Giveaway: Us

Summary: David Nicholls brings the wit and intelligence that graced his enormously popular New York Times bestseller, One Day, to a compellingly human, deftly funny new novel about what holds marriages and families together—and what happens, and what we learn about ourselves, when everything threatens to fall apart. Douglas Petersen may be mild-mannered, but behind his reserve lies a sense of humor that, against all odds, seduces beautiful Connie into a second date . . . and eventually into marriage. Now, almost three decades after their relationship first blossomed in London, they live more or less happily in the suburbs with their moody seventeen year-old son, Albie. Then Connie tells him she thinks she wants a divorce.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Hoping to encourage her son’s artistic interests, Connie has planned a month-long tour of European capitals, a chance to experience the world’s greatest works of art as a family, and she can’t bring herself to cancel. And maybe going ahead with the original plan is for the best anyway? Douglas is privately convinced that this landmark trip will rekindle the romance in the marriage, and might even help him to bond with Albie.

Narrated from Douglas’s endearingly honest, slyly witty, and at times achingly optimistic point of view, Us is the story of a man trying to rescue his relationship with the woman he loves, and learning how to get closer to a son who’s always felt like a stranger. Us is a moving meditation on the demands of marriage and parenthood, the regrets of abandoning youth for middle age, and the intricate relationship between the heart and the head. And in David Nicholls’s gifted hands, Douglas’s odyssey brings Europe—from the streets of Amsterdam to the famed museums of Paris, from the cafés of Venice to the beaches of Barcelona—to vivid life just as he experiences a powerful awakening of his own. Will this summer be his last as a husband, or the moment when he turns his marriage, and maybe even his whole life, around? -- Harper

One of the books I was most excited about after last year's BEA was US by David Nicholls. Like many of you, I adored ONE DAY, and I was anxiously awaiting his next novel. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed -- you can read my review here.

US tells the story of Douglas Petersen, a middle-aged man whose wife informs him that she wants a divorce... when they get back from their month-long tour of Europe with their son. Douglas is thrown for a loop and decides that this trip is his last chance at saving his family.

The story is told through Douglas' eyes and he is nothing if not honest. With flashbacks, the reader discovers more about Douglas' marriage and his role as a father. The story is entertaining, funny, and especially touching. Needless to say, this novel delves into some very special topics including marriage, divorce, love, loss and families.

Thanks to the fine folks at Harper, I have a copy of the soon-to-be released (like tomorrow!) paperback edition of US to share with one very lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before July 12th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!