until Sunday, October 12th at 11:59 p.m.; and the winners will be announced on Monday, Octobr 13th. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. mailing addresses only. Good luck!
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70 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 6:16 AM

    I'd be interested in reading this one - how great of you to give the copies away. dianaraabe at gmail dot com

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  2. Mary (Bookfan)October 6, 2008 at 6:52 AM

    Count me in!

    meah56 at gmail dot com

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  3. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 8:08 AM

    Of course an Anglophile and bibliophile like me must read this book. (Plus, I thought Bennett's The History Boys was brilliant. Count me in!

    teresakayep at yahoo dot com

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  4. SerenaOctober 6, 2008 at 8:10 AM

    This sounds like an interesting read. I promised myself I wouldn't enter into any more contests, but I couldn't resist this one.

    savvyverseandwit AT gmail DOT com

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  5. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 8:20 AM

    Count me in! milou2ster(at)gmail(dot)com. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

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  6. Gwendolyn B.October 6, 2008 at 8:51 AM

    This is a new author for me -- but I could use something fun to read. Please enter me, and thank you for the chance!
    geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

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  7. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 9:20 AM

    Please enter me, too.

    -Adayla
    emaildayla(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  8. MicheleOctober 6, 2008 at 9:23 AM

    Your review makes it sound like I'll be laughing at myself! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  9. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 9:29 AM

    Sounds like something I'd be very interested in reading. PLease count me in!!! I love reading and would definitely enjoy this one!

    -barb
    barb(AT)stx(.)rr(.)com

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  10. Heather J. @ TLC Book ToursOctober 6, 2008 at 10:24 AM

    So much for my rule about not entering contests until I read the books I actually HAVE first! But this one is short, so it's ok, right?! Sign me up!

    ReplyDelete
  11. SmilingSallyOctober 6, 2008 at 10:37 AM

    I remember the summer time is when the book mobile would come by, and I'd check out some good books to read. What a delight. I'd love to be entered in this giveaway. Thank you.
    smilingsal55[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  12. RicaOctober 6, 2008 at 10:39 AM

    I'd really enjoy a copy!
    Rica
    fberg@bzaeds.orgk

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  13. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 10:40 AM

    Count me in! Thanks!

    sj3girls(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  14. BeckyOctober 6, 2008 at 11:02 AM

    Here's my post. I'd love to be entered.

    laney_poATyahooDOTcom

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  15. CheshOctober 6, 2008 at 11:14 AM

    Definitely enter me into this contest. It sounds good.



    angelleslament @ gmail.com

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  16. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 11:32 AM

    I'd love to be included in the drawing. Thanks so much!
    doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
    Elizabeth

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  17. TiOctober 6, 2008 at 11:42 AM

    Include me too please!

    thereedfamily@sbcglobal.net

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  18. JeaneOctober 6, 2008 at 11:46 AM

    I'd like to read this book. Please enter me! jeanenevarez AT gmail DOT com. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 12:03 PM

    I would LOVE a copy of this. I wrote a post about this book earlier this year but haven't had a chance to pick up a copy yet!
    wordblog(at)verizon(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  20. TriciaOctober 6, 2008 at 12:05 PM

    I had this one on my list for The Novella Challenge too, but I didn't get to it. I would love to win it. Here's my post as well.
    http://libraryqueue.blogspot.com/2008/10/booking-mama-giveaway.html

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  21. travelerOctober 6, 2008 at 12:21 PM

    Thanks for this great giveaway. I am fascinated with this book and would enjoy it greatly.
    elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  22. ShelleyOctober 6, 2008 at 12:32 PM

    I've heard other good reviews of this. Count me in. Thanks!
    sazATchainreaderDOTcom.

    ReplyDelete
  23. MicheleOctober 6, 2008 at 1:22 PM

    This book sounds like a lovely treat!

    readersrespite AT yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Mom of 5 BoysOctober 6, 2008 at 1:28 PM

    ooh, you're almost to 30 comments! Please enter me in this giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  25. AshleyOctober 6, 2008 at 1:32 PM

    Would love to be included! Thanks!

    acgreene@ymail.com

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  26. trishOctober 6, 2008 at 1:44 PM

    Well this is just awfully convenient since this book is on my wishlist! I think you have my email, Julie, but if not, it's trish dot browning at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  27. CorinneOctober 6, 2008 at 2:20 PM

    I've been wanting to read this one for ages!! I posted about it on my blog as well :) The Book Nest: contest: the uncommon reader

    ReplyDelete
  28. BonnieOctober 6, 2008 at 2:37 PM

    This has been on my wishlist for awhile now so please add my name to the drawing!

    I'll blog about it soon and post a link.

    redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 2:42 PM

    I'd love an entry.

    SunnyLea At gmail Dot Com

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  30. LindaOctober 6, 2008 at 2:45 PM

    The Uncommon Reader sounds like an "uncommonly" delightful book. Please enter me. Thanks.

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  31. BeccaOctober 6, 2008 at 3:25 PM

    Please enter me! It sounds like a great book. Thanks!
    rebecca.bradeen(at)verizon(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  32. LynnOctober 6, 2008 at 3:28 PM

    Wow, this sounds like a fun quirky story.
    lynn@iseekdeadpeople.com

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  33. bethany (dreadlock girl)October 6, 2008 at 3:57 PM

    A light, interesting, fun sounding story...that is EXACTLY what I need to read next!!! heavy reading has bummed me out :)

    bethany(dot)canfield(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. UnknownOctober 6, 2008 at 4:16 PM

    Sounds like a fun book, so please enter me.

    Thanks!
    jgbeads (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownOctober 6, 2008 at 4:25 PM

    I also blogged about it on my sidebar here: http://janelsjumble.blogspot.com/.

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  36. KeyoOctober 6, 2008 at 4:53 PM

    oh ..i soo would love reading this!
    Am linking you to my blog!
    thanks :)
    email: spellbound18@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. SusanOctober 6, 2008 at 5:49 PM

    Ooooh, I've read so much about this book. I would love, love, love to win it.

    How do you get all these great giveaways for your blog, anyway? Seriously - what's your secret??

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  38. Rebecca ReidOctober 6, 2008 at 6:02 PM

    I'd be interested in this one! rebecca [at] rebeccareid [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 6:52 PM

    Oh my gosh, this is one of my favorite reads of 2008. Alan Bennett is so talented of a writer who whisks out these fine writings. The novella reminds me of the film The Queen.

    Bennett’s musings on melancholy and moral ambivalence have produced a fairy-like novel that unfolds into a witty meditation on the subversive pleasures of reading. It gives a glimpse to the lament of old age and some thoughts on a life wasted owing to fulfilling duties.

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  40. AnonymousOctober 6, 2008 at 8:20 PM

    I'm in. mkowalewski[at]gmail[dot]com.

    And of course, I'm blogging about it right now.

    ReplyDelete
  41. BeawhizOctober 6, 2008 at 8:34 PM

    What a fun book! I'd love to get a copy!

    busweet(at)gmail.com

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  42. Lucky GirlOctober 6, 2008 at 8:41 PM

    Yes--pick me!
    luckygirltrading at yahoo dot com

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  43. a real librarianOctober 6, 2008 at 10:15 PM

    I'd love to win! Thanks so much for the chance!!!

    areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

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  44. BookfoolOctober 6, 2008 at 10:18 PM

    Sign me up, please!

    bookfoolery at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnonymousOctober 7, 2008 at 12:43 AM

    I'd love to win this - it looks like a fun read.

    nnjmom at yahoo dot com

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  46. CherylOctober 7, 2008 at 12:57 AM

    This sounds like a really good book. I am in the mood for one that will make me laugh.

    clbstitch at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. windycindyOctober 7, 2008 at 1:47 AM

    Your review makes me really want to read this movie and her love of reading. Please enter me in your marvelous giveaway drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Dawn M.October 7, 2008 at 3:30 AM

    Sounds like a fun book. Count me in! :0)

    Thanks!
    librarygrinch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. AnonymousOctober 7, 2008 at 10:27 AM

    I'd love to win a copy.

    Thanks!
    shelly dot burns at cfisd dot net

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousOctober 7, 2008 at 11:29 AM

    Sounds like a good one. Please enter me.

    nbbaker1102ATmsnDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  51. AnonymousOctober 7, 2008 at 4:29 PM

    "My name is Amber and I'm a corgi addict. Er, what? This isn't the Corgi Owner's Anonymous group?"

    Sounds like a cute book. :)
    amber at amberstults.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. AnonymousOctober 7, 2008 at 7:26 PM

    I like the premise of this book. Please enter my name in your giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  53. RobinOctober 7, 2008 at 11:21 PM

    Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the review and giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  54. katylinvwOctober 8, 2008 at 12:04 AM

    sounds like a great read! please count me in :)

    katylinvw(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  55. RueOctober 8, 2008 at 7:55 AM

    Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
    ruthann (dot) francis (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  56. RueOctober 8, 2008 at 7:58 AM

    Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
    ruthann (dot) francis (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  57. LositoOctober 8, 2008 at 10:10 AM

    Love to read this one!

    ReplyDelete
  58. AnonymousOctober 8, 2008 at 11:15 AM

    Another one that sounds great.
    florida982002@yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. AnonymousOctober 8, 2008 at 12:33 PM

    This looks really good! Thanks for doing this contest :D

    ReplyDelete
  60. AnonymousOctober 8, 2008 at 12:34 PM

    oops forgot to say my email is kntreadway(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  61. AnonymousOctober 8, 2008 at 2:12 PM

    I'd love to win this one!!!
    luckistarr4 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  62. MeganOctober 9, 2008 at 10:32 PM

    I've heard great things about this book, would love a chance to win! Thanks!

    toadacious1 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. AleaOctober 10, 2008 at 2:38 PM

    I just heard about this book yesterday for the first time. It sounds great! I'd love to enter :D

    aleareads@gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. AnonymousOctober 10, 2008 at 4:11 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Carol MOctober 11, 2008 at 10:11 AM

    I would like to read this! Thank you!
    mittens0831 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Me...October 11, 2008 at 11:18 AM

    I would love to read this! Thanks for the opportunity!

    daq_17 at hotmail dot com

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  67. darbysclosetOctober 11, 2008 at 5:41 PM

    Hi Julie,
    I'd like to read this book; it's so wonderful the worlds that open up to us through reading!
    Thank you for this giveaway!
    Darby
    darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. AnonymousOctober 12, 2008 at 3:26 AM

    I'd love to check it out :D

    anastasia[at]mediamafia.org

    ReplyDelete
  69. AnnaOctober 12, 2008 at 3:24 PM

    I'd love to be entered! Thanks!

    --Anna
    http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com
    diaryofaneccentric[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  70. AmyOctober 12, 2008 at 5:38 PM

    This book looks quite interesting! Please count me in for the contest! :)

    ReplyDelete