Three years. That’s what they say represents the life of a traditional trade paperback book, such as my book “Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range.” This means that as 2011 approaches we are entering the last of the prime years of “Overburden,” the book I wrote for the lost generation of Iron Rangers tooling around this unique place. The book won a Northeastern Minnesota Book Award in 2009.
Anne Swenson of the Ely Echo just this week offered another kind review of “Overburden,” along with the recent one from Mark Munger of Cloquet River Press. Swenson writes:
Whether you’re a newcomer to the Range or have lived here most or all of your life, this is a book which will suggest answers to your questions about the history, politics and people of the Iron Range.
The book was featured by a couple book clubs in the Lake Vermilion area this past month, and I just booked an address to the Mesabi Unitarian Universalist congregation in January. These events mean the book is entering its twilight years with gusto, which is encouraging as I enter the next phase in MinnesotaBrown, Inc., including a more challenging writing and creative schedule.
In honor of all this I’ll be offering a special promotion through Christmas. From now until Dec. 9 I’ll be offering a personalized or otherwise signed copy of “Overburden” by mail for the Iron Ranger, former Ranger or Range-curious person on your Christmas list. (Or yourself; treat yourself to this deal, America). The cost will be the normal cover price plus tax totaling $18.06 with shipping included in the USA (we’ll negotiate if you reside elsewhere). Send me an e-mail or private Tweet with your information and I’ll give you the address to send the check. When I receive the check (before Thursday, Dec. 9) I’ll mail the signed book with optional personalized message to you by Dec. 15. I’ll be personally packing and shipping these from the Hibbing Post Office. The envelopes will come from my personal office supply drawer in the home office where I wrote “Overburden” in rural Itasca County. Isn’t that something? Who knows, maybe one of my children will spill something on your purchase (efforts will be made to avoid this, but anything is possible!)
OK, you’ll hear from me promptly.