Reading gives us someplace to go…
Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are. —Mason Cooley
Design: Candace
Goodreads Book Giveaway – until December 18, 2015
Enter to win one autographed paperback of because, from now until December 18, 2015. Please see Giveaway Terms and Conditions.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
because
by Jack A. Langedijk
Giveaway ends December 18, 2015.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
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Grady said…
HALL OF FAME – TOP 100 REVIEWER – VINE VOICE
Canadian author Jack Langedijk received his BFA in Montreal at Concordia University and his MFA at York University in Toronto and has taught acting and directing at Concordia University and Ryerson University in Toronto. Jack’s gift is his humanistic enthusiasm and he shares his passion for life in workshops in leadership and listening and hearing to the spectrum of audiences that embrace children at the elementary school level through families and even corporations, an interest that resulted in his founding QUEST-I’m-ON, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to create and foster healthy relationships within schools, workplaces and homes. In ‘because’, his debut novel, he weaves personal lessons with a fictional setting that articulates and instills fresh strategies for social issues such as teen bullying. Yet dealing with such topics his overall message is the power we have to overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams and goals.
Reading Jack’s first novel the first response is one of surprise that a man who has not published before writes so succinctly and professionally and passionately. His language is at all times appropriate to his characters and the people who he has created as characters are so three-dimensional they seem like familiar friends.
The synopsis by the author is a fine one: “I’m not supposed to be here!” The tragic accident on Mount Everest changes everything for Roberto Sanchez, a loving 48-year-old husband to Monique, and father to Jenny. As a professional mountain climber and motivational speaker, he had reached the summit of many mountains and helped others reach theirs. Now facing the toughest climb of his life, Roberto is troubled by his own ideals and morals. As his family life tumbles through turbulent events, he is no longer the giver of service but the recipient – a shift that instills anger and pushes away the people he loves most. When Jenny receives her father’s private journal – the one he promised as her inheritance, once he was dead – it is a race against time for her to get to him…before it’s too late.”
Superb writing and a thoughtful story make this a book that deserves no[t] only a wide reading audience but seems molded for a film. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, September 15
A book is a dream…
A book is a dream that you hold in your hand. — Neil Gaiman
Design: Virginia
Photo Credit: Nagesh Jayaraman
One year later…
What a wonder-full adventure writing this book has been—because…well, there have been many creative risks I have taken in my life but none like this book! Most of the creations of mine have been as an actor, director and producer in theatre and film. I have had some of the most profound thrills of a lifetime performing and directing. I have been incredibly fortunate to have been blessed with amazing reactions: having a full auditorium burst into full-celebrated laughter…feel the silent echo of stillness that a deep touching moment can bring to an audience…gratefully bowing to a spontaneous standing ovation…or feeling that sense of pride of a job well done through newspapers or radios gifting me with critical praise. I have always felt a strong sense of WORTH through my work (really it never felt like work; more like play).
And now after a year of having because out there in the world, I feel a new sense of worth that doesn’t end. Of course, it is a long road when one self publishes. I mean writing a book is a huge achievement but then you have to find readers! From discovering all the author tools out there to building a website to connect with all of you, the new journey as an author has been a very exciting and rewarding learning experience.
At first it was different for me because I’m used to having that immediate response from an audience. But then when the show is over the response dies out. With a book, the show never ends as the potential audience is always there and it’s so diversified in its age and country. It plays at all times of the day and night. On crowded subways, in cafes, on a back porch swing and late at night under the covers…and that idea—that the audience is no longer a collective of people, but each audience member is alone somewhere in the world sharing my story—makes it feel more of an intimate creative experience than I ever had.
And it’s exciting to connect with and receive invaluable feedback from many people—family, friends, readers and site visitors—who have reached out through facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and private emails. I’ve received many great reviews for the book, and just today I received another amazing message from someone who felt my book had helped her through a struggle she was having in her life. All these moments along with all your care and support have made this an incredible journey for me and my wife. So thank you for your support and for a wonder-full year 🙂
My interview with Norm Goldman
Norm Goldman, the Publisher and Editor of Bookpleasures, recently invited me for an online interview. One interesting thing I found out was that Norm went to Concordia University (when it was called Sir George Williams University) in Montreal a few years before I went there in the 70s.
Here is my interview with Norm. There are many other author interviews and book reviews available on the site so you may want to stop by for a visit.
Around our garden
It’s currently 30° and feels like 38° Celsius in Toronto. Apparently 35.6° C was the record high set on July 29, 1949.
Although it is hot here, our family is really enjoying the remaining days of the summer, spending much time outdoor on the swing on our deck that overlooks our garden. I hope you are enjoying your summer too!