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Forgive me if I get excited about books. I am a writer, after all, and my love of the craft was born of a passion for reading.
So it is with great pleasure that DT presents a look at some of our most prominent local authors in “Write in Time” on page 44. It is with even greater pleasure that I share news about some other local writers, both personal friends and members of the DT family of freelancers.
First, contributing humorist Reid Champagne has yet again made the “Chicken Soup” series of books a bit funnier. “True Love: 101 Heartwarming Stories about Dating, Romance, Love and Marriage,” published in fall, includes “Dolores and the Eggs,” a chronicle of Reid’s first meeting with his soon-to-be mother-in-law. According to Reid, she “saw the future, and it didn’t work.” Heartwarming, indeed.
One of Delaware Today’s longest-serving contributors, Pam George recently finished “Shipwrecks of the Delaware Coast,” published by The History Press. I was fascinated by such stories as “The Great White Hurricane,” which wreaked havoc on the 40 vessels moored at the Lewes Breakwater in March 1888. Though you’ll get a peek at a couple of those wrecks in next month’s DT, I can’t think of a better local history book for the beach this summer.
Those acquainted with local legend Tommie Little will enjoy “A Warrior’s Tale,” the memoir of his 12-year sojourn in Namibia and a near-death experience from malaria. You can get the short version in the Delaware State News story of January 10, written by my old pal Craig Horleman. But read the book. No one can match Tommie’s inimitable wit.
As long as I’ve known freelancer Scott Pruden (eight years now), I’d been hearing about his mystery, “Immaculate Deception.” Well, it has arrived, via Codorus Press. From Stuff We Like in sister mag Main Line Today: “Loaded with heart-pumping action and whodunit intrigue, his debut novel takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the eyes of down-on-his-luck ex-newsman Jon Templeton, whose postmortem mission comes with an earth-shattering twist.” Believe me—it does.
- The WOW gala for the Delaware HIV Consortium really is one of the best parties in the state. But don’t let all the fun fool you. The group’s work is most important, its honorees most deserving. Thanks to our host Alan Spiro of the Clarion Belle and his wife, Victoria, for the invitation. It is always a pleasure.
- It was great to see Mayor Vance Funk, Bob Ashby, Maureen Feeney Roser and everyone else who came to Kildare’s on Main Street to kick off this month’s Newark section. It’s a very supportive group—and one that knows how to have fun.
- For four years, I’ve been telling myself, “I need to get to the Little Shop on the Hill for a haircut.” Editing this month’s story about Little Italy reminded me of why. It is owned by my cousin Gus Perodi, who pops up as a key source in the story. In a town this small and a family so large, it’s damned near impossible to avoid running into a relative.