It is February 14th already. I thought I would keep things short and sweet (just like me) for my inaugural post at TKZ’s new home by sending out three group valentines with literary connections. Accordingly, in no particular order, Happy Valentine’s Day to:
1) The authors of books for children and young adults, particularly in genre fiction. Yes, I started reading Richard Prather at much too early an age, but I cut my mystery teeth on Helen Fuller Orton (if you read MYSTERY IN THE OLD RED BARN, give me an “Amen!”) and The Hardy Boys. I keep saying this, but only because it’s true: today’s children aren’t going to suddenly start reading as adults if they aren’t reading now. The authors of books aimed at children do yeoman’s work and need to be recognized for same. Herein, a start.
2) Translators. I am a huge fan of Nordic and Japanese noir and wouldn’t know a girl with a dragon tattoo from a boy in the suitcase without the folks who translate those books which are written in languages other than English into English. Bless you. And let’s not forget the legion of folks who translate the English language novels into hundreds of other languages, so that the talent which we take so much for granted may be shared with the world. At long last I’m beginning to see translators receiving proper credit on title pages and in some cases on covers. It’s late in coming, but they deserve the recognition.
3) Parents. I’m talking about the ones who read to their children and take them to the library whenever they are asked. You’re the best.
I could go on, but I’ll stop here. As for you…please consider today’s post to be one of those shoe box Valentine’s Day card boxes and submit your own offering. And Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Happy Valentine’s Day to those bloggers taking the time to educate struggling writers. We’d be lost in an internet deluge of information if not for those taking the time to simplify. Cheers!
Amanda, how very true. I’m not a teacher, but I’m married to one, and anyone who educates someone else in anything at all gets a tip of the Sweet Joseph fedora. Thank you!
And Happy Valentine’s Day to those Intellectual Property attorneys who help authors with their book contracts, like our esteemed Joe Hartlaub.
Aw, Steve, thank you. Shucks. I’ll be walking around redfaced for the rest of the day, for reasons other than high blood pressure. And a Valentine back atcha for all the folks that you take care of so well in Central Ohio on a daily basis. You’re doing God’s work, my friend.
Amen, Joe. I started on the Hardy Boys and had my first personal library card in the 3rd grade. I’ve never let it expire. By 6th grade I had read all of the works of Jules Verne, Treasure Island, White Fang and Edgar Rice Burroughs. I don’t remember my parents reading to me, but they made sure I got to the Library whenever I wanted
Had it not been for translators, I wouldn’t have gone to the center of the earth, the moon or all those leagues under the sea.
David, so YOU’RE the guy that kept me from borrowing A JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH for weeks! Seriously, that reading list is amazingly like mine at that time. Thanks for sharing. Re: A JOURNEY…I thought the book was MUCH better than the movie!
Not unless you tried to borrow it from the Argentine branch of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library.
As to the movie,most books are, I’m afraid.
All good points raised. I loved then and still do love reading The Hardy Boys. In that sense, I will never grow up! 😎 My Valentine’s Hat is off to Zane Grey. His books were life changing for me in many ways. I’ll never forget.
Great choice, BK. Zane Grey’s books still stand up well to a critical re-read. That’s the definition of classic! Hope you had a great day yesterday.