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Arnie

Arnie

has 14 followers and is following 12 people

I'm the author of the upcoming book "Bath Massacre: America's First School Bombing." This is the true story of America's deadliest act of school violence, which took place in Bath, Michigan on May 18, 1927. A school trustee wired the Bath Consolidated School with 500 pounds of explosives, killing 38 children and six adults. He blew himself up... more »
  • Chicago, Il
  • member since August 30, 2007

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Arnie’s last login was Saturday, January 1, 2011.

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Public Notes

  • says

  • Dave Gaston

    Dave Gaston says

    2008 Gastoni Award Winners
    By Dave Gaston

    4-5 Stars
    China Road / Rob Gifford
    Dual, The / John Lukacs
    Evolution / Jean-Baptiste De Panafieu
    Long Walk, The / Slavomir Rawicz
    Man Who Loved China / S.Winchester
    Only Yesterday / Fred Allen
    Peace Like A River / Leif Enger

    5 Star Audio Books
    Beatles, The / Bob Spitz
    Kill A Mockingbird, To / Harper Lee
    Outliners / Malcom Gladwell
    Reaching For Glory / Michael Beshloss
    Taking Charge / Michael Beshloss

    3+ Stars
    21; Burning Down House / B Mezrich
    Book Thief, The / Markus Zusak
    Beautiful Mind, A / Sylvia Nascar
    Consider The Lobster / David Wallace
    Living Great Lakes / Jerry Dennis
    Looking for Alaska / P Jenkens
    New World Coming / Nathan Miller
    Three Cups of Tea / Greg Mortenson
    When Engulfed Flames / D. Sedaris
    Your Inner Fish / Neil Shubin

    What does it take to win a Gastoni?
    Well, for starters, you better write a book on a topic I love. Next, your writing style has to be exquisite (to the point of awe and envy). Finally, your story telling has to be transporting. To sum it up, I quote Somerset:

    “When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me.”

    On a more personal note, the time I spent reading and listening to books this year was pure escapism. It felt like I spent most of it in a hospital waiting room (which is not true). When I’d start obsessing about my girl Gracie’s cancer I’d crack a book and ride it hard to block the worst of my fears. At night, when I needed to find a path to sleep, I’d take the easy road and escape down a story line. A good book is a gift.

    Our family has so much to be thankful for this year. For starters, Carrie and I have our girl back! She now has about an inch of fine blond hair sticking straight out of her 5 year old head. At school they call her Q-tip. Her teachers call her Q-T-tip. I’ll post a couple holiday pictures of the family up on her website: caringbridge.org/visit/gracegaston

    Your friendship is counted among my many blessings. Merry Christmas to you and your family, My best for the New Year, Dave

    posted 3 years ago. ( send a note )
  • Dave Gaston

    Dave Gaston says

    Tiz the Season. I imagine, like me, you give books. My holiday list keeps getting longer and my holiday budget keeps getting smaller. What's a guy to do? Answer: Ask his stellar and sturdy Shelfarians where they place their orders. I order the majority of my books (for my own consumption) via Amazon Used... but I'm not going to gift a used book (tacky, tacky). So, have you found a place that would offer a deep discount for a volume buy? I'd appreciate you passing on the tip. Thanks, Merry Merry, Dave

    posted 3 years ago. ( send a note )
  • Dave Gaston

    Dave Gaston says

    Hi Arnie, Just looking at a couple folk's shelves. I saw one book that I thought might be a guilty pleasure (... plus living in Chicago). It is on your to read list, called "Public Enemy." I can't tell you how bad a book that was. Trust me and dump it. Take a look at my To Read list sometimes and return the favor, knock a couple of dogs off my list. Take care my friend. Dave

    posted 3 years ago. ( send a note )
  • Doris T

    Doris T says

    Hello Arnie,

    I invite you to stop by the shelfari group, Mentoring Men.

    posted 3 years ago. ( send a note )