Before it’s too far in the past, I have to talk about the fantastic response to the book release party for The Colorful Characters of St. Louis on Sunday at The Royale. We had a terrific time. I signed a ton of books. I talked to some amazing people about them. Ten people I profiled turned out: Raynard Nebbitt, Tom Dunn, the Rev. Kenneth McKoy, Albert Watkins, Ray Hartmann, Bill Haas, Paul Pagano, Larry Rice, Charles Hoessle and Steven Fitzpatrick Smith. Most of the pictures below are by my brother. Next to me in the first picture is Steven Fitzpatrick Smith, owner of the Royale and one of those on the book’s cover. To the far right is my supportive and longsuffering wife, Lorraine.
It’s been a while since I’ve been to a better party, and I mean it. Thanks, everybody, for coming out and making this day so special.
I was happy about many things about this event, but one has nothing to do with the book. This evangelical Christian welcomed a couple of Muslim neighbors, a Jew who is involved in his synagogue’s music program, several ministers, a number of African Americans, Catholics, Protestants, and I don’t know who else. I even let my publisher come. The intention wasn’t to be diverse. It just worked out that way. I’m glad to count all of you as friends.
Jim Merkel the Writer 