Monday, October 10, 2011

Author Joseph Rinaldo: What Books Mean To Me


Last month I had the pleasure of virtually meeting another new author and I’d like to welcome him here today as the special guest blogger.

Author Joseph Rinaldo recently published an e-book entitled, A SPY AT HOME. Here’s a brief synopsis of it: Garrison’s story begins whenA SPY AT HOME he retires from the CIA. In retirement Garrison shares the pain he inflicted on his family during his life abroad. Noah, Garrison’s adult son with Down syndrome (a form of mental retardation) doesn’t trust dad when he returns home. Experience has taught Noah that dad always leaves again. Over time they grow closer.

Louisa, Garrison’s wife, gradually accepts her husband back; however, accepting him as her husband and trusting him with her child present two separate obstacles.

Tragedy strikes, and Louisa dies. Garrison becomes solely responsible for Noah, who has developed Alzheimer’s, common in aging people with Down syndrome. This disease tears at Garrison’s heart. Noah ceases to be himself and relives a life his dad knew nothing about.

Joseph has joined us today to answer an age-old question, ‘What do books mean to you?’

I can't remember a time in my life when reading wasn't important to me. My family are all readers, and it always surprises me when someone tells me that they don't read much. 

I even know one person who not only has never been to a library, but who admits they have never read a book all the way through. I was so shocked by this, I was speechless (and if you knew me, you'd know how rare this is!).

Reading for information is important, but in my life, reading is most often pure escapism. Traveling to other lands, through other peoples' lives, into other realities is a way to take a mini-vacation from my own challenges. It's easy to get lost in stories and forget about the day-to-day trials and tribulations of real life. 

As you go deeper and deeper into someone else's universe, suddenly the importance of your broken lawn mower, long hours at work, and too-crowded schedule begins to fade away. At least for a while. Minutes, even hours, can pass free from worry and stress.

So, I challenge you, blog readers, to pick up a book or turn on your e-reader. Lose yourself in a book; it can be the best therapy – and it's certainly cheaper than a shrink!

Joseph, thanks so much for guest blogging today. You are so right about being about to escape from life’s stress and worries when reading. It’s amazing all the places you can go through the power of books.

Joseph resides in Nashville, TN. For more on  and his writing, check out his website.

Do books help you unwind after a long day at work or a hectic day of just doing day-to-day activities? Do you read for work or pleasure or both? Thanks for stopping by today.

9 comments:

  1. Joseph, thanks again for guest blogging. Wishing you much success with your writing.

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  2. Hi Mason and Joseph .. it's good you've raised two important issues here .. and I didn't know Downs Syndrome affected people were likely to develop Alzheimers. I must make a note of your book to purchase anon, it sounds a very interesting and more importantly informative read.

    I struggle to read a whole book - a quick novel yes, but something that gives more I need to really sit and concentrate. I've always read - but have realised that a lot has gone over my head .. and I've never 'researched in my mind' or analysed aspects that would have added so much to the book/story. That's all changing now - just it's time to encompass all I want to learn! I'm getting there ..

    Thanks - excellent book choice Mason .. I hope a few readers pick up this post and book .. cheers Hilary

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  3. I read for pleasure and if there wasn't any books to read, I don't know what I would do.

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  4. Mason - Thanks for hosting Joseph.

    Joseph - Thanks so much for your insights on reading and what books mean to you. I have to say I'm the kind of passionate reader who reads for all sorts of reasons. I read to learn, to escape, to challenge myself, etc... I wish you much success with your writing!

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  5. Great plot on your book. The MC sure is dealing with a lot of stuff.

    Also, I agree that reading is so important. All writers should be readers, IMHO.

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  6. This sounds like a powerful book. There's so much we take for granted. Thanks for posting this.
    Ann

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  7. Thanks, all, for your kind words and thoughtful comments. I enjoyed writing A Spy At Home, and I based the character with Down syndrome very loosely on my daughter, who also has Down. The Down syndrome-Alzheimer's connection is very frightening to my family, and we are looking forward to the day when researchers break the "code" and conquer this insidious disease for all people, not just those with Down (hopefully this will happen sooner rather than later). Again many thanks, and those of you who buy and read the book are welcome to contact me with any comments or write a review if you wish (would be much appreciated). My direct email address is rinald47@gmail.com.
    Again, thank you all, and especially thanks to MC.
    Joe

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  8. What a story. I read for research and for pleasure.

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