The Girl with All the Gifts has had the industry abuzz, and with its release a few weeks away our friends at Hachette Australia are giving you the chance to win 1 of 10 advance copies!
For your chance to win, tell us below in 25 words or less, what gift you have that makes you a winner?
Entries close midday Friday, so get in quick and you could be reading one of the biggest books of next year, this year!
The Girl with All the Gifts
by M. R. Carey
An incredible, heart-breaking story about hope and humanity and a young girl who tries to save the world.
Melanie is a very special girl. Dr Caldwell calls her ‘our little genius’.
Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don’t like her. She jokes that she won’t bite, but they don’t laugh.
Melanie loves school. She loves learning about spelling and sums and the world outside the classroom and the children’s cells. She tells her favourite teacher all the things she’ll do when she grows up. Melanie doesn’t know why this makes Miss Justineau look sad…
About the Contributor
Andrew Cattanach
Andrew Cattanach is a regular contributor to The Booktopia Blog. He has been shortlisted for The Age Short Story Prize and was named a finalist for the 2015 Young Bookseller of the Year Award. He enjoys reading, writing and sleeping, though finds it difficult to do them all at once.
Follow Andrew: Twitter
Comments
December 10, 2013 at 9:37 am
The gift of family makes me a winner.
December 10, 2013 at 9:37 am
I am a positive thinker…. always looking at things with a positive outlook… š
December 10, 2013 at 9:38 am
I don’t think id call it a gift, but I do have a knack for predicting things, be it a winner of a horse race or things that are going to happen before it does, im not psychic but I do have a feeling for things
December 10, 2013 at 9:42 am
The gift of never giving up, not matter how tough it gets! Always find a way through. That usually puts me in a winning position
December 10, 2013 at 9:42 am
I have the gift of time. It’s a rare gift but I use it wisely – reading
December 10, 2013 at 9:45 am
When I am in a situation I can see every side of it and make an informed decision – I think of everything.
December 10, 2013 at 9:47 am
I think my greatest gift is my smile which I try to use a lot to cheer people up. I think this makes me a winner.
December 10, 2013 at 9:49 am
I have a real sense of determination. I never give up on the things that are important to me, even when the going gets tough.
December 10, 2013 at 9:50 am
Iām stubborn, I refuse to give up and when I finally figure out a problem or learn a new skill I feel like a winner.
December 10, 2013 at 9:50 am
Volunteering! It’s an undervalued but priceless gift I give willingly!
December 10, 2013 at 9:52 am
The gift that I have is the ‘Truth About Love live in Melbourne DVD’ from pink.
December 10, 2013 at 9:52 am
I have a gift its called radar hearing or that’s what the kids at work call it. I can hesr them whispering everywhere.
December 10, 2013 at 9:55 am
I am blessed with the gift of being able to listen and really hear… people talk to me… some tell me their deepest secrets
December 10, 2013 at 10:02 am
I can usually see the other side of the story. I find there is nothing in this life black or white if you dig a little deeper.
December 10, 2013 at 10:03 am
I have the gift of being addicted to Reading and wouldn’t trade it for the world š
December 10, 2013 at 10:04 am
I can juggle!
December 10, 2013 at 10:04 am
I have the gift of imagination, I always imagine I’m a winner!
December 10, 2013 at 10:06 am
The gift of incredible friends and family…also the ability to be super cheesy.
December 10, 2013 at 10:07 am
I have the gift of life & all that comes with good,bad,sad,fun it’s LIFE & I love it!!!!
December 10, 2013 at 10:09 am
Forgiveness – The gift I give myself and others. As a reward, I get to travel lighter. š
December 10, 2013 at 10:10 am
The gift of Freedom. I am 65 years and I am finally free of other peoples expectations.
December 10, 2013 at 10:12 am
I’m able to see every argument from both sides, I guess I should have gone into mediation, but it does tend to make voting difficult!
December 10, 2013 at 10:14 am
My greatest gift a bright smile, and a positive disposition & some amazing family and friends
December 10, 2013 at 10:26 am
A precious gift indeed.
December 10, 2013 at 10:15 am
The Gift of ‘Believing’against all odds that you Can Walk, Talk, all after surgery , that took so much away from you, if you only Believe…
December 10, 2013 at 10:17 am
I like to think of myself as being there for people when in need. Its simple but I do wish there were more people around with the same thoughts it would be a much nicer world
December 10, 2013 at 10:18 am
I have a big heart. I put others before myself and people can always depend on me
December 10, 2013 at 10:18 am
I have a gift of changing the way kids think about reading. I don’t just win; the kids I help win every day.
December 10, 2013 at 10:25 am
So important…bless you.
December 10, 2013 at 10:20 am
I have the gift to heal my son’s sore knee, just by giving it a kiss. xx
December 10, 2013 at 10:23 am
I am blessed with the gift of compassion and understanding which I use everyday in my working life; I work with people with disabilities.
December 10, 2013 at 10:23 am
I don’t know if it’s a gift cause I’d do it any time is babysit,any time to my beautiful grandchildren all 7 of them.
December 10, 2013 at 10:27 am
I have a gift of never giving after fighting a rare blood disease now in remission for 8 years and 2 gorgeous kids that shouldnt be here.
December 10, 2013 at 10:28 am
I have the gift of holding my broken family together after the passing of my Poppy.
December 10, 2013 at 10:28 am
I have given life to the most amazing young girl! My gift to you all…
December 10, 2013 at 10:33 am
My skill is extreme resilience at recovering from my uncanny ability to embarrass myself. I’m the queen of clumsy manoeuvres and inappropriate statements.
December 10, 2013 at 10:36 am
I have the gift of CARING,COMPASSION LOVE AND PATIENCE …. I care for my mum with advance dementia whilst caring for my three adored kids….
December 10, 2013 at 10:54 am
My mum had brain tumour operated on early this year now got all the symptomes of dementia, looked after dad last year up until he died whilst home schooling my kids and looking after grandkids, I feel for you honey xx
December 10, 2013 at 10:36 am
Always seeing the humour in ANY situation IE. funeral for husband of newish colleague, knew her surname only…..looked at the funeral names for adjoining chapels… Dae: Knite…..spontaneous mirth in Memorial Gardens…WINNING!
December 10, 2013 at 10:50 am
My gift for cooking makes me a winner. It brings people together, and I love that.
December 10, 2013 at 10:54 am
my gift is wishing i could share love and peace to all nations to make our world a more beautiful place for all to live in harmony and happiness
December 10, 2013 at 10:56 am
I can find something good in almost all situations, and I try and share that positive outlook with my friends to lift them up when they are down š
December 10, 2013 at 10:57 am
If there’s a spelling mistake, I’ll find it. Not sure if that’s a gift or just plain annoying.
December 10, 2013 at 11:02 am
Having the courage to battle with depression and being an advocate for those who cant speak for themselves.
December 10, 2013 at 11:30 am
My nephews’ and sweet niece’s love
December 10, 2013 at 11:33 am
Charlie Sheen has made it appropriate to yell out WINNING! when you may indeed need some medical help, so that’s my special gift!
December 10, 2013 at 11:36 am
Eternal Optimist always glass half full not empty.Two choices in life give up or get on with it & SMILE!
December 10, 2013 at 11:48 am
My gift is optimism & a relaxed attitude. Strength through adversity!
December 10, 2013 at 11:53 am
I am an avid reader which is the best gift a writer could have.
December 10, 2013 at 11:59 am
My imagination. It helps me to fall into book as if I am living them, breathing them, and escape the realities of this one.
December 10, 2013 at 12:11 pm
*Life, I meant escape the realities of this life.
December 10, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Empathy. Without it you cannot relate to or understand and help others.
December 10, 2013 at 12:31 pm
Having two wonderful children of my own and being able to work with children and learning in my work, both a privileged opportunity.
December 10, 2013 at 12:43 pm
The gift of not judging this book by its cover … DAMN!
December 10, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Being Literate!
Enough Said.
December 10, 2013 at 1:32 pm
I believe my gift is determination. I never give up, no matter what life has thrown at me.
December 10, 2013 at 1:36 pm
I have the gift of getting 4 family members organised and ready for their daily activities, without needing to make a fuss!
December 10, 2013 at 2:00 pm
My gift is my partner and my son – two men who love me unconditionally. That makes me a winner.
December 10, 2013 at 2:09 pm
I love reading books and passing on to friends or people who can’t afford to buy books and I think that’s a great gift
December 10, 2013 at 2:09 pm
My Gift is being available to my Family & Friends and being patient,listening to them if that is all they need & being Honest with my advice.āŗ?
December 10, 2013 at 2:13 pm
I have the gift of a loving husband and four fabulous kids. They are my life and my love for them keeps me going.
December 10, 2013 at 2:25 pm
My gift is that I have raised my three children to become loving and , caring people. I’m so proud of them and my six grandchildren.
December 10, 2013 at 3:08 pm
The gift of writing witty book reviews!
December 10, 2013 at 3:15 pm
I have developed the gift of working out what I should be concerned about or put energy into. Great gift when you have six children.
December 10, 2013 at 3:16 pm
Im i very good listener and im able to keep a secret.
December 10, 2013 at 3:43 pm
The ability to be open minded and emphatic. I just wish I could do more to help those in need.
December 10, 2013 at 4:03 pm
The gift of creativity is what I have. It’s something that inspires me to do new things.
December 10, 2013 at 4:07 pm
The Gift of Creativity is what I have. It inspires me to do something new and interesting.
December 10, 2013 at 4:21 pm
my movie knowledge is a gift.you could ask me anything about actors and answers and I know the answer.i’m like an encyclopaedia
December 10, 2013 at 4:23 pm
to smile and apologise when proven wrong
December 10, 2013 at 4:23 pm
I have the gift of resilience, optimism and determination. Inherited from my parents, and passed onto my children and grandchildren.
December 10, 2013 at 4:26 pm
I have inherited to gift of resilience, optimism, and compassion from my parents and passed it onto my children and grandchildren….unfortunately they didn’t inherit the organisation gene/gift.
December 10, 2013 at 4:38 pm
I listen! š I give whoever is talking to me my full attention & just listen without speaking!
December 10, 2013 at 5:01 pm
I think dertimination as I refuse to let the doctors say what I can and can’t do since having 2 back operations and waiting on a third. I rode a horse again!
December 10, 2013 at 5:02 pm
oops Determination*
December 10, 2013 at 5:05 pm
I make an amazing pavlova. People have proposed to me over my pavlova-baking capabilities. It’s that good – it makes me a winner!
December 10, 2013 at 5:19 pm
My gift is acceptance. Acceptance of all of life’s heartaches and happiness and the fortitude not to ask why. Also wrinkles, they prove I’ve lived!
December 10, 2013 at 5:25 pm
My gift is feeling positive every morning which rubs off to everyone I meet all day and night which helps them through the day.
December 10, 2013 at 5:25 pm
My ears- I can wiggle them at parties, hear a student swear at me from the back of my classroom and listen to those who just need to be heard.
December 10, 2013 at 5:32 pm
I have the gift of teaching young people to love reading and books as much as I do. I am an English/Literature teacher. š
December 10, 2013 at 6:10 pm
I have the gift of patience.
December 10, 2013 at 6:29 pm
I have the Gift of Love that Wins the Hearts of others š
December 10, 2013 at 6:31 pm
I am a winner because I AM A READER!!
December 10, 2013 at 6:48 pm
Perseverance (although some may say stubbornness), to continue on when others may give up.
December 10, 2013 at 7:03 pm
Making people smile is my gift. Pulling crazy faces, singing parts of their fave songs, rehashing the fun times and dancing up a storm!
December 10, 2013 at 7:05 pm
My greatest gift is my family. They are my finest achievement and my reason for living. I’m a winner every day because of them!
December 10, 2013 at 8:09 pm
to care for others through my work as an nurse I can care for others and bring a smile to each one of them through knowing someone cares
December 10, 2013 at 8:52 pm
The gift of being loved .we have been married for 34 years and we truly love each other , that is our gift to each other
December 10, 2013 at 8:53 pm
My gift is a love of reading, which every single person who’s entered this competition also has. Anyone who loves reading is a winner.
December 10, 2013 at 9:08 pm
My gift is love. I share it with all and alw5sys have enough to go around.
December 10, 2013 at 9:39 pm
I have special ears – they are always listening
December 10, 2013 at 9:52 pm
My 4 kids makes me a winner ,my the grandchildren make me believe I’ve hit the jackpot of life with every cuddle ,kiss and I love you nanny ……
December 11, 2013 at 11:52 am
The back cover makes for an interesting read ,even if I don’t win an advanced copy I will defiantly buy a copy to read !!
December 10, 2013 at 11:03 pm
People say my caring and giving nature is a gift. I think it’s just being me!
December 10, 2013 at 11:05 pm
my greatest gift is being a good listener – even strangers tell me their story
December 11, 2013 at 7:28 am
I speak the truth and tell people how it is. You know where you stand and get true friendship to those who are worthy of it.
December 11, 2013 at 9:30 am
My gift is my strength against adversity bad health and bad luck has given me determination to smile and live life for me and my family x
December 11, 2013 at 10:02 am
My gift is my love of reading that I share and encourage amongst my students and family. It’s so important to love reading š
December 11, 2013 at 10:04 am
My love of reading and sharing and encouraging it with my students and family is my gift. It’s so important to read and learn!
December 11, 2013 at 11:43 am
My gift is my silliness. I love making people laugh.
December 11, 2013 at 1:01 pm
My gift is my writing. I write poetry and fiction pieces and feel this is how I communicate my soul and thus connect with others.
December 11, 2013 at 1:31 pm
I have a great love of children and older people and I can use it to make these people happy.
December 11, 2013 at 3:57 pm
My gift of compassion, a gift I share. Showering love, on those far and near! Wether it’s presents, or support. Compassion’s truly, my first resort!
December 11, 2013 at 7:16 pm
My best gift I think is being able to listen to people.
December 12, 2013 at 6:41 am
The gift to know where my kids are and what they are doing at all times (is easy when they are 5!).
December 12, 2013 at 6:42 am
The gift of knowing where my children are and what they are doing at all time (easy when they are 5!).
December 12, 2013 at 11:58 am
My imagination is my gift with the ability to take me anywhere l cannot take myself..
December 12, 2013 at 10:56 am
Chocolate money my big grown up boys would disown me if I forgot it
December 12, 2013 at 11:01 am
The gift of silence.
December 12, 2013 at 11:11 am
My greatest gift is restraint……..there are a lot of people walking around, blissfully unaware how my gift has saved them from a well deserved payback.
December 12, 2013 at 11:25 am
Apparently my gifts lie in organization and administration, however I just missed a rates payment – so not as up to date as I should be……………………………………………..
December 12, 2013 at 11:27 am
The gift of good health makes me a winner
December 12, 2013 at 11:31 am
i have a very small super power- i can tell what time it is within5 minute alllll the time!!
December 12, 2013 at 11:38 am
My sons are my gift…they make me try everyday to be the best version of myself that I can be.
December 12, 2013 at 12:01 pm
I can touch my nose with my tongue š
December 12, 2013 at 12:09 pm
I have the ability to make friends in any situation, on a bus, on my honeymoon, in hospital at the shopping centre, in a line for a sandwich
December 12, 2013 at 12:20 pm
Im double jointed. No one can beat me at knuckle bones !!
December 12, 2013 at 12:38 pm
My gift is my compassion.
December 12, 2013 at 12:41 pm
I’m not special. I don’t have a gift. I am just me. But each one of us is special to someone in some way.
December 12, 2013 at 2:08 pm
My gift for compassion
December 12, 2013 at 2:12 pm
The gift of leaving someone with a smile.
December 12, 2013 at 2:15 pm
I have the gift of understanding without Judgement and introduce inclusive events for families with Special Needs… From Sensory Movie Day once a month to Sensory Santa in shopping centres
December 12, 2013 at 2:50 pm
I have the gift of being able to make someone smile, no matter how sad they feel š
December 12, 2013 at 3:03 pm
My greatest gift is not judging a book by its cover š
December 12, 2013 at 3:11 pm
I have a gift of understanding and compassion,making people feel good about themselves.
December 12, 2013 at 3:49 pm
I have the gift of my family, my husband and my little girl, it’s the best!
December 12, 2013 at 4:18 pm
I am Melanie… the girl with all the gifts. It has taken half a lifetime to learn to appreciate them though. If only I had recognised this sooner.
December 12, 2013 at 4:53 pm
I like to believe I have the gift of listening. To anyone who needs someone to listen to them.
December 12, 2013 at 4:54 pm
I like to believe I have the gift of listening. To anyone who needs me to, to make them feel valued.
December 12, 2013 at 5:36 pm
My gift to me is my 3 boys and one day I will be a winner when I’m holding my first grandchild….
December 12, 2013 at 7:43 pm
I have the gift of being able to make delicious cakes, slices and biscuits that make people smile
December 12, 2013 at 10:37 pm
On some days the patience of a saint. On the rest a very long fuse and a very strange sense of humour.
December 13, 2013 at 5:58 am
The gift of reading .. over the years I have passed on this gift thru my favourite books I have read ..
December 13, 2013 at 7:06 am
The gift of educating the next generation
December 13, 2013 at 7:48 am
The gift of generosity š
December 13, 2013 at 10:26 am
The gift of a loving family
December 13, 2013 at 11:14 am
I want to compare notes on ideas for saving this world! We all win if we work together.
December 13, 2013 at 4:15 pm
I have the quintessential aussie gift of eternal optimism – “She’ll be right mate”!….and if my entry procures me this book then I’ll be an extra happy winner š
December 13, 2013 at 6:25 pm
I have the gift of a Son he is very special to me and I will forever be a winner because of him