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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Early Birds Blog Tour and Giveaway- Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly

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Category: FICTION
Format: HARDCOVER BOOK
Publish Date: 2/9/2009
US/Can Price: $26.99/$29.99
ISBN: 9780446579001
Pages: 576
Size: 6" x 9"


Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!!!!! I am so excited to be part of the Early Birds Blog Tour of Galway Bay. This book is beyond incredible. I loved every last bit of it, and I was completely overwhelmed and inspired. I hope to one day get more details on my own Irish ancestry. So how about some details on Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly? And don't forget to make your way to the bottom of this blog for a giveaway!

Description from publisher's website:
Here at last is one Irish family's epic journey, capturing the tragedy and triumph of the Irish-American experience. In a rousing tale that echoes the myths and legends of Ireland herself, young Honora Keeley and Michael Kelly wed and start a family, inhabiting a hidden Ireland where fishermen and tenant farmers find solace in their ancient faith, songs, stories, and communal celebrations. Selling both their catch--and their crops--to survive, these people subsist on the potato crop--their only staple food. But when blight destroys the potatoes three times in four years, a callous government and uncaring landlords turn a natural disaster into The Great Starvation that will kill one million. Honora and Michael vow their children will live. The family joins two million other Irish refugees in one of the greatest rescues in human history: the Irish Emigration to America. Danger and hardship await them there. Honora and her unconventional sister Maire watch their seven sons as they transform Chicago from a frontier town to the "City of the Century", fight the Civil War, and enlist in the cause of Ireland's freedom. The Kelly clan is victorious. This heroic story sheds brilliant light on the ancestors of today's 44 million Irish Americans.

In the author's colorful and eclectic life, she has written and directed award-winning documentaries on Irish subjects, as well as the dramatic feature Proud. She's been an associate producer on Good Morning America and Saturday Night Live, written books on Martin Scorsese, World War II, and Bosnia, and a novel based on her experiences as a former nun - Special Intentions. She is a frequent contributor to Irish America Magazine and has a PhD in English and Irish literature.






You can also catch a wonderful interview with Mary Pat Kelly on Blog Talk Radio at 11am EST. Just click on the link, even if you miss the time, you can still hear it!



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As an Irish girl, let me tell you, I was PUMPED beyond belief to read this gem! I know you are going to want to see a little more so check this out! I have always longed to visit Ireland and see where my family came from. This book is an incredible adventure. Take a gander here!








Be sure to drop by these other participants blogs on the tour!

http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com
http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com/
http://bookthirty.blogspot.com/
http://readersrespite.blogspot.com
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com
http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com
http://www.acircleofbooks.blogspot.com
http://www.corinnesbookreviews.blogspot.com
http://lorisbookden.blogspot.com/
http://www.bookthoughtsbylisa.blogspot.com
http://teddyrose.blogspot.com
http://libraryqueue.blogspot.com
http://allisonsatticblog.blogspot.com
http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
http://luanneabookwormsworld.blogspot.com/
http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/
http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/
http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/
http://www.marjoleinbookblog.blogspot.com
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/
http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/
http://jennsbookshelf.blogspot.com/
http://thebookczar.blogspot.com
http://www.writeforareader.edublogs.org
http://linussblanket.com
http://booksbytjbaff.blogspot.com/
http://www.caribousmom.com
http://hiddenplace.wordpress.com/
http://www.chikune.com/blog
http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com
http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com
http://savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com
http://www.kayespenguinposts.blogspot.com
http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com
http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com
http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.bookbargainsandpreviews.com/reviews/history/galwaybay.htm
http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com
http://www.thisbookforfree.com
http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/


Giveaway Details: I have been very fortunate to have the opportunty to giveaway a copy of Galway Bay to one reader! Thank you, thank you, thank you to Miriam from the Hachette Book Group.

First things first, the requirements. Hachette sends these books out directly so the entrants must have a US or Canadian address and no PO Boxes.

I need a way to contact you if you win, so I need an email address (disguised is fine ex: enroutetolifeATgmailDOTcom or however else you want to do it so the lil spiders don't grab you). Please include an email address with your entry. IF your email address is in your blog profile that works too for this giveaway.

Entries: There will be a simple way and then some extra ways to earn an entry.

First and foremost entry: For the first entry tell me why you want to win Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly. Don't forget to leave an email address.

Additional Entries: For each one of these please come back and leave a separate entry for each.

Additional Entries:

----Blog or tweet about this giveaway, come back and post the link. One additional entry

----Send a friend this way, have them comment with who sent them. One additional entry for both of you.

----Tell me if you have any plans for St. Patrick's Day and what you are doing. One additional entry

----Leave a relevant comment on any March post in this blog. One entry for each comment starting on the contest date of March 17 again...leave an email with your comment.

That's all folks, I am really excited about this book and this giveaway. Giveaway ends March 31 at 11:59pm Mountain Time Zone.





51 comments:

Serena said...

No need to enter me since I am part of the tour, but I wanted to stop in and say hello! Great review. I'm posting your contest in my sidebar.

Helga Marie Bee said...

Oh, please count me in on this give away, the book sounds FABULOUS. As for my St Patty's plans I am on bedrest, so I will be on the couch catching up on blogs and watching Darby O'gill and the Little People.

QallieQ (at) gmail (dot) com

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

Wasn't this book simply great! I loved it. Don't enter me, I reviewed it, too.

Toni said...

Hi Kaela.. I am stopping by on the blog tour. I have loved every bit of this book also.

Annie1 said...

Oh, I'd love to win a copy of this book, because it sounds like a very gripping tale and one that myself and my dad would enjoy!


Thanks


nancyrobster@gmail.com

Annie1 said...

Tweeted


greeeneyedwhwomhttp://tinyurl.com/d8ccch Win a copy of Galway Bay!

Twitter name is greeeneyedwhwom

Thanks

nancyrobster@gmail.com

Annie1 said...

I have no plans because its St Patty's Day but we are going to celebrate my nephews birthday tonight!


Thanks


nancyrobster@gmail.com

Stormi said...

Kelly,

Sounds like a interesting book and I have a bit of Irish blood in me, so I would love to enter! :)

Stormi
ladystorm282001[at]yahoo[dot]com

Luanne said...

No need to enter me - stopping by on the tour to say hi. I so agree - it's one of the best books I've read in awhile - loved it!

Bridget said...

I've posted this on Win A Book. No need to enter me.

nfmgirl said...

I would like to read this book, because I've heard such great things about it. Plus I've been involved in genealogy and find the idea of a fictional story based on true stories of my ancestors to be fascinating.

nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

nfmgirl said...

Nope, no plans for St. Patty's. Just watching TV and blogging.

Debs Desk said...

Please enter me in your giveaway. The book sounds great and is on my wishlist.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

I love Irish family sagas! Please count me in!

Thanks!

nbmars AT yahoo DOT com

Debs Desk said...

Please include me in your giveaway. This book is on my wishlist and I would love to win it.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9@verizon.net

windycindy said...

Happy St.Patrick's Day!
The author has a varied and rich life! She is very interesting and knowledgeable in many areas. My paternal grandmother came over from France when she was a girl of 11. I would love to read this story about Irish immigrants and their life before and after immigrating here.
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

For our dinner, our family ate and drank everything green! It was a lot of fun.....Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I'd like to win this book because I love historical fiction and Irish history is something I've not really explored.

Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Blogged:
http://www.morbid-romantic.net/2009/03/16/book-giveaways-0316-0322/

Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I went to see a movie today. Perfect plans for the day!

Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com

darbyscloset said...

Kelly,
You crack me up! You and I are so much alike!!! I too am Irish and would love to know more about my background and would love some day to go to Ireland. Why do I want this book, because you recommend this read so highly!
Thanks for the intro!!!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

darbyscloset said...

I am a subscriber too!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

Dawn M. said...

Wow, what a gripping story! I have to confess, I don't know a lot about the Irish immigrants and the journey that brought them here. So I think it would be fascinating to read about it.

Thanks! :0)
librarygrinch at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I want to win the book because I love any book that has to do with Irish history, and this one sounds just as amazing as others I've read. Please enter me. Thanks!

tiffanyak1986(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

For St. Patrick's Day we had plans to (and did) have potatoes at dinner. It's sort of our subtle reminder of Irish history.

tiffanyak1986(at)hotmail(dot)com

Amanda said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I've been dying to read this book. I haven't read a bad review yet! I wish I were Irish too, darn it. But I still love it! :) We were going to go to our local cafe/bar near our apartment for St. Patrick's Day but my husband was so tired that we just ended up having a pint of Guinness each at home. It was great though :)

Becca said...

Please enter me. I have heard great things about this book and the more I hear the more I want to read it. Thanks
rebecca.bradeen(at)verizon(dot)net

Anita Yancey said...

I would love win this book, because I have some Irish ancestry on my mom's side of the family. I also find this book so interesting, and would love to know more about that time in history. Please enter me. Thanks so much for having this giveaway.

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Anna said...

No need to enter me, as I'm part of the tour. Just wanted to pop in and say I'm glad you enjoyed the book. It's now one of my favorites.


--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Jo-Jo said...

I would love to win this book because I enjoy learning about other countries and cultures.
joannelong74@gmail.com

Marie said...

I've heard such good things about this book. I find Ireland and all things Irish fascinating. Please enter me. Thanks.

lazydaisy0413[at]yahoo[dot]com

Gwendolyn B. said...

I NEED to read this book because I love historical fiction and I have heard that this book is nothing short of wonderfully amazingly good. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

Gwendolyn B. said...

Here's my Tweet: http://tiny.cc/7GLWo
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

Storeetllr said...

I would like to win this. Not for me (tho I'm part Irish) but for my girlfriend who is ALL IRISH and loves ALL THINGS IRISH and who loves to read and who is always so generous with everyone when she can be but who has been without a job since early December because of a layoff. Even if I don't win this, I think I'll pick up a copy for her from the bookstore and give it to her. I know she'd love it.

Storeetllr said...

For my girlfriend who loves books and all things Irish. She got laid off in early December and hasn't found a permanent job yet.

Irene said...

Fantastic review of what sounds like a fantastic read. Please enter me in the giveaway, even though I am Polish!! But my husband is Irish...

cyeates AT nycap DOT rr DOT com

Unknown said...

Please enter me in the giveaway. A lot of those Irishment ended up settling locally, a few of which are my ancestors. This looks like a great read about their emigration.

kolists a\t gmail do\t com

CherylS22 said...

I'd love to win this book because I love reading about Irish heritage & culture. I so enjoyed reading "The Given Day" by Dennis Lehane & would surely enjoy this book as well.

Please count me in - Thanks!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

The only plans we had for St. Patrick's Day were, unfortunately, sad - a funeral service for a family member.

megalon22 at yahoo dot com

Marie said...

I would love to read this since I come from a very Irish family and we are very proud of our heritage!

vmlay@artsci.wustl.edu

Sara said...

I want to win this book because I traveled to Galway with my best friend after college and it was our favorite place!

Sara said...

We all dressed in green for St Pattys and I made corned beef and cabbage

JaniceH said...

Would love to win this book. Love the Irish culture. Last year went to the Philadephia Flower Show where the theme was Irish Gardens. They had all these cute fairies and little people hiding in all the gardens.

Thanks!

jlhal@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

I actually have never read a single book on irish history, and being such a big fan of historical fiction, I'd love to read this book to learn a bit more about the place. :)

I don't usually do a whole lot for St. Patricks Day unfortunately, just wear a little green and that's about it.

Maybe that will change if I get a chance to win this book! :P Enter me please.

Rattlesnake2021 AT aol DOT com

Sue W. said...

I remember going to England, Ireland and Scotland right out of highschool and before I eventually had to settle down and get a job. While in Ireland my girlfriend and I went to the horse races, she wore a pink outfit and mine was green, one of the jockeys stopped and talked to us and then went on to win the race. This didn't take place in Galway, actually Killarny but it always brings back fond memories of Ireland.

avisannschild said...

Please enter me! I'd like to read this book because I've heard such good things about it and I'm fascinated by novels that are based on the author's family history. Thanks!

shereadsandreads(at)gmail(dot)com

rubynreba said...

Please enter me to win this book. I would love to read it.

claire said...

Please enter me in the draw, thanks! I would love to read this book because I'm very drawn to nautical books. If it's about the sea, boats, I'm almost a hundred percent sure I'll love reading it. My email is:

dreamsongpoem at gmail dot com

claire said...

Please enter me in the draw, thanks! I would love to read this book because I'm very drawn to nautical books. If it's about the sea, boats, I'm almost a hundred percent sure I'll love reading it. My email is:

dreamsongpoem at gmail dot com

Esme said...

No St. Patty plans were had-I was prepping for trial-I would love to read the book as anything is better than preparing for trial-I need a diversion to rest my mind and a good book makes me put work away.

traveler said...

Reading a family saga and about immigrants is my favorite type of novel. Thanks for this wonderful story. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com