A book and a story related to its author and myself.

For quite a long while now, I haven't read a proper novel.  Not for lack of effort, as my eyes often glance over the pages of many a book.  Oftentimes, I put them down or have to return them because they just can't maintain any interest.  The fact is that none of them seem to have what it takes to motivate me to read past a few pages (at most).  This of course does not pertain to mystery novels, which I read with alarming frequency- but which for the most part are not to be categorized as books but as mere entertainment.

Last week, though, I was fortunate enough to receive an inscribed copy of the upcoming first novel (Everything Beautiful Began After) by the writer Simon Van Booy- whose two previous books of short stories are more than wonderful.  Having been bogged down by some small nonsense, I was not able to give it the attention that it deserved, so put off reading it until this morning.

The past few hours had me captivated by the range of its small world, and I will not give anything away but to say now after finishing it, that it is something that is well worth reading. My only regret was that the book ended so soon (despite its being 400 pages or so), and as always, I look forward to reading anything of his.

I will also add here a little story of my short encounter with Mr. Van Booy last week.  When I asked him whether I could ask him something (which contemporary authors that he recommended), he countered by saying if he could ask me something in return.  Of course, I said yes.  He asked where I got my pocket square from.  Not missing a beat, I took it out and told him that I made it and he could have it as a gift.  As he inscribed his book to me, he asked me also to sign the pocket square. That was great fun.

An advance copy of the lovely book.