Fiction readers are generally divided into three separate groups—hardback readers, e-book readers, and paperback readers. This is a call out to that very special third group, my devoted paperback readers.
Downfall, Joanna Brady # 17, goes on sale in paperback March 28. Back in the old days—thirty or so years ago—the paperback edition of a previous book came out about the same time as the new hardback. Now though, with two publishing houses involved and hard at work, those lines are blurring a bit. I’ll be out doing events for the newest Ali Reynolds, Man Overboard, at the same time Joanna’s Downfall is showing up on shelves in bookstores.
I believe my mother, the imitable Evie Busk, would have called this “killing two birds with one stone.” Boy, do I ever miss my mother sometimes, although her words are always alive and well and floating around in my head.
A word of warning, however. In the back of the paperback edition of Downfall, readers will find a print copy of my novella—Random Acts. Please read Random Acts BEFORE you read the novel itself. Even though the novella is printed at the back of the book, the action inside predates the action in Downfall by a couple of days. I know reading the afterword first is counter-intuitive—sort of like eating dessert without having first cleaned your plate. (Eating everything on your plate before having dessert was something else that was very high on Evie’s list of priorities.)
Maybe, in this instance, we’ll go for J. A. Jance’s take on the matter instead. I say, “Life is uncertain; eat dessert first!”
Whatever you do and however you do it, enjoy.
JAJ
Enjoyed meeting you yesterday at the Mesa book signing…thanks for sharing your life stories.
Thank you very much for continuing to support us old; obslete, Joanna Brady paper back readers. I look forward to purchasing the new book when it hits the shelf on March 28.
I have read all your books in paperback, hardback and e-book. I miss holding a book in my hands. The smell of a library with all the knowledge side by side. Now I can carry 1050 books in my purse and I can reread any story at anytime.
My Mom passed 14 years ago. I miss her everyday. I find myself repeating her wise words a lot.
I received Man Overboard , I lost a whole day because I read all night. As usual a really good book. Thank you… Jan
I’ll heed your advice and share a little story about my Hazel (your Evie). When Hazel was in her early 80’so 20 years ago she accompanied two ‘girlfriends’ and myself on a road trip from Chicago to tour the south – Natchez spring homes tour, swamp ride outside Nawlins and Biloxi. We all enjoyed delicious southern cooking and had passed up many desserts as a result of overeating. On the trek home we stopped at a local southern cafe that advertised homemade peach cobbler. My mom, Hazel, ordered her lunch and told the waitress to bring the peach cobbler first. She obviously wasn’t passing up another dessert.
Mom passed on after more desserts in 2013 at 97 years young.
No matter how old they are or we are when we lose them, we all miss our mothers.
My husband and I were privileged to attend your talk and book signing today in Green Valley. We have been reading your books for a long time and enjoyed each and every one. Your talk was delightful, entertaining and enlightening. I particularly like your outlook on life.
Thank you, Mike & Vivian Stansberry
As always, your presentation at the Glendale AZ Foothills Library on 3/22 made for a wonderful evening. You delighted confirmed fans and made many new ones.
And your stylish outfit was soooo perfect–if you’d added a red cowgirl hat we could have captioned you “Now this is what Arizona looks like!” And, also as always, Bill was charming and gracious. Thank you!