I just finished Mousejunkies and cried through the last chapter.

[Pikester]

Just bought this book yesterday at the Concord, NH Borders. I'm on page 52 and so far so good!

 

[CookieGVB]

Sounds like a good one - I'll have to check it out. Toms River, too.

 

[mantysk8coach]

I bought it for poolside reading for a trip to Colorado I am going on in a few weeks. I had to have my mom take it and keep it at her house so I didn't read it before I even leave for the trip.

Can't wait!

 

[irishbosoxfan]

I just read an article in my hometown newspaper the other day about Bill--thought I'd bring it here to share with you all.



http://www.eagletribune.com/archivesearch/local_story_198235248.html

Published: July 18, 2009
Sandown man publishes book after being laid off

By Ali LaFay
alafay@eagletribune.com

SANDOWN, N.H. — There's no doubt layoffs go hand in hand with a sluggish economy, but some people are using it as an opportunity to pursue a new career.

When Bill Burke, 42, was laid off from his job at a magazine publisher in January 2008, he decided it was time for a change.

Burke, who has been to Disney World about 20 times, tried to keep busy in the weeks after his layoff by posting humorous blogs to various Web sites detailing his Disney adventures. After receiving positive feedback from friends and family members, he decided to take a leap of faith and write a travel book about Disney World.

"I had always wanted to write a book and I just thought if I'm ever going to do this, I have to do this now," he said.

Burke, who graduated from Northern Essex Community College with a degree in journalism and spent 18 years writing for various newspapers, including the Boston Herald and the Haverhill Gazette, started working on the book in February 2008.

He pitched the idea to three publishing companies in April and heard back from one within a day. The California-based publishing company, Travelers' Tales, said it was interested.

"It was literally a dream come true," he said.

Burke worked with editors from Travelers' Tales for about two months before the 275-page book, "Mousejunkies!" hit bookstores across the country in June. The first 10,000 copies sold out in only three and a half weeks. Borders will run a nationwide promotion of the book this fall, he said.

Although Burke has yet to profit from the book sales, he's been busy attending local book signings and planning a follow-up to "Mousejunkies!" He started working at Philips Healthcare in Andover, Mass., last March to make ends meet.

"It was tough for a while financially, but the result was having a dream realized," Burke said.

He isn't the only one in the family trying out a new career. His brother, Rick, who also works at Philips Healthcare, is taking steps toward realizing his dream of becoming a musician.

Burke said his brother will travel to Nashville in two weeks to participate in a singer-songwriter session and has been invited to perform in a Warner Bros. showcase later this year.

"There's so many parallels between writing a book and recording," Burke said. "It's so much effort and so much work, but it's definitely worth it in the end."

 

[Tina]

Mousejunkies is one of the best Disney books ever written, IMHO. Its written from the heart by true Disney fans (like us!). It had me tearing up in some chapters and roaring with laughter in others. What a great, great book.

 

[wickey's friend]

KristaTX,

But the whole book was easy to read for me because I could "see the movie" in my head because of going to WDW and experiencing the things the Mousejunkies were discussing. So, when they were talking about leaving the most magical place on earth and why they all return there, I could *see* it, relate to it, etc.

I had my B&N order it, got it Friday and finished it a little while ago. Yep, I cried too.

Thanks, Bill! Now, when somebody asks me "WHY are you going to WDW again," I'll just loan them the book.

 

[tweedlemom]

I read it twice while venturing from NJ to Conn. and back! I now keep it in my husband's car, because you can bet if he's driving, I'm reading "Mousejunkies!" If I don't read it, my kids say, "Mommy, where's your book?" Excellent read! Highly recommend it to anyone who has been to Disney. Looking forward to a sequel. (Hopefully!)

 

[oakmanner]

I particularly enjoyed the chapter about the process by which Bill and his wife became DVC Members. There were many similarities to my own experience. I laughed out loud several times reading that chapter.

 

[Micca]

Buckalew I'm so glad you started this thread. I really think any Dis regular would enjoy it. We may be the lunatic fringe, but we GET it.

You know who should read this? Every CM at Disney

 

[IvyandLace]

Based on all the high praise here, I went to Barnes and Nobles yesterday and bought the book...it's GREAT!!! I am really enjoying it and can't wait to pass it around the family...

IVY

 

[WriteDisney]

I'm reading this book right now and absolutely love it so far! Happy to hear another is in the works.. and I agree with what another poster said.. it's nice to know you're not alone

 

[minniecarousel]

....and I am waiting for my copy from Amazon. Can't wait to read it.

 

[Pembo]

OP thanks for your post. I got a copy from my library and read it in no time at all. This book does a great job explaining how I feel. It's awesome!

 

[Disneenut]

I am currently reading this book... AND LOVE IT!!!! I really relate to Bill Burke's style of reading. As a guy i think that this is a great Disney book for guys..(its a great read for anyone really) but I think if you have a husband or BF that doesnt totally get Disney this book might be a place to start...

So if you haven't given this book a try, try it out!

 

[DVCLiz]

I'm so glad I saw this thread - I am going to WDW in 3 weeks and I always like to have something Disney-related to read while I am there.

I just downloaded "Mousejunkies" to my Kindle and I'll enjoy reading it by the pool at the Wilderness Lodge and while sitting on my balcony at the Animal Kingdom Lodge!!