If you’re new to my blog – WELCOME!
If you’ve visited before – HI – Nice to see you again!
Yes, it’s the return of the Literary Giveaway Blog Hop, hosted by Judith at Leeswammes. It’s another chance to visit loads of other book blogs around the world, make new friends and take part in some great giveaways. See a list of all the blogs participating at the bottom of this post.
I have two books to give away this time … and I’m happy to send them worldwide, (surface outside Europe though). There are no conditions to subscribe to my blog or anything (I hope you’ll want to revisit though) to take part – just a question to answer – see below:
The two books I’m giving away have an effect that are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of feel good and sort of feel bad.
Comes the Night
Like Bees to Honey
Both copies have been read once, and are in great near new condition, except that Like Bees to Honey has a light spine crease.
So to my question?
Do you like reading on the dark side, or do you prefer the light?
Your recommendations for feel-good and feel-dark reading are invited!
Leave a comment, say which book you’d prefer and good luck. The giveaway will close on Friday 21st and I’ll make the draw that weekend.
Light or dark ? Well I read (and enjoy) both but it really depends on my mood !
Some days when I am feeling happy, bright and airy, I just don’t want to read something that could bring me down. Conversely, in those days we all have when I am feeling a bit depressed, a dark novel seems to suit me better. Misery love company ?
Today isn’t a dark day so please enter me for Like Bees to Honey.
Thanks for the giveaway and for opening it to worldwide entries.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
I switch between both light and dark – at the moment I’m feeling light, so am reading chick lit. I recently read and reviewed 1Q84 and after that, I felt I wanted something a little less taxing. I’d love to read Comes the Night.
Thanks for the giveaway!
samstillreading(at)gmail(dot)com
Both books sounds amazing, thanks for such a giveaway! I would love to read Like bees to honey!
For the “darker” books, I love Scarlet Thomas´ books, especially the Little Stranger.
I prefer “dark” books, but I like to switch between both genres, because sometimes you just need to relax with soemthing easy and positive
Lenna
psyxx(at)centrum(dot)cz
Not sure I subscribe to “feel-good” books as a concept in the sense in which it is generally meant. Any book I enjoy is a “feel-good” read! Of the two you have listed “Comes the Night” is certainly the more enticing. For a “dark read” how about “The Master and Margarita” by Bulgakov? In the spirit of “samstillreading” I also offer you “After Dark” by Murakami.
Dark Puss – I loved the Master & Margarita – it did take me a couple of goes to get started though, but once in it was a deliciously dark satire. Murakami I’m finding a mixed bag – I couldn’t get into Norwegian Wood at all, but devoured the Wind-up Bird Chronicle … After Dark is in my TBR though, so maybe I should try that one next.
Great question! I should probably say that I enjoy reading dark things since Stephen King is one of my favourite authors (I wholly recommend anything by him if you want to get all freaked out!) but sometimes you just need a little happiness in your books, you know?
So yeah, Like Bees to Honey looks like the book I’d most enjoy, since I’ve been going over to the dark side a little too much lately!
I generally prefer darkish books but usually something mysterious or supernatural. However I quite like my endings to be uplifting or give some sort of closure. I recommend The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbary for an uplifting read with dark moments.
I totally agree with The Elegance of the Hedgehog – I loved that book, but realise that it’s not a book that all will enjoy (gives a Gallic shrug).
I love the sound of both of those books – there’s space for sunshine AND shadow on my bookcase – so could you either enter me for both or surprise me?!
I definitely read a mixture of light and dark books depending on all kinds of things – the weather, my mood, my interests at the time… Everything from Stephen King and Charles Dickens to Sophie Kinsella and Gretchen Rubin! My favourite feel-good reads are ‘The Undomestic Goddess’ by Sophie Kinsella for total fluff, and Jeremy Mercer’s ‘Books, Baguettes and Bedbugs’ (about his stay at Shakespeare & Co. in Paris) for some cosy bookish cheer.
Thanks! emp501 (at) hotmail (dot) co (dot) ukl
I tend toward the dark but a good light/funny book nothing can beat it every now and then.
My preference of books to win would be the second and your five star.
Thank you for calling my attention to it.
layersofthought(at)gmail(dot)com
I generally enjoy dark reads especially at this time of the year, I love psychological thrillers, crime fiction and ghost stories precisely, as well as classics with a dark atmospheric setting …”Wuthering Heights” is probably my favorite of all times, “Rebecca” is a jewel, well there are too many to name them all but that gives you an idea of what I love.
My next book when I am finished with the 3rd Elly Griffith book might be “Dark Matter” by Michelle ….ouuuupps I forgot her family name but it definitely sounds dark and quite spooky!
I also do enjoy lighter reads like “The Uncommon Reader” by Alan Bennett which was a treat !
I ‘d love to enter and get “Like Bees to Honey”, something lighter for a change ;-D
Best wishes from France
Virginie
I think you mean Michelle Paver – I have that one in my TBR. Loved the Uncommon Reader – Alan Bennett is wickedly funny.
I prefer to read on the dark side and your comments about Comes The Night have me intrigued. I’ve never heard of this one! Please enter me in the giveaway. My email: somethingsdishy@gmail.com. Thanks!
I prefer dark most times… I read both, but dark stories are always so more complex and interesting. They have layers.
I’d like to enter to win Comes the Night by Hollis Hampton-Jones.
Hello, I prefer to mix the light and dark, although on the whole i’d say my reading veers towards the dark side! I enjoy lighter reads but not fluffy, cosy ones. Please enter me to win Like Bees to Honey. My email address is cerievans1[at]gmail[dot]com. Thanks
I read & enjoy both depending on mood. my recommendations for dark would be 2666 (Roberto Bolano) especially one specific chapter. For the light, it wouldn’t be so much the subject matter, more the fun and audacity the writer shows, If on a winters night a traveller(Italo Calvino). My preference if so lucky as to be picked would be Comes the night. thanks.
Parrish, I’m not sure I could manage the whole of 2666 just for one chapter, but well done you for achieving it. Calvino is an author who I’ve been meaning to read for ages, but just feel in awe of and can’t get started. Must try harder
Stop reading whatever you are in the middle of and take up without delay “Parrish’s” suggestion of Calvino’s “If on a winters night a traveller”. You won’t be disappointed! I quoted from it on a post on my weblog some time ago:
http://morganas-cat.tumblr.com/post/644027220/on-the-colouring-of-maps
like bees to honey
The dark unsettles me and keeps me a bit on edge but I am open to all kinds of reading. Would like to be counted in for the Bees to Honey book. Thanks for sharing.
No need to enter me into the ‘giveaway’, Annabel.
I seem to be attracted mostly to literary fiction, so I’m not sure where that fits in with the dark and light thing. I found Jane Harris’ Gillespie and I quite dark in the sense that it has a creepy/uneasy element running the whole way through which has the reader wondering about the protagonist’s motives and whether or not she is guilty (trying not to spoil it for those who haven’t read it yet).
Not a novel, but a series of essays. Barbara Kingsolver’s High Tide in Tucson had me laughing out loud in places. I love how she can do humour as perfectly as she can serious fiction (The Lacuna is probably my favourite novel ever).
I like reading on the dark side most of the time. I just find it more interesting! LOL Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to win Comes the Night!
Amanda
hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy@gmail.com
both sound compelling – I like light reading typically so I’ll pick Comes the Night this time
msboatgal at aol.com
I’m generally a read “on the light side” kinda gal but I have been known to read “on the dark side”. It just depends on my mood and the time of year. Like right now with it being so close to Halloween, my “dark side” is surfacing. So to satisfy both “sides” I would love to read “Like Bees to Honey”. Thanks for the giveaway!
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
I enjoy both sides depending on my mood. Lisa Unger and Gillian Flynn are authors I just started to read that are on the dark side. Thanks for the giveaway and I would like to win Like Bees to Honey.
Do I have a dark side? Yes, indeed, particularly during long winter nights.
I’d be delighted to win either of the books you’re offering, Gaskella. Something tells me this winter is going to be a long one.
Sounding rather dour there, Lizzy… Must admit, I love the relief when you get to the end of a dark book that it didn’t happen to you – Schadenfreude – yes! Hope it’s not too dark a winter to come up in Scotland.
I love reading both dark and gloomy,as well as light and airy, feel-good books. My mum tends to hate the dark books, so when I purchase them I have to keep her in mind. However, I can’t resist the lure of Comes The Night, no matter how dark and depressing it may be. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.
Thanks for the great giveaway:)
Sarah
sarahDOTsetarATgmailDOTcom
Ooh, difficult question! I like dark AND light both. From what I heard The Night Circus (which I hope to read very soon) is dark and beautiful. I love chick-lit too, which is often pretty light, although the kind that I read often has a more serious theme as well.
Like Bees to Honey sounds like a great book, so please enter me. And thanks so much for joining the blog hop!
I like more dark, but a variety is good so I read a bit of everything.
unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (dot) com
I would enjoy either side
If you haven’t read Die For Me by Amy Plum yet, it’s terrific! edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
I like things a little dark but I read a little of both
Thanks for the giveaway. I’d like to win Like Bees to Honey, please.
leah49 (at) gmail (dot) com
I enjoy both sides depending on my mood, and a lot of the books I enjoy are somewhere in between. Of these two I’m more interested in Like Bees to Honey, mostly because I’m not really interested in fashion.
I’d like to enter for Like Bees to Honey.
I usually prefer “feel-dark” books. I’m currently reading On the Beach by Nevil Shute, and it’s fairly bleak so far.
luckyjd2k@gmail.com
I tend more to the dark side with occasional light relief.
Thanks for the giveaway and please enter me for Like Bees to Honey.
http://cat-bookmagic.blogspot.com/2011/10/review-fugitive-blue-by-claire-thomas.html
OOps – very sorry, wrong link. Here’s my correct email
catsplace31(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)nz
I like darker reads, but I do enjoy reading some light books occasionally. I would love to enter for both the books.
Thanks!
mishamary@gmail.com
I’d like to enter for Like Bees to Honey.
I usually like to read books on the light side but I like to mix it up sometimes.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
It depends on my mood, but I’m usually a fan of feel-good reads. As such, I would like Bees to Honey by Caroline Smailes.
krypton_ge at yahoo dot com
I try to go between light and dark books depending on how i am feeling.
I love light books as I think the world is full of pain and darkness and books are my escape from it all although I have read dark books and enjoyed the perspective of a depressed or abused person but ultimately, happy books are my favorite in which there is some problems because that’s life
So ‘Like Bees to Honey’ would be preferred but I’d be just as delighted if I won ‘Comes the Night’ which sounds super interesting
Thanks for the giveaway!!!
thank you for the great giveaway! if i were lucky enough to win i’d love “Like Bees to Honey”. i am following via twitter as @jaclynsmusings
~Jaclyn~
jaclynsmusings(at)gmail(dot)com
http://www.jaclynsmusings.com
I definitely prefer reading about the dark side because I am fortunate enough to be living in the light side, but sadly many people aren’t. Reading about it makes you more aware of that, and makes you feel all the more thankful for every little blessing in your life. So, for that reason, I would pick Comes The Night. =)
Thanks for the giveaway! =)
I prefer dark side
I choose Comes the Night by Hollis Hampton-Jones
Thanks for this international giveaway
I, unfortunately, am attracted to reading in dim light. Lol My parents would scold me as a child for it. Ah well!!
I’d pick Like Bees to Honey!!! I love feel good novels!
Thank you so much for the chance! Lisagoneaussie (at) gmail.com
I like both light & dark. It depends upon my state of mind & mood.
LIKE BEES TO HONEY would be my first choice thank you.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I read both light and dark, although I tend to read more dark. After I’ve had my fill of dark, I need to switch it up with something light and then back to dark for me!
Please enter me in the draw for Comes the Night, and thanks for the giveaway!
darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com
I’m a big fraidy cat and I never read scary. I wanted to stop by anyway and tell you that I love the name of your blog (I wish I’d named my blog Nanca…it sounds so intriguing) and your lovely content. I won’t join in for your giveaway this time.
I’d love to have you stop by my blog. I have a (very) un-literary book giveaway going on this month. If that doesn’t intrigue you enough to stop by, perhaps you will consider stopping by to read my brilliant blog posts (or, rather, truthfully, my attempts at such).
I like reading on the dark side – though I always hope to find some light by the end.
I am intrigued by Like Bees to Honey. It sounds like it is right up my alley.
How about medium-dark? I certainly like meat on the bones of a story.
I’d love to read Like Bess to Honey – Thanks for the chance to win!
Although I’ve enjoyed many feel good books I seem to prefer “feel dark” books more. I especially enjoyed Serena by Ron Rash.
I would love to win “Like bees to honey”, thank you for the chance!
methom@earthlink.net
Well generally I’d say I prefer dark books. Although sometimes you just need something light.
I’ll be happy with either but would prefer Comes the Night
Thanks
lucybirdbooks@gmail.com
Reading a dark or a light happy book depends on the mood I’m in at the time I grab a book. I tend to go back and forth. I’d love to read Like Bees to Honey.
I enjoy both but I do prefer the dark side of the reading force!
I don’t know why, but probably because I’ve been in a pretty dark period myself and can connect more, so Comes the night suits me better!
aliasgirl at libero dot it
Wow! Comes the Night sounds amazing!
I alternate between light and dark reads… last month, I was very much in the mood for some YA literature. This month, I’ve been reading some heavier things (currently I’m reading The Lantern… so good!!)
Thanks for the giveaway! I’m on the hop, too, so I hope you’ll stop by!
jesse.nicole.paul (at) gmail (dot) com
Mary DeBorde
zenrei57 (at) hotmail dot com
I’m a newcomer to your blog and it’s a pleasure to meet you!
Thank you for such a super-sweet giveaway, and since our days
are already growing shorter as they wind their way to Halloween, I’ll
go with the darker read …
Comes The Night sounds thoroughly absorping!!!
Hi
This is my first visit and I’m a new follower.
I tend to read a bit of both but this time I would opt for something lighter so Like Bees to Honey appeals more.
Recently I read Practical Jean by Trevor Cole which is a dark subject matter treated with humour.
Thanks for the contest!
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
Dark or Light? Depends on the mood, the weather, and what I want from a particular book. During winters there is nothing like curling up with a book that is chilling in effect. As winter is approaching I’d love to have Comes the Night. There is something about Twins that intrigues me.
Thanks.
neerrr(at)gmail(dot)com
I’d love to read Comes the Night! Thanks!
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Dark or Light? I’m in the middle. Just like what mostly all of the guys above are saying, it depends on my mood. That’s why I’m used to read multiple books at a time, that way, when a certain mood kicks in, I’ll just grab a book until my “other” side demands that it’s his turn now. Imma go with Like Bees To Honey. Comes The Night seems too disturbing for me right now. Thank you. (:
Do you like reading on the dark side, or do you prefer the light?
Your recommendations for feel-good and feel-dark reading are invited!
I do like reading books that aren’t all happy and fluffy and light. My favorite feel-dark author is Douglas Kennedy – his books aren’t necessarily about evil, they are about being human. Unfairness, betrayal, and bad things happen to all of us, and his books talk about that like it really is.
I’d like to win Like Bees to Honey.
While I like both, I tend to lean towards the “dark side”
quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)Com
I would choose the book Comes The Night
Hi! I would LOVE Like Bees to Honey by Caroline Smailes!!! It sounds SO good!! I like reading on the light side! Which is what I LOVE about this hop! ALL literature! I’m not into Supernatural and all that other stuff, which again, is what I LOVE about tis hop! I like the ‘real’ stuff. Not that there is anything wrong with the other, it’s just my preference.
Thanks SO much for the giveaway!
Hey – I can’t read a book without bending the cover or cracking the spine most ALL the time! Don’t feel bad!
Thanks SO much!
Laurie
Variety is the spice of life! But I mostly read light, so when I’m looking for some variety, I usually need to head to the dark side.
I’d love Like Bees to Honey, since my current read (Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning) is on the dark side. I’m enjoying it, though, and finding it hard to put down!
I prefer the light side of the spectrum. It’s nice to read the dark side sometimes though ’cause it makes you realize that sad things can happen to people. And they’re worse than your petty problems.
I like reading the “dark side” compared to the light side. When I think of light side, I think of the Disney fairytales with the good guys and the bad guys. But after I read Wicked I decided that why couldn’t some things just not be explained properly? I also l ike getting into the psychology of the dark better than the light but that’s because that’s one of my interests for studying in college, I suppose.
Ellen Hopkins books tend to dive into the darker topics in reality such as depression, suicide, drug abuse, and other teenage problems. Fantastic read and in prose. I’d highly suggest them.
Thanks for the giveaway.
I’d love to win Comes the Night!
Kara D
supersonic182@gmail.com
I lean more to the darker side. I read just about everything also.
I would pick Comes the Night.
Judy
magnolias_1[at]msn[dot]com
It actually totally and completely depends on my mood when I read a dark or light book!
I’d pick Like Bees to Honey by Caroline Smailes
Janhvi
justjanhvi at gmail dot com
I prefer the light
But I don’t like anything sentimental or overly happy either. So it’s kinda a mixture. I’d pick Like Bees to Honey please!
Dark or Light? I like both. But prefer the Dark side. Thanks for the giveaway!
Mary
mary_reiss @ hotmail.com
Sorry I would like either. If I win you choose! =)
me i can read most book and they do not bother m e i do not read scary one at night or i get night mare but i have book in my hand all the time
deistheblonde@msn.com
I’d much prefer a story that leaves a smile on my face so Like Bees to Honey would appeal to me most I think.
Thanks for the contest – Like Bees to Honey sounds good to me.
I lean more towards the dark side.
I lean more to the dark books, but I do read both. I think like most it depends on the mood I’m in and the weather. A nice book to read is “My Heart Remembers” by Kim Vogel Sawyer.
Comes the Night please, sounds intriguing!
I prefer the Dark so I would choose Comes the Night.
i like to read on the darkside i love paranormal romance books
terri_dion@hotmail.com
Both. I love a good dark, scary book, but then, afterwards, I know I’ll need something lighter. (And funny!)
thanks for the giveaway
I read both dark and light books, depend on my mood. But I prefer dark books, bcause it’s like a challenge to me.
I think it depends on my mood as to what I want to read, but I often find books on the dark side sometimes enlightening to other’s realities.
I like either the dark side or the light side depending on my mood. Sometimes I am reading both at the same time.
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com