A good book, hot cookies, and a glass of milk
A photo of Matt Bindig at his book
launch, photo by Ashley Gerwitz.
An Orchard Park High
School English teacher released his first novel and had his launch party April
21 at Aurora Brew Works.
Matt Bindig, of East
Aurora, is the new author of the novel, “Nothing Here is Real.” He started his
book in 2007.
His inspiration
came shortly after Sept. 11, 2001.
“This was a story I
wanted to tell,” Bindig said. “It didn’t have a targeted audience, it was for
me. It occurred to me that if you tell a lie enough times, people start
believing it.
“My book is about what
happens when other people’s lives start standing in the place of your truths.
I’ve always liked telling stories so I thought that if I could get this whole
idea of ‘the truth is a dangerous thing in the wrong person’s hands.’”
He has been a private
person most of his life, so this release has pushed him from his comfort zone.
“Writing was taking
care of my inner self,” Bindig said. “This is a way for Matt Bindig to continue
to grow. You don’t want to stand in the same place, it’s important to always
try to grow and evolve.
“This story was a part
of me that only a few others knew about. Now the part that was mine is now
shared. When you graduate from high school, the time comes to an end of that
stage. That’s where I’m at; it’s not an ending or beginning, just continuation
of how I’ve been.”
More than 300 family,
friends and former students were invited via Facebook to attend. And nearly all
made it.
The launch party
included free milk and cookies – and beer for those willing to pay for it. On
every surface, there was a plate filled with cookies.
“There were so many
delicious cookies,” said Courtney Adamczak, a former student. “When I first
arrived, that was what I noticed. Then I started to notice all of the people.”
The launch party was
downstairs at the Aurora Brew works and the space was soon crowded.
“The most memorable
moment though,” Adamczak said, “was when I finally was able to have my favorite
high school teacher sign my book. He was the most inspirational teacher that I
had.”
Even with the high
turnout at the launch party, Bindig doesn’t want to become famous.
“For the future I see
possibilities,” Bindig said, “but I don’t want to be famous; I have no desire.
I write to impact the world and getting people to read my book and to read the
message. That’s what makes me happy, it’s my fulfillment as a human being and I
like knowing that my voice matters.”
He has more ideas for
future books and with the continuous support from his wife, Theresa, and
family; he is looking forward for the coming years after his younger kids
become more independent.
There are more
opportunities to buy the book, to meet the author, get the book signed, and to
even attend book readings.
The book can be bought
at: amazon.com, Bookworm in East Aurora, Dog Ears
in South Buffalo, or Talking Leaves in the City.
To find out more
information on book signings and book readings, follow him on Facebook, or go
to the link, MattBindig.com.
