Monday, October 25, 2010

A Giveaway

A good friend recently had his book of poetry published. Tom grew up in the county next to mine, so much of what he writes about is familiar to me. And yet he experienced the 60's in a very different way to how I did, as I went off to the city to boarding school, and gladly shed the cloak of country living. I've never been at all tempted to don that cloak again in real life, but I love reading about country life; perhaps it keeps me connected to my inner farmer, or fisherman!

I missed the launch of Tom's book, due to a bad cold, but I have been enjoying reading it since then.
And I would like two readers to share in that enjoyment, so a copy of "An Exaltation of Starlings" will go to two lucky winners.
Here's a little taste of it:
"Beyond the Mill Marsh
the river takes a turn for the deep
dark pike-swallowing deep,
pike looking up at us,
looking down on them"
To enter, just leave a comment below, followers only, and I'll draw the two winners at noon Irish time on Thursday 28th. It doesn't matter where you are; Doghouse Books have this lovely policy that their price includes postage to anywhere in the world.

14 comments:

  1. Hi Mimi - can't miss out on the chance to win a giveaway even though this is a bit cheeky seeing as I got chocolate from you for being follower no. 50! But I have heard of this writer - maybe on a poetry prog. on RTE radio or some such. Nothing like it for reflection - I am not great with poetry till I start reading and then I usually enjoy it a lot. I am of the old school of memorising vast tracts of the classics in school - I can rattle off Shakespearian sonnets and Milton and Keats, but am a bit lost with ultra-modern stuff. This might be interesting! Good luck with the giveaway - you are most generous!
    All the best, Catherine

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  2. Hi Mimi, Is Doghouse Books anything like the Book Depository? Because really that postage included to anywhere is just an amazing policy. (Your comment about the chutney was funny-- yes it was facebook that I blame for me not having any chutney. Those bastards.)

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  3. How thoughtful of you, Mimi! His book sounds lovely. I was just thinking this morning that I need to read more poetry, so it would be wonderful luck if I actually won. (And with that comment I have jinxed myself from winning -- just kidding, I'm not superstitious in real life.) :)

    Thanks for the opportunity!

    Amy

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  4. Sounds like a lovely book. Poetry can have a profound effect on us, particularly when we find one that speaks to the poet within us.;)
    Have a lovely Monday,
    xoxo

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  5. Congratulations to your friend, a great achievement:) Jen

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  6. OK...I'm in this giveaway. Poetry is a special interest for me. It's also one that needs nurturing. And I love the title. Starlings are such a pest bird here that to call them an 'exaltation' is delicious irony.

    I think it would be wonderful to have one's writings published. Well done to your poet friend. And thank you for bringing him to us - and his book.

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  7. How generous of you Mimi and wonderful for your friend to be published. I'm a country girl at heart and always will be. ;-)

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  8. How lovely, a poetry give away. I love new poetry so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. But who ever wins I'm sure they will enjoy it.

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  9. That is very generous, Mimi!
    Wonderful that you have a poet for a friend.
    Maggie X

    Nuts in May

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  10. Oh, please do include me in the drawing for Tom's book of poetry!

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  11. Count me in! It's been over 10 years since I've been to Ireland--would love to read this!

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  12. Just found this blog via Around the Island. I would love to win the book, it looks amazing. I have never heard of the author, but I will look him up.
    P.S. It's always nice to meet another Irish blogger, and in such a roundabout way too! Weird.

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  13. Hi Mimi! Please count me in for the giveaway, I'm only over in India, not that far away...

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  14. How exciting--a book of poetry for a giveaway! I'm IN!!!

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