Two of My Faves

If you've read this blog for more than a couple of weeks, you've probably already discovered that I faithfully follow people, events, and causes that I believe in. Don't we all?! Two people that I follow, Author Tess Gerritsen and Musician Ben(jamin) Taylor, had big releases this week.

Tess Gerritsen's latest book The Keepsake released yesterday. Below is a partial exerpt from her website. Click here (or on the link at the end of the exerpt) to read the full text:

DR. MAURA ISLES could not decide whether to stay or to flee.

She lingered in the shadows of the Pilgrim Hospital parking lot, well beyond the glare of the klieg lights, beyond the circle of TV cameras. She had no wish to be spotted, and most local reporters would recognize the striking woman whose pale face and bluntly cut black hair had earned her the nickname “Queen of the Dead”. As yet no one had noticed Maura’s arrival, and not a single camera was turned in her direction. Instead, the dozen reporters were fully focused on a white van that had just pulled up at the hospital’s lobby entrance to unload its famous passenger. The van’s rear doors swung open and a lightning storm of camera flashes lit up the night as the celebrity patient was gently lifted out of the van and placed onto a hospital gurney. This patient was a media star whose newfound fame far outshone any mere medical examiner’s. Tonight Maura was merely part of the awestruck audience, drawn here for the same reason the reporters had converged like frenzied groupies outside the hospital on a warm Sunday night.

All were eager to catch a glimpse of Madam X.

Maura had faced reporters many times before, but the rabid hunger of this mob alarmed her. She knew that if some new prey wandered into their field of vision, their attention could shift in an instant, and tonight she was already feeling emotionally bruised and vulnerable. She considered escaping the scrum by turning around and climbing back into her car. But all that awaited her at home was a silent house and perhaps a few too many glasses of wine to keep her company on a night when Daniel Brophy could not. Lately there were far too many such nights, but that was the bargain she had struck by falling in love with him. The heart makes its choices without weighing the consequences. It doesn’t look ahead to the lonely nights that follow.

The gurney carrying Madam X rolled into the hospital and the wolf pack of reporters chased after it. Through the glass lobby doors, Maura saw bright lights and excited faces, while outside in the parking lot, she stood alone.  (continue reading here)

Maura Isles is a recurring character in Gerritsen's books. She is a medical examiner with an intriguing past and is understood by few. I enjoy reading this character  -- and others. This book is on my Paperbackswap Wishlist... I am number 1 of 142 people in the queue, so I should receive it soon. You may wonder why I am not purchasing this book if I like the author so much. Well, that is a good question. I've been first on the list for this book since late January. I try to be consciencous about my spending (really, Michael :) ) and good to the environment (less paper use and all that). That said, I do plan to attend on of Tess' book signings on October 8, 2008 @ 7:00 pm (Barnes and Noble, Framingham MA). Chances are very good I'll buy a book directly from that location for her to sign, and will re-circulate the copy I get from PBS. So you see, this is smart thinking on my part. I get the book for free right away, then get an untouched, signed copy for me.

Benjamin Taylor's latest album, The Legend of Kung Folk: Part 1 (The Killing Bite), also released yesterday. I received my copy from Amazon yesterday and am listening to it (over and over, you'd better believe). It is very good. The music is a little different than his previous albums and I love it just as much.  Coincident with the album release was an interview with Taylor on Docutunes.tv (below).

I am anxiously awaiting some more tour dates so I can see him in person.

So that is my book and music plug for the day! Smiles!