Magic, Lace Readers, and Ancient Mariners
Last Saturday night, we hosted a party on The Friendship, a reconstruction of a171-foot three-masted 1797 Salem East Indiaman which is moored at Derby Wharf, in Salem. The most amazing magic trick of the evening was that there was no rain. We felt extremely lucky because the four previous days were what Eva (the original lace reader) would have called “nice weather for ducks.” The party was for family, friends, and all those who had championed the book in some way. Some of the local witches actually brought pieces of lace they are learning to read. They spent a good portion of the evening gazing through the lace into people’s faces and predicting their futures (this in spite of the fact that I told them that lace reading is something I made up). A group of re-enactors in full 18th century sailor costumes roamed the decks singing sea shanties and spilling grog (mostly Miller Lite). All in all, about a hundred friends and family celebrated a clear and starlit sky, the beautiful evening sea breezes, and the dream that had brought us all together.
Tomorrow is July 29th, the day The Lace Reader goes on sale. I feel a bit like Wendy Darling on her last night in the nursery. My national book tour also begins tomorrow and, according to my recent schedule, it will last until mid-November so for the foreseeable future, I’ll be writing to you from somewhere on the road.
The press is building, loud enough now for even me to hear a bit of the buzz.
If you haven’t seen the book trailer, click here.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Did any witch read your future? Did they read the future of The Lace Reader in their lace? heck, even I can tell you it’s so bright, you gotta wear shades!!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Yes, clear skies ahead for *The Lace Reader*! I’m hoping to catch an event as you sail into Brookline later this week, or in Cambridge at the end of August.
(Miller Lite? no grog from a local microbrewery?!)
July 31st, 2008 at 10:22 am
Hi Sandy,
I just wanted to say congratulations on all the attention “The Lace Reader” is receiving. I was living at your property at 49 Atlantic Avenue (2nd floor)and remember you telling me a little bit about the book. I’m so proud of you!! I wish you great success!!!
Lynne
July 31st, 2008 at 9:17 pm
I just finished The Lace Reader. I was fortunate enough to snitch the ARC that we got in at the Border’s where I work.
Let me start with- I am normally a reader of mystery,romance and sci-fi/fantasy. Not a lot of fiction outside of those. Why? No clue. It’s just what I like to read.
Let me end with- I will have no problem reccommending this book to any of my customers. It was wonderful. I had a hard time putting it down so I could go to bed or when my lunch break was over with.
And I am not returning the ARC to my boss either.
Really, it was well written, the story line kept me guessing as to what direction it would take. I would think I had it figured out and, oops, it’s in heading another way altogether.
I think I enjoyed it so much because it fit all three of my favorite genres of books in some way.
On another note, you were lucky Saturday night. We came home from Agawam Six Flags and it started pouring. My daughter wants to go to Salem for Holloween and we haven’t made it. This year I think we will.
Thank you for a very well written and enjoyable story.
August 1st, 2008 at 4:02 am
I just finished The Lace Reader and thought it was a fantastic read! Congratulations on the book and thanks for shining a light on my favorite city in the world.
August 1st, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Congrats on the publication of your book…! And by “publication” I mean “phenomenon”!
I heard your interview on NPR this morning and am looking forward to reading your book and to (hopefully) catching you during a stop on your tour.
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:34 am
I am so happy that your book is being so well received. I loved it so much! I am actually considering a re-read already, because it is a tough act to follow. It gave me so much pleasure! I sent my ARC to my daughter, and bought another copy. I was going to loan it to my sister, but I can’t part with it even for her….so I am going to get her her own copy.
So I guess I just want to say Thank you! and please write more books soon, lol
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I was fortunate enough to catch your interview on NPR yesterday morning and last night headed to Barnes and Noble to get a copy of The Lace Reader. I am trying to read it slowly, taking in all of the beautiful imagery and detail. So far, I am breathless and wanting to read it all the way through, but wanting to savor each and every word at the same time. Towner has truly captured me and I cannot wait to see where the story leads her.
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 am
I am a former Salemite, born and raised there, now living on an island off the west coast of Florida.
I first heard of your novel in USA Today June 5 issue…as soon as I saw “Salem” of course I was interested. So I pre-ordered on Amazon. Received my copy the other day, am about 80 pages into it and I’m captivated. Plus, I love “revisiting” my hometown.
Just wanted to wish you all the best on your success and your debut release.
Lovely website and blog.
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Hello there! Let’s see…I bought your book on Friday and finished it today (Sunday.) Would have finished sooner, but I have a pesky toddler and husband that need to be fed and watered at regular intervals
I absolutely LOVE the book. So well done, and I especially love how you made Salem such a real place, not just a vague ‘author’s rendition.’ You really captured the essence of a small town, its politics, and its generations of complicated ties and folk lore.
I just wanted to stop in and say how much I loved it– well done! Best of luck with your book tour. Perhaps we’ll see you out west in the prairie (where we can only just imagine what a sea port is like! Thanks for taking me there!)
-Heather
August 4th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Ms. Barry:
I LOVE THIS BOOK! I am SO thrilled to see success happening for a talented writer with NEW ideas! Thank you for making yourself vunerable and putting yourself ‘out there’; asking for feedback, etc… Not only is the book wonderful and I am anxious for the next one, but YOUR story of birthing this book is fabulous! Hope you come to Dallas… WAY TO GO! Peace, Shannon
August 4th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I was supposed to be at your launch party with my husband and your brother Mark. I have to say I am so disappointed that we could not make it. I am half way through the book and I can’t put it down. I love Love Love it and can not wait to turn every page to see what will happen or be said next. I love all the characters and feel like I have met some of them in real life! Thank You for such an awesome book!
Brenda Rozzi
August 6th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I have been reading…no….immersed in your book since I started it yesterday. It is amazing! I felt a kinship to Towner because I have had a hysterectomy, and people think I’m somewhat crazy,too!
I teach the play The Crucible to my grade 12′s, so I have an understanding of the witch trials. The Salem museum was very helpful in providing resources for my students. I think I will be adding The Lace Reader to my in class library…in fact, I know I will!…because it is such an enjoyable read! So, from the boonies of Vancouver Island, I salute The Lace Reader!
August 15th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I am priviledged to have had an ARC to read early on. Being born in Salem, and growing up in the area, I felt such nostalgia reading The Lace Reader. The vivid descriptions of Salem made me want to go “home”. This book is a “good read” on so many levels for me. Have read it several times and enjoyed it more each time. Way to go!!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Hi, Brunonia:
I met you at the Barnes & Noble, Peabody,MA booksigning on Aug. 15th, where I invited you to speak to our upper middle school and High School students (about 30 kids) about your writing and self-publishing experience. You were gracious enough to tell me that you would be happy to do so, but that I would have to go through your publicist to figure out when you might be available. (You mentioned that you are on tour through November and then, after the first of the year, a European tour.
I just finished my copy of The Lace Reader and I think you captured the spirit of Salem and the connection of people and the ocean precisely! When I think of Yankee spirit, nothing typifies it better than locals swimming in May in 50 degree water. I could totally connect to the fact that the townspeople in your book waited for Eva to go swimming so that they would know that bad weather was over.
Towner was a complicated character and I think you handled her well. As I was reading the book, I wondered about her relationship with May, and how May could give away her other child. It made me think of a troubled man in my own neighborhood whose mother gave him away as a young boy to her sister to raise because “she had too many children.” As you might imagine, this man did not have success at his first marriage or at raising his two sons. Parts of my questions were answered at the end of the book. Very cool ending!
I think you will enjoy our school. It was built in 1665 and was used on the Underground Railroad. We have a secret room and a long tunnel in the basement that leads out to the woods, similar to Eva’s house. You can visit our website: http://www.clarkschool.com to get a better idea of our physical surroundings and our philosophy.
I look forward to hearing from you regarding how to contact your publicist and we will certainly accomodate your schedule.
Thanks again for being kind enough to speak to the students. As a school, we try to instill the idea of perseverance, a trait that you personify. I know the students will be excited and impressed!
All the best,
Denise
Denise Moutafis
Lead Teacher
The Clark School
487 Locust Street
Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 777-4699 school
(978) 281-5450 home
I think you’ll enjoy visiting our school. The main building is an old farmhouse that was built in 1665 and was used on the underground railroad. We, like Eva, have a hidden room and a tunnel that goes out to the woods. If you would like to visit our website: www. clarkschool.com, you can get a better idea of our physical surroundings and our school philosophy.
All the best,
Denise
Denise Moutafis
Lead Teacher
The Clark School
487 Locust Street
Danvers, MA 01923
August 24th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I’ve just finished reading “The Lace Reader”. Thank you Brunonia Barry!!! Will you be writing more books?