I'm thrilled to announce that national bestselling author Thrity Umrigar will be returning to Book Club Girl on Air on Tuesday, February 23rd at 7 pm ET to discuss her new novel in paperback, The Weight of Heaven. For those of you who are fans of Umrigar's The Space Between Us, and who might have participated in her Book Club Girl on Air show about that book, you know what a coup this is.
In The Weight of Heaven, Umrigar tells the story of Frank and Ellie Benton, whose lives are shattered after the loss of their only child, seven-year-old Benny to a sudden illness. Filled with wrenching memories, their Ann Arbor home becomes unbearable, and their marriage founders. Then an unexpected job half a world away in Girbaug, India, offers them an opportunity to start again. But Frank's befriending of Ramesh—a bright, curious boy who quickly becomes the focus of his attentions—will lead the grieving man down an ever-darkening path with stark repercussions.
A devastating look at cultural clashes and divides, Thrity Umrigar's The Weight of Heavenis a rare glimpse of a family and a country struggling under pressures beyond their control.
Browse inside the book, check out the reading group guide and Thrity's website, and set your reminder for the show on the 23rd here. The first 10 people who comment that they'd like to participate in the show will receive a copy of The Weight of Heaven to read before the show!
I would love to participate. Swapna from S.Krishna's books was jsut raving about her on That's How I Blog the other day.
Posted by: Nicole | January 28, 2010 at 06:23 AM
Would love to participate - the Space Between Us is one the best books I read last year.
Posted by: sheryl k | January 28, 2010 at 07:54 AM
I'm trying so hard not to request more books, but I just can't resist this one. I've already got the show marked on my calendar!
Posted by: Kathy R (Bermudaonion) | January 28, 2010 at 07:57 AM
I've been wanting to read this since I noticed you were doing an interview with Umrigar in February. I would love to participate!
Posted by: Kate | January 28, 2010 at 09:13 AM
Sounds interesting. I'd like to participate! Thanks
Posted by: LoriAnne | January 28, 2010 at 09:28 AM
This book sounds captivating. I would like to participate. thanks.
Posted by: pearl | January 28, 2010 at 09:40 AM
The Space Between Us was one of my favorites of last year. I would love to participate in this discussion!
Posted by: Elisabeth | January 28, 2010 at 09:55 AM
I'd love to participate!
Posted by: Erica | January 28, 2010 at 10:44 AM
I would love to participate, as always! Getting to talk to the authors is so interesting!
Posted by: Melissa C | January 28, 2010 at 10:51 AM
I'd love to participate in the show! I've heard great things about this book, and have been meaning to read it for some time!
Posted by: Vicki | January 28, 2010 at 11:18 AM
Oh, darn! I just went to set my reminder, and realized I can't participate on the 23rd. :-( I have childbirth class! (Expecting our first baby in late March.) So please pass the copy onto someone else, and I'll make sure to listen to the show after the fact! Thanks!
Posted by: Vicki | January 28, 2010 at 11:23 AM
I know I am too late for a free book - but I just had to comment. I had the honor of sitting at the same table with Thrity and discussing The Weight Between Us - fabulous book - fabulous writer. She is so humble - and awesome.
Posted by: Joanna | January 28, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Oops - I combined my titles - meant to say The Space Between Us - everything else stands!
Posted by: Joanna | January 28, 2010 at 11:41 AM
I'll be there, I got a copy of the book last month and LOVED it. Erica told me about the show, so I've already got it on my calendar.
Posted by: Jen - Devourer of Books | January 28, 2010 at 11:59 AM
I too would like to participate. I'm bookmarking/Facebooking this right now. This book absolutely touched me.
Posted by: Melissa | January 28, 2010 at 07:20 PM
Jennifer, I read this book earlier this month - I LOVED it!!
I can't wait to listen to your discussion.
I'm reading Sunflowers now, it's good too...
Posted by: mari (Bookworm with a View) | January 30, 2010 at 11:39 PM
Vicki, we will miss you, but I understand you can't miss that class, you're in the home stretch!
Joanna, that means you're in, (oh I sound just like Heidi Klum ;)). You'll get an email shortly!
Posted by: Book Club Girl | February 01, 2010 at 11:59 AM