Shannon Hale’s The Actor and the Housewife Book Giveaway
Posted on 14. Jun, 2009 by AmyO in News
Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a Shannon Hale book signing for her new book The Actor and The Housewife. What a great evening! Shannon was so nice and she was hysterical! Like had us in tears hysterical! I had heard from the lucky folks that attended Project Book Babe, which Shannon emcee’d, that she was a fabulous and I was not disappointed! My ramblings about the evening can be found on my personal blog along with a killer karaoke performance by Shannon and her hubby 
If you haven’t read any of Shannon’s books I would highly recommend them. I’ve read them all (including her new one) and they are all well worth the read. It was actually Stephenie Meyer that motivated me to read Shannon’s books in the first place. She made this statement in her Eclipse FAQ’s-
And my very favorite recent read was Book of a Thousand Days
by Shannon Hale. Her narrator, Dashti, has made her way into my top ten favorite heroines of all time, along with people like Elizabeth Bennett, Anne Shirley, Jane Eyre, Harriet Morton, and Jo March.
While I was at the signing I picked up an extra copy of Shannon’s book and had it autographed to give away to one lucky TwilightMOM. This book is wonderful! You will love it! It’s funny and romantic and heart-breaking and thought provoking.
How can you get your hands on this autographed masterpiece? Simply leave a comment on this post telling us three things-
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Which Shannon Hale book is your favorite. If you haven’t read them yet (gasp!) just answer 2 and 3.
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Which movie version of Pride and Prejudice is your favorite.
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Which movie Mr. Darcy is your favorite.
We’ll take comments up until Midnight mountain time on Wednesday June 17th. On Thursday we will draw a random winner- Good luck!!!!!
55 Responses to “Shannon Hale’s The Actor and the Housewife Book Giveaway”
Loni
14. Jun, 2009
1) My favorite is Book of a Thousand Days. I love that book!!
2) My favorite P&P movie, that’s a tough one. I like them all for different reasons, the A&E version because it’s five wonderful hours of Austen, the Paramount version for the great production design and costuming where they actually look like they were once very fine, but the house is run down.
3) Fav. Mr. Darcy: I think Matthew Macfadyen very cute and acted very well, but you can’t beat Laurence Olivier in the 1940s version.
Pixie
14. Jun, 2009
These are easy questions
1. Austenland
2, 2005 version – I know blasphemy. But I saw it before reading the book, and fell in love with the story(and the scenery). So much, I finally read the book.
3. Matthew Macfadyen
Liz K
14. Jun, 2009
I’ve been waiting for this book to come out! It’s just what I dream of happening with Rob Pattinson and me…just kidding!
1. I’m reading “Austenland” and I love it.
2. The new version with Keira Knightley is my favorite.
3. Matthew McFadyean is my favorite Mr. Darcy.
Ooh, pick me, pick me!
Anne
14. Jun, 2009
1, I haven’t read any of her books…yet. If I can bring myself to stop reading the Twilight books over and over again, I’ll have to give her a try.
2. I’ve never seen a movie version of Pride and Prejudice!!! I need to get out more.
3. My favorite Mr. Darcy is Jane Austen’s original in the book
Deanna
14. Jun, 2009
My favorite Shannon Hale book is hands down… Goose Girl. I love that book!
My favorite P&P movie is the A&E version. While the 2005 movie was beautiful the A&E version does the book greater justice.
Colin Firth is my favorite Mr. Darcy
Jennifer
14. Jun, 2009
1. I haven’t read any of them but I want to look into them now!
2. The A&E version with Colin Firth.
3. Before a couple of weeks ago I would have said Colin Firth, but after having seen Lost in Austen (which I highly recommend for P&P) I will have to say Eliot Cowan.
Jennifer
14. Jun, 2009
I just checked out Shannon Hale’s site and it seems that the movie Lost in Austen is very similiar to the plot of AustenLand! Definitely don’t miss Lost in Austen if you are a big Darcy fan.
Eleni
15. Jun, 2009
Actually, they are not close in plot. But both are worth experiencing at least once.
Jennifer
15. Jun, 2009
Good to know. I will definitely have to read AustenLand.
Erica
14. Jun, 2009
1. I haven’t read any of them but they sound wonderful!
2. I love the 2005 version with Keira Knightley is my favorite.
3. Matthew McFadyean is my favorite Mr. Darcy.
April
14. Jun, 2009
1. I hate to admit it but I haven’t read any. Sounds good, though.
2. 1995 version
3. Colin Firth! Dreamy eyes
Stitch-n-Snitch
14. Jun, 2009
1. AUSTENLAND!!
2. The looooooooooong version
3. Colin Firth, wet from swimming, of course.
want2Binforks
14. Jun, 2009
1.Austenland
2. loved the Keira Knightly version (I didn’t care for the A & E. Mrs. Bennet–she drove me crazy!!) Also LOVE the world of Jane Austen as seen in “Lost in Austen” from PBS
3. Blasphemy to say this, but Colin Firth is not my fave Mr. Darcy. I liked the chap from “Lost in Austen” esp. his version of the wet shirt getting out of the pond. YUMMY!!
Kim
14. Jun, 2009
1. My favorite is Austenland..it’s the only one I’ve read but I love anything related to Pride and Prejudice
2. The BBC version
3. Colin Firth of course (the only Mr. Darcy in my eyes)
Patty
14. Jun, 2009
1. Book of a Thousand Days.
2. The 2005 version with Kiera Knightley and Matthew McFadyean followed by the Australian production produced by the BBC in 1980 because it was the first version I saw.
3. No one is as handsome as Lawrence Olivier but Matthew Mcfayden played a Darcy i could actually fall in love with not the stuffed shirt most of them are.
chocoholic
14. Jun, 2009
1. The Goose Girl. I love the ordinary character doing extraordinary things. Of course, that whole series was great.
2. The whole six-hour long A&E version!
3. Collin Firth. Sorry. He was my first Mr. Darcy.
shannon b
15. Jun, 2009
1. Austenland
2. the 2005 version with Keira Knightley. Mostly because it’s the only one I’ve seen!
3. Everyone I know says Colin Firth is the best, so I’ll agree with them.
Lisa
15. Jun, 2009
1. Austenland: Where is my arrogant yet compelling attractive Mr. Nobly? This is one of my favorite books!
2. Lost in Austen: A big surprise in this take on the classic was Wickham – handsome and really not what he seems. Only enjoyed after many viewings of the BBC version.
3. Colin Firth: Mr. Darcy! What have you and your wet shirt done???
Eleni
15. Jun, 2009
1. I am ashamed to say I have only read Austenland and Princess Academy but am on hold at the library for at least 4 other books.
Of the two however Princess Academy is my favorite. Wonderful tale of young love and familial bonds and responsibility/loyalty.
2. The A&E version because Jennifer Ehle is simply the best Miss Elizabeth Bennett imaginable. This version was so thorough and came very close to doing justice to the little nuances of Jane Austen’s prose! Also, their Mr. Wickham was thoroughly debauched! LOL
3. I have to say that while I love, love, love Colin Firth Matthew Mcfadyen is my favorite Mr. Darcy because he is so romantic and intense. Plus, his voice gives me chills! However, I do agree with “want2Binforks” the Mr. Darcy from “Lost in Austen” coming out of the water gave me quite a jolt! LOL
P.S. This may be a 2nd entry. When I came back to correct a mistake to a previous posting it was not here. So if that’s the case, please disregard first posting and accept this one! I’m a little more awake at this 5:30 am posting versus my 5:00 am posting. LOL Thanks!
Brandy Do
15. Jun, 2009
1. I haven’t read any of her books yet.. but am looking forward to it!
2. I loved the 2005 version, love Kiera Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen!!!
3. Matthew Macfadyen.. dreamy but nothing compared to our Edward!
Katieb
15. Jun, 2009
Okay, first off I’m so jealous you met her.
I got into her books months before I got into Twilight back in 2007. I LOVE her books. The 4th book in the Goose Girl series comes out this year too!!! I can’t wait.
1) My favorite or should I say favorites is the whole Goose Girl series. I loved Goose Girl, Enna Burning and River Secrets all equally
2) The A&E version with Colin Firth
3) It’s a tie between Colin Firth and the originally Mr Darcy, which of course is from the book.
Nusa
15. Jun, 2009
1) So far I have to say Austenland!
2) The BBC series, altough I loved the movie as well because it does capture the Austin atmosphere
3) My Mr Darcy will always be Colin Firth
Tori
15. Jun, 2009
1) Princess Academy
2) A& E definitely is the best version
3) Colin Firth was the best Mr. Darcy
Camille
15. Jun, 2009
1. These are now on my ‘To Read List.’ First, I have to get my nose out of the Twilight series!
2. 2005 version.
3. Matthew Macfadyen…so brooding and passionate….sigh.
Cathy
15. Jun, 2009
1) I loved Austenland!
2) The BBC adaptation but I haven’t seen the 2005 version yet.
3) Mr Darcy to me is Colin Firth.
Alisha
15. Jun, 2009
1) I haven’t read any of her books, however it sounds like they are worth the read!
2) The newest version (2005) of Pride and Predujice I absolutely loved. Its definately a top five favorite. Although I loved the book, Persuasion was my favorite book of Austens
3) Matthew Macfadyen was my top Mr. Darcy, but oh I do love Collin Firth!.
Julie
15. Jun, 2009
1. Book of a Thousand Days
2. Keira Knightly/Matthew McFayden version
3. I can’t choose–have you seen Lost in Austen, they have a very nice Mr. Darcy as well!
Cody
15. Jun, 2009
1.) Princess Academy
2.) I love anything with Laurence Olivier but I did like the 2005 version
3.) Colin Firth (I know, I know) but he’s so dang cute as Mr. Darcy
Elizabeth (etandksmom)
15. Jun, 2009
1.) The Goose Girl
2.) I liked the latest one with Keira Knightly.
3.) Colin Firth is the only Darcy for me
Susan
15. Jun, 2009
1. Princess Academy and Austenland
2. A&E version, definitely. Anything less than 6 hours just doesn’t cut it.
3. I always loved Laurence Olivier until Colin Firth came along!
Stephanie
15. Jun, 2009
1. I haven’t read any yet, but going to look at the library this week.
2. I do like the Kiera Knightley/Mattew Macfadyen version, but how can you lot love the Colin Firth tv version?
3. Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy
Brittany
15. Jun, 2009
1. I just read “The Goose Girl” and LOVED it! “Enna Burning” is on hold for me at the library. I need to go pick it up today. I’m going to have to read all of her books. She is amazing.
2. The A&E version, of course. I’m surprised anyone would think otherwise! (Although this LDS version was pretty funny) *Sigh* I wish Twilight were five hours long.
3. Colin Firth. Runner up: my husband. He’s not an actor, but he would make a great Mr. Darcy.
Jennifer
15. Jun, 2009
Shannon Hale is a master story teller and oh, so funny!
1. I’d have to say that Goose Girl was fabulous but Austenland was funny and poignant and, I guess my ultimate fav.
2. Although the newest version was beautiful, I’d have to say that the BBC version is the quenticential (is that how you spell that?)Pride and Prejudice for me. Love, love, love it.
3. Colin Firth all the way.
Jane
15. Jun, 2009
1. I am reading The Goose Girl now and enjoying it. I need a copy of Book of a Thousand Days because it’s on my 9th grader’s required summer reading list!
2. Although I’d watch any of them (over and over), my favorite Pride & Prejudice is the A&E mini-series – their long version does the book justice.
3. Colin Firth.
Juli
15. Jun, 2009
1. So far I’ve only read Princess Academy, but Austenland and Goose Girl are on my to-read list….
2. I thoroughly enjoy both the A&E and the Keira Knightly/Matthew Macfadyen versions, but the musical score tips it in favor of the latter for me.
3. And Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy has virtually the same effect on my heartrate as a certain vampire we are all so fond of.
Kathy
15. Jun, 2009
1. OK, I am a slacker, I haven’t read any of her books because I’ve been reading others on Stephenie’s list, but I will after reading your suggestions!
2. I definitely like the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice – the mini-series format provides much more detail, plus you get to enjoy it for a longer time!
3. Colin Firth is a classic – can’t get much better than that.
Heathie
15. Jun, 2009
1. This is a toughie…I loved Austenland, so that’s probably my favorite. But Book of a Thousand Days is my favorite of her young adult novels…I’m so excited that is Stephenie’s favorite too.
2. Hands down the A&E version, because it’s closest to the book, plus it includes so many wonderful details.
3. Can there be any other Mr. Darcy besides Colin Firth? Why do they keep trying? (Although, the others are all great…just not the REAL Mr. Darcy!)
jblmom
15. Jun, 2009
1. I’ve read all of Shannon’s books, I think Enna Burning was my favorite, followed closely by Princess Academy.
2. I’ve only seen the Keira Knightly/Matthew MacFayden version, and I really like it, but I’d love to see other versions!
3. Matthew MacFayden just isn’t my perfect Darcy, so I’d like to see Colin Firth’s Darcy, I hear he’s great!
Alisa
15. Jun, 2009
1) I haven’t read any of her books. I know, I am totally behind and out of the loop, but after your rave reviews I will totally will get on reading her books.
2) My favorite version P&P has to be the A&E version. It is the one that stays closest and truest to the book. Plus 6 hour of Mr. Darcy compared to just 2 hours. I’ll take the 6 hours.
3) Colin Firth has to be my favorite Mr. Darcy.
Ronna
15. Jun, 2009
1. I haven’t read any of her books,YET!! They sound Great! Will definitely begin reading!
2.The 2005 Version with Keira Knightley.
3. Matthew Macfadyen is my favorite Mr. Darcy.
Michelle
15. Jun, 2009
1) I haven’t read any of her books, but I’m going out with some girlfriends and will definitely swing by my local Barnes and Noble on my way!!
2) Favorite P&P version was A&E…. I did enjoy the Keira Knightly version, but she’s a little too perfect looking to be my ideal Elizabeth
3) Colin Firth all the way!!!
P.S. Big thanks to all the comments recommending Lost in Austen… I watched that on You Tube today after reading the posts and I LOVED IT
Thanks!
twithojam
15. Jun, 2009
1. Wow, I have not had the pleasure of reading any of these books yet. I’m a big Jane Austen fan so I can’t believed I missed these. Since the Twilight Moms website has recommended many good books to me so far, I’ll be sure to check these out!
2. The A&E version is still my favorite because it maintains a more faithful adaptation of the book (though I loved the 2005 version).
3. Colin Firth will always be my favorite Mr. Darcy!
Gardda Rowan
15. Jun, 2009
1. I haven’t read any of her books yet.
2. The 2005 version with Keira Knightley.
3. Colin Firth
clara
15. Jun, 2009
1. Austenland. It was fun & more lighthearted than the others by her that I have read.
2. The version I saw at the Denver Performing Arts Center because it ws the first time I really understood the story, but that’s probably not a choice. I liked the A&E version the best.
3. Colin Firth is an excellent Mr. Darcy
Kimm
15. Jun, 2009
#1: Would be Austenland
#2: This is tough, but I’ll go with the 2005 version because it is more compelling–even if it strays from the book.
#3: Colin Firth has my heart overall, but I’ll stick with Macfayden for a better Darcy. He’s very endearing. (I highly recommend watching him in Little Dorrit too!)
juliet
15. Jun, 2009
1. The book of a thousand days!
2. I love the bbc/a&e version for the detail but i love the look and feel of the keira knightly one. So if someone could just combine them it would be great!
3. Colin Firth is the best! Matthew Mcfayden just looks too kind the whole time.
Heather
16. Jun, 2009
1. The Goose Girl
2. 2005 version
3. Matthew Macfadyen
KimjustKim
16. Jun, 2009
1. Princess Academy
2. A&E Pride and Prejudice
3. Colin Firth, hands down
Jen
16. Jun, 2009
1. Austenland, so far it’s the only one I’ve read, but I look forward to reading more cause I loved it!
2. A&E version!
3. Colin Firth, obviously!
pm
16. Jun, 2009
1, I haven’t read her books, but I definitely am intrigued now and will be on my way to look them up.
2. BBC’s version of many years ago with the answer to #3.
3. Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy….sigh….for me it was like he stepped off the page. (Must put in kudos for Matthew Macfayden being terrific in BBC’s MI-5 series… but I digress.)
Tiffany
16. Jun, 2009
1. Austenland is such a fun read – I love it!
2. The A&E version is my favorite.
3. Colin Firth = *swoon*
Jessica
16. Jun, 2009
The only book of Shannon Hale’s that i’ve read is Austenland which I liked very much. I actually didn’ t know she had other books…..GASP….but i’ll be reading The Actor and The Housewife because you mention it here.
I LOVED 2005′s Pride and Prejudice- it seems more real to me than the other versions. I could actually picture myself living in that time because of this film version where I never could before because the English propriety seemed too stuffy for me.
As for my choice for Mr. Darcy that would have to be Matthew MacFayden from 2005′s version- he is cute and vulnerable and I loved how he played him. Colin Firth was good as well, but again his version was more stuffy and so I prefer Matthew MacFayden!