The Enthusiast
A novel about a writer who moves through the world of special interests.
Acrobats, Beekeepers, Campers, Divers, Fossil Hunters, Glass Blowers, Hikers, Kite Flyers, Lego Builders, Model Railroaders, Numismatists, Orchid Growers, Poker Players, Rollerbladers, Skydivers, Tinsmiths, Videographers, Wind Surfers…
We live in a world of enthusiasts, special interests who flock to their own websites, discussion groups, activities and magazines.
My friend Charlie Haas has written a novel, The Enthusiast, about Henry Bay, a writer who works for magazines of this sort. Bay jumps from specialty to specialty, learning the language and meeting the players.
It’s a wonderful book: witty, warm, hip and outright funny, but it’s also a fine piece of storytelling.
And, though Henry does not encounter any crazies who fly radio controlled model aircraft, he runs into groups of people a whole lot like us.
As Henry puts it,
… being in the enthusiasm business let me see people being happy, doing what their bumper stickers said they’d rather be doing, what they braked for. For a long time I was able to coast in the wake of that happiness. Winning the prize for the biggest geode or scariest wipeout changed their faces, and I was there, writing down the shop talk of the work that’s not for money. It was a country of fevers, and I only had to deal with the harmless ones.
It’s a perfect summer read: exhilarating writing, memorable characters and no grisly scenes.
Tags: Life, People, Writing.
Mr. Bay, actualy need not look any further than your Ups and Down doorstep, Pete. Through the years, you have documented all of my past, as well as captured the many cherished moments of modelers, and modeling activities, around Northern California. I am honored to be a part of such great history, and fully intend to pass your musings along to my children’s children. Please keep up the good work, and I am looking forward to our trip to Fort Ord California! My friend Dave is back in the game, after nearly losing a finger to a prop, so we will go soon. Hey Gary… Game on!
P.S If you can make it out to the Tomcats, July 11-12 I am sure you won’t be dissapointed, the airshow is put on by us, to promote this wonderful hobby, and to lure in, young pilots. We will be lifting big gliders skyward, with a huge gas powered helicopter, then releasing them! A good time, for sure!
Pete Lane
A notable portion of my career was spent with such folks. Motorcycles and bicycles, primarily. It’s a lesson in perspective, or lack thereof…
Dave