Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion is our book club pick for January. We’ll be discussing it on Monday, February 3rd. It was originally our pick for December, but Anna Karenina took longer to read than anticipated. You know all this. I’m just posting this as a gentle reminder and as an invitation to anyone who is new or wasn’t aware of our book club pick for this month.
This is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz is February’s Phenomenally Indecisive Book Club pick. It’s a slim book of short stories centering around Yunior, a character who has made several appearances across Diaz’s work. I’m so, so excited about this pick.
First, Diaz is an author intimately familiar with the Latin immigrant culture, and it shows. Everything he writes is so familiar to me. Reading it is like watching my family argue.
Second, Diaz is one of my favorite contemporary authors. I love him. I can’t write about him without gushing so I’ll just say, again, I love him. I love him, I love him, I love him.
As excited as I am for this book, I am also nervous. I love Junot Diaz so much that I have placed him on a pedestal. I will be devastated if he goes the way of John Irving. Once my favorite author, Irving has become increasingly hit or miss. The Fourth Hand was a miss. Until I Find You forced me into a still-in-effect Irving sabbatical.
My goal moving forward is to gift a book club participant with the upcoming selection. I’ve done that a couple of times already, and a generous anonymous reader (Susan G.) has done it at least twice. Since I am actually organized and ahead of the game this time around, I can giveaway a copy of This is How You Lose Her with enough time for one reader to receive, read, and participate in the discussion. I will purchase the book in the format most convenient for you (e.g. hardback, ebook).
The rules are simple. Leave one comment, please. Legal restrictions force me to limit participants to those 18 years old and up. The giveaway is open to international readers. You are not required to like me, follow me, or give me flowers, chocolates, and promises you don’t intend to keep in order to participate in this giveaway, though I certainly won’t bite your fingers if you decide to do so. Truly, it’s not necessary or expected.
I will use a random number generator to pick the winner next week after closing the giveaway on Tuesday. I will announce the winner shortly after that, most likely on Wednesday.
Thank you!
UPDATE: Congratulations, Amy. :)
I have never participated in your book club at the time but have read certain books subsequently. My favourite was ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’. Following your gushing recommendation of Mr Diaz I’d be interested to read this month’s choice.
Beauty and the beast!!! My best school friend quoted the life out of that one!
I’m not familiar with Junot Diaz, but now I’m inspired to find out more about him. I would love to read the book club book!
I just recently read and LOVED This Is How You Lose Her, have no fear! I’m a big Diaz fan too, and also used to claim John Irving as my favorite author and agree about his more recent work. So basically I guess I’ll read anything you recommend from now on since we’re clearly on the same page (pun not initially intended, but heartily embraced).
Seeing how I’ve yet to participate in a discussion, I feel guilty even leaving a comment . . . and yet, here I am. I’ve no pride when it comes to a book giveaway. Obviously.
Oh, shoot, my library only offers the Oscar Wao book for digital borrowing (though I’ve heard it’s excellent, so I’m putting in a request right now, 38th on the list for ONE copy!). I’ve been trying my best to read the book club books that are available to me, but I’m often finishing after the discussion, though I keep the post in my RSS reader so I can go back and get everyone’s thoughts when I finally finish each book.
I’m especially excited to read Overdressed, especially through the lens of the William Morris Project!
I actually really loved Irving’s most recent book, In One Person. So if you decide to end your Irving sabbatical, you could start there…
I haven’t read any Junot Diaz, so would be grateful for the opportunity.
I love Junot Diaz! This should be a good one :)
Just put my request in for the audiobook (since I so enjoyed listening to AK on 30 cd’s) – I’m fifth in line. But that’s better than season 2 of Downton Abbey – I’m 62nd. Maybe I’ll win this book and that will be even better!
I’d enjoy reading something new. Right now I’m reading something old. A 1947 cookbook. I”ll let you know how it turns out!
Although I have not (yet ) read anything by this author, I have read SO many good reviews of this book that I have put it on my to-be-read list. I would love to win a copy:)
What great picks!
I would love to win the book. After all, I’ve only got 4 going at once right now; 5 would be better!
Cheers!
I love your blog! Reading your posts are a nice little escape from my sonetimes hectic day. We are going through our 7th move in 9 years (military) and a good and easy read is just what I need right now.
I would love a copy of this book! I just reserved it at the library and there is a loooong waiting list.
Great picks!
I’m thrilled that you picked a short story collection! That used to be my #1 favorite form, both to read and to write. Somehow, after I had kids, I lost some of my affection (but just some). I’ve read a few of Diaz’s stories here & there and loved his voice…so I’m really looking forward to digging into this one.
What librarian could possibly resist the chance to win a book from such an acclaimed author?
What a great idea (the book club, and the giveaway!). Great picks on books!
I would love to win TIHYLH, and will try to get it from the library in case it’s not my lucky day.
I would love love love to win this book!
My participation in the book club extends as far as downloading Anna Karenina to my Kindle. And while reading your blog posts, I do occasionally gush like you do over John Irving. But I restrain myself just shy of posting repetitive I love you’s in the comments!
I have “Overdressed…” at home waiting to be read. :) And I have “This is How You Lose Her” on hold. Would love to have my own copy, as I’ve heard it’s a great book!
I’ve never heard of this author but would to him out! :)
I’ve never read Diaz but I’m intrigued based on your rave reviews of his other work. And OMG what you said about John Irving is so heartbreakingly true! I HATED The Fourth Hand. In fact, that might be the last thing I read by him. I’ve been too nervous to read his newer work. It’s a shame. A Prayer for Owen Meany remains my all-time favorite book and he has a few other great ones in his catalog.
I would love a copy – stumbled upon your blog, and then stumbled (ok – so I stumble a LOT!) on the mention of the book club! Nirvana! I’ve been wanting to join a book club – and here yours is! Thanks – looking forward to reading the book and discussing with everyone!
And February’s pick – I’ve never read Diaz, so I’ll definitely be expanding my horizons.
Whee, a free book, who could resist the opportunity? Thanks for the giveaway and the chance. Sounds interesting, I’ve never read Diaz and look forward to doing so.
I find so many books through other people’s suggestions, I’m excited to look up Junot Diaz and read some of his work.
I would love to join your book club. This selection Looks really interesting.
Oh me, me! I have this on my list to read. Thank you for hosting this book club, and for a lovely giveaway!
Thanks Jules, I’d love a chance to win.
and BTW, I totally agree with the John Irving sabbatical. He almost lost me after GARP, which I loved.
I want to win!
After being remedial ( ie three months behind) every pick I am actually read to talk Overdressed on time. This is how you lose her was on my future reads list so I’m excited for that too!
I haven’t been doing any non-school-related reading in a while, so winning these would be great!
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