Archives - Weekly Update

To those who attend our “Bookaccino Live” events, know that you are not the only ones spurred to read a book after seeing one of our programs. After hosting our Fall Preview event last week, I wanted to read Lily King’s new book, HEART THE LOVER. I requested an advance copy from the publisher. It arrived at noon on Saturday, and I headed outside to read it while enjoying the last days of summer. It was the kind of absorbing fiction that I did not want to put down, and by Sunday night I closed a really satisfying emotional read. As she did in WRITERS & LOVERS, Lily writes poignantly about relationships.

I had such a great time interviewing Adriana Trigiani at the Milford Readers & Writers Festival last weekend. We have been friends for decades. I remember reading an advance copy of her first book, BIG STONE GAP, which originally was written as a screenplay, but her agent felt it would work much better as a book. Adriana is celebrating her 25th year of being a published author.

Last night, Tom (Editorial Director Tom, not Husband Tom) and I went into the city for a party that was hosted by the Publishers Publicity Association, which is made up of book publicists. We got to see a lot of industry folks, including a former staffer and a former intern. A number of the people we talked to mentioned how “ahead of the curve” we were.

First, by starting an online book site 29 years ago. Second, for creating a home for book groups with ReadingGroupGuides.com over 25 years ago (big celebration news is coming in the next few weeks). And third, how in early 2019, we were shooting videos in our office (primitively with a camera) talking about the books that were out that week.

It was lovely --- and much needed --- to have last week off. Talking to Tom and Francesca on Monday, I could tell that they took time to relax and kick it back a notch, which I was happy to see. The weather was spectacular, and I spent the entire week outside, which was a real delight.

I also learned that my new Fitbit does not count steps in the water. This fun fact came to me after I spent an hour walking in the water. I am on the hunt for a tracker that measures water steps. Ideas are welcome!