THE DAILY BEAT: My "It's not you, it's me" theory may have hit a snag

Saturday, February 9, 2019

My "It's not you, it's me" theory may have hit a snag

Not so long ago I held one of my periodic book giveaways, and I bemoaned the outcome: There were no takers. I was saddened that I couldn't even give my book away!

On Thursday last (click here), I offered to give away a copy of my book along with two of Jack Kerouac's -- On the Road and The Dharma Bums. Again -- no takers!

This pokes a hole in my theory that it's about my book being unwanted. Maybe people don't want a free Kerouac book either. Meaning it's not me, it's him. Or, maybe my blog isn't read much (although there were 12,351 pageviews last month). Or maybe there really isn't another Kerouac fan in Maine (see the above post for an explanation of that statement).

There really are no strings attached when I give a book away. The first Mainer to comment on Thursday's post gets a free copy of my book -- The Beat Handbook: 100 Days of Kerouactions -- along with the books it references: On the Road and The Dharma Bums. It's at least a $37 value not counting shipping (which is also on me).

Come on, Kerouac fans. Pass the word to your Maine friends and loved ones! I just want to spread the gospel of St. Jack.

Something good will come out of this yet!

4 comments:

Jack in Texas said...: Hi Rick-
Can you change your theory about the free stuff and open the offer up to exMainer who lives in Texas (had to leave Maine to find a good job) who hopefully will retire and spend the summers in Maine and has a brother and sister who still live in Maine?
Just found your Blog. Very impressive! Keep up the good work!!
Jack; February 9, 2019 at 11:55 AM
Rick Dale, author of The Beat Handbook said...: Jack, close enough. I officially declare you the winner. Send me an e-mail (to thebeathandbook@gmail.com) with your name and address so I can send you the books! Congratulations.; February 9, 2019 at 4:43 PM
Zachary Cullen said...: Well, this looks like the place for me. I am actually trying to build my Kerouac shelf. I've got a good collection but I'm always looking for more Kerouac! Recently followed you on Twitter -- my handle is SalParadise -- so I will keep my eyes open for your stuff. Thanks.; February 9, 2019 at 10:42 PM
Rick Dale, author of The Beat Handbook said...: Zachary, Jack beat you to the punch. Besides, for this giveaway there needs to be a Maine connection. Stay tuned -- I'll give a book away for hitting one million pageviews and that will be in a few months.; February 10, 2019 at 11:04 AM

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Reviews of The Beat Handbook

Gerald Nicosia, author of the acclaimed Kerouac biography Memory Babe, said The Beat Handbook is "full of Jack's heart."

Jared Randall, author of the excellent book of poetry, Apocryphal Road Code, said this about The Beat Handbook: "Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time. In my wandering pack of experiences, I find they often do. Enter The Beat Handbook by Rick Dale."

Kenneth Morris, Kerouacian extraordinaire, said this:
"I just finished reading Rick Dale's beautiful utterance and call to action of Kerouac mind-set and zen sensibilities. It made me laugh and reflect on my own life and road I have naturally grooved into after absorbing the Kerouac canon. The road less traveled always had my name on it. And that has made all the difference. The Beat Handbook 100 Days of Kerouactions reaffirms the attitudes and ideology that made the Beats and Kerouac the important men of ideas that America (and the world) thirsted for, needed, and swallowed whole. Beautiful, absorbing, Top Ten whipsmart from my articulate, tender-hearted friend and fellow traveler. Highly recommended."