Keir Graff's Blog, page 3

Blogcritics: The Price of Liberty Is "a first-class thriller"

On Blogcritics.org, Lynn Voedisch has given The Price of Liberty a great review. She calls it "a terrifically ironic look at America today," "a first-class thriller," and concludes that "It will grip you, it will feel real, and it will make you think about American values." But those are just the high points—feel free to read the whole thing for yourself. Thanks, Lynn!

 

What the Well Traveled Are Reading, Part 2

An update from my friend Allen, currently touring Europe with Joe Satriani:

When traveling I always take appropriate literature . . . and this month is no exception.  Here in my cozy hotel room in Budapest, with a view of one of the darker chapters of European history, I make time for the fabulous new thriller by Keir Graff.

The Price of Liberty Will Be Reprinted

Very good news from my publisher: they're reprinting the hardcover of The Price of Liberty. If you've had a hard time finding a copy of the book that has been called "an absolutely first-rate piece of writing" (by my sons' former preschool teacher, in a delightful e-mail that I just received), you'll soon have another chance. The copies should reach the U.S. distributor by early December—just in time for holiday shopping!

New Event: Newberry Library Bookstore

This just in: on Tuesday, November 2, from 5–7:30 p.m., I'll be joining Laura Caldwell, Gillian Flynn, Jamie Freveletti, Richard Fox, and Marcus Sakey at the Newberry Library  Bookstore (60 W. Walton St., Chicago) for a wine 'n' cheese meet 'n' greet. (Or is it "mix 'n' mingle"?)

So, after you're finished voting—and what a depressing exercise that will be this year—come on down and say hi. Not only will you get to meet all those great authors, you'll get 20% off everything in the store, too!

What the Well Traveled Are Reading

From my friend Allen Whitman, currently playing bass for Joe Satriani (according to the schedule, they're in Bristol tonight):

European Rock n' Roll Tour? Check.

30 cities in 42 days? Check.

Business Class to London? Check.

The appropriate reading material? Check.

Tonight: A Big Noise in Winnetka

If you live on or around Chicago's North Shore, and you want to chase down one of the scarce copies of The Price of Liberty, come see me tonight at The Book Stall at Chestnut Court in Winnetka. I'll be reading and answering questions starting at 7 p.m. Unfortunately, I won't have my double bass with me.

Tonight at the Sulzer Library

If you live in Chicago, and you're interested in hearing my talk, "How I Kept My Day Job and Became a Published Author—and You Can, Too," tonight's your last chance, at least for awhile. I'll be at the Sulzer Regional Library, in the Lerner Auditorium, starting at 7 p.m.

I had a great time last week at Harold Washington Library Center and Thomas Ford Memorial Library. Rick Roche, librarian at the latter, published a blog post today in which he muses on my use of the term "literary ecosystem." He suggests I think big:

"Maybe Keir can write up his literary ecosystem theory, use his clever illustrations, and become famous as a literary ecoscientist. Maybe the term will even be added to the OED."

Sounds like a plan! Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to tonight. (And, after all that talking, I'll be tempted to wet my whistle at the Huettenbar.)

Hope to see you there!

This Wednesday: Live at the Chicago Public Library

This Wednesday at noon, at the Harold Washington Library Center, I'll be premiering my new library program, "How I Kept My Day Job and Became a Published Author—and You Can, Too!" (Please note the room change, from the Video Theater to the Chicago Authors Room on the seventh floor.)

And if you can't make it this week, there's always next Wednesday at 7 p.m., at the Sulzer Regional Library. Or this Friday at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library in Western Springs. Or next February in Frankfort . . ...

On Tap Tonight at The Book Cellar

I'm looking forward to Local Author Night tonight at the Book Cellar, where I'll be appearing with Bryan Gruley, Kevin Guilfoile, and D. C. Brod. That's a pretty impressive group—I'll do my best to keep up.

Also, just added an appearance at The Book Stall in early October:

Friday, October 6

7-8 p.m.

The Book Stall at Chestnut Court

811 Elm St.

Winnetka, IL

See you around!

AM/FM on the WWW

Audio of my interview with Rick Kogan has just been posted on the WGN website. Kogan was kind enough to call The Price of Liberty "one of the best books of the year by any local author." Click here to listen!

And, if you missed hearing me talk to Cherie Newman on "The Write Question," click here.