Everything Was Good-bye by Gurjinder Basran (review & contest)

Everything Was Good-bye
Author:  Gurjinder Basran
Published:  December 2012
Publisher: Pintail Books
Pages:  272
ISBN13: 9780143186816
Source:  a complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

THE YOUNGEST OF SIX daughters raised by a widowed mother, Meena is a young woman struggling to find her place in the world. Originally from India, her family still holds on to many old-world customs and traditions that seem stifling to a young North American woman. She knows that the freedom experienced by others is beyond her reach. But unlike her older sisters, Meena refuses to accept a life dictated by tradition. Against her mother’s wishes, she falls for a young man named Liam who asks her to run away with him. Meena must then make a painful choice—one that will lead to stunning and irrevocable consequences.

Heartbreaking and beautiful, Everything Was Good-bye is an unforgettable story about family, love, and loss, and the struggle to live in two different cultural worlds.  (from the cover)

My Review: 

Almost two years ago I read and fell in love with the story  Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda (see my post here) and now I have just completed another story of significant depth, love and sorrow that it belongs in that same cabinet in my mind...the cabinet reserved for books that impact me.

Meena's story is one of cultural diversity, of societal pressure, of understanding and the lack thereof, and of a young girl's desire to find herself.  Her heritage and upbringing dictate an arranged marriage, and though her heart belongs to another, a fact that she is not yet certain of, she abides and enters into the marital covenant with hope and yet with longing to be somewhere else.  Years pass and marriage has become a comfortable arena until Meena again meets the young man who stole her heart years before.  

Faced with decisions, a questionable future, an undeniable yearning; Meena must make a choice.  A choice that will impact the lives of so many for good or for worse.

Everything Was Good-bye, the title, forecasts the story within and  yet the reader hopes for Meena to find happiness, to find herself, and find the beginning of a happy ending.  I became so wrapped up in the telling of the story and the beautiful prose that painted pictures in my mind of scenes, of scents, and feelings.  Gurjinder Basran has a gift for words, for the language of the heart.  I felt the emotions, envisioned the setting, endured the brutal moments, only to cry in heartbreaking sobs with the protagonist and to breathe a breath of hope for her.

Everything Was Good-bye is an ideal book club selection, sure to inspire hours of conversation.

Favourite quotes:

"The smell of chai -- fennel, cloves and cinnamon -- tucked me into my blanket like a seed in a cardamom pod.  I steeped myself into the warmth of waking, listening to the sounds of Sunday morning."  (page 2, opening lines)

"I imagined climbing over the railing and jumping into the water, sinking into the shadowy depths; kelp forests entangling my body, pirate ghosts capturing me for an eternity until I was reborn and transformed into a water nymph with threaded wings of seaweed tasselled with golden coins.  I would be neither blue nor green, neither fish nor girl, but something magical and intensely beautiful." (page 35)

"After dinner we stood outside the restaurant beneath the ripped awning, watching the rain fall in all directions, the wind pushing it this way and that.  Liam flipped up the collar of his coat and inhaled to my exhale, our breath taking from each other." (page 175)

"The first snowfall held the city in its breath, casting a tinsel chill across the sky, a silvery glaze on windows and a rosy glow on children's cheeks.  The streets were lined with wreaths, the street corners dressed in charitable causes and the shop windows adorned with nostalgic scenes of foil-wrapped Christmas gifts beneath perfectly trimmed trees.  As I walked down Robson Street, past all the windows filled with packaged hopes, I knew that mine would go unopened...."(page 225)

------

Gurjinder Basran's "Everything Was Good-bye" was earlier published by Mother Tongue Publishing in 2010 and is being released by Pintail Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing as a trade paperback in the latter part of 2012.

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Thanks to Pintail Books, I have a copy of this astounding book to give away to one lucky reader. Open to US and Canada, I will make a drawing from those who comment on this  post.  That's the only requirement, is a comment stating why you'd like to read Everything Was Good-bye. Contest opens today, December 31 2012 and ends January 19, 2013.  Good luck and thank you to all who enter!

Happy New Year!

Friday 56 (December 28/12)

Hosted by Freda's Voice, The Friday 56 is a fun meme!  Here's how to participate:

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader

 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

It was hot and clumsy work, with her left leg scraping against the aluminum every few inches.  Twice she stopped to listen, thinking she heard footsteps somewhere below.  Would there be an alarm when their escape was discovered? (page 56 Scarlet ARC - Marissa Meyer author)

Book Beginnings on Friday

Book Beginnings on Friday is a bookish meme now sponsored by Rose City Reader (who was the originator).  Want to join in?  Just share the first sentence or two of the book you are currently reading, along with your impressions and thoughts or inspirations the quote inspires.  Please include the title and author's name. Link up each week at Rose City Reader(http://www.rosecityreader.com/2012/12/book-beginnings-cutting-for-stone.html).

Scarlet was descending toward the alley behind the Rieux Tavern when her port screen chimed from the passenger seat, followed by an automated voice:  "Comm received fro Mademoiselle Scarlet Benoit fromt he Toulouse Law Enforcement Department of Missing Persons."  (1st page, 1st sentence from Scarlet ARC, author Marissa Meyer)

A Pod to Read In

Is this the perfect chair or what?

J.R.R. Tolkien's Letters From Father Christmas

Have you heard of J.R.R. Tolkien's letters to his children from Father Christmas?  I hadn't until today when I saw a post with a brief excerpt on Facebook and just had to see more.  You can see an excerpt here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0007463375/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0007463375&linkCode=as2&tag=harpercollins15-21

While you're there, why not order a copy for yourself and/or your children.  It is so cute and shows J.R.R. Tolkien's sense of humour in a manner not before seen in the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
I really enjoyed seeing this side of this fabulous author!

Favourite Books I Read in 2012

Favourite Mystery:

Annie Darling has planned another exciting event, this time aboard a ship cruising in the waters near Broward Rock, South Carolina. (fictional island). Annie is pleased to see so many in costumes of popular book sleuths and all is going well when there's a scream and someone is overboard. Is it a suicide or murder? Within days, the body count grows as shortly thereafter another murder occurs, a car is missing and a wealthy senior is dead, presumably another suicide. Things just don't seem to be so cut and dry to Annie who proceeds, with the enlistment of her husband and some local friends, to uncover the mystery of these occurrences and find the murderer before he/she strikes again.  

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/11/murder-walks-plank-by-carolyn-hart-book.html

Favourite Memoir:

The End of Your Life Book Club is touching, thoughtful, inspirational and most definitely my favourite book of 2012.  If you are looking for a book that will touch your heart and soul and linger in your thoughts long after you closed the cover, this is the book for you.  Better still, give a copy to your loved ones.  It's just that good!

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/11/the-end-of-your-life-book-club-by-will.html

Favourite Business:

As children, we were all curious and full of questions.  The favourite word for a five year old is usually "why?"  Not because they are trying to be difficult, but because they really want to know.  Over the years spent in the educational system children are discouraged from being disruptive, the fear of failure grows and children are less inclined/discouraged to ask questions.  Amanda Lang's theory of The Power of Whyencourages that childlike wonderment, the curiosity, the lack of fear of failure, and a desire to learn.  By allowing ourselves, our employees, our co-workers, our family members to think laterally, to embrace the challenges, and to respectfully question, we unleash the power of innovation and creative solutions.  
http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/12/the-power-of-why-by-amanda-lang.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/FVabo+(My+Bookshelf)

Favourite Children's 

I squealed with glee!  Yes, I did!  A co-worker showed me The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore today and I was thrilled to see this new release in children's books!  I saw the animated Acadamy Award winning feature a while ago and fell in love.  Needless to say, when I found this book upon which the animated featurette was based, I just had to have it.  I read it....devoured it in minutes, and then returned to the beginning to appreciate the artwork!  As you can see from the sample pages above and below, this book is a feast for the eyes.  The way William Joyce wrote it, in a tale with messages that reveal themselves with the maturity of the reader, intermingled with terrific illustrations done by Joe Blum, it is a treasure!  

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/06/fantastic-flying-books-of-mr-morris.html

Favourite Fiction:

State of Wonder is definitely one of the very best books I've read...ever!  When I first introduced this novel, I had barely begun the journey that I will not soon forget.  Here's what I said, "Now I know what all the fuss is about! This book is phenomenal! It had me wiping away the tears in the first chapter, sitting at the edge of my seat, feeling astounded by elements of the story, and mesmerized by the entirety of it all!" (GoodReads and My Bookshelf)

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/06/state-of-wonder-by-ann-patchett-review.html

Clara and Mr. Tiffany is a story with wide appeal.  For the history buff, the lover of art, a supporter of feminism, a fan of love stories, triumph over trials....it's all here.  Susan has fleshed out each character and the ensuing relationships, allowing the individuals to live and breathe as vividly as if the reader knew them personally. 

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/05/clara-and-mr-tiffany-by-susan-vreeland.html

I loved this novel. for within the pages of Falling Together, I found true heart, real love, and soul.    If you are looking for a book of substance and humour to warm those chilly days and nights, you simply must give this one a read.  Falling Together is definitely a good thing!

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/10/falling-together-by-marisa-de-los-santos.html

Favourite Christmas:

The accomplishments of the power of infinite love, through various trials and triumphs,   are the perfect examples of love, courage, and fine humanity we wish the world would embrace.  Kris Kringle may not be perfect in his efforts but he means well and in the end he shines as beautifully and fantastic as a fairy tale Prince Charming.  Strong messages of charity and love abound in this short novel which reinforce the message of Christmas:  to love one another.

Highly recommended as a family read for Christmas.  Kris Kringle's Magic is sure to be a welcome tradition in your home!

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/11/kris-kringles-magic-by-diane-tolley.html

Favourite YA:

I wholeheartedly admit to LOVING this book!!  I read it on the transit to and from work, during my breaks, including my lunch breaks.  I was so involved in the story that I longed for lunch time just so I could pick up the book again!  It's been a while since I've read a book of this magnitude!  I am just sorry it took so long for me to discover The Hunger Games.  The plot is unique, the characters well-fleshed out and realistic, their emotions and thought processes genuine.  It's an "on the edge of your seat" kind of read. One that stays with you and makes you long incessantly for the next book in the series, which is Catching Fire.  

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/02/book-review-hunger-games-by-suzanne.html

Suzanne Collins authors another powerful novel in Catching Fire, the second book in The Hunger Games series.  She manipulates the environment, the mood, the plot masterfully, weaving in subplots and new characters while maintaining the hold she has on the readers' attention.  It is hard to put down, though not so difficult as The Hunger Games was (probably because The Hunger Gameswas so action-packed).  Catching Fire ends with a lovely little cliffhanger, just to keep the reader excited and eager to read the next book in the series, Mockingjay.  

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/02/catching-fire-author-collins-published.html

 I was 257 pages into Mockingjay when I just knew I had to buy the entire series.  I had originally borrowed each book in turn but by book 2, I knew it was a buyer!  I didn't finish reading the original borrowed copy, but rather returned it and bought the set for myself and finished reading from my own copy.  I know my daughter will like it too!

Mockingjay is a roller coaster ride of events, danger, joy, sadness, thrills, edge of your seat reading.  In conclusion, Mockingjay sings!

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/02/mockingjay-by-suzanne-collins-ya-book.html

I loved this book!  I know, my readers know I don't read much Young Adult Fiction but this one is definitely worth every second of your time!!  I was mesmerized as I read of this society, captivated by the story, drawn into Lena's life.  I laughed. I cried. I cheered.  Not necessarily in that order.  

Do I recommend it?  Wholeheartedly!!  Am I following author Lauren Oliver's blog?  You bet!!!  Am I anxious and excited for the second book in the series?  That is an automatic and enthusiastic yes!! 

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/01/delirium-is-contagious.html

Pandemonium finds Lena vulnerable, afraid and weak from her injuries.  Time heals her physical wounds and the emotional despair lessens and Lena finds herself acting as a spy.  She is in New York, spying on the son of the DFA leader, pretending to be one of them, acting cured and in favour of the cause to eradicate the disease called love.  But in all this, Lena finds herself in physical and emotional danger... danger of falling in love...again.  Where does this all lead her?  From vulnerable to resistance fighter, from sorrow to hope, and possibly to love.  But then, in the last few paragraphs, a twist is unveiled that leaves the reader hanging.....

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/03/pandemonium-by-lauren-oliver-2nd-in.html

From the first chapter, I was taken in by Cinder's story.  Cinder is a strong protagonist who battles herself as much as she battles the environment of the day.  I love the unique angle on what was once a favourite fairy tale.  With a twist here and there, Cinder sweeps you along until the last chapter where you are left dangling, hoping the second book will answer the questions of the cliffhanger ending.

http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.ca/2012/01/cinder-by-marissa-meyer-ya-book-review.html

Book Beginnings on Fridays: Everything Was Good-bye (December 21/12)

Here's hoping the world hasn't ended and this post is going live!  Not that I believe it will at all, end that is.  This is my first time joining in with Rose City Reader in the Book Beginnings on Friday meme.

Book Beginnings on Friday is a bookish meme now sponsored by Rose City Reader (who was the originator).  Want to join in?  Just share the first sentence or two of the book you are currently reading, along with your impressions and thoughts or inspirations the quote inspires.  Please include the title and author's name. Link up each week at Rose City Reader (http://www.rosecityreader.com/2012/12/book-beginnings-cutting-for-stone.html).

Everything Was Good-bye

Author: Gurjinder Basran

Winner of the Search for the Great B.C. Novel Contest
Winner of the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize 2011
Chatelaine Magazine Book Club Selection 2012

"The smell of chai -- fennel, cloves and cinnamon -- tucked me into my blanket like a seed in a cardamom pod.  I steeped myself into the warmth of waking, listening to the sounds of Sunday morning."

Delicious!  The smells of a simmering Christmas potpourri comes to mind as I re-read the first sentence of this new novel.  Such imagery! I have only just begun reading Everything Was Good-bye but it holds promise!  

Where are your "book beginnings" taking you today?

Terrific Price on Extraordinary Rendition (ebook until January 7)!

Extraordinary Rendition ebook was just put on a special Holiday Season Price Promo for just $1.99, and I thought you may want to know about it!  (It’s going on until January 7th, Kindle - http://amzn.to/Rfnmva ; Nook - http://bit.ly/R44yAo) 

If you enjoyed my post including an excerpt  from Extraordinary Rendition, then you want to check out this great deal!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Dec 17/12)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. Here we share what we are reading, the books we've acquired or borrowed, and reviews.

This past week has been crazy busy at work.  That's retail though this time of year!  So I return home exhausted and just seem to veg in front of the computer.  I did manage to finish reading The Power of Why by Amanda Lang which was stimulating!  The Power of Why encourages the reader to think of things differently, think laterally, ask why, turn things around and look at them with a new approach.  Doing so can help you solve problems and become innovative in all aspects of your life.  Amanda Lang names several companies and individuals who used this method and found great success.  Canadian Tire and Otis Elevators are but two from whom she took examples.  If you get a chance, I highly recommend The Power of Why!

And... my husband and I went to see The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey on Friday!!!  It was sooooo good!!!  Read my thoughts on this book to movie here.  You have to go see this!  I'm just saying!

This week I am tackling Televenge.  So far I am having a difficult time getting into the story.  But I shall persevere and give it another chance.  I have picked up an ARC of Scarlet by Marissa Meyer again.  I had put it aside several months ago when we moved and I soon forgot about it until recently.  Oh, and exciting news!  My blog is in the upcoming paperback release of Cinder!! Cool, right!  (Cinder is the first in the Lunar Chronicles of which Scarlet is the second.)

I also have two book giveaways right now!  Be sure to click on the links on my sidebar and easily enter to win!  

Recently received in my mailbox:

Everything Was Good-bye by Gurjinder Basran

The Books They Gave Me by Jen Adams

Vanity Fare by Megan Caldwell

The Beggar's Opera by Peggy Blair

Quinoa Revolution by Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (review)

Yesterday afternoon my husband and I attended The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey.  It was opening day and we selected the 3-D version at the Ultra AVX theatre (where we also saw Titanic).  The theatre had a few odd empty seats which surprised me.  Actually, The Hobbit.... premiered the previous evening to a standing ovation, the girl at the ticket counter told me.  She has seen it thrice and it just opened!!!  A few audience members applauded at the end of the showing yesterday but no ovation.

It was fabulous!!!  Of course it was gory and a lot of graphic fighting scenes splashed across the screen but despite that (and of course, we all expected it) the story was superbly told.  Casting of all characters was spot on and my husband could name all the dwarves who invaded poor unsuspecting Bilbo's home before they were introduced.  That's excellent casting, I say!  

From the "home invasion", an empty pantry, to giant spiders and wicked magic by a necromancer, we follow Bilbo as he begins a quest which he doesn't feel cut out for.  After all, hobbits don't like adventure!  Never before has a hobbit seen so much, been faced with so much and accomplished so much! 

The 3D effect, which I complained previously about not being necessary in most new films (Avatar being the only exception), did the story justice here.  It didn't come across overly enhanced; rather, it made the filming flow smoothly with great life.  I love the butterfly scene!  

All in all, it was stupendous!!!  Only one complaint, and I'm sure everyone will agree, it will take far too long for parts II and III to hit theatres!!!!

I think I will re-read The Hobbit before seeing the next two parts.  I've forgotten far too much!

The Power of Why by Amanda Lang

The Power of Why

Author:  Amanda Lang

Published:  October 2012

Publisher:  Harper Collins

Pages: 273 including an index, notes (acknowledgements/sources)

Source:  borrowed
Genre:  business

ISBN 9781443413183

Why are some people able to get so much more done in so much less time than others? Why do some companies flourish in tough times while others fail? Why are some countries more productive than others?

Through an entertaining mix of examples from the business world, insights from innovation gurus, little-known research, the experiences of business leaders and her own candid stories of life off-camera, Amanda Lang explains how asking the right questions has changed the world and how it can change you, too. From the invention of the curved shower curtain rod to the introduction of an elevator that creates electricity as it moves from floor to floor, The Power of Why persuasively spells out the connection between innovation and productivity that is so crucial in the knowledge economy.

Instead of obsessing over working smarter, we ought to focus on the instinctive urge to question that?s so natural for young children. As Lang shows, it's possible to reignite that instinct at any age and to become more innovative and productive, as well as more fulfilled in our jobs and happier in our relationships. That's the power of why.

Review:

"... paradoxically, the less willing you are to make mistakes, the more likely you may be to make them because you've narrowed your mind and drastically reduced your openness to new opportunities." (page 116, The Power of Why) 

Discussing the innovations of curious minds including one who developed a safety feature that ensures a saw will stop when it comes in contact with human flesh, another few who developed a new "chain" for Otis elevators, a man who made his hotels the epitome of hospitality.  All of these and more are discussed in The Power of Why as examples of how one can become innovative when we allow ourselves to ask questions, think beyond the typical boundaries, be creative and unafraid to fail.  

As children, we were all curious and full of questions.  The favourite word for a five year old is usually "why?"  Not because they are trying to be difficult, but because they really want to know.  Over the years spent in the educational system children are discouraged from being disruptive, the fear of failure grows and children are less inclined/discouraged to ask questions.  Amanda Lang's theory of The Power of Why encourages that childlike wonderment, the curiosity, the lack of fear of failure, and a desire to learn.  By allowing ourselves, our employees, our co-workers, our family members to think laterally, to embrace the challenges, and to respectfully question, we unleash the power of innovation and creative solutions.  

The more I read The Power of Why, the more I realized that I fit into the "play it safe" category.  I do ask questions to better learn reasoning, but I fear failure in a big way.  I don't take risks, at least not many.  Upon reading this powerful little book, I feel a little more emboldened to take on new tasks and embrace the opportunity to learn, to grow, to think laterally and to make mistakes.  Okay, that last word is still painful.  Maybe I need practice with the whole concept.

The Power of Why goes against the norm.  Author Amanda Lang encourages the reader to question why and how.  To think outside the box.  To think laterally.  The chapter on working as a team and the mentality of an employee who feels valued really struck me.  I recommended this book at work as an essential read for all employees.  The Power of Why could be an amazing tool in building a team with common aspirations and a mindset in which they acknowledge their role as valued, as an important member of a team.

Highly recommended whether you are a parent, an employee, an entrepreneur (especially!), a manager.  Whatever your role, The Power of Why is enlightening!

Holiday Promo From Astor + Blue Publishing

Holiday Promo from "Digital First" publisher, Astor + Blue Editions—is putting its entire inaugural list of titles on sale: From now until January 7^th, all the titles will be priced between $0.99 and $1.99 at every retailer (Please see http://astorandblue.com/catalog/ - The list includes thrillers, literary fiction, classic, romances and non-fiction).   

A Christmas Message from Simon and Schuster

Curious to see what fills this frame?  Click the link below for a charming virtual Christmas card from Simon and Schuster Publishing. Here's a hint, it follows the theme of one of my absolute favourite children's books of all time!!!  Enjoy!!!

http://pages.simonandschuster.com/happyholidays2012/

Why Don't You Enter Book Giveaways?

I want to know.  Are there too many giveaways available to you, the reader?  Are you tired of them?  Too busy?  Hate word verification?  Can't be bothered?  I want to know.

Currently I have two book giveaways and not a single entrant!  Why?  Is it the choice of books?  I'd love some feedback from my readers.  

If, after reading this, you decide to enter a couple contests, check out the links on my sidebar under Current Giveaways.  It can be as simple as leaving a comment!  

Signed,

Confused but enthusiastic book blogger,

Shirley @ My Bookshelf

A Message from John Simpson, Author of Missing Rebecca

Missing Rebecca, a great mystery, now read for only a buck on Kindle, (great reviews: http://amzn.to/12joaG3)  or in print: http://amzn.to/ZbkO8N .


Read my  post.

Best of Canadian Books for 2012 According to The Quill and Quire Magazine

The Quill and Quire has released its best of Canadian books list for 2012:

Fiction:

Dear Life 
by Alice Munro

Siege 13 
by Tamas Dobozy 

Indian Horse
by Richard Wagamese

Maidenhead 
by Tamara Faith Berger

Inside 
by Alix Ohlin

Nonfiction:

Waging Heavy Peace 
by Neil Young

My Leaky Body: tales from the gurney
by Julie Devaney

Jerusalem: chronicles from the holy city 
by Guy Delisle

Burma: rivers of flavor (M)
by Naomi Duguid

Out of the Blue: a memoir of workplace depression, recovery, redemption, and yes, happiness 
by Jan Wong

Since seeing the following interview, I have really wanted to read this memoir by Jan Wong: