“And above all,
watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you,
because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”
― Roald Dahl





Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Book and a Blanket



Hello!
I hope you are doing great today!
Welcome to the first Book and a Blanket gathering.
I'll be doing this until the last Tuesday of November .
Mainly because I love the thought of 
reading, being toasty and sharing some of
my favorite books.
I'll also be giving away cozy gifties throughout,
Tea, book markers, fuzzy socks, throw blankets, 
and of course books!

Have you heard the story of Tam Lin?
It's about a knight in the elfin queen's company
that is saved by a woman named Janet.
The woman is told that if she truly wants to 
rescue Tam Lin from being sacrificed to Hell,
 then she will have to 
knock him off his horse when he rides by &
hold on to him no matter what happens.

 The Elf Queen is furious when she finds out
that he is trying to escape.
She turns Tam Lin into all manner of 
beast and bird, but Janet refuses to let go.
Finally, he is transformed into an incandescently hot
iron bar, which Janet knows to throw into a well..
the spell is broken and Tam Lin is once again
restored to his regular self.

 ( JILL KARLA SCHWARZ)

The reason I mention this story is because
there's a major connection to this week's book...



This book came out in 2003.
I'm going to show you the synopsis that's on 
Carolyn Parkhurst's site.

"When his wife dies in a fall from a tree in their backyard, linguist Paul Iverson is wild with despair. In the days that follow, Paul becomes certain that Lexy's death was no accident. Strange clues have been left behind: unique, personal messages that only she could have left and that he is determined to decipher. So begins Paul's fantastic and perilous search for the truth, as he abandons his every-day life to embark on a series of experiments designed to teach his dog Lorelei to communicate. Is this the project of a madman? Or does Lorelei really have something to tell him about the last afternoon of a woman he only thought he knew? At the same time, Paul obsessively recalls the early days of his love for Lexy and the ups and downs of life with the brilliant, sometimes unsettling woman who became his wife."

Written with a quiet elegance and a profound knowledge of love’s hidden places, The Dogs of Babel is a novel of astonishing and lasting power—a story of marriage, survival, and devotion that lies too deep for words.

 I loved this book!!!
It's one of those you can't put down.
Beautiful, sad and suspenseful.
Hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I won't tell you what the connection is to the Tam Lin
story is...
(you'll have to read the book to find out:)

I have a copy of this book and a warm fleece throw to give away.

 Like I said before, no pressure, just let me know
you stopped by
and you're automatically
entered to win.

Have a great week!
M.


22 comments:

  1. It sounds like an interesting book. Not one I would usually pick up, but if I did, would probably enjoy :)
    I will be looking at more horrific fiction this month, and my first post is now up and running:
    http://msmisantropia.blogspot.se/2013/11/a-book-blanket.html

    Thanks for hosting even though you haven't been feeling 100%!

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  2. Well, you have piqued my interest! Adding it to my TBR list.
    We have now had our first snow and freezing temps are becoming more regular so reading time will move up my priority list.
    I will have to add my link a bit later.

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  3. What a great idea. We have some fog this morning and it would be a good day to snuggle with a blankie and book! Hope you feel better. Sweet hugs!

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  4. Well hello my friend Marfi,
    Yes, what a wonderful time to cozy up with a blanket and read!
    I will admit, my only chance I get to read is when I'm at the Dr.s Office.
    Both stories sound so wonderful! I am in love with that illustration too.
    Have a wonderful snuggly day reading :)
    ~Diane

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  5. It does sound interesting and the elvish story you mention in the beginning gives me hope that it might end well. I will put this book on my never ending "to read" list.

    I also participate with a book review on my blog, I'm reviewing the series "The Monstrumologist" by Rick Yancey. Go take a look: http://mindlessindulgence-mindless.blogspot.de/

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  6. Here is my link:
    http://lovevisiting.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-book-blanket-weekly-link-up.html

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  7. I am very intrigued by the premise of this novel. I'll have to check my local library for a copy. Thanks :)

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  8. I think I have to read this one if only based on the connection you point out, and the awesome cover!

    Here is my bit: http://pagan-culture.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-ocean-at-end-of-lane.html

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  9. It is getting to be the time of year that I adore. Curl up and read and let the cold winds blow. I would love to be entered in this giveaway. And have written down the title, in case. Sounds intriguing. Thanks lovely lady, xoxo Oma Linda

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  10. Hi Girly, I sent a link over to your blog for my Quick Tip Tuesday regarding your book reviews. This ones sounds good.
    Hugs,
    Lynnie

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  11. We're having our first "cold snap" here in coastal Georgia, so nesting down with a good book sounds great idea. I love that Tam Lin illustration!

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  12. Came over, from "DogsMom's" blog. A book and a blanket! How delightful an idea.

    Always looking for new reading suggestions. Thank you much.

    Tessa~
    P.S. Did I say how delightful sounding is "a book and a blanket"? Yes I did. But I say it again. I most always have some sort of a blanket on my knees, when reading!

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  13. And love the quote at the top of your blog too!!!!! Oh yes, we must watch for magic and whimsey. We simply must!!!! :-))))

    Tessa~

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  14. This sounds like a very interesting book.

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  15. I always felt pity for poor, dear Janet, running away with her kirtle bound up over her knee. Before she claims Tam for her own, one of her father's older knights tells her they'd better not be blamed for her swelling belly. I've always loved the story and paired it with Thomas the Rhymer; encounters with the Queen of Elfland and her fancy for boys called Tom. Any story that echoes Tam Lin must be a wonderful read.

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  16. I have my post up this morning! Enjoy your day sweet friend and THANKS for the fun!

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  17. Hi It sounds like a good read book and a blanket great idea
    kat

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  18. I absolutely love this idea! Did you know that I host a Literary Friday link party every week? You should stop by sometimes!
    Thanks for such a lovely giveaway, Marfi. I'm going to blog about this later on this afternoon!

    xo,
    Ricki Jill

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  19. What a great idea!! I just visited with my bloggy friend, Diane, and clicked right over to say hello. I'll see if I can grab one I've been meaning to read for a while and join in this week.
    Have a great weekend, Marfi.
    xoxo's

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  20. I wish I read more. I am the world's worst! Maybe you can inspire me! :)

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  21. Oh Marfi, this book sounds magnificent! I have added it to my "want to read" Goodreads list because it is a definite must. This entire book and a blanket idea is so charming. I love it. Warmest hugs, sweetie. Mina

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thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it:)