Sunday, October 4, 2009

THE HERETIC'S DAUGHTER: BOOK CLUBS' PREVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
THE HERETIC'S DAUGHTER

BY KATHLEEN KENT

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be accused, tried and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Like her mother, young Sarah Carrier is bright and willful, openly challenging the small, brutal world in which they live. Often at odds with one another, mother and daughter are forced to stand together against the escalating hysteria of the trials and the superstitious tyranny that led to the torture and imprisonment of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft. This is the story of Martha's courageous defiance and ultimate death, as told by the daughter who survived. Kathleen Kent is a tenth generation descendant of Martha Carrier. She paints a haunting portrait, not just of Puritan New England, but also of one family's deep and abiding love in the face of fear and persecution.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Kathleen Kent lives in Dallas with her husband and son. The Heretic's Daughter is her first novel.

Kathleen Kent is a tenth- generation descendant of Martha Carrier. She is also a masterful storyteller, and in her first novel she paints a haunting portrait, not just of Puritan New England but also of one family’s deep and abiding love in the face of fear and persecution. More detailed information and family trees can be found at Kathleen's website here.

Most of the books that have influenced and touched me the most are historical fiction. When I was a child I read a lot of Dickens, Poe and H.H. Monroe. Some of my favorites from the past are "The Quincunx", by Charles Palliser, "Instance of the Fingerpost" by Iain Pears, "The Weight of Water" by Anita Shreve, and "The Source" by James Mitchener. I also read everything by Annie Dillard, Cormac McCarthy and Larry McMurtry. Currently I'm re-reading a book called "The Long Home" by William Gay who is, to me, one of the best writers in American fiction today.

READING GROUP GUIDE QUESTIONS (GREAT FOR BOOK CLUBS):

1) How was Sarah changed by living with her cousin Margaret? How was she changed by returning to her family?

2) What was it about Martha's character that seemed to antagonize so many neighbors?

3) What do you think was the most compelling reason that Martha was eventually brought to trial?

4) Discuss the various factors that lead to the witch hysteria.

5) Why did Martha choose to take a stand of innocence knowing that a refused confession meant death?

6) Why did Thomas, despite his size and capabilities, not seek to persuade or deter Martha from her course of action?

7) Why did the community of Salem, and the magistrates, so easily believe in and rely on "spectral evidence”?

8) How has reading the book changed your opinions about the men and women hanged as witches?

9) Are there modern day "witches”?

10) Can we, or should we, redefine the meaning of the word "witch"?

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO VALERIE AND THE
HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I HAVE
FIVE COPIES OF THIS BOOK TO
GIVE AWAY. HERE IS WHAT YOU
NEED TO DO TO WIN A COPY!

RULES:

(You do NOT have to be in a book club to enter)
---U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
---NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
---ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!


HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHY YOU THINK THIS BOOK WOULD BE A GOOD BOOK TO ADD TO YOUR LIBRARY

+1 MORE ENTRY: IF YOU BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY, LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW

+1 MORE ENTRY: RATE MY BLOG IN THE BOX IN THE RIGHT COLUMN AND COME BACK AND TELL ME YOU DID....YOU DON'T HAVE TO TELL ME HOW YOU SCORED ME, JUST THAT YOU DID IT. THANKS! (AND I TRUST YOU!)

ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE BY
6 PM, EST, OCTOBER 30



TO ALL!

89 comments:

fredamans said...

Thank you for the entries.

freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

+1 This looks like a very good, thought provoking book that I do wish to read.

+1 Tweeted Giveaway: http://twitter.com/fredalicious/statuses/4606217745

holdenj said...

Ever since reading The Crucible in high school, I always like finding out more about that time period in Salem history.
And it's very interesting that Kent is a descendant.

JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I rated your blog!

Thanks.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Zia said...

+1 I think it would be a great read and great reads belong in my ever growing library.

+1 I rated your blog

Zia
ziaria(at)gmail(dot)com

Jo-Jo said...

I think this would be a great book for my library because it deals with women having to deal with being persecuted.

joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

Valorie said...

It would be a good one for my bookshelf because I love historical fiction and I love books based on the lives of women.

Tweet: http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/statuses/4607768780.

Rated your blog.

Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com

traveler said...

Thanks for this great giveaway. I am intrigued by this amazing novel. The historical aspect as wel as the story is appealing.
saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Rebecca Orr said...

I have alwyas likeed reading books that have to do with the Salem Witch Trials. Thanks for the chance! bekki1820cb@gmail.com

Rebecca Orr said...

I rated your blog! I love it! Thanks for the chance! bekki1820cb@gmail.com

Barb Davis said...

I would love to win this book. It looks like a good read.

fatimastreasure(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I've never read a book like this so I think it would make a great addition to my library!

lelou2 at ymail dot com

Anonymous said...

TWEET

lelou2 at ymail dot com

Anonymous said...

I rated your blog

lelou2 at ymail dot com

mrsshukra said...

I've always been drawn to books or movies about Salem and witches!

I rated yoru blog, love Bookin' with Bingo!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Linna said...

I'm always interested in stories about women's struggles. This book seems to have a nice story to tell. I would love to read it. :D

linna.hsu at gmail dot com

rubynreba said...

I'd like to read about witchcraft.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I rated your blog
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Unknown said...

This sounds like a very good book.
amandarwest@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I rated your blog.

Simply Stacie said...

My best friend is Wiccan so I am always intrigued to learn more about witchcraft!

simplystacieblog at gmail dot com

M.A.D. said...

Mary D
zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com

+1 I think this would be a very informative book to add to my library, especially as it highlights (under the guise of the Salem Witch Trials) a particuarly brutal period of gender persecution. It is truly hard to imagine that otherwise sane individuals could have had a hand in such a travesty of justice :(


But I still would love to read this and thanks for the chance :)

M.A.D. said...

Mary D
zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com

And I rated your wonderful blog - LOVE it (but how do you keep up with everything? lol)

Anonymous said...

This is a book that deals with women, their hardships and struggles. I have a collection of books in my bookcase that touch on the same theme. This book would fit right in with the others.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I rated your blog.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

I've always been interested in the Salem Witch Trials, so would love to be entered for this!

dancealert at aol dot com

Booklogged said...

I'd like The Heretic's Daughter in my library because then I could read it.

booklogged at gmail dot com

Esme said...

I love historical fiction-although until I saw the cover I thought this was for The Heretic Queen.

Thank you for the giveaway.

chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

Sarah Osborne said...

I'm an English major and currently reading novels about the Puritans, so I am fascinated with the story line of this book!

sarahosborne12(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah Osborne said...

I rated your blog!

sarahosborne12(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah Osborne said...

I blogged!

http://myfavoritegiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/10/heretics-daughter.html

sarahosborne12(at)gmail(dot)com

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

I have always been fascinated with the Salem Witch Trials. It all started with reading The Crucible in high school English. I have a great collection of fiction and non-fiction on the subject and would love to add this to it!

miller4plusmore(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Thanks for another great contest!

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

+1 I tweeted the giveaway:

http://twitter.com/truebookaddict/status/4624596387

miller4plusmore(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

I have posted the giveaway in my giveaway section on the right sidebar of my blog:

http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/

miller4plusmore(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

I rated your blog =o)

miller4plusmore(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Pam said...

I find the Salem witch trials fascinating and would love to read more about it. This book is already on my wish list so I'd love to win it! I belong to a book club too if that gets me bonus points :)

melacan at hotmail dot com

Pam said...

I rated your blog!

melacan at hotmail dot com

Debbie said...

Like you, historical fiction is always a pleasure! I'd love it . fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

Debbie said...

And I just rated you.
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

Jessica ( frellathon ) said...

I would love to be entered for the giveaway. Count me in please.

jessica(at)fan(dot)com

Jessica ( frellathon ) said...

I think this would be great to add to my library because well any book is a must have but if only half the things I've read about this book are true then I'll enjoy it very much.

jessica(at)fan(dot)com

DarcyO said...

I would love to learn more about the Puritans and their idea of witches. Please include me.

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

JJ said...

The title of this book sounds good enough to read.
Thanks,

gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

JJ said...

tweeted @gahome2mom
Thanks,

gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

Anonymous said...

This book appears to be very interesting, especially when mother and daughter team up together against the escalating hysteria of the trials and the superstitious tyranny that led to the torture and imprisonment of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft!!

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

Anonymous said...

I own CoolCanucks.ca, which is a Canadian Contest and Freebie site. This giveaway is shared here:

http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/25187-bookin-bingo-heretics-daughter-book-giveaway-oct30-canada

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

Anonymous said...

I tweeted!!

http://twitter.com/coolcanucks/status/4664280897

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

Anonymous said...

I rated your blog!! :D

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

Chelsea S said...

I think adding this book to my library would add a classier feel to my bookshelf of mostly YA novels right now.

saulpaugh.chelsea(at)gmail(dot)com

--Chelsea

Sarah E said...

I think this would be a great addition to my library because I have visited Salem, Massachusetts and am very interested in the history of the Salem witch trials.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah Emmerson

nfmgirl said...

This looks like such a great book. Stirring, delving into one of the ugliest periods of American history, and exploring the bond of family. Please count me in!

nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

nfmgirl said...

I rated your blog

nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

Tracie Yule said...

I would love to read this book because I love historical fiction especially books centered about the oppression of women.

tyule (at) yuletimereading (dot) com

Glenn said...

I've always enjoyed historical fiction and this is a different type of book than others of that genre I've read. Thanks for the giveaway.

glenn_pessano AT yahoo DOT com

Unknown said...

I'd like to add this book to my library because Martha and Sarah too sound like strong, courageous women whose stories is inspiring and women like that should be heard. I'd like to hear their story.

Aimala127@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I rated your blog!

Aimala127@gmail.com

Katy said...

I love historical fiction, and although I love Regency England novels, I am really trying to expand my library of historical fiction based in the US. This book is on my wishlist--I've been wanting to get a copy ever since I first saw it. :)

Katy said...

I also rated your blog. :)

Jo-Jo said...

I blogged about your contest here.

And I also rated your blog!

joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

Sarah E said...

I also rated your blog.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah Emmerson

Raspberry said...

I love Salem Witch Trial stories, but I could use more adult books, since I have such a strong collection of teen and juvenile.
rae_sunshine4(at)yahoo.com

Raspberry said...

I also rated your blog.
rae_sunshine4(at)yahoo.com

Esme said...

tweeted
cococroissants giveaway for The Heretic's Daughter http://bit.ly/15U9Qw

chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

Stacey said...

So excited about this book, I've been reading fiction and non-fiction about our history with "witches" in America since middle school when I discovered "The Crucible." Thanks for doing the giveaway!

geekgirlunveiled (at) gmail (dot) com

Lost Without a Clue said...

The fact that its based on a real person and not just a specific historical time makes it interesting, because its more personal.

Marimasiel@aim.com

FrankSandy said...

I enjoy all types of novels, and would certainly enjoy this one. walkerd@primus.ca

FrankSandy said...

I enjoy read all types of novels. I know I'd enjoy this one. walkerd@primus.ca

Jess - A Book Hoarder said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jess - A Book Hoarder said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/saemmerson/status/5054225608

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah Emmerson

Jenn M. said...

I swore I already entered this, but I don't see my post! I must keep better track of these things!

I'd love to read this book because I have read so many good reviews about it! And, good books always belong on my bookshelf!

ossmcalc said...

I am fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials. This is a book that I have been wanting to read since I first read a review of it. Maybe this time, I will get lucky and win a copy of it.

thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/ossmcalc/status/5186217981

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I rated your blog in the box.

thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

Witches and witchcraft...a very timely book. walkermisc@primus.ca

Deb K said...

I would love to win this book as any stories about Salem I love to read!

deb55106(at)gmail(dot)com

Deb K said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/Deb55106/statuses/5225488947

deb55106(at)gmail(dot)com

Aimee said...

I'd love to add this to my library because The Salem witch trials are fascinating. Thanks!

gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

Anonymous said...

What could be more fascinating than witches and witchcraft. walkermisc@primus.ca

CherylS22 said...

I'd love to add this to my library because I find the Salem witch trials to be an interesting subject.

Thanks ~ megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com

CherylS22 said...

I rated your blog.

megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com

cqueen2 said...

i would love to add this to my libuary cause i love to read about historical fiction

thanks

wadesherry@hotmail dot com

lag123 said...

I love to read about the Salem Witch trials. This book sounds really good.

lag110@mchsi.com

lag123 said...

I rated your blog.

lag110@mchsi.com

Jaime said...

I love reading period books and Salem's history has always been interesting
copperllama at yahoo dot com

Jaime said...

I rated !
copperllama at yahoo dot com

MarionG said...

Hi I love historical novels and puritan America sounds like a terrific read. Would love this. Cheers. polo-puppy-fluffy AT hotmail *dot* com

MarionG said...

Hi. I rated your blog. polo-puppy-fluffy AT hotmail *dot* com

Wrighty said...

I almost missed this contest! I would love to have this book because I always need to learn more history and it sounds like an interesting story.

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Wrighty said...

I rated your blog!

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

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