12 Comments
User's avatar
Anne-Marie Epp's avatar

It warmed my heart to read how these love affairs with Holmes get started. Here's another one: When my immigrant family came to Canada, my older brother Gerry, then a teenager, went straight to work to help support us. No nightschool language class, nothing. But he taught himself to read English, first with comics, and later with Sherlock Holmes. I recall this now with great admiration, both for my big brother, and for the books that spurred him on. Wonderful article, Bob.

Expand full comment
Marty Young's avatar

Really enjoyed this redux.

Another indication a bound collection of 5am Stories will make a great edition to any “man cave” bookcase shelf.

Expand full comment
evelyn leopold's avatar

Hi Bob, with you on Sherlock Holmes output. But is Tinker Taylor...too familiar for you?

And the sign in is getting cumbersome so bye bye for now. Evelyn

Expand full comment
Sandy Read Reiberg's avatar

DELIGHTGUL!!! Best one of all, so far, in my humble opinion. Loved the photos and the personal connections (Chrid, John, etc.)all linked to the immortal Sherlock Holmes. And the perfect ending, too.

Expand full comment
Susan Crowley's avatar

What alliances— Holmes and Watson, Lawrence and Basler. High IQ mischief. Was it a mistake to introduce you? I think not.

Expand full comment
Robert  Basler's avatar

I don't got no complaints, Susan...

Expand full comment
Rita Jane Gabbett's avatar

Another great one. I am most taken with that beloved librarian who noticed a very bright boy with an appetite for reading. An unsung hero of our education system she was.

Expand full comment
Robert  Basler's avatar

Or maybe she just wanted to scare the shit out of me with the dog...

Expand full comment
Rita Jane Gabbett's avatar

Bob, Bob, Bob...

Expand full comment
Vicki mannweiler's avatar

😁👍

Expand full comment
Deborah's avatar

I love the little boy weighing down the Houbd with Encyclopedias. A wonderful example of children’s imaginary thinking. Too bad I’m not teaching anymore. And thanks for the big JAL shoutout. What you didn’t say is that you are his editor extraordinaire.

Expand full comment
John Lawrence's avatar

Reading a good Sherlock Holmes story is a great experience — at 5 a.m. or whenever. And writing them is even more fun. Thanks for sharing your personal history with the great man and for mentioning my own scribblings. The durability of Holmes is remarkable.

Expand full comment