The contribution is small, so you think.
You set out to write a book simply because you haven’t yet and have always wanted to.
The first attempt wins you the National Book Award, and subsequently, you travel many places. One of which is Sacramento. There a young woman waits in the lobby, swooning at the thought of meeting you. The two of you, along with a newspaper entourage, dine together and she, starstruck, is quiet the entire time.
The young woman drives home, hours away, thinking on your book and your voice and your persona and your red glasses until she falls asleep. She dreams of you, of the evening. And you, you have no idea as you sit down to write your second novel, a book which will start a small tradition in her little town.
Every November the young woman reads “The Whole World Over.” She has shared this with a few and a few of those few have picked up the tradition.
Now, there’s a third novel. The young woman in her little town sits down in her tiny quiet life and begins to write about this book. Yours. The contribution is not so small, but you, darling novelist, have no way of knowing about this delicate strand in the web of your success.
Readers of this column, before the third person gets any more esoteric, I’ll stop now. Read on for a few more specifics.
Julia Glass is the writer. The young woman is me and the above is all true. Now, let’s talk writing style. Those who aren’t familiar with Glass are in for a treat. Pick up either “Three Junes” or “The Whole World Over,” and you will be in for an absolute treat.
Glass writes with a sharp and unassuming command of language, and her plots, and strings of plots and subplots on the strings of plots couldn’t get more complex. And oh, her characters. They are real and flawed and lovely.
“I See You Everywhere,” her newest literary endeavor, will be on the shelves Oct. 14. The story revolves around sisters as different as “white chocolate and seaweed.” This is all I can tell you. I refuse to read any synopsis or review until I’ve read the last page. I want nothing spoiled as I sit down with this delicious read. No doubt October may have its own tradition soon.
I am planning to celebrate the 14th. Party hats will be constructed and a tray of seaweed and white chocolate may be ordered. I’ve not decided if I’ll go that far yet. If someone wants to bring it, however …
Cheers, best and be good.
Shannon Calder is a freelance writer/consultant/inspiration specialist and book reviewer. To read more go to
