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Where the River Ends—on shelves today
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Tue, July 15, 2008
I’m 38. I started writing when I was 15…
Since that time, I’ve hoped my stories would, or could, somehow find access to a larger audience. I’m not making light of my previous five books and I’m grateful for how we got here and where we came from. A lot of people worked really hard to get us to this place. That being said, I’m really excited about River hitting the shelf today. A friend called me last night from the JFK airport and said he’d just walked by River, face out, on the shelf. The thought of that warms me. It will also simultaneously release in something like twelve or fourteen countries around the world. That warms me, too. (I’m in a hotel room in Orlando just shaking my head.)
One of my favorite writers, John Milton, wrote an essay entitled Areopagitica. In it, he argues for a free press and, since then, it has been used as one of the foundations of our first amendment. I’m no Milton or First amendment expert, but somewhere in the first few paragraphs or pages he says something like: Though all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon the earth, so Truth be in the field, we do ingloriously, by licensing and prohibiting, to misdoubt her strength. Let her and Falsehood grapple: who ever knew Truth put to the worse in a free and open encounter?.
I hope my story is honest...and true. To all the folks at Doubelday/Broadway, my sincerest, deepest thanks.
Congratulations, Charles - and happy on-sale day!
Off to purchase the book on my lunch hour. I am so proud of you Charles. I hope you meet Reynolds Price before he dies. He is very ill. You are the writer he is.........If you were my own child, I could not be happier for your success.
Much love,
Mary Katherine
Milton: Great quote about the freedom to express ourselves in Truth, and the gloriousness of Truth’s strength to shine through. I recall some imagery about Truth being the rock that all other things are smashed against.
There is certain Truth...even in fiction...that is Power from without.
Loving regards to the talented, and good friend Charles.
Thanks for your books, Charles. I cannot remember being so impressed by an author. You really reach down deep and touch. It is nice to have such a great author right here in our little corner of paradise (GA/FL border).
Best wishes for success,
Mike
Hi
Since I discovered your books a year or so ago, hardly anything has met up to the literary standard that you have set for my reading! I read passages that you have written and gasp at the art of it and go back and read them again. I especially love the chapter in Crickets that describes the injured bird and the committment of its’ mate. I am thinking of using that chapter for a descriptive writing lesson for my classroom - if my coworker would ever return the book that I loaned to her!
I am thrilled about the book signing in Clayton, Ga. next weekend. My husband and I will be staying in Rabun Gap (Dillard) for our anniversary weekend, so we will see you. I am busting at the seams to tell my mom about it (she is a librarian and a huge fan) but I want to save the surprise and give the signed book to her for her birthday in September.
Your books have been a tremendous blessing to me - a great escape from grad. school reading. THANK YOU!
Becky G.
I was just introduced to your books by a good friend of mine. I have already read The Dead Don’t Dance and Wrapped in Rain....what beautiful stories. Looking forward to reading many more of your words…
I can’t wait to purchase my copy of Where the River Ends. You create characters that are so real with their struggles and yet your storylines deliver messages of hope, grace and unconditional love. I try to share you novels with anyone I can because the message is one we all need to hear again and again. Thanks for shining your own light so strong . Anne
Excellent read! Couldn’t put the book down and now I can’t get if off my mind. Look forward to reading more of your wonderful work.