For week 3 in my 52 books in 52 weeks challenge, I read Somewhere Over the Sun, the debut novel by Adi Alsaid. I connected with this author over on Twitter and was able to obtain a complimentary copy of this book for my review. Don’t worry, that didn’t cloud my view on the book! I only give my honest opinion on things and this was no exception.
Somewhere Over the Sun is a lovely and magical story of a young writer named Alan. As he writes, his stories come to life around him! He goes on a journey to meet up with several friends and writes about (and for) them along the way. Alan’s mannerisms and optimism make his character instantly likable. EVERYONE needs an Alan in their lives!
The first few pages left me wondering if I was going to like this book at all. After all, it is different than my usual genres (I usually stick with some form of chick lit or suspense/thrillers). As I was reading through the book, I noticed how slowly I was going through the pages. I asked myself, “Is it painful to read or…what? This seems to be slow going here…” Then it hit me. I LOVED this book. I was SAVORING the words. I found myself revisiting parts of the book before I’d even finished reading it, just to reread what had been written; to relive how the words had made me feel once again. The language used in this book was beautiful, colorful, imaginative, intelligent, poignant (referring to definitions 1a, 3, and 4…I don’t want you getting the wrong idea here), inspiring, academic, yet magical all at the same time.
What really struck me was that even though I was intellectually challenged while reading the book (I love a book with colorful words!), I felt completely at home with the characters. I felt comfortable and at ease with just relaxing into the scenarios unfolding within the story. I felt like I knew each character. Each person introduced into this book was unique and fun, but also exactly as I would have wanted them to be had I written the book myself. I “knew” the characters already.
If you are an author yourself, I highly recommend you read this book. It will spark something in you to be a better writer and to more acutely convey what your imagination has hatched. Honestly, I can’t think of an adult that couldn’t use a good dose of the positive and inspirational qualities that this book has to offer. Seriously. Check it out. Now. 🙂
You can purchase this book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or from the publisher directly. Priced at just $13.95, it is an affordable (and delightful) addition to your reading list.
OH! Now for the BEST part! Adi Alsaid has given me an extra copy of this book to give away to one lucky reader. Will that lucky reader be you??
Giveaway is now closed. 🙂
Amanda says
I’ll be the first comment! I love the 52 books in 52 weeks idea! And I am following you via GFC!
ugottafriendnme at comcast dot net
Amanda says
I’m already following you on twitter @ugottafriendnme
ugottafriendnme at comcast dot net
Amanda says
I’m now following @AdiAlsaid on twitter too.
ugottafriendnme at comcast dot net
Amanda says
And here is my daily tweet!
http://twitter.com/ugottaFriendnme/status/27325316946989056
ugottafriendnme at comcast dot net
Jennifer Hunt says
I’m following you on GFC
Jennifer Hunt says
I’m following you on twitter @onlybluemomma
Jennifer Hunt says
I follow the author on twitter @onlybluemomma
Jennifer Hunt says
I like the author on Facebook (Jennifer Hunt)
Jennifer Hunt says
I like you on facebook (Jennifer Hunt)
Jennifer Hunt says
tweeted today 🙂
http://twitter.com/onlybluemomma/status/27382211627982848
Grace Matthews says
Following you on GFC
giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com
Grace Matthews says
Following AdiAlsaid on Twitter
@gracegives
giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com
Grace Matthews says
Liked AdiAlsaid on Facebook
giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com
Grace Matthews says
Following you on Twitter
@gracegives
giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com
Grace Matthews says
Liked you on Facebook
giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com
Grace Matthews says
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/gracegives/status/27390956047175680
giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com
Grace Matthews says
I learned that the author is bilingual. Wished I knew Spanish 🙂
giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com
Grace Matthews says
Following you on Networked Blogs
giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com
pebblekeeper says
Followed you on Network blogs and GFC. Hopping along on the Hip Homeschool Hop this morning!
Jenn at Sweet T Makes Three says
New blog hop follower via GFC
Sweet T Makes Three
Endo Friendo says
I’m excited to have found your blog! What a fun idea.
I just connected with you on Google friend connect.
endofriendo@gmail.com
mverno says
i follow as mverno via gfc
mverno@roadrunner.com
Endo Friendo says
I am now following you on twitter.
Endo Friendo says
I tweeted the above tweet.
Endo Friendo says
And I follow Adi on twitter.
Thanks for the contest entries. Looking forward to the remaining posts!
KM says
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the comment and follow! I am following your blog as well….YAY for blog hops!
KM
http://www.SAHMingitontheplains.blogspot.com
Michelle says
ok I’m now following in GFC. : )
mpelosi at partners dot org
spynaert says
please enter me
spynaert@gmail.com
Diana D says
New GFC follower. Thanks for the chance
dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com
Nickolay says
Google Friend
Nickolay
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
Nickolay says
Follow the author on Facebook
Parker Ozgood
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
Nickolay says
Facebook Fan
Parker Ozgood
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
Nickolay says
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/parkerozgood/status/31081810255421440
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
Nickolay says
Networked Blog Follower
Parker Ozgood
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
tallcapp says
I’m not sure from the review if this book is whimsical, but I am certain it is well written so I would like to read Somewhere Over the Sun.
Heather says
I follow as /\Heather/\
heatherpooh (hotmail)
Heather says
I like the author on facebook
heatherpooh (hotmail)
Heather says
Tweeted – http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/31220704296837122
heatherpooh (hotmail)
purango says
I follow you on Google Friend Connect. garrettsambo@aol.com
Atreau says
I’m a GFC follower: Atreau
susansmoaks says
follower on gfc
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
Melissa B. says
GFC follower
melissa(d0t)snoopy(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Diane52 says
I follow via google
Diane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com
fatseal says
Following you via Google
fatseal13 at hotmail dot com