Book Blessing (Kinetson) May 1, 2013

Nearly 150 guests showed at the first book blessing for the novel, “A Perfect Armenian” as they entered the exotic world of Hagopian World of Rugs, a different reality was being created by the traditional Armenian music being played by the talented Ara Topouzian and his Ensemble. The rich textures and colors of the oriental carpets and the scent and visual pleasure of the Armenian foods pulled the guests deeper into this reality.

“Book store… not rug store,” one of my ahnbeedan (mischievous) guests whispered in my ear as she smiled and wolfed down and fresh choreg pastry.

“I know, I know. But this is better. Next time maybe a bookstore,” I replied.

Then, as I was getting into talking with different guests, a heavy but loving hand rested on my shoulder.

“Keri, everyone is waiting. When do you want to start,” Father Hrant Kevorkian asked.

“I guess we should start the program now. The place is packed.”

The book reading was intense because of the chapter I had picked. It was a flashback in the book with the protagonist’s grandfather and future father-in-law.

“I never realized you were such a good writer,” was a comment I heard frequently that night. What do you say to that except thank you and put on a big smile.

Earlier, Father Hrant asked me if I knew why wine was used to bless the book. I gave what I thought was the obvious answer, had something to do with the blood of Christ. But of course it actually has nothing to do with that. Wine is considered to be refined and is drunk by the upper echelons of society. Pouring wine on the book is an attempt to make it more refined and of a higher class. Hey, I think its working! The book I used for the blessing was the first book out of the first box that I received on 12/12/12. I made sure it dried out without the pages sticking and it is still readable but now with the scent of aged wine.

The book blessing or Kinetson was beautiful. It was performed by Father Hrant Kevorkian from St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church and also by Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian from the Armenian Congregational Church. It not only blesses the book but all those who read it. Wine is then poured onto the book in the shape of a cross. “Wine is a noble drink of royalty and our Heavenly King,” Father Hrant stated.

Finally, part of the blessing is to ask that our eyes to be opened to the knowledge within the book for all to see. May our eyes all be opened to see what is, what is not and what will be.

You can watch the full, uncut video here (or watch a shortened version at the top of this post):

"A Perfect Armenian" available on Amazon... Audiobook Set in Motion

Its official! "A Perfect Armenian", the novel is available on Amazon as an eBook. Hardcover is a few weeks away. BTW, I found out you don't need a Kindle to read an eBook. Amazon has free readers you can download onto your iPone, Android, iPad, you name. I also just stumbled upon an incredibly easy way to publish "A Perfect Armenian" as an audio-book. Amazon bought out Audible.com and is in cahoots with Random House. They have set up a company called ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) whose goal is to increase exponentially the number of audiobooks on the market. I have already set up an account and submitted the novel for bids from narrators and have already gotten one audition! Very fun stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/A-Perfect-Armenian-ebook/dp/B00A93ZLSO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353283288&sr=8-1&keywords=a+perfect+armenian