The Revolution Has Begun

An Epic Saga:

First, the Revolution. That's where we convince the world that Halldór Laxness is an author to read. One person at a time, the world will discover that Laxness is a great writer, and that reading one of his books is just the beginning. Bill Holm is a card-carrying member of this revolution; he gives away copies of Independent People that he has found in used bookstores. Professor Batty is a member*. So am I.


Rockwell Kent, International Workers Order, 10th Anniversary

Picture your humble revolutionary (:me) at the Book Exchange today. I always carry a credit of between $25-$75. there, so anything I buy is, well, free. Today I discover a treasure: a hardcover, first (English) edition of Independent People (like the one pictured here). For $5.! (If that sounds good to you, buy one yourself for the same price, online.)

But that's not all! As I walk past the table where the staff sit to read, talk, read, eat lunch, read, eat chocolate, read, joke..you get the picture...I see a new paperback copy of...you guessed it...Independent People. As I pay for my purchases (not), I ask the man helping me (whom I recognize by face but not by name), "who is reading Independent People?". I think I actually asked, "WHO IS READING INDEPENDENT PEOPLE!!!?" Turns out, he is. "I heard it was really great, and decided I'd read it."

What a happy coincidence! Here's where we quote Batty: "One reader at a time, Rose, one reader at a time."
*Batty seems to concentrate on giving away copies of The Fish Can Sing.