Some of you may recall that to celebrate the publication of Rebecca Wells' Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder, we gave away authentic New Orleans' King Cakes to the first 25 book groups to let us know that read were reading the book. These photos just came in from Julie of Booking Mama of her group wearing their beads (but where are you Julie?!) and of their King Cake in all its glory. I can't wait to read her review of the book and their discussion this week! Rebecca was on the radio recently talking about Calla Lily as well - listen in!
It was so lovely speaking with Rebecca Wells tonight about her newest novel, one that is perfect for that last-minute Mother's Day present (yes, Mother's Day is in just a few days! ;)) The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder. I loved hearing about her inspiration behind the novel, how it was for her to write a novel that didn't feature the Ya-Yas, how she moved from acting to writing and what writers inspire her. She spoke so movingly about last week's tragic oil spill off the coast of Louisiana and the devastation that it will cause for years to come (see her essay for more). She talked also about her struggle with Lyme disease which went undiagnosed for far too long. Visit her website for more information about Lyme and look for the documentary she recommended, Under Our Skin (which looks amazing). And lastly, be sure to check out her husband Tom Schworer's photography, he is an incredible photographer. Listen in to the show now - and thank you to everyone who joined us live with questions!
Just a reminder that our Book Club Girl on Air Show with Rebecca Wells, where we'll discuss her newest book in paperback, The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder, is this Wednesday, May 5th at 7 pm ET. Set your reminder for the show here and return to that same link to listen and participate live on Wednesday night. You can call in and ask Rebecca a question at 347-945-6149. If you want to participate in the chat session (where you can type questions that I will ask Rebecca as well as chat with other listeners), be sure to register on the site before Wednesday evening so that you're ready to go when the show starts. Check out the reading group guide as well as what other readers have been saying about Calla Lily. I can't wait for this show!
Rebecca Wells' newest New York Times bestselling novel The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder is on sale in paperback today, April 13th! To celebrate the publication of this sweet, sexy and funny book set in a magical little river town named La Luna, we're giving away authentic New Orleans' King Cake to the first 25 groups who adopt the book as their group's read between now and October!
Sent directly to your book group from New Orleans' own Randazzo's Camellia Street Bakery, this King Cake is adorned with their famous gooey frosting and topped with purple, yellow and green sprinkles, and includes a unique Randazzo's Mardi Gras theme bag, stuffed with beads, doubloons, the history of Mardi Gras and the king cake, a 2010 commemorative 11x 16 color poster, a beautiful feather mask, and a kings crown! What better way to jazz up your book club night!
Known for her beloved Ya-Ya books, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Little Altars Everywhere, and Ya-Yas in Bloom, Rebecca Wells has helped women name, claim, and celebrate their shared sisterhood for over a decade. Now Wells debuts an entirely new cast of characters in this shining stand-alone novel about the pull of first love, the power of life, and the human heart's vast capacity for healing. A tale of family and friendship, tragedy and triumph, loss and love, The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder features the warmth, humor, soul, and wonder that have made Wells one of today's most cherished writers, and gives us an unforgettable new heroine to treasure.
All you have to do to enter to win King Cake your book group is to leave your name in the comments confirming that your book club will read The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder between now and October 2010. The first 25 clubs to sign up will receive a Randazzo's King Cake to enjoy during their Calla Lily discussion!
No purchase necessary. US and Canada only. Sweepstakes will run until 25 clubs sign up and qualify, or until October 31,2010, whichever comes first. Prize value is approximately $43.00. Total prize value is approximately $1,075. The chances of winning depend on the number of entries. Click here for complete rules.
Tomorrow, April 13th, at 12, noon ET, I'll be posting a contest for book clubs who are planning to read Rebecca Wells' New York Times bestseller The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder--prizes will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to stop by as close to noon as possible to enter to win. Hint: the prize is a tasty treat to enjoy while your group discusses Wells' latest novel! Browse inside The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder and check out the reading group guide, the paperback goes on sale tomorrow!
I am so excited to announce that on Wednesday, May 5th, my guest on Book Club Girl on Air will be the author of the New York Times best sellers Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Little Altars Everywhere, Ya-Yas in Bloom and most recently, The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder -- Rebecca Wells! I'm just thrilled that Rebecca will be able to join me, to discuss not only the about-to-be-released paperback edition of The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder, but also the entire Ya Ya series, which sparked a movement across the country and brought women together in friendship and support to discuss books, life and so much more.
The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder is the sweet, sexy, funny journey of Calla Lily's life set in Wells's expanding fictional Louisiana landscape. In the small river town of La Luna, Calla bursts into being, a force of nature as luminous as the flower she is named for. Under the loving light of the Moon Lady, the feminine force that will guide and protect her throughout her life, Calla enjoys a blissful childhood—until it is cut short. Her mother, M'Dear, a woman of rapture and love, teaches Calla compassion, and passes on to her the art of healing through the humble womanly art of "fixing hair." At her mother's side, Calla further learns that this same touch of hands on the human body can quiet her own soul. It is also on the banks of the La Luna River that Calla encounters sweet, succulent first love, with a boy named Tuck.
But when Tuck leaves Calla with a broken heart, she transforms hurt into inspiration and heads for the wild and colorful city of New Orleans to study at L'Académie de Beauté de Crescent. In that extravagant big river city, she finds her destiny—and comes to understand fully the power of her "healing hands" to change lives and soothe pain, including her own. When Tuck reappears years later, he presents her with an offer that is colored by the memories of lost love. But who knows how Calla Lily, a "daughter of the Moon Lady," will respond? A tale of family and friendship, tragedy and triumph, loss and love, The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder features the warmth, humor, soul, and wonder that have made Wells one of today's most cherished writers, and gives us an unforgettable new heroine to treasure.
The first 10 people who comment that they'd like to participate in the show on Wednesday May 5th at 7 pm ET will receive a copy of the paperback to read in preparation for the show. Set your reminder for the show here.
Look for more Rebecca Wells posts in the coming week, including a challenge and a contest for book clubs to win King Cake to their meeting!
It's been four years since Rebecca Wells, author of the bestselling book club classic Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, published a new book. Her last book, Ya-Yas in Bloom, looked at the Ya-Yas in their younger days. Now Wells forges all new territory and brings us a new character sure to rival the immortal Vivi Abbot Walker -- Calla Lily Ponder.
The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder is the sweet, sexy, funny journey of Calla Lily's life set in Wells's expanding fictional Louisiana landscape. In the small river town of La Luna, Calla bursts into being, a force of nature as luminous as the flower she is named for. Under the loving light of the Moon Lady, the feminine force that will guide and protect her throughout her life, Calla enjoys a blissful childhood—until it is cut short. Her mother, M'Dear, a woman of rapture and love, teaches Calla compassion, and passes on to her the art of healing through the humble womanly art of "fixing hair." At her mother's side, Calla further learns that this same touch of hands on the human body can quiet her own soul. It is also on the banks of the La Luna River that Calla encounters sweet, succulent first love, with a boy named Tuck.
But when Tuck leaves Calla with a broken heart, she transforms hurt into inspiration and heads for the wild and colorful city of New Orleans to study at L'Académie de Beauté de Crescent. In that extravagant big river city, she finds her destiny—and comes to understand fully the power of her "healing hands" to change lives and soothe pain, including her own. When Tuck reappears years later, he presents her with an offer that is colored by the memories of lost love. But who knows how Calla Lily, a "daughter of the Moon Lady," will respond?
I just love this video where Rebecca, in talking about the novel, talks about how the events, be they illnesses, loss or something else entirely, that knock us down in life are the very things that make us who we are
To celebrate this brand new Rebecca Wells novel, I have 5 copies to give away. Comment on which Wells novel your book group (or you on your own) read and how it affected you. I'll choose 5 random winners from all comments received by midnight, Friday, July 10th. Tweet this giveaway and you'll get two entries into the drawing (please post a link to your tweet as a separate comment).
Book Club Girl is: a member of a book club and an avid reader who spent most of her childhood immersed in a book, an English major who considered library school until she realized it was all about computers, so turned to publishing, where she now works (but she vows to talk about books from all over and not to simply flog those from her own house). She was single, lived in the city, met a man, moved to the 'burbs, and is now a wife, a stepmother, a mother, and in her spare time, a fledgling blogger dedicated to sharing great books, news and tips with book club girls everywhere.
My Review Policy
I review fiction and nonfiction that is appropriate for book clubs. This includes literary and some women's commercial fiction as well as memoir and narrative nonfiction. I do not review self-help, thrillers, mysteries, horror, or fantasy. I have a fondness for YA literature and while the blog is not devoted to it (well, except for my obsession with the Betsy-Tacy series), I will occasionally review some YA books. The best way to reach me to request a review is to email me at bookclubgirl AT gmail DOT com.
