So obviously I haven’t been around much this week.
Put the blame on my molars and my sinuses, which are apparently all up in each other’s business, so the cold that has been plaguing me for the last couple of weeks started causing the kind of pain in my teeth and jaw that made childbirth sound pleasant, if only because at least it would be over soon and you’d get a baby in the end. Thankfully, now we’ve figured out the problem and I’m no longer taking the kinds of painkillers that make blogging (and parenting and driving and such) precarious.
Being back in my right mind, I’d like to thank you all for your patience (because I know you were all DYING at my lack of posts) and reward you with a little giveaway of some hot upcoming releases from the wonderful folks at Random House.
This stack can all be yours! It features last week’s rave review, The Dinner, which is, according to me, as dark and twisty as Gone Girl except it comes with a dose of European flair.
Also: The Village by Nikita Lalwani, a July release that’s a really remarkable and thoughtful piece of fiction about a British documentary team filming an open prison in India. I’ve read this one and will have a glowing review this summer.
And also: The Execution of Noa P. Singleton by Elizabeth L. Silver, a debut novel that is a super sharp legal thriller. It’s compared, rightly, to Before I Go to Sleep, which it definitely reminded me of. And has a biting tone that’s very reminiscent of Lionel Schriver. The fact that I found the same comparisons while reading it that the publisher used to market it tells you just how accurate they are.
And lastly: The Boleyn King by Laura Anderson. Historical fiction out there (I know the Tudor period is hot right now) that imagines what would’ve happened if Anne Boleyn had given Henry VIII a son.
Do not worry, even though I’ve read most of these, I didn’t read these copies. They are fresh and untouched with that fancy new book smell.
There’s something for everyone here, and those of you who read everything will probably gobble up every last one.
So: rules: let’s keep it simple. One comment = one entry. The end. 
In your comment tell me what you’ve been reading lately. All the fine print is below.
Thanks to Random House for this lovely stack of books. I admit, the box actually came with FIVE books but I am totally keeping one for myself.
Official Rules: No purchase necessary. By leaving a comment you agree to the rules of this giveaway. Up to one entry per household according to the directions set out in the post. Limited to entrants over 18 in the United States. Contest begins as of the time of this post and ends on Wednesday, February 27th at 6 pm Eastern Time. One winner will be chosen. The winner will receive the four advance copies shown in the post. Prize has no resale value. The number of eligible entries received will determine the odds of winning. The winner will be selected using the “And the Winner Is” plugin. Winner will be notified by email and must respond within 48 hours to receive their prize. If a winner does not respond within that time, a new winner will be chosen. The prize will be provided by Don’t Mind the Mess and will be shipped within 6 weeks. This contest is governed by the rules of Massachusetts, void where prohibited.
The Passage by Justin Cronin–so transporting!
I don’t care which book! They all sound great!
Last book I read (yesterday – yes in one day) was Perks of Being a Wallflower
I’ve also read The Book Thief which was utterly amazing!
I’m always up for a new read!
Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orlean and The Odds by Stewart O’Nan
Nancy recently posted..Can you climb to the top?
Ooo, Nancy, I am such a Stewart O’Nan fan and I loved that book! Hope you’re enjoying…
I just finished The Black Box by Michael Connelly. & am now reading Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathon Foer
I recently finished THE CRANES DANCE. Loved it. Thanks for the recommendation.
I am reading a bunch of books I just finished Highland Surrender by Tracy Brogan and I am right in the middle of A Demon Lies Within by Tony Hubbard, The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead, Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon, and Dreams and Shadows: A Novel by C. Robert Cargil. I am having a little reading schizophrenia going on right now.
Michael Scott recently posted..The Husband List
I’ve just started the latest Kay Scarpetta book by Patricia Cornwell as it promised a return to form. A couple of chapters in, I’m not so sure. Sigh. I miss the old Scarpetta.
Zoë recently posted..Six Months and Counting
Reading Drinking with Men Rosie Schaapm
I just finished reading Elders by Ryan McIlvain and I’m currently reading The Afterlife of Emerson Tang by Paula Champa. I’m a big fan of The Dinner, but my advance copy was through NetGalley…that physical copy looks mighty pretty
Shannon recently posted..Advance Review: Elders by Ryan McIlvain
I am so glad you loved ELDERS! I read it a few months ago and I’ve been chomping at the bit to hear what other people think about it. I found it just really strong and brilliant and being about Mormonism without being ABOUT Mormonism. And yes, I am a huge fan of the cover of THE DINNER. Perfect.
I last read a book by Jesse Kellerman – The Executor. Liked it a lot.
JUST started As Always, Julia- The Letters of Julia Child & Avis DeVoto. I love Julia Child and reading letters, so win-win!
Mary C recently posted..WANDerful: InTuition Pen/Stylus (via Kickstarter)
I am currently reading “Seeds of Change; Five Plants that Transformed Mankind” by Henry Hobhouse. Nonfiction book about Quinine, Sugar Cane, Potato, Cotton and Tea. Lately I have been reading much about agriculture and trade.
I recently finished “Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World” by Dan Koeppel, and my next read is “Salt; A World History” by Mark Kurlansky.
I ventured into rubber recently to read “Fordlandia: The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford’s Forgotten Jungle City” by Greg Grandin.
So a departure from my regular reading list might be in order. You tell me.
Just finished Where’d You Go, Bernadette? and I loved it. Finished it in almost one sitting.
I’m reading “In a Country of Mothers” by A.M. Homes. I don’t love it as much as her other stuff, but it’s good.
I’ve been pining for The Dinner since reading your review last week! Currently reading May We Be Forgiven by A.M. Homes and loving it!