An honor and a total blast

My first book group for 'As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.'

Eight people — eight!!! — attended an in-person event of book group that has met for years and years and years. Chris made brisket. Luther made baked delicate squash, and Julie managed purple cabbage salad somehow not bitter.

I started by saying, “I’ve just spent the past eight months promoting at bookstores. There are more people here than at some of those events.”

Everyone had read the book, clearly thought about it. The questions were wide-ranging and deep. One man said he found not believable the part of the book that dealt with the language school. Another man was clear: “I was frustrated with Carlie. I wanted to say to her, ‘Get it together!’”

This led to the fascinating experience of witnessing readers step up for the novel. Turns out, the man did not understand my attempt to convey disassociation. Others explained it, pointing to scenes and explaining elements far better than I could have. The man seemed to accept the information. Fabulous! I didn’t think it was one of my goals in publishing this book, yet it has turned out to be: helping those who are lucky enough not to know abuse and its consequences understand what survivors experience.

I am now fully available to speak at your book group — in person or online. Providing a meal: not required!

Does someone you know have a book group, as well?

“Alle was graceful, thoughtful and genuinely interested in each one of us. This meeting lasted twice as long as usual because the conversation was so rich and meaningful. Everyone left with their own private discovery or insight.”

-Christina Wright