Several readers have written me lately to suggest I refer to my book recommendations as the Bedlam Farm Book Club.
Another suggested I stop asking for donations and raffle off my read books instead (she thinks people would spend a lot of money to buy used books, ha-ha). I give my books to libraries, our Little Library in front of the house, to older adults in assisted care in search of books, and to working people who can’t afford to buy them.
I give a lot of them to teenagers big on reading but low on money.
But I like the Book Club idea and I’ll keep the suggestions coming.
I’ll keep it short tonight. A significant discovery for me is Ava Glass (not her real name), who is moving into John LeCarre territory as a pioneering female spy novelist. I’m reading her second book, The Traitor, and loving it so much that I went and ordered the first one, Alias Emma. Her spy, Emma, is a refreshing, original, and compelling character.
She’s got a permanent fan in me. I am up late every night reading her.
The other book is by John Bradshaw, a founder of the new anthrozoology movement, which studies the deepening bond between humans and animals. He tries to explain what it is about animals that touch us in so many different ways.
The book is The Animals Among Us: The New Science of Anthrozoology. I will write about the book when I have time and finish reading it, but I thought it might interest the many blog followers interested in the subject. I’m almost done with The Traitors; Ava Glass is terrific news for those who love the spy and mystery genres—brain food, at least for me.
Yes to all these suggestions! Brain food indeed…
Thank you!
Yes to a book club! You under estimate how powerful your support of authors is out here in the universe. I typically take a screenshot of all of your books and then add them to my “jon k” list of books to read. If you would consider signing your name or personalizing a book you’ve owned and read and offer it for sale as an ongoing fundraiser for one of your awesome loves (the Mansion, the school, the supplies and supports for both) you might be surprised at what you can raise. I’d love to have a book from you that says, “To JoAnn from Jon Katz, may you enjoy this as much as I did” I know you will continue to share your books for free but what an awesome thought, right? Maybe? PS, I love your new cat. We had a tuxedo cat for years called Figaro. He was the best and my kids loved him to death.
Thanks JoAnn for the nice comments. I said many times before signing and selling my books for profit is not something I’m interested in doing, nor is it an effective fundraising tool.For me. Nor do I have time. I’ve written 26 books and none of them have made much money from being sold or resold or sign. Take care.
It’s a very personal decision for me and I’m comfortable with what I’m doing and not looking for change
You’re always generous with sharing books you’ve enjoyed. I’ve just read two amazing books written by Abraham Verghese:
The Countenance of Water (his most recent)
Cutting for Stone ( 2009)
I am a reader. I adore having a good book on my night table. It’s like having a present to open every time I pick it up. These two books were among the best I’ve ever read, and we’re talking 74 years of reading…
Thanks Suzanne I have that book haven’t read it yet. It’s big!
Both books are big but SO worth the time. I hope I’m still around by the time he writes another!