Monday, September 14, 2009

Canadian Tour very successful

Last week I had a great time on my Great Canadian Book Signing Tour throughout Canada. Friends are Thicker than Water was well received and people in Canada are anxious to read the book.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Comments from readers of "Friends Are Thicker Than Water"

I got a nice letter from my classmate Charley O from California the other day.
He wrote: “Rivetting! I couldn’t put it down. The book is good. You always have been a good story teller, so the format was good for you. It was a kick to read some of the escapades that I had heard about over the years. Football memories that had faded from my head long ago; you brought back vividly.

George enjoyed life in spite of hardship and tragedy. There’s no need for me to tell you how fortunate you’ve been to have had such a friend.

The book title is catchy, but perhaps a misnomer. Neither his nor your youth was misspent. On the contrary, it was incredibly rich. The book is not only a tribute to George, but it also says a lot about your family and you - A tight, supportive, loving group. Phil would have said about you “great bloodlines” –Your good happy life was a prohibitive 1 – 9 shot because of that breeding. See, don’t get a swollen head; you had nothing to do with it.

Your Judicious friend
C. Palumbo – forever immortalized in God darn real print
P.S.
Finally the 55 team will go on the back burner. Superseded by the success of “the Author”. Oh God, give us strength!
Nice Work
Chas”

I’ve been getting a lot of calls every week from people who have enjoyed reading the book.
Chet called from Cape Cod and said, “I went into the website and it pushed me to read the book right away. I couldn’t put it down.”

Ray Oney called from Maine: “I heard about the book and am really looking forward to reading it this fall.”

Marty III called from Pennsylvania: “I’ve heard you relate many of these stories over the years, but reading the entire book from cover to cover certainly puts it into a whole new perspective. Boy, it was great. I loved it. You did a fantastic job writing the tales and creating a wonderful novel.”

My sister’s friend Ida told her she read Friends are Thicker than Water and loved it. She was delighted to find out that the character Nancy was the author’s sister.

Thanks to all who have enjoyed reading my book and passing it on to their friends to read.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Letters, emails and phone calls....




Every day I hear positive comments from people who have read my book, Friends are Thicker than Water through phone calls, notes and emails. It is wonderful to see the reaction of people reading the book. Many have commented that they have had a good time trying to figure out who the characters are. Many have said they have been to readings or read excerpts over the years that I was working on the book, but when reading the entire book, you get a different perspective. So many have said that they couldn’t put it down once they started reading. I really appreciate the feedback and it is a thrill to know people are enjoying my book.

One letter recently came from E.D., President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. “Thank you for the signed copy of your book. You have talent. The works were easy to read and the flow of words was terrific. What a summer you guys had. I tried to figure out all of the characters. I got most of them, some I didn’t. The book is highly recommended reading.”

This past weekend our St. Raphael graduating class members met for a clambake. Our class has stayed in close contact since our high school days. We meet for lunch once a month and have a gathering with our wives once a year. We have a grand time retelling stories of our youth.

This Friday, August 14, I have been invited to be on the Buddy Cianci radio program on WPRO 630 to discuss the book. Frank DiCaprio, who is running for Governor in the state, will be on the program and asked me to join him during his segment.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Book reading and signing in Cranston, Rhode Islan


On Sunday July 26 at 6 p.m. there was a reading and book signing of the book 'Friends are Thicker than Water, Tales of a Misspent Youth' hosted by Angel Zannini in Cranston, Rhode Island with refreshments served by Robert Zannini. See the rest of the event photos at www.donpayton.com/booksigningpictures.htm

Monday, July 13, 2009

Book signing in Cranston, Rhode Island

I'm looking forward to my book signing and reading in Cranston Rhode Island at the end of July. It has been wonderful hearing from friends from my past and hooking up with some of them to discuss the book.

I heard from a fella that I coached when he was twelve; he's now in his fifties. I've heard from people across the country and even in Europe. This has given me great joy and appreciation for some long lost friends. Everyone seems to be enjoying the stories in the book and I like discussing certain aspects with each person. When writing the book I hoped people would have joy and laughter when reading "Friends are Thicker than Water" and I've been pleased with the response from the various readers.

Friday, June 26, 2009

My Visit to St. Raphael's

On June 25 I met at St.Raphael Academy with Brother Thomas, Mr. Terry Murray, teacher and co-director of the Drama Club, Darby Castigligo, Vice President of Operations, and Laura Loffredo, Director of Development, to donate my book, Friends are Thicker than Water, to the school library.

It is amazing how Saints always has such qualified and dedicated people working at the school. Brother Thomas has done a great job as producer of the Saints newsletter. He will be leaving Saints this summer and will teach in September at a school in New Jersey. New Jersey's gain is Saint Raphael's loss. Brother Thomas is the last brother teaching at Saints. Lay teachers will now carry the teaching torch.

In 1955, most of the teachers were Brothers with only a few lay teachers. The school is now co-ed, starting in 1974. Brother Thomas' duties will be taken over by the capable Mr. Murray who is also the renowned theatre arts teacher and play director at Saints.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Don on "An Hour With Bob" and a note from Judy

I appeared on "An Hour With Bob" this past week and the segment was aired three times last week. I had a good opportunity to talk about the book. I will also tape a segment to be shown on CATV, Channel 8 that will be shown throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.

I got an email from Judy who wrote, "I recently finished reading your book 'Friends are Thicker than Water Tales of a Misspent Youth.' I wanted to drop you a note to say I enjoyed it. It was both funny and nostalgic. What Pawtucket teenage girl didn't attend St.Ray's and Tolman's Thanksgiving Day Game with a chrysanthemum pinned to her coat?

You captured your main character perfectly. I think George was lucky to have you for his friend. I loved the way you ended your story. Upon finishing the book, I said a prayer for Ralph McGreavey."