Thursday, October 4, 2012

The Middlesteins, by Jami Attenberg: A Giveaway!

One of the new novels I'm most excited about this fall is titled The Middlesteins, by Jami Attenberg. The story is about a nearly-40-year marriage that's about to come to an end — and the couple's two children are doing their all to keep them together. The twist on this one is that wife Edie’s food addiction has caused her to become so obese, her husband Richard decides to leave her.

I mean, who doesn't like a good failing marriage / dysfunctional family story? And, as if to endow this story with extra "dysfunctional family cred," The Franzen even contributed a blurb: “The Middlesteins had me from its very first pages, but it wasn’t until its final pages that I fully appreciated the range of Attenberg’s sympathy and the artistry of her storytelling."

Ms. Attenberg grew up in Buffalo Grove, Illinois (a Chicago suburb) and has set her story in and near Chicago. There's always an added pull to fiction set where you live, isn't there? But besides that, I'm really drawn to realist literary fiction like this, so I'm super excited. I've read the first 10 pages, and Franzen is right — it grabs you right away. If the rest is this good, we're all in for a real literary treat!

Now, for the good news: The publisher, Grand Central Publishing, has generously offered to allow me to do a giveaway of three copies of the novel — which is officially out Oct. 23.

To enter, please comment below with your name and email address. Alternatively, you can leave your name and email on the post at The New Dork Review of Books Facebook page.

You have until midnight EDT next Thursday (10/11) to enter. I'll announce the winners Friday, 10/12.

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents.

Good luck!

Also of note: Ms. Attenberg will be on tour this fall to support her novel. Here's a list of events. If you're in or near Chicago, she'll be at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square Nov. 8 at 7 pm (see you there!) and the Barnes and Noble in Skokie Nov. 11 at 2 pm.

30 comments:

  1. I rarely enter giveaways, but this book sounds great - I saw it on your Twitter feed just now!
    My email is dreamworldbooks at gmail dot com. Thanks so much! :)

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  2. I am interested in this book as well! Sounds right up my alley. abbyfpratt at gmail dot com.

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  3. I've been eyeing this one, so sign me up for the giveaway! lindsey DOT sparks AT gmail DOT com

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  4. Excited about this! Jessica Owens - jkowens4@yahoo.com

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  5. I have to enter, just for that cover. my email's ellenDOTrhudyATgmailDOTcom.

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  6. I've already pre-ordered this, but I would rather win it: hawthornescarlet at gmail dot com

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  7. Ooh ooh ooh, this one has been on my radar and I covet you copy :) Thanks for the offer!
    Jhartling74@aol.com

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  8. You're so right, who doesn't like a good failing marriage / dysfunctional family story?
    shetreadsoftly(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. This book and the giveaway sounds fantastic!!!

    I'm Rebecca and my email is Rebecca@loveatfirstbook.com

    Thanks!

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  10. This book sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway.
    Kirsten kessna6(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  11. If Franzen digs it then I dig it too!

    4everoverhead@gmail.com

    (Thanks for the giveaway! The book looks great!)

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  12. I'm in! lcoopervest(at)gmail(dot)com

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  13. So excited for this.

    awaagner@gmail.com

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  14. So far, my library hasn't opened this title for holds so...I better win it!
    Sharon dot Pelletier at gmail.com

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  15. Sounds like a good read!

    -Jeannelle
    @jhearts87

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  16. I'd love to read this one! Count me in - bkalmer(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. Been waiting for this one: pinder [at) gmail.com

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  18. You had me at Chicago Author. Count me in Greg!

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  19. I have heard so much about this book would love to read it.lomazowr@gmail.com

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  20. all of this book's twitter love has put it on my to read list - can't wait to read it!

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  21. If you're excited about this book, chances are I should be, too.

    hlindskold (at) btweenthecovers (dot) com

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  22. Sounds excellent, count me in! ofabookworm AT gmail DOT com

    Sadly, the closest event for me is in Philly, and that's still 2+ hours away. Ho-hum.

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  23. I would like to read it. Saw it promoted on the October Goodreads newsletter. tiffanyblunt AT aim DOT com

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  24. Would love to read this - thanks!

    gweiswasser AT gmail DOT com

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  25. I'm commenting here instead of on your review because your review has me interested in reading the book. It sounds like The Slap, which kept changing how the reader understands the books key event based on new information each character/chapter revealed.

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  26. Sorry, I'm at james b chester at comcast dot net

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  27. Oh, I've been wanting to read this! editrixie [at] gmail [dot] com

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  28. I like your review - nice to see authors can still wring some new life out of the old family-melodrama trope.

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  29. I love family stories with quirky characters! Sounds great! nicoleofthedurbervilles {at} yahoo {dot} com.

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