Congrats to
Dani in Chicago!
You've won The Underside of Joy!
Please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com
with your mailing address so you can receive your book!
The Underside of Joy
By Sere Prince Halverson
I knew I would love The Underside of Joy by the title alone. I mean, come on, what IS the The Underside of Joy? This is a book that I read in record time, and for me, finding time to read with three kids does not come easily. I usually only read at night before bed, or in the car while waiting for a kid during a basketball practice.
With Sere Prince Halverson’s debut, I snuck in reading all the time, neglecting the laundry more than usual, forgetting to feed lunch to kids, and ignoring anything that got in my way.
It’s truly mesmerizing.
The premise is this: A step-mom loses her husband to a drowning, and the birth mother comes back to reclaim her two children. A custody battle ensues. It’s not your basic step-mom fights birth mother story – the writing is so lyrical and fluid, and the setting adds so much to the novel in the fictional Elbow, California, with its Redwood trees, the lush forest, and the flowing river that runs through it.
I fell in love with the characters—Ella, the widowed step-mother, who fights to keep her children, Annie and Zach, after their father dies. She’s the only mother they have ever known. And I even felt sympathy for Paige, the birth mother, who has been gone for three years because she couldn’t deal with motherhood due to a long-ago secret of her own.
This is a story that will tug at your heartstrings; that will have you turning pages so quickly because you can’t wait to find out what will happen next. You’ll love Ella’s extended family – her lost husband’s Italian family, and the heritage they hold close to their hearts, you’ll root for her, and you’ll cry for her losses. You’ll think of Ella, and of Paige even, and definitely of Annie and Zach long after you’ve closed the book, and you’ll wonder about your own Underside of Joy.
To win a copy of The Underside of Joy, tell me about a particular time in your life or a particular place that is very joyful to you. Don't read other people's comments until you comment first because I don't want their choices to affect your answer. Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind, whether it was a place, being with a person, or a feeling about something or someone that gave you immense joy!
I'll choose a winner later in the week, and also, HOPEFULLY, I'll have ANOTHER book to give away this week too, so please do come back! I've got a TON of books coming up -- it's completely crazy! Which is GREAT FOR YOU!
Please remember, this is for US/Canada contestants only, and I have to thank the author and publicists for making these contests possible!
84 comments:
I think the one thing that gives me the most joy is being at home, kickin' back with my whole family. Maybe watching a movie or just sitting outside (in nice weather) on our deck and enjoying EVERY little thing in life. Simple moments really. Some people it seems are always searching for 'joy', if they quit looking so hard they would find it right under their noses... xoxo
My place of great joy is called Lake George in NY. There are so many memories for me from the lake. I grew up there, fell in love, got engaged, married and very nearly gave birth there. It continues to be my place of joy because my family and I create more memories there every year, birthday parties, anniversaries, camping, fishing, fireworks and snuggles...its the place where we all get to shut off the rest of the world, forget our responsibilities and just be together as a family.
One thing that gives me joy is having Sunday dinner with my family. It is something I look foward to every week, and it gives us all a chance to catch up and chat about anything, everything and nothing!
The one time I remember being particularly joyful was my first ultrasound when i wqs preg with the twins. The heartbeats were enough to make my heart malt. It didn't end well, but for that little bit of time, I was ecstatic!
Qweska8402
My husband used to be in the Navy on a submarine. The place I think of that gives me such joy is on the peir watching their boat pull in and looking for him topside. Butterflies.
Carie
lately my nose in a book gives me joy.. my husband is going througha depression and its killing me :o( Ive been super supportive, but its sucking the life out of me.. thank heavens for doctors.
I'm always happy when I'm with a guy that I have a huge crush on. I'm looking forward to finding that guy in 2012!
danisilvia223 at gmail dot com
Any time spent with my Dad. He had to take me to occupational therapy once a week one summer and we always ended up shoe shopping. I lost my Dad when I was 25, so I don't have any adult memories of him. I never got to know him as an adult. I miss the times I didn't get because I know they would have been the most joyous.
I remember the exact day my brother was born 21 years ago. I woke up and found my grandpa at the house (I was 4). My grandmother and my aunt came over later in the day. My dad called in the early afternoon and wouldn't tell my grandfather if it was a boy or a girl until he told me first. I remember going to the hospital but not being allowed near him because I had 103 fever. I also remember my dad sneaking me into my mothers room so I can sit in a bed next to her and eat buger king chicken nuggets. lol
The moments of joy that came to mind were times I've spent at the opera, the symphony, the ballet. I always wanted to do these things, but life, childrearing, poverty, illness, all got in the way. A year or so after I lost my husband I started forcing myself to get out of my house and doing things I wanted to do - and actually feeling something besides grief, then feeling joy. Thank you for helping me remember this.
(as an aside, I'm a stepmother who eventually adopted her son. I'm looking forward to reading this book)
jcsites2002 at hotmail dot com
Without a doubt the time and place that pops into my mind is a year that I spent working at the Canada Pavilion in Epcot at Disney World Florida. It was a blast! I met people from all over the world and even though the job itself wasn't glamorous it was rewarding and every time I was up for a job interview after that it was always commented on by the potential employer. Thanks to facebook I've been in touch with many of my old friends from those days. Great memories that I'll never forget!
Margaret(singitm)
The one place that gives me the most joy is the beach....any beach! I love everything about the shore....the air, the sand, the sound of the waves...everything!
Brannanflooring@aol.com
The Greenbrier in West Virginia. I remember as a child my mother and grandmother would take me. Those road trips to W. VA. were magical, the drive through the mountains, pulling up the long, winding driveway to the grand resort. Getting all dressed up to the nines to eat dinner. Truly joyful. I can't wait to share experiences like those with my future husband and children
Joy is visiting with my Granddad on a Saturday afternoon, exchanging stories, and getting great life and relationship advice. He was my true joy, such a blessing on this Earth for 92 years.
The moments of joy that I love and experience are lazy Sunday mornings spent with kids and my husband. Just being together without an agenda or a to-do list, makes me the most happy. Melissa Rem
Ah, being at a special lake house with my husband brings me so much joy-- it's where we were married and we've spent many a wonderful weekend there over the years.
I saw your post about this book on FB and knew I HAD to read it. I'm a step-mom to two young men, whose birth mother doesn't know how to be a mom. I'm dying to read Ella's journey... xo MM!! Heidi :)
I always let my kids sleep in bed with my husband and I. My friends would frown on it, and say that it was horrible, and I was creating bad habits. I just remember that song that says, "let them be little". It brings joy to my heart to think of our warm snuggly bed with those little ones nestled beside us.
I love San Francisco. Just being there makes me feel good. I don't think I could live there but there is something about the 'spirit' of the city. Just makes me happy...joyful.
Carly H
My children bring me immense joy daily. They are 3 & 6 and I just love these ages. Today, for instance, my husband had to work, but my kids schools were closed for the holiday. I drove them an hour south to spend the day with my parents. We decided to take them ice skating at the local rink where my parents used to take me as a child. It was the first time skating for both of them. An hour and a half and three laps around the rink later, it was time to head home. The kiddos talked non-stop about how much they loved ice skating and when could we go again? We skated at a pace of 30 min a lap, but they had a blast. :-). As we drove the hour home tonight, we sang songs, played "I Spy" and " I'm thinking of an animal" all the way home to keep my champion skaters from falling asleep. The whole time, all I kept thinking was how truly blessed I am!
Colbey J
i enjoy relaxing at on my front porch...reading a fabulous novel :)
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
My daughter's laugh brings me joy. The days seem long, but they're totally worth it for that brief moment where I hear her adorable little voice laughing.
Truly one of the most joyful days of my life was my wedding day. Cliched, I know, but I radiated joy the entire day! My husband and I had been together for about 7 years at this point, and had three children together, but making it legal was just a ton of fun and it made me very, very happy. :)
My 18th birthday weekend popped into my head. Friday night we went to an improv show at the Groundlings. Saturday, there was a youth group event called Sleepless that I went to, where we went bowling, ice skating, and mini golfing, as well as watching a bunch of movies. Sunday I had rehearsal for a show, where they sang me happy birthday without me telling them it was my birthday, and then my boyfriend at the time surprised me by taking me to a concert of a band that loved. And then on Monday night I had a bunch of my friends at Chuck E Cheese for my dinner. It was a pretty fantastic weekend.
A place of great joy for me: Oak Glen, CA - an apple town in the mountains where every fall my parents would take my brothers and me for a picnic then we would stock up on apples and apple products, take a nature walk and then go home. I brought my boyfriend there and then we continued the tradition on when we married. We brought our daughter there, and found a tree on our nature walk with a lowered arm that we sat her in for a picture. She let us take that picture every year until she was a junior in high school. Now its back to my husband and me taking this day trip and hopefully someday with a grandchild or two . .but maybe not .. . maybe it will be just us . ..
This Sounds AMAZING! I cannot wait to read it.
Living in San Diego I have a specific spot on a small beach that looks over downtown . Just being there brings me so much joy.
I also love the feelingI get the second I walk into Disneyland. Its like nothing outside of those gates matters and I get to just relax and be a kid again.
I have fond memories of being at our cabin when the kids were small. They would swim in the lake with the dog and have a great time.
Margie T
seeing my Grandson's smile
Being in the hospital after each baby was born. I felt like my heart was going to burst with love. It was such a great time with my husband as well. It was just joyful.
One of the places that gives me the greatest joy is my alma mater. There is nothing better than tailgating on a crisp, fall day with family and friends.
The most joy I have is being home with my fiance cuddling on the couch with our dogs laying around us. Or having a get together with my family where everyone is getting along. The best feeling is not having a schedule at all...not worrying about the laundry, the dishes, groceries, bills, etc...and just chilling. LOL!! I'm not sure what other way to phrase it; just being carefree. It's the best. I think everyone should get to experience this feeling at least once per week. It's a great way to unwind.
crystal717
Hmm...let's see. The day I got married, the day I graduated college, the day our son was born. Those have been my most joyful moments so far. But everyday joys are the time I get to spend hanging out and relaxing with friends are the best too.
I felt joy when I was a student athletic trainer for the football team in high school and in college. There is just something about being out on the football field that has always put me at ease. I know it is odd coming from a girl but it is my happy place. :)
When I was a little girl, whenever it would rain, my dad would take me out in his work van and we'd go park somewhere to listen to the rain on the roof of the van. It was especially exciting if it was storming so we could watch the sky light up. I just remember it being so peaceful, like we were the only people on the planet. To this day, the sound of rain relaxes me :)
My most recent place of joy happens to be a rock concert. Strange I know. The back story: My daughter had moved out on not the best of terms. We had a very estranged relationship of almost 2yrs. She recently moved back home and things have been awesome. She really seems on the right track. Anyway a couple months after being home a bunch of family and friends went to this concert and right in the middle of it through all the loud noise of music and singing she put her arm around me and whispered into my ear "I love you, mom". I hope to never forget that concert, that moment and the feeling that even with everything going on around us and all the people around us that we were the only ones there.
A place that is joyful to me is a small cemetery outside an equally small nunnery in southern Germany. The headstones date back to the 400's and it is so beautiful and so very peaceful. The cemetery is more park like than gloom and doom The chapel at the nunnery is just as old - so old that the stone at the entry way is worn down several inches from all the feet that have passed over it through the years. I first went there with my husband about 6 years ago and try to go every time we go to Germany. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face today by bringing this to my mind!
We take hikes on a wooded trail near us. It's just a breath away from traffic, people, etc. but seems like a secret place. These hikes bring me absolute joy. Whether all 4 of us go or just me & one of the kids, it's always a connecting experience. I'm constantly amazed by the insightful perspectives my kids, ages 10 & 12, offer up. I find peace & joy come from taking an hour "away" from our regular, crazy routine and enjoying nature & each other's company.
JenFee9476
I know this is going to sound cliche but my daughter is a big part of my life as a single parent. She has regular visitation with her father but recently without really asking he mentioned that he would want our 11 year old preteen to come live with him. She is still young and thinking it's greener on the otherside liked the idea. I had to be the bad person and make the decision that would never happen. How can I let her go? Did I mention that her father lives out of state? She really is my life and joy.
I always find tons of joy spending time with my daughter and husband and playing softball together or going to disneyland. Both of which I'm hoping to do this spring!
-tmd636
My aunt & uncle used to have a lake house and for the first 20 years of my life, we would spend almost every weekend out there in the summer. I still have a framed picture of the sunset over the lake taken from the deck. Every time I look at that picture, I feel the joy of those summers on the lake with my family.
Pure joy... The first time I saw Nancy see her son that I had just given birth to. And later when she met his little brother...
;)
Amanda
i love my home "nest" that i've made for myself and my family. i adore my husband, we are best friends, and we have a pack of fun, crazy animals that keep us on our toes.
the phone call when someone who i had always thought would be my ideal man actually said the words "would you like to go out for a drink with me?" the back story is that we had been talking because of work every day for 15 years and i had always hoped for this one call! it's been nearly 5 years since that call.
Given that I got engaged in July I have to pick then! It was a long time coming and my reaction totally shocked me. I cried, I called myself a big jerk (for asking him when it would happen) and then laughed, hysterically. For over an hour. My fiance proposed on a walk near my parents house and made me take the long way back becuase I could not stop laughing. He still bring its up because its kind of silly that I laughed so hard but looking back on it and even just thinking about it makes me joyful and happy.
The real test is going to be if I laugh down the aisle, stay tuned!
I think that the place that gives me the most joy is going to the beach. My husband and I got engaged on Litchfield Beach in SC. When we went on our honeymoon we went to Puerto Vallerta, Mexico. Basically all we did for the week was sit on the beach and it was so nice and happy. Now we have our condo on Lido Beach (Sarasota) Florida and it is just perfect. Being at the beach is a place where all of our worries and cares go away and we get taken into another world!
I get great joy enjoying the first quiet moments of the morning with a cup of coffee. Nothing spectacular but something that I look forward to everyday. Thank you. cindy in miami. writeoncindy(at)yahoo(dot)com
I recently attended my little brother's graduation from the United States Air Force. It was a dysfunctional family trip with my divorced parents, my other brother who follows the beat of his own drum, and me in one hotel room. Yes, disagreements, fights, and drama that I naturally expected to happen in fact did. But when I think back all I remember is finally getting to see my baby bro after 10 weeks (we're close and this was a long time apart for us) of Basic Training and just being so pround of him for accomplishing something so wonderful and selfless. I may be 10 years older than him but will always look up to him for this accomplishment.
Of course, the birth of my children really top the list but they have a fixed position. This was my firt joyous memory after them. :)
Kathygold9778
Watching my daughters graduate, one from college and one from high school last spring was a joyous, albeit stressful, occasion. Knowing that my kids are making good life choices is one of the best feelings in the world!
Being with my puppy makes me very joyful. I know I've probably mentioned her in all the questions you've asked in the past about things like this but she really does bring me the most joy. She is so cute and sweet. I've had her for more than eleven years and I've enjoyed every second of it.
Thank you!
-Jessica Meddick
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com
My place of joy is definitely on the couch or in a chair at my parents house, reading. It was such a favorite/time consuming past time for me growing up that any time I get to do it now, as an adult, I fall right into whatever I am reading and it's like I am taken back to age 15, without responsibilities (or at least, nothing major) or concerns besides what I'd wear to school the next day.
Emily116
Waking up on weekend mornings with no work in sight & my bf snuggled on my right side and our puppy snuggled in between us. That is joyful :)
My place of joy is at our camp. I'm at peace there, I can relax, spend time with my family and great friends. When the summer comes I can't wait to get there.
I became a first-time grandmother yesterday! My heart is bursting with joy!!!
One of my most joyful memories is from christmas my junior year of high school. My aunt and 2 cousins were staying with us for the holidays, and my cousins and I were old enough that we actually had a lot of fun. We had pizza on Christmas eve an d we all played games. On Christmas we had other family & friends over, and all night family and friends were stopping by to visit. There was food, drink,
laughs, trips down memory lane. It was perfect.
A complete moment of joy for me is when my three year old son will randomly come up and hive me a big hug, a kiss and say,"Mommy, I love you really much!"
kndyer
I find the most joy in the simple things. When we slow life down and just stop and enjoy what we have. True family time...Taking the kids bike riding, blowing bubbles, making cookies....and not worrying about the mess, the drama and all of the other stuff that seems to creep in and take over. The joy of seeing your kids laugh and smile.... :)
Kconley1215 (at) msn (dot) com
There are so many things that bring me joy... and as cheesy as this sounds, waking up to my husband and chihuahua, every single day, gives me joy.
My little brother graduating from HS was also a very joyful moment. We are 13 years apart and I helped raised him (we are very close) and him graduating was an amazing moment. He is the first male on my moms side to graduate from HS and we are the only ones in our family who have gone on to college.
My place of joy is Edisto Beach, SC. My parents have a beach house there that's been in our family since 1939. It's my favorite place in the world. It makes me think of happy summers as a child and now as an adult. I can't wait to go back in June!
Kristi Hooke
The special times my husband and I are together brings me the most joy. When we are not focused on everyday life stresses and just enjoying our time together, then I am very relaxed and happy.
Going to the lake cabin in minnesota with my family for the summer when I was young. walks, bike rides, picking fresh fruit, jumping in the lake, taking the canoe out at dawn, fishing, etc. I loved it and always cherish the memory
First thing that comes to my head is my daughter's birth last year. All my kids' births were joyful, but I was so overwhelmed with happiness over having a girl and the surprise of it all.
Melissa A from CLC
The one place that truly brings me peace is the beach. I grew up at the beach and have recently moved away. I feel such a joy when I get the chance to put my feet in the sand and take in the sounds of the waves crashing.
A single moment of pure joy for me occured a few hours after I had my first daughter. It was around 2am, and the nurse told me she would take my daughter to the nursery to let me sleep a few hours. It was probably 15minutes later I heard crying and KNEW it was by baby girl. The nurse brought her in appologizing and said she was probably just hungry. I took my new daughter in my arms and she instantly fell asleep. Just remembering that moment fills my heart.
I find joy at the baseball field. It is not simply about watching my boys play a sport they love, but about just being. No thinking about chores or bills to pay (or hoping I can pay), just hanging out with my baseball mom friends, watching our boys, and enjoying being outside. LeslieGC
My husband suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury 15 months ago. It has been a long and difficult journey for both of us.
On Nov 27,2011 we took our very first cruise -- 7 days in the Caribbean. One of the port days in Cozumel we took a catamaran excursion. As we were preparing to debarque the catamaran, I looked at my hubs and realized that I was finally feeling real joy again. Real honest heart filling joy. I cling to that moment in the bad times knowing that joy is possible again.consingl
The greatest joy of my life was also my moment of greatest sorrow. On October 18, 2011, my father lost his thirteen-month battle with cancer. I will mourn losing him every day for the rest of my life...but, as sad as I am, I see lots of joy in the situation. You see, it was an honor to me to be there for him throughout his sickness. I am forever grateful that I got to be the one who drove him to every appointment and rushed him to the hospital on very bad days. And when it came to his final days, I wouldn't have been anywhere else in this world. Standing by my daddy as he finally let go of his sick body and stepped into the light of heaven taught me so much about life and death. It has brought me closer to God, and what better joy is there than that? I can only look forward to the day when my time comes, and I get to go to that wonderful place and hold my daddy again in his healthy new body.
One of the most joyful times is my life is when I get to spend the day with my niece, Keira. She is only 3 but she certainly is amazing and i just cant help but get this overwhelming feeling of joy and happiness whenever she is around me.
The first thing that popped into my head is when it snows. It always brings a smile to my face.
Just this week at 11:30 pm my daughter cam in to our bedroom and said "Mom, please come in my room and watch this episode of Friends with me" She was so happy, she patted the bed, telling me to sit down.
I know this s a moment I will never forget.
The Adirondacks in NY are my joyful place. Everything up there makes me happy, and calms me. The mountains, the lakes (specifically Schroon Lake).
One of the most joyful places for me is when I'm driving in the car with my girls and they are singing along to the radio. Whether it's a Hannah Montana song or the Beastie Boys (they love Brass Monkey because we call my little one Monkey), I could listen to them sing for hours!
Terri M.
My latest moment of pure joy just occured Tuesday night. My supervisor was FINALLY recognized by our company for her years of dedication & support. Our company that is in enterprise computer sales - awards sales reps yearly who have stellar (1.5mil/yr in GP) performances with an all inclusive trip to Hawaii. Along with the sales reps a handful of us inside sales related individuals are invited as honored guests. I can only hope that it stemmed from my email to the President of our company back in June-2011 suggesting that she be included in the honor. It was so long coming & she definitely goes above & beyond so often not to have been recognized up to this point.
Watching my husband's face each time he holds the boys for the first time ever. Tender, overwhelmed, loving, protective, awed...all at once. Pure joy for me!
I feel joyful when my kids are loving and empathetic with each other. This morning my 2 year said to me - I love you sooo much. That was pretty joyful too :)
erinaaron616 at bex dot net
I feel the most joy when I'm having dinner with my girlfriends. I usually don't realize it in the moment, but when I get home and look back on the evening, I think about what a nice time I had and how grateful I am to have those women in my life.
One of the moments that sticks out is dancing in THON, otherwise known as Penn State's Dance Marathon. It is a 46-hour no sitting or sleeping marathon to benefit pediatric cancer. It is also the world's largest student-run philanthropy. Last year along, we raised $9.5 million. Seeing all those sick kids enjoying themselves for one weekend, brings an indescribable amount of joy to the students who are involved in THON
Right now I'm finding joy in a nice winter snow storm. It gives me an excuse to make some hot chocolate and curl up with a good book! I like that cozy feeling of being inside, warm and happy while the snow blows outside.
I have to say it's my nieces. I always grew up saying how much I hated kids and would never have one. When my sister got prego I didn't know how I was going to react to having kids in the family. However I fell in LOVE instantly with that little girl. Didn't think it was possible to ever feel that way and then another one came. And I loved her just the same. Hanging out and seeing these two little girls grow has been the best joy in my life! I love those two girls more then life itself.
Obviously (sorry...I know this is a "given") it is the day my son was born. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced...the feeling of joy was overwhelming. I will never forget it!! Hugs, Nan
My place of joy is my friend's little quilt shop. It is an old cottage filled with gorgeous fabric, friendly people, and inspiration everywhere. I stop in not only when I need fabric, but a pick me up too!
I know it is so cliche, and I did as you asked.. I didnt read anyone else's answers before I responded here. The absolute joy I have had was the birth of my 2 kids. Not the actual birth process mind you, just the immediate after when your so happy.. I still think of those times now especially now that my husband and I are empty nesters. I relish every moment I can with them when we see each other! What a joy it has been just to be a Mom!
keodell@centurytel.net
What I first thought of was in the past growing up, my best friend had a pear tree in her yard that we would sit in for hours. We would talk, laugh and eat pears forever. I miss that friend ~ I am going to have to reconnect with her.
College is the first thing that comes to my mind...it was such a fun 4 years and although I made some stupid decisions at times I would totally go back and do it again!
ChristinaL
The births of both my kids! It was such a joy! Well it was misery but it ended in joy!! :)
Shannon Johnson
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