‘As I was reading the book I laughed, and I cried, and sometimes I laughed until I cried.’
– Theresa.
GLADWIN – Gladwin Columnist Joel Vernier has launched his first book, ‘Guinea Pig in the Freezer.’ The 127 page reader is comprised of 10 chapters of various stories that revolve around his wife, Carol, and their journey to raise their only child, Christine (Chris).
A prolific writer, Vernier has written more than 150 columns over the past seven years under the header of, ‘From the Comfy Chair.’ His work is seen in Michigan Boomers, the Roscommon County Voice, Crawford County Voice and Voice of the AuSable.
‘I wanted people to share in the wonderful fun and episodic insanity that Chris brought into my life. Like all parents, I tried my best to raise her up to be independent, to be kind and to help others, and to have a successful life,’ he said.
The book starts with the birth of Chris and with a few thoughts on the future. Vernier shares mistakes and successes they had as parents. But this is primarily a story about his daughter, her plethora of animals and the love for them GǪ along with many moments of episodic insanity, which every parent can appreciate.
‘Along the way I made some mistakes, did something’s right, but loved all of it, more than I anticipated. I hope people reading this book will smile a little, laugh a little and enjoy many of the situations that happened along the journey.’
Vernier said it took him six years to put the book together, but he thought about it long before then.
‘For a long time I thought about it,’ he said. ‘Kept notes, told stories. And I think a lot of people have the same types of great ideas and expectations – the challenge is to do the daily discipline of writing,’ Vernier said. ‘Lots of people are great story tellers. You just need to take the time to put it down on paper, or in my case, on a computer.’
Vernier named the book because of the death of Chris’ guinea pig, Taffy. The animal died and since she didn’t want to bury it, he convinced her they could keep it in the basement freezer.
‘Just so you know, the guinea pig is still in the freezer,’ he said. ‘We have been planning for a Spring burial but haven’t gotten around to it.
So far, the book, which is for sale on Amazon, is selling briskly.
Joel said Chris is the inspiration for the book, and that she’s been an integral part of his life.
‘For those who have read the self-published piece, they deem it funny, true to life and easy to read.
I dedicate this to Chris and to all of the animals that have enriched our lives.
‘And to all parents who have, will, or are raising children, this might give you a little bit of insight, and perhaps inject a little humor into their lives. And to everyone that enjoys a little humor.’
And as Joel often says, ‘Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others!’
The book is available at Amazon.com under ‘The Guinea Pig in the Freezer,’ as well as online at theguineapiginthefreezer.com for $14.95 plus shipping and handling.
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