Newsletter – September 6, 2024
I’m signing books at Barnes & Noble again tomorrow and looking forward to meeting more people and connecting with them about The Most Amazing Museum of Los Angeles. Free mazes and bookmarks to anyone who wants one.
This is in Lafayette, Indiana, if you’re local, and I’ll be there from 11:00 to 4:00.
* * * * *
Meanwhile I want to recommend a middle grade novel called The Circus at the End of the Sea, by Lori R. Snyder. I feel like it’s cut from the same tapestry of creativity and enthusiasm as MAMLA and it takes you for a wildly imaginative ride.
Maddy Adriana is an orphan being transported once again to another home—a group home this time—and she despairs of ever finding a real family. The pull of magic she felt throughout her life often got her in trouble for running away, but she was only following that magical tug that promised to show her where she belonged.
When the LA County bus breaks down and all the children are told to get off, she quietly slips away on her skateboard into Venice Beach. Soon murals come to life, magical dancers appear and disappear, and waiting for her at the far end of the Venice Pier is the Circus at the End of the Sea.
Where the sea ends, the magic begins.
This is only the beginning of Maddy’s adventure. The wayward performers feel a lot like home to her broken heart, and she offers to help them by finding their long-missing Ringmaster to bring the circus back to life. She makes friends along the way who give her aide and confidence, but ultimately she must face her own fears in order to succeed.
It’s a delightful romp and heartfelt in so many ways.
After the last chapter, Snyder gives a brief description of eleven points about Venice Beach that inspired many elements of the story. Some are historical, some are sights that can still be seen today. I remember some of them from my days in LA.
On a side note, I discovered this novel at Small World Books in Venice Beach about a year ago when my wife and I were showing our daughter and her partner the restaurant where we had brunch on our first date. I saw the sign for the book and knew I had to buy it.
You can also buy a copy by visiting her website at: lorirsnyderauthor.com
I recently sent a brief email to the author and she replied with an invitation to meet for coffee next time we’re in town. Maybe I will. And she plans to read my book as well, so we’ll have plenty to talk about.
May each of you meet someone who inspires you to pursue your dreams and push yourself beyond your comfort zone toward the magic inside of you.
TTFN!
* * * * *
The Most Amazing Museum of Los Angeles is also available through The BookBaby Bookshop at https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-most-amazing-museum-of-los-angeles
Eric Margerum 