Most Unexpected Good News Ever
Claire Berlinski, Ed. ·
Aug 24, 2011 at 8:42am
Just when I was on the verge of complete despair about the prospect of books ever meaning anything again--mostly because I haven't been able to earn a living by writing them, an admittedly solipsistic point of view--I received an e-mail from my publisher asking if I'd write a new introduction for a new edition of my book about Margaret Thatcher. Why? Because Meryl Streep is about to make her popular.
She asked me to deliver it in a week's time. And I will, because there is no alternative.
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May '11
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
Congrats Claire, I hope it sells out!
Jun '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
From what I've read, Meryl Streep is about to make her unrecognizable--make her into a pathetically confused old woman sleepwalking through history.
Sep '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
because there is no alternative.
I was about to congratulate you twice: on the uptick in richly deserved revenue (I bought it for my Kindle last week, where it sits with 37 other Kindle e-books (sigh) as well as the clever rejoinder when I recalled (as I usually do on my 47th ounce of Seattle based overpriced drive through neurostimulant) that unabashed Hollywood conservative Ricardo Montalban used a derivative line in Star Trek 2: The Wrath of the Altermans when he has the USS TeaPartyPrise wrecked with her shields down and says (I quote from MEMRI):
"You simply have no alternative."
I'm not really sure why I felt compelled to share that other than a need to talk incessantly before the tranquilizer dart takes effect.
Write long and whisper.
Jun '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
"Mr. Smith" as per my post on the member feed knows who you are. He pronounced your book "the definitive biography" on Margaret Thatcher. You are known, dearest Claire, in some rarified circles.
Jul '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
An excellent opportunity to contrast Thatcher's vision to the bankruptcy and rioting of today, and her brilliance and vivaciousness to some portrayals of her today. A definite blessing.
I hope the book takes off.
Mar '11
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
I recall you weren't very impressed with the movie trailer, Claire, but it will most likely help your book sales, so that some good will come out of it.
I was recently listening to Peter's interview with Charles Moore - fascinating.
But it seems unlikely that the UK will see another Thatcher - I have a little more hope for the US.
Jun '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
You are the new "iron lady." I'm proud to say I bought and read your book before Streep made it popular.
Edited on Aug 24, 2011 at 9:10amApr '11
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
Thank you. I've been gathering my interest in the Iron Lady for a few months and needed exactly your book to coddle the brain's curiosity. Amazon only had 3 left in stock just now and one is on its way.
Sep '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
I am glad for your good news and grateful for the window on your life and wit afforded by Ricochet. You have created a wonderful community of quality individual who care deeply as to the direction of humanity at this inflection point in history. I congratulate you on that extremely worthwhile achievement as well.
Beyond the frank infatuation I have felt since I first electronically met you, I genuinely wish I had you as a personal friend (I am old enough to be harmless), geographically speaking. This vicarious experience of youth, energy and intellect is a tonic in what is often a drab and wretched existence.
Feb '11
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
Thatcher faced and beat the odds with determination and optimism. The unexpected can happen here, too. When did you ever imagine that Meryl Streep would boost your book sales? Congratulations and good luck.
Sep '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
You are the new "iron lady."
I second that and will drink to it.
Oct '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
It couldn't have happened to a nicer person.
I just wanted to say that without irony for the first time in my entire life.
Oct '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
Browsing in a bookshop in Paris today I opened a tome on the survival of socialism after the collapse of the Soviet Union to find the name Claire Berlinski jumping off the page as a valuable source. Sadly this seemed to be the best thing about the book, so it remains on the shelf. But I did feel an oddly personal connection...
Jun '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
Congratulations! I hope you sell a million copies.
Apr '11
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
Good For You. I went and borrowed your book the hour after I listened to your Uncommon Knowledge interview about it, and read it all in pretty much one night. I read slowly and yours is the first non-fiction book that ever kept me up all night wanting to find out what happens next. So good luck with more sales, but you have to write another book.
Edited on Aug 24, 2011 at 11:31amFeb '11
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
My wife and I both loved "There Is No Alternative". It was informative without being a slog to read. We are hopeful to thrust our copy before you and beg for an autograph. I wish you much continued success.
Mazal tov!
Apr '11
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
It's a great read, it has more narrative velocity than much of the fiction I have read lately.
A woman for her times and these times.
http://cdn.fd.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Streep-Thatcher.jpg
Aug '10
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
Well, having already bought the book, I can only recommend it to others, and recommend to you that you pass on the flick when it hits the Taksim 24. Bound to disappoint, Ms Streep has become a shrill agendist, Rendition and Lions for Lambs being evidence of that. Hopefully she was working on points, which might show her what works for the public rather than Redford, et al.
Sell lots of books, the world needs that truth rather than concocted psychodramas.
May '11
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
You go girl!
Re: Most Unexpected Good News Ever
These comments are so sweet and I'm so grateful for them.