See You at Harry’s by Jo Knowles (Candlewick Press/May 2012)
Oh Wow! As you know, I’m already a fan of Jo Knowles! (See my reading rave of her most recent release Pearl (Henry Holt/2011).) And as some of you might know, I am not only good friend with the author, I’m in a writing group with her. I’ve been lucky to be able to read her drafts a few times over before they become full-blown novels. But, having read her drafts doesn’t deter me one bit from diving right into her story again and getting completely lost in her character’s world.
Twelve-year-old Fern often feels invisible in her family, everyone seems to be busy with their own issues – Dad with running the restaurant, Mom and her meditation, eldest sibling Sarah who is spending a gap year helping out (but not really) at the restaurant, and 14-year-old brother Holden who seems to be struggling with his identity. The only family member who seems to pay her any attention (excessive in Fern’s mind) is 3-year-old Charlie, constantly happy and the center of everyone’s world. When tragedy strikes, and guilty feelings abound, the family must come together, or be lost. Fern and her family feel so incredibly real, full of all the uncomfortable and feel-good moments families share. There is pain and there is love. A must read to be cherished for favorite characters you won’t want to let go of.
Most of you will have to wait till May to get your hands on a copy to read. However, I have my copy of the ARC (Advance Reading Copy) that I’m giving away to one lucky reader! You will be able to read this fabulous and touching story before most of the rest of the world! What do you have to do?
To enter:
1. Comment below with your name and email address (if you’re reading this on a feed, click here).
2. Have a United States or Canada mailing address (sorry, again, I’m using my own funds to mail this out).
3. If you love the book (and I’m sure you will), please spread the love via blog, Twitter, FB, LinkedIn, email, flyers, phone calls – whatever works for you!
4. Make sure to comment by midnight EST Friday, February 24th. Winner will be announced in this blog on Tuesday, February 28th!
Good luck!