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Book Review: The Bird House by Kelly Simmons & Giveaway
March 14th, 2011
The Bird House by Kelly Simmons is a terrific novel and yet another of my favorites for the year! As I said in my Sunday post I’m probably going to gush a bit because I so loved this book! I really have to mention the cover as well – it’s so serene and beautiful and I kept imagining myself sitting in that chair while I was reading. The Bird House by Kelly Simmons is such a beautiful novel of heartbreak, fading memory, hope, and the uncovering of the family secrets and the forgiveness that must go with them.
Ann Biddle is a seventy year old woman who is starting to experience, more and more often, the loss of memories she was sure she once had. From the beginning though we know that Ann has done something horrible in her past; something she is still running away from. Her eight year old granddaughter Ellie, who she really hasn’t had a relationship with up to this point, asks her to help her with a school project. They have to put together a report chronicling something in their family that spans the years past. Ann has an attic full of such memories but she’d really rather avoid most of them. However, sharing this past with Ellie pulls Ann out of herself and leads her on a journey to face that troubling past.
This novel is told by weaving the past and present and it is done so well that you move seamlessly between the two which are forty years apart. Usually when I read a novel told in this way I much prefer one story to the other but not in this case. I looked forward to delving into Ann’s past as much as watching her struggle with her memory in the present to enjoying her time with her granddaughter. We feel Ann’s pain when she looks back into her memories of being a young mother and trying to cope with kids, an inattentive husband and breast cancer. Our hearts break when we journey with Ann through a tragedy that will reshape her life.
As a woman fighting dementia, Ann is always second guessing herself. Did I say that? Did I do that? Ellie keeps her on her toes though helping her to remember things as they go through the trunks in the attic and bring the past back to life. However Ellie’s mother, Tinsley seems to have quite a few concerns about Ann and her memory and has Ellie keep an eye on Grandma. Yet Ann has some issues with Tinsley as well and eventually confronts her. There is a battle of wills though but while Ann may be losing her memory, she certainly isn’t losing her spunk.
I loved Ann. Sure she had her flaws – who doesn’t? The way in which she handles some things in her past may not have been the way I would have but we do what we do in any given situation and it’s too late to turn back once it’s over. Ann was full of spunk and sass and she had me laughing more than once with her ingenuity. Ellie was also a fantastic character who you couldn’t help but love. She was curious in the way only kids can be and would very bluntly ask Ann questions. By doing this she made Ann look deeper into a life that she had been trying to keep buried for years.
This is a beautifully written novel and I don’t want to say much more than I have – this is one you need to experience for yourself. All I know is I picked this novel up one day and finished it the next. Kelly Simmons tells Ann’s story in such an intimate fashion that I found myself completely immersed and captivated by it. I felt Ann’s pain and I felt her triumphs. I felt her joy over spending time with her granddaughter and loved how Ellie helped her Grandma move on from the past.
The Bird House by Kelly Simmons is a look into a life being affected by demenia and so much more. It’s a look into a past that you may have preferred to have kept buried. It’s a story of love as well – the love of a child that can bring you a new lease on an old life. I loved this book! I couldn’t read it fast enough and it’s still so much on mind. It would make a great book club selection because there is so much to discuss from family, children, marriage, infidelity all the way to the devastating effects Alzheimer’s can have on a family. It’s definitely a must read in my books!
I read The Bird House by Kelly Simmons for her book tour with TLC Book Tours. You can see what everyone else thinks about the novel on the other tour stops here. Be sure to pop into Kelly Simmon’s website as well! You can purchase your own copy of The Bird House by Kelly Simmons here in the US and here in Canada.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
I have one autographed copy of The Bird House by Kelly Simmons to share with my readers. To enter…
- For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
- For 2 entries, follow my blog. If you already do, thank you, and please let me know in your comment so I can pass the extra entry along to you as well.
- For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.
This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, April 2, 2011. Good luck everyone!
© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
My copy of The Bird House by Kelly Simmons was received for review from TLC Book Tours and the publisher.
Filed under 2011 Challenges, 2011•100 Books or More Challenge, 2011•ARC Tracking Challenge, TLC Tours | Comments (139)
OOOHHH I tried to win this from someone else but didn't get it.
Please enter me!
I am a follower
I will post it on my sidebar.
forevereading at gmail dot com
I'd love to win this book!
jgoffice(at)cox(dot)net
Iam a follower
Thank you for the give away
The first time I saw this cover I just felt it would be a wonderful story. I'd love a chance to win a copy.
florida982002[at]yahoo.com
I'm a GFC follower under the name Kaye
florida982002[at]yahoo.com
Oh, I'd love this one! Please count me in. Thank you!
I follow
I blogged:
http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-3-12-11.html
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I have seen several reviews of this book and they were all good so include me. Thanks.
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow with google friend connect as Sandra K321.
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com
Dar, sounds like a wonderful story! Count me in for the giveaway!
I follow your blog faithfully!
cmcdermitt at carolina dot rr dot com
I would LOVE to win this, I have had my eyes on it for a while now
jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net
I'm a GFC follower
jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/enterthedrew/status/47278279526322176
jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net
Sounds like a great story, and I agree, the cover is beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway.
extra entry – Google follower
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like you really enjoyed it. I'd love to try it out.
I follow.
frellathon(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to read it, it sounds really good.
I am a gfc follower.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Your review really makes me want to read this book! Thank! Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
I'm a follower! Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
Dar, it sounds like this book really handles a lot of different issues within it, and does it beautifully. I loved the review you wrote for this one, and would love to be considered for your giveaway!
zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
I also follow your blog!
Thanks for the giveaway!
pocokat AT gmail DOT com
I follow on GFC
pocokat AT gmail DOT com
Thanks for this great giveaway and the lovely review. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
This book sounds wonderful, Darlene!
I'm a follower; thanks for the great giveaway opportunity.
I love books about family relationships. I've seen this one around the blogosphere and would love to win it.
monagarg@yahoo.com
GFC(Mona Garg)
Email subscriber
monagarg@yahoo.com
I have had this book on my wishlist for sometime and would love to win a signed copy!
I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com
Reviews everywhere are wonderful, as is the cover!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com
GFC follower as Karen B.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com
The cover is truly gorgeous and I so want to read this book! XOx
thebirdsisters@gmail.com
Would love to enter this book sounds wonderful.
GFC follower
tweeted here: http://twitter.com/home/Parakiss25
faefever25@hotmail.com
Thanks for the giveaway
i am a follower.Please enter my name.Lomazowr@gmail.com
thanks! for the giveaway.
I am a gfc follower
tributebooksmama at gmail dot com
I'd love to win this. Thanks for the giveaway.
I follow.
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/ForWhlz/status/47367937455165440
forwhlz at gmail dot com
Great review, and I do think that this would be a great book for discussion
I'd love to win.
mk261274 at gmail dot com
I follow your blog
I posted to my giveaway links page
http://melissasmeanderings.wordpress.com/book-contestsgiveaways/
I love the cover! I would love to win it just for that alone! Just kidding , I want to read it too! Am a devoted blog follower!!
ladybook21 at yahoo dot com
WHOOT!! Thanks for the chance to win!! I also follow your blog!!
areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com
This sounds like a great book!
Thanks for the chance to win.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I am a GFC follower
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
After that fabulous review, how could I not enter your great giveaway!
I subscribe in Google Reader.
kathy(at)bermudaonion.net
A really great storyline and I would like to read this book.
cenya2 at hotmail dot com
I follow by google reader.
cenya2 at hotmail dot com
This sounds like a great book. Count me in.
susan.byerly@comcast.net
I follow via google reader.
susan.byerly@comcast.net
This does sound like a great book! I'd love to be entered. I am a follower as well.
diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com
I would love to win a copy of this book! I am so eager to read it!
Suzanne
quzy(at)mac(dot)com
I'd love to be entered, sounds great!
strandedhero(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a GFC follower! (of course!)
Suzanne
quzy(at)mac(dot)com
I'm already a follower
using GFC.
strandedhero(at)gmail(dot)com
I posted about your giveaway on my blog! You can find it in the sidebar on the left @ http//chickwithbooks.blogspot.com
Suzanne
quzy(at)mac(dot)com
A sensitively written novel, please count me in!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
Google follower!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
My grandmother had dementia, so I would be very interested in reading this book.
+2 GFC Follower
Amy Sondova // artsyrockerchick at aim dot com
Another gushing review has me wanting to read this book! I love gushing reviews by the way.
I am a follower.
nisethusfarATyahooDOTcom
I would love to read this book. It sounds like such a great read.
dancealert at aol dot com
I'm a follower of your blog, I have been.
dancealert at aol dot com
I posted the information to my blog:
http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/2011/03/peeking-between-pages-giveaway-of-bird.html
DanceAlertReads.blogspot.com
dancealert at aol dot com
I have a copy already and it does sound awesome. Great giveaway! Hope to get to my copy soon.
I often have difficultly when a book is told in two different time periods. Like you, I usually find myself more interested in one than in the other. I'm happy to see that this book balances the two parts of the story so well.
Thanks for being on the tour!
(no need to enter me)
Kelly Simmons book sounds fascinating, poignant and inspiring. I would love to be entered into your giveaway for The Bird House.
Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm a follower of your blog!
Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com
A beautiful name for a book.
pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
I'd like to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
blog follower via GFC
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
I loved this one as much as you…your review was wonderful Dar!! I want to read more from this author.
thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Thanks for posting–I've read the review and would be interested in winning!
Oops, forgot to include my email!
It's hilarysd AT comcast DOT net
I am sooo interested in reading this one!! Please count me in! Thanks!
schaefer7382 at aol dot com
Sounds like I'd love this book!!
GFC follower
chitchatqueen2005@hotmail.com
Looks to be a must read
phasbargen@gmail.com
This sounds like a nice read! cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow through google friend.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'd love to win.
kimkmc at yahoo.com
I'm a follower via GFC.
kimkmc at yahoo.com
Count me in!
dwarzel at hotmail.com
another great read, thanks
I would like to enter this giveaway….I have read some good things about this book and would love to read it….
+2: I also follow your blog
Thanks
Arch
archanaskorner(at)gmail.com
Looks great! I'm a follower.
Thanks,
reneehood@comcast.net
I would love to read this book.
choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow on gfc.
choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com
I read Standing Still and it was very good.
Please include me! I'm a old follower
Thanks
dcf_beth at verizon dot net
Sounds like a great book to read.
RJB
loki304(at)tds(dot)net
following on GFC – Christie
swaggirl01@gmail.com
Oh, this sounds like such a great book. I have an 8 year old granddaughter and would like to think how she and my mother would do a project like this. Sounds like such an enjoyable book!
I am a follower.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
please count me in…thanks
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
This one is on my wishlist. please entere me
I follow via gfc
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/51664658007998464
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
Love the cover!!! So the book has to be good.
I follow!!
kyfaithw AT aol DOT com
Count me in please!!
billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com
This sounds like a book I would really enjoy! I love the cover, too!
I follow on GFC
http://twitter.com/CarolAnnM/status/52141765855162369
mittens0831 at aol dot com
I would love to win a copy.
ykatrina at hotmail dot com
I want this! Thanks!
annettekz2@yahoo.com
GFC follower
I am already curious to find out the main character's secrets. I would love to win this book. I am a follower and can be reached at kelly(dot)baker92 (at) gmail (dot) com.
Entry #1 – Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz
Entry #2 – I'm a GFC Follower (Enamored Soul) & confirmed email subscriber.
Entry #3 – I tweeted the giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/inluvwithbookz/status/53370921590849536
Ooh, I'd live to read this!
I'm a follower on GFC.
shanaelyse@gmail.com
This looks like agreat book, thank you!
Thanks for entering me in the drawing. wgbc1446[at]yahoo[dot]com
I follow with GFC as wgbc1446. Thanks! wgbc1446[at]yahoo[dot]com
I'd love to have this.
ermahurtt0071@sbcglobal.net
I like the cover of this book!
theyyyguy@yahoo.com
I would love to read The Bird House! Please enter me in this giveaway.
bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com
Sarah E
Follow via GFC.
bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com
Sarah E
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/BookLoverSarah/status/53701589822742528
bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com
Sarah E
My first entry
crochet4hats[at]gmail[dot]com
A heart warming story and close to MY heart
rhondastruthersatyahoodotca
GFC follower
rhondastruthersatyahoodotca
i love to read
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
Thank you for the great giveaway please count me in
kathypease(at)gmail(dot)com
1 google friend klp1965
kathypease(at)gmail(dot)com
2 google friend klp1965
kathypease(at)gmail(dot)com
1 http://twitter.com/#!/klp1965/status/53827788259598337
2 http://twitter.com/#!/klp1965/status/53827788259598337
3 http://twitter.com/#!/klp1965/status/53827788259598337
I follow you via google as Diane Baum. it sounds like a great read
Diane baum
esldiane@gmail.com
This book looks great, I would love to read it, then pass it on to my mom to read – she would love it to
tracyschultz@yahoo.com
Great Contest, hope I win!
Such an appropriate story in this day of dementia awareness. Thank you for the giveaway.
sharonaquilino at hotmail dot com
Loved your review. Sounds like a very touching and interesting book. I'd love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Follow on GFC #1.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Follow on GFC #2.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
This looks like a wonderful book. Thanks!
dwellenstein at cox dot net
I follow you via GFC as dwellenstein.
dwellenstein at cox dot net
I follow you via GFC as dwellenstein. #2
dwellenstein at cox dot net
Sounds like a book I'd like to read.
Thank you for the giveaway!
brc668 (at) gmail (dot) com
Following you on GFC and signed up for your newsletter by email. #1
brc668 (at) gmail (dot) com
Following you on GFC and signed up for your newsletter by email. #2
brc668 (at) gmail (dot) com
Pick Me! Pick Me!
It sounds like a very interesting book. I would love to read it. Thanks. garrettsambo@aol.com
I would love to read this! It sounds interesting.
heatherpooh (hotmail)
1 I follow via gfc as /\Heather/\
heatherpooh (hotmail)
2 I follow via gfc as /\Heather/\
heatherpooh (hotmail)
I hope i win
jim.coyne2@verizon.net
i follow via GFC Entry 1
jim.coyne2@verizon.net
i follow via GFC Entry 2
jim.coyne2@verizon.net
i love your blog and read it all the time. Love to read this! I am still learning how to post right and get comments in.
kathy
I've heard really great things about this novel. Enter please
PelicanJL@hotmail.com
<3 Happy Reading
Patricia @ Patricia's Particularity
+ Old Follower
PelicanJL@hotmail.com
<3 Happy Reading
Patricia @ Patricia's Particularity
Iwould love to win this book!