Good day to you, dear readers,

 

I should be working on the developmental edits for my new one, The Only English Store in Bologna, but I have too much going on, too much to say. Before I get to an epic book recommendation, allow me a bit of of self-indulgence.

 

Firstly, with Before We Say Goodbye only a week away, I'd like to giveaway a couple of signed hardbacks. All you have to do is reply to this email with a screenshot of you sharing my forthcoming book with the world. 

 

There are no rules; it can be a social media post, an email to friends, a shot of you at town hall hammering down your gavel and declaring your love for Otis Till. The more creative the better. 

My latest writing essay is up on Substack. I capture the exact moment last week on Peaks Island when lightning struck with a new book idea. At the risk of someone stealing said idea, I'm putting it out there in hopes to help any other creatives seeking inspiration. These essays are bringing me so much joy, and I hope you'll come along with me and learn what happens under the hood of the Boo machine. 

At 4pm EST on release day, September 16th, join me for a live discussion about my new book. I've not gone live on Substack before, so who knows what could happen. A cold New England IPA, saying something I probably shouldn't, more book giveaways. Click here to sign up.

Amigos, I've been in a GIANT reading rut. I can't tell you how many books I've given up on. But I'm happy to report that my rut has come to an end with the discovery of Wally Lamb's latest, The River is Waiting. I've not felt such a need to keep turning pages in a long, long time. I'm halfway through and eager to get through with my workday so I can get back to it.

 

I've been dragging around I Know This Much Is True, one of his previous books, for years, taking it with us as we've moved around the country, but I'd never cracked the spine. I'm kicking myself now.

 

Before you jump in, you need to know: this story will rip a hole in your heart. If you're too vulnerable--especially you parents, if you're not looking to shed some tears, I might stay away. But if you want to be shocked back to life and be reminded of the power of an extraordinary book, look no further. I suspect I'm going to read his entire oeuvre before too long. What a wise, fearless writer.

 

Have you read it? What'd you think?

 

For the record, you're not allowed to buy this book without buying my new one as well, but I just had to share. 

P.S. Please forgive me if I don't respond to your emails. Know that I joyfully read each one. Your notes keep me going, but I best put my energy into meeting the next deadline. Thanks for understanding.

Catch up on old newsletters here.