Would You Read This Book?

I am getting closer to publication! Since my last post, I completed the formatting for the entire book and worked through the printed proof copy to identify any errors. While waiting for the proof copy to arrive, I worked on the book description that will be placed on the Amazon sell page. (Oh. Wait, Last you knew, I was going to use lulu.com as my printer. Guess I’d better write a post on why I changed my mind – again.)

Anyway, writing the book description was an interesting activity. I read several blogs and listened to several webinars on the subject. Dave Chesson at kindlepreneur.com provided lots of good info on the topic.

I wrote a basic description, using the “story premise” I created while working on my Masterclass activities with Lynn Palermo of the Family History Writing Studio.]

Here’s the original premise:

Sigmund Lichtenthal, esteemed Austrian hat-maker loses everything when Hitler comes to power in 1938. He devotes the remainder of his life to reclaiming his legacy, only to be thwarted by obstacles at every turn. Devotion turns to obsession, causing him to lose sight of his true legacy—his family.

Next, I submitted the premise to ChatGPT, prompting it to “critique this book description for Amazon.” My robot friend had a lot to say! Some points for me to consider included looking at historical context, personal stakes, the pursuit of legacy, themes of family and relationship, and character development.

I rewrote the description, incorporating the suggestions, then submitted that version for critique. After two more versions, I had what I hope will be good enough book overview to encourage someone to push the “Add to Cart” button.

I welcome any feedback you may have after reading the description below:

As the dark clouds of Hitler’s regime descend upon Austria in 1938, Sigmund Lichtenthal, an Austrian hat-maker. loses everything dear to him. Fueled by an unyielding determination to reclaim his formerly thriving legacy, he embarks on a lifelong odyssey, battling against formidable adversity and confronting the heart-wrenching reality of his son’s internment in concentration camps. The effects of this family tragedy linger on, casting a profound shadow on Sigmund’s granddaughter, Doris.

The baton is passed to Sigmund’s great-granddaughter, seven decades later, who takes up the mantle with newfound determination. As she confronts the haunting echoes of the past and unearths buried truths, readers are left to ponder: Will she be successful in completing his lifelong quest? Driven by a deep sense of familial duty and armed with revelations from preserved letters and historical documents, she undertakes a profound journey to honor Sigmund’s legacy.

“Nothing Really Bad Will Happen” skillfully weaves together the threads of history, loss, and family bonds, transporting readers through time to witness the indomitable resilience of the human spirit across generations. With meticulous attention to actual records and intimate family letters, this captivating tale explores the interplay between self-worth and the resilience of the human spirit. Through the lives of Sigmund, his son, and their descendants, readers are invited to reflect on their own sense of value, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. This poignant narrative serves as a testament to the transformative power of recognizing one’s intrinsic worth and the enduring legacy it leaves behind.