Several hundred books makes for a densely heavy load.
Another large truck has just delivered the fourth printing of Why Can’t Somebody Just Die Around Here? so there are plenty available for order!
Fortunately Gerhard’s driveway is relatively flat!
We are also working on distributing an ebook version so you can read on your Kindle and other devices! More news on that soon!
What a breathtaking and inspiring story [my high school German teacher] and his family went through, and I would suggest everyone to hear him speak or read his book. -Matthew Berger
[Gerhard’s] story is very much the same as my father’s, and the same of many currently who are trying to come here to build a better life for their children. Check out his book, “Why Can’t Someone Just Die Around Here?” to better understand the atrocities of war, disease, food insecurity, and a mother’s love for her children. -Jennifer Hutchinson
On Monday evening Gerhard spoke to the Beta Rho chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a sorority of active and retired teachers.
Thank you for sharing a peek into your book last evening at our Beta Rho meeting. Your story is inspiring and shocking and heart-warming (all at the same time!) -Patty Truex
Update: the talk has been mentioned in the Circleville Herald!
On February 15, at 6:30pm Gerhard will speak at the Pickaway County Public Library in Circleville, Ohio!
Last week I had the opportunity to tell my story to members of the Old North High Club. All of them, including me, are graduates of the long closed Columbus North High School. The pictures don’t show the audience so you’ll have to take my word for it that 60-70 people were in attendance. As you can see, there is proof of a book signing afterward!
I had the pleasure to speak at The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Sherman last week!
As of this past Friday my book is being sold at Gramercy Books, a new bookstore in Bexley, Ohio!
Here is an article from the Columbus Dispatch about the new bookstore, as well as some photos. Looks like a great place for books, coffee, and cakes!
In yesterday’s mail I received a large envelope from my state representative, Ron Hood. Upon opening it I discovered I have received a certificate of recognition by The General Assembly of Ohio for winning the 2016 Independent Author Network Book of the Year in non-fiction/history. Obviously the assembly does not have enough to do, but I appreciate the award anyway!
Here is the full text of the document:
On behalf of the House of Representatives of the 131st General Assembly of Ohio, we are pleased to pay tribute to Gerhard Maroscher on winning the non-fiction/history category of the 2016 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards.
A creative and talented individual, you have demonstrated exemplary initiative, enthusiasm, and perseverance in developing and sharing your skills, and as a result, your book, entitled “Why Can’t Somebody Just Die Around Here?” won first place in the non-fiction/history category of this year’s IAN Book of the Year Awards. Your unwavering commitment to literary excellence has earned you a reputation as a truly gifted author, and you are deserving of high praise.
You have worked tirelessly to develop your special talents of expression, and through your writing, you have touched, inspired, a gained the respect of many. Your success is a justifiable source of pride for you and your community, and we are certain that as you further pursue your interests, you will continue to make invaluable contributions to your community and to the world around you.
Thus, with sincere pleasure, we commend you for tremendous achievement and salute you as a fine Ohioan.
[The Seal of Ohio]
Signatures by Representative Ron Hood of House District 78, Representative Gary K. Scherer of House District 92, and Clifford A. Rosenberger, speaker Ohio House of Representatives.
Update: this recognition has been mentioned in the Circleville Herald, Gerhard’s hometown newspaper!
Why Can’t Somebody Just Die Around Here? has won the “Outstanding Non-Fiction: History” category in the Independent Author Network (IAN) 2016 Book of the Year awards!
The book is still in consideration for the overall 2016 Book of the Year award as well, which will be announced on September 1, 2016.
From the IAN website:
The Independent Author Network (IAN) is a community of authors who are self-published or published by a small indie press. IAN promotes authors to more than 540,000 Twitter followers and 100,000 Facebook fans.
The Book of the Year contest draws entries from around the world.
Why Can’t Somebody Just Die Around Here? has been selected as a History category finalist in the Independent Author Network’s 2016 Book of the Year awards.
The category winners will be announced on August 15th. Update: The book won the Non-Fiction History category for 2016!