Armen Melikian's Blog

The edition "Journey to Virginland: Catena" that was scheduled for a November 2013 publication date has been withdrawn by the author from publication. There are no printed copies of this book on the market or anywhere else for that matter. The copies listed by various sellers are all Advance Reader Copies. Some readers still prefer to read this edition given the fact that this is the latest one. There are no significant differences, however, between this edition and the earlier hardcover editions of "Journey to Virginland: Epistle I" in my opinion.

The hardcover editions are out of print. The few copies left on Amazon websites here in the U.S. and Europe are possibly the only brand new copies available (China and Japan may perhaps have a copy or two). The book will not be reprinted again. The author doesn't even have the original files anymore. Barnes & Noble is also out of copies. Ingram has used up all its copies, and to my knowledge no distributor or wholesaler has any copies left either. The "New" copies listed in the Amazon and Barnes & Noble Marketplaces are not always brand new copies. I believe either the requirements for branding a copy "New" by these conglomerates for their Marketplace vendors are not strict enough, or some vendors abuse their privileges by branding used copies as "New." Discretion is advised.

The Amazon "More on the way" note for "Epistle I" is an error. It's a default note. There are no more brand new copies anywhere to the best of my knowledge, except for the small number of copies in the author's possession. Some used copies in the market may still be in very good condition.

"In 2002, Melikian repatriated to Armenia from the United States where he spent two years studying the Armenian epic tradition. He also inadvertently started compiling his observations on post-Soviet Armenian society which provided the raw material for his epistolary novel, Journey to Virginland. His manuscripts were obtained by the National Security Service (formerly the KGB) triggering his effective exile from Armenia. His wife was interrogated at the headquarters of the NSS and was threatened with prosecution for "treason against Armenia" should she fail to cooperate. After a decade of persecution and national ostracism accompanied with several hundred assassination threats (including by government officials) incited by the Armenian Church, Melikian renounced all ties to the Armenian nation, culture, literature, and identity. He lives in Los Angeles."

Today is the 1st day on Amazon! Pre-order Journey to Virginland: CATENA now.

"Shatters perceptions, satirizes religion"-US Review of Books
"Demolishes the foundations of Western civilization."-Publishers Weekly

http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Virginl...

https://www.facebook.com/events/15667...

Most rankings of my book are either 1s or 5s. This tells more about the reader than the book itself.

An excerpt from a review:

"I hated the book, and I started reading it because I hated it, but just as the old saying goes, "Don't judge a book by it's cover" (even though the actual cover was alluring).

"The author has a brilliant mind, and by the way, if you are reading this or you already did, and you are about to give a bad review, think twice about that! He also poked fun at himself, didn't he?

"He is right, and it is a discussion in our house many times, society as a whole, simply sucks. There is a lot wrong with this world, and I don't care what political party you are affiliated with, there are some serious issues that if kept unresolved, will be our final doom.

"Did I mention yet how awesome this author is?? Truly divine read, if I do say so myself. Flows brilliantly, a real masterpiece, one that I hope I see my children bring home from school as part of a discussion someday."

I am giving away 10 PDF copies of my book, Journey to Virginland: Epistle I. Please sign up simply by entering your email and contact info on my book website and you'll be deemed entered. Deadline: 5/27/2012
http://www.JourneyToVirginland.com