Dear Randall,
That weekend I spent with you, Jen and the girls in February, 2009 you were still reeling from the loss of your business, your dream, your job, your life savings. Your company went bankrupt, you filed for unemployment. You were still guilty from not meeting payroll and having to let your staff go, many of whom were your friends.
You were hurting, more even than I can imagine. And late on that cold Friday night in lower Manhattan, after the girls were in bed, I reminded you that through your magazines and events for Wall Streeters, you had seen it all. Not as a rich man (alas, you weren't), but as an insider, an observer. It was a unique position, dead center, among but not of. You were observing as a journalist and then you became an integral part of the scene you were covering, kind of like Nick Carraway, in The Great Gatsby. And you became them, but not quite.
I said to you, almost under my breath, “There’s a book there.”
You were too shaken to agree. But the next morning, after a little sleep, you got it. There was a book there. Not just a book, but maybe the book about the era from 2001 to 2009.
You, Jen and I spent the weekend recalling the stories and anecdotes: about the ultra-rich of the Street, of course, but also McCain, Gore, Travolta, Diana Ross, Peter Max, Martha Stewart, Jesse Jackson and on and on and on. And most of all, the former baseball player, Lenny Dysktra. He alone could be a symbol for the obscene decade you called The Zeroes.
And so you wrote the detailed outline, and got the agent you wanted, and the publisher you wanted, Penguin, which took the book as fast as they could. (I always loved penguins!) And at the same time the book was taken, you were asked to join The Daily Beast, as editor-at-large. So you went from unemployment to two jobs, practically in one day. An embarrassment of almost-riches.
The next year and a half would be crammed with research and work. You hoped to write the memoir in six months, but you took almost a year, working nights and weekends. You worked slowly. Jen and I waited for the chapters, and we made some comments. I turned them around as fast as I could.
And just like in 10th grade when you wrote about the Spanish Armada, and in 11th grade when you wrote about waiting in line for Springsteen tickets (and the New York Times bought the article!), there was little I could fault.
I think the book is great, but I'm your mom. Jen thinks it's great, but she's your wife. Now we have to see what others think.
Whatever happens, Rand, I couldn't be prouder of you. The other day I passed the Borders Store on 57th in NYC, and there were your books, in the window! I’m more excited for you than I possibly could be for myself. I will follow your journey on your website, as the reviews come in.
I wish you the best of luck, because no matter how interesting and well-written The Zeroes may be, you’ll need it. And you’ll also need great marketing. And timing, which maybe is luck.
An exciting adventure is beginning. Enjoy the moment. And know that I love you always, and no matter what.
Mom
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Comments
He was "the richest man in town" in 2009 with a Mom like you and a wife like Jen.
Thanks alot for getting the book, Joan. In the review in The Wall Street Journal, Rand was actually compared to Candide, but with the hustling, obscene backdrop of the decade of greed.
Spud, one proud momma indeed!!
Irania, I guess they are always your babies.
Rod, many thanks!
Anne, you got what I was trying to achieve here. You *can* turn it around.
Owl, I think I love you!
And O'Really, the excerpt from the book in Vanity Fair was about Peter Max, and quite shocking actually.
"Should" is the operative word, Pilgrim. Doesn't always happen, as you well know. But there's a real shot here.
Smithery, I can't say it's the most romantic gift around, but Angela enjoys reading, I'm sure. :)
(for those who think i mispelled nachos, and were thinking mexican)
nachashttp://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=nachas
Steve
Brie, let me know what you think of it.
mypyche, thank you. Rand used that word too.
Steve, I can take a bow, but I married Bill in May, so he has nothing to do with Rand, as much as he likes him! :)
This post reminded me of a writer friend who always says, "You have great material" when people talk about life events, especially difficult ones. That's the way writers think, isn't it? (I think Dave Cullen wrote here about envying another writer spending some time imprisoned for that very reason.)
We're a strange lot, and writing is a tough life, but the upside is that we can make something interesting and even wonderful out of the worst things that happen to us.
Sophie, how'd you guess???
Nikki, thanks!!
Nola, I hope lots of libraries do. It's a colorful chronicle of a decadent decade.
Aw Aunt Mabel. He sure is, for many reasons. But in some ways he's had to make his luck with hard work and determination.
John, I sure hope you're right. You usually are!
sweetfeet, I get the pleasure without the nitty-gritty.
Thanks, greenheron. It has been a good year.
Moms can get away with a prod or two or three. Not much more than that, right Bonnie?
Silk, we take what we have and run with it. And do get your hands on the book. I think you would find it a great, great read.
Juliet, I hope you do to. And love "vicarious vicariousness."
Hells Bells, he is honest to the core, but I know that's not the way you meant it. Thanks.
Great story, mom's love conquers all!
So, (R)ated for giving life back again to us too!
(Also do a search 'n replace to theatre and humour. And meagre.)
We talked about this in person a few weeks ago. I want this book.
Did you see TNR's article today on scaring banking industry? Methinks he rides a wave.
Mazel Tov!
Greg, would love to talk about it with you, Could be the "Naughts" I guess, or the "Nils."
Lezlie
r~
L, I may seem controlled. I'm excited.
Thanks, Graham.
joyonboard, please look for it, and maybe even buy it!
Ah, Sally. You know about mother love.
I'm so getting this book.
You're having quite a summer.
I hope the book is a big success!
Chuck, you're pretty cool yourself.
Shiral, the Lane family thanks you. Limoncello indeed.
Life really does work sometimes, and really well :).
Rated for success in disguise.
You're a one-off Lea. And I mean that in the most exhultant way possible.
d
seer, it was well disguised for quite a while.
oh denese, what a sweetie you are!
Monte
Monte, and please tell the bookstore to put the book in the window.
Caroline, it gives us all hope. And not just for writers.
Holly, yes I remember when I wrote about him losing absolutely everything. I was in shock.
Susanne, the Vanity Fair excerpt is only a small idea of the book. You're in for a ride.
Deb, the year and a half felt like a decade in itself. It takes determination.
R
Just Thinking, so glad you found the site.
Angela, yes in the WINDOW!
Femme, hope you got the book in a nanosecond.
Mary, another proud mother, way cool.
Mary, another proud mother, way cool.