Monday, January 27, 2025

Q&A with Bob Riter

 


 

 

Bob Riter is the author of the new book The Birds at Bob's Diner. His other books include When Your Life Is Touched by Cancer.

 

Q: What inspired you to write The Birds at Bob’s Diner?

 

A: I have several bird feeders just outside of the window where I sit and do most of my work. To amuse myself, I began to think of this as a diner, and I started photographing the birds and wondering what they were thinking. I posted a few photos and captions on Facebook and got positive responses from friends and acquaintances.

 

People would sometimes stop me in the supermarket to suggest that I compile them into a book, but I didn't think about this too seriously until I retired and was looking for a new creative outlet.

 

I also wanted to create something that I could share with my friends and those who have been kind to me through the years. In fact, I dedicated the book to “The people who bring kindness into our world.”

 

Q: How did you choose the photos to include?

 

A: I mostly choose photos that are funny and seemingly capture common human emotions and experiences.

 

For example, there's a photo of a cardinal with a long face and the caption reads, “Trying to hide her disappointment when seeing that the food at the next table looks better than what she ordered.” We’ve all been there.

 

People sometimes ask if I begin with the photo or the caption, and the answer is that I always begin with the photo. I generally select a photo in the morning and then write and edit the caption throughout the day. This has given me a real appreciation for cartoonists. Capturing humor in a single sentence or phrase is challenging.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

 

A: I want this book to make people happy. It's simple and joyous. Our world is so polarized and divisive at the moment. It's important to take a break and recognize our shared humanity. Humor - at least humor that's gentle and kind - is one way to do that.

 

Q: You’re also involved in cancer education and advocacy--can you say more about that?

 

A: In 1996, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a complete surprise and eventually led to a nearly 30-year career in cancer support and advocacy.

 

For most of that time, I’ve been associated with the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, a local cancer support organization in Ithaca, New York. I’ve also worked to connect cancer researchers at Cornell University, especially those in training, with individuals personally affected by cancer.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m still quite active in the cancer world and have facilitated a weekly breakfast club for men with cancer for the past 15 years. But cancer is naturally a serious topic, so thinking up silly captions to accompany my bird photographs provides an escape and a balance. A second volume of The Birds at Bob’s Diner is already percolating.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: It’s been gratifying to learn that the book has proven popular in unexpected ways.

 

For example, I know many people who gave the book as gifts to elderly relatives, even those with memory impairment. They recognize the familiar birds and often understand the simple humor. It's a good conversation starter and a way to connect. 

 

Finally, I was fortunate to work with Katrina Morse on the layout. Since the book is so visual, the design was a critical element. Katrina was able to transform my very rough design ideas into something both workable and attractive.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

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