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Book Launch Tour Recap

When I started writing TAUGHT several years ago, I didn’t imagine it would be published, let alone lead to a book tour. And now, I’m grateful for that. Truly. Because the writing was always the point. The reflection, the questions, the exploration of themes that don’t offer easy answers. Everything beyond that has been a bonus.

I’m deeply thankful to my interview partners, including Cosby Hunt, Rich Reyes-Gavilan, Dr. Michaele Samuel, Mat Edelson, and Clare Berke. Each of you extended more time, care, and thoughtfulness than I ever expected.

It was also a privilege to read alongside other authors at events hosted by The Inner Loop, Reston Readings, and My Dead Aunt’s Book Reading Series. I enjoyed the thoughtful conversation with a book club in Pennsylvania and thinking deeply about the novel through interviews with the Washington Independent Review of Books, Washington Unbound, DC Writer’s Room (coming soon), and my first podcast with Online for Authors. My amazing editor, Crystal Adaway, helped carry this energy into our newsletters and website.

From a different place in my heart, I’m equally thankful to you, the readers. For your patience with ordering delays, for making time to read, and for your willingness to sit with questions about public education, crisis, and how we care for one another. It meant a great deal to hear how readers connected with characters who, like many of us, are trying to find purpose without clear answers.

Hearing how JB, Malik, Darren, Walter, and other characters stayed with you has been one of the most meaningful parts of this experience. Your questions about schools under strain, family, healing, and responsibility reflected the same tension I felt while writing. More than talking about craft, I valued these conversations.

So what’s next? A few online events in the coming months, followed by a small fall tour in some of my favorite spots in New York and New England. If you’re interested in reading TAUGHT, you can find a copy at the link below, or through your local library.

But the most meaningful part of all of this? Seeing family and friends show up. That will always be the answer. Thank you for being there.

Washington Unbound Interview

Washington Unbound is an online journal that publishes reviews of books by Washington, D.C. area authors, as well as interviews with authors, publishers, and organizers in the local literary community. Last month, their editorial team interviewed Eric about his work in education and becoming an author.
Read the interview here.

“This novel is a powerful tool for self-reflection, whether for a personal read or classroom discussion. It is a moving and provocative read that allows you to honestly, but gently, reconsider your own social positioning.”
—Washington Unbound

Online for Authors Podcast Interview

In January, Eric sat down with Teri Brown, author and creator of the Online for Authors podcast, for a conversation about TAUGHT, its characters and themes, and the writing process. The episode was released February 17, and you can find links to listen or view the interview here!

“I encourage you to pick up a copy of TAUGHT and immerse yourself in this thought-provoking narrative. Eric’s novel is a testament to the power of literature in bridging divides and fostering understanding. Whether you’re an author seeking inspiration or a reader looking for a compelling new book, TAUGHT offers profound insights into the human condition.”
—Teri Brown, author and creator of the Online for Authors podcast

We had a packed house for our the Book Launch event at Lost City Books in Washington, DC on January 14!

I’m grateful for the love, support, and notes from friends (who I thought weren’t there) who listened from the staircase two floors down. So much gratitude for my friend, Cosby Hunt, who led a thoughtful interview and for the #lostcitybooks community. Thank you…#DCAuthors #Authors #LiteraryReadings #BookLaunch #LiteraryReadings

Pre-order for TAUGHT is live. Yes, it’s a living creature. Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch, but the links to pre-order are open. 

Your paperback edition will arrive on or before the book release date of January 7th and your Ebook order will arrive at your online reading platform by then too. Choose the link that best suits your reading preference, thanks for supporting the novel, and please spread the word! Oh, one last request. Please leave a review. 

My deepest gratitude extends to a large but tightknit community of current and former teachers and students who served as advisors from the book’s earliest stages. This novel exists because of you. 

The novel would also not be possible without the extraordinary support of several other people. The first is my editing and creative partner, Crystal Adaway, whose mind and heart elevated each page since the first revision. The proofreading expertise of Debra Hartmann and the technical support of Ken Mackel were invaluable. Clare Berke, Grace Katabaruki, Jessica Haber, and Nicole Burton all went far beyond my feedback requests and I could not have completed the novel without the unwavering support of Kate Douglass. 

Ultimately, I wrote TAUGHT to explore the fragility of our lives and to create a springboard to meaningful dialogue about race, education, and healing. For every student that felt misunderstood and for every teacher that struggled to understand the young lives before them, TAUGHT is dedicated to you. Thank You.

Eric F. Goldstein