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When I was younger, I often selected books based on the thickness of their spine. I read so much and so quickly that I wanted to get bang for my buck, so I selected thick books so that they would last longer. When I was trying to decide among several books, the thickest one always won out.
The way a book looks still affects me. Trade paperbacks are most appealing, and a compelling picture and the font of the title also calls to me or turns me away (I mused a bit more about these odd predilections that I seem to have developed of late in another post on my Snapshot blog). 
The Moon in the Mango Tree did call to me. I liked the color, the size (thick!), and the plot elements to which the back-of-the-book description hinted: medical missionary work in rural Siam, the choices one makes when we get married, and the setting of the 1920’s.
Author Pamela Binnings Ewen based this novel on her grandmother’s life. Knowing this, I was even more impressed with the story, because the heroine makes choices and expresses feelings and doubts that would be labeled as “irresponsible” by some people and cause some people to root for her, and others to perhaps question her decisions. This is not simply a feel-good tribute to a family member. It’s a novel based on the very interesting life of someone who happened to be her grandmother.
Barbara Perkins goes to remote Siam as a newlywed–not knowing much about her husband or what the life of a medical missionary’s wife would require of her. She gives up the promise of a career singing opera to move to an unknown land in support of her husband. This sacrifice and the confusion over their rightful place in that country fuel her discontent with that life. The place and time of this novel provide captivating and realistic layers to the characterization and plot. The time is the 1920’s, and in addition to a mission hospital in Nam, the settings include Bangkok, Italy, and France. Ewen writes descriptively about these places which makes certain scenes read like (a very interesting) travelogue.
Would you like to win one of two copies of The Moon in the Mango Tree (U.S. shipping address only)? Leave a comment here, and tell me which part of this book’s plot intrigues you most.
The winner of last week’s book, I Brake for Meltdowns, is #222 Kefe.
This is a part of the Bloggy Giveaways carnival, taking place from July 28 – August 1. Go HERE for all the details to find out how to join up with your own giveaway or to enter some of the other contests that will be linking up all week.
Pamela Binnings Ewen says
To all of you wonderful readers, and Moms – I’m amazed at your response. Thanks so much – I’m thrilled that you like my grandmother’s story! Pamela
Jo says
Barbara gives up her career for her husband.
[email protected]
Jacqueline Carpenter says
This book would be the ultimate to read,sounds like my kind of book.Thanks for a great contest.
Aunt Tassy says
Sounds like a book I would like
bridget says
I like novels that teach a little history and give you a sense of a place or time. This book sounds interesting. Thank you for this contest.
L McLendon says
1920’s Siam is very intriguing to me!
Thanks for the opportunity.
Nicole Price says
I really like the fact that this is about the Author’s grandmother. I love the fact that it’s set in the 1920’s also. Thanks for the giveaway!
Pamela White says
The Moon in the Mango Tree is very interesting. It is hard enough getting married and setting up house but to be in a strange place makes it that more difficult.
kathleen Yohanna says
This story is about a women who supportsa her husband in a strange land.
Veronica Garrett says
The confusion over their place in the strange country.
Charlene Kuser says
I am very interested in what Barbara’s final sacrifice was?I love to read books about the
struggle between choices we have in our lives.
What makes this book even more interesting its
about the life of a real person.Thanks for the giveaway
Beverly Metcalf says
This looks like a really good book. Thanks for having the contest!
Marilyn Higgins says
I enjoy this kind of book , hope I win
Jenn says
Fear of being labeled ‘irresponsible’. Oh, yeah.
Laura says
I love books about travel to faraway places! It’s so much fun to imagine visiting. Please count me in!
Carissa D. says
The missionary aspect of it appeals to me. Thanks!
Erma Hurtt says
the missionary aspect gets me too, and I love to read.
Sue Hooley says
I think being immersed in a different country as a newly wed would certainly have it’s challenges. I would look forward to reading about how she handled that situation.
hetal gandhi says
would love to read this book.
herry123 at live dot com
Tiffany G says
I love a romance novel based in th 20’s
Erica G says
I like that the book is based on a real person.
Janet says
looks like a great book.Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Marina John says
true story?Wud luv to read this!
Trish says
Thanks for having this giveaway. I recently heard about this book and would really like to read it. I took French in high school and college, so France definitely interests me – I am interested in the part of the book that takes place in France.
Nise' says
The era it takes place as well as it being based on real life.
Rhonda Clemens says
Thanks for the great contest =)
Jennifer Still says
So much appeals to me that it’s difficult to choose the one thing that intrigues me most. I guess it’s that the story is about a woman’s life in a time when, though fairly recent, women were not typically seen as full individuals in their own right; a woman’s thoughts and feelings during this time are not often delved into. I’d love to win!
philip halter says
enter me please
Sue Farrell says
I think the part that intrigues me is seeing how her relationship with her husband developes in such an unusual background.
Kristy says
The intriguing part is the fact that she moves to Siam with no knowledge of the location. Sounds like a great read.
Melissa says
I love reading about the 1920’s, so that is the clincher for me. Doubt to win it, but at least now Im interested enough to go out and buy it. Thanks for the great recommendations! 🙂
Janelle says
It sounds a little maybe like “The Painted Veil.” What interests me is that I bet it’s got great imagery about the beauty of the land as well as great description of emotions.
Stephanie says
This sentence intrigues me the most, “Ewen writes descriptively about these places which makes certain scenes read like (a very interesting) travelogue” I love books & reading & I love how you can feel transported while reading. This book almost promises that!
Theresa N says
I’d interested in reading about being a missionary.
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
Wakanda says
Well I’m glad that I’m not the only one who has their book “quirks”. I took look at the title and cover and the thickness was important too. Thanks so much for this awesome giveaway!!!
Amy Lutz says
Many of us think we know our spouses but it takes a lifetime. I’m intrigued by the exotic locale – Thailand – Siam – is place I’ve always wanted to visit. Like you, I also can’t handle a thick read with a toddler who is entering his terrible (curious)twos early.
michelle b. says
that she goes to Siam not really knowing her husband very well
Tamara Bennington says
Now I am curious about this book it is a must have for me to read. Great story line and thank-you for the contest.
Paige says
Does she stay with her husband? I need to know!
Vicki Wurgler says
going to remote Siam as a newlywed-I don’t know if I’d do that-sounds like an interesting book
Trish says
This has so many great elements. I especially love to read about people using their profession as part of being a missionary. Sounds like a good read!
Lisa says
I’m an avid reader and a mom, so I’m interested in both the giveaway and the “5 minutes” websites! The book sounds fascinating – I love historical novels, especially ones set in cultures other than our own, and this one sounds like a winner. Thanks for the giveaway!
Tarah says
The idea of her giving up her dreams to move with a man she hardly knows – I would love to know if she falls in love with him or always regrets her choice.
Tisha says
The book sounds really interesting… I like that the story is based on the author’s grandmother’s life. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sherri B. says
I love books like these where people draw on their own experiences or the experiences of those in their lives!!! Count me in!!!
Janet F says
The sacrifice and the confusion over their rightful place in that country fuel her discontent with that life, makes me want to find out what happens.
Lora says
Well, I’m a missionary’s kid, so I love stories of missionaries. I also love travel, so reading about life in another country is always interesting.
Susan Ledet says
Sounds like a great book. I like that it was based on her grandmother’s life and that we will get “to travel” to far away places. Thank you.
Mary Otis says
This grandma thinks the title alone “The Moon
in the Mango Tree” makes you want to turn to the
first page right now.
djp says
i;ve finished my last book and can sure use another one
geri says
Thanks for the great giveaway!!! Please include me!
[email protected]
The whole medical missionary subplot
Melissa M. says
The most interesting thing about the book to me is the foreign and older setting–it sounds very intriguing! (I really lie the cover, too)! Missionary stories also appeal to me, especially if they’re based on truth.
misshoney_bee(at)hotmail(dot)com
Charlotte says
This looks like a great book! I like that it’s set in the 1920’s. Thanks for the chance to win.
Christina says
the fact tht its in siam is pretty cool!
DeeAnn says
I think the part that intrigues me most is that Barbara has choices to make. In searching for her answers she surely will face many situations that will cause her to question those choices. Sounds like a good read.
Barbara H. says
I am intrigued by her marrying someone she didn’t know well and entering into an unknown lifestyle. She must’ve been very brave! Count me in.
Susan says
Looks like a good book
EG says
The medical missionary part interests me – I think historical fiction is a great way to learn about history!
Daniel M says
looks interesting, add me please
chris h says
i’m fascinated by people who do missionary work of any kind
Heidi says
I love the fact that it is based on her grandmothers life.
pam says
My daughter is a missionary, so that sounds cool.
abrianna says
I have heard about this book before and was intrigued by it. I think the most interesting part of the plot is to read about what life was like in Nam before the 1960’s.
Barbara Fox says
I love stories that are based on real people’s lives!
Ami says
This book has been on my list to read for a while now. For some reason I’m drawn to stories about missionaries in the earlier part of the 20th century (Poisonwood Bible comes to mind as a favorite). Would love to win it!
Thanks!
tina says
This book sounds great. tinawittmer(at)yahoo(dot)com
Caryn B says
Count me in please
Colleen says
I don’t know much about Siam aside from what I read in Anna and the King. Sounds like a neat book. Have a great week. Stop by our blog for a chance to win a subscription to Country Home.
James Jenkins says
based on the life of the author’s grandmother
Amber says
I am close to my grandmother, so I would like to read this story. Thanks
Linda says
Thanks! Sounds like a great book!
lace says
Sounds like a marvelous book. I’d love to read it.
Sweetpeas says
The fact that it’s based on a real person, appeals to me.
Hollie says
The setting sounds interesting – the time and locations that the story is set in.
hedwards25 at gmail dot com
Sarah says
I think the 20’s setting sounds interesting.
Joy says
I love the history and the era in which the book is set! The 20’s and 30’s are some of my favorite times (think… Great Gatsby)!
Fruitbearer says
I was born and raised in Thailand (Siam). I’m curious about how she dealt with her discontentment and I’m always interested in missionaries’ lives.
Tami Elliott says
Sounds like a great book – it’s so helpful to see how others deal with discontent in a given situation.
Melissa says
The part that sounds interesting to me is that it’s about missions. I studied missions in college, and love to read those old missionary stories!
Elizabeth M. says
I think it’s the part of the book that talks about her marriage and the choices she makes, etc. Sounds intriguing to me!
Ebie says
i like all kinds of historical fiction, and there’s not much written about this particular place during this time period
Rebecca says
this book sounds fantastic. i’m always looking for new authors…i love to read! a couple things intrigue me about this book. the first is that’s it’s based on the life of the author’s grandmother, and the second is that she doesn’t know much about her husband, and yet she gives up her opportunities in life to go with him. thanks for the chance to win!
Becky says
I have heard a lot of good things about this book. The part that interests me the most is that he is a medical missionary. Being a nurse, those are the mission trips that most interest me. Thank you for a great giveaway!
Ericka Jacks says
How to feel good again.
beth shepherd says
The missionary life sounds intrigueing. Thank you for having this!
Jodi says
This sounds like a great book, would love the chance to read it.
Idahospud says
I’m a sucker for period pieces, both in books and movies. Thanks for the giveaway!
Jen M says
I am addicted to historical fiction. I think the fact that it is a true story set in the 1920’s makes it even more appealing to me. I love to read about different eras and the way the time period affected people’s lives.
melissa c says
i need a good read before school start and you make this book sound good
GrnMtnGirl says
I’m a nurse and am curious to read about her perspective of his work as a medical missionary.
C Duran says
I like the exotic location! Thanks for the giveaway!
Anna says
The fact that he is a medical missionary and she gives up her dream to be with him is what appeals to me. I like reading stories about people that have gone through similar experiences as I have…not that I’ve gone through anything that this woman did…but I did give up my dream for a while to support my husband when we first married and although I wouldn’t change things now…I wonder from time to time…”What if???”
Fedora says
Wow–this book sounds really interesting! I’m most interested to read about how such a big move impacts her marriage, especially since it happens right at the beginning of their life together. Thanks so much for this recommendation!
Rebecca says
I think the part about her moving to Siam as a new bride is most intriguing to me! Thanks for the opportunity to win!!
Karen says
I love the fact that she honored her grandmother by basing the book on her life. That is phenomenal!
Audrey says
I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book from the 1920’s so I’d have to say that is what is the most appealing to me, to learn a bit more about life during that era.
lovedandamazed says
Please count me in!! I’ve read good reviews about this book. Thanks!
Valerie Mitchell says
What a wonderful prize!
Angela says
Having a copy of this would be nice. I am most interested in the medical missionary work aspect of the book.
Nancy says
I like that it’s based on a true story, but not a memoir. And the international locales are intriguing too.
Erin says
I love the missions twist on the story – I would love to win this! 🙂
Suzie G says
I like that the book lets the reader question the characters decisions instead of just painting a black and white picture where 99 percent of people will all feel the same way.
The Diaper Diaries says
I love that it is set in the 1920s. Very Great Gatsby esque
Dani' says
I would like this for MIL.
Vicky Boackle says
does she stay with her husband?
Cindi says
I adore books! The cover of a book makes or breaks my decision towards a book. This book’s cover is lovely. The story line sounds great. Please enter me in your drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
Tonya Froemel says
I would love to read this book. The fact that it is based on a real person is interesting. I read the reviews and it looks like a really great story.
israel y says
i think the time period of the 20s is interesting to me, thanks for the contest!
Shilo Beedy says
I love that it takes place in the 1920’s. That time period intrigues me so.
Lindsie says
I would love to read this! I find any historical fiction so interesting!
Mama Zen says
I find the 1920s fascinating!
Kathy says
As a Christian, for me, the part that intrigues me the most is the missionary part, how they spread the gospel, etc. I love to read these accounts of evangelistic work especially about the sacrifices people made to follow God and how He provides. Kathy
Adrienne Gordon says
It is interesting to read about how different the culture is/was over in Bangok.
susan varney says
its a true story
Andrea R says
This looks like it would make a great summer read.
CB says
I was intrigued when you mentioned living in remote Siam as a newlywed.
Kim says
I love historical fiction. I’d love the fact that it’s set in the 20s in a far away place.
kamewh says
The part about missionary life sounds intriguing!
Sara says
I am very intrigued by the setting of this book as well as the cover really caught my eye.
Kara says
1920’s in Siam sounds very intriguing! I know little about the 20’s and nothing about Siam, so this would be a great read.
Kristan says
I always wanted to do medical missions, so that aspect intrigues me.
andrewandkristan(at)hotmail(dot)com
monica says
Moving to an unknown land in support of her husband is what intriques me about the plot. [email protected]
Sandra - Illinois says
I love to see the deep layers of a woman who gave up her dreams to follow her husband, but she is human because she has some regrets. I have to get this book because I want to see how it ends.
valerie mabrey says
Got me hooked in on the missionary stuff and then got to know the characters.
kristenkj says
The fact that this takes place in a foreign land, to which I have never been, really intrigues me. I’d love to read about it and the choices she made, and the medical missionary life. Thanks for the chance to win!
Estelle S. says
This sounds like a really great book! I mostly read crime and drama novels, but this book has me interested. I may just buy it if I don’t win it. Thanks for the giveaway!
Susan C says
Learning more about a mission hospital intrigues me, I have always wondered what that was like.
grams says
I like that it takes place in the 1920s. Sounds like it would be very interesting.
Tammy says
The fact that it’s set in the 1920’s intrigues me, I like books that take place in that time period.
Kimberly V. says
I like the fact that it’s based in Siam. That sounds so exotic! I love to learn about far away places and this novel sounds very interesting.
charline s says
Sounds like a great book.
Rodney K says
I sure hope I win thanks
Michele says
Sounds wonderful! I’m most intrigued by the fact that this is based on the author’s grandmother. Plus, the cover is beautiful! Thanks for another great giveaway!
Leticia D. says
I would love to read this book. The story line is of high interest to me and yes…the beautiful cover is a bonus too! 😉 Anything with the word moon in it always catches my eye!
Belinda A. says
I spent a year in Thailand and I love novels set in that part of the world. Thanks for another neat giveaway!
Katrina says
this book looks really good! I would love to read it! I don’t know what intrigues me the most. Probably the whole medical missionary thing.
Cilfton Wade says
SOunds great.
Thanks for all the great contests!
Kathy D says
Looks like a great read…….
Amanda D. says
This looks very interesting! I love the fact that it’s set in the 1920’s and that it visits many different parts of the world!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Erika says
I love that it’s based on her grandmother’s life and I’m intrigued by the kinds of choices she’ll be making as a newly wed.
Maja says
Count me in. 🙂
Ana says
Oh, I am interested.
Angel says
Looks good.
Nicki says
Would love to win!
Ronnica says
Cool! I love to read!
Lani says
Does it count if I say that the cover is so pretty it makes me want to read the book? The plot sounds great too–and the fact that it was her grandma! How cool is that?
Sally says
I love to read and yet I’ve never read anything that takes places during the 20s.
smilingsal55[at]yahoo[dot]com
Louise Brouillette says
This sounds so interesting
Nancy says
I’m a slightly newlywed (of just under 2 years) so that part is fascinating, plus you mentioned Italy, and anything about Italy is interesting to me!
rachel burke says
i want this so bad
Jenn S. says
I really like books that are based on true stories. I also like books set in the past. This one looks like a winner.
Jaime C. says
I like that it takes place in the 1920’s and that it’s based on a true story.
Linda White says
I love inspirational romances! The time period definitely sounds interesting!
Julie says
I am intrigued by the title of this book. I also like reading about the time period of the 20’s.
Tracey Byram says
This sounds like a great read. I like books that are set in different time periods from my own.
The Gang's All Here! says
Might be a good read on a long flight to CHINA!!!!!
Beth/Mom2TwoVikings says
Missionary life, true story? You got me hooked!
Meredith Peters says
I like the time period of the book and I find the places it takes you to interesting,especially Bangkok. I grew up there during the Vietnam war.
Kari says
ooooh, yes I checked this book out of the library but NEVER got a chance to touch it…would love to win it, I found the setting of missionary life intriguing since I was one…..thanks so much!!
sandy says
the missionary aspect gets me too, and I love to read.
Junglewife says
I’m really interested in this because of the medical missionary aspect. I grew up as an MK, and my dad was a medical missionary. I’m now a missionary myself, and I think this book looks really interesting. If I don’t win it, I just may have to buy it!
Stacy says
I’ve always been interested in the lives of medical missionaries, so this book sounds like one I’d like to read. I’m also a fast reader, so a thick book appeals to me too. 🙂
Krista says
This is on my “must read” list. I keep hearing about these choices she makes and I want to know if she stays with her husband in the end!
No chance in winning if this is part of Bloggy Giveaways, but I have a good library! 😉
Hillary says
The fact that this book takes place in Siam is enough to intrigue me. As for plot, her learning about her husband is probably the biggest draw for me. I like to see how relationships in books develop.