On Thursday I attended the book launch for Sara Zarr’s new novel Once Was Lost. It was a wonderful event, with a reading and a Q&A, and beautiful cookies and a birthday cake. Afterward, some of us went out to eat and had a really nice time.
I was going to do a write-up on the event, but Sara has a really cool video diary entry here, and Brodi Ashton has a funny take on it here, with photos. They both do a better job than I would.
I’ve started reading Once Was Lost. I started it the night of the signing, and intended to just read a few pages. Well, 50 pages later I was still wide awake and loving it. The main character’s voice and story simply captivated me, and are still captivating me. And Sara’s prose is flawless. I’m going to get back to reading it after I’ve posted this. You should check it out.
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My brother sent me the link to this awesome… tribute?… to Carl Sagan. The video is comprised of some of the best lines from his show, Cosmos, modulated to music. I watched Cosmos when I was in elementary school and I loved it. Sagan approached the stars with both science and poetry, and I thought his “spaceship” was about the coolest thing ever. You can now watch the entire series on Hulu here. But in the meantime, here’s that tribute.
7 responses to “Once Was Lost book launch, and Carl Sagan”
Thanks, Matt. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. Also love the Sagan video!
Wow, Matt, that was beautiful. Cosmos and Carl Sagan were a memorable part of my childhood, too. I think I hardly missed an episode.
That video is so cool. Although I feel like I just dropped acid watching it. I love it when scientists illustrate the complexities of the Universe with the tenacity of an inspired artist.
Sara – Glad you didn’t mind sharing blog space with Carl Sagan!
Elena – I’ve been re-watching the show since they put it up on Hulu, and it’s been fun.
Brodi – I hope I have your tenacity as an artist!
So what’s the book about?
It’s about a pastor’s daughter who has begun to doubt her belief in God. Her mother is in court ordered rehab for alcoholism, and her father knows his congregation better than his own family. Against this personal and family backdrop, a girl from her youth group is abducted. I don’t want to say any more than that, for fear of spoilers. But it’s a great book.
Matt,
Love the video … Carl Sagan with the robotic voice of Cher and Kermit’s love child!
Does that make you uncomfortable? 😉 Still one of the best lines of the night!