Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Rurally Screwed (Humpday Giveaway!!!)

Some blogs you go to because they make you inquisitive and speculative, offering contemplative morsels for rumination. Others you go to because they always have a good take-away something or other, whether that's a recipe for rye crumble bars or links to new (to you) artists. And then there are those you go to for a chuckle, a chortle, a guffaw, or an all-out belly laugh. Jessie Knadler and her blog, Rurally Screwed, get filed into the latter category.

I'm not sure how I found Jessie's blog. It was several years ago, and it was winter. Those are the specifics I recall with any degree of clarity. It doesn't really matter how I found her, though, because once I sampled her wry wit and outsider's take on life in the mountains of southern Virginia, I knew I'd be back. In Rurally Screwed, Jessie calls it like she sees it. Whether it's her daughter, her marriage, her husband, her town's citizens or herself she's got in her cross hairs, Jessie gives it to you straight. And it's always hilarious.

I'm super excited, then, to showcase Jessie's newest venture, Rurally Screwed: My Life Off the Grid With the Cowboy I Love. This is the tale of how this (at the time) Manhattan-based, designer label-wearing, Kundalini-practicing, hard-partying women's magazine editor met, fell in love with, and went on to marry Jake, a man who, at least on the surface, seems in every way her polar opposite. He's a Garth Brooks-listening, cowboy hat-wearing, church-going ranch hand and the two find salvation in each other at an untrained horse & bull-riding rodeo she's covering in Montana, her home state.

Since initially discovering her blog, Jessie and I have gone on to become cyberspace buddies. We've reviewed one another's books (Jessie also co-authored Tart & Sweet) and shared ink in two magazine articles. I think she's grand. She's brassy and ballsy and gutsy and every other superlative you can apply to a brave person. In her novel, she takes a very candid view of her marriage, her surroundings, and herself. She puts it all out there, which is truly admirable, given the subject matter and just how intensely personal it is. I applaud her for it. Her book is an absolute gem and she's a treasure for having the vim, vigor and gumption to share her story with the world.

In celebration of her book's launch (it officially publishes Tuesday, April 3rd, the same day my not-so-little-anymore sister, Theo, turns 21!!!), Jessie has graciously gifted me with a signed copy for one small measure reader. To be entered in the giveaway, simply leave a comment below. I'll randomly choose one winner next Wednesday, April 4th, midnight EST. In your comment, please leave a means of reaching you should you be the winner, via either a link back to your blog or website, or by leaving your email address in your comment.

Even if you don't end up winning the book, give it, and Jessie's blog, a read anyways. The woman knows how to keep you both enraptured and in stitches at the same time, dispensing one country-living observation and witticism after the other.

UPDATE: I love how much you all love Jessie! She's true blue, that one! The winner of a signed copy of Rurally Screwed is #91, Sage. Thank you everyone that entered, and congratulations, Sage!

106 comments:

Kelli said...

This book looks awesome! I can't wait to head over and read her blog!

Unknown said...

Love RS, can't wait to read this book!

Camille said...

Sounds like a good read. (Congrats, Jessie and good luck with the book touring.)

meemsnyc said...

What a cool story! As a fellow New Yorker, I would love to one day also live off the grid.

CCarter said...

Does indeed sound like a good read! I'll have to check out her blog.

Anonymous said...

I want to be a random winner, uwharrieheirlooms@yahoo,com!

I want to be a random winner, uwharrieheirlooms@yahoo,com!

I want to be a random winner, uwharrieheirlooms@yahoo,com!

Missy said...

She sounds very intriguing. I'm headed over to her blog now...

Anonymous said...

Awesome! I'm in.

Anonymous said...

Awesome! I'm in.

Elizabeth E. said...

I'm in as well. schniederef at gmail dot com.

JizzleK said...

Cool, thanks for the book tip. I just subscribed to her blog.

Jenny Lee said...

This book looks like a great read!
http://tamarckstomatoestigerlies.blogspot.com/

timandleah said...

Me please! Love the blog!

Anonymous said...

Love the title!
Vanandscott@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Love the title!
Vanandscott@yahoo.com

Libby said...

I heart Jessie....Shea hilarious :)

Kay said...

Looks like a good book!!!
pinesnpickets@hotmail.com

Christine said...

You've captivated me! I have to read it now!

sofa modern said...

Hey
Small Measure
Appreciate it for this post, I will be extremely thankful to find out these kinds of fantastic information.
Thank you!

Alison said...

She sounds like a hoot. As a recovering city kid myself, it sounds like something I'd love to read.

The Haphazard Countryman said...

I've been reading her blog for a while now, and it is hilarious. She does put herself out there for everyone to see, and that is what makes it genuine.

sarah said...

This looks so great! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

One of my favorite blogs...can't wait to read the book!!

Anonymous said...

looks great - a little humor in my piles of bee & pig reading would be great!

Kate said...

Looking forward to reading this!

Chiara Camponeschi said...

what a lovely story!

T said...

Looks great!

Kathy said...

I've had Rurally Screwed on my book wishlist for a while now. Thanks for the chance to win! kathycjones at gmail dot com.

Green Zebra Market Garden said...

Can't wait to read this!

Cary said...

Win or not, I will definitely read this!

Concrete Gardener said...

I just went over to her blog and got sucked in- thanks for that. I'd love to read her book.

Anonymous said...

I found both of you in Breathe and have been following ever since! I would love a copy of the book!
chocolilybeans at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I just purchased Jessie's co-authored book Tart and Sweet, I would love to win Rurally Screwed to complete my collection!!

jwalty@hotmail.com

Angela said...

Rurally Screwed is hilarious! Love reading that one. Looking forward to reading her new book!
heyzillah@yahoo.com

Courtney said...

I would love to read her story - off to her blog site :-)

Kristin Marsh Shepard said...

Looks like a fun read!

elizabeth said...

I love her blog and can't wait to read the book!

Michelle said...

Just recently discovered her blog and she is a hoot! Would love to read this book, thanks to both of you for the chance!

Michelle
steim99@yahoo.com

Rebecca D. Martin said...

Ooo . . . I'd love a copy!

(I also love your blog. I linked to you through Kinfolk, and have been missing my old home of Asheville even more than usual ever since.)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a fun blog and book - I'll have to check them out! Thanks!

bonnie at weboardshop dot com

Elizabeth said...

I bet this book is delightful. As a born and breed NC girl, I am intrigued to read the description of a southern gentlemen.

tamara said...

Oh cool! I'll head over and check out her blog now, but fingers crossed I win the book!

Unknown said...

I love Jessie's blog! Enter me!
apollosonacres at hotmail dot com

Herbal Tonya here said...

I am looking forward to checking out her blog, Book looks like a great read! thanks for sharing!

oukay said...

Always looking for new blogs to enjoy!

Melissa said...

I came across Jessie's blog via your blog!

Sacha Joy said...

I love her blog, which I found through your blog. She makes me laugh out loud.

Heidi said...

Sounds great. I like authentic people.

lisa said...

I am a huge fan of Jessie's blog and would love a copy of her book!

Dogs or Dollars said...

Ooooh, I've been waiting for this book. I'd love a copy.

jww said...

Sounds like a great read, count me in! Gonna hop over and check out her blog now...

Carissa said...

Sounds like a great read! I'd love a chance to check it out. :)

Stephanie said...

I've been looking forward to this book, sounds great!

Katie @ CookGardenSew said...

I haven't heard of her but this sounds great! It also reminds me a little of another book called "The Dirty Life" which was a bet less on the funny side (but I still *loved* it). Off to check out her blog and hoping I win the book!

katie at cook garden sew dot com

Tanya said...

Looks good-enter me please(-:

Erin said...

I really would love to read this book!
antons(AT)gto(DOT)net

barefoot mama said...

I just visited her blog! Thanks for introducing me to her fabulous space. I bet her book is great! ~Barefoot Mama

Helois said...

I too have fallen in love with her blog
Heloiswegrzyn@yahoo.com

Jane said...

well, it takes about 2 seconds to be completely intrigued by Jessie via her blog. Put my name in the raffle hat!

Beth said...

This book looks great...she had me hooked after seeing they are rescuing a dog from Afghanistan!!
Bethwissinger@hotmail.com

Sarah C said...

I'm very interested. Thanks!

www.beingfrugalbychoice.blogspot.com

Rachel said...

Looks like a good read, I'll have to get my hands on a copy.

jltaylor215 said...

Can't wait to read this!

Face said...

This book sounds quite intriguing!

Kendra- Ryan- Garrin said...

This looks like a great read! I am keeping my fingers crossed~

Ashley said...

ooh i'd love a chance to win! thanks!

Unknown said...

She sounds hilarious! I'd love to read her.

Taryn Kae Wilson said...

Thanks so much for the opportunity! What a wonderful giveaway. I'm intrigued and have that book on my "to read" list now! :) Sounds like my kind of book.

Love, Taryn

www.woolymossroots.blogspot.com
tarynkae21{at}yahoo{dot}com

Gena said...

Hi! I picked up "Breathe" magazine just the other day and there you both were! Loved it! gadams_riley@verizon.net

Lauren said...

Looks like a good book! cherish48*at*gmail*com

mandy said...

definitely just subscribed to the blog, hope the book is good!

Brittany said...

I could use some good laughs. Please toss my name in the hat. I'm going to go check out her blog.

mandi said...

This sounds great! Count me in!
mandiandjohn(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

Grace said...

I just love Jessie's blog. My niece and nephew pray for her family regularly (The three Js, they call them).

I would love a copy of her book. Already have her book on preserves.

Laura said...

I adore Jessie's blog! A signed copy would be grand. Laurabaraff@yahoo.com

alexa said...

Thanks so much for the opportunity, Ashley. It looks like a perfect read!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing! How great for spring.
cyndihamm20@yahoo.com

Julie B said...

I love Jessie's blog! Can't wait to read the book! purkinjii@aol.com

saludafarmgirl@me.com said...

Sounds like a great book to add to my collection.

Linden said...

Love to get a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance.

dorking (at) acsalaska.net

Heather {naturally crafted mama} said...

thanks for the giveaway! the book sounds like something i would love.... off to check out her blog!

Anonymous said...

Sounds interesting. Count me in please!

-Britt T.

brtucker89(at)gmail(dot)com

amanda said...

me! me! pick me! looks like a ton of fun~

http://sweetpotatoclaire.blogspot.com/

Kara said...

Yay! Looks great! I love the R.S. blog!

Anonymous said...

Please let it be me
Please let it be me
Moku21@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Count me in please!

Rebecca said...

I love Jessie's blog and would love to check out her book!

beth said...

I'm a new-ish reader and really enjoy your posts. If I won, I'd pass the book on to my amazing daughter who is also married to a cowboy and living a rural life. Thanks for the tip on Jesse's blog. I'll have to check it out!

Pit Stop Farm said...

Thank you for introducing me to this new blog....the little I've read so far is brilliant!

jelena said...

Planning on reading this book, sounds very funny

Sage said...

Love her blog, and would love to check out this book!(sage.lacroix@gmail.com)

Sarah said...

I've read her blog for a while; you're right, its practical yet hilarious.

Angi said...

This book looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!

angidawn79@hotmail.com

Kelly said...

After reading her blog, I bet her book is a hoot! ♥ your books and blog too!!!
daveandkelly1@cox.net

Chppie said...

Thanks for mentioning the book. I'll go check out the blog. Hope our library gets a copy too.

Leigh said...

Super cool! I love a good, edgy, practical book. Thanks for the chance. nasturtium(at)fastmail.fm

beanyween said...

I would love to win!
kathowkins@yahoo.com

annieh76 said...

Sounds like a good read. :)

annieh76 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Theresa N. said...

I read her article in Marhta Stewart and now I'm hooked, looking forward to reading the book.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

nic said...

I'm newish to your blog and think this book would be right up my alley. Thanks!
nicole

nic said...

I'm newish to your blog and think this book would be right up my alley. Thanks!
nicole

Yasmin said...

I'm looking forward to reading this book!

Unknown said...

I'd love a copy, sounds like a hysterical, bawdy read!!!

gisele said...

oh yes, I read both your blogs regularly, and can't wait to get my mits on her book!

Alicia-Marie Lavoie said...

Awesome. I would love a copy of this book. I began reading Jessie's blog when I saw its link on your page.