Monday, June 14, 2010

Book Giveaway: April and Oliver by Tess Callahan

I have three copies of this book to giveaway. Please leave a comment below with your email address. The contest is open to US and Canada only but no PO Box addresses. Winners will be chosen on July 6.

Synopsis:
Best friends since childhood, the sexual tension between April and Oliver has always been palpable. Years after being completely inseparable, they become strangers, but the wildly different paths of their lives cross once again with the sudden death of April's brother. Oliver, the responsible, newly engaged law student finds himself drawn more than ever to the reckless, mystifying April - and cracks begin to appear in his carefully constructed life. Even as Oliver attempts to "save" his childhood friend from her grief, her menacing boyfriend and herself, it soon becomes apparent that Oliver has some secrets of his own--secrets he hasn't shared with anyone, even his fiancé.

















Reading Group Guide:
The prologue of April and Oliver depicts the fatal car crash of April’s brother, told from his point of view. What does Buddy’s perspective add to the story?
At the end of Chapter 2, why does Oliver fail to return the lost button from April’s dress?
The novel contains many flashbacks. How does the history between April and Oliver affect their current relationship?
What is your opinion of T.J.? Why do you suppose April goes back to him after getting the protection order?
What shift takes place during April and Oliver’s Christmas Eve conversation in front of the fireplace? How does their exchange that night affect the dynamics between them the following day?
Why does Oliver react so strongly to the revelation that he used to play piano?
The narration shifts between the points of view of April, Oliver, and occasionally other characters. Why does the author use this device, and how does it feel to be privy to each character’s thoughts?
What do you make of April’s relationship to her father, and how do you think it affects her present life?
Do you think April should mail the fabricated love letter to Buddy’s old girlfriend? Why do you suppose she wants to do so?
After Christmas, April has the opportunity to meet Al in New York rather than go to see T.J. Why doesn’t she?
Why does April bring Kenny, of all people, to Oliver’s barbeque? There is quite a bit of external drama that takes place that day, but there is also an inward shift for April. How would you describe this change?
What does April mean on page 143 when she says, “If I were a killer, you’re the one I’d kill”? How does this alter the energy between them?
Were you surprised when Al confronted T.J. in Hal’s backyard? Do you think he did the right thing? Did you believe in T.J.’s desire to make a fresh start?
After the stabbing, why does April go to her grandmother’s house instead of the hospital? How does the incident become a breaking point for Oliver?
Do you sympathize with Bernadette? What would you do if you suspected your partner had feelings for someone else?
Were you surprised when T.J. waded into the river? Do you think he made a conscious choice?
What kind of father is Hal? How has he influenced Oliver?
Why does Oliver behave so uncharacteristically at the beach house? If April hadn’t gotten hurt, would he have gone through with his attack? How does the energy between them change mid-scene?
How does Dubious affect their relationship? Do you think the dog is a good idea or not?
Why does Oliver take April up the mountain in the middle of the night rather than to the diner? What happens between them there, and why does it take that particular environment to let it happen?
Do you believe that Oliver loves Bernadette? Can someone be in love with two people at the same time?
What do you think of Nana’s character? How does she influence April’s life?
Near the end of the story, why do April and Oliver agree not to speak for six months? Is this a good idea?
What does Oliver find in his travels that he didn’t possess before? What does April find on Nahant? How have they changed?
Why doesn’t Oliver write anything on the postcard? What do you suppose will happen next?

24 comments:

  1. This book sounds like an awesome read. Count me in.

    Melissa
    jedisakora@mns.com

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  2. Please enter me in.

    stephaniet117 at yahoo dot com

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  3. I would love to read this book.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would die to get my hands on this book. Thanks for the contest!

    jennapomme[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  5. This one sounds really good! Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks!

    -cynthia
    cynthiareads@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. This sounds like a book I would enjoy. Please enter me. thanks!

    lovemykidsandbooks AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I read the book and loved it! I really would love a copy of my own!

    patronus89013 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I would love to win this!
    kzupancic[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Please enter me in this giveaway!

    familyhistree at yahoo dot com

    Sarah E

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  10. Please count me in on this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh my! I'd def. like to win this one.
    kr_moreau at doglover dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. This sounds like a book I would enjoy. Please enter me. thanks!

    lovemykidsandbooks AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I really, really want this book. Please enter me.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I would love to read April and Oliver as it sounds like an emotional novel.

    Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway.

    steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Please enter me. Thanks!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'd love to read this, thanks for the chance.
    readingandie(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. thanks!
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Count me in

    dftrew(At)gmail(dot)Com

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  19. Sounds like a book I would love, Please include me in your giveaway.
    Thanks
    debbie
    debdesk9(at)verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  20. Please count me in!

    ikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca

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  21. Wow. This sounds like a real page turner. Thanks for the chance.
    dmkayes@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'd love a chance. Thanks for the giveaway.

    s.mickelson at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hope I am not too late to enter this one. It sounds awesome.

    dorcontest at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would LOVE to win this book!! Thanks for the chance!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete