Book Review/Giveaway: This One is Mine by Maria Semple

 Valerie over at Hachette sent me some really great books this month to read and review!

I put my hand out to the stack and this is the first one it hit, so wa-la the first of the reviews!

Synopisis:
Violet Parry is living the quintessential life of luxury in the Hollywood Hills with David, her rock-and-roll manager husband, and her darling toddler, Dot. She has the perfect life–except that she’s deeply unhappy. David expects the world of Violet but gives little of himself in return. When she meets Teddy, a roguish small-time bass player, Violet comes alive, and soon she’s risking everything for the chance to find herself again. Also in the picture are David’s hilariously high-strung sister, Sally, on the prowl for a successful husband, and Jeremy, the ESPN sportscaster savant who falls into her trap.

Review: The author worked for years in TV as a script writer and I found myself reading the book and picturing the movie/series/mini-series in my head. I;m not sure if it was supposed to read that way, or just what I picked up on (ie subtle spots where directions would be on a script) because I took script writing in college.  The book wasn't bad, and it is a quick read. I just really had a hard time liking the characters. If it was a tv show, I might watch or I might not, but not a regular basis. It definitely is a hard look at typical LA/Hollywood types and is more of a behind the scenes behind the facade! It is an interesting read and I would say it may appeal to others more than me. You can read excerpt here!

About the Author.. Maria Semple has written for television shows including Arrested Development, Mad About You, and Ellen. She has escaped from Los Angeles and lives with her family on an island off Seattle. This is her first novel.

Giveaway:

THREE lucky winners will receive their own copy of This One is Mine!

ENTRIES:

Make sure I have an email address, with your comment, so I can contact you, if you win!   
If I don't have a way to contact you, you will forfeit your win!

USA/Canada only, No PO Boxes
(sorry Hachette's rule)

3 day winner's rule : Winner has 3 days to acknowledge they won prize,
and confirm address, if no contact, then new winner will be picked in their place. 

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Contest will end on April 24th, at midnight. Winner will be picked by Random Number (random.org) on April 25th, and emailed. As soon as winners' info is received from all the winners, Hachette will be advised and they will mail the books to the winners!

Disclosure: This book was sent to me free of charge, for review purposes, by Hachette Publishing. I was not told how to review it however.