PC #113 – Book Blurb

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Here’s what’s called the book’s “blurb,” the writing that goes on the back cover, or as text accompanying an ebook listing –

I gird my loins, posting this – and welcome your comments… and ask you the most important question: If you read this blurb, would it make you want to buy the book?

THE WAY, MY WAY

“I’d never done anything crazy like this before – a pilgrimage walk. I was not a hiker, and I wasn’t a Catholic. In fact, I wasn’t even sure I was a Christian. On the last government census when I had to state my religion, I’d said I was a Buddhist, mainly because they’ve had such a hard time in Tibet and I felt they needed my statistical support.

I was also not an adventure traveller. For me, adventure travel was flying coach. All this backpacking and wearing of heavy boots and flying off to France to walk ancient pilgrimage routes was a new experience, and not one that made me feel entirely comfortable.”

And so Bill Bennett, an Australian based film director, set off on an 800 kilometre walk across Spain to Santiago de Compostela, not sure why he was doing it, and not feeling entirely comfortable. His discomfort increased markedly a few days later when his knee gave out – so the rest of the walk was a “pain management pilgrimage.”

But he kept his sense of humour, and his memoir is at times hilarious but also deeply moving, and insightful.  In the vein of Bill Bryson and Eric Newby, The Way, My Way takes you on a unique spiritual journey, and gives you a hearty laugh along the way.

 

23 thoughts on “PC #113 – Book Blurb”

  2. Bill,

    As I have not walked my Camino, I am reading everything I can get my hands on that sounds half-way interesting. Having read your every word since April, because I have found your writing so interesting and informative I am not a very good person to give my opinion since I already think your writing is first class!

    You will sell lots of these books….

    Debbie

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  5. Hi Bill
    It gives the impression of an interesting easy-to-read book. And please don’t take that in a derogatory way. It makes me think it could be something I could give my family that may help them understand why I am so drawn to the Camino. Sort of along the lines of Anh Do’s delightful book ….. The Happiest Refugee. But then I may be way off track so I will just have to read it first.

    It’s very generous of you Bill to let all us Camino Tragics have a little insight and input into the creation of a book. Thank you.

    Debbie

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    • Hi Deborah –

      If that’s the impression you have based on the cover, then it’s doing its job – which is great!

      Easy to read is what I aspire to – because it’s so damn hard technically.

      People reading a book that’s easy to read think that means it’s easy to write, but believe me it’s not. It’s incredibly difficult. Anyone who has ever tried to write knows how hard it is to get your prose flowing effortlessly. As I say, that’s what I aspire to – and I hope I’ve managed it most of the time in this book.

      Also, I’ve enjoyed getting PGS family feedback along the way – it keeps me honest!!

      Bill

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  6. Sounds about right with two comments. Is kilometer misspelled or is it spelled differently in Australia than US, or have I been misspelling it myself all along? Could be.

    Second, I notice that it goes from first person to third person. Probably intentional. You know I am not a critic of any kind.

    Steve

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    • Hi Steve,

      Yes, kilometre is spelt this way in Australia – and to shift from first person to third person because the first section is a direct quote from the book, while the second part is a commentary on the book.

      You’re onto it early!

      And yes, Jill and I appropriated the single pole – we ARE shameless, but everyone here knows you are the man!

      🙂

      Bill

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      • Told you I was no critic. That is why I have not offered any helpful hints. 🙂

        Even Texans can spell kilometer and we don’t even have any. 🙂

        When will they learn to spell in Australia? 🙂

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          • Is that “good morning luv, from Texas” for me or for Jill?

            I watched BEHIND THE CANDELABRA last night – the movie about the gay relationship between Liberace and his assistant, starring Michael Douglas as Liberace, and Matt Damon as his young lover.

            The film was directed by one of my favourite filmmakers – Steven Soderbergh – (Oceans 11, Erin Brokovitch, Sex Lies & Videotape etc). It’s been nominated for 15 Emmys (screened on HBO) and has some very graphic male sex scenes. Soderbergh said in an interview that he made the movie because he wanted to see Jason Bourne on top of Gordon Gekko.

            That made Jennifer and me laugh this morning!!

            Bill

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          • hi Steve –

            it occurred to me that Jill might have misinterpreted my previous comment, about Steven Soderbergh’s like about Jason Bourne and Gordon Gekko. And thinking that funny.

            I wasn’t in any way meaning to be disrespectful to gay people – I just thought it was a funny line

            😀

            Bill

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  8. Hmmmm. I think Steve meant clever as in split your sides laughing. Cleaver is even sharper and would just split your sides. Bloody mess. I could keep going about butchers and such but I best git while the gittin’s good.

    Blurb is enticing, even more so if it joins the revised cover or a portion of it, depending on where you are using it.
    .

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