Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Is Chris Moore God?

I didn't think I had much to post today. I was going to do one called 'Beautiful Day' because it really was one of those and I sat outside in the sun for a bit, but also because it would irk my friend Josh. My heart wasn't in though, so I was just going to take a break until something cool happened.

Then - lo' and behold - I checked my email and something cool did indeed happen.

To set the stage, one of my favorite books is Coyote Blue, by Chris Moore. It's right up my alley on the quirky front. I've read it a couple of times. I also like his other books - Bloodsucking Fiends, Lamb, Fluke, to name a few. I would recommend any of them if you like off-kilter humour.

Anyway, a few days ago, I was checking out chrismoore.com and decided to drop him a thank you note through the contact link.

Here's the result:

Hey Chris,

I had a friend who made a list of things he's grateful for. He says it helps him remember that his life is pretty damn good most of the time. It sounded like a good idea, so I made one too.

I noticed that I was grateful for some of my favorite authors...you know, just writing stuff that I've enjoyed reading. I also realized that I don't express enough appreciation for the good stuff in my life.

So, that said, I just wanted to thank you for writing. That's it really. I would thank you for watching my dog when I went to Europe that one time, but since you didn't do that, I'll just stick to thanking you for writing.

By the way, I'm sure that if you actually knew me and lived next door (or even down the street), you would probably watch my dog for me when I went to Europe again. That would be a nice gesture and I would really be thankful for that. So, just in case we ever meet and become neighbors, I might as well thank you in advance for looking after the pooch. I owe you some beer for that.

Anyway, thanks and have a fantastic week.

And today came this reply:
Shawn:

Thanks for the nice note. And yes, not only would I watch your dog, I was watching your dog when you went to Europe, as I am always watching everyone's dog. Not taking care of them or anything, just watching them.

Amen.

Take care.

Chris Moore

I don't know...it's a small thing, but even small kindnesses can seem a bit rare. There aren't many authors that are that responsive to their readers. Chuck Palahniuk is another that comes to mind.

So, that's twice that Chris Moore has sent me an email. I'm amazed...truly. I already have all his books, so I might have to go out and buy a paperback of his just to give away.

5 comments:

Laura said...

I LOVE "Lamb". It's one of the funniest things I've ever read. I have yet to get some of his others, but they're on my to do list. That's really cool that he wrote you back. It could have been some cheesey form letter, but you could tell someone actually sat down and wrote that.

Melissa said...

I bought "Coyote Blue" on a suggestion from a friend. Might have to re-read in order to up my appreciation level. I think it is super cool he wrote you a note...plus, hey, he is always watching your dog. That's cool too.

thephoenixnyc said...

Hey that is really f-ing cool. Way to go. I will hav eto check his stuff out.

You might like Carl Hiassen.

Shawn said...

L - If you like Lamb, you'll like his other stuff. I would read one of his early ones first though...they tend to be a bit better...personal opinion on course.

Melissa - I thought you got lost in the forest or something...glad you found your way back. How's the Rust Ranch?

Phoenix - Yeah, I definitely like Hiassen. Far cry from the Russian writers though, huh?

tshsmom said...

How COOL!!
I'll have to recommend those books to my husband; he loves quirky humor.