I’ve received enough feedback now to be able to say confidently that anyone who has enjoyed my blog posts here over the last ten years will likely also enjoy my novel Jim Wrenn.
Now available through libraries and bookstores. Also available at Amazon.com, of course.
But for those without the time or inclination to read a novel (particularly when you can’t be sure it will be worth your time), I’ll offer this poem from Wendell Berry, which is the epigraph for the book. It is perfect, I think, for the story I’m trying to tell.
In time a man disappears
from his lifelong fields, from
the streams he has walked beside,
from the woods where he sat and waited.
Thinking of this, he seems to
miss himself in those places
as if always he has been there,
watching for himself to return.
But first he must disappear,
and this he foresees with hope,
with thanks. Let others come.
Wendell Berry
Sabbaths: 2007, VII
Funnily enough I have just put your book down after reading about half way through it in one sitting. You certainly capture the hardships of the era. What tribulations people sometimes had to go through. Great work! Well done
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Thank you Joanna. I’m very glad you’re enjoying it (even without a translator).
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Sounds really good! Also, very nice cover.
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I was very pleased with the cover. I’ve gotten quite a few positive comments on it.
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It’s a wonderful book, authentic and with the rhythms that match the seasons of life.
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Thanks again for your thoughtful comments. I’m very pleased that you enjoyed it.
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Bill, I’ve shared before that my book reading is a slow process. I’m finishing up one and yours is next on the pile. From the reviews I expect nothing less than quality and great writing.
Have a great writing day. Have you started anything in the hoop house yet?
Nebraska Dave
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Thanks Dave. We’re harvesting the overwintered spinach now. It’s great to have fresh spinach this time of year. I have tomato plants started already for the hoop house. The plan is to grow tomatoes, peppers and eggplant in it (along with some beans) in the spring/summer. I’m still working on the fall lineup.
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Sounds like it’s time to order a copy, Bill.
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Requesting it from the library is the risk-free option!
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🙂
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Dearest Bill,
As said earlier, I had to render the book to my husband who stole it from me… He has been raving about how thoroughly you indeed managed to describe the hardships of that time and era. You are a great observer and you gathered enough knowledge for writing this.
Coming weekend I will start reading it myself!
Hugs,
Mariette
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Thanks Mariette and thanks for your generous review. 🙂
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You were quite deserving of that Bill!
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Sorry Bill, I have been meaning to write a review of your book for sometime. You have made it my friend as an author. I haven’t enjoyed a book more than your book ever in my life, it was that good. the book really took you back to life and the hardships of that time and coming from a very poor family myself could relate to the struggles poverty has on folks. Congratulations on a wonderful book and can’t wait for the movie.
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Aw Gordon, you made me blush. But seriously, thanks for the encouraging feedback and I’m very pleased that you enjoyed the book. As for the movie, if you know any Hollywood script writers, please pass along your thoughts. 🙂
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Bill, finished the Jim Wrenn Novel. Actually, it held my attention more than most novels do. It was fast moving and interesting to read. It was a very sad story but showed how no matter what life throws at you, it can be overcome. I’m hoping for a sequel but I know how time consuming it is to write a novel. It’s one of the reasons why I stick to blogging.
I hope that all is well with you, the family, and all the critters. I suspect by now the goat population has significantly increased. Have the best day that you can my Virginia blogger friend.
Nebraska Dave
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Thanks Dave. I’m glad you enjoyed the book.
Yes, we have several new goat babies on the farm lately and more on the way. Spring was slow coming this year, but now that it’s here–it’s beautiful.
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