Saturday, January 30, 2010

THIN PLACES - Mary DeMuth - Free Book

Readers, you know that I feature many more novels than non-fiction books. And I haven't always read the non-fiction title when I run the interview. I do scan the books to make sure they're okay to have on the blog, but not read them in depth until a later date. I've read Thin Places this week. I believe it's a memoir that every Christian should read, and even give it to hurting friends who can gain freedom because of Mary's transparency in the book.

Welcome, Mary, you are writing nonfiction. Do you also write fiction?

Yes, I’ve written 3 parenting books and four novels, with a few more on the way via Zondervan.

Your novels are powerful, too, Mary. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

Because Thin Places: A Memoir is such a personal book, I’ve worried about negative reviews. In some ways that’s good because it will force me to find my security and love from the One who made me, rather than the opinions of others. I’ve received some great endorsements, but also some harsh reviews. And those are the ones that knife me! Because the book’s about me!

I worry that I’ll be misunderstood. Or that telling the truth will hurt others. I’ve made a point to disguise nearly everyone and everything in the book, but of course the potential for hurt feelings is high.

I fear opposition by the father of lies. Since this is a truth-filled book, displaying authentic struggle, I have a feeling he won’t like it. I’m thankful for a specific, targeted prayer team around me to pray for protection regarding the release of this book. It’s humbling, actually, to see how God brought those pray-ers together.

What wonderful support He sent you. Now tell us about your family.

I have three amazing children (17, 14, 11) who daily light my life. I have a dashing and supportive husband. We have a dog that smells like fish and a cat who thinks she’s all that.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

Yes, three parenting books: Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God (Harvest House), Building the Christian Family You Never Had (Waterbrook), and Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture (Harvest House).

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

I have a standalone novel in the works and am working on a young adult novel and another memoir.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

Cooking (check out: http://adailyrecipe.blogspot.com/ ), gardening, singing, creating small-scale art projects, running, reading.

Why did you write Thin Places?

I felt sufficiently healed from my past, which had been a long, long journey. And in that healing, I knew I had the perspective I needed to be able to communicate my story with hope. In the past, I’d vomit my story of sexual abuse and neglect on any poor soul who’d listen, not with the intention to help her grow through my story, but to gain empathy.

But now I marvel at the path God’s brought me on, how gently He’s led me to this place of wholeness. From that abundance, I share my story. Why? Because I believe sharing the truth about our stories helps others see their own stories.

While I recorded the audio book for Thin Places, the producer asked me why I’d splay my life out this way.

“Because I don’t want folks to feel alone,” I told him.

“You’ve given a gift,” he said.

I sure hope so.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I hope they see hope.

I hope they realize how profound and surprising and radical God’s redemption is.

I hope they’ll see the irresistibility of Jesus.

I believe they will, Mary. Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

http://www.marydemuth.com/
http://blog.myfamilysecrets.org/  (Share a family secret anonymously)
http://www.thewritingspa.com/  (mentoring writers)
http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com/  (personal blog)
http://www.wannabepublished.blogspot.com/  (help for those wanting to be published)
http://www.twitter.com/MaryDeMuth
http://www.facebook.com/mary.demuth

Mary, thank you for writing this poignant, powerful book. And thank you for sharing your time with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order Thin Places. By using this link when you order, you'll help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

27 comments:

Coolestmommy said...

First one to comment!! Woo Hoo!! Sounds like a terrific book--thanks for the chance to win one.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

sharon54220 said...

Memoirs are one of favorite genres to read. I would love the chance to win it.

Thanks

sharon54220@gmail.com

Unknown said...

This sound like a fabulous book and I would love to read it! Thanks for sharing it with us!

lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com

Carla said...

Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks.

Cherie J said...

Enjoyed the interview! Please enter me. Thank you.

Mary DeMuth said...

I'm humbled so many of you have commented thus far! I pray whoever wins it (or buys it) will be truly, truly blessed and healed.

Cheryl Barker said...

Throw my name in the hat, please. I'd love to win Mary's book. Thanks for doing the giveaway!

Terri Tiffany said...

Mary,
I think it is wonderful you have opened yourself up to share this way. It is a real issue with many people still need healing. I would love to win a copy of this book to read and then I will pass it on to someone I know who could really benefit from it. Blessings!

Sheila Deeth said...

I already have a copy. I just wanted to say that I love it. Memoirs aren't my favorite genre, but this is much more than a memoir; beautifully told, beautifully empowering and freeing! Hoping you will be blessed with sales as your readers are blessed by reading it Mary.

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I've been looking forward to the release of Thin Places since I read Daisy Chain. I want to read it and I already know some very special people I want to share it with.

Nancye said...

This sounds like a wonderful book! Please enter me. :)

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Kristen said...

What an amazing project. I pray it touches many lives. Thank you Mary, for allowing us to see your journey.

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

This sounds like a great book, please enter me!

Megan said...

Wow. How inspiring. If only all of us were real enough to share our struggles in order to help others heal & receive freedom in Christ. Thanks for featuring this on your blog, Lena.

Meg

Sarah G said...

I would love to win! Thanks so much for the chance! :)

hawaiismn(at)gmail(dot)com

Esther Wysong said...

I would love to win Thin Places. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks! Esther
faith4u7(at)gmail(dot)com

Cíntia Mara said...

Hmm... I win a book of Mary Demuth last year, A slow burn, but I couldn't read it all. It was so slow to me. Maybe I like more her non-fiction books, I can try.

God bless you!

Lady Araujo said...

I'd love to be entered in your drawing.

Marla said...

Please enter me in the drawing. Would love to share this book with a friend. thanks!

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Roanna said...

Please enter me. Thanks!

ohiobuckeye91[at]gmail[dot]com

Jen U. said...

Please enter me.
Thank you!
~Jen Unsell

debijackson said...

How fun. Please include me. jacksond@nhr3.net

rubynreba said...

Carman sent me and you have a great blog. This book looks wonderful. Thanks.

tweezle said...

What a great interview. This book sounds fantastic!! Please enter me in the drawing.

Thank you so much!
tweezle at gmail dot com

PS - Carman sent me :)

disneyfanheather said...

Sounds like a great book!

Mary DeMuth said...

Thanks, Lena, for hosting me here! You're a blessing.