“Involuntary Joy” sets sales records at the Enchanted Forest

August 6, 2007
Forest City, Iowa – According to Kathy Garfin of Enchanted Forest Books in Forest City, Joy M. Newcom’s “Involuntary Joy” has sold more copies for their store—73 to date—than any book except J.K. Rowling’s “Deathly Hallows” which has sold 154 copies.

“We’re so pleased Joy’s book has done this well in its first two weeks,” said Garfin, who has helped managed the store since it opened in 1999.

She also reported that sales continue to be brisk following last week’s book signing. Newcom signed copies of “Involuntary Joy” for more than two hours on Saturday, July 28, along with her oldest son, Stross, whose birth and first five years of life shape the story.

“Involuntary Joy” is a candidly honest memoir about the identity struggles Newcom encountered after learning that Stross, her first child, was born with multiple, life-altering birth defects. Newcom draws readers into her family’s story through detailed descriptions of her earliest parenthood experiences. She dares to share thoughts and feelings typically left unspoken regarding complex medical situations, tense family and friend interactions, sensitive spiritual discussions and her marital relationship.

On the book’s website, www.involuntaryjoy.com, Newcom shares in a blog entry that she hopes the book will get conversations started. According to Kim Jessen, an Enchanted Forest sales associate, there are indications that might, indeed, be happening.

“We are enjoying our customers’ reactions to the book,” said Jessen. “I know of a couple local book clubs that have chosen ‘Involuntary Joy’ as one of their fall selections.”

These groups will likely use one or more of the discussion questions provided on the website. Newcom has included questions for general readers as well as topical ones related to fatherhood and pregnancy. There are other resources—including a photo gallery with pictures directly related to the book’s content—as well.

Newcom is clearly pleased with the book’s early reception.

“We are writing in different genres, and I’m not at all in her literary league, but I’ll take second place to J.K. Rowling any day,” she said.

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