News & Reader Comments

Upcoming Book Signings and Other Events

WE'RE SORRY, THERE ARE NO EVENTS SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME

Past (*???*) Book Signings and Other Events

(*The New Castle County Art and Book Fair, Nov. 2, 2019*)

Tom signed copies of his memoirs on Saturday November 2, 2019 from 11am to 3pm. This 6th annual event, celebrating local writers and artists, was held at the Hockessin PAL Building at 7259 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707.

(*The New Castle County Art and Book Fair, Nov. 10, 2018*)

Thomas signed copies of his memoirs on Saturday November 10, 2018. The 5th annual event held at the Hockessin PAL Building at 7259 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707.

(*Hockessin Art and Book Fair, November 4, 2017*)

Thomas signed copies of his memoirs on Saturday November 4, 2017. The 4th annual event.

(*Book Reading at the Newark Senior Center, November 30, 2016*)

Our author read select passages from "Tommy Mack: An Appalachian Childhood" followed by signing copies of his memoirs. The event was held from 1pm to 3pm at the NSC, located at 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark, DE 19713.

(*Meet the Author at Hockessin Book Shelf, January 16, 2016*)

Thomas signed copies of his memoirs from 1pm to 3pm at the Hockessin Book Shelf, your neighborhood new and used book store at 7179 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707.

(*Hockessin Art and Book Fair, June 20, 2015*)

(*Jenkinjones 2014 Reunion, August 15-16, 2014*)

Our author attended this biennial event to celebrate the life and memory of the small, historic coal mining town of Jenkinjones, WV. The two-day event was held at the beautiful Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem, WV (near Athens, WV). A brief book signing was held that Friday night, after the dinner.

(*Hockessin Art and Book Fair, June 21, 2014*)

Comments from the Readers

TOMMY MACK: An Appalachian Childhood

• “The author did a superb job of drawing me into his childhood. I could feel his family's pain and disappointment. But at the same time I could chuckle at many experiences that reminded me of my childhood. I read this book in three days. Maybe I'll stop short of calling it a page-turner but each time I found the opportunity to read a little more, I grabbed the chance. After reading this story I'm more keenly aware of how precious childhood is and how certain experiences can haunt us our entire lives. I look forward to the author's next book.”
  W. R. Clark, Delaware
• “Very good book. Tom Dixon has well researched the area, reacquainted himself with the memories (many which I am sure were hard) that he wrote about. He did a superb job of portraying reality as a child would see it. You can feel the pains, and feel as though you are part of the successes of this family. I highly recommend this book. Looking forward to the next book!”
  D. Woodard, Virginia
• “I grew up near the region where the author's childhood was spent; my wife presented me with this book one day, thinking I would like it. I admit, I was apprehensive at first, not wanting to spend my limited reading time on what, at first glance, may have been a brief, cliche memoir with no real meaning for anyone other than the actual characters or people who knew them. I was wrong. I sat down to read this book, and never stopped until the last page, then searching to see if the next in the series was available. I'm looking forward to the anticipated release a bit later this year. One reviewer described his engagement as not quite a page turner, but engaging. I would propose that the only difference is that this is not an exciting, heart-pounding action/mystery page turner. It is a magical and surprisingly aloof portal into a world so unique that the author's matter-of-fact and childlike perspective on the events juxtapose a broader mystery that seeps through the collection of sepia-tone photographs like the cold winters on the mountain, as relentless and unapologetic as the father's narcissism and alcoholism. Not to imply that the writing is childlike, by any means, or that the author lacks perspective; he is telling a true story of things he knows best, and he knows it. He lived it and the language flows as simple, apparent, clear, and meaningful as the rising water at Falls Mills. This piece of non-fiction is one of the least pretentious, most honest, and engaging stories I have ever taken into my heart.”
  W. R., in West Virginia

TOMMY MACK: Unsettled Years

• “Vivid storytelling. This is a textbook example of how to write about family trauma and horrific events, without seeming to demean any of the characters. It is truth telling, but done in a way that seems to evoke sympathy for the characters—and provides understanding for their responses and behavior—even Dad, a victim of his demons and a captive of his times and cultural setting. If I were teaching a course on memoir writing, and I might some day, I would use this [book] (with your permission) as a model for how to write about unpleasant events in the most appropriate way—that is, unflinching description of the troubles, accompanied by some empathy, and some degree of understanding about how and why it all occurred. Nice work. Well done. ”
  O. Otteson, Minnesota