So there I was last night at a reading by Rob Sawyer to help promote "Watch", the second book in his WWW series at the Halifax Public Library.

I got there early and bought a copy of the first book "Wake" from the booksale table at the back. I always try to make it a point to buy a book from any writer whose reading I attend. I know where they're coming from and we're all in this boat together - you know what I'm saying?

So I sat there and read the first 4 chapters in the fifteen minutes or so before the reading began.

Afterwards, during the Q&A session I decided I wanted to say something about the book I had bought. I was thinking that if I could somehow draw attention to the bookseller at the back that it might help Rob sell a few more copies.

I stuck my hand up and said "Rob, I bought this book and have been reading it and I'm here to tell you that this is a fast read. I mean, this fucking book gallops!"

What can I tell you? I just opened my mouth and the words fell out.

That'll make a great blurb on his next book, I figure.

The bookseller afterwards told me that my comment was the highlight of his night.

The first Robert Sawyer I've ever read. Definitely won't be my last. This fucking book gallops!

yours in storytelling,

Steve Vernon