Hello and Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening wherever you are
First and foremost, I want to thank you all for your continued support as Reubs and I continue to navigate everything that has happened and is happening around “brother. do. you. love. me.”
We lived a huge adventure back in May with an event at Bath Literary Festival with the one and only Sally Phillips, straight onto a HIGHLY COMMENDED mention at the British Book Awards followed by an appearance on the sofa of Good Morning Britain. The cherry on the cake was a walk with Clare Balding for her RAMBLINGS radio series on BBC4. Reubs and I had to pinch ourselves at every corner. I think he coped with it all better than me, taking everything into his stride and enjoying every moment. You can listen to it here
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001md5c
He returned home “sparkling” with pride and his smile has never left his side since. I am so proud of the way he has stepped up to every challenge and opportunity laid before him. Two years ago, I might have thought it all impossible – Reubs walking over a mile with a smile? Reubs talking to strangers with charm and charisma. The book and the book journey we are on continues to be a huge part of Reuben’s path of recovery and healing.
You can see all of the media we’ve had including radio and TV interviews and podcasts as well as magazine articles here
So Whats Next?
We have an event at BRADFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL on 29th June – buy tickets here
https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/event/manni-and-reuben-coe-brother-do-you-love-me/
The Paperback will be out in the coming weeks. There is a new afterword and new drawings by Reuben in this very special edition.
We have also recorded the AUDIOBOOK – you will hear Reuben’s (very quiet) voice in what (hopefully) will be a moving and poignant portrayal of our book in audible form. I had never recorded in a studio before and loved every minute. I found it hugely emotional to pour over every word of the manuscript again, many months later. I would do it again in a heartbeat and am so proud of Reubs and his willingness to talk on mic. He has come so far. He really IS getting better and for that I will be eternally grateful.
He will be celebrating his 40th Birthday in September and we asked him, “Where would you like to celebrate your birthday?”
He surprised us all when he said, “In Spain! In Torremolinos.”
He has been very anti Spain ever since his breakdown so this decision proves he is healing and forgetting and moving on.” Incredible, really.
Well, that’s all for now FOLKS – we’ll send another update once we have firm plans for the paperback launch. Until then, look after each other, care for each other and enjoy a fun and meaningful summer
Manni and Reubs xx
