If not, you soon will. The Lace Reader, by Brunonia Barry, was a self-published reading group sensation when it came out about a year ago and later this month it comes out in hardcover. Barry was at ALA this past weekend and got to speak to Virginia Stanley on Blog Talk Radio about her novel which is set in Salem, MA and tells the story of a family of women who can read the future in a pattern of lace. Told from the perspective of self-proclaimed unreliable narrator Towner Whitney, the novel begins with her return home to Salem and the disappearance of two women. Events are set into motion which will reveal the truth about the death of Towner's twin sister years earlier. Listen to Barry talk about her captivating novel below.
The first ten people to comment on the interview will receive a gorgeous advance reader's edition of The Lace Reader, which is not on sale until 7/29. And be sure to check out The Lace Reader website, which has more background information on lace reading, the novel and Barry's blog.
Since the response has been so great, the giveaway is still on, comment away!
if they're any extra I would love to get a copy.If not i'll try to find it when it comes out.
Posted by: Lori Barnes | July 03, 2008 at 06:20 PM
What a great story of how she and her husband printed the book themselves. And how quickly it was picked up! Gives all aspiring writers hope, doesn't it? Sounds like a great book!!
Posted by: Jenn | July 03, 2008 at 07:11 PM
I can't wait to read it. I enjoyed listening to the interview!
Posted by: Vanessa | July 03, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I really would love a chance to read this book if there are more ARC's available. I used to work at a historical site in Salem and would get a kick out of it.
Kris
Posted by: Kris | July 03, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Sounds like a great book. I look forward to reading it soon.
Posted by: Michele | July 03, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Wow, I'd love a chance to read this book! I've heard about it everywhere and the interview makes me want to read it even more! Please let me know if you're still giving away copies. =)
Posted by: Meghan | July 04, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Great beginnings: your website-loading symbol of lace and the first words of your novel. I admire your guts to follow your dream (and that your only "child" is a golden (mine is a black lab)).
Much continued success!
Posted by: Carol | July 04, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I'm fascinated! Mystery, magic, as seen through the eyes of an "unreliable"narrator, described by the author as "crazy".......what is true, and what is not.....I will have to buy this if I don't win it.....I'm already hooked after listening to the interview!
Posted by: janeh | July 04, 2008 at 12:24 PM
I love it! My Great Grandmother use to sew with lace. I'll have to find out if she made the lace...I bet she did, otherwise it would of been pretty pricey!
Who would of thougth, Lace and Salem...sounds like a great read!
Thanks!!
Posted by: Darby Lohrding | July 04, 2008 at 12:43 PM
I've started knitting lacy things in the last year, and I've been fascinated by Barbara Walker's stories about the different lace stitches.
How wonderful to have a heroine's journey combined with the woman's art of lace!
I would love a copy -
Posted by: melanie | July 04, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Oooooh, I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of The Lace Reader by Barry ... I love to crochet, make lace which was taught to me by my Russian grandmother when I was a child!
Posted by: Laurie Blum | July 04, 2008 at 02:45 PM
I love hearing the author's talk about their books. I get so much insight. What intrigued me was her discussion of how women heroes differ from men- in that woman help women. I also liked that she made her narrator "unreliable". That sounds like a really fascinating way to approach a novel. Thanks for continuing the contest.
Posted by: Shawnee | July 04, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Thank you!
Posted by: melanie | July 05, 2008 at 11:52 AM
I like the premise of the book. At first when I first heard about it I was not interested but after I heard the conversation at the convention. It did intrigue me. When she said the narrator was unreliable, that got my attention. I hope you are able to send me a copy.
Good luck
Posted by: Susan | July 05, 2008 at 08:32 PM
This sounds like an exciting read. If there are any copies left, I'd love to receive one. Thanks!
Posted by: Lisa | July 06, 2008 at 05:11 PM
i also love your site and will read anything you suggest :)
Posted by: dawn hall | July 07, 2008 at 09:56 AM
I like the premise of this book as well. The New England setting has me hooked as well as the twins. I would love to read this novel. Please send me a copy.
Miriam
Posted by: Miriam | July 07, 2008 at 04:23 PM
I enjoyed the interview. It definitely got me interested in reading the book. Magic, witchcraft, Salem and seeing into the future are all intriguing subjects. I also love that the idea came from your dream. It also sounds like a book my book club would like.
Posted by: Ann M | July 07, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Can't wait to read this. Ivisited the web site, and am so intrigued by the idea of hidden messages woven into lace. This is the first book I will read by this author, and am looking forward to this and many more. My book club has read nothing like this in the two years I have attended, and I think this will be perfect.
Posted by: cheryl phillips | July 07, 2008 at 08:37 PM
The interview was quite interesting and compelling! As a librarian myself at a school library, I know that my students are going to clammor (sp?) for this book since it's about Salem and about twins. I can't wait to tell the student-run book club at my school about this book.
Posted by: Linda Mercer | July 07, 2008 at 08:37 PM