Monday, October 17, 2011

OctoberPalooza Continues: Amplified by Tara Kelly

     I read Tara Kelly's debut novel, Harmonic Feedback, and there was so much in that book to love.
     What I loved the most was the main character, Drea. Drea calls them as she sees them, and she made me laugh and she made me cringe. Hey, she's a human being. She's entitled. What I really loved was how Drea is this real person who happens to have Asperger's syndrome. This is one aspect of her, and this is not what the book is focused on--it's just part of who she is.
     I was thrilled to read a book that had a character with Asperger's syndrome, but the Asperger's was just an organic part of the story. 
     I thought that this was masterfully done.
     The writing--beautiful. The story--moving. 
     If there had been an After School Special in the Eighties about Asperger's, it would have had AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL stamped all over it. Much as I appreciate the effort to Get Issues Out There, mawkish and maudlin and sentimental often ruled the day.
    Asperger's, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, is quite common. I have had many students throughout the years, and the important thing to me is not their label. It's who they are.
    So I read this book and I thought, this author knows what's important. And, boy, can she write.
   And then I saw that she had a new book coming out. In October! On the 23rd! In time for OctoberPalooza! 
    It is a joy and a privilege to get copies of this book out to you. Three copies will be sent out when the contest closes at 5:00 PM EST on Sunday, October 24. This time I am ordering from another fabulous independent bookstore, A Whale of a Tale in Irvine, California.
     Same rules: A comment on any post enters you in the contest; a comment and a follow count as two entries; and a comment, a blog follow, and a follow on Twitter count as three entries.
     I am excited about this author and her new book. Let the comments fly!

14 comments:

  1. I'm currently reading "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime" by Mark Haddon. The main character has asperger's syndrome and I'm really enjoying it - my first book with the mc having this condition! I'm only mentioning it cos this is now the second book I know with the mc having this condition too! So thank you!

    Good luck to everyone entering your very generous giveaway! Take care
    x

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  2. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, Kristen! I haven't read Harmonic Feedback but I keep hearing good things about it. Will put it on the list!

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  3. There is no way I can keep up with all the books you read. You're so fast! But this sounds awesome. Sign me up.

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  4. Ooooh I can't wait to read this! I loved Harmonic Feedback. Thanks for the chance to win!

    daniellesaunders1984(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  5. Sounds like an interesting book! Thanks for recommending it. And thanks for stopping by my blog! I love meeting all these new and interesting people.

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  6. Matthew's right. You're fast! And a blogging machine. Keep it up. Thanks again for ordering from A Whale of a Tale. Alex, the owner, will like that. :)
    Non

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  7. Cool, I'm looking forward to this book too. I'd love to enter! I do all three ways to enter (I don't know if I have to say this) so I guess three entries? Thank again for a great giveaway.

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  8. Whoo-hoo! Thanks, everyone, for all of the comments!

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  9. Thanks for supporting Independent Bookstores! You're the best. And thank you for another book to add to my ever-growing list. I will never catch up.

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  10. I loved Harmonic Feedback, and can't wait to read Amplified. Tara's an amazing author who manages to put the reader inside the mind of someone who thinks a little differently than most in a way that's both enlightening and refreshing.

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  11. I like it! Following blog and twitter ;D

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  12. Awesome! this is so cool thank you so much for the lovely opportunity :D

    Gfc & Twitter follower: kimyunalesca
    kimyunalesca(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  13. You know, this is a book I have been meaning to read (for too long now!). Seriously need a read-a-thon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and enthusiasm for the book. Too late for the contest I know, but wanted to say...thanks!

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