Thursday, June 3, 2010

ONE MORE THEORY ABOUT HAPPINESS: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
ONE MORE THEORY
ABOUT HAPPINESS

BY PAUL GUEST

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Paul Guest was twelve years old, racing down a hill on a too big, ancient bicycle, when he discovered he had no brakes. Steering into anything that would slow down the bike, he hit a ditch, was thrown over the handlebars, and broke his neck.

One More Theory About Happiness follows a boy into manhood, from the harrowing days immediately after his accident to his adult life as a teacher, award-winning poet, and soon-to-be husband. With wit, courage, and an unstoppable drive to live a life of his own creation—stemming in part from his remarkable parents, who insisted he return to school only days after arriving home from the hospital—Paul makes peace with his paralysis. As he grows older, he transforms it with his art, cultivating his lifelong gift for language into a searing poetic sensibility that has earned him praise from the highest ranks of American letters (“Wonderful”— John Ashbery; “Astonishing”—Jorie Graham; “Fierce and unnerving”—Robert Hass).

An unforgettable story—shatteringly funny, deeply moving, and breathtakingly honest—One More Theory About Happiness takes us from a body irrevocably changed to a life fiercely cherished.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Paul Guest's's first book, The Resurrection of the Body and the Ruin of the World, won the 2002 New Issues Prize in Poetry, and his second book, Notes for My Body Double, won the 2006 Prairie Schooner Book Prize. The recipient of a 2007 Whiting Award, his latest book is a memoir, One More Theory about Happiness. He lives in Atlanta, GA.

MY REVIEW:

Paul Guest writes an honest, poignant, often times funny, and decisively optimistic memoir in ONE MORE THEORY ABOUT HAPPINESS. I have read more and more memoirs of late and must say I am lucky because most of them have been interesting, entertaining, and engaging stories. ONE MORE THEORY ABOUT HAPPINESS definitely is one of them. The story Paul tells with such eloquence and candidness that you feel you are right beside him as he tells his tale begins with his senseless childhood accident that led to a broken neck when he was only 12. He flipped over the handlebars of a bicycle and landed in a ditch, breaking two vertebrae in his neck, as well as both arms. From his youthful point of view, he describes the accident rather simply but resoundingly full of emotion. He learns early in the post-accident time that he is, and will be, a quadriplegic for life, as his diagnosis was bleak from the start . He is almost reborn into a new life of hospitals, rehabilitation centers, surgeries, and the loss of anything much to have control of, at least physically.

Soon after the accident, Guest was relocated from his home in Chattanooga to a rehabilitation center in Atlanta. There they chose the lesser of two evils in hopes of repairing his broken body somewhat by putting Paul into a fiberglass vest and then placed a ‘halo’ around, and screwed into, his head. I thought the name halo was appropriate for anyone who could stand having their head immobilized by placing screws into his skull to hold it in place. Anyone who endures that must be a saint or angel of some kind. Sadly it didn‘t work and Paul Guest had to have the surgery after all. He spent his rehab time learning to use an electric wheelchair, exercises to try and keep him limber, and adjusting to simple everyday tasks he could no longer do without help. Upon leaving rehab, Paul is sent out to “the real world” and his life returns to as normal as it could be in his condition.

Paul Guest writes about the rest of his adolescence and on into his early adult life with examples of the indignities as well as the special times in such a heart warming manner that you laugh and cry at the same time. I loved the part about him riding the “short bus” for special needs children as my husband drives just such a school bus so I know what it's like. Guest does it with humor and heartbreak, sadness and strength, that is hard to believe. Amazingly Paul Guest keeps his sense of humor even with the pain and anger and humiliation he endures. His strength and spirit allow him to grow to be a valuable human being who is able to participate in and contribute to the world he lives in. This is not a memoir to make you feel sorry for Paul Guest but rather one that allows you to be inspired by him. I will keep reading memoirs if they can all be this good. Kudos to Mr. Guest and thank you for your inspirational and enjoyable memoir.


GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO KYLE AND GOOD PEOPLE
AT HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHING,
I HAVE 3 COPIES OF THIS WONDERFUL

BOOK TO GIVE AWAY. HERE IS WHAT
YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN A COPY!



--U.S. 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 SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING ABOUT THIS REVIEW OR BOOK DESCRIPTION THAT WOULD MAKE YOU WANT TO READ THE BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY:
COMMENT ON SOMETHING INTERESTING YOU FOUND ABOUT PAUL GUEST FROM HIS WEBSITE HERE.

+1 MORE ENTRY:
BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ANY OTHER CURRENT GIVEAWAY OF MINE YOU HAVE ENTERED. YOU CAN CHECK THE GIVEAWAY COLUMN ON THE RIGHT. IF YOU HAVEN'T ENTERED SOME, PLEASE GO AHEAD. EACH ENTRY YOU COMMENT SEPARATELY ABOUT WILL COUNT AS ONE MORE ENTRY TOWARD WINNING THE BOOK!

GIVEAWAY ENDS
6 PM, EST,
JUNE 20!

GOOD LUCK

154 comments:

Unknown said...

I want to read this book because Paul Guest lives and enjoys life despite being a paralyzed man in a wheelchair. As a physically disabled woman, I spend most of my time in a wheelchair although I can walk a little bit but chronic, constant pain often prevents that. I don't have the outlook on life that Paul does although I am working on it. I would love to read his memoir and dicover how he reconciled his disability and built an enjoyable life for himself.

Thank you for a great giveaway!

~ Amy
Aimala127@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I found the poems posted on Paul Guest's website very interesting and intriguing. I wasn't expecting to be treated to his poems right on his blog so it was great to read them. I have always enjoyed poems although never completely understood all that I have read. I find Paul's poems very engaging and interesting.

Thank you!

Aimala127@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

How can you not admire a man who turns his life around after such a tragic accident! I admire his parents as well for refusing to let him wallow and making him go back to school soon after coming home from the hospital. Sounds like a very inspiring story!
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I learned from his blog that his debut book of poetry, The Resurrection of the Body and the Ruin of the World, won the 2002 New Issues Poetry Prize.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered the Latino Book month giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered the Innocent giveaway.
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I entered the Husband and Wife giveaway.
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StephTheBookworm said...

I'd like to read this book because I'd like to read about how he has coped with paralysis. A family friend has gone through this 2 years ago after a vicious and random attack and is still trying to learn to walk. I think this would be a helpful and inspiring story to share. I would love to read it and share it with him.

StephTheBookworm said...

I entered The cradle

stephaniet117 at yahoo dot com

StephTheBookworm said...

I learned that the author is a poet.

stephaniet117 at yahoo dot com

StephTheBookworm said...

I entered The Boy Who Loved Tornadoes.

StephTheBookworm said...

I entered Three Wishes.

StephTheBookworm said...

I entered Good to a Fault.

StephTheBookworm said...

I entered Spent.

StephTheBookworm said...

I entered Husband and Wife.

traveler said...

This amazing and courageous man has strength and determination. He is to be admired. Thanks for this giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

His poetry is wonderful and special. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Innocent. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Husband and Wife.saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Spent.saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Three Wishes. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Good to a fault.saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered The Cradle. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Latino Book Month. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered The Boy Who Loved Tornadoes. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Margie said...

This sounds like a very inspirational, uplifting book...probably make you very thankful for what you have.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I entered the Boy Who Loved Tornados giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Guest lives in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the recipient of a 2007 Whiting Writers' Award.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I entered the giveaway for Innocent.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I entered for Good To a Fault.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Entered for The Cradle.
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Margie said...

Entered for Fever Dream.
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Margie said...

I entered Long Way Home giveaway.
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traveler said...

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Linda Kish said...

This sounds like a truly inspirational book. I wish I had his outlook on life. And kudos to his parents for re-immersing him into real life so quickly.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Interesting poetry.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I entered Deliver Us From Evil giveaway

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LAMusing said...

I had heard of the author and read a few bits of his poetry out there on the web. Your review really made me want to read this book.

adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

LAMusing said...

I entered Innocent

adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

LAMusing said...

On his website I learned Paul Guest's second collection, Notes for My Body Double, was awarded the 2006 Prairie Schooner Book Prize

adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

LAMusing said...

I entered Fever Dream

adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

LAMusing said...

I entered Deliver Us From Evil

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LAMusing said...

I entered Alibi

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LAMusing said...

I entered The Cradle

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debbie said...

I can relate to one day having a "normal" life, to the next, having a major change in your physical abilities. I wish I could say I did it with as much humor as Paul did, but having intense pain, seems to strip that ability away. I would love to read this book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered the boy who loved tornadoes giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered fever dream giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

The books sounds like it would really be good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Colleen Turner said...

+5 swagbucks entry.
candc320@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I was interested in why the accident happened and his situation affected him. Also if John Ashbury thinks it is a great book it must be.

CarolNWong@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Paul Guest must had quite a journey going from the bicycle accident to writing books and poetry. He is a great inspiration to anyone who is disabled.

CarolNWong@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I have entered the contest for Spent.

Benita said...

This sounds like an inspiring story of this man's life. Paul seems to have a good frame of mind.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I find it interesting that he writes poetry. I too write. It's a wonderful outlet for what ails you.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I entered your giveaway for "Husband and Wife" by Leah Stewart

Aimala127@gmail.com

Margie said...

+5 swag bucks entry
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Unknown said...

wow, I read your review, how sad about his accident, I don't know how I'd have handled such a thing so young, I was such an outdoorsy kid, I too flew off my bike and was unconscious and not hurt. I'd like to here about his journey.

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

He's won lots of awards for his books and poetry.

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/Romantic73/status/15499586037

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url=http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/2010/06/one-more-theory-about-happiness-review.html
posted on stumble

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

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Unknown said...

I entered your giveaway for "Husband and Wife".


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Unknown said...

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Annmarie Weeks said...

Some of my favorite books are memoirs about folks who have overcome obstacles & led fulfilling lives! This one looks perfect!

Annmarie Weeks said...

I see that The recipient of a 2007 Whiting Writers' Award, Guest lives in Atlanta, Georgia!

Unknown said...

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000641625482&v=wall&story_fbid=123496511020600&ref=mf

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Unknown said...

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Unknown said...

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Rebecca Orr said...

Entered the If You Knew Suzy giveaway. bekki1820cb at gmail

Rebecca Orr said...

I have not read anything dealing with paralysis and would like to understand the struggles that come with it better. My fiancee's father had a beam from a barn fall on his back when he was in this late 30's and he too was paraplegic. The fact that he makes peace with it and moves on, doesn't wallow it it, makes for an inspirational life, to others dealing with the same issues and even people {like myself} who are not, but would like to understand it better. Thanks for the chance. bekki1820cb at gmail

Rebecca Orr said...

Entered the A Maze of Grace giveaway. bekki1820cb at gmail

Rebecca Orr said...

Entered the The Lost Girls giveaway.
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Jenna said...

It really sounds encouraging and uplifting how he overcame such a tagic event in childhood. Id love to know the theory of happiness!

papajm25{AT}gmail{DOT}com

Jenna said...

I entered If You Knew Suzy

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Jenna said...

I entered The Lost Girls

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Jenna said...

I enetered The Autism Book

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Jenna said...

I entered Husband & Wife

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Jeff said...

Well It's a story about a boy, I think I can realte to that.
jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

I found a couple things interesting, That he wrote 3 books of poetry and also he got his book talked about in the paper and he went down to grap up a bunch myabe all the copies from the news stand.
jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

Posted on Twitter.
http://twitter.com/jeff72768/status/16314297713
jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

I posted in facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000609680005&v=wall&story_fbid=119408944769603&ref=mf

jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

entered: ALIBI GIVEAWAY
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Shirley said...

he's the recipient of a 2007 Whiting Writers' Award.
shundelt@yashoo.com

Shirley said...

I'd like to read this book and see how he made through after his accident. shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

Posted on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Grandmamaof10/status/16479357206

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

facebook post:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001087052807&v=wall&story_fbid=120114401365717

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

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entered: "THE SHORT SECOND LIFE OF BREE TANNER: PREVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

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entered "IF YOU KNEW SUZY: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY"

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JHS said...

I absolutely plan to read this book (and hope I win it) because I am a civil rights attorney & litigated one of the nation's most notorious cases involving a man with profound disabilities whose wife wanted to pull his feeding tube, thereby bringing about his death. You can read about that case at Robert's Legacy. I have also litigated other cases involving the rights of persons with disabilities and am always interested in learning more about the subject.

BTW, I have a giveaway at Colloquium, too, and invite you and your readers to drop by and enter!

JHS
Colloquium

jhsmail at comcast dot net

JHS said...

Something interest from Guest's site? That Barnes and Noble selected him to be featured as a great new writer. That's awesome and only makes me more anxious to read his book.

JHS
Colloquium

jhsmail at comcast dot net

Unknown said...

I need a book on happiness, because I haven't been very happy with the way my lifes been going, divorcing and all, even though it was my iodea, thnings arew a little tuff. I think this book will help me see what I have to be happy about things I'm over looking.

christina101092@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

That he's a poet.

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