Okay, so you’re probably wondering why I’ve called you here.
It all started when I was researching books for your birthday. (By the way, I’ve gotten you a book for your birthday. I know it wasn’t in the box. We’ll get to that.)
I found this book that I was really excited about and decided that it was the winner. I also decided that I wanted to support a local bookstore rather than give more money to Jeff Bezos, who, frankly, has too much of it.
This is where things took a turn.
As you can see, I severely miscalculated what my flirtation with conscientious consumption would mean for actually obtaining a copy of Maggie O’Farrell’s new novel, Hamnet.
Her name is your name, O!
To be fair to Kramer Books, this is not entirely their fault. There is a chance that when I purchased the book in August, the website clearly stated that Hamnet was on back order. Don’t mistake me, however. I do not mean to suggest that this is my fault. It’s COVID’s fault. And the USPS, although don’t get me started there.
The book shipped on September 2 and, as far as I can tell, is still coming. But this is mostly a prayer.
“A luminous portrait of a marriage, a shattering evocation of a family ravaged by grief and loss, and a tender and unforgettable re-imagining of a boy whose life has been all but forgotten, and whose name was given to one of the most celebrated plays of all time, Hamnet is mesmerizing, seductive, impossible to put down—a magnificent leap forward from one of our most gifted novelists.”
From the good folks at Penguin random house.
Anyway, I eventually gave up hope that the novel would arrive in time for your birthday. That’s why there’s a laser pointer in the box and not a new book. (Also because I really wanted Miette to have a laser pointer).
It was at this point that I realized that, in addition to lacking a book, I also lacked access to a printer.
So here we are. I couldn’t print out the shipping information for Hamnet, and I waited too long to get you a traditional birthday card, so in lieu of those things, please accept this birthday website. I think it’s neat!
I’m not always as good at expressing my emotions as I imagine myself to be. You, Maggie, make it worth trying. I love you and look forward to growing with you. And, maybe someday, you’ll also get a book out of it.
Cory James Young's Website 