Friday, September 25, 2009

Book Giveaway: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Thanks to Valerie and Hatchette Book Group, we have 5 copies of The Historian to give away! My review will follow shortly.

About the Book:

Breathtakingly suspenseful and beautifully written, The Historian is the story of a young woman plunged into a labyrinth where the secrets of her family's past connect to an inconceivable evil: the dark fifteenth-century reign of Vlad the Impaler and a time-defying pact that may have kept his awful work alive through the ages. The search for the truth becomes an adventure of monumental proportions, taking us from monasteries and dusty libraries to the capitals of Eastern Europe - in a feat of storytelling so rich, so hypnotic, so exciting that it has enthralled readers around the world.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Kostova graduated from Yale and holds an MFA from the University of Michigan, where she won the Hopwood Award for the Novel-in-Progress.

Reading Group Guide, courtesy of the publisher:

1. In the “Note to the Reader,” the narrator tells us, “There is a final resource to which I’ve resorted when necessary — the imagination.” How does she use this resource in telling her story? Is it a resource to which the other historians in the book resort as well?

2. The theme of mentors and disciples is an important one in The Historian. Who are the story’s mentors, and in what sense is each a mentor? Who are the book’s disciples?

3. Near the end of chapter 4, Rossi says, “Human history is full of evil deeds, and maybe we ought to think of them with tears, not fascination.” Does he follow his own advice? How does his attitude toward history evolve in the course of his own story?

4. In chapter 5, Paul’s friend Massimo asserts that in history there are no small questions. What does he mean by this and how does this idea inform the book? Do you agree with his statement?

5. Helen and Paul come from very different worlds, although they share a passion for history. How have their upbringings differed? What factors have shaped each of them?

6. Throughout the book, anyone who finds an antique book with a dragon in the middle is exposed to some kind of danger. What does this danger consist of? Is it an external power or do the characters bring it upon themselves?

7. Each of the characters is aware of some of the history being made in his or her own time. What are some of these real historical events, and why are they important to the story?

8. At the beginning of chapter 1, Paul’s daughter notes, “I had been raised in a world so sheltered that it makes my adult life in academia look positively adventurous.”How does she change as a person in the course of her quest?

9. Helen’s history is deeply intertwined with that of Dracula. In what ways are the two characters connected? Does she triumph over his legacy, or not?

10. In chapter 73, Dracula states his credo: “History has taught us that the nature of man is evil, sublimely so.” Do the characters and events of the novel prove or disprove this belief ?

CONTEST DETAILS

To enter, share two sentences about a mentor who made a difference in your life.

Rules: Please include your email address, so that I can contact you if you win. No email address and answer, no entry. The contest is limited to US and Canada only. No P.O. boxes. The contest ends at noon on October 31, 2009.

Thank you so much to Valerie and Hatchette Book Group for sponsoring this giveaway!

56 comments:

  1. My grandmother left an indelible imprint on my soul. She raised me to be gracious in all circumstances. gcwhiskas at aol dot com

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  2. My grade 12 English teacher was weird and intimidating but open-minded, challenging, and fair. He encouraged me to express my views, even if they contradicted his own, and encouraged me to be more and do more than I thought I was capable of.

    melacan at hotmail dot com

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  3. My first boss, Allyson, left a fine worth ethic internalized in me. I feel fortunate to have had someone "show me the ropes" and was able to learn through actions.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. My eighth grade english teacher made me realize how smart I was. She made be think I could do anything. Thanks for the giveaway. Please enter me.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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  5. My first teaching assignment was in a combination class consisting of high achieving 4th graders and low achieving fifth graders. The school was under advisement because of low test scores; my mentor and I both were under pressure to raise test scores, my mentor gave her instructional assistant to me for the duration of that school year.

    enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

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  6. my grandmother although not formally educated was the smartest person i knew. she was intelligent in so many ways.

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  7. My beautiful grandmother taught me so much. Through her example, I learned to keep learning and to try to live with a joyful and loving heart.

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  8. No need to enter me, Gaby. I'm dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail. I've got this posted at Win a Book for you.

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  9. I think the person who made the biggest difference in my life was a friend of my older sister. She taught me the importance of confidence and going outside of your comfort zone.

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  10. My maternal grandmother was the one person in the world that loved me unconditionally. I only knew her for the first few years of my life, but those are the years that count the most.
    pippirose at gmail dot com

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  11. My graduate school advisor was always so supportive. Even though he was so much smarter than me, he always supported my ideas.
    Amanda
    catss99@yahoo.com

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  12. My mother was the most influential person in my life. She was my best friend and showed me what a precious gift is life. nicolama at cogeco dot ca

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  13. My high school teacher helps and encourages me a lot. She told me that the positive attititude is the most important thing. Wherever I go, I should hold the same attitude. :D

    linna.hsu at gmail dot com

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  14. My father will always be the mentor who inspired me the most. He encouraged my learning, congratulated my successes, and instilled a sense of self that no one could put asunder.
    I would love to read The Historian, please include me in the giveaway.

    marieburton2004 at yahoo dot com

    Thanks!

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  15. My eight grade teacher Mrs walz encouraged me to write. She said that if I put my mind to it I can write anything.


    meliss(at)gingerhigh(dot)com

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  16. My eighth grade teacher Mrs Walz encouraged me to write. She was so impressed with my short stories that she still uses them in her class.


    melissa(at)gingerhigh(dot)com

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  17. My boyfriend who became my husband was my mentor. Nineteen years older than I, he taught me about life and the world.

    Thanks you for the chance to win The Historian.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  18. My mom was the most influencial person in my life. She grew up 'in the old country' and taught me the true values of life.

    karen k
    kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  19. I have had some really great mentors in my life, but I am going to go with one of the first:
    My 9th grade history teacher always treated me like we were on equal terms, and often told me I would be president. I joked that he wouldn't vote for me if I was, cause he's conservative, and I've always been a raging liberal (even as a kid).

    I would love to win this, I've heard really great things about it.
    ~Misty
    mbradenwf@gmail.com

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  20. My favorite mentor has really been a help in my chosen profession. She is always available for help or for confidence. I wouldn't be where I am without her!! Thanks.

    bsyb100 at gmail dot com

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  21. My 11th grade English teacher taught me patience as we worked together to improve a research paper I had written. Later, she wrote me a stellar recommendation letter that I am convinced got me into college on scholarship, where I fostered my love for writing. hmstrickland@gmail.com. Thanks!

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  22. Thanks for the giveaway! My favorite mentor is my high school basketball coach. As I've grown up, we've become close friends as well, sending each other postcards and doing the occasienal camping/road trip. She's beena wonderful friend, mentor, counsiler, and coach.

    Thanks!

    nycbookgirl at gmail dot com

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  23. My J.H.S english teacher who believed in me. She showed me that giving up wasn't an option and working hard will pay off. I still believe that even till this day.

    cindyc725 at gmail dot com

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  24. My father's believe in me carries me in many ways through life. The courrage a group of friends showed me helped me to be courrageous.

    Please enter me in this giveaway

    madeleine444/at/gmail/dot/com

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  25. I had a great high school english teacher who told me to write everyday. She was a wonderful woman who I hear everyday when I go to write something ;)

    Marta
    Marta’s Meanderings

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  26. my mom is such a great person! She has really taught me everything i know and how to be a strong capable women!

    nicolemarielum @ gmail.com

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  27. Mary D
    zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com

    I've been truly blessed to have had so many wonderful persons/mentors available in my life.
    Dan Hagen, editor where I used to work gave me a great deal of encouragement
    my mother, always there for me to provide intelligent, loving insight

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  28. My high school librarian helped me learn to embrace my quirkiness and let me hang out in her office when I was feeling down. She helped me grow as a person and gain confidence in myself. Plus, she shared her popcorn. Every school needs someone like her.

    lynzajw[at]gmail[dot]com

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  29. One of my bosses left an indelible impression on my life. He taught me the value of good rapport with all employees. He was also the picture of fairness. I hope I can pass these things along one day.

    ryspenc@yahoo.com

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  30. My father is my hero and mentor. He has always believed in me and shown me the way.
    mannasweeps (at)))) gmaildotcom

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  31. The sisterhood conglomerate. They always support me, give great advice, understand me even when I'm not speaking in full sentences, and they're great for debates because we all have different views; it helps to broaden your perspective.

    I love The Historian, and I'd love to win a copy of my very own! :)

    zombiegirrrl21 at aol dot com

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  32. My mentor is my best friend. As Marines, he has taught me leadership that encompasses discipline and training while always being aware of the welfare of the troops under us.

    easagredo at yahoo dot com

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  33. A dear friend of my mother's who understand when I was 18 & struggling with some tough decisions told me that anyone who dismissed me because I was disabled is just jealous (lol) and she also told me I can do whatever I put my mind to because I am smart and witty and that will get me wherever I want to go in life! Her words sustained me though many a difficult time!

    Thanks for a terrific giveaway.

    Aimala127@gmail.com

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  34. Believe it or not my kindergarten teacher was a great mentor. I kept in touch with her through my 20s and she always represented how important it is to be kind and care about others.

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  35. My father was a great entor to me. He used to get us to learn a new word from the dictionary every day.

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  36. My father was my mentor. Sadly he died when I was still a teenager, but he helped so many people and set a good example that way.

    tooluckyducky AT hotmail DOT com

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  37. My old boss in Manila was a great mentor to me. He always encouraged me to look at both sides of the case and figure out my arguments. Whenever I would feel bad about the justice system in Manila, he would just remind me that it's my job to do my best and that's all anyone can ask of me.

    Bea
    beapangilinan.0921@gmail.com; bea_pangilinan@yahoo.com

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  38. My Nanny has been my saving grace... Without her, I was a lonely, isolated child; deprived of the real, outside world. She was and still is my parent, my friend, my big sister and the on person in the world I adore completely.

    Aliya D.
    aliyadaya(at)shaw(dot)ca

    ReplyDelete
  39. A reference librarian at the university where I received my Bachelor's degrees took me under his wing and introduced me to the world of librarianship. He offered me an officer position in a national professional association, and because of him I am now on a focused career path with goals and direction.

    saemmerson at yahoo dot com

    Sarah Emmerson

    ReplyDelete
  40. I loved my Grandmother. I don't think I ever heard her say an unkind remark to any person. She was generous to family and to her friends

    tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

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  41. My fourth grade teacher taught me that I can do anything I set my mind too. For fourth and fifth grades I followed that mantra. I sorta lost my way for a few years following...but regained faith in myself in high school with help of some really great teachers...teachers that to this day I still talk to and visit on occasion. Back then they were just my teachers, but now they are my friends. bekki1820cb@gmail.com

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  42. I have never had a mentor in my life. walkerd@primus.ca

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  43. I love this book and I'd love to have a copy for my own. A mentor to me has to be my MIL - she's taught me tons about cooking, child raising and in general laughing at life!

    mmillet at gmail dot com

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  44. I've never had a mentor. walkerd@primus.ca

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  45. In high school my life was positively influenced by Mrs. Horlacher ("Mrs. H"), who taught business classes. I had been sleepwalking through school, but her friendship, understanding, and dedication awakened my love for learning and gave me renewed self-confidence.

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  46. I have to say my Mum who was married to an Irish Politician who was never home, managed a home, 6 kids - 2 of whom were handicapped & managed to volunteer in their name all of the time had to be my #1 mentor. My second are my children- I learn from them every day...

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  47. My mentor was my dear aunt, Helen, who died at the age of 93. She never married or had children of her own, was a career woman way before her time and she was like a second mom to my siblings and me. She gave the best advice and was always available to talk to even long distance by phone, day or night. This dear aunt taught me so much through word and example - things such as compassion and understanding, hospitality, when to be quiet and just not say anything, and above all, she taught me to always be a lady!

    Cindy
    Socmom213@aol.com

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  48. A dear mentor of mine is a friend that helped me get out of my shell and overcome some of my shyness by introducing me to a world of fiber
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  49. My mentor was my second grade teacher. She taught me that I could do antyhing that I set my mind to do, and that all is possible.

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

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  50. My grandmother was a strong and Godly women. She taught me how to love God and love family.

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  51. My piano teacher inspired me to be the best person I can be. Her love and compassion for her students overwhelmed me; she always welcomes her students with the biggest smile you could imagine.


    alannakurt at gmail dot com

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  52. I know this is gonna sound pretty stupid, but I've never really had a mentor. Sad, I know. I'm trying really hard to search my mind for someone I'd consider to have been a mentor in my life. I guess I would say my 9th grade English teacher. She really thought I understood things better than others in my class and encouraged me in my work.

    ~Briana
    thebookpixie[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  53. my father was a big influence in my life. his encouragement and example helped shape my own behavior. i still look to his example during difficult moments and decisions

    tony
    adochains at gmail dot com

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  54. An older, but powerful, Godly woman that knew and loved my daughters prayed for me when I needed it the most even though she barely knew me. I was shortly, thereafter, saved and gave my heart to Christ.

    Marie
    utah91960[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  55. The most influential mentor in my career was my preceptor during my pharmacy internship. He taught me to be a self-confident, conscientious pharmacist who truly cares about the patient.

    Thanks ~ megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com

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  56. I'm so fortunate to have several mentors. One is a retired professor with whom I meet every couple of weeks. We've become more than friends. Each has turned out to be a mentor to the other and I'm very grateful.

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