I got this email from a reader the other day and I thought I’d share it with you:
Dear Peter,
Although I would like this e-mail to be well crafted and witty to the best of my abilities, I have to be quick as I have to go and pick up my dog from my mother & father in-law’s in about 15 minutes … but I’ll try my best to get over all the important points:
1. Fact – I have only ever read 4 books from beginning to end in my life (I’m 27 years old); One of which was “Mr. Tickle” of the “Mr. Men” series.
2. Fact – “NSITT” was one of the other books and, I have just finished “The Full Montezuma” – big achievement for me to finish a book with over 20 pages and no pictures.
3. Fact – I somehow managed to blag an A-level in English Literature having never read any more than 7 consequtive pages of any books that I “”"”studied”"”".
4. My missus bought me all your other books for my birthday instead of an iPod……. and I was pleased!
5. I will probably go and buy the iPod anyway as a treat to celebrate my literary breakthough.
Basically, I felt compelled to go to the website and check out the slideshow instantly upon finishing “Full Montezuma” and so many things were just as I had pictured them, even the GND!! The very fact that I got beyond the first few pages is, without doubt, a credit to your skills as an author.
Being of the uptight solicitor type who now reads travel books for pleasure, I was inspired to say the least. I really want to get started on Vroom with a View as I would really like to do the whole Italy thing this summer. I’ve also taken to watching the Travel Channel, a lot – most of it is shit, except the programme “globe trekker”, but you get my point: inspired, blah blah blah, you’ve probably heard this before, I’m off to buy a rucksack this weekend, etc….
However, I’m gonna read the wrong way home first, as it has the best cover……. sorry, but old habits die hard: Mr Tickle was also the best cover out of all the Mr Men books.
Yours well sincerely,
Rob D.
Uptight, thinnly-read, Middle Manager.
NB: It’s not often I’m compared with the literary greats!
This is where you'll find everything you need to know about me and my books.
It’s a work of art in itself … and made me laugh.
Very cool … frameable really.
He doesn’t seem uptight, does he?
Mr. Tickle has always been one of my favourite, if not THE favourite, Mr. Men books. I still find it’s a great gift to friends- it’s cheap but they love it because it reminds them of their childhood!
Hopefully people will be saying that of NSITT or the Wrong Way Home in 30 years’ time…
This is hilarious!! Mr. Men, geez that brings back some childhood memories. Just the name is funny: “Mr. Men”. As an aside, my brother is 33 and is proud (?) of the fact that he has only ever read one book: “Fantastic Mr Fox”. Although he will read the form guide for hours on a Saturday morning.
And here’s a spooky coincidence. The Lincoln Book festival is presenting Mr Men Story Times on the very day and in the very building that I am scheduled to present a travel writing workshop. (13 May, Lincoln Drill Hall)
Luckily the last Mr Men Story Time is on at 12.30 pm, avoiding a potentially embarassing schedule clash.
As Rob D is the product of my loins! (100% hit rate with my f irst wife!) I am so proud that he not only faked an A level but actually read the books. He often blames me for charchter traits saying that it is in his genes – well his daddy only ever read summaries and abstracts to get his DMS – poor working mans degree in Management bullshit. I am so proud of him – I did manage eventually in my short 60 years to read the complete works of Pam Earl – Clan of the Cave bear serieies which really pissed my first wife off who told me that I never read any thick books – and I still havent coloured in the rest of them yet.
I can’t wait to nick a book off Rob and read it for myself – unless you want to send me a signed copy of the one you think is best and for me to read first.
Very best wishes,
Terry D Old Fart – with a much better hit rate and young Thai wife!
Sorry for typos – can’t edit also Jean Auel not Pam Earl!