May 24, 2011 • Category: Blog, Excerpts
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With the opening line of “My father, James Witherspoon, is a bigamist,” Tayari Jones unveils a breathtaking story about a man’s deception, a family’s complicity, and two teenage girls caught in the middle.
Set in Atlanta in the 1980s, Silver Sparrow revolves around James Witherspoon’s two families – his public one…and his secret one. The two daughters meet and form a friendship, but only one of them knows they are sisters. At the heart of it all are these two girls whose lives are at stake, and like the best writers – think Toni Morrison with The Bluest Eye – Jones elegantly portrays the fragility of her characters with raw authenticity as they seek love, demand attention, and try to imagine themselves as women.
Media is already raving about Silver Sparrow! Click here to listen to the wonderful interview between Tayari and NPR’s “All Things Considered” host Michele Norris – and check out some of the amazing praise that has already come in!
To celebrate the publication day, we’re giving away 3 copies of the new book. To enter, just leave a comment below or on our Facebook page.
And be sure to check out Tayari’s website for her book tour schedule, and follow her on Twitter @tayari.
“[an] immensely pleasurable new novel…There are no winners in this empathetic and provocative story, just survivors – and Jones is wise enough to hint that in our complex times, that may be all the victory any of us can hope for.” – MORE Magazine
“A love story…full of perverse wisdom and proud joy…Jones’s skill for wry understatement never wavers.” – O, The Oprah Magazine
“[you’re] going to devour Tayari Jones’s third novel, Silver Sparrow, in a single sitting.” – Essence
“[a] compelling third novel” – Vogue
“Jones is a master, and Silver Sparrow is a revelation, alive with meaning, heartbreak, and hope.” – Jayne Anne Phillips
“A story of sisters and secrets, Silver Sparrow will break your heart before you even know it. Tayari Jones has written a novel filled with characters I’ll never forget. This is a book I’ll read more than once.” – Judy Blume
Tags: Michele Norris, NPR, Publication Day, Silver Sparrow, Tayari Jones
Penny Dickerson says...
I love Tayari’s writing and storytelling ease. The rich characterization and image driven language engages readers and in the tradition of her literary predecessors, she gently places you “IN” the story. From Silver Sparrow: “This secret was mine, wrapped like a shiny present, lodged on a high shelf where Mother could see it but couldn’t reach.” Pure poetics.
May 31, 2011@ 9:47 AMCynthia Van Dusen says...
I would love to win a copy. This would be a new author for me.
May 26, 2011@ 3:36 AMCynthia Van Dusen says...
A book to be read in one sitting, that’s my kind of book. I would love to win a copy of Silver Sparrow and write a review. Thanks
May 26, 2011@ 3:32 AMPingback: 2nd Annual Off the Page Summer Book Festival | Literatures and Languages Library
T. Michelle says...
I love Tayari Jones’ work, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading Silver Sparrow. Winning a copy would be wonderful!
May 25, 2011@ 1:45 PMavril says...
As an avid reader who has just completed a book herself I know how much work goes into writing a book .I would love a chance to read this work as I believe you have to read to write .
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Sandra says...
What a hook! I love books I can’t put down and miss the characters when I am finished. This sounds like that kind of book. I would love to win one!
May 25, 2011@ 1:46 AMHira H. says...
From the opening line itself, this book sounds like it would be an immensely riveting read. I would LOVE to win a copy of this book, read it, and then review it on my blog. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
May 24, 2011@ 9:56 PMNakia says...
I am so excited about this book. Can’t wait to read it!
May 24, 2011@ 9:47 PM