I was lucky enough to participate in a conference call with Brad Meltzer, the author of The Book of Lies, several other novels, several comics and the TV show Jack & Bobby. I think the thing that struck me the most was how much he appreciates his readers. He is passionate about his writing and the difference “ordinary people” can make.
The Book of Lies is a work of fiction that links the murder of Mitchell Siegel (the father of Jerry Siegel, Superman’s creator) and the story of Cain and Abel. Brad spoke to Mitchell Siegel’s family before writing the book. They told him that he is the only person who has talked to them prior to writing about Mitchell’s death. You don’t have to talk to Brad long to realize that he loves Superman. He visited Jerry Siegel’s childhood home and found it a wreck and has been instrumental in saving it. The family that lived in the home remains there, and the Siegel and Shuster Society is raising funds to restore it.
Brad has written 7 books in 11 years. He spends about 6 months researching and about a year and half writing each book. He outlines 50 to 100 pages at a time. All of his books are about ordinary people who fight themselves and make a difference.
The Book of Lies is a very emotional book for Brad. His mother was diagnosed with breast cancer as he was starting the book. Before she passed away five months ago, she was able to read it and see that it’s dedicated to her. That may not be much, but it’s very important to Brad.
I found Brad to be a humble and respectful author. He said, “there’s one name on the cover of a book, but only a fool thinks it’s a one person show.” You should check out his web site. Others participating in the call were Stacy, Eric, Kevin (Brad Meltzer is the next John Grisham Facebook group), Jeff W., Scotty, Carrie, Jeff M., and Nicole. Click here to listen to the conference call. To read an excerpt of the book, click here.
If you would like to win a copy of this book, enter by leaving a comment here by midnight EST, Monday, September 29. For two more chances to win, post about this giveaway on your own blog and link back to here. This contest is open to US and Canadian residents. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 30. Thanks to Miriam at Hachette Books for providing the book for this giveaway
59 Comments
September 21, 2008 at 9:27 am
No need to enter me, babe. I’m just dropping by to say I’ve got you listed at Win a Book. I love what Mr. Meltzer says about a fool thinking a book is a one-person show. VERY wise words, indeed!
September 21, 2008 at 9:44 am
this book sounds very interesting, I would love to win. Thank you for doing this!
September 21, 2008 at 9:53 am
I like Brad Meltzer and I would love to win a copy of this book. I’m also going to link to it via a blog.
September 21, 2008 at 9:57 am
I’ve been hearing about this book! It sounds great.
September 21, 2008 at 10:14 am
Kathy, no need to enter me. Marcia at The Printed Page generously sent me a copy of this book.
I really enjoyed your recap of the conference call. Meltzer sounds like not only a talented author, but a wonderful person.
September 21, 2008 at 10:29 am
I adore Brad meltzer and his books. I get his newsletter and he sounds so down to earth. Please enter me in the contest.
September 21, 2008 at 11:20 am
I would love to win a copy!
September 21, 2008 at 11:23 am
I have been itching to read this book – I keep hearing such great things!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
September 21, 2008 at 11:38 am
Sign me up! I’ll add it to my blog right now. Thanks for the great giveaways
It’s always nice to hear that an author is humble. Thanks for the insight.
September 21, 2008 at 12:12 pm
This sounds like a great book, please enter me!
September 21, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Please enter me – this book sounds fascinating. I’m new to Brad Meltzer and this would be a great way to begin. Thanks for the chance!
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com
September 21, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I would love to win a copy of this book! I think it sounds like something I would really like reading!
akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com
September 21, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Oops sorry…can you delete my earlier comment…I left the wrong link…here’s the correct one:
http://www.apooobooks.com/2008/09/21/keep-faith/
September 21, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I’d love to be entered. I’ll blog about it as well, under “Other Blog Contests” off to the left of my page.
Thanks!!
September 21, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I would like to enter the drawing, please. I have heard wonderful things about Brad Meltzer’s books and one of these days I will actually read one.
Book of Lies does sound good.
September 21, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I would love to win The Book of Lies! I’ve heard that it’s very good! Thank you!
mittens0831 AT aol DOT com
September 21, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I would love a chance to win!
Thanks
September 21, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I have never read one of Brad Meltzer’s books and would not have known to take closer notice of him had I not just read your blog entry. It’s a well-written interview and shows your empathy for the author. The angle on Superman and Jerry Siegel sounds of great interest. It sounds like an intriguing book that will entertain whoever wins it!
Thanks for the contest!
nbmars AT yahoo DOT com
September 21, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Hello, I have read many good things about this author and his book. I can identify with how he feels about his mother being able to see his book dedicated to her. In 2000, I lost my only brother and my mom four months apart. The last thing I said to my mom is that I loved her. Thanks, Cindi
September 21, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I would love to be entered!
September 21, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I love when authors are that dedicated to their books. It sounds like this one has a lot of emotional connections for brad. I would love to be entered into this contest.
September 21, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Heh. I’ve seen the trailer that he did in response to the bad reviews for this book. I thought it was a great response (unlike some authors have to their reviews).
You can check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svvoh66s2F0
It made me want to read the book more. Sign me up.
September 21, 2008 at 8:29 pm
What a great opportunity to talk to an author – sounds like he’s a great guy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! And thanks for the great giveaway!
September 21, 2008 at 8:54 pm
This sounds like a really good book. Been reading great things about it. I actually read one of his earlier books a few years ago and loved it. Please count me in and i will be posting about it on my blog.
cindysloveofbooks(at)gmail(dot)com
September 21, 2008 at 8:54 pm
sorry the email addy is wrong…
cindysloveofbooksarc(at)gmail(dot)com
September 21, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I’d love to be entered in your giveaway! I know book bloggers have been praising this book, though apparently the professional reviewers haven’t been so nice. But I like his book trailer including those reviews!
September 21, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I’ve never heard of this author before, but he sounds wonderful! Please enter me in the giveaway. That sounds like a really interesting story.
September 21, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Please enter me into this contest. I sooo want to read this book.
September 21, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Kathy how wonderful to get to talk to the author of the book you just read. This sounds like an intriguing book and I would love for you to enter me in the book give away.
September 22, 2008 at 12:31 am
No need to enter me, but I briefly met Brad at a signing once and also saw him speak on a panel at Comic-Con. I was deeply impressed with him both times. I’m glad to see others have the same impression.
September 22, 2008 at 5:25 am
Hi Kathy. As you know, I have the book. Just stopping by to say hi and to second your opinions on Brad and the call. It was great. Have a fabulous day.
September 22, 2008 at 7:01 am
Thank you for stopping in at my blog. I usually only do a gallon of milk at a time, but had a lot of extra. and you are right, homemade mozz. cheese is so good. Have a great day.
Becky
September 22, 2008 at 10:31 am
That is so true, what he said about only one name on the cover — not that I’d consider people foolish for not knowing, but my one published story took a lot of research and quite a few people contributed to the final product. He sounds like a really terrific guy.
September 22, 2008 at 11:33 am
The more I hear about this book, the more I want to read it. Please enter me in this giveaway!
September 22, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Enjoyed your review of this book. Please enter me to win.
September 22, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I loved the show Jack & Bobby. Christine Lahti was phenomenal! I would love the opportunity to read this book. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
September 22, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I’d love to give it a whirl
September 23, 2008 at 1:29 am
I’d love to read a copy of this.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo.com
September 23, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I am a huge Meltzer fan and would love to be entered. Great post, I missed out on the call but I am glad you were able to participate and post about it.
I blogged about your giveaway at:
http://readinginappalachia.blogspot.com/2008/09/challenges-and-giveaways.html
Thank you.
September 23, 2008 at 5:53 pm
I’ve seen many great reviews for this book. I’d love to win it. Thanks for doing the giveaway!
September 24, 2008 at 9:08 am
I would love to win a copy of this! And the house they are restoring is in my neck of the woods. Superman memorabilia everywhere! It’s a pretty cool blue and red house. Glad he’s bringing it back to life and the community is so gracious.
Adios!
September 24, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I’d love to be entered! Thanks!!
September 24, 2008 at 1:18 pm
hey.. i would love to win a copy of this one! do enter me for the giveaway!
ramyasbookshelf(at)gmail(dot)com
thanks!
Ramya
September 24, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Please enter me. This looks amazing and I really do wish to read it.
I also blogged about it here:
http://shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com/2008/09/win-it-wednesday.html
Thanks!
September 24, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I would love to win a copy! I’ll definitely post a something on my blog about it!
September 24, 2008 at 7:43 pm
This book sounds very intriguing. I loved the book trailer (big Joss Whedon fan here!). Please enter me!
September 24, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I also blogged about your contest here.
September 24, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I have never read his books, but this one sounds interesting. I’m always looking for new authors to read!
I can understand why it’s important to him that his mother could read this book before she passed away and know that it is dedicated to her.
September 24, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I’ve been hearing alot about this one and would love a chance to read it, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
September 24, 2008 at 10:20 pm
The book sounds so interesting. I’d love to read it. Please enter me.
ayancey@dishmail.net
September 24, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I would love to win this book i’ve heard alot of talk about it. The part about his mom touched my heart. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
September 25, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Great post! Please enter me in your giveaway – I’d love to read this book. I also blogged about it here:
http://www.southerngal-lisa.blogspot.com
Thanks!
September 25, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Oops I forgot to say I also blogged about it on my Myspace blog:
http://www.myspace.com/flgator64
September 27, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I’ve read all of Brad’s books and would love a chance to win this one. I’ve added your giveaway to my blog Reading With Monie. Thanks!
September 29, 2008 at 12:27 am
Please enter me into the contest.
Sararush(at)hotmail(dot)com
September 29, 2008 at 10:45 am
hey.. i blogged about it here..
http://ramyasbookshelf-index.blogspot.com/2007/09/giveaways.html
September 29, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I would love a chance to win!
September 29, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Count me in
September 29, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Enter me, please!