Elena Mauli Shapiro’s spellbinding debut, 13 rue Thérèse, tells the story of a woman through the items she had left behind—items another might have thrown away. In a recent behind-the-book essay, Shapiro told us that the items her mother saved back in the early 1980s, from the estate of their upstairs neighbor who died without family, fascinated her for years until a dream led her to finally start writing about them.
Though you don’t generally see the words “new technology” and “novel” used in the same sentence, 13 rue Thérèse, out this week from Regan Arthur Books, is enhanced by the inclusion of QR (quick and ready) codes in the novel’s final pages.
Scanning one of the codes on your smartphone (you need an app to do this—we recommend NeoReader) takes you to a page on the 13 rue Thérèse website where you can take a closer look at the image.
We’ve been using QR codes in BookPage from time to time—to bring readers to the sign-up pages for our e-newsletters, for example. What do you think of this new technology? Does it make you more interested in picking up 13 rue Thérèse (or an issue of BookPage)? Tell us in the comments, and you’ll be entered to win a copy of the book.
ETA: Congrats to Kay, this week’s winner! Contest is now closed.
sounds like a book that i want to read
for the first time our first comment won! Kay, I’ll be emailing to get your address.
Sounds intriguing! I love the idea of imagining a life based on a person’s (rejected) belongings.
Yes! My kind of fictional history – 13 rue Terese is already on my library queue for me to read as soon as available!
I am an avid reader and book collector. The new technology makes me want this book very badly! The story appeals to me greatly so I want to read it. And I don’t have a book with this capability so it would be an asset to my collection. If I don’t win, I’m definitely going to purchase it.
Really enjoyed “Lake of Dreams” by Kim Edwards and know I will really enjoy this book.
The codes in the book make me want to read 13 Rue Therese more than ever. Trying out and learning new technology is fun. With all the fun in learning sometimes it takes a bit of a push to go out on the learning limb. What better way than by reading an interesting nonfiction book?
I absolutely love this novel approach. It allows
you to be even more actively involved in the
story. Great way to use the new technology.
That would make me feel as if I’m actually part of solving a mystery…what fun!
I think this technology is neat, but regardless of it, I am truly interested in reading 13 RUE THERESE!
I am always excited when there is an experimental element to a book (the cd in “Sing you Home” by Jodi Picoult) or the powerpoint chapter in “Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan, the typography in Jonathan Safran Foer’s “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”. I don’t have a smart phone at this time so it would not be the reason I would read this book.
this book sounds like fun……we love finding “discarded” things.
I don’t have any of the gadgets necessary to read the QR codes, but it’s an intriguing concept nevertheless. And the book does sound interesting. I’d give it a look!
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I don’t have a phone for so the QR codes don’t interest me. It’s the writing in the book that I read books for. This one does sound interesting, but not sure if I’ll read it or not.
I’m always looking for something new, interesting, and different to read. This book sounds like it would be just that!
I don’t have the toys needed to take advantage of this new technology. Although anything new is intriguing, I was interested in this book even before.
I always wonder about the original owners of discarded items. I enjoy rummage sales and thrift store shopping. It’s like a treasure hunt for me.
Terrific way to incorporate new technology!
It would be great if you had an alternative to code-scanning for the people who like to read but don’t own a smart phone.
Sounds very interesting. I agree that it would be nice to offer an alternative to those4 of us without smartphones. Luckily I can borrow one to check out this new technology.
I agree with Kathy. I evidently am still living in the Dark Ages and do not have a smart phone. Love to have one, but till then, I need another way to use this technology. Sounds like fun.
Sounds like an interesting book.
I’m very intrigues by this story. I often wonder what will be thought about me once I am gone and others go through the things I leave behind.
The story intrigues me; I really enjoy books with a different twist. It’s a ‘novel’ idea to employ new technology with a novel.
Wow ! I can’t wait to get my hands on this book and continue to move into the future.
If I had a Smartphone, I might be impressed by the technology, but I’d rather get an email address and view the photos and items on my desktop. We all can’t afford the latest technology in these tough economic times (hey, I’ve been out of work almost 2 years, laid off from my job after 30 years–too young for my pension, and couldn’t get private health insurance). All is not well out here in America–I guess that’s why we read, to get our minds away from the unpleasant reality of the great economic re-alignment of the 20th Century–the trickle up reality that all of our money is flowing up to the wealthy few.
WOW! I am interested in trying something new…seems kind of mysterious and intriguing…but i’d try it and see if i like it
I have a tracphone and have no need for a “smart phone”. The “reading” audience is many faceted and, therefore, it’s necessary for you to reach out to ALL of your audience – high tech, low tech, or no tech at all. The book sounds extremely interesting and I added to my long, long list of the books I would like to read.
This novel is fascinating and this new technology intriguing. It interests me greatly. thanks.
I’ve read great things about this book and would love to read it!
Sounds like a great book! I’m fairly tech unsavy so that is fascinating but I wouldn’t know what to do with it!
Sounds like a great blending of the past and new technology.
The new technology is wonderful. I feel so lucky to have been born in an age where technology is growing and changing almost daily. I would love to be a winner and be able to read 13, rue Therese. I lived in Paris for many years and this book would be like “going home again.”
I dont have a smart phone, so the QR code thing doesnt matter much! The book does sound interesting though! Ill add it to my “to read” list.
I love that it is a spin off of what archeologists do when they dig up the past. When we die, our belongings are all that remains. In regards to the QR codes, I think it speaks to the times in which the book was published. It is yet another thing that makes the book unique. Today there are so many ebooks being sold that for those that purchase the printed copy will have the unique opportunity to experience a bit of the technology side of books. Great idea!! I look forward to release day!!
i’d like to “collect”this book…
This technology makes me want to pickup the book and read it. The story souds fascinating but having somethin new makes it really exciting.
I think the book sounds very interesting. Sort of a human interest mystery: discovering someone through artifacts of their previous life. And, of course, being me, I wonder just how varied the “pictures” will develop of this person through each reader’s mind. I do believe the new technology enhances the lure of the book. I own a smartphone so I would definitely scan the codes to better view the items left behind. I will most likely read this book regardless of whether I win a copy or not.
The concept is intriguing–the technology peice is not. As long as it’s not an integral part of the book I’m prepared to ignore it and enjoy the read.
Though I do not own a smart phone and cannot use this new technology, one day I suppose I will. By that time, there will probably be something else that is new and needs some new gadget to read it. I know there are quite a few youth reads that have this and it does sound interesting!
This sounds like something right up my alley. Love historical fiction!
C’est le livre pour moi. Enter me in your contest.
Whenever I go on a seek & donate mission in my house, I always think abt what I have and what it would say about me if/when someone else has to sort it out.
This book should add another layer to my keep or throw decisions.
I’ve heard a lot about these codes taking off in other countries, but I have an older phone that isn’t able to scan them. I’d rather view them on my computer anyway (a phone would be too small), so it’s good to know these are on a companion web site.
i prefer to read the discription to see if i would like it, not just being dropped on a random page. if that first sentence on the first page gets me then i’m in…
I will definitely read this book. I don’t have
a Smartphone (yet) so I won’t be able to do the
technology thing, but am looking forward to the
book itself.
As we love old items,it’s great to see what someone liked before we did.and the why of it too.A smart phone is too smart for me
I’sd love to read this,love wondering who had an old item I now value,hoping someone will value something I have too..no,no,no smart phone for me,I like to see in print as it’s written…
how interesting – would love to win this
Sounds interesting. Will put it on my list.
I definitely would like to read this I’ve often wondered what people would think of me if going through my “stuff” after I’m gone. The technology is an added intrigue. I love becoming techno-savvy whenever I can.
This technology may be great but it won’t sell me on anything quicker than just reading a review.
I think this is a really innovative way to combine new technologies with standard paper books. I just finished a galley of this and the codes (not surprisingly) weren’t included, but glad I saw this so I can note it in my review. No need to enter me in the giveaway as I’ve already read it, but wanted to thank you for sharing!
Can’t wait to read your take on the book, Kerry.
The technology is interesting. This, plus an intriguing cover, and recommendations from friends who have enjoyed the book….will make me pick it up.
kind of intriguing, but the subject matter and topic of a book draws me in more..
I’m not technologically savvy and do not have a smartphone but reading this book the good old fashioned way sounds like a fascinating one to me.
I love the idea of using the codes for the smartphone. I have an ereader but do like to read from the real deal too!
I would love to win this book, however, I don’t have a cell phone, an ereader, and I’m not on facebook. I love receiving your info thru email, but these codes wouldn’t help me.
The technology is fascinating but I don’t have an cell phone to download this app. I think it’s an interesting concept. I’d love to win this book!
What a fascinating thing! I don’t have a smartphone (yet!) and I still read like a maniac, so it probably doesn’t affect my interest, as I’m already a BookPage reader (in print and on-line!). Winning this book would be a thrill (and a first)
The moment I walk into a library, I am thrilled with the idea of the knowledge and pleasure shelved there. So, how great it would be to win a book that would fill both both categories. Thanks for the chance.
Fascinating technology but no effect on my interest in this book….
WOW! Excellent idea!!!! I would have loved soething like that incorporatd into the DaVinci Code – to have been able to bring up photos of the places ad items described in the book would have made it all that more exciting….can’t wait to read this new one!!!
Yes, I definitely think that if the Da Vinci Code were published today, it’d take advantage of something like this.
I have a kindle, but not an I phone, but prefer a good old fashioned book.
The fast-paced world of technology meets the hidden picture (sort of) in a book to showcase use for the apps on a smartphone. I favor any method to promote reading!
I may rely on print and blogs to read book reviews at this time. This book catches my eye already! Cannot wait to win and read!
Looks like a nice book.
I guess I’m just not up on all this new technology. But the book does sound interesting and worth a look to get on my “Books I Want to Read” list.
I put in on my list of books to read.
I agree with Laura N. I do not believe it would sell me any quicker than a regular review. However, I have not tried it, because I do not own a smartphone!
I do not own a smartphone, or any other electronics to utilize this new development, but it does sound interesting! Hmmm… I would love to win the book, however. Life is full of “firsts”!
I don’t own a smart phone so would review the old-fashioned way myself after reading the book. Hope I win a copy!
I do not own a smartphone. I use technology at work,am on Facebook, and blog, but something like this would not impress me or encourage me to buy any particular book.
I am intrigued by the quick & ready codes & will buy 13 Rue Therese because the technology is interesting.
I do not own a smart phone and I think using this kind of technology to read a book will limit it’s sales. People read books to get away from technology.
Well, the nice thing is — and maybe I didn’t make this clear! — that you can still SEE all the photos and artifacts in the book. You just get a better look at them online. So you don’t have to have a smart phone to see everything.
I have been noticing these little code boxes popping up on almost everything nowadays. However, I don’t have a smart phone. Not sure I want one. I own a Kindle but still find myself reading a “real” book more often than using my kindle. Something about the feel of the paper in my hands. Sometimes technology is not for everyone.
This new technology is motivation for me to upgrade my phone to a smartphone.
Just seeing the cover made me want to read the book!
Hi! I think it is a unique way to intrigue people to read the book. It looks fascinating to me.
I don’t havea smartphone, but I would like to read the book
I love this new technology! I am amazed at what is available. Would love to win a copy of the book.
I DON’T HAVE A SMARTPHONE. THE BOOK LOOKS AMAZING. THE TECHNOLOGY WILL BE GOOD FOR THOSE WHO HAVE THE MEANS TO USE IT. I LIKE IT SIMPLE. I READ REVIEWS, I LISTEN TO FRIENDS. I READ THE JACKETS ON BOOKS. MY LOVE OF BOOKS IS FULFILLED IN MANY WAYS
Looking forward to reading this book.
Oh I really want this book!!!
The technology in the book is of no matter to me. I have no smartphone to scan it with anyway and don’t plan to buy one. It wouldn’t influence me in whether or not I bought the book.
I don’t know whether my Blackberry is “smart” or not but would love to read this one in book form.
I prefer top hold a printed copy of a book in my hands as I read, and would find any technology an enhancement for its printed content.
I am very interested in reading this book. I love BOOKS (the kind made with paper, my ereader doesn’t get much use)and think this book is on to something. What I love about books is holding them, turning the pages and getting lost in the story. The codes add an extra layer of “getting lost” that I look forward to experiencing. I think paper books need a new “something” in order to compete with ebooks. Yes, I will read this book and would love to win it!
It seems a bit too gimicky. I like the premise of the book and would like to read it.
My phone is not smart. I can’t use the apps.
Would like to read the book.
Interesting idea!
I am not sure my phone will do this but I certainly wouldn’t mind trying it.
I suppose my Itouch might do this but I read this on a laptop so I’m not going to install the app. It is amazing what the “new thing” is everytime, though.
I think it’s a really neat technology, and that this is an interesting way to incorporate it. I love my old-fashioned paper books, but I also love my Nook and other new technology, and I think it enhances the experience if you want to use it. If not, it also seems to be done in a matter that is unobtrusive and doesn’t take away from the book in any way.
I love books & any new technology to do with books. I guess what I really love is the: words/ideas/pictures/characters/plots/themes… in all the books I read. I adore the smell & feel of the binding & paper – but it is what is on the inside that counts.
I don’t have a smartphone, but would love to read the book. It sounds intriguing.
I think technology is great, but I do not have a smart phone and frankly don’t want one. I like the old school of email. I do not have a facebook, myspace, or twitter acct. I guess I am not with it, but I don’t knock others for wanting it. I would like to read the book.
This feature would not interest me as I don’t have a smartphone–I still rely on the old-fashoned book review (print and digital) and author appearances on Book TV and American History TV. However, the subject matter of the book interests me greatly, and I’d like to win a copy.
I’m all for trying to keep up with technology, but just let me hold a book in my hands – that’s my idea of enjoyment.
This book sounds very intriguing and I am adding it to my list of new books to read. However, since I do not have a smart phone-nor want one!- that feature will not do me any good. I would probably go to the website directly if my attention was sufficiently piqued.
I like the technology! Next I would like to see it incorporated on ereaders like the nook color! I could read about a book and add it directly to my bn wishlist.