I'm thrilled to announce that our second guest for August (following Frances de Pontes Peebles on August 6th discussing The Seamstress) will be bestselling author Jennifer Haigh discussing her acclaimed novel The Condition. I just loved this book, and I also loved Haigh's previous novel Mrs. Kimble. In The Condition Haigh tells the story of the McKotch family:
In the summer of 1976, during their annual retreat on Cape Cod, the McKotch family came apart. Now, twenty years after daughter Gwen was diagnosed with Turner's syndrome—a rare genetic condition that keeps her trapped forever in the body of a child—eminent scientist Frank McKotch is divorced from his pedigreed wife, Paulette. Eldest son Billy, a successful cardiologist, lives a life built on secrets and compromise. His brother Scott awakened from a pot-addled adolescence to a soul-killing job and a regrettable marriage. And Gwen—bright and accomplished but hermetic and emotionally aloof—spurns all social interaction until, well into her thirties, she falls in love for the first time. With compassion and almost painful astuteness, The Condition explores the power of family mythologies—the self-delusions, denials, and inescapable truths that forever bind fathers and mothers and siblings.
The first ten people to comment that they'd like to participate in the show on August 18th at 7 pm EST will win a copy of The Condition to read before the show. Set your reminder for the show, browse inside the book and check out the reading group guide.
I would love to participate! Sounds like a great book!
Posted by: Melissa C | July 24, 2009 at 01:56 AM
I've heard a lot about this book... I would love to participate! Thanks.
Posted by: Dr. Blondie | July 24, 2009 at 07:09 AM
I have been wanting to read this book for months -I would love to participate. I have been following your website-thanks for all your reading suggestions.
Posted by: kathy | July 24, 2009 at 08:00 AM
Sounds interesting! Count me in.
Posted by: Kelly | July 24, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Sounds great - I'd love to dial in.
Posted by: sheryl k | July 24, 2009 at 09:11 AM
I would love to participate in this show. I've already heard a lot of great things about this book.
btw, I pimped your site in my latest D.C. examiner post here: http://www.examiner.com/x-14902-DC-Literature-Examiner~y2009m7d23-Book-clubs-101-How-do-I-start-a-book-club
Posted by: Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit) | July 24, 2009 at 10:31 AM
This book was great!! I hope to be able to join in the show again!
Posted by: Robin | July 24, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Please enter me to participate for this great book. Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: pearl | July 24, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Maybe some day I won't have to work on Tuesday evening and can join in to the live broadcast. I've read the book and would love to hear what the author has to say. I think baker Towers in my favorite of her books.
Posted by: Melanie | July 24, 2009 at 02:03 PM
I would like to participate. I have read Mrs. Kimble. I enjoyed reading books about women that rise up from bad situations. She certainly did. I am looking forward to the next book club girl's blog talk radio. Thank you all that you do.
Posted by: Carolina Gal's Literary Cafe | July 24, 2009 at 02:41 PM
I have read the condition twice and loved it both times I have Turner's syndrome and really related to alot of what the book said I would love to participate on the 18th
Posted by: Kathy McCarthy | July 24, 2009 at 03:14 PM
Sounds like a great book. I have read some great reviews.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | July 24, 2009 at 07:23 PM
I hope that I made it as one of the 10. I've never participated before and this would be a good one to start with. Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: Sharon Walling | July 25, 2009 at 08:53 PM
I loved this book! Can't wait for the discussion.
Posted by: Meg Waite Clayton | July 27, 2009 at 11:32 AM
I have heard so much about this book that I will be listening in!!!!!!!
Posted by: Crystal | August 01, 2009 at 07:32 PM