Silent Book Review

What can I say, it’s got legs. It’s always the stupid little things that we do without thinking twice and that, my friend, is what’s called a LIFE LESSON. ‘The stupid little things that we do without thinking twice.’

I happened to be reading a lot in Los Angeles, I’ve taken my craft seriously, the craft of writing, I’d never of thought I would care so much. The post I made that I got in trouble with my best friend for a month or so ago… it was all about me caring too much, pretending that I didn't, and getting my feelings hurt. When I care, I get hurt, when I hurt I act out disproportionately and wildly. For instance, just now, If I let my anger do what my anger wants to do I would publish a list, here on Substack, of all the people, heroes of mine, artists I admire, ones I’ve sent my book to…. and a chart that shows the ones I haven’t heard back from. I do got to check myself on this, though. A writer friend recently told me she’d been recommended my book by Sofia. Coppola. Who was gonna be on that list of artists/heroes I’m mad at for not finding the time to read my book. So, I’m not always right in my acting out in anger. My point being Sofia had read The Royal We, she’s recommending it even. So what do I know? I do know, though, I’m pretty certain all the people on the list haven’t made time and that hurts my feelings. I want to shine in their eyes, I want to be respected, I honestly am looking to share because I support those that do. I know also that it’s a big ask, for people to read the book. I gush and am so appreciative when I meet people who tell me they like it, my first reaction is, ‘Thank you so much for reading it, it’s a lot to ask,’ I say. Cause it is, reading a book is like hours and hours. It’s a big ask.

Silent Book Review Episode 1

That said, I happened to be reading a lot in LA cause I need inspiration and want to be IN it. The more the better, I was reading more than 10 books a month, bringing a book everywhere and when I wasn’t reading I was listeninging to a book. I’m listening to my peers and I’m appreciating their craft and I’m honing my own. At the same time I was reading so much I was also taking breaks cause my phone is right fucking there and looking at the stories on IG that review books. These stories start out with big stacks of books and it’s a tease, we stick around to see all the titles that the author exposes and reviews. Titles are titillating. All I wanted was the titles, quick recommends, a critique maybe wasn’t even necessary in the process. I just wanted the titles.

That’s where Silent Book Review came from. It’s just me plowing through the titles, quick as fuck, doing nods or no’s or kisses. It’s the rapidity but let’s be honest, y’all love the kisses. And the tee shirt. For whatever reason I get as many comments about the tee shirt I’m wearing as I do about the content. Which is fine. It’s part of it.

Silent Book Review Episode 2

I’ve posted lot of IG stuff in the past but this Silent Book Review, far and beyond. I get a crazy amount of likes and have increased my followership by a lot. Which… I’m tickled. People who read??? Fuck yes, what could be better? I’ve found my people and they’re onboard. That’s all I’ve wanted. I’m getting suggestions and praise and recommends and even books from writers in the mail.

There are naysayers but not so much, most everyone is into it. There were a couple, ‘If you really love books, you wouldn’t throw them. Horrible.’ Which… ok. I was tossing them, ok? Tossing. And when I countered that first comment with ‘I do what I want,’ I got over 500 likes. 500! So for whatever reason it’s struck a chord, y’all get me. I’m really happy with it because the ask now is of me to read at least 10 books a month to keep up with the demand of the gig. Which is great. I’m fine-tuning what I read and learning so much. It’s a little bit getting in the way of writing my novel but I think in the end it’s helping my process, not prolonging it. Garth Greenwell, whose Small Rain I’m reading and loving, suggests that even two hours in the morning is enough. To write the novel. I can tell it’s gonna take a while but it’s getting good and I’m well into a world that I’ll eventually share.

Silent Book Review Episode 3

Thank you all for coming here with me. We remain, as always, a we. Send me your recommends. I lead with queer literature but I’m open to absolutely anything that floors you.

Silent Book Review is on my Instagram account @roddybottum

Lots of love,

Roddy