I like Thanksgiving–a lot. I like the idea, I like its secular(ish) history, and I like that it doesn’t involve gifts. I dislike the days that follow: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Secondhand Sunday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday (when you’re supposed to donate to charity if you have any money leftover from the weekend shopping spree). I get that our end-of-year celebrations are marked by gift giving, which is vitally important to the economy and especially small business owners like myself and my parents. So here’s my day-by-day embrace of the long-weekend capitalist binge. Click on the titles below!
Thanksgiving. I know, the bird. But did you know that in my recent book Flocked (which is the companion to Ben & Jeff’s Pacific Adventure) I share recipies from ancient Rome for both flamingo and parrot. So if you’ve had enough of America’s favorite, might I suggest taking a peek into Flocked for an appreciation of our second favorite bird: the flamingo.
Black Friday. First, please do not knock down little old grandpas who are clamoring to get the latest and greatest gifts for his grandkids. He could get hurt. Instead, reach over them. If you need a sentimental read about a little old man, might I suggest Put Your Toe in the Pacific–a quick and funny read about my friendship with a little old monk.
Small Business Saturday. As you’ll read in Ben & Jeff’s Pacific Adventure: Pursuing the Perfect Mai Tai, our pursuit was an expensive undertaking. We loved it, and it was all good fun, but we’re really pushing sales so that we can fund, well, another adventure. The Mojave Desert Land Trust and Peace Corps Project Program benefit from the sales of this book, too. Instead of buying from Amazon, you can purchase many of my books online through local, independent bookstores at Indiebound.org. Click here to see!
Secondhand Sunday. For you devoted readers, perhaps retrieve an old copy of Three Desert Stories from your bookshelf. Wrap it up and give it to a new reader for the holidays with a note: Please leave him an Amazon review when you’re done!
Cyber Monday. Flight School remains my most popular book, and I’m especially fond of it. I’ve slashed the paperback price this fall to keep moving copies (I just sold one in Japan!), so if you’ve not read it, this is a perfect time.
Giving Tuesday. I like the idea behind Giving Tuesday as a way of remembering to help others. I wish it was Giving Wednesday and preceded the holiday, but I don’t think that would be popular. I donate $2 from the sale of each copy of When Coronavirus Unmapped the Peace Corps’ Journey to Peace Corps initiatives. By purchasing that little book you’re not only supporting an independent author (me) and an indie publisher (92252 Press) but you’re also helping to build-up the work of the Peace Corps–that’s a hell of a bargain!
In writing this little blog I’ve decided to donate an additional $1 for every book that I sell between November 25-30. I’ll give the money to the Peace Corps Tonga Fund, to help advance the work of PC Volunteers on the small Pacific island. I was the recipient of Partnership funds as a Volunteer in Morocco, so I know well the value of these resources. Also, as you’ll read in our Pacific Adventure, we’ve paid attention to the cultural connections between “tiki” culture and Pacific island nations. This is a good way for us to give back. Today is a great day to purchase When Coronavirus Unmapped the Peace Corps’ Journey to continue to advance this work!
Whatever your weekend plans, I wish you abundant peace.
With much mahalo for your support,
Jeff Aubuchon
jeff@jeffreywaubuchon.com
PS: I received some emails asking if I’ve left Twitter and the answer is yes. The reason is simple (and similar to everyone else): I’m not interested in Elon Musk’s acquisition. I’ve not relocated to another social media platform, but if I do, I’ll be sure to let you know.
