Yes, that was me who gave out my cell phone number on CNN last night. And despite my wife thinking I've totally lost my mind, it was amazing! I've heard from so many neat people all over the country. Sure, there have been a few morons mixed in, but 90% of the calls (over 300!) have been so positive and supportive. You wouldn't believe some of the stories. People are connecting with the message that the lost art of letter writing needs a comeback!
Here's the clip in case you missed it. And I'm sure you missed it because you had better things to do. (like clip your toenails, watch your drapes collect dust, etc.)
What a day...
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So I have to start by saying that it is really my husband who listens to and watches Glenn like a maniac. I'm the one who sits back and does something else while he engages in his 3-hour radio talk and hour long TV show. However, yesterday was a different story. As I was taking a shower (a few hours later than usual), my husband had Glenn's radio show on. I listened to your interview and thought, "Hmm, I should try that book." Glenn said it would only take a day or two and with three kids (ages 7, 2 & 1), time is precious!
ReplyDeleteSo, we headed out to run some errands and I ran into the bookstore to purchase the book. Anxiously awaiting some large display when I first walked in, I was saddened to find myself needing to take advantage of the in-store computer search before making my way to the "Religion" books. Sitting on the shelf, 4 or 5 copies of your book sat, cover facing out. "Ooh, a red book," I thought. "How exciting!" I picked it up and headed to the checkout.
As I was making dinner, my husband was watching Glenn's show on CNN. As soon as you came on the screen, he yelled to get my attention and I quickly made my way to the living room. I sat on the edge of the couch, somewhat blocking my husband's view on the screen. I was hanging on to every word of the conversation... and could even tell my husband that Glenn was going to talk about "Bridges of Madison County". As soon as you uttered the phrase that your wife was going to kill you, I knew something good was coming. I rushed to find my brand new book and opened the front cover. Writing frantically, I jotted your cell phone number into the book. The phrase, "Call this guy at 3am" came through the speakers and my husband and I laughed out loud, our three small children staring at us strangely.
I would have called at 3am, but I was trying to get enough sleep to finish the book first this today (I had started reading around midnight, but knew that I had to get the kids up and moving on time this morning). After getting lunch packed and my oldest daughter on the bus, I sat down to feed the younger two their breakfast. As soon as breakfast was done, I was sitting on the couch reading. I did stop to shower quickly, then returned immediately to my book.
I can't even begin to tell you what a wonderful book this is - though I think you probably know by now! I wanted to buy it as Christmas gifts, but Christmas is just going to have to come in September this year. I've already purchased 5 more copies of the book and I can't wait until my husband returns from work so I can tell him about the wonders of your writing. The wet drops on my shirt from my tears have slowly started to fade, but the impact of this book on my life has just begun. Thank you for your insight... I look forward to more contact with you in the future.
Jason,
ReplyDeleteI am going to purchase your book on payday...I'll let ya know what I think. I can't wait! Please visit my blog sometime!
Jason, I read Christmas Jars last year and loved it. When you appeared on Glenn Beck promoting your new book, I was instantly interested -- not just because of Christmas Jars, but because The Wednesday Letters holds a promise of something I believe in: personal, handwritten letters. I think I've saved most of the letters I've received in my lifetime; just wish someone had saved mine so I wouldn't have to work so hard to write my personal history :-)
ReplyDeleteI just read the excerpt of Wednesday Letters at your website and can't wait to get the book, probably tomorrow if they have it at Deseret Book.
You were crazy to give out your cell phone number! I jotted it down, but probably won't call. I think Glenn is right -- you'll have to change the number in no time at all. Or you won't get anything else done.
Glad you're blogging. I'll be checking in.
Pam
So neat of you all to comment! It's been a crazy, wild, insane couple of days. It means a lot that you took the time to write.
ReplyDeleteJust finished reading The Wednesday Letters. Yep, all in one sitting. Worth every moment. I cried and I laughed, and I love this book! Have already recommended it to all those on our family website.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jason, for another wonderful book.
Thanks, Pam! That was FAST! I'm impressed at folks that can plow through a book so quickly. (and juggle 17 other things, sometimes literally in my wife's case)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you liked it! Sure would appreciate a review on Amazon if you had the time :)
I just finished your book too and really loved it! It was so moving and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it!
ReplyDeleteI'm also so glad you started a blog!
Can't believe you gave out your cell number though, DANG!!
Husband and I love to watch Glenn, that is usually how we wind down (ha) after a long day. Last week while on vacation I saw the episode you were on, I'd heard Glenn talk about Christmas Jars so I was intrigued by your new book. I ran to get a paper and pen to write down the title. Now here we are back home (Iowa) and the book must be anywhere but here, can't find it. I did finally find Christmas Jars-it has been impossible to find here also. I'm going to read it now, and hopefully by the time I'll be able to find a copy of The Wednesday Letters.
ReplyDeleteFinished with Christmas Jars! That was incredible, tomorrow I am going out to hunt down The Wednesday Letters, (and find a jar for our own family Christmas Jar, that is definitely a tradition I would love to start with my own family) Thanks for writing such interesting, thought provoking literature. Jenn
ReplyDeleteGood job with Christmas Jars. Living in Connecticut, it will be a perfect gift to give to my friends this Christmas.
ReplyDeleteStill a little in shock that you gave your cell phone number out to some 3 million Glen Beck viewers. I won't be calling, but I will be giving your book away for others to enjoy!
Hey, Jason, in reading the contest on the book's website, can I use a blog post rather than an email?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! A blog post works :) And thanks to Jenn and Rhonda for your kindness!
ReplyDeleteGot Wednesday Letters last night, read it all, absolutely incredible. Your talents are beyond incredible, I felt like I knew each character personally, and just when I thought I figured it out it would twist again. WONDERFUL!
ReplyDeleteJenn, THANK YOU! I can't help but ask, would you consider leaving that last comment as a review on Amazon and BN.com? I need all the good reviews I can get :)
ReplyDelete