A Nice Lunch with Darin Strauss. I Had Hollander's Yummy Summer Beet Salad.

It's been a busy day and that's made me a bit remiss about getting out today's blog. 

We had a nice lunch with Darin Strauss, author of Half a Life.  Here's a photo of Darin at the store with Staice. The event at Next Chapter was very well attended, with one group coming all the way from Joliet!  Strauss said it's a very different experience from appearing for a novel.  For example, when you're reading for fiction, folks rarely ask you, "So how are you doing?"  With this book, it comes regularly. 

Strauss has touched so many lives with this book.  He's gotten over 1000 letters, not just from folks who've been in car accidents, but from people who've been touched by tragedy in so many ways, people who are holding onto guilt, even when it wasn't their fault.

The stat bandied about is that 40,000 people die in car accidents in the United States each year.  You know I'm always wary of stats, especially ones where I can't find the sourcing, but let's just say a lot of people die in car accidents and there is really little out there to help cope with the loss and attendant feelings...compared to when folks die from various diseases, for example.

Apparently Strauss has touched a lot of hearts with a book he originally just planned to write for himself as an act of catharsis.

There's talk that perhaps Mr. S. will come to Boswell for a traditional talk/signing when he's back in the midwest, perhaps even with a special guest.  I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, signed hardcovers and paperbacks of Half a Life are available.  Just request it in the notes field when ordering.