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When I was a student at Penn View Christian (Mennonite), an older kid called me on the phone out of the blue and asked me to try out as the lead singer of his band. I couldn’t wrap my head around his request. How did he know if I could even sing or not? I didn’t even know. I still don’t know. It took me years to understand that he was interested in my energy and wanted to know if it could translate into leading a rock band.

I sometimes wonder how my life would be different if I’d said yes.

Good piece.

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It's interesting isn't it? Bono had no training and very little ability when he started. Apparently Adam Clayton was so bad that one potential producer said they'd were interested but U2 would have to get rid of the bassist. They said no, they would be keeping their bassist. And Bono talks so much about energy in the book. Has me thinking.

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Jan 25, 2023Liked by Shawn Smucker

A good piece for making me think, Shawn. Where, when, or to what might a "yes" lead to something good? (Wow, that sounded wimpy and indecisive!) Anyways, re. Audible: A friend raved about Barbara Kingsolver's <Demon Copperhead,> so I just got it. I just finished <The Rosie Project,> which was wonderfully funny. So if you need to laugh for a few days . . .

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I just listened to the opening of Demon Copperhead and have been rightfully blown away by Kingsolver's story and Charlie Thurston's narration. It sounds like a story you'd like, Shawn.

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Done. Just got it. As soon as I finish my current audio book I'll be on to it! Thanks, Robin!

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It is a sad story so far and kind of hard (for me at least) to listen to, but I'm told the MC's plight improves finally.

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I’m listening to Bono’s book on audible! It’s like 42 hours or something 😂. But another suggestion if you haven’t read/listened yet would be Everything Sad is Untrue. I love a good memoir read but the author. Excellent storytelling.

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Get the Midnight Library on Audible!

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I read that in paperback and loved it! An intriguing read. I bet it's a great audio book.

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