DiLeo Writes—Interlude

1/27/19
DiLeo Writes—Interlude: A Response to Extreme OwnershipHello and welcome to DiLeo Writes.
If you've read my previous deliveries, you might've noticed this one is titled differently. This is a surprise entry, an "Interlude" between my previous missive about the journey of writing and creative living and the next one, which will be about my novel The Devil Virus, coming February 22, 2019, from Bloodshot Books. Last weekend, a colleague gave me the book Extreme Ownership to read a specific excerpt. I've been a high school English teacher for thirteen years, so I read the book through the lens of public education. I am not the target audience for this book written by two Navy Seals.

Even so, I read nearly the entire book in two days. This is not because the book is a brilliant work, though it is clear and engaging, but because the authors' beliefs spurred my own opinions about what makes a good leader. I was so galvanized I handwrote a four-page response. 

Sound crazy? Read this:
"I don't know what I think until I write it down"
—Joan Didion
I agree with Didion. We may tell kids to "think before you speak," but when it comes to analytical, inquisitive, intellectual literary excursions, it's better to get the thoughts on paper as they arrive so they can be examined, challenged—so they may battle with one another—and pushed toward deeper revelations.

That makes it sound like I wrote something profound, but it's just words on paper.

Maybe that's profound enough.

Perhaps you don't care what I think of some leadership book—no problem, but before you leave, scroll down and check out my list of TV, books, and music I've been enjoying recently. You might find something to check out.

If, however, you are interested in what I wrote, please enjoy. 

And if you are so inclined, handwrite me a response. I'd love that.

Be happy, be well, be kind,
Chris DiLeo

P.S. I'm now on all sorts of media: 
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[Only newsletter subscribers can see what I wrote.]
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Note: The above was written in Palomino pencil on lined, yellow Rhodia paper. 

What I'm digging lately:
True Detective: Season 3 (HBO)
Sex Education (Netflix)
The Sopranos (HBO GO)
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix)
Blackklansman (rented)
Gunpowder by Joe Hill (limited edition)
The Little Silver Book of Sharp Shiny Slivers by Joe Hill (limited edition)
It's Alive: Bringing Your Nightmares to Life by F. Paul Wilson, Ed. (buy on Amazon)
Columbine by Dave Cullen (audio)
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (audio)
Growing Things and Other Stories by Paul Tremblay (pubbing July 2019)—I read an ARC
Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage by R.E.M. (iTunes)
Greatest Hits by Al Green (iTunes)
Stars: The Best of 1992-2002 by The Cranberries (iTunes)
The Very Best of Jackson Browne by Jackson Browne (iTunes)
Live in Berlin by Sting (iTunes)