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Book Worm 664 words
It was standing room only at Clark’s Corners on a recent Friday night. The magnet that brought people flocking to Ione’s lively coffee shop/community center was the opportunity to hear Scott Thomas Anderson talk about his new book, “Shadow People.” Meth-driven crime is a serious issue in Amador, Calaveras and Tuolomne counties. Lodestar readers know that. For sure you must all have found Scott’s recent hard-hitting feature on the subject as riveting as I did. Now comes the book, a culmination of Scott’s experiences as an embedded reporter with county law enforcement agencies not only here in the foothills but throughout the nation. “Sleepless and paranoid, methamphetamine addicts often see ‘shadow people’ in the darkest hours of the night,” Scott told his avid audience. “Yet it’s the addicts themselves that cast a shadow over the most peaceful corners of America, driven in large numbers to commit fraud, identify theft, burglary, domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, assault and murder.” Scott, an award winning journalist, explained how he had received a grant to spend 18 months exploring the link between crime and methamphetamine use. While accompanying law enforcement officers, Scott thought it important that any suspect being confronted or arrested know that a professional journalist was present. To establish this, he wore a press badge around his |
neck while on his vigils. “Few suspects bothered to read my badge,” he told the group. “Most just glanced at it and assumed that I was an undercover investigator, a police cadet or a county health official. Given the frequency of these identification issues, I started making sure that any meth addict or dealer who struck up a meaningful conversation with me understood that I was a journalist and that I was working on a major media project.” The result of Scott’s investigation is front-line reporting at its best. “Shadow People” is an unflinching look at the human costs of the meth epidemic. Matt, an addict working hard at his own recovery, underscored the book’s message when he bravely shared his story with the audience and opened up to questions. It was heart-wrenching. Two who helped Scott with his fact gathering task, detective Josh Crabtree and Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan, also addressed the group. Their message was clear: be observant and follow through by calling law enforcement. Lock your doors. On a far lighter note, I’ve got to tell you: Scott looks great in a tie. He had a lot of friends present at the signing who are proud of his achievement and eager for its success.
* * * Here’s some good news about Railroad Flat’s Janet Langton. Her debut novel, “River of Skulls,” has successfully passed round one in Amazon’s Annual Fiction Contest. Out of 5000 entries, hers will be one of 1000 moving |
up to the next round where 250 entries will then be chosen to go on to the finals. At that point, Amazon readers will vote on their favorites. The prize winner is slated to win a $15,000 advance and a publishing contract with Penguin Books. “River of Skulls” has been described as a story of courage, love, failure and accomplishment. Localites should find it of special interest. Get this: The time is 1850, the place Calaveras County, the girl is plucky Emily Fairfield who has journeyed west to find her missing fiancé. Take my word, things get pretty exciting once Emily reaches the notorious “river of skulls,” otherwise known as the El Rio de las Calaveras. Janet really knows how to tell a story and has done her homework in the historical research department. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for her. In other news: Don’t miss Linda Field’s “Manzanita Voices” every Sunday morning at 9 on KVGC. Linda, a resident of Angels Camp, is broadcasting interviews with Mother Lode writers coast to coast from Jackson! Do you have a new book out? Are you planning a reading or signing? Let’s share the excitement. Email the details to me at amherndon@sierralodestar.com
Pictures: Scott Anderson drew a standing room only crowd to Ione’s Clark’s Corner. Scott Anderson talked about his new book, “Shadow People” at Clark’s Corner in Ione. Scott Anderson chats with Sheriff Martin Ryan at a recent book signing at Clark’s Corner in Ione. |