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Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2007 > June > 20 > Entry
summer is now official
When do you decide that it is summer? I suppose you could look at the calendar. Yep, it’s summer, as of today.
I do prefer the more esoteric signals that summer has arrived—Rob, the UPS guy taking the week off-baby groundhogs scurrying away as I bicycle past-day lilies filling the ditches with their orange sway—fauns taking their first wobbly steps.
For me, the surest sign of summer is the arrival of a new book by James Lee Burke. There it was today in the mail—”The Tin Roof Blowdown” (Simon & Schuster), and yes, it’s a Dave Robicheaux Novel.
For my money there is nothing quite as pleasant as relaxing with a new crime case by Burke on a soft summer’s day. Jim Burke is one of our greatest storytellers. His character, Dave Robicheaux, is the classic flawed crimefighter, battling his inner demons. He’s an alcoholic. He fights the desire for a drink. He’s violent. He beats up on bad guys with a rage that verges on criminality.
A few books back, Dave married a nun. At least, she used to be a nun. She offers him a moral and emotional anchor.
Burke is a superb writer and a super interview. We have talked about his work many times over the years. He came through on book tour back in the mid-90’s. That was the first time we met. He stopped touring a few years ago—he doesn’t like to fly and he has some problems with vertigo.
This time of year he’ll be up at his place in Montana. These past three Julys we have hooked up by phone to talk about his latest novels. I hope to speak with him again real soon.
That will make it really official. Summer, that is.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: escapism
Comments
By vick mickunas
June 23, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Linda, I saw another faun this morning right across the road from my house. They are such lovely creatures.By Linda Doggett
June 23, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Ohio certainly MUST be a wild place if it’s inhabited by fauns…