Monday, April 25, 2005

ETC: New Spring Release

Announcing my latest release (and the ultimate excuse for procrastination)...



Samuel Atticus (aka Sam, Sam the Man, Salamander, Samwise, Samwidge, and Sam-I-Am) arrived a week earlier than anticipated (see? I can surpass some deadlines), last Tuesday, April 19th.

He's already demonstrated his innate humanity and generosity of spirit by waking me up with my first contractions at the civilized hour of 7 am. He made his entry into the world at 5:45 pm, just in time for me to clean up and change for dinner. Clearly, he has all the makings of a country gentleman. (And you can tell by his thoughtful expression that he's obviously in the 90th -- and perhaps even the 95th -- percentile for wisdom.)

His name, if you're wondering, comes from two of my and Rusty's favourite literary characters:
Samuel Hamilton from East of Eden and Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. I love these characters. They're both good, honest men whose morality transcends their time and place. You could do worse for role models. (Also, Sam is the name that Anastasia Krupnik ultimately chooses for her baby brother, and I like that little literary footnote.)

I've got another mondo post half finished, still trying to get caught up on my backlog of books. I've even managed to read 17 whole pages (!) from my current book,
Cloud Atlas, in the past week. Whee! After I finish it, I think I'm going to need to read something with a bit less heft.

Anyone have any recommendations for some good one-handed reads? (No, not
that kind, cheeky.)

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Mazel tov! Am looking forward to meeting him -- and you too -- once we move to Vancouver.

(I love his name, btw -- Atticus was one of my picks for Jonah.)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I remember you from the old Mediarama days. April 19th is still Aries, right? (as an April 18 Aries myself, I must say that this is the best possible omen...)

I have an hour train ride to work every morning, and usually I can tear through at least 40 pages of a book. But I started Cloud Atlas this morning, and when we pulled into my stop I was shocked to see that I had only made it to page...17. Oh well! At least it will last a long time, and probably even longer for you. Congrats again on the little procrastination excuse!

Rebecca said...

*gasp* Congratulations!

I'd have to double-check the dates, but I think your Sam shares a birthday with the new baby of one of my book club members. Who, coincidentally, is also named Sam (although in this case, it's short for Samantha.)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! As for one-handed reads, try Ella Minnow Pea. It's short (and therefore easy to hold with one hand) and the "chapters" are brief, so it's not hard to find a stopping place when both your hands are needed.

Meredith said...

Congratulations! Samuel Atticus is a fine name and looks like a wonderful baby.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! The most gentlemanly man I know, my grandfather, also has an April 19 birthday, so I can vouch that it's a good day to be born. Your son is beautiful.

Rob said...

Awww - he's darling!

7 am - not too early but giving him enough time to get his business completed. Yes, he's very considerate.

And I love the name Samuel. If I had another son, I would put Samuel on the short list!

Anonymous said...

Awwww...Congratulations! Mr. Sam is quite handsome, in addition to being wise and gentlemanly [and very well nicknamed too, for such a young 'un]. I was having such a happy day, and now I've just been struck with a rush of warm fuzzies.
I hope you get nothing but rave reviews on this latest production

Anonymous said...

You know the deal!
It's been nice knowing you!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Children are a great way to change your world. I wish you happiness in everything your family does.
My little man is the joy of my life right now... he's in the 95th percentile for happiness.
And Sam, welcome to the world! It might be scary at first, but with your Mother as your guide, you will see how wonderful it is very soon.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! What wonderful news!

Um, I don't know how original a recommendation this is, but I really liked Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49, which is, I think, a one-hander.

Anonymous said...

Congrats! I just had my first baby on the 15th so I'm impressed that you are even trying to read anything. I'm all about TiVo-ing shows like Beverly Hills 90210 to watch during middle of the night breastfeeding sessions.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations - wonderful news! I'm enjoying the blog immensely, btw.

Veronica said...

Congratulations! I suppose we'll let the lack of posting slide this one time ;). I hope you and your family are doing well.

The Thursday Next books make for good one-handed reads. Not too big, easy plot to follow, lots of cute literary allusions. Good times.