Monday, November 3, 2008

Book Review and Contest: Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern

Justin, an American professor of architecture guest lecturing in Dublin, donates blood. Joyce, an Irish estate agent, gets a blood transfusion and starts to know things about architecture she couldn’t know, remembers places she’s never been, and has dreams about a blonde child she’s never met. An intriguing premise to be sure, and Author Cecelia Ahern pulls it off admirably.

Considering a part of him flows through her veins, Joyce becomes justifiably obsessed with finding Justin. And after a couple of chance encounters between the two strangers, Justin becomes obsessed with finding Joyce, not knowing she’s the one who received his blood. As per typical chick-lit convention, the two are kept apart as long as possible, with lots of screwball scenes (the one where Joyce and her father are on Antiques Roadshow in London being my favorite) and random obstacles to overcome.

Apart from the main plot, the novel also has a deeper side. Both Justin and Joyce are separated and are ready for but also wary of new romantic relationships. Joyce has suffered a devastating miscarriage and is still not over the death of her mother 10 years before. Much of the narrative explores her complex relationship with her elderly father and how they depend on each other despite their differences. Aherns ruminates on the passage of time and making the most of life.

If you’d like a chance to read this book before it’s out in the states (it is already out in the UK and Canada), comment on this post and you could win one of two SIGNED paperbacks. Anyone worldwide can enter, but please indicate International in your comment if you aren’t in the US or Canada. Extra entries will be given to anyone who comments on any of my posts this week, including my review of Moonstone from yesterday. And remember, PLEASE leave a way for me to contact you if you win.

This contest is part of the Book Giveaway carnival going on over at Book Room Reviews this week and will be open until November 9th. After you enter my contest, go on over and check out all the contests held by other book bloggers.

PLUS: Check out this post to see all the books I am giving away the rest of November and make sure you come back for them.

129 comments:

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a fun read. Please enter me. milou2ster(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Enter me! Sounds good: bkclubcare AT surfmk DOT com

Literary Winner said...

Didn't even know that she had a new book coming out already, so this is doubly exciting!
hematopoiesis at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a fun read. WordLily AT gmail

Anonymous said...

Nifty!
cannedlaffs(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Great giveaway! Thanks!! Please enter me.

Please be sure to visit mine today too if you have time!
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1752

HUGS
Rachel

Shelvicious said...

Sounds like a great book

vbarto(at)hotmail(dot)com

Cynthia said...

I love a good book to end the day! Thanks for entering my name.

Jennifer said...

The book sounds intriguing. Please enter me into the giveaway. :)

knittingmomof3 AT gmail DOT com

S. Krishna said...

I'd love to be entered!

skrishna [at] skrishnasbooks [dot] com

Deborah said...

please enter me!

ArkieRN said...

That is an interesting premise.

okbarbie5 said...

Thanks so much for a chance to win this book. I've never read any of her books!!

Sara said...

This book sounds so good! I love Cecelia Ahern's other books, and can't wait to read this one!

Sara
sosarora_(at)hotmail(dot)com

I'm international...but just for one more month! Then I'm moving to the US!

Jennifer Rummel said...

oh, I love her.
jrummel@otis.lioninc.org

MySharonAnne said...

Thanks for entering my giveaways. I can see why Elsewhere got such mixed reviews. It worth reading but hardly anything special.

Unknown said...

this book sounds like a great read! Please enter me!

datwater88@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in the giveaway. I want a copy. timk at jtimothyking.com. (You can also contact me through my website.)

Marie said...

Sounds like a fun book!

vmlay@artsci.wustl.edu

Amy said...

Please enter me it sound like fun to read. Thank you.
amy3l6@yahoo.com

Dixie said...

This sounds like a good juicy read.
Please include my entry.


southrngal(at)gmail(dot)com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

please enter me- thanks so much!mrs.mommyyatgmaildotcom

Tarie Sabido said...

International. :o) I'd like to enter this contest because I'm interested in reading fiction involving the academe and architecture! (I used to teach in a college and my brother is a landscape architect. Hehehe.)

Anonymous said...

I'd like to read this book.
-Terra
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Ooh! Sounds great! Thanks for the chance.

Melissa said...

This sounds great! Thanks for the contest!

Anonymous said...

Count me in:) thanks for the giveaway and participating!
bookroomreviews@hotmail.com

Tarie Sabido said...

I forgot to leave my contact email! So sorry! It's peteredmundlucy7@yahoo.com. :D

Wendi said...

Sounds like a great book - please include me.

wbarker (at) hotmail.com

I'm giving away 10+ books to 4+ winners! To enter
click here!


~ Wendi

Melsy626 said...

Thanks for the awesome give away, I would love to please be entered!!! :)

Thanks again!!! :)

Melsy626 AT gmail DOT com

Tracy DeLuca said...

I would love to win this book! It looks great. Please enter me to win! LOL

Lorin said...

I'm curious about what architecture knowledge she learns! Please enter me. Thanks!

lorin_arch (AT) hotmail (dot) com

Shelley said...

This sounds good and I love the cover. Count me in.

Janna said...

Sounds good - please enter me!

Janna
ryanx6 at msn dot com

Unknown said...

Sounds fun! Count me in, please!
frog123 (at) cyipcom (dot) net

Wanda said...

Ok gotta read this now.
I hope to win!

Sherrylinn said...

Sounds really good! Thanks for the chance to win.

photoquest said...

Sounds like a awesome story! would love to win this, please enter me
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Amber said...

While I am normally not a huge chick lit fan, this one sounds cute :) I am international, by the way!

Carol M said...

This sounds good! Thank you for the chance to win it!
Carol M
mittens0831 AT aol.com

-.- said...

Sounds like a great read, please enter me in the giveaway!

~ Popin

GreenBeanTeenQueen said...

I was checking out Cecelia Ahern's site about a month ago and squealed at work when I saw she had a new book coming out. She's one of my favorite authors-P.S. I Love You is a book that I can read over and over again and I just adore it. I'm very excited to see this on your giveaway list-I don't know if I can wait until the US release!

Anonymous said...

This is a different storyline! Please enter me for this book!

Thanks
Kristi

Unknown said...

Wow, the blurb really makes me want to read this. Hope I win! Thanks.

Unknown said...

I would love this.

Anonymous said...

Please enter me (is Canada "international"?)

You can always contact me on my blog (just click the name). And come on over to enter my book giveaways if you like.

Alyce said...

I would love to be entered to win this book!

akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great book! I love Cecelia Ahern she's a great author. Thanks for entering me.

Anonymous said...

This books sounds really interesting.
few4th(at)grandecom(dot)net

Mia J. said...

This books sounds good. Please enter me.

Andi said...

Aww, this book sounds like fun. It's one of those premises that could go horribly wrong in the hands of a lesser author, but it sounds like she pulled it off! I would love the chance to win a copy.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the Memories sounds really good, and unique too. That's such an interesting premise for a book. Thanks for the chance to win it!

zarache AT aol DOT com

Tara said...

I love Cecilia Ahern, and this novel doesn't look like it will disappoint. Please enter me!

Sunny said...

Sounds very interesting! I havent read any of her books before.

Unknown said...

This book does indeed sound good the plot is pretty interesting I would like to read it. Please enter me! :D
Thanks!

Ginny said...

Great giveaway, I'm in the US :)

Jacqueline in Atlanta said...

Sounds like a great set-up. Can't wait to read it!

Thanks for having the giveaway!

katylinvw said...

this sounds fantastic!

katylinvw(at)yahoo(dot)com

Angela said...

Looks like a great giveaway - thank you so much.

Angela <><

Book Sp(l)ot said...

I'd been hoping to find a way to read this book (seeing as how it isn't out in the US yet and I love her books)...*crosses fingers* :)

book.splotATgmailDOTcom

PANDORA said...

I liked the movie of P.S. I love you and have thought about picking up her books so if I win that would make up my mind...:).

Beth @ TheAngelForever said...

This looks like a really interesting book. Thank you for the chance to win :)

the_angel_forever at yahoo dot com

Framed said...

Please enter me. It sounds like a fun book.

Unknown said...

Would love to be entered to win~Thanks!

Joanne ♦ The Book Zombie said...

Ohh awesome giveaway! Her other books are soo good, I would love to be entered to win this one :)

shiloki at gmail dot com

Estelle said...

This sounds like my kind of story!

mr_mrs_steen[at]netzero[dot]com

Anonymous said...

this sounds good. Please enter me. btw, I am international.

Anonymous said...

Great giveaway - please enter me! And thanks for having it.

nnjmom at yahoo dot com

Natasha said...

Sounds great, please count me in & thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
natasha_sacopaso[at]hotmail[dot]com

Amanda said...

I've loved Cecelia Ahern's other books and I'm sure from the sounds of this one that I would love it too. I didn't know she had a new book coming out already. Please enter me awalworth19(at)gmail(dot)com. thanks!

katayoun said...

sounds ineresting, i like one other book i've read by ahern (ahh to be young and remember the title of books! :) but atleast i still remember what the book was about it!! :))

and oh, i'm international

Tiffany said...

Sounds like a great book, please count me in!

Anonymous said...

I love Cecilia Ahern and have read all of her books. It would be great fun to have a copy of her newest before everyone else in the US. mbunting@sbcglobal.net

Anna said...

I'd love to be entered. Sounds like a great book! Thanks!

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
diaryofaneccentric[at]hotmail[dot]com

Mom of 5 Boys said...

I LOVE Cecelia Ahern's books. I have read all of her books (that have been published in the US, that is) and have yet to be disappointed. I sure hope I win!!

Dee said...

Oh this sounds great! THANKS!!!

sweetsue said...

I love screwball themes in books and movies. Of course we all know how they will end, but that's part of the fun!
smchester at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Ooo Please enter me; I love Cecelia Ahern's work.
Jcbdalton(at)yahoo.com
Thanks for the great contest!

caseykelp said...

sounds like a good read, i would like the chance to win.

sweeps_101(at)yahoo(dot)com

SueFitz said...

sounds like a great book

suefitz at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

The book sounds like a great read. please count me in.

chocolatefan252003 at yahoo dot com

janetfaye said...

I would love to read this.

Over $570 in Books and Goodies! International
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1752

Thank you!

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

please enter me too. thanks for hosting sounds like a fun book. bookmark 60 at hotmail dot com.

Meredith said...

That sounds like a really good book. I would love to read it. And if not, I guess I could always just wait for my library to get it...

~Meredith F.
rosesaremyfavorite at hotmail dot com

Belladonna1975 said...

What an interesting premise. Count me in!
Thanks!

Ivÿ said...

I love Ahern. She writes well and I found her plots very interesting and touching.

Please include me in the drawing for INTERNATIONAL readers.

thank you.

Becky said...

loving this book giveaway..:d

toohotforturtle said...

Oh, can't wait to get my hands on this one.

Anonymous said...

Love Cecelia Ahern's books and that would be so cool to read one before it is out. Count me in!

janiematthews16 at yahoo dot com

windycindy said...

I have read about a woman who received a man's heart. She began to like beer; which she never did and other similarities to the man. Please enter me in your book drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
USA

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a book I'd love! Thanks for the giveaway!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth

Rue said...

Sounds like a fun book. Thanks for the chance to win.
ruthann (dot) francis (at) gmail (dot) com

StyleVamp said...

Would love to win this book :)

Tempest52 said...

Always looking for a good read.

dlcwin[at]gmail.com

Anonymous said...

wishing to win!!

kiss-of-paradise[at]hotmail[dot]com

Katie Stacey said...

love this author!

Molly C. said...

Would love the chance to read this.

Carolyn Sharkas said...

This sounds awesome...and a a little creepy. I would love to read it.

ceashark at aol dot com

thanks for sharing

iggysaysno said...

Thanks for the giveaway

Unknown said...

Sounds like a fun premise for a romance. Count me in!

boldnessbe(at)gmail(dot)com

Corina said...

Ooh sounds like a good book!! thanks for a chance to win!

Sara said...

Please enter me. Sounds like a good one. Thanks!
Sararush at hotmail dot com

Ladytink_534 said...

I loved her books Love, Rosie (aka Rosie Dunne or Where Rainbows End) and P.S., I Love You which I read long before it became popular. Right after it came out if I'm not mistaken. I haven't read anything else by her though and this sounds incredibly good...

bison61 said...

sounds good-please enter me in the contest

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Wrighty said...

Fun contests! This book sounds good too. Please include me.

5wrights1@verizon.net

darbyscloset said...

Sounds like a quick and fun read, just what we need with so much to do during the holidays!!!
Enter Me,
Thank you
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

Jeanette J said...

It sounds good. Please include me

Mommyhood is Thankless said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win! Please chuck my name into your hat please!

mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com

ewalsh40 said...

It sounds like a book that I would enjoy. Thanks!

Kaye said...

Sounds like fun but with some depth also. Enter my name in the contest please

florida982002@yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me! I posted a comment on your review of Moonstone, it sounds really good!

Mariah
penguinqueen(at)hotmail(dot)com

Deborah in Atlanta said...

Oh, I'm so glad I found this one. I love things hat sound like the paranormal or unusual. And I know this isn't paranormal, but it is kinda weird. And how cute! I'd love to win this. If I do, you can reach me at dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I would love to win and keep up the great contests : mizzcasey02@gmail.com

judybrittle said...

I would love the chance to read this. Thank you so much!
judybrittle at aol dot com

Wrighty said...

I left you a comment on your review of Moonstone. That sounds good too! I also went to Book Muncher's site and said that I found that site through a link at yours. Thanks, I had never been there before. More good stuff!

5wrights1@verizon.net

rb said...

Love international giveaways! Please enter me for this. :D

Heather B said...

sounds like a great read! Thanks for the opportunity!

Sheri S. said...

Sounds great - please enter me!

Thanks!

bookopolis at live dot com

Jodi said...

This book sounds like something I would really enjoy.

purehrt555(at)yahoo(dot)com

Princess Golden Hair said...

i'm glad i stumbled across your blog. what an excellent book recommendation. Thanks so much for this great giveaway

teechbiz at yahoo dot com

Jinxy and Me said...

Looks great. Thanks for the giveaway! My e-mail address is in my Blogger profile.

ellie_enchanted said...

This sounds really good. I don't live in Canada or the States.

ellienchanted@gmail.com

Deb Anderson said...

I'm entering! Thanks for the giveaway!

Aimee said...

Sounds wonderful and I LOVE Cecelia Ahern! acirucci(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...


Pick Me! Pick Me! I would love to win a book.

My husbands favorite author is Stephen King. I have two favorites: James Patterson and Mary Higgins Clark.

I am currently reading WHAT YOUR 1ST GRADER NEEDS TO KNOW by E.D. HIRSCH



It's very kind of you to offer such a great giveaway, its rare that I see giveaways for people like us (avid readers).


Count me in too please.


Thanks
Tammy OHagan
tammyohagan ~~~ AT ~~~ westco ~~~ DOT ~~~ net

Melissa B. said...

I would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book! It looks great!!
Donna W
Secondhandrose40@lycos.com

Lenore Appelhans said...

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!