"Books And Causes Work Together!"
Robin's Chapter
By Robin Kall
Motif
(10/13/2004)

I received an email in April regarding a new book soon to be released by Suzanne Strempak Shea, entitled Shelf Life-Romance, Mystery, Drama, And Other Page-Turning Adventures From A Year In A Bookstore. The publicist asked if I was interested in interviewing Suzanne on my radio program. I had read and enjoyed Suzanne’s novel, Hoopi Shoopi Donna, and met her while she was in town to receive the New England Book Award for Fiction in 2000. “Sure, I’d love to interview Suzanne”; as I read a bit about her new book I knew just the right time to do the interview.

Shelf Life is about the Suzanne’s experience working part-time as a bookseller while recovering from treatments for breast cancer. Suzanne saw the opportunity as “a way to get out of her pajamas and back into the world.” Shelf Life is the perfect gift to give the book lover on your list. Not only will he or she identify with the amusing stories the author shares, but will come away with other “must reads” as well (Monica Wood’s The Pocket Muse is one that I added to my “need to own” list!). The author shares comments from customers such as: “This trilogy has only three books. Where’s the fourth?” With warmth and keen observation we get a glimpse into a day in the life of a bookstore.

When I first pitched the idea to do my radio show, “Reading With Robin”, I was told that I could definitely do a show- the program director just wasn’t so sure about a show about “books”- that’s when the “sell” began. I was asked whether keeping a show to “books” would be limiting. Books, limiting? Were we speaking the same language? How could a topic so broad as books be limiting- I had the guests lined up in my head already! As Suzanne so accurately describes in Shelf Life: “…because there is a book about nearly everything you would ever want or need to know, on any subject that might slightly or greatly interest you...” This was exactly how I felt about doing the radio show. A topic I wanted to discuss? Choose the book and there’s a show! A favorite author just put out a new novel- another show! It would be endless if it weren’t for the limitation of the one hour per week.

Having the ability to showcase causes that are of importance to me, and having a platform, (and microphone) is what makes doing the program personal and so meaningful. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month I knew that it would be the perfect time to have Suzanne Strempak Shea on the show to discuss her book- Shelf Life. Even though it was released in May, I knew that true to its title, the shelf life of her story would be without expiration. I am looking forward to discussing our mutual passion for books and reading, as well as talking about breast cancer awareness and the importance of vigilance in terms of taking charge of our own health.

At the end of the month (Saturday, October 30th) I will have Stan Mack, the author of Janet & Me – An Illustrated Story Of Love And Loss, on to share his story. It is the story of his partner's battle with breast cancer, and his role as her caregiver. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Mack is the former art director of The New York Times Sunday Magazine. He has also written and illustrated a number of children’s picture books, including the best-selling 10 Bears in My Bed. I was contacted by Stan’s sister and cousin, both of whom live locally and who will join me in-studio as we speak with Stan about his illustrated memoir. It will be interesting to hear a man’s perspective and I know that my audience will learn much from Stan’s insight.

A show about books- limiting? Now that would make a great story!!

(Tune into “Reading With Robin” Saturday mornings from 7-8AM on WHJJ 920AM!) www.readingwithrobin.com

**Save the date!** Sunday, November 21st from Noon-4PM
2nd anniversary Reading With Robin celebration at Barnes and Noble, Warwick!
Authors, prizes, cake plus a few surprises!!