I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a Merry Christmas.
I know many people are concerned about Colton’s Christmas. The latest information I have is that he’s holding up well, still in solitary by his preference, occupying himself by drawing and reading. I know many people have sent him cards and letters.
On a related note: I hope that those who are in a position to help during this season will consider donating to child and youth programs in their local communities.
There’s been some discussion in the comments about Colt’s education and whether what he has to say will be of any interest. Regardless of Colt’s level of formal education (which teachers and his fellow students tell me basically ended at the fourth grade) I am interested to find out what he has to say. I think many other people will be curious as well, including crime victims, psychologists and Colt’s supporters.
At this point, my book will tell you everything we know about his childhood, how people treated him, how he treated other people, what his school experience was like, what were some defining moments in his life, how he made friends and enemies, how he began to get into trouble, how that escalated, and on through the wild chases, captures and escapes of the last four years. (The book also focuses on the effect he had on communities here – the wtf-effect – but we’re just talking Colt now).
His actions and the words we hear him say to those around him already speak volumes about the person he was/is, where he’s come from and what he has experienced. If Colt breaks his silence before the manuscript is finalized, then I think we’ll also have a glimpse of his future potential, good or bad. In that case, formal education level is moot; it’s more about self-awareness.
As for an actual book update: The release is set for Spring 2011. I’ll let you know the exact date it will arrive at bookstores as soon as we hear. Hyperion, concerned that folks wouldn’t find the book easily enough, have titled it: The Barefoot Bandit: The True Story of Colton Harris-Moore, New American Outlaw. (Remember to look for my name as author as there will be other Barefoot Bandit books out there). As a sign of the times, it’s already available for pre-order on your favorite book websites (they don’t charge you until it actually ships). Your local brick-and-mortar bookstore will also be able to pre-order for you.
Happy holidays!
