Archives - Weekly Update

What a fast year it has been! Seriously, I feel like I just wrote a year-end note. But at the same time, it has been a fabulous year of reading.

Something interesting happened this year that surprised people. A book called THE CORRESPONDENT by Virginia Evans built its way onto bestseller lists and skyrocketed in sales because of “word of mouth” from readers. It was never a media pick, and it didn't receive a massive amount of publicity, though Ann Patchett did champion it brilliantly. But it was built by one reader after another talking about it. I learned of it from one of our readers. Books used to build like this, with one reader telling another. But in these days of social media and online conversation, it’s rare for something like this to happen via actual conversation.

Our house is close to being fully decorated for the holiday. If I could just remember where the piece of garland that we post above the sliding door in the kitchen is, I would be very happy. And if the candles in my office window were not on 24/7, that would be a good thing too. I must adjust that timer!

The thing I learned this week after 36 years of living in this house is that the front guest closet has a light in it. That makes looking for vases on the top shelf a lot easier, as well as tablecloths that hang there instead of coats. And for some reason, my high school cap and gown are there! WHY?

I was thrilled to be a guest on CBS New York's Calvi Book Club with Mary Calvi. I shared two books from New York City-area authors releasing in January and February that I am especially excited about. It’s a quick piece; enjoy it here. And if you are on Facebook, consider joining the Calvi Book Club to keep up with their picks and more!