BOOK FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS
January 1, 2009
Hello Dear Readers,
I enjoy getting feedback on WHERE THE LAKE BECOMES THE RIVER. It's always interesting to hear what people like about the book, what questions arose for them while reading, what they think should have been addressed -- or what they think should've been left out.
One person may think there's way too much about racism in the book; another complains that the subject of racism is not adequately addressed. People wonder what's based on "real life experiences" and what's sheer fiction. --For more on this subject, please see the interview with Art Taylor in Metro Magazine:
http://www.arttaylorwriter.com/2008/12/14/debut-novelist-kate-betterton-talks-about-fiction-family-death-and-life-after-death/
One reader thinks the McCulloughs are wimps for letting Etta Fae stay with them, but another thinks they are brave for protecting her, despite how problematic she is. (One of my favorite reader reactions, from an old friend, "I'd like to step right into the book and slap that Etta Fae!")
Please let me know any reactions you have while reading WHERE THE LAKE-- Writing is a solitary occupation, by and large, and hearing readers' reactions, questions, and suggestions transforms the creation of this fictional world into a collaborative event. To provide feedback, or say whatever is on your mind, just use the Contact link provided above.
If you've read the book and enjoyed it, please consider posting a brief review on WHERE THE LAKE BECOMES THE RIVER's page on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Powell's, etc. online, since such reviews are a main reason that potential readers are drawn to a new book.
Next up is a reading January 29th at 4:00 p.m. at the Bull's Head Bookshop on the UNC Campus in Chapel Hill. News about upcoming readings can be tracked at http://www.booktour.com --just type in "Kate Betterton."
If your favorite local bookstore does not happen to have WHERE THE LAKE BECOMES THE RIVER, please ask them to order it for you. You can also order it from independent bookstores at http://www.booksense.com, or from Amazon, B&N, Powell's, and so forth online. If your library does not carry it, you can request that they add a copy to their collection.
Thanks! And Happy New Year! May 2009 be the best ever for you and your loved ones.
All the best,
Kate