The Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley

My pal, Lesa Holstine, has introduced me to a lot of books I would never have discovered on my own.

If you're not familiar with her blog, you really really really need to check it out. Here 'tis: http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/

One she recently shared with us on her blog was Christopher Morley's "The Haunted Bookshop."






I'm stunned that I had not heard of it, or it's companion book - "Parnassus on Wheels." (which I plan on reading next). "The Haunted Bookshop" actually continues the story of Roger Mifflin, the book seller introduced in "Parnassus on Wheels."


It's not a novel of the supernatural as might be assumed from the title. It refers, instead, to "the ghosts of all great literature," to quote Roger Mifflin.  The story is actually a spy thriller with some romance tossed in.


It was published in 1919, is set in Brooklyn and takes place during the end of World War I, and we get to listen in on some of the discussions the characters have about war, as well as play witness to some surprisingly timely views shared by Mr. Mifflin.


Two, in particular, struck a chord with me:


"The first thing needed is to acquire a sense of pity. The world has been printing books for 450 years, and yet gunpowder still has a wider circulation. Never mind! Printer's ink is the greater explosive: it will win."


There are many others, but here's just one more:

"But I tell you, the world is going to have the truth about War.  We're going to put an end to this madness.  It's not going to be easy.  Just now, in the intoxication of the German collapse, we're all rejoicing in our new happiness.  I tell you, the real Peace will be a long time coming.  When you tear up all the fibres of civilization it's a slow job to knit things together again.  Yu see those children going down the street to school?  Peace lies in their hands.  When they are taught in school that war is the most loathsome scourge humanity is subject to, that it smirches and fouls every lovely occupation of the mortal spirit, then there may be some hope for the future.  But I'd like to bet they are having it drilled into them that war is a glorious and noble sacrifice."

Thought provoking?  Especially when keeping in mind when it was written.

The book is also quite charming with its many references and allusions to other books and authors.  Many were mysteries to me, some were not.  Those that were mysteries had me scooting to Google to see what they might be all about.  

Like many readers, I'm a fool for books about other books, and was thoroughly captivated by this one.

Interview

My friend, the incredibly delightful, Lesa Holstine, interviews me today at her place - Lesa's Book Critiques ( http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/ ). I hope you'll take a minute to drop by and say "Hey!"

True? Not True? You Decide !

Lesa Holstine. I'll bet you are all familiar with our Lesa. If you don't know her, please stop by Lesa's Book Critiques and meet her. She always has neat things going on. Terrific reviews, and interviews, and news of who she's hosting at Authors @ The Teague. I don't mean to embarrass her by saying this, and I know I've said it lots of times before, both here, at her place and all around the blogging world, AND all around the mystery world. She is one of the classiest people on God's green earth. She has a sense of ethics I'd like to package and distribute widely. She always plays fair. She keeps her blog, along with her ideals, at a level that most of us strive for and she keeps the bar high for us all. Sometimes when I want to come here and rant wildly about something that has rubbed me wrong I back off a bit because I know it's not something Lesa would do. Now that's not to say I won't rant - you know me better than that - but I'll at least try to keep it at a level that I won't be too embarrassed about at a later date. (Lesa? Forgive me if I fail at this from time to time, please!).

For these reasons receiving an award from Lesa is especially meaningful.

The woman has been the recipient of so many blogging awards from her peers that one of her readers came up with and designed an original award for Lesa to bestow on fellow bloggers.

It's the "Lesa's Bald Faced Liar (SCRATCH THAT!) 'Creative Writer' Blogger Award."


And - Ta DA! - I'm one of the recipients.

Yay!

Thank you Lesa!

It comes with a few rules. Rules that Lesa made up. And here they are:

Recipients must -
1. Thank the person who gave this to you.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you.
4. Tell us up to six outrageous lies about yourself, and at least one outrageous truth.
5. Allow your readers to guess which one or more are true.
6. Nominate seven "Creative Writers" who might have fun coming up with outrageous lies.
7. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate.
8. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

First, I'll pass this along to seven "Creative Writers." These are folks I feel sure will have fun coming up with a few outrageous lies, and I'm betting will have at least one very fun outrageous truth we'll enjoy learning.

1. Lazy Thoughts From a Boomer.
2. Jill's Life.
3. Book Chase.
4. Cobbledstones.
5. Exile's Return.
6. Mornings at Noon.
7. Patricia Stoltey.


And now. Here are seven statements. You get to decide which are lies and which one statement is the truth.

I'll stop back later this evening and tell you what the one truthful statement was.

1. I danced on stage with Bruce Springsteen in Atlanta.

2. I sang on stage with Willie Nelson in Atlanta (just one short chorus of "On The Road Again").

3. I was on Atlanta TV getting a kiss from a camel.

4. I danced on stage with Brooks & Dunn in Charlotte.

5. I was part of the peanut gallery for the Howdy Doody Show.

6. I was on Atlanta TV helping Paula Deen make Shrimp & Grits.

7. I was a finalist for "Jeopardy" but got beat out by a zoo keeper from San Diego and didn't get to be on TV.

So. There you go.

True. Not True? You Decide !

- - -

Okeey Doke - Truth Telling Time!

Kissed by a camel and captured by the Atlanta TV news while it was happening. You better believe I heard about that for a very long time. It was a long time back - back when Atlanta would every so often close down a section of Peachtree Street for events. This particular event was a fund raiser for the Fox Theatre. "Save the Fox" was a very big deal which ultimately was also very successful. The Fox Theatre was originally the Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque; designed in the 1920s as a headquarters for the Shriner's organization. It later became one of the grand old theaters. Southern Bell tried to buy it in the 70's with plans to knock it down and put up a building of their own. It was one of the few times the citizens of Atlanta stepped forward to preserve a piece of Atlanta's rich architectural heritage. Sadly, a huge amount of Atlanta's wonderful architectural history has been lost forever to make room for corporate growth and expressways. However, a four year campaign resulted in The Fox being saved and it is now a National Historic Landmark.

During the event I'm speaking of where I get smooched by Gus the Camel, three or four blocks of Peachtree Street were closed off and The Fox lobby was open for viewing. Several restaurants set up "A Taste Of" food tables, there were bands, and various other fun things to do in efforts to raise money for the "Save the Fox" campaign. One of those things was to pay $1.00 for a kiss from Gus. Gus' handler told me he thought Gus was particularly attracted to me (or to my perfume) 'cause he seemed to get a bit carried away with what was supposed to be a quick little kiss on my cheek and gave me a big sloppy lick on the side of my face instead. As it happens, one of the news stations' camera men was there to catch it all live. My luck and my claim to Atlanta fame. Not near as cool as any of my list of lies here, huh?! LOL! Oh well - it was fun, and it was for a great cause. Here's a picture of me and Gus. Wonder if he thinks of me from time to time?