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Vroman’s Bookstore Reading

I’ll be reading, discussing and signing copies of Man of War this Thursday at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena. Please join me!

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At the LA Times Festival of Books

I had a great time this past Saturday at the LA Times Festival of Books. The day started off early at Vroman’s Bookstore where Ashley Ream, author of Losing Clementine, and I supplied the “In-Transit Entertainment” on one of the buses the store had chartered to the festival. Ashley is a delight and looks pretty darn adorable in a beret.

After I arrived (with wife and mom in tow), I signed some books for Vroman’s behind their tent. Sorry about giving you the finger in this photo. It was completely unintentional.

Here I am transporting a stack of Man of Wars from overstock shelving to the table where I’d later sign them. But I wasn’t just moving paper. I was trying to give customers the impression that the book is so good they have to buy ten copies. Also note my massive biceps. Lifting hardcover books is a great way to save on those ridiculous gym membership fees.

Interesting placement for MOW. One friend observed that I was in a “Hitchens sandwich.” Another friend former friend commented that Hitchens’ books look a lot wordier than mine. Likely because I don’t know more than seven polysyllabic words.

Later that day I returned to Pasadena and saw this quote by some guy named Benjamin Franklin. I liked it so much I took a photograph of it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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Join me for Vroman’s 11th Annual Book Bus Ride

Join me and fellow first-time author Ashley Ream on Saturday, April 21st, when we’ll be entertaining passengers aboard Bus #2 en route from Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena to the LA Times Festival of Books. Rumor has it there will be bagels, cookies and goodie bags. And my mother.

 

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Driving in China

Taken a few years back in Zhongshan. I remember the first time I went to China back in 2003 there weren’t many motorcycle taxis on the road. Times have changed.

For a thorough examination of driving in China I highly recommend Peter Hessler’s book, Country Driving. He’s a wonderful writer.