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The Quiet Don has been the number one mob book in the U.S. since its release...also the number one non-fiction book in various library systems across the country, including this one:
From Times-Tribune (May 2014) Here are the most requested adult nonfiction books in the Lackawanna County Library System. 1. “The Quiet Don,” by Matt Birkbeck: A look at the life of Russell Bufalino. 2. “Killing Jesus,” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard: Author of “Killing Kennedy” takes a look at the execution of Jesus. 3. “Proof of Heaven,” by Eben Alexander: Dr. Eben Alexander, a neurosurgeon, tells of his near-death experience after being in a coma for seven days. 4. “Zealot,” by Reza Aslan: A historical look at Jesus and first century Palestine.
1 Comment
 Not sure how to explain this one.
Just got word that the Lackawanna County Library System cancelled my appearance at the Scranton Cultural Center that was scheduled for June 23. A curt email was sent to my assistant Donna informing her, without explanation, that I was not welcome. When she asked for a reason, she was given a somewhat bizarre excuse complaining that I made a few other stops in the region. This wasn't the first time a local appearance in the Scranton-area was mysteriously cancelled. The first was back in October when WVIA TV cancelled a scheduled one hour live program just a week after receiving the book (that sorry story is explained a few posts down). The West Pittston library was excited when I agreed to a fundraiser in December at a local Catholic Church only to get the word that some other unplanned event had taken precedence (Bingo?). But I have to say the recent cancellation by the folks at the Lackawanna County Library System was the most surprising, and disappointing. Interest in The Quiet Don in the Scranton/Wilkes Barre area has been overwhelming. Its been the Number One non-fiction book within the entire library system since it was published Oct. 1, besting authors including Bill O'Reilly and John Grisham (I've never been able to say that before). We've since received more requests for speaking/book signings than I can count (including schools, colleges, book clubs and local companies). So we decided to make just six select appearances throughout the entire region over a four month period. One was in Hazleton in March at Penn State University, another in the Poconos, two in Wilkes Barre and two in Scranton. The first Scranton appearance was in April at Marywood University. Aside from being very well attended, it was notable for the sudden appearance of fire trucks responding to an anonymous call about a fire inside the building where I was to speak (turns out the room with the supposed fire didn't even exist). The second Scranton discussion/signing (and final appearance) was to be June 23 at the Cultural Center. Mary Garm, the library administrator, traded numerous emails with my assistant Donna scheduling the appearance, which was the only one scheduled for June. Aside from a Powerpoint presentation, we were planning on promoting it in tandem with the upcoming "Who Killed Jimmy Hoffa?" program that PBS is scheduled to air July 22 on its popular History Detectives series. I consulted on the program as well as interviewed for it at a local restuarant last summer. But Garm sent a terse email last week suddenlty cancelling the event, no explanation given. And this was a day after we received our check. So, in a first for me, I'm getting paid not to speak. I was mildly amused when told of the email. But I learned later that the library staff was telling its patrons that I had cancelled due to a prior committment. And that's when I got angry. It's bad enough that a library of all places allowed some arm twisting from an unhappy sponsor, board member, politician or others (take your pick) to stifle a free form discussion about a subject so close to so many in that region. But to blame it on me? Shame on you. I emailed Garm demanding an apology. All I got was a response saying it was a mixup. I'm sure there's more to this and the real reasons will eventually surface. That said, if clearer heads at the Lackawanna County Library System decide to reverse course and right this wrong, feel free to give me a call. I'd be more than happy to come to Scranton to discuss this remarkable story. After all, you did pay me. |
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