When it comes to reading, I'm mostly a non-fiction girl. I'm kind of the nerdy type in that I love learning. Every once in awhile, though, I love to pick up a fiction book - to get lost in a great story and to be sucked in by the characters that the author creates. When I do, I usually consume it all in one sitting (at least, that's what I did pre-baby). Now, if I read through an entire book in under two days, it means I REALLY like it - that I stayed up way too late reading after baby's bedtime. Such was the case with Robin Jones Gunn's newest book.
Peculiar Treasures is the first book in the Katie Weldon series, a book about a college freshman who is struggling to understand herself, her relationship with her not-yet-boyfriend, and her future. The text is easy-to-read and captivating. The scenarios are believable and capture that "window of life" perfectly. Although it is designed for the teen/college audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you haven't heard of Robin Jones Gunn, then I feel it is my duty to inform you that you are seriously missing out. Gunn has written 63 books (most notably - the Christy Miller series, the Sierra Jensen series, the Sisterchicks books, and the Glenbrooke series) and has a knack for drawing the reader into funny and heartfelt situations.
I first read the Christy Miller series and the Sierra Jensen series in high school - and my friends and I often described people in our lives by using the characters in the books (a.k.a. "I can't wait to find my Todd," "That's something Christy would do!", etc. - I warned you that I was the nerdy type!). My 4 sisters and my mom all eagerly read the books cover-to-cover (and multiple times) as well - and I should note here that they're not nerds - they're very cool.
When I heard Peculiar Treasures was coming out, I knew I had to read it. Katie Weldon, the book's star character, made "appearances" in the Christy and Sierra series so this book had some tie-ins from previous series (a very fun quality about Gunn's books). That said, you could read it as a "stand-alone" book.
If you're looking for a fiction book that is light, easy-to-read, and that will make you laugh-out-loud, you should check out all of Gunn's books. Buy them for your little sister, your cousin, or your mom.
As a side note, I actually just bought Peculiar Treasures for my sister's 18th birthday. When I called my mom yesterday, she said my other sisters (who are married) are already fighting over who gets to read the book next. The name "Robin Jones Gunn" has that kind of impact in our family.
WIN IT! There will be three winners. Each winner will receive a copy of Peculiar Treasures (just released this month!) by Robin Jones Gunn. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday, Mar. 3o, at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Monday, Mar. 31. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
*UPDATE* The three winners are #76 Julie D., #78 K. Cleaver, and #79 Karin. Congratulations!
How is it that I, an avid reader, have never heard of Robin Jones Gunn? I hope to win so I can find out more! Thanks!
cpamomva at hotmail dot com
Sounds like a great book!
yadgirl (at) chartertn (dot) net
Would love to give this to my college freshman daughter...after I read it first, of course!!!
sounds like a good book
This author is new to me, but I'd love to give her a try!
dansan826 at yahoo.com
I love to read books and of course would love to win this one. Thanks for the great give away!
What a delightful book giveaway! I would love to read it and then pass it on to my nieces! Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks very much!
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I'd love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
This sounds like a book I want to own
Enter me please!!!!!
Id love to have a copy!!
I added you to prizeatron too
http://www.prizeatron.com
Peculiar Treasures seems like an interesting book. I'd love to win it. Thanks, Kathy
[email protected]
Sounds like a good book!
I can never get enough books to read. Thank you for the nice giveaway.
i want to win this
I have never read a book by this author-I sure like to win!
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
sounds intresting
thanks for the contest
Would love to win...thanks so much!
Souds like a great read! Thanks for the chance!!
I'd like this for my high school aged cousin. Thanks!
How could I have missed Robin Jones Gunn. 63 books is a lot! I would like to enter this for my niece who will be going to college soon.
My reading addiction needs feeding. Thanks for the chance.
Enter me, please.
Wow!!
i love to read fiction.
This sounds like a great book
Thanks for the chance to win
Love the title... hope I win!
I have not yet read this author. These sound like books I'd be interested in reading. Thanks for the heads up!
This looks to be an interesting read.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Count me in!
I love all the Sisterchicks books! Gondolas was my favorite, but I'm really looking forward to the next one coming out soon :)
I've also enjoyed Gardenias for Breakfast and Gentle Passages. I would love to win this book to get my girls started on Robin Jones Gunn!
I remember enjoying the Christy Miller series many years ago, and would love to check out this newest novel!
Thanks for the contest. Count me in!
I would love to read something light. The boys are finally getting old enough that I can a book for any length of time.
sounds good
sounds like a great author
She writes wonderful books. Can't wait to start this series!!
It looks interesting
always love to read
Looks like a book I'd enjoy -- I'm *cough* years old and I still read YA books sometimes.
very cool please enter me! thanks!
We'd love to have this for our library.
Sounds great!
I can't believe I have read any Robin Jones Gunn books. I will be fixing that soon (well as soon as I can get out of the house since my girls will only wear dress-up clothes lately lol)
Great contest!
Thanks for the opportunity
[email protected]
This sounds great
nice product
Sounds like a good book.
I would love to win!
Please enter me - I would love to read this - thank you
Great contest! Count me in!
please enter me
I would love love love to read this
i would like to read this book.
[email protected]
[email protected]
I want to win
Please enter me
I want to win!
I've never read anything by Robin Jones Gunn, but her books sound great!
I can't get my hands on enough books, and I think it's rubbing off on my daughter. I'd love to try this one! I think I might have read one of the Christy Miller ones when I was in junior high, but it's been so long that I don't really remember what it was about. Anyway, I think it sounds like a great read. Thanks!
Yes! We've always enjoyed Robin Jones Gunn! We encourage you to read all of her books!