Wednesday, December 21, 2011

MADE IN AMERICA (or How The Book Saved America)

Darrell James

All this past week, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer has been reporting on Made In America, a patriotic movement to encourage Americans to spend their Holiday dollars on products made in America. From renewing our infatuation with the Slinky, to rewrapping our fingers around a Louisville Slugger, all in an effort to inspire American jobs for American workers.

ABC World News website states: “The average American will spend $700 on holiday gifts and goodies this year, totaling more than $465 billion, the National Retail Federation estimates. If that money was spent entirely on US made products it would create 4.6 million jobs. But it doesn't even have to be that big. If each of us spent just $64 on American made goods during our holiday shopping, the result would be 200,000 new jobs. Now we want to know, are you in? If so, we want to hear from you. How are you planning on spending your $64?”

Well, here’s a thought: “Books” by American writers, published in America, are 100% American made. From the authors themselves, to the house that publishes them, to the printers, to the distributors, to the book retailers, paid reviewers, and even those who report on books, owe their job, all or in part, to the BOOK. American paper suppliers and lumberjacks also benefit when the book is released in print. UPS Drivers, Mail Carriers--they all get a piece of the action.




When a book winds up gift wrapped beneath the tree, it comes with America’s finger prints (figuratively, if not literally) all over it.

This, of course, is the economic view point. But consider what the gift of a book does for the recipient. It offers knowledge, entertainment, inspires imagination, and sometimes provides hope. Hope! How much closer to the spirit of the holidays can one gift be?

I often give books as presents. It’s one of my favorite things to give. But this year, I’m making a special effort to offer the gift of books to everyone I can. So, yes, count me in! A book is a wonderful, sometimes wondrous, thing.

What about you? Will you be giving books for the holidays? (Some bindery worker in Poughkeepsie may well be counting on it.)

Darrell James is an American author. His novel, Nazareth Child, was recently released by Midnight Ink, Llewellyn Worldwide, an American publisher. It is available from American bookstores and through American online retailers. “Come on America! Buy a book!”

Have I said enough?


To see the whole story and watch the video go to ABC World News with Diane Sawyer.

11 comments:

Paul D. Marks said...

I couldn't agree with you more, Darrell. I love giving books...and getting them. And I like the idea of giving American for all the reasons you state. Unfortunately though, I think a lot of people aren't into books. I remember when we were looking for houses several years ago -- before E readers were big -- how few houses actually had a book anywhere in sight. Very depressing. (Gonna do my own blog on that subject one of these days...) Anyway, I hope we both get a bunch of books this year!

Alan Orloff said...

Books never go out of style.

Robin Allen said...

Great post, Darrell. Now I feel even better about all the books I buy! Merry Christmas to you.

Lois Winston said...

Darrell, great minds obviously think alike. Maybe we should have consulted with each other on our posts this week!

GBPool said...

I usually give books to my grand-nephews and nieces, and even my brother. I do it to expand their minds and give them enjoyment, but your article shows that it helps in other areas, too. Thanks for the post, Darrell.

Terri Bischoff said...

Darrell - Did you know that a lot of books are printed overseas? Particularly glossy, full color books. All our books are printed in the US. :) Our small part but an important one for us.

Sally Carpenter said...

Happy to say my books are printed in the good old USA. Great post, Darrell! As kids, my brother and I used to give each other books as presents--after the giver read the book first. Happy holidays to all!
Sally Carpenter
"The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper"

Beth Groundwater said...

I always give books for the holidays, and my kids have come to expect Mom's latest to appear under their Christmas trees. :)

Deborah Sharp said...

Buy a Book, Save a Job!
Good post, Darrell. I still remember how excited I was as a kid to unwrap a book for Christmas and get that thrill of cracking open the cover to get to the first page. Do kids still do that??

Jean Henry Mead said...

Excellent post! I couldn't agree with you more.

Darrell James said...

Thanks for your comments eveyone. I'm slow to respond because of the demands of the holidays. Hope you all have a happy holiday season.