40 years and…

It’s hard to believe that Mario Puzo’s The Godfather was published forty years ago. The story has become part of the American lexicon thanks to the popular movies adapted from the novel. I’ve read the complete book many times and frequently find myself reading passages. What I like most about the book is the sweeping nature of the story. It stretches from the east coast to the west coast of the United States as well as to Sicily. Similarly, the character and plot development span the outer reaches of human experience. One thing missing from the movie adaptation was a more in depth look at the Johnny Fontane character. Thankfully, the book has entire sections devoted to Fontane, showing a character who develops into more than a simply crooner.

Puzo has left a brilliant legacy with this book. At the same time, don’t neglect Fools Die, another brilliant look at humanity, it’s foibles and follies, something Puzo knew how to show better than most.

At Book Expo America

I attended Book Expo America this year, if for no other reason, to get a glimpse of the publishing industry’s changes. Publishing endured some wrenching upheavals in the previous 12 months. There have been consolidations among companies, staff reductions, and title suspensions to name a few. There has also been an increased presence of the electronic readers such as Amazon’s Kindle and Sony’s reader. Still, there are plenty of paper books out there. Here I am at the Spanish publishing pavilion where some fine examples of printing could be seen.

A Spanish printing company displayed their version of medieval texts, printed and bound seemingly as they were several hundred years ago. It was impressive, but no photos allowed. Books have been growing in popularity in Spain, and I look forward to seeing my own work translated into Spanish soon. Many of my characters are Spanish speakers, from Colombia or elsewhere in the Spanish-speaking world.

That’s me up there, grinning like a fool to be among the printed pages. Couldn’t help myself, really, standing in the middle of so many books and people interested in the same. Trade shows are a natural opportunity to network, do business, and gauge trends. At the same time, it’s simply fun to be among like minded souls. Relax and enjoy it.

John Irving, at BEA

While at Book Expo America, I attended a little talk that included John Irving. I’ve read several of Irving’s books, and with rare exception, find them insightful and enthralling. Here you see Irving on the video screen.

The Cider House Rules and A Widow For One Year are at the top of my list of Irving books. I’ve read both of them twice, although it has been a long time since those readings. Listening to Irving talk about story telling and his take on the content of his own books was fascinating. It’s a rare opportunity to hear an author speak in person and thus get their opinions unfiltered by the likes of reporters or TV talking heads.

Keep reading. It’s good for you.

Castillos (con encanto)

Previous posts here at The Bent Page mentioned a few castles in Spain. In the process of planning my next stay, I rediscovered a book called Castillos con encanto, which I had purchased in Spain. This book is one of a series of books published with the con encanto tag.

This book provides plenty of useful information, not to mention dozens of great photographs. There is also a map section, which works well when doing general trip planning. You will need Spanish skills as the book is written entirely in that language. However, it is an opportunity to further your involvement in the culture as you work out your plans.

Saludos!