World Tour a Success

The NNAOPP world tour started with a speech in my hometown, Bowling Green, MO to the Pike County Hospital Foundation.  It was attended by about 250 folks and I sold 36 books afterwards.  Thanks to the fine folks from Pike County.  From there Ben and I traveled half way around the world to New Zealand to hike the Milford Track and the Tongariro Crossing (check out the story and photos on a related page).  We had a great time, but most importantly, I launched the international campaign with sales of 5 copies of NNAOPP.   Thanks again to all who've helped in this journey.  Remember NNAOPP when contemplating your Christmas lists.

NNAOPP Road Show Off to New Zealand

Ben and I are off to New Zealand this weekend to hike the Milford Track.  Hopefully the adventure will provide some fresh material for stories.  Also intend to spread the word down under about the curative effects of reading NNAOPP.

Second Printing

I'm happy to report that there will be a second printing of NNAOPP.  Thanks to many of you've who've shared kind comments about the book.  The second edition will carry the following excerpts from your comments on the new/revised back cover of the book:

What Readers Are Saying About NNAOPP:

NNAOPP reminded me of Confederacy of Dunces.  Perhaps it was your turn of phrase, or perhaps just the amount of laughter while reading it.  Bless you for writing this book!  We all need the laughter in our lives!

Recently I have had several nights where I wake up at 2:30 unable to go back to sleep. I turned on the light and read chapters from your book (I keep it on my night stand) and have laughed out loud so much I scared my cat. 

There are not many books I have read in my life that have triggered spontaneous out loud laughter.  NNAOPP did. 

Your book arrived in my mailbox yesterday.  At 2 a.m. I became ill (24 hour bug?).  I began reading nude nuns today and have experienced a full recovery.  I attribute this speedy recovery to the frequent bursts of laughing out loud!

My continuous chuckles and outright laughter while reading NNAOPP in an airport caused a number of people to give me worried looks. The zany stories and characters described are certifiably true for anyone who grew up in the 1950s and attended college in the 1960s. This book is a great story of Midwestern Americana and a hilarious view on life that is rare and perhaps nearing extinction.

I just received this 'book review' from my 91-year old lesbian aunt.   She is a voracious reader, so I bought and sent her a copy when I purchased mine.  This is what she said, "I always meant to tell you that Nude Nuns & Other Peculiar People was one of the best funny books I've read in years. Loved the Nude Nuns story."

There is a line in Forrest Gump with Forrest sitting on the bench, and he had just finished telling the old lady on the park bench his life story.  The lady on the bench says, with a clear demeanor of mild disbelief, "What a beautiful story.  And you tell it so well." Your book is a great story, and you tell it very well.

Calling attention to new pages posted

Two recent stories have been added to my pages:  Climbing Red Cloud (Colorado 14er), and Moab Mountain Biking.  Take a gander if you've an interest.

New reviews on www.goodread.com

Thanks to three kind readers of Nude Nuns and Other Peculiar People for posting favorable reviews and recommendations on www.goodreads.com, a website to share ideas on good books.

Best Seller?

NNAOPP now may be one of the best sellers at Bruce Smith Drug Store in Prairie Village, KS.  I stopped by yesterday and noticed they were out of stock.  I asked the manager if she wanted more books, and she said, "Yes.  Why don't you bring me six more.  They're seem to be going pretty fast."

Surpassed 1,000

Sales of NNAOPP reached 1,009 as of 5/30/12, the seventh month anniversary of the publishing date.  Thanks to all who helped reach this milestone.

Testimonials continue to pour in:

Hi Chuck,

I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying your book!  My boss loaned me his copy, and I cannot put it down.  I already want to dog-ear and highlight passages, so I thought I'd better order one of my own.  Then, I thought of friends who would laugh their ass off just as I have been while reading this book.   I like your deal of 5 copies with free shipping.  Any chance you'd sign them before sending?  It would be a treat to give signed copies to friends. 

BTW, have you read Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole?  Your turn of phrase, or perhaps just the amount of laughter while reading it, somehow reminds me of that fine book.

Bless you for writing NNAOPP!  We all need the laughter in our lives!

Indian Hills Country Club Pro Shop to Carry NNAOPP

Indian Hills Country Club pro shop has acquired an order of Nude Nuns and Other Peculiar People to complement their fine line of merchandise.  Check it out if you're in the vicinity.

Sales now at 956 copies

Thanks to all who have purchased a copy of NNAOPP.  We're closing in on the 1,000 copy milestone.

Promotional poster used for Sanibel Library book signing

What Others Are Saying About Nude Nuns and Other Peculiar People

Appeals to Elderly Lesbians

I just received this 'book review' from my 91-year old aunt.   She is a voracious reader and I sent her a copy when I purchased mine.   She is a lesbian and I was afraid she might be offended....   Well, this is what she said.... 

I always meant to tell you the book Nude Nuns & Other Peculiar People was one of the best funny books I've read in years. What a guy. Loved the Nude Nuns story. Thanks again for sending it.

Provides Health Benefits

I love this book!  I keep a copy next to my toilet.  I have suffered from a medical problem (locked bowels) for almost 30 years.  I have been reading a chapter each morning at the "appropriate" time and, amazingly, it has completely cured my medical problem.  I've lost track of the LOL moments.

Recently I have had several nights where I wake up at 2:30 unable to go back to sleep. I have turned on the light and read chapters from your book and have laughed out loud so much I scare my cat.

Reviewer's Choice

Chuck Wells has a gift for descriptive phrases that keeps this collection of mirthful tales rolling along. My continuous chuckles and outright laughter while reading this book in an airport caused a number of people to give me worried looks. The zany stories, characters, and antics described are certifiably true for anyone who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s. This book is a great story of Americana and a hilarious view on life that is rare and perhaps nearing extinction.

Aids Marital Harmony

I absolutely loved everything about your book.  I couldn't put it down.  I even snapped at my husband for interrupting my reading.

Charles A. Wells, Jr.

Speaking at the Sanibel Library - Tuesday March 27, 2012 at 10:00 am

Radio personality, David Hauenstein, will read excerpts from NNAOPP on his show

SW Florida radio personality, David Hauenstein, will be reading excerpts from the "Prairie Village" and "Banjo" chapters of Nude Nuns and Other Peculiar People on his radio show.  He'll also post a transcript on his website.  I'll keep you informed of the specifics as they emerge.  A big thanks to David for reading the book and for his willingness to share portions on his "Listening to the Word" program.

I'll be speaking at the Sanibel Libary at 10:00 am on Tuesday 3/27.  Stop by if you're in the area.

PV Post does an article on NNAOPP

Check out the hyperlink below for an article about NNAOPP.  Thanks to Jay Senter, editor of this fine publication.

 http://pvpost.com/2012/02/28/mission-hills-businessman-writes-of-encounters-with-nude-nuns-and-other-peculiar-people-8973

NNAOPP Review from a 91-year old

Chuck, I just received this 'book review' from my 91 year old aunt.   She is a voracious reader and so I bought and sent her a copy when I purchased my copy.  She is a Lesbian and I was afraid she would be offended....   Well this is what she said.... 

I always meant to tell you the book "Nude Nuns & Other Peculiar People" was one of the best funny books I've read in years. What a guy. Loved the Nude Nuns story. thanks again for sending it to me.

From a Newly Posted Review on Amazon

Chuck Wells has a gift for descriptive phrases that keeps his narrative of personal stories rolling along. My continuous chuckles and outright laughter while reading this book in an airport caused a number of people to give me and my wife some worried and sympathetic looks. The zany stories, characters, and antics described are certifiably true for anyone who grew up in the 1950s and then attended small church-related colleges in the 1960s. This book is a great story of midwestern Americana and a hilarious view on life that is rare and perhaps nearing extinction. Ron

Another testimonial of the health benefits of reading NNAOPP

Dear Chuck,

Your book arrived in my mailbox yesterday.  At 2 a.m. I became ill (24 hour bug?).  I began reading nude nuns today and have experienced a full recovery.  I attribute this speedy recovery to the frequent bursts of laughing out loud!  Laughter is the best medicine as we know.  Your book is the most amazing collection of stories in my recent reading.  You have such a rich vocabulary and ability to tell stories.  Your adventures span a breadth of living.  Basic training in the 1970's to tubbing in your backyard. to building Fort Waverly and much more.  Can you tell how much I am enjoying this addition to my library?  I am eager to visit with you about how you managed the writing. I am also very touched by your kind inscription and will always treasure this priceless book.....

With warm affection,

Karen

A friendly review

At first glance this collection of humorous stories appears disconnected, but quickly the reader realizes he is being taken on a journey through a slice of Americana that is gone forever.  The author uses clever word play to sneak up on you with non-stop, laugh-out-loud stories about some distinctly peculiar people he has encountered.  You'll meet a red-headed giant from the hills of eastern Tennessee in Basic Training, ex-nun lesbian lover antique dealers in the title story, a statuesque transgender decorative accessory in Mardi Gras, a psychopathic pheasant hunter, a hyper type A Alaskan fishing captain, and many, many others.  You'll lose track of the times you break out in spontaneous laughter.  I loved this book. RC.

Testimonial in from a reader in Belize

One of the Iron Men traveled to Belize and shared a copy of NNAOPP:


"My eldest brother, Ron, who lives in Belize, read the book in one setting (he reads 3-4 books a week) and thought it was great." 

Speaking Engagement Set for Sanibel Library

Arrangements were finalized today for a speaking engagement at the Sanibel Library for March 27, 2012 at 10 am.  The topic will be "Lessons Learned Self Publishing in an Ebook World."  Of course, copies of NNAOPP will be available for interested parties.  Stop by, if you're in Sanibel that week.