Day: October 2, 2014

I am very excited to report that George Forss’s new book – “The Way We Were” is not out, both in hardcover and paperback. It is for sale at Battenkill Books (518 677-2515) or online.

It can also be ordered along with my new book “Saving Simon,” due out next Tuesday. George’s book, published with the help of his Kickstarter project, is a collection of photographs and essays about his legendary photographic work in New York City in the  years before 911. He talks about his darkroom work and the way in which he conceived and framed his pictures. I am very happy to be publishing my book at the same time as George, he and I are sharing a talk and reading at Battenkill Books next Monday at 7 p.m. at Battenkill Books, Main Street, Cambridge, N.Y. You can follow George and his work and writing on his blog.

George is a genius, as well as a sweet human being and friend. His work needs and deserves to be seen. “The Way We Were” is also available on Amazon, and bn.com. I went over to his gallery and got a signed copy today.

In honor of the upcoming Bedlam Farm Open House (Columbus Day Weekend), we decided to put a plant in our new head, which we got in Provincetown at a trendy florist/garden shop. We decided Mums were the proper look for this gentleman, as yet unnamed, although we might call him Nero, he is quite imperious. He has joined the crew on the back porch, the chickens love to hang out with him.

We went to Battenkill Books this afternoon to drop off the signed Simon photo postcards that will be given to each buyer of “Saving Simon” from the bookstore, and I was shocked to see the pre-orders that have come in in recent days for the book. Marilyn Brooks, Connie’s mother, could barely hold them, and many more have come in this week and are waiting online. We are shooting for 2,000 books sold in the store by Christmas. This is a great start.

You can pre-order or order the book (it will be officially published next Tuesday, October 7) online, or you can call the store at 518 677-2515, or e-mail Connie Brooks at [email protected]. The bookstore takes Paypal and will ship anywhere in the world and I will sign and personalize any book ordered through Battenkill. Everybody gets a signed photo Simon notecard (see below) and are eligible for Fromm dog and cat food coupons, notecards, photos and potholders. All I can say is “wow!” to this response. This year, more than any other, the only publicity and marketing being done is right here on my blog – I am leaving Random House and moving to another publisher – and I eagerly take up this challenge. I appreciate the support for me, for Simon and all of the truly abused animals in the world, and for the idea of the independent bookstore, we need them in our communities. Thanks.