RIP Muhammad Ali, 74. I am conflicted about him. He was one of the greatest boxers of all time, beloved worldwide. He refused to serve in the military, although it is highly doubtful he would have been sent to fight in Vietnam. Although he avoided jail time, he was banned from the ring for three years in the prime of his career. He was one of the first athletes to showboat, something that is now epidemic. His treatment of Joe Frazier leading up to their three legendary bouts was disgraceful. Even though he was probably just trying to sell tickets, drum up interest, it was unnecessary. Today he is forgiven, revered almost universally. And no one would ever question his heart, which was huge, as evidenced in those three unbelievable fights with the late Frazier, whose heart equaled Ali's.
The floating book shop took in more money than usual today but hardly a lot. Still, the session felt like a big success. My thanks to the kind folks who bought, donated and swapped, especially the gentleman who, having been impressed with A Hitch in Twilight, purchased Close to the Edge. My thanks also to young Asian man overpaid for Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes. I must have sold at least five copies of it the past few years. The highlight of the day was the appearance of a fortyish woman who last week promised pictorials. She arrived beaming, a severely handicapped teenage male in tow, whom I believe is her son. She handed me a bag full of books -- and returned 15 minutes later with more! The exemplary character -- the heart -- of some human beings is astonishing. If there's a heaven, she's a lock to enter.
Vic's Short Works: http://tinyurl.com/jy55pzc
Vic's 5th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/okxkwh5Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/l84h63j
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/l84h63j
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