Sunday, January 29, 2012

ARCs: My First + Fever Giveaway

An Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) is something I consider to be a great treasure. There are limited copies and, while the author may get a couple to keep or give away, they are usually reserved for reviewers and other people who will publicize the upcoming book. Also, there is something special about getting the opportunity to read a book before everyone else does.

I received my very first ARC, All Different Kinds of Free, from a giveaway at Michelle Fayard's blog. It was a simple matter of commenting on a post and getting picked by random.org, but I was so excited to be chosen for this prize. It gave me a fluttery, happy feeling.

The book did not. That is not to say that it was not a good story, indeed I enjoyed the plot quite a lot. It was rife with tension and the main character gripped me. I found myself wanting to get through the other various POVs so I could get back to her. Nay, it was the subject matter.

As I have mentioned before, I do not understand why people look down upon other people for their differences, especially skin color. Darker skin is simply an adaption in order to survive comfortably in a hotter climate. And people think (or thought) they can (could) own other people because of this? There is no comprehending it for me. I have thought about it many times and all I end up doing is angering and frustrating myself. I do not get how racism and such cruelty can exist. Frankly, I'm rather glad I don't.

All Different Kinds of Free was a powerful book that told a good story. It shone a spotlight on a piece of history that most overlook. I am glad it was my first ARC experience.

Why am I telling you all of this? Because I'm about to tell you how you can get your own ARC.

My critique partner, Christina, is giving away an ARC of Fever, the second book in The Chemical Garden dystopian series and sequel to Wither, away over at her book blog. All you have to do is fill out the form linked in the post for a chance to win. I wish you luck.

6 comments:

  1. This book sounds fascinating, but not in a happy way. I usually find that I've had enough of depressing stories, and don't want to read anymore! I guess if there's a happy ending, or at least an ending with some hope, it's okay.

    Thanks for the review, Brooke!

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    1. I try to mix happy in with the sad, to be realistic. Or a hopeful ending as you said. Which, by the way, All Different Kinds of Free does have.

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  2. There's something special about a book that makes you really think.

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    1. Indeed, and when it tells a good story at the same time, all the better, yes?

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  3. I'm definitely gonna try to remember to look for that book... the title is certainly a great one! I actually like books that are sad as long as the sadness serves a purpose, whether to draw attention to something most people overlook, as you mentioned, or to make the characters stay with you longer, etc. And I agree with you racism is something that's hard or maybe even impossible to make sense of, but it's definitely still here...

    Btw hello from a new follower! I found your blog through the new adult group in Rachael's campaign :)

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    1. Do you have a Goodreads account? If so, you could always mark it. If not, you could always make one and then mark it. ^^ I like stories that are sad because they add a touch of realism, which I like to see in books occasionally.

      Thank you for following and it's so wonderful to hear from you. ^^

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