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Noel Black Interviews Mike Jones
July 11, 2007 4:20 PM
Photo: Noel Black
The man who brought down New Life Church's Pastor Ted Haggard is visiting Colorado Springs to promote his new book. It's called, I Had to Say Something: The Art of Ted Haggard's Downfall. It's author, Mike Jones, has received a frostry reception at Colorado Springs bookstores. Both major national chains here declined to host Jones for signings. Independent bookseller Richard Skorman publicly announced that he wouldn't even sell the book, which he considers poorly written. The gay community has stepped in to show Jones their support and Jones appeared at DJs bar for a signing last Sunday where Noel Black caught up with him.
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Photos: Noel Black
Posted by Eric Whitney on July 11, 2007 4:20 PM | Permalink
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After airing this piece, we were contacted by Richard Skorman, owner of Poor Richard's Bookstore. He said he felt we did an incomplete job of characterizing his reasons for not carrying Jones' book.
So, below is a letter Mr. Skorman wrote to the Colorado Springs Gazette on June 14, 2007 stating his reasons in his own words. Hope this clears things up:
Last month, Poor Richard’s Bookstore was approached by Seven Stories Press, the publisher of “I Had To Say Something: The Art of Ted Haggard’s Fall,” by Mike Jones, asking us to host a book signing to promote their recently published title.
At the Poor Richard’s complex, we strongly believe in our citizen’s First Amendment freedoms to read any book of their choosing, including “I Had To Say Something.” We also stand for fairness and protecting the civil rights of all in our community, in particular our gay, lesbian and transgendered neighbors, co-workers and friends.
However, we are selective about the new books we carry and the authors we promote. After reading “I Had To Say Something,” I found the book invasive, exploitive and not well-written. We at Poor Richards won’t be carrying the book, recommending it or promoting its author.
Richard Skorman
Colorado Springs
Posted by: Eric Whitney | July 12, 2007 1:17 PM
