The experts say that people plan to spend less on gifts this holiday season, what with the crippling economic recession that somehow has failed to kill the Snuggie. What was 2007 diamond jewelery is now 2009 sticks and rocks and stuff found down by the loading dock. Forget the iPod, who wants a unique gift for $16.95?
$16.95? Socialism!
Not so fast! In truth, $16.95 is the retail price of “Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range.” My debut book makes the ideal gift for anyone from the Iron Range, living on the Iron Range, interested in the history and culture of the Range or even just anyone who likes the strange netherworld between rural and urban, modern and old, and all the irony that exists in those margins. The book also explores the challenges of raising kids in a blue collar place when your job involves writing and the internet. This past year “Overburden” won the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award.
The book might be a good gift, but a signed copy of the book might just might make a GREAT gift. Trust me, I have no bias whatsoever. On Friday, Nov. 27 I will be signing books at Woodward’s book store in the Thunderbird Mall in Virginia, Minn. from 1-3 p.m. I’ll sign books, personalize inscriptions, listen to your stories, share outtakes from the book and explain my next project (but, if you prefer, I’ll just sign the book and ofter a guttural Midwestern grunt).
I’ll be in Duluth on Dec. 5, Hibbing on Dec. 11 and Grand Rapids on Dec. 19. Check the sidebar for locations and times.
I can tell you one thing, I’d a lot rather have your book than a SNUGGIE! Can you say “Just keep your clothes on, Ethel!”
I’m picking up your book now. The Snuggie is going to have to wait for another day.