Typically, while politicians dithered over flood aid, Vermonters got to work digging out of the awful aftermath of Hurricane Irene and helping one another. Sunday, I’m kicking off a “Visit Vermont” leg of my book tour in Chester, at 4 p.m. at Misty Valley Books. I’ll head to Midwest for a week, and then pick up the Vermont tour in Lake Placid (actually helping the Jay Library in NY),  Shelburne, Waterbury, Bellows Falls, and Wilmington, Vt. before moving through the Northeast and ending up in Massachusetts.

The word from Vermont is that the best way to help is to come there if you can. The leaves are turning, the roads are clear, the rates are tantalizingly low. There are some unbelievable deals at some amazing Inns, so it’s a rare opportunity, in a way because next year the rates will be going up again, I can promise you.

I saw this very powerful video about one town I’m going to visit, Wilmington, Vt., during the book tour. The bookstore – Bartleby’s – was destroyed by the flooding and the owner, Lisa Sullivan, is looking for a location for me to do a talk and signing. There are few buildings intact.  Come and see for yourself what happened to one town, and the amazing resilience and heroism of the people there.

I’m excited about the book, the book tour and about joining with Vermonters, among the most self-sufficient people on the earth as they rebuild and demonstrate the power of individuality, courage and  community. So if you can, help kick this off by joining me and Maria at Misty Valley Books, Chester, Vt.  4 p.m.  Sunday.

The bookstore is also offering signed and personalized books for people who call ahead or people who show up (802 875-3400). If you can’t make it Sunday, you can call and ask for Lynne and I’ll sign your book any way you wish and you can pick it up later or have it sent to you.. The Battenkill Bookstore, my local bookstore is also offering signed and personalized books – we’re heading for the 500 mark. 518 677-2515. Connie Brooks will ship them anywhere in the country. This afternoon I’m signing books at Battenkill.

This is a special part of the book tour for me, and it gives the book special meaning.