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Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough by Ruth Pennebaker

February 16, 2011 by Darlene


I’ve got a great book to spotlight and do a giveaway for today and I can’t wait to read it myself. I love the title: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough by Ruth Pennebaker. Here’s what Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough is about…

Three generations, one house; zero sanity?

What happens when Mom, daughter, and Grandma are financially forced to share a roof?

AUSTIN, Texas – If there’s one lesson the Great Recession taught us, it’s how to host (and sometimes, be) unexpected roommates.

The number of multifamily households in the US is now at its highest since 1968, a demographic shift felt in each cramped bedroom and every crashed-on couch. It’s also the new American reality that gave rise to Ruth Pennebaker’s big-hearted, witty novel: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough (January 2011, Berkeley Trade Paperback Original / Penguin).

Pitting three women – mother, daughter, and grandmother – together under one roof, Pennebaker allows what she calls “a kind of horror story” to unfold:

Joanie is a recovering divorcee, has shakily re-entered the Austin, Texas, workplace, and has sworn off sex forever.

Ivy is her 78-year-old Christian mother, who has recently taken up shoplifting.

Caroline is Joanie’s sulky teenager, whose pot brownies get distributed a little more widely than she expected.

And to top things off, Richard, Joanie’s ex-husband, has just announced that his much younger girlfriend is pregnant.

Proving that mother-daughter relationships are more complex than any romance, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough is a tough love story about individual isolation – the kind that happens with people you love, people with whom you share living quarters. In the end, it’s also a story is also about reaching a better understanding of one another, and learning to love a little better.
__________

About the Author


RUTH PENNEBAKER is the acclaimed author of three young adult novels and one collection of essays. Her writings have appeared in The New York Times, The Dallas Morning News, Parents, Redbook, McCall’s, Cooking Light and other nationwide publications. She is currently a columnist for the Texas Observer, a commentator for KUT-FM,and host of the award-winning blog, The Fabulous GeezerSisters. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and emotionally unstable cat, Lefty. For more information, please visit www.ruthpennebaker.com.
__________

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one copy of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough by Ruth Pennebaker available for giveaway. To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
  • For 2 entries follow my blog. If you already do, let me know in your comment. The extra entry is yours as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, March 5, 2011. Good luck everyone!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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Filed Under: Book Spotlights

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wall-to-wall books says

    February 16, 2011 at 10:52 am

    Oh I LOVE the sound of this book! It sounds so good!
    Please enter me DARling.
    I am a follower.

    forevereading at gmail dot com

  2. DarcyO says

    February 16, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    I'd love to read this one. Thanks for the chance.

    dlodden at frontiernet dot net

  3. DarcyO says

    February 16, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    I'm a follower.

    dlodden at frontiernet dot net

  4. Angela says

    February 16, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    I would love to win this!
    I am a follower.
    aploughery (at) yahoo (dot) com

  5. Zibilee says

    February 16, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    I have this one up for review soon, and I am looking forward to it. Thanks for the great giveaway, but no need to enter me!

  6. Tea says

    February 16, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    I would love to read it.

    http://readwithtea(at)blogspot(dot)com

    I already follow you

    I am going to put the book on my blog. Coming back.

  7. Tea says

    February 16, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    I have blogged about the book. Thanks to Ruth Pennebaker and you for entering me in the giveaway. The book is in my sidebar left top.

    http://readwithtea(at)blogspot(dot)com

    Email

    teakettle58(at)yahoo(dot)com

  8. Charleydog says

    February 16, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Oh, that title does seem appropriate for most of us – having to deal with the multiple tasks of running a house.

    pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

  9. Linda says

    February 16, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    This sounds so interesting. I try to imagine what it would be like to live with my daughter and granddaughter. We three get along famously, but I'm sure problems would arise.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    extra entry – Google Follower

    lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

  10. Carol D. says

    February 16, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    My family bookclub wants to read this. Please enter my name in the drawing. Thanks. Carol
    cdirks1@sbcglobal.net
    Also a google follower.

  11. Bethie says

    February 16, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    I love this Title! Please count me in.

    I follow on GFC.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  12. Karen says

    February 16, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    This book is on my wish list
    karen.hofmaier@gmail.com
    I follow on GFC

  13. PoCoKat says

    February 16, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    Sounds awesome! Please enter me!

    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

  14. PoCoKat says

    February 16, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    Old follower on GFC

    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

  15. Wendy says

    February 16, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    This book sounds fantastic!

    Thank you for the entry!

    Wendy
    wendysfictionaddiction(at)gmail(dot)com

  16. Wendy says

    February 16, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    Already a follower!

    Wendy
    wendysfictionaddiction(at)gmail(dot)com

  17. Wendy says

    February 16, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    Tweeted:http://twitter.com/#!/FctionAddiction/status/37912131919679489

    Wendy

    wendysfictionaddiction(at)gmail(dot)com

  18. traveler says

    February 16, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    Thanks for this great giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

  19. Rebecca Rasmussen says

    February 16, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    Oh this looks great, Dar! I would love the chance, honey 🙂

    thebirdsisters@gmail.com

  20. Zoë says

    February 16, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    i would love to enter to win.

    i am already a follower 🙂

    strandedhero(at)gmail(dot)com

  21. Chantal says

    February 16, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    I'm a follower! (extra entry!)

    I'd love to win the book 🙂 It sounds great!

    CMShelstad at gmail dot com

  22. Carol N Wong says

    February 16, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    I love the three characters and the situation. Can't wait to read this one.

    Google Friend Connect Follower of your Blog.

    I tweeted:
    Carolee 888 is my Twitter name

    https://peekingbetweenthepages.com/2011/02/book-spotlight-giveaway-women-on-verge.html

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  23. Sandy Jay says

    February 16, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    Please count me in. Thanks for the giveaway.

    forwhlz at gmail dot com

  24. Sandy Jay says

    February 16, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    I'm a follower.

    forwhlz at gmail dot com

  25. Sandy Jay says

    February 16, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/ForWhlz/status/37980518716805120

    forwhlz at gmail dot com

  26. bermudaonion says

    February 16, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    I keep reading great reviews of this book, so I'd love to be entered. I subscribe in Google Reader. milou2ster(at)gmail.com

  27. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says

    February 17, 2011 at 5:18 am

    I would love to read Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough 🙂 *Thanks* for the giveaway!
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

  28. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says

    February 17, 2011 at 5:18 am

    Already publicly following Peeking Between the Pages with Google Friend Connect [Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}]
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

  29. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} says

    February 17, 2011 at 5:18 am

    Tweeted the giveaway
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

  30. Margay says

    February 17, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    +1 I've been in this position before – twice, so I know the story all too well.

    +2 Blog follower

    Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

  31. AmandaSue says

    February 17, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    The title alone got me interested! I'd love a chance to be entered into this giveaway thanks.

    I'm a blog follower thanks.

    unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail.com

  32. carolsnotebook says

    February 17, 2011 at 6:57 pm

    This sounds like it has potential to be fun.

    carolsnotebook at yahoo dot com

  33. Linda Kish says

    February 17, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    This sounds like a great book!

    Thanks for the chance to win.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  34. Marie says

    February 17, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    This looks like a great book… love the title. I follow you on my google reader.

    marieavedisian at gmail dot com

    P.S. The site is looking fab!

  35. Elisabeth says

    February 17, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Check your blog daily, your in my favorites.

    +2

    ladybook21 at yahoo dot com

  36. Brenda says

    February 18, 2011 at 3:40 am

    Looks like a great book! I follow through GFC – and am a subscriber.

    dancealert at aol dot com

  37. Brenda says

    February 18, 2011 at 3:45 am

    I posted the giveaway to my blog:

    http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/2011/02/peeking-between-pages-giveaway-of-women.html

    dancealert at aol dot com

  38. Brenda says

    February 18, 2011 at 4:35 am

    I tweeted – no longer have the link to paste in her my browser stuck and I couldn't get back here. My tweet name is dancealert or Brenda Rupp

    dancealert at aol dot com

  39. Anita Yancey says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    Sounds like an interesting book, I like how the author put three generations in one house. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  40. Anita Yancey says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    I already follow on GFC!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  41. Anita Yancey says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:14 pm

    I already follow on GFC!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  42. Book Bird Dog says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    I've wanted to read this book!

    I'm a follower.

    harvee44 at yahoo.com

  43. JHS. says

    February 19, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    I definitely want to read this one!

    GFC follower.

    JHS
    Colloquium

    jhsmail at comcast dot net

  44. Mona says

    February 20, 2011 at 3:59 am

    I love stories about mother-daughter relationships. Please enter me.

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC(Mona Garg) and email subscriber

    monagarg@yahoo.com

  45. Anonymous says

    February 20, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    I'd love to read this book.

    jeryl.marcus@gmail.com

  46. Veronica says

    February 22, 2011 at 5:41 am

    i'm a follower, and i'd love to read this!

    veronicasbooks at gmail dot com

  47. Rachel says

    February 22, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    I'm a follower- thanks for the giveaway!

    Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

  48. BRN2SHOP9 says

    February 23, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    sound like a great book!

  49. BRN2SHOP9 says

    February 23, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    I follow the blog through GFC

  50. BRN2SHOP9 says

    February 23, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    sorry forgot to leave my contact info. brn2shop9 at gmail dot com

  51. Dearheart says

    February 24, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    elizabeth_717@live.com
    I am also a follower of your blog thank you so much for going giveaways!

  52. Atypical Girl says

    February 24, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    This sounds like a great, witty book! Thank you for the giveaway!

    Amy // artsyrockerchick at aim dot com

  53. Atypical Girl says

    February 24, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    Oh, and I just became a follower of your beautiful blog!

    Amy // artsyrockerchick at aim dot com

  54. mamabunny13 says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    This book is on my wishlist…hope this is the lucky entry!
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  55. mamabunny13 says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    I follow you via gfc
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  56. mamabunny13 says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    tweet @mamabunny13
    http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/41206073364840448
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  57. ChristyJan says

    February 27, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    I would love to win a copy ~ sounds like a great read!

    + I'm a follower

    hawkes (at) citlink.net

  58. shanaelyse says

    February 27, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    This looks fantastic!

    shanaelyse@gmail.com

  59. shanaelyse says

    February 27, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    Oh–I follow you on GFC!

    shanaelyse@gmail.com

  60. maria says

    February 28, 2011 at 12:32 am

    Count me in!

    billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com

  61. Tinker7 says

    March 2, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    This book sounds real interesting and fun! I would love to win!! ROSEH87@hotmail.com

  62. Tinker7 says

    March 2, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    I am now a follower of your blog!

  63. Sarah E says

    March 5, 2011 at 5:31 am

    I would love to read this book! Please enter me in the giveaway.

    bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com

    Sarah E

  64. Sarah E says

    March 5, 2011 at 5:32 am

    Follow via GFC.

    bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com

    Sarah E

  65. Sarah E says

    March 5, 2011 at 5:34 am

    Tweet:

    http://twitter.com/BookLoverSarah/status/43907038505467904

    bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com

    Sarah E

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