A little old ladies book review

Just when I think I'm starting to get a handle on this writing business my ego takes another hit. This time from a little old lady that fancies herself as a hoity toity book reviewer. She's actually a friend of a friend that I sort of took a liking to while visiting my friend in his retirement complex. She's well educated, informed and loves to read. She joined our conversation and the topic of children's stories came up. She adores reading stories written with the innocence of children in mind. My friend mentioned to her that I have written several children's stories for my grand kids and hope to publish them sometime in the near future. "Oh, I'd love to read them!" she laughingly declared, grinning from ear to ear at the mere thought of some new literary discoveries. She literally begged me for copies. Although I guard my stories carefully, after many futile attempts at weaseling my way out of it, I found it impossible to refuse her. So, the next time I visited I carried with me copies of a few of my stories, placing them in her thin and wrinkled hands only after she swore not to share them with anyone under any circumstances. Off she went, back to her room to enjoy her new found treasure with a promise to return them when I came back the following week. I lost a couple hands of cribbage, finished my visit and left.

On Thanksgiving morning, as is my tradition I came by the retirement home and once again played a few rounds of cribbage plus some penny ante poker to boot. I always lose! It's a tradition you know. Just before I left the little old lady came into the common area with my manuscripts tucked carefully under her arm. As she wheeled up she looked into my eyes, frowning and said I needed some coaching on children's stories. They were just too innocent! She snapped, I should put in some blood and guts, some scary stuff and more reason to make kids cry. I am hiding them from the cruelty of the real world. She put the stories into my outstretched hands, turned and wheeled away without further comment. Leaving my friend and I, considering her initial enthusiasm sitting there in complete, dumbfounded confusion. The nurse standing nearby, seeing our dismay gently reminded us that the little old lady is in a stage of Alzheimer's where she has occasional signs of normalcy, other times of complete mental reverse and all behaviors in between. We indeed had forgotten that fact. A half hour later she gave me a quick smile and stated how much she enjoyed the stories as she wheeled off to the dining area. Life deals us certain situations every day, I think just to keep us humble and on our toes. I am reminded not to take anything for granted. Just to make sure I am re-reading my children's stories.

Kindle and Google books announcement

Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime is now available on Amazon Kindle and Google Ebooks. Is that cool or what? I received an email last night from a new fan in Arizona telling me about how easily he could read it on his screen. He also rubbed it in that he was sitting on his back porch in 70* temperatures as opposed to the 30 some degrees here in Michigan. That was fun to hear. I knew it was coming but wasn't exactly sure when. Such is the life of a new author. Each day brings a new experience.

Question: What percentage of the United States coast line is in Alaska?

Another question: How many supervisors does it take to dig a hole?

Still another question: Can an adult actually lick their elbow?

Last question: What does a peach taste like when you rub your finger on an onion and then hold it under your nose.

One of the reasons I enjoy unusual questions and their answers is it reminds me that things are not always what they seem in the beginning. Also, some things remain the same no matter what.

I visited the grandfather of an old friend the other day, he is getting on in age rather well and lives by himself in a home not far from the city. Our conversation went well except for one peculiar thing of note. He kept mentioning how pleased he was with his choice of socks that day and showed them to me every time. At least I thought that was peculiar. Wouldn't you? Or, maybe it's just me.

Remember to send this website to everyone you know and like. OK, you can send it to those you don't like too. I'd appreciate it............. www.joesstory.com

Joe's Story really is the book of a lifetime.

Best book of the year

Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime, I was told recently, is the best book of the year they have read by members of a reading club. I felt quite honored because they read only non-fiction and mostly by well known authors. Yours truly, Joseph A. Cramer with several published articles and a couple of books under his belt hasn't been living under a rock all these years but on the other hand, there are no statues of me placed in any central parks either. To receive a compliment of that caliber from a group of about 25 critics was a real treat.



I had a great time listening to the discussion of Joe's Story at the weekly meeting and enjoyed answering their questions. The "Squirmy Worm Book Club" is a fun group to be with. They heard about Joe's Story through a news article concerning the 30th annual Silver treasure hunt, got their copies through Amazon.com and journeyed by the written word with me through life. They voted it the best book they had read all year and invited me to join them for coffee. Complimentary for the most part some of them did question my reasoning behind leaving grammatical and misspelling errors in the printing of the book. My answer is always that when my memory came back after 2 years of amnesia I was more aware of the imperfections we all have. I felt a perfectly written book would not be a true and honest rendering of my life. I explained that I totally understand there are professional book reviewers that will not go beyond the errors. It is their job to protect the purity of literature. It was my job to write it the way I remembered it, errors and all. I am imperfect, that's what the story is all about: Going beyond imperfections and doing what you can to survive.



Every day brings a new experience since Joe's Story was first published. No matter the hurdles they said, I need to promote and market Joe's Story in any way I can. "There is a wonderful story here. The best book we've read all year." I'm trying to do just that. I'd appreciate you're help getting the word out to everyone you know that loves a good story. Once you read Joe's Story, in a very good way part of it will be with you the rest of your life. There isn't anything wrong with good stuff. click on http://www.joesstory.com/ and check it out. You can help by placeing the books name, "Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime" in any subject line on every social network you can. It doesn't cost you a dime and I believe it will help a lot of people find a good read.

Senior bloggers attention

Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime Written by me, Joe Cramer is an excellent book. I need your help. Over the past couple of years since Joe's Story was published a number of hurdles have prevented me from properly promoting it. Water over the dam and the fact remains that Joe's Story is still a wonderful, historical, often humerous, true story. I appeal to seniors because as a rule they are discretionary and prefer to not waste time or money on second rate stuff. I ask that you check out www.joesstory.com and mention it on your blog or any other social network you use.

Millions of people are using twitter and facebook as a means of social communication. I do not participate because of time restraints. I need the help of as many senior bloggers, twitterers and facebookers as possible to get the word out about Joe's Story. While it may not be a classic piece of literature, for those of us that experienced the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's, Joe's Story will tickle your memories and emotions and bring a smile to your face like few other books can.

Yes, this is a blatant attempt at promotion. At this time there is are no other means available to me so I ask those of you who have gone through much of what I have to assist me in my quest: Getting Joe's Story out there in the hands of those who will appreciate its relevance and life improving sentiments. I have not received any unflattering reviews of it. I have received hundreds of positive comments and most people that have read it say that their life is more meaningful now. I couldn't ask for a better outcome, could you?

In the past we all used to help each other. Today is the beginning of my on line promotion of Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime. Give me a hand if you can. I'd really appreciate it. Thank you in advance................Joe