This weekend gone I had the good fortune to attend what I think may be my favourite book launch ever. My dear friend Helen Lehndorf's long awaited book of poetry - 'The Comforter', published by another wonderful Helen, Helen Rickerby of Seraph Press.
Emma McCleary has already done an excellent brief of the launch on her blog. So I'll just say it was a truely lovely afternoon and steal a couple of images from Helen's flickr stream.
The book itself is 'a beautiful object' as Pip Adam said in her launch speech. The poems are beautiful too. You can win a copy by leaving a comment here but I also urge you to buy a copy, you'll be supporting an excellent poet and wonderful small publisher! The winner will be drawn on Friday night NZ time.
Bravo Helens!
Helen
The Random number generator picked... Tania Brady!
Congratulations Tania, I'll send you a message to get your postal address.
Thanks everyone for entering :)
Sarah Jane Barnett
Yes please! I really want to read this book.
Sian
Yes please- I have been following Helens blog since the stripy socks days and would love to have her book.
Claire at Latitude
Pick me! Pick me! And: the book as beautiful object is very much alive.
But of course - added disingenuously, perhaps? - the main reason I'm commenting is to say that your blog, too, is beautiful, and it's nice you've published a new post. You don't know me; I'm just here to remind you that strangers also read you, albeit in a somewhat random manner. (Please don't feel any pressure.)
Helen
Oh Claire, I'm so glad that you said something! I often wonder is anyone misses me when I don't have time to blog :) I'll be posting much more regular in the new year and will post something about *why* very soon (tease, tease!)...
Tania Brady
My husband started reading my signed copy as soon as I got back from the Palmy launch and was like, "You really should keep this because she might get famous." I was like, "WTF, like I wouldn't keep it?" Men. Anyway, I'd really like another copy so I could share it with others too. Because I can't even trust my husband to keep his dirty mittens off it! Such a bright star - such a great first book! Can't wait for the second...!
Melisa Martin
I agree, I think a 2012 reading tour is an epic idea. Make sure you put wherever I am on your list of stops! :P
Congrats Helen, it looks like it turned out beautifully. xoxo
Karen
yes I would like to *win* and also to buy ... so I can share with others. the cover is gorgeous. looking forward to dipping inside.
Jennifer Compton
oh i want
Meg
I'd love to win a copy Helen.
niarobyn
This looks beautiful and I am keen to buy one AND win one. One to have and one to give away. :)
Sharon Stevens
I absolutely cannot shake the image of the baby's hands around the narrator's neck ...
Crissi
Some poetry is just what I need at this fraught time of the year. You Helens are quite magnificent in the way you all work together and support each other, whilst each producing your own stream of creativity.
Carmen
Congratulations Helen, you should be so proud x
Take Care
Holly
Oh yes please. I would like to have a copy of The Comforter.
Mel
I'm still waiting for the Helens to announce their South Island tour dates! A copy of this book would help get me through.
xxMel
Helen
Good point! I think 2012 will be the year for the big tour :)
Helen R
It so should be! And don't count me as a comment, obviously, but thanks so much for the shout out!