Wednesday, October 13, 2010

THE GOOD SISTER: PREVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
THE GOOD SISTER
BY DRUSILLA CAMPBELL

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Roxanne Callahan has always been her younger sister's caretaker. Now married, her happiness is threatened when beautiful and emotionally unstable Simone, suffering from crippling postpartum depression, commits an unforgivable crime for which Roxanne comes to believe she is partially responsible. In the glare of national media attention brought on her sister, Roxanne fights to hold her marriage together as she is drawn back into the pain of her troubled past and relives the fraught relationship she and Simone shared with their narcissistic mother.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Drusilla Campbell is the author of three critically acclaimed novels: Wildwood, The Edge of Sky, and Blood Orange. Before she started school she had crossed the Pacific Ocean three times. In her twenties she lived in Europe and Central America. Today she's happy to stay at home in San Diego with her husband, the attorney and poet Art Campbell, two rescued dogs, and three horses.

READING GROUP GUIDE:
Because THE GOOD SISTER would be such a wonderful book for discussion, many book clubs will adopt it. The Reading Group Guide offers questions for discussion purposes. HOWEVER, if you are going to read the book and don't want to know what happens before hand, you may want to skip over the questions as they might spoil the story for you, thus the SPOILER ALERT!

1) Many themes run through THE GOOD SISTER. One of these is codependency, the kind of unhealthy relationship that can tie friends and family together in knots of emotional misery. In large part THE GOOD SISTER is about Roxanne’s attempts to establish an independent life apart from her sister. Why is this so difficult for her? What obstacles real and imagined stand between her and this goal?
 
2) Roxanne loves her sister and feels responsible for her, and Simone is excessively dependent upon Roxanne. Is Roxanne dependent upon Simone? In what ways? What events from each of their childhoods led to this enmeshed relationship? When and by what means might it have been terminated much earlier in their lives? Why didn’t that happen?
 
3) Although she feels her mother abandoned her by leaving her with Gran, Roxanne has many happy memories around the three years she spent at the ranch. It has been said that our memories both sustain and burden us. How is this true in Roxanne’s case?
 
4) THE GOOD SISTER is the story of four generations of women, each of whom has been abandoned in some way. How does the theme of abandonment run through the story and influence the lives of the characters?
 
5) Merell slips into and out of rooms like a little ghost, unseen by the adults around her who are too much involved in their own lives. Roxanne was unseen by her mother except in her role of caretaker. Simone is slipping from depression into psychosis and Merell believes she is the only one who sees her mother’s pain. Is it true that we often do not see clearly the people closest and most important to us? Why is that?
 
6) There are two “good sisters” in this book: Roxanne and Merell. How does Merell’s development mirror Roxanne’s? How do we see the pattern of behavior playing out in Merell in contrast to Roxanne?
 
7) Do you think there is often one sibling who does everything possible to make the family happy and peaceful? If you were in Roxanne’s shoes, would you have stopped your life to help your sister in need?
 
8) Elizabeth believes that we sometimes serve as “angels” to the people who need us. Have you ever known this to be true?
 
9) Roxanne knows that without Elizabeth’s friendship she might never have found the courage to move away from home and take the first steps toward an independent life. Was it Elizabeth’s example that enabled Roxanne or something else? Is it possible that we look for in friends those qualities we know or sense are lacking in ourselves?
 
10) While postpartum depression is quite common, postpartum psychosis is – blessedly – rare and does not occur in women who are not psychologically damaged in some way. Dr. Balch says in her testimony that in Simone’s case, a “perfect storm” of factors were involved. What were those? And does knowing why Simone tried to kill her children help you to feel sympathetically toward her?
 
11) Did reading THE GOOD SISTER make you think of real mothers in the news who endangered or killed their children because of postpartum depression, such as Andrea Yates? Do you feel sympathy towards them, or do you see them as monsters? Do you think the media treats these women fairly? Do you think there is still a stigma against women suffering from postpartum depression in society?
 
12) Simone is torn between her fear of life and her longing to regain the feeling she had when she sailed aboard the Oriole. How do these conflicting desires play out on the day she decides to take her daughters to the marina on Shelter Island?

13) We apply the adjective good to being a mother and sister. What does it mean to be a good mother, a good sister?
 
14) Johnny thought Simone would be a good wife. What caused him to make this egregious misjudgment? Is it possible that with no children or perhaps only Merell, Simone might have lived up to his expectation?
 
15) Throughout the book Roxanne represses her anger, but in the final chapter Simone’s psychiatrist tells her it is time for her to be brave. What does he mean? What does he want Roxanne to do, why is this difficult and why does he believe it will help Simone?
 
16) Will this family ever be whole again? What forces work in its favor and what pulls against it?

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO BRAD AND FRIENDS 
AT HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I 
I HAVE THREE COPIES OF THIS
  EXCELLENT BOOK (GREAT FOR BOOK

CLUBS) TO GIVE AWAY!

--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
--INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT
--ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY


HOW TO ENTER

+1 ENTRY: READ ABOUT THE GOOD SISTER ABOVE AND CHECK OUT THE "OPEN BOOK" AND COMMENT ON WHY YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK

+1 MORE ENTRY: "LIKE" DRUSILLA CAMPBELL ON FACEBOOK BY GOING HERE

+1 MORE ENTRY: "LIKE" HACHETTE BOOK GROUP ON FACEBOOK BY GOING HERE 

+1 MORE ENTRY: GO TO DRUSILLA CAMPBELL'S WEBSITE HERE AND COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING THERE; PERHAPS ABOUT HER, OR THE BOOKS SHE WRITES, OR WHATEVER YOU COME UPON

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, OCTOBER 29!

GOOD LUCK!

57 comments:

traveler said...

This novel appeals to me greatly since it is deep, emotional and memorable. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I have read other novels by this author and they are unforgettable and captivating because the writing is beautiful and the plots and characters memorable. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Tea said...

I would like to win The Good Sister because it's very important to read and learn about the different types of chronic depression especially when babies and children are involved.

teakettle58(at)yahoo(dot)com

Tea said...

I liked Drusilla Campbell on Facebook.(LeolaHarris)

Tea said...

I have already liked Hachette, but I had forgotten about the site. Shame, shame, shame.

Tea said...

I have discovered her three other books. I would like to read each one.


1.Blood Orange
2.The Edge of The Sky
3.Wildwood

Thanks for entering me.

StephTheBookworm said...

This sounds GREAT and I really want to read it now to find out the crime that she commits, though I have an idea of what it might be!

stephaniet117 at yahoo dot com

petite said...

I am fascinated with The Good Sister since it delves into a close relationship and is compelling. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

StephTheBookworm said...

I found on her website that she wrote her first book in 6th grade.

petite said...

Drusilla Campbell is talented and writes from the heart.She is talented and has taught, travelled and is interesting. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I think this looks like a great family drama. I skipped reading over the reading group questions because I don't want to know what the terrible crime is before I read it! Thanks for the info and chance to win.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

debbie said...

I would like to read this. My sister suffered from this (and had something similar happen), and I think it would be interesting for me to see how the author handles it.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Linda Kish said...

I'd like to read it because the story sounds very interesting.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I like Hachette on facebook

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Her books look interesting. She wrote her first book in sixth grade. I'm impressed.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Hey, I want to read that! said...

Okay, I guess I picked the right time to look in on your blog. Two giveaways to try for. I really liked "Blood Orange" and I would like to try more of Drusilla Campbell's books.

Unknown said...

I am a follower and email subscriber. I would love to read this book because it sounds very good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Unknown said...

I would like to read this book because it sounds like something I would enjoy.
amandarwest at gmaildotcom

Unknown said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/amandawk/status/27336908531

Unknown said...

I found it interesting that the author wrote her first book in 6th grade on paper stolen from school.

Colleen Turner said...

From the book description I am on pins and needles wanting to know what the sister does that garners media attention and why the main character feels partially responsible...what could it be?!
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I like the author on Facebook (follow as Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I like Hatchette on Facebook (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I learned from the author's website that she wrote her first novel in the sixth grade! I am amazed and envious of her finding her passion so young.
candc320@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

This touches on quite a few emotioinal subjects so it must be very interesting.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I liked Drusilla Campbell on FB.

CarolNWong)(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I have "liked" Hatchett Books on FB for a very long time.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

From Drusilla's website I learned that she wrote her first novel while in the sixth grade!

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

+5 SWAG


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Renee said...

a woman accused of murdering her children? that's enough excitement for me to want to read this book


reneesuz82(at)msn.com

Renee said...

I "like' the author on FB

reneesuz82(at)msn.com

Anonymous said...

I tweeted:

Carolee888 http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/ See above for 'Good Sister' giveaway today!

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Renee said...

I like that she says she writes because it is an essential part of her.

reneesuz82(at)msn.com

LoveMyCoffee said...

I'd love to win The Good Sister. I really enjoyed the last book I read from this author, Blood Orange.

Dutchlvr1(at)aol(dot)com

bison61 said...

the story of four generations of women, each of whom has been abandoned in some way. this sounds like a great read about families and their problems

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I really liked Blood Orange and look forward to this one. I like Hachette Book Group, they have some awesome authors.

Pamela Keener said...

This sounds like a story that could have really happened & how the sister is involved seems intriguing.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I like Druscilla Campbell on FB/Pam Keener
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I like Hachette on FB/Pam Keener
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

Foreign rights for "The Good Sister" have been sold in France & Germany. Wildwood also sounds like a great book too.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Margie said...

I always enjoy family dramas, and this looks like a good one.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

liked Campbell on Facebook
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

like the Hatchette group on Facebook
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I found it interesting that for years, the author wrote only first chapters.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

+5 Swag
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Laura H. said...

I like multi-generational books plus I REALLY want to find out what the "unforgivable crime" is.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/27789584426

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

"Liked" Drusilla on FB @ Laura Grassie Henderson.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Already "liked" Hatchette Books on FB @Laura Grassie Henderson.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Drusilla used to be a disc jockey!!

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Jolee said...

I am intrigued by the book having themes of codependency and unhealthy family relationships. Hmmmm..... joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

Jolee said...

Learned from her site that this book is an Oct Manic Moms book club pick. joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

hendy said...

Looks like a fascinating book, the whole concept of postpartum depression is such a controversial, little understood subject and this book would be great to learn more about.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/HendyMartin/status/28576618553
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

I learned that Drucella wrote her first book in 6th grade on "stolen" school paper.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

rubynreba said...

I'd like to read this because it spans 4 generations.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

The foreign rights for this book have been sold in France and Germany.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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