Those of you who read this blog know that I was given the enormous gift, in the publishing of Nothing but Ghosts, of the extended, active friendship of bloggers who joined together to lift this book and me from one realm into another. Kindness such as this is revelatory. It is touchstone kindness. The memory one returns to in darker times.
This morning I discovered two bloggers who, inspired by My Friend Amy, bought and read Nothing but Ghosts and had deeply touching things to say about it. I am constantly afraid, with this blog, of seeming to be self-promotional. But I am equally afraid of not honoring the kindness of others.
And so: Today I honor Beth Fish and BookingMama for their extraordinary words—words that taught me something new about a book I'd written.
I also wish to extend a virtual hug to Em of Emsbookshelf today. We became blogging friends early in this journey, and she's now like a sister to me. She was among the first to read House of Dance in galley form, one of the first to read Nothing but Ghosts, and, this week, she became the second reader that I know of (outside my editor and copyeditor) to read The Heart is Not a Size, the Juarez novel due out next March. I hold my breath until I hear from Em. She says that I can exhale now.
Thank you all, and now, finally, a postscript. I wrote earlier today about the boy and the girl at the dance studio—how she anticipated an argument, acquiesced to a decision, and danced happy. I should have noted—it's essential—that their relationship seems to be of that wonderful reciprocated type. For later on, during the photo session, the young girl taught the young man some new steps. He watched and listened carefully. He respected what she had to say. He was grateful for it. And then he stepped from the sidelines, and together they danced. Thank you, Beth F., for urging a fuller telling of that story.
Your book deserves every accolade it gets! :)
Oh my, Beth, I'm so touched that you would take my comment and go with it, and I'm so happy to hear "the rest of the story."
Booking Mama writes the best reviews, so personal and heartfelt. I hope your readers take the time to visit her blog.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. And thanks in advance for giving Amy (My Friend Amy) the interview that I will be featuring on my blog tomorrow.
Wow! You absolutely made my day by leaving a comment on my blog. And then you mentioned me on your wonderful blog, and I'm smiling even more. I can't stop raving about how amazing you and your book are. I am desperate to go out and read more of your work.
The two blogs you mentioned are among my favorites and they both did a fantastic job reviewing your fantastic book.
They both find the heart of the story. If I hadn't already read House of Ghosts, I would want to though I am tempted to read it again.
You're really nice. I like you. :)
Ohh, I just saw this. Virtual hugs to you, too. One day we will meet in real life and it will be as if we've known each other forever! :)