Heather Latter
Launch set
for Saturday
Given the success of his first book released two years ago, retired Fort Frances High School teacher Frank Maraj is now launching a sequel, entitled “Snapshots II: Navigating the University Years.”
While “Snapshots” reflected on his childhood in Trinidad, Maraj’s newest book tells of his early days in Canada beginning in 1967 as a young adult ready to start university.
“I had so much support and encouragement, and there was demand for the sequel,” noted Maraj, saying he began working on his second book almost immediately following the release of “Snapshots.”
“I’m just hoping it meets the expectations of the readers,” he added.
A small book launch was held during lunch yesterday and today at Fort Frances High School, primarily for students and staff there.
A community launch is planned for this Saturday (April 2) from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre.
“Sales are steady,” Maraj enthused yesterday, though indicating many students stopped by to say they had forgotten their money and would bring it the following day.
“I can’t wait to read it,” exclaimed teacher Nancy Gillon, who picked up her copy.
“I’m going to start tonight.”
Many others who purchased the book exuded a similar excitement to continue on reading Maraj’s stories.
“Having read the first book and hearing all the little bits of the stories, I’ve been waiting to sit down and read the whole thing in a completed form,” noted Diane Maxey, who was on hand yesterday to assist Maraj with the book sales.
In fact, she’s already encouraging him to write a third book.
“For me, it would be so special to bring it back to here—to tell the stories of his teaching years [in Fort Frances],” Maxey remarked.
“I think it would mean a lot to his students, as well.”
But she knows it has taken a lot of work for Maraj to write the first two books.
“It’s exhilarating, but it took a great deal of reflection and it’s quite an undertaking,” agreed Maraj, saying he’s not against a third book but is pondering whether he’d continue in the same direction.
“It’s been a long process,” echoed his wife, Diana, though adding technology has made the process much quicker.
In fact, Maraj indicated the book wasn’t supposed to come out until Christmas this year, so it was ready much earlier than expected.
And he’s thrilled with the outcome of new book.
“I’m very happy,” he enthused, adding he’s especially delighted with the cover, which was designed by Ron Hines and Dany Michaud.
However, the launch of the book came at a sad time as the partner of Maraj’s dear friend and mentor, Scott Doherty, recently passed away.
Still, Doherty, who provided assistance and support for Maraj’s book, insisted he move forward with the launch as planned—and even purchased the first copy.
Maraj said he’s excited to share the new book with students and the community who have offered support and encouragement to him.
Copies of “Snapshots II: Navigating the University Years” will be available for $25 each during the official launch this Saturday at the Fort Frances Library Technology Centre.
