It is widely believed that Rob Peterson, pictured here, bought the first copy of the first edition of Tickling the Bear: How to Stay Safe in the Universe – David Wann’s novel about a handful of self-guided characters whose mission is to shift American values in a less apocalyptic, more joyful direction. Though Wann is the author of nine non-fiction books about social change, including the best-seller Affluenza and the darn-good seller Simple Prosperity, this is his first novel, further evidence that Peterson’s purchase could be a first of its kind.
Peterson, a gifted potter and appraiser of fine art, was asked why he’d purchased the book. “I saw a Zoom interview with the author, and I read some book reviews, too. One reviewer compared the book to Ann Tyler’s work, and another said its dry humor reminded her of Tom Robbin’s Even Cowgirls Get the Blues. A literary agent said the book’s complex characters fully come alive on the page. So I read some excerpts at davewann dot net, then hurriedly found the book on Amazon.”
“I know I’m going to hang onto this one!” Peterson exclaimed, ironically right before an unidentified thug heard him talking, snatched the book, and ran down the street, laughing wickedly.
