Leeswammes’ Blog is hosting another Literary Giveaway this weekend. It was great fun last year (even though I didn’t actually win anything) so once again, I’m giving away three books:
First, Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. This was a really cool book and I’m told it’s an excellent introduction to the work of Murakami, who gets a little more complex and strange with his later books like 1Q84 (which I hope to read soon). Norwegian Wood is a love story, although not a simple one. It’s about a college-aged guy in Japan who falls deeply in love with the girlfriend of his best friend, who committed suicide while they were in high school. Toru and Naoko build a friendship based on their mourning of Kizuki. It becomes much more; but can a 
relationship that originates in trauma succeed? Haruki explores so many important themes in this book: love, dependency, guilt, mental illness, and ultimately, what it means to find the right person in life. If you’re one of the many people who are wondering “who is Murakami and why is everyone reading him?” this is a good place to start. I can provide this one in paperback or electronic copy.
Second, Pump Six and Other Stories by Paulo Bacigalupi. Bacigalupi is better known for his novel The Windup Girl and his young adult novel Ship Breakers. This is an early collection of short stories set in a near future dystopian world. His stories are dark, disturbing, and compelling. 
This book reminded me of Margaret Atwood’s science fiction, or maybe even Ray Bradbury. Paperback copy only.
I’m also giving away an electronic copy of The Qualities of Wood by Mary Vensel White. This is a story about a young married couple who move to a very small Midwestern town to clean and pack up the house of the husband’s deceased grandmother. 
While they’re adjusting to living in this very small town, a young woman is found dead in the woods behind their house. This is a thoughtful first novel that is less a mystery than an exploration of family and marital relationships. I’m excited to be posting an interview with this author next week.
You can enter to win one of these three books by telling me in a comment which one you’d like, or I can put you in the lottery for all three. To enter you ALSO have to tell me the best book you’ve read lately and why. Last year we got tons of great book recommendations! The Giveaway will be open through Tuesday, February 21 and I’ll pick a winner for each book at random. You don’t need to have a blog or to be a follower of my blog (but please consider signing up!). International applicants are welcome — last year I sent one book to India and another to Canada, which was pretty cool.
These other blogs are also participating, so I hope you’ll take the time to visit and enter as many as you can:
The Book Stop 
Please enter me for NORWEGIAN WOOD. I’ve heard a bit about it & I’m intrigued.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Please enter me For the Qualities of Wood.thanks Lomazowr@gmail.com
I’d love to try Norwegian Wood I’ve heard about it so I’m all curious.
Pump six and other stories sounds great!
aliasgirl at libero dot it
Mmmm…what about Pump Six? It sounds very interesting.
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d like to be entered for both Norwegian Wood (I need to read some Murakami) and Pump Six (I love dystopias).
One of my favorite recent reads was Hope: A Tragedy. It’s dark but funny; my best friend and I now have a lot of inside jokes about it…
susanna DOT pyatt AT student DOT rcsnc DOT org
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d love to be entered for Norwegian Wood. 🙂
Recently I read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and really loved it! 😀
xjustakidx[at]hotmail[dot]com
I’d love to (finally) read Norwegian Wood, so could you enter me for that one please? Hmmm, now, best book I’ve read recently… That’s going to be a hard one, I’ve had a real run of duff reads of late! I think the last really brilliant book I read was ‘Atonement’ by Ian McEwan. I was completely blown away, sobbed like a baby at the end, and was kicking myself for not reading it earlier!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Ellie @ Musings of a Bookshop Girl
emp501 (at) hotmail (dot) co (dot) uk
Thanks for the giveaway!
I really enjoyed reading THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern. I thought it was fresh, mysterious, and a unique read.
readinginwinter(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I’d like to win Norwegian Wood. The best book I’ve read lately is Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones. The setting, characters and situation were intriguing and authentic, and it’s the last book that made me realize how much time I can find to read in a day when a book is that good.
have read the Murakami, so please place me down for Pump Six, thanks, am read (re) The Alexandria Quartet by Lawrence Durrell at the moment & enjoying it immensely
Please enter me for THE QUALITIES OF WOOD (that was a great review you wrote).
The best book I’ve read lately was a middle-grade nonfiction account of the Halifax Explosion of 1917: BLIZZARD OF GLASS. I can’t stop thinking about the suffering.
Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson, kept me up reading late at night and the next day I was itching to get home to finish it 🙂
I’d like to be entered for Pump Six, thanks for hosting this giveaway.
I’d love a chance to win Norweigian Wood ; great giveaway and great blog. Stop buy and enter my giveaway if you haven’t done so already. Great blog!
I would be interested in any of those books.
I have, unfortunately, not been able to read a lot lately, but the best book I’ve read in the past month or so is Ghosting by Jennie Erdal. It was interesting to read about how her job as a ghostwriter affected the rest of her life.
I read a very unsettling book – A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. It seemed to be aimed at younger readers but the themes of death and its acceptance were quite mature. That being said, the novel moved and gave me much to think about. Definitely recommend as a YA or Adult, even though the main character is a pre-teen boy
deanna_boocock (at) hotmail.com
Great, another giveaway! I’d like to get my hands on Norwegian Wood. I’ve never read anything by Murakami.
I’m currently reading my best book so far this year but it’s in French : the second book of Les Marionnettistes trilogy. The setting is Anticosti. I have trouble putting it down!
I’d love a copy of the Murakami!
Best book I’ve read recently was hands down The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. It might have made me cry just a little bit. I cared about the characters SO MUCH.
I keep telling myself to try Murakami so Norwegian Wood sounds good.
I’ve just finished Lionheart by Sharon K Penman – wonderful historical fiction.
Thanks for the giveaway .
catsplace31(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)nz
I’d love Norwegian Wood. I’ve read one other by Murakami and really enjoyed it and would love to read more.
I recently read The Night Circus and really enjoyed it. It’s the only book this year I’ve given a 5 on goodreads. It’s difficult to describe, but it’s dark and magical and it kind of sweeps you away. The imagination of the author astounds me.
klmickelsen at gmail dot com
I’d love to win either Norwegian Wood or Pump Six. I’ve never read an Murakami, but I’ve only heard good things, so I’d love to give him a shot. I have The Windup Girl sitting on my To-Read pile right now, and Sci-fi short stories are some of my favorite things.
The best book I read recently was The Other City by Michal Ajvaz. It was assigned for a class I’m taking. It’s a surrealist book, which is not usually my favorite thing, but the writing is so good that I was immediately swept up in it. Ajvaz is incredibly intelligent, and his writing shows it. It’s one smart book. It’s not very often that I find a book that combines beautiful prose, vibrant imagery, and in-depth discussion of philosophical topics all in one, but The Other City absolutely does all that and more. You should really check it out.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Emily
eeoshiel(at)uncg(dot)edu
I’d love to try The Qualities of Wood. I read and loved Norwegian Wood, I hope the person who wins it loves it as much as I did.
As for books I’ve enjoyed, well…1Q84 ranks pretty highly! I’ve also enjoyed the Brock and Kolla mysteries by Barry Maitland of late.
Thanks for a great giveaway & sharing the Murakami love!
Cheers
Sam
Wow…I’d love the Murakami or Bacigalupi. I’ve been meaning to become more well-acquainted with both writers.
The best book that I’ve read recently is probably The Snow Child. I have a real weakness for stories about carving out a life in the wilderness, and the added vein of magic running through it was a very appealing touch.
I would love Norwegian Wood.
everynewday at hotmail dot com
I just read juvenile fiction which I found quite refreshing, Ready Player One.
I’d love to win any of them!
I read and enjoyed A Fault In Our Stars by John Green. It’s a YA book technically but Ithink it crosses over because of the content of the book. It focuses on a terminal cancer patient and her relationship with another one.
Thanks for the giveaway!
supersonic182(at)gmail(dot)com
I’d love to read any of these!!
UGH…I hit post/enter way too fast!
The latest and greatest I’ve read was 11/22/63 by Stephen King. Why? Because he’s a freaking genius. The story is based on historical events, but with a normal King-like spin (lots of spins actually). He writes GREAT stories and creates amazing characters that he develops right through the end – if you haven’t read this book, you must…MUST!
I’d love to read Norwegian Wood, because I like Murakami and I enjoyed the movie adaptation of the book. If you like Japanese writers I recommend Banana Yoshimoto’s Kitchen or Tsugumi. I loved those 2 books very much.
Thank you for the international giveaway!
cayce006 at yahoo dot com
I’d like Norwegian Wood or the Qualities of Wood – hmmm.. a woody theme going on here 🙂 Recently re-read Geek Love – I really enjoy a quirky tale and this most certainly is one.
I would like The Qualities of Wood. I finally read The Lovely Bones – beautifully written and very sad
I would love to win a copy of Norwegian Wood! The best book I’ve read lately was The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It was like nothing I had ever read before – enchanting and beautifully written. I highly recommend it!!
stephward84(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would like to enter for The Qualities of Wood.
pbhinterland@comcast.net
The best book I read lately was The Cat’s Table by Ondaatje. I had been a little disappointed with this author (nothing compared to Running in the Family and the English Patient) and I thought his latest work may well be his best – tightly constructed, beautiful writing, and timeless themes – a potent combination.
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d choose Norwegian Wood please.
Of the most recent books I have read my recommendation would be The Fine Colour of Rust by Paddy O’Reilly. A great Australian novel
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
bookd.out at gmail dot com
Please count me in for Norwegian Wood, I’m fan of Murakami’s writings but I have yet to read this title. The best book I’ve read recently was Paolo Coelho’s Like The Flowing River, an inspiring series of stories of life that we can all relate. Such a brilliant book.
Thanks for joining this giveaway! I would like to read all three of these books but would ask for Pump Six if I could only have one. I’m currently in the process of reading the Fabelhaven series – for middle-grade kids. I find them fascinating because, like Harry Potter, the author has to dream up an almost separate universe in order to write the books. I wonder how their minds work?
I’d love a chance at Norwegian Wood! Been meaning to try Murakami’s stuff. The best thing I’ve read lately would have to be An Abundance of Katherines. Love Green’s work, and this one was surprisingly good for being such a light read.
I’d love to read Norwegian Wood! The best book I’ve read recently is The Great Lenore by J.M. Tohline — it’s an absolutely stunning book, beautifully written and hauntingly existential without being in the least bit pretentious.
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
Qualities of Wood sounds wonderful. I enjoyed a book called Fireworks Over Toccoa – just a wonderful love story.
msboatgal at aol.com
Please enter me for The Qualities of Wood! The best book I’ve read of late is Madame Tussaud, by Michelle Moran. It is a brilliantly written novel about the French Revolution and the life of the woman who was the driving force behind the development and growth of Tussaud’s Wax Museum—I love this book!
I would like to win Pump Six and Other Stories, sounds like the kind of thing I would like. The best book I’ve read lately was Stranger in a Strange Land, because it was entertaining and thought provoking. Thanks!
luckyjd2k@gmail.com
I would love to win Norwegian wood! Thanks you for the bloghop!
I’d like to read Norwegian Wood. And the best book that I’ve read lately is Fall of Giants. I really like the characters and it’s really great to keep reading and discover more about them and their stories.
Thanks a lot for the giveaway!
Norwegian Wood would be my choice.
The best book I read was Dreams of Joy By Lisa See.
Absolutely the best ever, I learned so much about China in the
1950’s that was very enlightening. Wow, it was great.
i would choose Norwegian Wood
thanks for making this international!!
I like Paulo Bacigalupi and I would be interested to read his stories so ‘Pump Six and Other Stories’ sounds wonderful. Thank you so much for hosting this and i am following you now, so many literary blogs ~ so little time!
margueritecore [ at ] gmail [ dot ] com
I’d like to be entered for Pump Six and other stories and this time you can send to Sri Lanka!!! Thank you for offering a choice.
I would like to win a copy of The Qualities of Wood. The best book I’ve read in the past month is To Be Queen. I like historical fiction because it’s a fun way to learn a few interesting facts and the fiction part of this book was well written.
Oops! forgot to leave my email
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I’d love to be entered for all three books as I haven’t read any of them. My recent favourite read was Dark Life by Kat Falls.
I thought I had all of Paolo Bacigalupi marked as to-read, but I hadn’t yet heard of Pump Six and Other Stories. Which I’d love to read of course 🙂
The best book I’ve read lately was Zoo City by Lauren Beukes.
I would love Norwegian Wood, but any of the three would definitely make my day!
The best book I’ve read recently was Chuck Palanuik’s (I am almost certain I spelled his last name wrong) Survivor, though Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers comes close.
lilianxcheng AT gmail.com
My favorite book is the huge masterpiece by
my fav. writer Stephen King. JFK Nov 23.63.
Totally, agree with Marla comments.
The book transports one back in time, that
is so believable Love it so much that I did
not want it to end. Would love to snag any
one of the amazing sounding books for this
great Literary hop giveaways.
Thanks, for the reviews. follow by email
as dayleb at telus dot net
Great, that you could send prizes to Canada, eh.
as I am a Canuck. eh.
I’d love a copy of “Norwegian Wood” because I’m also looking forward to reading “1Q84” and I don’t yet own any copies by Murakami.
But, if you really ask me, I’m a bibliophile, which means I’m greedy when it comes to books. Because of that, throw me in for the whole lot! I’m here with open arms and ready to open my mailbox with joy should I win.
What’s the “best” book I’ve read recently? Mmm…I really loved “The Dovekeepers” by Alice Hoffman. It moved me. Okay, so it’s not exactly literary, but I loved the lyrical language, the historical fiction, and the strength of its female characters, especially Shirah in her rebellion, sensuality, and giftedness in occult arts,.
P.S. PICK ME!!!!
Thanks for participating in this. It’s always great to see new book blogs on my hop.
Zara D. Garcia-Alvarez
Email: zgarcia(dot)alvarez(at)gmail(dot)com
On Twitter: @ZaraAlexis
Hello from France ! I’d love to win “The Qualities of Wood “if I get picked up, thanks for entering my name in this nice giveaway.
I have recently read “Florence and Giles” by John Harding and loved it because of its gothic atmosphere and tense developing.
I recommend it !
Best wishes, Virginie
I am up for any of those. 🙂 Ummm. I suggest reading The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. I’ll admit the first few chapter can seem a bit slow, but it’s AMAZING. Read it. You’ll see. I’m addicted to him now.
How exciting…I would love to read The Qualities of Wood…sounds like its right up my alley! So far this year, I have loved reading The Snow Child, written by Eowyn Ivey as well as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. 😉
i would like a print copy of the Norwegian Wood to discover this author
thanks you a lot for opening this giveaway to international
all the best
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
Please count me in to win The Qualities of Wood, it looks like my kind of read 🙂 The best book I’ve read lately is Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick. It was awesomely intense and my stomach was cramped with anticipation the entire read. It was soooo good! Thank you for the giveaway!
jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net
I’d love to read The Qualities of Wood. My favorite book lately has been Heidi Julavits’s The Vanishers. Psychic attack, regressions, lost reels of porn star political activists: it’s like nothing I’ve ever read before. litendeavors@gmail.com
They all look good but I’d like to read Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami.
I just finished reading The Technologists by Matthew Pearl and if you like historical fiction I would recommend that one. My favorite so far this year.
All the books are interesting. I would love to read Pump Six and Other Stories. I’ve read some good books lately :). I recommend Fly Away Peter by David Malouf.
Thanks for the giveaway.
All books sound interesting! Could I be entered for all three?
It is hard to pick a favourite book from the last few I have read. I would have to say “A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness.
Hi. I’d love to have Norwegian Wood.
Best book read recently is Belloc Lowndes’ The Story of Ivy because it felt like I was sitting on the edge of a precipice while reading it.
neerrr(at)gmail(dot)com
All sound interesting! Please enter me in the draw for all three!
darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com
If you haven’t yet read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, get the audiobook. The performance is phenomenal!
Thanks for the giveaway !!!
Please enter me for all three. The best book I’ve read recently is Crossed by Ally Condie.
Please enter me for for Pump Six. Luckily I just picked up Norwegian Wood two days ago. Ship Breaker was an excellent introduction into Paulo Bacigalupi’s writing.
The book that I recently loved reading was Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa. A interesting look into one of Japans best known samurai.