Kate Christensen: Novelist, Soup Kitchen Worker

I have admired Kate Christensen’s writing for a while now. She’s an award winning novelist who knows exactly what she’s doing. I could write a post about this, but that’s not what’s on my mind today.

My communication with Kate isn’t really real. I mean, we’re Facebook friends but, for the most part, I don’t really know her. Let’s be honest: How many Facebook friends do you actually know? Don’t get me started on this.

Anyway, I’ve always suspected she’s a person with a good heart. I found this out for real a few days ago on her blog.

Kate lives in Portland, Maine. Now, not only is she an award winning novelist, she also works in a soup kitchen, donating her time to those less fortunate.

How many novelists do you know who also work in a soup kitchen? She’s the first one for me and those women going to that soup kitchen in Maine are going to be in for a treat. Kate is quite the cook also.

It does my heart good to suspect that a person is good and kind and have it confirmed. Acts of kindness always gets to me.

We’ll be back on Sunday with another post.

(Photo from papermag.com)

Shameless Self-Promotion Can Be Embarrassing But It Won’t Stop Me From Doing It

article-25206-stray_cats.html

That link up above is to my latest Living Out Loud column in CityBeat called “Stray Cats.” Please give it a read and tell me what you think.

This was the first column I wrote after having cataract surgery on my right eye (the surgery on the left eye was two weeks later). I had a great time writing this as I could actually get into the story I was trying to tell rather than having to focus in on the mechanics—that means sending something to my editor without a much of mistakes due to my poor eyesight. That was becoming extremely frustrating and depressing. No more—knock on wood.

The new Article 25 is also out this week with my first ‘The Human Condition’ column entitled “Ernie Jay.” Article 25 vendors are all over—downtown Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Clifton, OTR, etc.—so hopefully you can find a copy. At some point, I’ll post the column here.

And I’m busy putting the finishing touches on my first novel which should be published late this year. It’s called “The Hurricane Café.” I keep telling myself that it’s finished and has been for a while, but I keep going back to it, making a few changes here and there. I’m telling myself this is my last read through.

OK, the shameless self-promotion is now done.

I’m aware today is opening day in Cincinnati and I’m going to follow the Reds this season—honest to god. I may do a little promoting for them right here.

PLAY BALL!! GO REDS!!!

How was that?

(Image from Article 25)

Reading Christopher Hitchens

When Christopher Hitchens died in December of last year, it was a sad day for me. It was a treat to see and listen to him on panel discussion and talk shows. Even when he wasn’t, he was always the smartest person in the room.

And reading him was a pleasure. As a writer, I consider Hitchens over my head and that’s the way I want it. I learn when I read his words and opinions. No, I don’t always agree with his views, but I know I’ve been someplace when I’m done reading him.

Maybe there are a few of us out there who still like to read books, so I’m reporting the news that three of Hitchens’ older books are going to be reissued next month. They are “The Missionary Position,” “No One Left To Lie To,” and “The Trial of Henry Kissinger.”

In addition to this, a new book, “Mortality,” which is collected essays on death from his articles in Vanity Fair, will be released in September.

After this cataract surgery I’ve had, one of the treats back in my life is being able to read again. Mr. Hitchens, “God is Not Great,” is once again on my nightstand.

(Photo from Vanity Fair)

I Don’t Weigh 200 Pounds

Ray’s my next door neighbor here in Covington, Kentucky. He lives right across the hall from me. I’ve written about him here before and I’m about to again.

A few days ago, he was hanging out in my apartment. Sometimes he’ll ask me about my writing projects, so I thought I would give him a copy of my latest book (I wish I could give everybody a copy but I can’t. You can always help a writer out by going over to the right of this blog and click on “Books by Larry Gross”).

Ray looked at the cover of the book and had this to say.

“You look heavy.”

“I look heavy?”

“Yeah,” Ray said. “You look like you weigh 200 pounds in that picture.”

I was a bit taken back. I stared at him for a few seconds.

“I’ve never weighed 200 pounds in my life,” I finally replied.

“Well, I don’t know,” Ray said. “You just look heavy in the picture.”

Now I know Ray is not the type of guy who likes to push buttons and he meant what he was saying. We got off that topic but it stayed on my mind.

My average weight is usually about 150 pounds. I’m about six foot tall and consider myself thin. Looking like I weigh 200 pounds is not thin.

That image I’ve posted here is the cover of the book I gave Ray. After his visit, I showed it to another friend.

“Do I look fat in that picture?” I asked him.

“No,” he said, “not at all.”

“Are you sure?”

“You don’t look fat,” he replied back. “What’s up with you? You’re never concerned about your weight.”

He’s right. I’m not sure why Ray’s words bug me so much, but I don’t think I’ll be giving him anymore books for a while.

(Photo from Google)

Goodbye Christopher Hitchens

Christopher Hitchens died on Thursday after a fairly brief battle with cancer. He was 62 years old.

Hitchens was one of the most engaging writers of our time. I’ve read several of his books and while I didn’t agree with everything he had to say in them, he knew how to get his point across in a way few writers can do. Simply put, he was great at what he did.

I don’t like to put up YouTube clips two days in a row, but I must share this exchange with Sean Hannity, Alan Colmes, Ralph Reed and Hitchens. Hitchens lets us know his thoughts on the death of Rev. Jerry Falwell. This is classic Hitchens.

(YouTube video)

Some Good News for Those of Us to Still Love Books

With so many bookstores closing these dyes, it’s nice to hear of one opening.

Jospeh-Beth will open up a new bookstore at Crestview Hills Town Center in Northern Kentucky. The store should be open in November. Click here to read all about it.

I think Joseph-Beth is opening this store because they know I now live in Northern Kentucky or perhaps I’m just full of myself.

(Photo found on Google)

Susan Lucci Needs to Get Over It

In a new memoir, actress Susan Lucci makes it very clear that she’s upset that ABC cancelled her daytime soap “All my Children.” If you really give a rats ass, you can click here to get all worked up.

I’m not worked up, but I have sent Susan a little note. Here, I’ll share it with you.

Dear Susan,

How are you? I am fine.

Sorry that your show has been cancelled after only 41years on the air. It’s a shame ABC didn’t give it more time to find an audience. Why are these network people so quick to pull the trigger?

I am, of course, kidding. Stop complaining. You had a good run. Get over it.

Sincerely Yours,

Larry

No, I didn’t send this. I’ve heard she reads this blog all the time.

(Photo from televisionblog.com)

“Dick” Dick Cheney Has Written a Memoir

If you have any interest in Dick’s memoir, you can click here to read more about it.

Will Dick discuss how we went to war with the wrong country? Will he talk about how he led Bush around by the nose?  Will he explain how he made all his rich buddies even richer?

Will he. . .  oh screw it? Cheney is historyand I don’t care anymore. I won’t be reading his damn book.

(Photo found on Google)

A Little Education on Richard Yates

Whenever I write about books or writers, the stats go down here. That’s OK. I have no advertisers to please. Actually I just try to please myself and hope some of you like it.

Richard Yates was one of the best writers who ever lived. I’m attempting to give you a bit of an education on him. Take it or leave it.

(YouTube video)

Our Loss, Our Gain

It’s sad when any bookstore closes down and it’s been happening a lot lately. Even the chain bookstores can’t find a way to stay open let alone independent booksellers.

Borders is the latest to go under and thousands of people are going to be unemployed. It’s hard to find a bright spot here, but if you’re a book lover, you can save a ton of money on Borders liquidation sale. Click here to read about it.

(Photo from WordPress)