A Humbling
Sometimes, something is just that good
I consider myself a fairly skilled, and a slightly successful writer. I always consider a piece of writing to be successful if someone is willing to pay for it. So, I guess, I see my paid subscribers here on Substack as proof that I must be doing something right.
But, I make no claims to greatness in the craft of writing.
Sometimes, like this past weekend, I am reminded why.
I feel badly because I’ve got a big stack of books waiting to be read. And some of them are books that friends have sent me, so those occasionally weigh on my mind. I read them in order of acquisition though, and this past weekend I started Baby Driver by Jan Kerouac.
Friday night, I read Chapter One.
And was immediately humbled.
Chapter One of Baby Driver is perhaps one of the finest chapters of prose I’ve ever had the joy of reading.
The other Kerouac (Jan’s father) has been loved by millions. In contrast Jan’s work has remained in relative obscurity. Proving perhaps, that my theory about sales is all wrong, for Baby Driver can easily stand among the greatest novels in American literature.
Buy it. I promise that you will like it.
The story of a hardscrabble life on the road, written in truly delightful prose.
You can snag your copy on Bookshop.org
While you are doing that, I’ll be here, typing. Struggling to reach Ms. Kerouac’s mighty heights.
I have to admit, so far as writing, I keep coming back to your posts. Know that I enjoy the thought you put in to them. While It isn't a book, Its inspired me several times to write my own paper.
Sometimes the most interesting things can be found right beneath our noses...