Rocking the Karma

A number of years ago, I joined the Twitter scene. I knew very little about it but I jumped in all the same.

I "met" a number of people, most of which at the beginning were book related since it was the focus of my joining this social network. One of the people I met early on and who has been a constant presence in my timeline is Kerry Schafer.

She was one of the few that stood out as a real person and who took a true interest in how I was doing in a time she perceived was a tough time for me personally. She became one of the very few people from Twitter I would call friend.

As a testament of my excellent taste in friends, Kerry has worked hard during these years, and then some, and today is the release date of her debut novel, BETWEEN.

I'm so happy for her.

I urge anyone within the sound of my voice and the reach of this blog to check out Kerry's blog and especially her book. I hope you will support my dear friend in her efforts. Buy the book, let her know how you liked it- which I am sure you will- and then tell someone else about it.

See Kerry, the karma is for you. Thanks for your friendship and congratulations.

Don't End the Story with the Book

A few years back, I read the book FINN by Jon Clinch. It is a prequel to Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. It had been recommended to me by my sister.
It was a good read but disturbing in some ways.

This many years later, I still think on that story. Part because I think of Twain stories on a regular basis but also, it's just a story that rolls around in my head. A story that just won't rest.

Today, via Twitter, I was able to be at the same time that I knew the author was online. I got to finally tell the author "in person" that his story still bugged me. He responded, "Good".

He's right. We should seek and read books that don't end with the closing of the back cover.

Take the story, lesson, or emotion with you.

Not Miserable

I am reading the book, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.
Wow! What a read.
It amazes me when you have in your hands the work of a great writer. I am astounded how the feelings and descriptions of persons- the inside stuff- is still so much the same and how if you were a good writer then, you would be good now.
That all being said, it also is evident the change in style. This book, I believe, would struggle to reach publication today. The odd narrative and the fact of being so wordy and long would set this book outside of today's standards. Even the other day, watching people at the bookstore who noticed the book for sale, liked the price of $8 but winced at the 900 pages. I did not see anyone actually buy it but many said they would like to read it someday; influenced I am sure by the movie, the reason I decided to finally read the book now as well.
 I love reading many of the older classic novels and have set in my mind to read more of them. My fight throughout my school years of not wanting to read have left me a blind spot. They are not like eating vegetables, however, at least not anymore. They are the desert and I am glad I am reading them now, when I can appreciate them.