One of my favorite new book rituals involves one of my favorite people, Marilyn Brooks, the mother of Connie Brooks, who owns Battenkill Books, my local bookstore and my favorite bookstore. When I get a galley of a new book, I rush it to Marilyn, an artist, friend and shy person, and she takes some notes and agrees to do a video for me. Marilyn is a good pal and I don’t expect her to be totally objective, yet I really think she is. Marilyn is one of those people who is completely without guile or pretense, and I don’t think she is capable of dissembling. She has quite a following on the Web and  YouTube by now, she sees my books in a fresh and direct way, she always tells me something about them I don’t know.

Marilyn is one of the nicest people I know, and one of the most credible. I am very happy to have her talk about my new book.

So today, Red and I went to the bookstore – Marilyn was working today – and we video’d Marilyn about “Second Change Dog.” I also give a video of Connie talking about bookstores and the different ways to buy “Second Chance Dog.” I’ll run that video later in the week.

This video launches the new and mostly online book tour I’m doing for this book. As Marilyn and Connie both mention, if you pre-order “Second Chance Dog” through Battenkill Books, Maria and I will both sign and personalize the books any way you wish. The orders are beginning to come in pretty steadily. If you sign up early, you will be sure to get a book sent as soon as it comes out. You can pre-order the book easily online by going here, or by calling the bookstore at 518 677-2515 and speaking with Connie, Marilyn, Kate or Colleen. You can also e-mail Connie at [email protected].

We will be offering some prizes for some of the people who pre-order – there will be a drawing or some other selection. Might be dog or cat food, or free books, or a photo or notecards. I’ll keep you posted, but if you pre-order now,  you will be eligible for any give-a-ways.

This is a way of getting a new book, supporting a great independent bookstore, and supporting my work as well. Buying local has never been more important or meaningful, no place is more deserving than this wonderful and very unique community bookstore.

See the video here.

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Later this week, I’ll be reviewing “One Woman Farm,” the very beautiful new book by Jenna Woginrich of Cold Antler Farm. That book can also be pre-ordered through Battenkill Books and Jenna will sign and personalize any copies bought at Battenkill.

Come and listen to Marilyn Brooks talk about “Second Chance Dog: A Love Story.”