Spoken interview

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Here’s some background information for starters:

Don Bodey: I  live near where I was born, in  rural Indiana, in places I keep saying I am “fixing up,” like I’ve been saying about places in Florida for awhile, Oregon for nine years, Chicago for another nine. I’m a carpenter, and for most of my life I’ve been making my living by “fixing” houses while  I live there amongst the fixings, then get another one, fix it up.

Somehow I’ve also been a writer and sometimes a teacher of writing. I’ve taught at colleges and universities as a part timer. I got my Bachelor’s degree in 1968 and was immediately drafted into the Army, trained to be a mortar man, sent to Vietnam for 405 days, discharged. I earned  my MFA at Oregon, and came away with the beginning of  what would become F.N.G. 

I spent some years building houses on the coast, then ended up in Chicago, teaching and writing. Within six months, in 1985, my book came out, then won the Midland Award, and my house burned down. That tragedy overwhelmed the book. With two old friends–one was  81 years old–I bought a bar in a rather “tough” Chicago neighborhood and that lasted 3 years, during which I became a father. Full circle:20 years after I left, I came back to Indiana, with my wife and son, and went to work as a carpenter again, for the ensuing 20 years.

Without the mental wherewithal to be a writer and a fixer-upper, I assumed the pragmatic role of a carpenter again, and writing all but disappeared from my life. But it’s a strong pull to want to write, so when a publisher, Victor Volkman, offered to re-publish the book, and suggested I write something to tie it into today, I jumped at the chance. It took about 18 months to put it together, but the happy result is this new edition, which ultimately, consequently, brings me here.

The Main Line Mutt [HC]

SKU 978-1-61599-791-6
$28.95
Maggie Dog Learns Her True Worth
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-790-9
Brand: Loving Healing Press
Binding: Hardcover
Audiobook: Audible, iTunes
Edition: 1st
Author: Nancy M. Schwarz
Pages: 24
Publication Date: 02/01/2024

The Main Line Mutt is a Heartwarming Tale of a Mixed Breed Dog Named Maggie

"When Maggie moves to a new upscale neighborhood, she encounters the snobbishness of the purebred dogs, who all look down on her because she is a mutt. Maggie attends a big dog show but can't enter as a contestant because she isn't purebred. Through her warmth and charm, she manages to win the hearts of the judges, and a blue ribbon for 'best of all breeds.' Afterwards, all the other dogs become much friendlier. The colorful illustrations capture the feeling of the text, with attention to the expressions of the dogs and people. A touching story about what really matters in life." -- Douglas Florian, author/illustrator of Poetrees

"The Main Line Mutt is a delightful story with a heartwarming message. Children will enjoy the storyline and the illustrations and adults will enjoy the humor and the lesson of the story. Talented writers, Nancy and Michael Schwartz, bring their love of dogs, combined with their compassion, to create an inspiring tale." -- Susie Garber, writer and literacy coach, grades 1-12

"The Main Line Mutt is a wonderful story about accepting differences. Learning to be confident in oneself and kind to others are qualities that should be nurtured in this increasingly complex world. This book presents a wonderful opportunity to share just how special it is to be loved and appreciated for all one is and all that one can become." -- Liz Mennig, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction (retired)

"What a wonderful book! I love how it celebrates Maggie's uniqueness! It's important to remember that being different is OK and to respect oneself, as well as others. Self-confidence comes from self-love and feelings of worth and value. " -- Noriko Lovasz, B.A., M.S.M., receptionist at Great Valley Pet Hotel

"The Main Line Mutt will be enjoyed by both animal lovers and those who do not have pets. The book provides an opportunity for young children to think about friendships, rejection and the effects of moving from their home. It is an excellent jumping-off point for discussion about these topics." -- Dr. Elizabeth Girshick, Licensed Psychologist

From Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.com

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