Well, here is a post I never thought I would be writing., but which I felt I had to share! This afternoon I was speaking on the Irish in the American Civil War at the Back to Our Past event in the Royal Dublin Society, a very enjoyable occasion with a great audience. Afterwards I was asked if I had noticed the interview in the English newspapers last week with American singer and actress Cher. In it she was asked what book she was reading at the moment- here is what she said:
I’m currently reading…The Irish in the American Civil War by Damian Shiels. It’s really interesting.
I don’t think the book is widely available in the UK, so it would be fascinating to find out how Cher got her hands on it, and what initially sparked her interest. Either way, it is great to hear she is reading it and a bit surreal at the same time- thanks Cher! you can see her interview here.
Crissouli
October 20, 2013 11:33 pmSurprises? Why? EVERYBODY reads Damian Shiels’ book “Irish in the American Civil War” 🙂
Damian Shiels
October 22, 2013 3:33 pmIt might be Oprah’s Book of the Month next 🙂
Joe Gannon
October 20, 2013 11:41 pmMy estimate of Cher’s intelligence just rose exponentially.
Damian Shiels
October 22, 2013 3:33 pmI wasn’t aware she was into the American Civil War, let alone the Irish aspect- it is great to see!
michaeljwhelan
October 20, 2013 11:57 pmBrilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patrick Young
October 21, 2013 12:18 amCool.
Al Mackey
October 21, 2013 12:30 amAs one of the relatively few straight Cher fans, I think it’s awesome.
Damian Shiels
October 22, 2013 3:34 pmIt’s great to see she is interested in this period- I will have to find out how and where she got her hands on a copy!
John F
October 21, 2013 5:47 amThat is insane, Damien. I mean, Cher? Who knew? I wonder how she came across it.
You should (a) get your publisher to send her a note of thanks and get that on the Amazon.com page for Americans and (b) write her a short note – use postage, send it to her record company – and tell her you’re gratified to know she’s enjoying the book. Tell her about your projects & your mission, whatever. It can do no harm & you never know what might come of it. Next think you know, you’ll be on MSNBC or something. Really, don’t let this pass.
Damian Shiels
October 22, 2013 3:35 pmHey John,
It is all very strange! That sounds like a good plan it might be worth it alright- I took some convincing when I was told about it all…
John F
October 21, 2013 5:49 amI just realized I’ve been misspelling your name. After, what? 2-3 years of reading your blog, chatting on Twitter, etc. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Sorry about that.
Damian from now on.
Damian Shiels
October 22, 2013 3:36 pmDon’t worry John I hadn’t even noticed- it is usually both names, even on official documents so you have been doing ok 🙂
Mark H. Dunkelman
October 21, 2013 4:32 pmShe’s got you, babe.
Damian Shiels
October 22, 2013 3:36 pmShe certainly has Mark!
Jerome croskery
October 22, 2013 2:54 pmI am impressed Damian however ‘klank ‘ more so .. She’s a big fan of you both …very well done and take heed from perhaps john f …. Put yourself out there ,,,,and push
Damian Shiels
October 22, 2013 3:37 pmThanks Jerome! You can tell Klank she now has a personal connection to her!