Reading Room 2006 Sep 08

What this episode covers

Part 1 of 2. Charles Hugh Smith and I discuss his new book, I-State Lines. Sometimes in this age of partisan politics, media-created events, and "shock jock" personalities who stretch the truth to get a reaction, it is easy to forget that with all our differences - racial, religious, generational, regional - we're all Americans, and as such have much more in common than we generally think. I-State Lines reminds us of this truth as it tells the story of two young California boys who take their neighbor's old Dodge Lancer on a cross-country trip, and in the process, discover friends, places, themselves, and a sense of purpose they previously lacked. To call this book a "road novel" does it a disservice - although it certainly works quite well as a road novel. To call it a coming of age story also misses the point, although the boys do grow up on their journey and return to their old neighborhood new men. If I tell you it's about the Vietnam-era veterans they encounter in several places along the way, I'm afraid you'll roll your eyes and say, "Not ANOTHER book about post-traumatic stress", even though the boys DO meet some veterans and come to understand them and the war they served-in with the fresh eyes only those too young to remember that war can have. If I tell you it's a love story, I'll ruin the "driving away into the sunset" happy ending. If I tell you its funny, you'll be expecting Garrison Keillor. I-State Line is all these things - please read it, and if you enjoy it encourage your friends and family to read it. Mr. Smith will be visiting Hampton during our Fall Open House Saturday September 16! This is an INCREDIBLE opportunity for a town of our size. Stop by to meet Charles, to hear his thoughts about the book, and to ask him whatever questions you may have. I have I-State Lines in stock now at The Kaleidoscope, and available on-line at ourfocusisyou.com. I-State Lines retails for $20, and shipping is free in the USA. Or stop by the store and get a 10% discount for books purchased between now and September 11.