Columnist holding book signing - Empty Nest by Curt Swarm

Just in time for Christmas, I will be doing a book signing in Burlington at Burlington By the Books, 301 Jefferson St., on Saturday, December 15th, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Books will be available at the bookstore for $15 each, a bargain considering the life-altering information contained within (I'm not joking). As an added bonus, tucked away in the stack of books at my signing table will be two, twenty dollar bills. (I have to do something to attract readers. lol!). No fair searching the stack of books for the twenty dollar bills. Just purchase your book, or books—Christmas presents you know—have me personally sign them, and be monetarily surprised when your book turns up with a double sawbuck. Heck, the twenty will cover the cost of the book and give you five extra smackers to spend on something else, like a double chocolate mocha.

“Protected” is a true story about my struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, passion for writing, and a very up-front and personal encounter with God. God actually walked through my locked front door, pointed a finger at me, and altered the direction of my life once and for all. Looking back over my life, I can see where God has opened doors, cleared the path, and “Protected” me, often without me knowing how or why He was doing this. Not a religious in-your-face book, or “come-to-Jesus,” holier-than-thou scolding. “Protected” is a down-to-earth, first-person narrative of how God has worked in my life. Many people have had such encounters, or would like to have. See if you can identify.

“Protected” is my first book. My second book will be available sometime next spring. It is a book of short stories, once again based upon my experiences, this time illustrated by a local artist. A-book-a-year might be a good goal.

Don't let the burned out Tama Building, which is directly across the street from Burlington By the Books, keep you from attending the book signing. The burned-out structure is a scary eyesore, yes, and gobbler of downtown parking, but a deterrent to merry Christmas shopping it is not. Right beside Burlington By the Books is the Art Center of Burlington, where my daughter, amongst many other fine local artists, has art on display (hint hint). You can't be too thin, too rich, or have too much artwork. Once again, just in time for Christmas.

I'm going to recommend some movies for holiday entertainment. “Widows,” “The Girl in the Spider's Web” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” are all excellent movies with or without buttery popcorn.

“Widows” is perhaps Viola Davis' finest role to date. Couple her with hunk, Liam Neeson, and you have a thriller you'll be talking and asking questions about for days afterwards, like Ginnie and I did. Based in our friendly city of Chicago, “Widows” is more than a social statement about politics, crime and race, it is an honest rendition of the state-of-our-nation today. Don't miss it.

Claire Foy “The Girl in the Spider's Web” is the 4th novel in the “Millennium” Series, written by David Lagercrantz. You've seen (or wanted to see) Claire Foy in “The Crown” and “First Man.” Now see her take on a completely different role in “Spider's Web,” which proves her amazing talent as one of today's finest actors.

I've written about “Bohemian Rhapsody” before. Rami Malek as Queen's iconic rock star, Freddie Mercury, is a “must see.” One scene has Malek playing the piano upside down. Don't wait for “Bohemian Rhapsody” to come out on Netflix.

See you at my book signing.

Have a good story? Call of text Curt Swarm in Mt. Pleasant at 319-217-0526, email him at curtswarm@yahoo.com or find him on Facebook. Curt's stories are also read at 106.3 FM in Farmington.