Since the advent of the book, there were numerous modifications to almost every aspect of the book in keeping with fluctuating supply and demand. Changes were made to instruments of writing, methods and styles of printing, translation, copyright, marketing and distribution, among others. However, one aspect of the book that seems to have undergone little change is the book launch. Book launches are usually confined to one area, mostly indoors – between four walls, sometimes, and at a later date and time, a few book launches may pierce those confines if reported on by the media. That changed 2015 when Guyana experimented and experienced its first live television book launch.  ‘Conjunction’ was the title given to Guyana’s first live television book launch.

‘Conjunction’ was successful for the duration of the show, hinting at numerous benefits to be realized, opening all manner of possibilities, augmenting the possible, all auguring well for the future. So based on the above, we will experience more of ‘Conjunction’ as such an engaging title and novel form of book launch takes hold of the Guyanese psyche.

What’s in a name? First and foremost, I was driven to form a link between the producer of words/ ideas/ books and consumer of words/ ideas/ books, a link not unlike the function of a conjunction joining words, phrases and clauses while being recognizable, familiar and yet formal.  ‘Conjunction’ was caught between and betwixt the names of my other two television programmes, ‘Oral Tradition’ and ‘Between the Lines’ in that this new name must like its senior relatives form a nexus among writer and reader, writer and writer, reader and reader, while extending the conversation a bit further by inviting and encouraging instant feedback.  Instant feedback and due process – what an optimum tool for television!

Further, conjunction was borrowed from a poem by Martin Carter to which he expanded on in the following way; ‘[t]he word “and” is very important to my way of thinking, that is to say, something and something, not something and then something else…’

And finally, conjunction was an input from my formative days surrounded by Hindi influences, referencing one of the most enriching prayers: Tumhi ho mata pita tumhi ho — you are my mother and also my father…

The show started after the generic preamble with the moderator talking about the greatest gift – reading, and the guest and author, Eon Stephens*, responding with the following: ‘…Reading is very important and in this day and age; parents need to encourage their children to read and love reading. I will agree with you that it is the perfect gift to give to a child, even an infant…’

After the opening remarks,  the three books, ‘Mommy loves me before I go to school’, ‘Daddy loves me, this I know that’s why I love him so ’, and ‘Grandma loves me, this I know that’s why I appreciate her so’ were introduced while telephone calls were entertained.

Here are some comments:

1) …’it is nice to see Guyanese writers coming out and expressing themselves this way…I am happy to hear the books are about the family and not just child-centred…

2)…I like what is being said about reading to the fetus, you see I’m pregnant and I can relate to these books… 

3)…I’d like to commend my young brother for presenting these morals to society…usually men are not in the forefront of child rearing and so forth…as men we should take our rightful place…I wish you much success; a writer is not finish until there is a response to his work…

4)…I’d like to commend both of you for what you’re doing because men have a role to play in society…against all the negative influences, these books are welcomed…

5)…one of the things we need to understand is a child honours whatever is in a book…It would be a privilege for me to buy one of those books and support one of our own writers….

‘Conjunction’ Guyana’s first live television book launch was adjourned with the following words: ‘this is not the end, we could continue this conversation by making contact…with each other.’

Although ‘conjunction’ is a novel idea and a first for Guyana, the cost for the complete production was personally funded. The support when the idea first marketed was overwhelming, but the financial pledges fizzled out into empty boasts.  Making the nation more literate, a fundamental for a citizen to survive in a community is treated with little respect. I shudder to think how we would be able to handle a deluge of information during this silly season without proper comprehension skills.

However, ‘Conjunction’ has already rolled the dice, the ball is now in the public domain and there is no turning back. This new form of launching books will become the norm, in time to come.

*Eon Stephens believes that children are a blessing from God  [and] he has been working with children and youth for more than fifteen years…. He is the CEO/founder of Professional Youth Alliance Guyana and Children and Youth Support Initiative New York. He holds a master’s degree in counseling and psychology. (from Eon Stephens FB page)

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

by Petamber Persaud