I’ve had April 26th on my calendar for months and months.
This morning, after I dropped Meg and Janie off at school, Everett and I hustled down to the local bookstore to get Sarah Jio’s debut novel, The Violets of March. The moment I put the book in my hands, I fell in love. It was so soft and the cover was so bright and welcoming — I think I actually hugged my stack of books a little bit as I walked to the checkout.
I knew that I wouldn’t be able to stand waiting until tonight to start reading, so I picked up a cup of coffee on the way back to the car, strapped Ev in his carseat with a string cheese (hello. mother of the year.) and read the first chapter in the parking lot of University Village. Let me try that again. I devoured the first chapter in the parking lot of University Village.
Let me first tell you a little bit about this book that launched today –
Redbook magazine featured Violets in their May edition and labeled it “engrossing”
It will be on the shelves at your favorite Target under the Emerging Authors section
Costco has chosen Violets as one of its Book Buyer Favorites
Look closely at the cover of Violets — Yes, that’s a quote of praise from author Jodi Picoult.
Now let me tell you about Sarah, the author –
She’s lovely. So lovely.
I’ve known Sarah a long time and am lucky to call her a friend. She may have bumped our playdate a couple of weeks ago so that she could talk on the phone with Gwyneth Paltrow, but I won’t hold it against her.
Sarah is such an inspiration to me as a writer and as a writing mama. You must read this interview with Sarah from Parenting.com last week. In my darkest moments of working at home craziness, I think of Sarah and remind myself that if she’s doing it, I can too.
She has great hair.
Now, of course you know that I wouldn’t buy myself a copy of The Violets of March without buying YOU a copy too, right? Actually, I bought TWO extra copies, each of which will be signed by Sarah Jio herself (and she has really great handwriting!). I will give one copy away here, on Being5 and one copy away on the Being5 Facebook page HERE. Yes, you can enter both places and win both copies of the book.
To enter on Being5, please let a comment below telling me your favorite flower.
I will draw a winner randomly on Tuesday, May 3rd.
Kindle readers, never fear. Please enter the giveaway and just let me know that you’d prefer to get Violets via Kindle (or Nook or iPad or whatever…) instead. If a Kindle winner is picked as the winner, I guess I’ll just have to pick an additional name for the physical copy that I have. Although, I’m not sure if Sarah will sign your Kindle… 
One more thing — Sarah asked me to tell you that if you have a book club, she would love to have you read her book and then set up a phone date with your club for a little Q&A session. Isn’t that fun?! Sarah also said that she’d happily send signed bookplates to put in your books! (I told you she’s lovely.) Please feel free to email me if you’re interested in these options for your book club and I’ll get you in touch with Sarah.
Okay, one more thing — Sarah will be signing books and visiting with her readers at Ravenna’s Third Place Books in Seattle on Wednesday, May 11th at 7pm. I will be attending for sure and would love to have you join me! (Glass of wine afterwards too???) Email me if you’re going to attend!
Congrats to you, Sarah, and to Jason & the boys. Like I told you earlier, my heart is so warm for you today! xoxo.
04/26/2011 at 5:03 pm |
Im leaving this comment only because you told me to
I don’t want to get greedy! I am going to buy this book even if I don’t win (again).
You are so fabulous Katie!
04/26/2011 at 5:03 pm |
This book would be solid in my hands, shared with my friends, and decorative on my shelf. Pick me please
.
04/26/2011 at 5:33 pm |
I would love a new book! And it sounds amazing.
04/26/2011 at 5:46 pm |
Love to read, it’s my favorite thing to do!
04/26/2011 at 6:35 pm |
I would love a new book. My favorite flower is a Dahlia
04/26/2011 at 6:54 pm |
My Kindle download came through this am and I am holding off until I go to bed to start it. BUT, no work tomorrow……..guess what I will be doing?
04/26/2011 at 8:33 pm |
lilacs and peonies
the book sounds amazing
i want to hug it too.
04/27/2011 at 6:52 am |
Oooh, me! Pick me!
04/27/2011 at 6:57 am |
Pick me, pick me…..
Hydrangeas….
04/27/2011 at 7:42 am |
Black Magic roses. Oh, and I blame you for introducing me to the book. I read it cover to cover last night/this morning and am in desperate need of caffeine to survive the day. But, SO worth it!
04/27/2011 at 8:04 am |
Feeling lucky and loving ginormous, fragrant lilies – they can be pink or white, I don’t care, as long as they fill my entire house with their perfume!
04/27/2011 at 9:08 am |
hummmmm…. I {heart} most flowers but if I have to pick one I would say the tulip because it just says and smells spring!
04/27/2011 at 9:09 am |
How exciting to have a friend publish a novel! Sounds like nobody can put it down either, my favorite kind of book.
04/27/2011 at 11:38 pm |
My favorite flowers are Cala Lilies. Although they are not known for their smell, there is something so pure, and elegant about them that my heart melts every time I see them!
But in terms of scent or smell, my favorite flower would have to be a Turkish Rose. One would think they are no different than an ordinary rose, but until I smelled a Turkish Rose, I didn’t know the difference, and there surely is one!
I am so glad I came across this blog thanks to my search for “The Violets of March” by Sarah Jio, which I am absolutely enchanted with, and wanting to read so badly. I love such subtle mysteries that are wrapped under years and years of secrecy. The kind of secrets that help enhance and exhibit the human frailty of the characters of the book. I would be absolutely crazy with delight if I got to win a copy! Thank you for the amazing giveaway!
~Hira~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz
04/30/2011 at 9:39 pm |
I have no time to read but love to and will find time if I win!
My fav flowers are tulips.