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September 26, 2006
What Paul Mikos Says About Taylor Field's Novel, SQUAT
Paul Mikos, a B&H Publishing Group backlist and special products editor, writes the following about SQUAT, a novel by Taylor Field that released to stores on September 1, 2006:
I picked up a galley at BEA and this is, hands down, the best B&H novel I've read, ever. The character development is so rich and authentic; I will never forget them. They are people we see on the street every day. There is tension, drama, conflict, suspense, and unrequited love. It is gritty without being offensive, and still very believable and real. It is a tense ride in the day of the life of the lead character, Squid, who is sympathetic, and damaged, and lovable, but utterly frustrating because of his irrational choices. I gained a new compassion, sympathy, and understanding for the fear and neurosis that grips his heart and dictates the choices that keep him on the street.
The book challenges the very heart of compassion with questions I've often asked myself. If I give this man a dollar, am I just enabling him to buy booze? Is my "help" keeping him on the street? The conclusion is that it is good and right to care for the poor, to help, to show compassion. Even if someone is damaged beyond anything we can "fix," God is still able to touch his heart.
There is a scene where Squid is so caught up in the tension of desperately needing a touch from God but is utterly determined to refuse it. When he finally yields, only enough to bow his head and allow someone to pray for him, you, the reader, are swept up in the wave of peace that washes over him in a way you will never forget. It is realistic and believable and edifying, without having to walk through a sinner's prayer in some contrived "Christian fiction" device to show people how they can be saved.
After reading it, I want to talk about it, which is a good sign that this is a great book for book clubs and reading groups. This is an excellent book for any church small group or cell group engaged in inner-city ministry or ministry to the homeless. It is not a book to give away to the homeless. It is a book that will encourage those with a heart for ministering to the poor. Anyone who has ever volunteered at Room in the Inn or their local mission has met these characters and will love this book. It will also appeal to those who enjoy great fiction, vivid imagery, unpacking symbolism, and the other pleasures of reading great writing.
http://www.SquatBook.com
Posted by bh_staff at 5:07 PM
Watch Our Videos
Did you know we produce promotional videos for some titles. Check them out here.
or paste in this URL
http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/video_downloads.asp
Posted by bh_staff at 2:50 AM
New Oracle Technology
Hey trade customers! B&H is implementing a cool new backend technology system that will make ordering from us easier. We've got more info posted in our Press Room.
Click on the Press Room link or pasted in this URL:
http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/article.asp?article=72
Posted by bh_staff at 2:46 AM
September 23, 2006
Farewell, Bonnie!
On the one hand, I'll certainly miss Bonnie Batey's contribution to the trade book marketing and promotions team. On the other hand, she's not really leaving. What? Bonnie is moving into a brand manager position at B&H, working with authors that include Vicki Courtney, the Kids Concoctions team, Stephen Baldwin, Henry Blackaby and more.
So, she'll still be working with authors, media, and the like, but she'll be doing so in a slightly different capacity. And, lucky for the trade book promotions team, she'll still be in close proximity to the team of myself, Andrea Irwin, Kristen Polk, and Miriam Evans.
Which brings me to another news item: Andrea Irwin, our promotions coordinator, transitioned into a marketing and promotions team leader position a few months ago. Her new nickname is "Doc," since she recently completed her masters degree! In turn, Miriam Evans, a longtime and well-loved LifeWay employee, has joined us as promotions coordinator.
As we gear up in the month of October to produce a Summer 2007 product catalog, it's a bit overwhelming to consider how fast time passes. For my nine-year-old Sam, it is puzzling that we could even be thinking 2007 when he is consumed with how many days (30) it is before his next birthday! By the way, thirty translates into forever at his age!
For my husband and I, celebrating our birthdays the month of September, it seems our birthdays pop up more frequently than we would perhaps like them to, though for the record, he is two days older than me and not allowed to forget it.
So bring on October, birthdays, cake, and catalogs. Oh, and bring on a new trade book marketing team member . . . Congratulations, Bonnie!
Posted by rpatterson at 5:11 PM