Comment by Martin James on March 22, 2015 at 11:14am

Thanks for this Jack!  I don't know if I will be writing anything soon but I did finish your book. I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. Having seen your postings on Kamazooie, it also allowed me to consider you the writer at the same time as reading your novel. I couldn't help but wonder how you came to write on these particular experiences. Are you a mountain climber yourself? Also, the adversity that you wrote about left me wondering how you came to be so intimate with this area. 

BTW, I'm not asking for responses (since these are personal questions), just stating how I read the book a little differently than I would read other novels knowing you a little through your postings on the site. Anyway, thanks for sharing both on your postings and through your book Because.  Its a great first novel in my opinion. I hope to see and read more from you.

Comment by Jack A. Langedijk on March 22, 2015 at 11:57am

 A Great sunny day to you Martin...

Thank you for your response and your time in reading my book. It always feels like receiving a gift when someone reads it...and takes the time to reach out and connect!!

I don't think your questions are that personal ...I am not a mountain climber-yet two of my friends are...both have summited Everest more than once...although I  did climb the highest mountain with them in Morocco with the two of them.(we were working on a TV project of having 6 different middle eastern countries coming together for one goal)

.Plus i  have worked with them on different projects based on climbing-and designed a talk for corporations based on their adventures. And the second question -the adversity and being intimate in that area-well I have worked in schools and corporations...Questimon.org   is an organization i started...and some of the experiences that I write about come directly from those workshops...I guess you could say I wrote about  a 'life' that was close to me and a world that I am a part of.Thank you so much for your support!!!

I was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me a little further by posting a review on Amazon.com 

Blessings and open arms of hope-health and happiness to you and all you love

Jack

Comment by Martin James on March 22, 2015 at 8:16pm

Thanks Jack! I will definitely do that. Thanks for the insight into your inspiration for the book. I checked out the Questimon site. Sounds like great programs. Thanks again for your response.

Comment by Brian Ritchie on April 25, 2015 at 2:48pm

Hi Jack:  I finished you book a while back and it was great. Unfortunately, after hearing the news about the earthquake in Nepal, and the avalanche on Everest, I couldn't help think about how fact is portraying fiction in this case. There are unfortunately reports of up to 10 dead including climbers and guides on Everest. I pray those that are still alive and trapped around the region.

Comment by Martin James on April 30, 2015 at 10:32am

Hi Brian and Jack: Yes, after reading "because" and watching the news last week, I couldn't help relate the two. My heart goes out to all the families that are experiencing loss over there. I hope they keep finding survivors and that the world continues to come to their support in this time of tremendous need.

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