Book Clubs

Book clubs are a great way to get your book known through the many discussion points that inevitably arise when a group of people who've read the same book come together.  As the discussion grows out of the various viewpoints of the group, there is a greater likelihood that members will review the book they just devoted their time to on sites such as Amazon and goodreads.  But, on a deeper level, book clubs offer a more crucial benefit, one that benefits the reader more than the author: it allows the reader a deeper understanding of what they've just read through the discussion of and the listening to diverse opinions.  People can read the same book, but come away with different impressions and meanings behind what they've just read.  Regarding The Sanctity Of Love And War, I've already heard readers comment various opinions about Piper's choices.  Those readers read the same words, but differ on their view of them.  Literature can provide great advantages to us, the reader.  It can challenge us to think and perhaps challenge how we view the world in which we live.  Great literature changes us by giving us a viewpoint from which to consider the world that perhaps we never before considered.  Great book club discussions, like great books, can lead us in that direction as well.  Any writer would be  honored for a book club to choose his/her book to discuss.  I've listened to some readers and what they've had to say after having read the book.  As a result, I've posted some topics and questions for discussion for The Sanctity Of Love And War on my website:

http://www.amymfergusonthesanctityofloveandwar.com

I hope to continue to hear from readers about their own views of the book.  In my next blog, I'll share with you my first book club experience discussing The Sanctity Of Love And War.  I've been lucky enough to be invited to attend a book club meeting where we will do just that!

Honoring History

     As those of you who have already read The Sanctity Of Love And War know, the character of Mark Linton is based in part on my father's cousin, Anthony Francis "Frank" Gilroy who, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944 earned the Navy Cross for his heroism.  In honor of him, the character of Mark was created.  Frank is now 93 years old and lives on Long Island.  He was the first person to whom a book was given.  Soon after, I received a phone call from his daughter.  She wanted to tell me that while her father appreciated the fact that a character was created because of his actions during WWII, in his own eyes he did not do anything extraordinary.  In fact, he had his daughter tell me that he felt he did just as other men in his generation were called to do -- no more, no less.  It was another reminder to me of how humble and great Frank's generation was -- and how those who still remain still are. As I said in the Author's Notes at the back of the book: I am forever indebted (as we all are) to that great generation.  Writing the book was my small way to honor them and the deeds they accomplished during that most critical time in our collective history.  Frank is a living reminder of what we can and should aspire to be.