"Democracy in One Book or Less" (so you might order it IN ADDITION to "Surfing".)
With a light touch that belies the gravity of the subject matter, he clearly identifies the major structural stumbling blocks interposed between "one person, one vote" and final vote tallies in the US. I recommend it as a guide for where to focus efforts to "turn out the vote": an eligible voter's willingness to vote is not enough to result in being able to vote and having it count.
Whenever there's talk about the millions who "couldn't bother to vote", I recall this book. I also spoke about these to comfort EU friends who were devastated to think "the majority" of the US voted for Fascism.
I can't count how many people I recommended it to or loaned it to.
I just ordered the book after I was assured by the right people that this was not a scheme of you- know- who to sell the book. See how clever I am not to use names:).
It really feels like the tentacles are everywhere.
But we do have to thank them. This will be a big hit!
Pre-ordered. Looking forward to reading it and, with any luck, getting a coaching session! I just spent ten minutes looking through my favorite books for my favorite first line and I was paralyzed by indecision. Thanks for that...
Thanks for pre-ordering! And I apologize for my role in taking ten minutes of your life you'll never get back. Hopefully I can make it up to you one day.
Pre-ordered and really looking forward to reading it!
A favorite first line from way back in the day when I was a 20-something wannabe writer:
"When he says, "Skins or blankets?" it will take you a moment to realize he's asking you which you want to sleep under." From Cowboys are My Weakness by Pam Houston
I'm also curious what you have written on surf culture. No one has captured the surfing life since Bill Finnegan (fellow Substacker) wrote Barbarian Days.
Thanks Jeff - and no question, it's tough writing a surf book when Barbarian Days is already out there. I've read it at least four times, an absolute classic.
“The world is black. There is nothing. No sight nor sound. Limbo. I’m sadly familiar with this kind of feeling, having been sedated or anesthetized more than a few times in my life. All that I can hope is that when the world returns, when I return to a conscious state, I will remember where I am and what has happened to me.” James Cole, Not a Whole Boy
From a novel I just finished reading and thoroughly enjoyed ("The Librarianist" by Patrick deWitt):
The morning of the day Bob Comet first came to the Gambell-Reed Senior Center, he awoke in his mint-colored house in Portland, Oregon, in a state of disappointment at the fact of a dream interrupted.
Enthusiastically pre-ordered at Bookshop.org. And I'll definitely spread the word.
Pre-ordered on Bookshop.org. You don't need to put me in the drawing, but I'm all for tracking sales and compiling stats and whatnot, especially if it helps you feel supported and perhaps vindicated in your stance. And in your right to write what you wish.
Preordered, but have no interest in a coaching session, thanks anyway. Just want o help you battle the dark forces.
Thank you!!
Selected as my July book club pick, so not only preordered, but also will force many others to do the same. We’re virtual, so please join us :)
Thank you - and I love book clubs, let me know the details I'd be happy to join!
I highly recommend David's previous book,
"Democracy in One Book or Less" (so you might order it IN ADDITION to "Surfing".)
With a light touch that belies the gravity of the subject matter, he clearly identifies the major structural stumbling blocks interposed between "one person, one vote" and final vote tallies in the US. I recommend it as a guide for where to focus efforts to "turn out the vote": an eligible voter's willingness to vote is not enough to result in being able to vote and having it count.
Whenever there's talk about the millions who "couldn't bother to vote", I recall this book. I also spoke about these to comfort EU friends who were devastated to think "the majority" of the US voted for Fascism.
I can't count how many people I recommended it to or loaned it to.
Thank you for saying that. I agree wholeheartedly with this well-reasoned and insightful comment.
Pre-ordered on Bookshop.org.
“I witnessed the birth of Dagmar, gentle lady. She became our herd boss. “
Red Dog Farm by Nathaniel Ian Miller
Ooh, I've never heard of that book but I will check it out. (Maybe I'll do a bibliography if we get enough first lines like this.)
I just ordered the book after I was assured by the right people that this was not a scheme of you- know- who to sell the book. See how clever I am not to use names:).
It really feels like the tentacles are everywhere.
But we do have to thank them. This will be a big hit!
Joan H.
Thank you for pre-ordering!
Pre-ordered. Looking forward to reading it and, with any luck, getting a coaching session! I just spent ten minutes looking through my favorite books for my favorite first line and I was paralyzed by indecision. Thanks for that...
Thanks for pre-ordering! And I apologize for my role in taking ten minutes of your life you'll never get back. Hopefully I can make it up to you one day.
Well, just call me Ishmael.
Pre-ordered and really looking forward to reading it!
A favorite first line from way back in the day when I was a 20-something wannabe writer:
"When he says, "Skins or blankets?" it will take you a moment to realize he's asking you which you want to sleep under." From Cowboys are My Weakness by Pam Houston
Pre-ordered!
Thank you!
Just pre-ordered.
Don't need any coaching. Just want to push back.
I'm also curious what you have written on surf culture. No one has captured the surfing life since Bill Finnegan (fellow Substacker) wrote Barbarian Days.
Looking forward to the read.
Thanks Jeff - and no question, it's tough writing a surf book when Barbarian Days is already out there. I've read it at least four times, an absolute classic.
Pre ordered $ thank you!
“The world is black. There is nothing. No sight nor sound. Limbo. I’m sadly familiar with this kind of feeling, having been sedated or anesthetized more than a few times in my life. All that I can hope is that when the world returns, when I return to a conscious state, I will remember where I am and what has happened to me.” James Cole, Not a Whole Boy
Thank you (and I just looked up that book - it seems harrowing to say the least)
Pre-ordered in Germany on Amazon.de
Thank you - I didn't even know that was possible!
Pre-ordered on Bookshop!!!
Thank you so much!
Pre-ordered on Amazon. Hope to win the 'coaching' prize as I want to write a really good and funny book before I die.
Thanks - and hopefully you win but also more than that hopefully you don't die.
From a novel I just finished reading and thoroughly enjoyed ("The Librarianist" by Patrick deWitt):
The morning of the day Bob Comet first came to the Gambell-Reed Senior Center, he awoke in his mint-colored house in Portland, Oregon, in a state of disappointment at the fact of a dream interrupted.
Enthusiastically pre-ordered at Bookshop.org. And I'll definitely spread the word.
Thanks - and I haven't heard of The Librarianist but I'll have to check it out!
Pre-ordered....I always listen to your Mother's instructions!
Thanks Karen :)
Pre-ordered on Bookshop.org. You don't need to put me in the drawing, but I'm all for tracking sales and compiling stats and whatnot, especially if it helps you feel supported and perhaps vindicated in your stance. And in your right to write what you wish.
Thank you! I enjoy feeling vindicated so I appreciate this.