My Neglected Creation

/ J. F. Riordan

“The proper order of things is often a mystery.“

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

A few months ago a new book came into the world without much notice or fanfare. That’s on me. It came during a month-long houseful of family, amidst all the cheerful jumble and chaos that entails, and also as the final process of signing and shipping and accounting from the previous book was wrapping up. This wasn’t a first book, or a last book; it wasn’t even an author’s first kind of book. And so, like so many middle children, it has had to make its way along with not much help or notice. But now, as I am settling into the coming winter, I look back with clarity at the season past, and there it is: alone, abandoned, but not un-loved.

It is, like my last book of essays, Reflections on a Life in Exile, a very personal book, written mostly amid the ennui of the pandemic. Some of it is funny, some is melancholy, some of it may be slightly mad–a bit like living through the pandemic itself. In whatever mood, I hope you find it companionable.

You can order it from your favorite bookseller ( some of mine are here, here, here, and here ) from Barnes & Noble; from Target; or from the guys in Seattle. Or you can visit your local library and ask them to add it to their shelves.

In any case, I hope you’ll look for it, and if you like it, you’ll leave nice reviews in various places. And if you crave to be the first, no one seems to have ever purchased it from Target.

And, once again, if you still occupy the world formerly known as Twitter, please share with my tag @audacityofgoats.

28 thoughts on “My Neglected Creation”

  6. This book is perfection. I’m on my second reading, I love it so much. I especially love the essay about your beloved Moses. It’s soul wrenching and so beautiful.

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  7. First of all, I love your writing! And a heads up to your readers that right now, Target has a buy 2 get one free on books. Needless to say, I got o bit of Christmas shopping done today.😀

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  8. I preordered “But Still They Sing” last spring. I love these essays. After reading, i purchased “Reflections on a Life in Exile.” Both gave me comfort as I prepared for a successful surgery in October. I’m grateful for your clear, humorous, kind and exquisite writing. Sending 🧡 and prayers to Auggie and Eli and to you, Charlie and your grandson. Auggie, so happy that you are recovering in your loving home. Good day! With every best wish. Nila Vehar

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  16. Thank you for the update. I follow Charlie on the Bulwark, but have really missed your voice since I jumped off Twitter early on after the new ownership. And I miss the dogs. I look forward to receiving your new book which I ordered on Amazon.

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  17. I was thrilled to hear about your new book of essays! I don’t usually shop at Target, but went right over there to get your book. They do not have it ( I even asked for help). So I guess that’s why no one’s buying it at Target. I’ll try my local bookstore. I can’t wait to read it!

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  18. I so enjoyed the book, I re-read after Oct 7 when so many I care about were so profoundly impacted, great escape and so appreciate your sharing, I’ve been off Twitter for months so have missed the pics of the pups. Hoping Auggie is feeling better

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  19. Reread this wonderful book after10/7, as so many horrific acts where on the news, I put my phone down and read ia few pages, thanks for your deep sharing. Been missing you and the daily pics and tales of the pups since I got off Twitter months ago. Hoping this finds Auggie feeling better. Regards to Charlie as well🌹

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  20. No longer neglected by me❤️

    <

    div>I miss your pups and you. Charlie, I see him most everyday, and he’s kind enough to keep us abreast of Auggie and Eli, but not

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