Skunk (A Love Story) by Justin Courter - Review & Giveaway
I hope you’ll excuse my brief absence. I was taking my leisure with some skunk. Skunk A Love Story, that is. When I first stumbled upon this book, I was immediately taken in by the premise: A man, obsessed by the odor of skunks, falls in love with a woman equally obsessed with fish. While the storyline definitely got my attention, I couldn’t help but wonder–could Courter pull it off through an entire book? After all, the story was originally published as a short. I had a hard time imagining it going any further than a few chapters. But I was more than pleasantly surprised.
Skunk A Love Story is a whirl of imagination and one-of-a-kind humor. I spent much of my reading time laughing out loud and then rereading the portion of text to laugh some more. While the premise may seem completely unbelievable and a rather tall tale when told in summary, the way in which the book is written will have any reader buying it hook, line, and sinker. Another big surprise? Skunk’s plot line takes several drastic turns, and I’d love to tell you what happens but I won’t be a stinker. I’ve seen many books fall flat when the author decides to rip the protagonist out of his comfy setting and plunk him somewhere totally unexpected. But Courter makes these transitions brilliantly without leaving the reader straining to find his way back into the groove.
I am pleased to bestow the great and not-yet coveted Goldfish Award on this most worthy of books. Skunk will make for fantastic summer reading. Sarcastic humor, unusual story line, and the only thing fluffy about it are those cute black and white critters. You’ll want to breathe this one in and savor it as I did. So here’s your chance. I have one copy to give away to a lucky reader.
3 Ways to Enter:
1.) Leave a comment telling me something you’re really hooked on. I’ll go first - I admit to liking the smell of skunk. Yes, I am a skunk sniffer, but only at a distance. I’ve never had one as a pet, but I knew someone who did and I was jealous. Don’t tell anyone, please. It’s rather embarrassing.
2.) Subscribers are automatically entered into this and all future giveaways. Just plunk your email address in the little white box on the right column. (Please make sure to verify your Feedburner subscription by responding to the email they send you. If you don’t receive it, check your junk mail.)
3.) Blog about this giveaway on your blog with a link back to this post.
Do all three, and you’ve got three entries to win! You have until midnight EST on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, to enter.
***Read the first three chapters of Skunk A Love Story online. This book is available in June from Omnidawn.
Posted in Book Review and Giveaway, Goldfish Award Books
May 17th, 2008 at 10:55 am
My husband is having surgery in a couple of weeks. He loves to read - this sounds like a great “escape”.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
One must admit, the title itself is certainly intriguing. Count me in!
May 17th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Justin Courter sounds like the long-lost son of George Singleton. I need this book — pick me!
May 17th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
My husband says that my parents’ dog is getting that ‘old dog’ smell, but I love the way she smells, especially after she’s been in the sun for a while (which is always).
Count me in.
May 17th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I’m hooked on potato chips! I’m not proud of it, but there you go!
May 17th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I’m hooked on all sorts of things… ice cream and sleep to name a few.
But I must admit the smell of skunk is NOT one of the things I am hooked on.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I’m hooked on stray cats, no not the singing group, the furry kind running loose, still not the singing group. I keep saying “No More.” But they still manage to find me.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I love our skunk and this book is one I really want to read. Our skunk is not a pet but every evening we feed some feral cats on our porch the skunk comes along to get its share. If the cat eats it all we put out a little more for this little skunk. It is so adorable. We are careful coming and going from the house so we don’t scare it. So Please, this book is a must read for me. Thank you!
May 17th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I fell in love with my husband when he cried over a Pepe LePeuw cartoon (a skunk, for those of you who don’t know.)He also had a black car with a white skunk stripe down the hood! This book sounds perfect for us both to read.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I could use a great book for a summer read! Sarcastic humor is right down my alley. Something I am hooked on is my
“Tresor” perfume. It is the only perfume I wear that gets a lot of good comments!
I wear it so I don’t smell like a skunk.
LOL. Please enter me in your drawing.
Many thanks, Cindi
May 17th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
That’s the craziest idea for a book I’ve ever heard about. Wow! As for me, I am completely and totally hooked on Diet Coke. I drink it non-stop and I know it’s terrible for me but when I crack open a new one and feel that burn in my throat, I’m so darn happy.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
horse racing
May 17th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I’m hooked on entering contests, true crime books, and junk food.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
c’mon, a man obsessed with the smell of skunks? now, that’s an original idea!
May 17th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
What an odd story line. I’m intrigued….
May 17th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I am hooked on reading. I read everything I can get my hands on, books, magazines, newspapers, even the back of the cereal box!
May 17th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Don’t think I’m alone when I admit to liking the smell of gasoline… right? The book sounds great for a summer read on the beach.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
My “weird” thing is i like the smell of tar.. i like the smell of railroads and when they are tarring the road!
May 17th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Should be a great read.
May 18th, 2008 at 12:01 am
My disabled wife of more than 38 years LOVES to read. This would make a great gift for her. Thanks for all the excellent contests!
May 18th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Im hooked on coffee!! and shopping
May 18th, 2008 at 6:13 am
I’m hooked on reading on my deck in the summer. Thanks for the chance to win an interesting book.
May 18th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I have to say I like the smell of skunk too! Whenever I have told people that, they have thought I was weird. I’d love to read about a fellow skunk-smell liker.
May 18th, 2008 at 9:06 am
It always give me a thrill!!!
May 18th, 2008 at 9:10 am
[...] Skunk - A Love Story by Justin Courter By Contests4Moms | May 18, 2008 Where: carp(e) libris reviews [...]
May 18th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I don’t like the smell of skunks- which makes me very intrigued as to why someone would be crazy about them! And then love someone who was crazy about fish! It sounds really intriguing- especially for an animal lover like me. Do count me in!
May 18th, 2008 at 9:58 am
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
May 18th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Hmmm…maybe I’m hooked on trying to win a book. I haven’t managed to do it yet!
May 18th, 2008 at 11:24 am
This book sounds odd but intruiguing! I like the smell of skunk, too.
May 18th, 2008 at 11:34 am
What an unlikely but intriguing premise. I’d love to read it. And Kudos on the ‘confession’ as well!
And blogging it Monday.
May 18th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Great Sounding Book !
May 18th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
really sounds like a different book. hope i win
May 18th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I’m hooked on comfort food, it got me through the winter!
May 18th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I’m hooked on fishing!
May 18th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I have to admit that I am very sensitive to smells, though mostly synthetic ones. It is easier for me to deal with natural stuff like skunks, crap and even farts, LOL. So anyway, this book looks really cute and funny and would be a happy and humorous way to sniff a little life via vicarious means.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I must admit I’m a little afraid of skunks so I tend to keep my distance. However, I do think they’re rather cute and love to watch the swish, swish, swish of their tails as they move along the ground. They really are interesting creatures.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
I think its the grossly oddest thing I’ve ever heard of…as they say curiosity killed the cat…
May 18th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
You can have those skunks. I’m hooked on smells of lilacs in the springtime newborn puppies, basil fresh from the garden, coffee brewing in the morning…..ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
May 18th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I hooked on light mysteries with cats as characters–like the Cat Who and Midnight Louis books—so getting hooked on a book about skunks shouldn’t be too hard.
May 18th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I like the smell of cigarettes (and I don’t smoke) so liking the smell of skunks doesn’t seem strange to me.
May 18th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
My dog met a skunk while outside in the middle of the night and came inside and jumped into our bed. Wow What an odor.
May 18th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
count me in
May 18th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Read the first 3 chapters - need to read the rest….
May 18th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
THE TITLE SOUNDS NEET
May 18th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
I love skunks. I have fond memories of a beloved cat of mine having a sweet encounter with one.
May 18th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I haven’t read a review on this book yet, BUT the name alone is intriguing. Love to have this one
May 18th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Hooked on the smell of……..yummmmm…..chocolate! No skunk for me!
May 19th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Wow! I love these kinds of weird stories. I would love to win this! Thanks!
May 19th, 2008 at 2:51 am
I am currently hooked in going to the gym. This book sounds like a weird lovestory, I want to read it!
May 19th, 2008 at 3:45 am
I actually like the smellof gasoline. I dunno why, but yeah… kind of gross. lol. I’m hooked on loads of things as well. Mainly pizza. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
mistchlo[at]hughes[dot]net
May 19th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I’m hooked on stray animals also. If I see one, I feel an intense obligation to pick him up and bring him home. That ended up with 20 animals and havin to build a kennel…
this book sounds soooo good!
May 19th, 2008 at 10:43 am
rocking chairs. I absolutely love the rocking motion and have to have one at all times!
May 19th, 2008 at 11:17 am
The title intrigues me. Talk about juxtaposition..
May 19th, 2008 at 11:30 am
I am really hooked on Swedish Fish (the candy) and Top Chef (the show). Book sounds weird and intriguing.
May 19th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
LOL…this book sounds like fun, thanks for the chance ti win!
May 19th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I am hooked on Coke and chocolate for breakfast and have been for at least 20 years now. I have honestly tried to stop, but I keep coming back to it.
I must say that I am intrigued by the premise of the book.
May 19th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
when it comes to smells, i love the smell of dirt after it rains.
May 19th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I’m hooked on British sitcoms! Little Britain, Coupling, The Robinsons, The Office - literally can’t get enough…
May 19th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I’m hooked on bad reality TV. Like America’s Next Top Model. Shhhh…..
May 19th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
OK, I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t mind the smell of skunk - I thought I was really weird! I am hooked on books. Not a day goes by that I am not reading a book (or listening to an audiobook in the car).
May 19th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
This book looks pretty interesting… one of the things I’m hooked on is taking pictures =)
ticole96(at)msn(dot)com
May 19th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Have to say, fascinated by what I’ve now read and I’ll say it…I love bragging to friends outside of North America about the smell of skunk! LOL It’s so unique and indiginous to us…it’s very difficult to describe and they are ALWAYS fascinated in a sort of horrified way! LOL Me, I’m addicted to many things (I’m a Gemini/Monkey sentimental packrat ; ) I’m an animal lover, yet strangely addicted to collecting antique books like ‘Animal Life’ by P.T. Barnum. It’s totally about the illustrations for me and it is heartbreaking to read some of the text/stories. But I still go back for more. Physically they are beautiful texts, just eerie factual reminders of the cruelty that was perpetrated on our 4 legged friends that (hopefully) we’ve learned and moved on from.
May 20th, 2008 at 12:37 am
My grandmother used to feed skunks in her backyard. Now my parents do. When I visited Tasmania I was surprised that the Tasmanian Devil smells almost identical to the American skunk.
I do subscribe to your blog but through Google reader.
May 20th, 2008 at 8:01 am
I dont mind the smell of skunks except when its on my golden retrievers and they come in the house through the doggie door…
May 20th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I am very sensitive to smells. I have thrown up when in an enclosed space when there is a strong perfume.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Skunk (A Love Story) by Justin Courter - Review & Giveaway has been featured on Sweepstakes Advantage, http://www.sweepsadvantage.com. The Web’s Largest Directory of Free Online Sweepstakes. Good Luck to Everyone!
May 20th, 2008 at 9:37 am
I love the smell of dirt. Just can’t get enough of it.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I am hooked on sweet tart candies- keep some with me all the time!
May 20th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I love my sour lime and ginger lip balm from blessed nest. Blogged ya:
http://mommyland512.blogspot.com/2008/05/win-copy-of-skunk-love-story.html
Great giveaway, thanks!
May 20th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
The tile is something else, makes you want to check it out.
May 20th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I’m hooked on PBS programs.
May 20th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Here in Texas one need only step out side to smell the familiar odor of skunk spray. We don’t love it but we’re used to it.
May 20th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Would love to read this!
May 20th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
We’d Love to have a copy!!
May 20th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I blogged about your contest on Prize-A-Tron!
May 20th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I’m posting to win the book, but because I also like skunks. Our resident skunk here on our property is named Skippy.
May 20th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I heart crossword puzzles.
May 20th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
hooked on yard sales,an reading,have to admit ill have to read your book the only skunks ive smelt would make you sick they are so strong,you must have a iron stomach,lol,please count me in,thanks
May 20th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
addicted to chocolate!
May 20th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I used to be hooked on pork rinds, but only for about a month, long ago when I was doing the Atkins Diet. I also used to be hooked on “Dawson’s Creek” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” And I will forever be hooked on 80’s power ballads with cheesy electric guitar solos.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I have a weakness for flavored popcorn. There’s a store in my town that sells watermelon, strawberry, and white choc. covered blueberry. It taste like a jolly rancher and popcorn mixed together. I can’t get enough.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
i want to win
May 20th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Hooked on? I would have to say I’m hooked on English Toffee tea with Splenda and fat free half-and-half. It is soooooooo good, and smells better than skunk — ya freak.
May 21st, 2008 at 12:02 am
Im slightly obsessed with the smell of my sons formula spitup on the burp cloth! Only a mommy could understand!
LOL!
dansan826 at yahoo.com
May 21st, 2008 at 12:46 am
Skunk lover falls for fish lover, sounds a little fishy to me! Or is that a little skunky?!!
May 21st, 2008 at 1:08 am
I’m hooked on Pirate Booty!
May 21st, 2008 at 1:09 am
I blogged about your contest here:
http://thehuffs.wordpress.com/contests/
May 21st, 2008 at 2:25 am
I really hate the smell of skunk. We have a whole family of skunks living up the hill from us. For some reason my car gets in their way at night. This book sounds really funny though. I would love to win a copy.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:09 am
I’m hooked on my gray hairs and split ends. I can spend HOURS searching for them and pulling them out.
May 21st, 2008 at 10:20 am
I am intrigued by this book’s unusual story line and off the wall humor. It must be hilarious.
May 21st, 2008 at 10:35 am
this book could be interesting.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:12 am
wow, look at all the comments!! this looks like a great one! It looks very funny, I can’t believe someone obsessed with the smell of yucky things….but that is the humor in it all, right?! haha! I want to read it!
Thanks for the giveaway~!!
May 21st, 2008 at 12:23 pm
lavender-I have sprays, candles, powders and lotions. Much better than skunk
May 21st, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I am definitely 100% hooked on books! I also love scrapbooking, cardmaking, playing games, playing with my family. My giveaway ends today if you want to check it out! I’d love to read this book and own it too!
May 21st, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Haha this book looks too funny! I am hooked on anything that involves watermelon!!
May 21st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
please enter me
May 21st, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I have to say I too enjoy the smell of shunk and gas and grass after a rain storm. I remember when my dog got ahold of one of those strips and boy did it do a number on him, he smelt like a shunk for weeks it was fun smelling him and adding tomatoes to hes washes for a 2 weeks lmao! She was a good girl RIP Shyane! the smell didnt kill him he past on at the age of 14. where can i get one as a pet that is soo cool!
May 21st, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I’m seriously addicted to Candy Canes — I buy them at Christmas to have them all year long, there is something soothing about having the peppermint in that shape as opposed to just a regular mint. They Taste different when in the shape of a cane, really they do! Silly? Probably, giving this addiction up? Not likely!
May 21st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
i love candy, especially chocolates with nuts
May 21st, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I am really hooked on sweepstakes and my new puppy.
May 21st, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I’m hooked on The New York Times website!
May 21st, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I’m hooked on reading. I love to read my favorite authors.
May 21st, 2008 at 7:09 pm
i would love to read this book. it sounds like the writer is really good. thanks in advance if i win and i hope all of your days are blessed.
May 21st, 2008 at 7:27 pm
[...] reviews for a chance to win “Skunk (A Love Story)” by Justin Courter. Just comment here with ’something you’re really hooked on’ lol. You can get another chance to [...]
May 21st, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Hmm I’m hooked on the smell of coffee beans… but I don’t really like coffee (unless it has about 4 heaping spoonfuls of sugar- but then you’re kinda defeating the purpose aren’t you? lol).
I’ve also linked to your contest
http://kbookreviews.wordpress.com/2008/05/21/two-book-contests/
May 21st, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Bunk the skunk; they are all created by a divine love with/without the sprayed secretions. many thanks SW
May 21st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
SOUNDS LIKE A CUTE AND UNUSUAL STORY!:)
May 21st, 2008 at 9:34 pm
great story concept
May 21st, 2008 at 10:30 pm
This book sounds bazaar in
its own obessed way.Would
love to read this.I am curious
now to see how it all works out.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:05 pm
sounds like a good book
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Okay I am on the edge of my seat with this book! Looks like a good book to read in my book club!