Today’s post by Tanis Rideout, author of ABOVE ALL THINGS
The talented and generous team at Amy Einhorn Books has provided a copy of ABOVE ALL THINGS for one lucky winner. As usual, simply leave a comment on this post and you’ll be entered.
Tanis Rideout
UPDATE: the winner for this giveaway is Carol. She has been notified by email. Thanks to everyone who entered! And don’t forget to visit again soon.
My first novel, Above All Things, is based on the 1924 British expedition to Mt. Everest an historical event and so is filled with true things. Most of them are not about me, but life has a way of creeping into my writing – in big ways and small ways. The way someone looks, a certain nervous tic, the details of an event or room. In order to make George and Ruth’s relationship spring to life I borrowed from my own.
In the novel, George and Ruth recall their first meeting quite differently. Ruth believes it is when her father invites George to stay with their family in Italy and remembers in detail how George first looked, what he said. George, though, recalls meeting her earlier at a New Years Eve Party. “We’ve met before,” George insists, citing the dinner party, which Ruth remembers attending but she is unable to recall George’s presence at all.
My husband and I agree on our first meeting (though perhaps we’d been in the same room together before) – a reading at a local book store, an introduction by mutual friends – but like George and Ruth, we disagree on what it was that I was wearing. “You wore a red dress,” George says – echoing my husband’s insistence. And I agree with Ruth: “But I hadn’t.”
I don’t recall owning any red dress – though years later I bought one to wear on our anniversary. Both my husband and I are sure we are correct. It has become part of our relationship’s history, a running joke, one that we both believe the other is the punch line of.
I gave this story to George and Ruth for a couple of reasons – to lend their meeting, their first getting to know each other an aura of authenticity – we attach a great deal of importance to how we meet people, particularly lovers. But I also gave them this story to highlight just how much it is possible for us to misremember, mistake and mis-tell of our own lives. One of us, my husband or me, is correct, that much is true. One of us isn’t. It changes nothing about our relationship, but makes me wonder what else might be misremembered or misconstrued. This innocent discrepancy seems hugely important in telling a story, like George and Ruth’s, that is very much about how we narrate and tell our own stories, to ourselves and to others.
“Tell me the story of Everest,” she said, a fervent smile sweeping across her face, creasing the corners of her eyes. “Tell me about this mountain that’s stealing you away from me.” 
About Ariel Lawhon
Ariel Lawhon is the co-founder of She Reads, novelist, blogger, storyteller, and life-long reader. She lives in Texas with her husband and four young sons (aka The Wild Rumpus). Ariel believes that Story is the shortest distance to the human heart.
Sounds like when I read this there won’t be any house work or supper!
Sounds like a wonderful book to read curled up on the couch with a cup of coffee.
I would like to win this book. I am an avid reader, Thank you
I would love to win this book.
This books sounds interesting and very timely. My passion is for “the family” and young people. I believe we need to re-introduce (and restore) quality character – good character: courage, love, grace, mercy, patience to our culture. I haven’t read this book, but the intro made me think about this.
I facilitate parent workshops to help equip parents with skills and tools they need to help them keep their kids from high risk behaviors: drugs, alcohol, gangs, violence, etc. After reading this book (if appropriate) I’ll add it to the reading list. Love this group!
I would love to read this book. It sounds wonderful.
Thanks
I’ve always wondered about the lives and feelings of those left to keep body and soul together when the other spouse is trekking around the world, exploring, climbing mountains and other dangerous pursuits. This looks like an interesting read and may be the next pick for our book club. Thanks, Ellin
I read about anything I can get my hands and eyes on.My favorite thing t0 read is Christian fiction.
I read just about anything I can get my hands and eyeson, especially Christian fiction.
I read all kinds of books. Can’t wait!
Looks like another good recommendation! Thanks!
This sounds like a fascinating story and I love the insight into how the author borrowed from her marriage in some ways.
My hands are always ready to hold a new book and to be introduced to an author’s work that I have not read.
Sounds intriguing. Can’t wait to read it!
Awesome book by a very talented writer!!
I love to hear writers describe their books and how ideas came about! I will surely put this on my “must read” list! Sincerely , julie
Sounds like a great read!
Sounds like a wonderful book! I would love to read it.
My passion is reading. My dream is to someday open up a bookstore/coffee shop where you can come in and read in comfy chairs, pick out a great book to buy or just stop in to visit and chat. (Small scale, ecletic style) I am 59 but still dreaming of having this little shop someday.
I would love to win a copy of this book to add to my personal library.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to do so.
Sounds like a great story! This is on my to read list!
Thank you for all the great recommendations! Can’t wait to read this one.
There’s nothing better than to be able to get away from reality a little while and dive into a good book. I savour a good book like most ladies do their chocolate. Thanks for making this give-a-way available. I would love to have a copy.
Sounds like a great book!! I will put this on my “must read” list.
Oh my! I can hardly wait to begin reading this book! I have definitely added this book to my stack of must-reads that lay on the floor by my desk, each one just waiting for it’s chance to be picked up and devoured. I can see that once I do pick this one up it will be one of those days in which I’ll find myself lost and living among the characters, life and destination. Love those days!!!
Would love to read this book. Hope I win!!