Local writer Heather Lende’s latest book, “Find the Good: Unexpected Life Lessons from a Small-Town Obituary Writer” is out.
The book’s essays are Lende’s ruminations on obituaries and family matters.
“It’s a lot different from (the other books), but also fairly similar,” Lende said Friday, while signing copies at Babbling Book.
More than 70 books sold on the first day, including ones that were pre-ordered, said bookstore owner Liz Heywood.
As of Wednesday, the bookstore had shipped copies to 12 states and also to New Zealand.
Lende said the first printing of the book is already sold out and that the New York Times plans to review her latest work.
The idea for the book came from a publisher’s suggestion, noting that she was always finding the bright sides of situations, Lende said.
“It’s almost an advice book,” Lende said. “Though it gives me hives to say that.”
Chapter titles include “Stop and Smell the Fish,” about resident Norm Blank, and “Wear A Personal Flotation Device” that describes the aftermath of the drowning death of fisherman Richard Boyce.
Lende said the book is more crafted than her previous two collections of essays. “We pared it down and went through a lot of edits and got it tighter and tighter.”
The book also is bolder in its pronouncements than her previous two books of Haines stories, Lende said. “I’m a grandmother now. Women who are past a certain age feel like we can say a few things. For local people, I hope they like the way I use their stories to say something.”
Lende will travel Alaska for book signings and will do signings in Seattle and Portland. The book also is available as an audio book, featuring Lende as narrator. Lende, a public radio deejay, had to audition to win the spot reading her book, she said.
Lende’s previous books of Haines-based essays include “If Yor Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name” and “Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs.”
Lende said she expects her next book will be a novel. She’s already written the book, which is set at fictitious Port Chilkoot and revolves around a school teacher and her alcoholic fisherman husband.
The novel won an award in her college-level writing class and has been well-received by local readers, she said.