July

250 years ago, on the 4th of July, this country—on its knees at the feet of a king—put its hands on the ground and pushed itself up. Those same hands, which normally carried farmers' tools, fishing nets, axes, chisels, augers, doctors' instruments, and, yes, even quills, formed fists and took a stand. 

This weekend, we celebrate something truly remarkable: not only the birth of this nation, but the unity it took to achieve it. It wasn’t just those standing in Independence Hall who made this country; it was people no different than you or me. 

Close your eyes and imagine it: feel the energy, the fear, the pride, and the desire to be a free nation—with the ability to govern itself, write its own laws, and rise to a level our founding fathers never dreamed. 

Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, I think we can all agree that something beautiful happened 250 years ago. 

I remember growing up and seeing pictures of Boothbay Harbor celebrating the nation's bicentennial. Doing the math, I realized that I would, more than likely, live to see this 250th milestone. 

We can all—and I mean ALL—raise our hands in triumph this Saturday and celebrate how far we have come. 

In honor of this great milestone, and perhaps spurred by the impending release of Last Light in a few months, I am holding a sale on my hardcover books: 

• Red at Night: $14.25 

• Red in the Morning: $14.73 

• First Light: $12.87 

These special prices are available exclusively to my email list throughout the month of July. 

Readers, followers, family, and friends: let’s set aside our differences this weekend, much like our ancestors did 250 years ago, and celebrate the birth of the United States of America!