Dear Reader, Love Richard Robbins

Dear Reader…

So, Who or What is a Lagniappe?

That’s the first question people often ask me when they see the title of my novel, Love, Loss, and Lagniappe.  Lagniappe is a New Orleans term, loosely defined as a little something extra.  Mark Twain described it as the thirteenth roll in a baker’s dozen, a happy little bonus.  Love and loss are more obvious.  Although each person’s individual life dramas are unique, love and loss are universal, which is why this novel seems to have resonated so strongly with readers.

The characters and events described within are based on actual events in my life, with significant literary license.  Although the outcomes are not always the same, the thoughts and feelings described are authentic, which explains why many of my writing sessions ended with me quietly weeping in the corner of a Starbucks. But don’t despair (or do, when intended), there is great joy and insight to be found in the story, including the meaning of life.  Really.  You’ll have to read it to find out!

This novel was written as an act of love.  First, to my wife, family, and friends, as well as to the cities of New Orleans and New York, which are as integral to the story as any other characters.  It is my sincere wish that you, the reader, receive it as such, and that it brings you some of the joy and enlightenment that I have experienced from those who have been so loving to me. 

The final question I’m asked when people hear that I am writing novels is “So, you’re a writer now?”  The answer is that I have always been, as are you and everyone else.  Every e mail, letter, and birthday card you send makes you a writer.  I have found that the more I time and effort I take to express myself creatively in any of those outlets, the happier I make the recipient, as well as myself.  And isn’t that what it’s all about?  So, be a writer yourself, you’ll enjoy it.  Today, a better e mail, tomorrow maybe your own novel.

And a final thank you to everyone who has gotten in touch with me to let me know how the book has moved them, from reviewers to readers.  Knowing that the work has brought you enjoyment is the greatest gift you can give me.  If you choose to read the book, please let me know how you felt about it at www.Robbinsbooks.com   I’ll thank you for the input.

Love and mercy,

Richard Robbins

About the Author

Richard Robbins has always liked telling good stories, but it was not until his youngest child left for college that he was able to find the time to put them into print.  His first novel, Love, Loss, and Lagniappe was inspired by actual events in his life, and utilizes Richard’s Medical and Business School background to explore the journey of self-discovery after heartbreaking loss, while revealing the scientific basis for the meaning of life (You’ll have to read it to find out!).

Richard is currently working on his second novel, Panicles, a multi-generational story of the intersecting fate of two families and the price of fame versus the simpler pleasures of a grounded life.

Richard lives in New York City with his love and inspiration, Lisa, his wife of thirty years (and counting), near their beloved grown children.

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About the Book:

Title: LOVE, LOSS AND LAGNIAPPE
Author: Richard Robbins
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Pages: 186
Genre: Literary Fiction

BOOK BLURB:

Life is good for Dr. Drew Coleman, a successful young eye surgeon living in Uptown New Orleans, and he knows it. Having met and married his beautiful medical school classmate, Kate, the two settle happily into the routine of raising their two young daughters.

Drew’s charmed life is soon shattered by devastating news, causing him to go on a ten-year transcontinental journey of self-discovery, during which he explores the nature of God and Man, the divine inspiration for many of New York’s landmarks and artistic treasures, and the relationship between the found and the lost souls passing on the street. He meets a number of memorable characters, including the young blue-haired runaway, Blue, who renounced her given name when forced to leave her Minnesota home with her girlfriend, Anna.

In time, he discovers and explains the scientific basis for the meaning of life, and is finally found, or finds himself, setting the stage for a bittersweet and memorable ending.

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