Sometimes I make posts not directly related to Leonberger dogs, especially if I want to promote a good book. Today I am announcing that a book written by my on-line friend Alex Diaz-Granados has been improved in various ways. The story is the same, but it has been edited a second time with input from Alex’ journalism professor. It has a new cover, there’s a title page, a copywrite page, a list of content, an improved page layout in the paperback version, and page numbering. If you have not bought the book before, now is the time to do so. I bought it a second time myself.
First some basic facts about the book. The title is Reunion: A Story Paperback – July 2, 2018 by Alex J Diaz-Granados (recently revised). The paperback version is 51 pages. The dimensions are 6 x 0.13 x 9 inches, and the weight is 3.21 ounces, ISBN: 978-1722120474, and it currently costs $7.99 on Amazon in the US, but it can be bought elsewhere, for example, Barnes & Noble (same price). The kindle version (ASIN: B07F4SL6NQ) is $3.99 or free if you have Kindle unlimited.
About the Author
Alex Diaz-Granados (1963-) began writing movie reviews as a staff writer and Entertainment Editor for his high school newspaper in the early 1980s and was the Diversions editor for Catalyst, Miami-Dade Community College, South Campus’ student newspaper for one semester.
Using his experiences in those publications, Alex has been raving and ranting about the movies online since 2003 at various websites, including Amazon, ciao and Epinions. In 2012, Alex published his first book, Save Me the Aisle Seat: The Good, the Bad and the Really Bad Movies: Selected by an Online Film Reviewer through CreateSpace.
Reunion: A Story, is Alex’s first work of fiction. In addition to writing reviews, Alex has collaborated with actor-director Juan Carlos Hernandez on several short films, including A Simple Ad (2019), Clown 345 (2019), and Ronnie and the Pursuit of the Elusive Bliss. You can find his reviews and essays on his blog, A Certain Point of View, Too.
About the Book
It is June 1983. Jim Garraty is a senior at South Miami Senior High. He’s a staff writer for the school paper, a college-bound scholar who plans to become a historian and author of books on military history. He’s well-liked by his peers and teachers, and his future looks bright. But as commencement draws near for the Class of 1983, Jim must deal with unfinished business. The girl he loves from afar is also graduating, and rumor has it that she is going away for the summer before starting college in the fall. Worse still, Marty doesn’t know how deeply Jim’s feelings for her are – unless he tells her. But when an opportunity arises on the last day of classes at South Miami High, Jim hesitates…and the window of opportunity closes. Now, 15 years later, James Garraty is an up-and-coming history professor whose literary career is on the rise. Respected by his fellow faculty professors and recipient of popular and critical acclaim, Jim seems to have it all. Except for one thing. True love.
In the photo below I laid out the two books, old version and new version side by side, the front cover up. The old version is to the left and the new version to the right. The two books are laying on top of our kitchen counter.
I also thought I include the first page of the old book (left) and the new book (right) to demonstrate the improved page layout / book design (see photo below).
Finally, a brief review
This book is about a “what if” scenario, about regret, and what could have been. Once you start reading the book you simply must find out what will happen, which is why I could not put it down and therefore I read it in one sitting. It is a sad but timeless love story that is very engaging. It is about life, friendship, and love. I think the story highlights how differently a teenager and an adult view life and what the consequences can be. The author describes the feelings and the thoughts of the characters in a manner that is realistic and easy to relate to. It was emotional but not too sentimental. The book has a message, especially for young people. The book is easy and quick to read, and it is one of the best short stories I’ve ever read. I highly recommend it.
Leonberger Life 