Great Read: Memoir

I was at one of my book signings a few weeks ago at a library. I think a lot of fun about book signings is getting the chance to check out books that are in your visual vicinity. A lot of times, they're books that you really wouldn't think or know to check out and maybe read.


On this particular signing, I noticed a book on the library's front shelf, along with some other goodies. I noticed the title "The Night of the Gun". As I got a little closer, I read underneath the author's name, David Carr, "A reporter investigates the darkest story of his life. His own."


"Whoaaaa, that sounds kinda cool", I thought. So, I took it back to my signing table and read the first few pages. Now, I'm halfway through the book and I really enjoy it. It's a true recall (though it was through many great obstacles to 'recall' these events) of the author's tumultuous journey through a cocaine addiction, and his eventual employment at The New York Times. And when I saw it's been published recently, I got more excited. (I like to be on the 'up & up' about recent good books...and sometimes that can be hard.)


So, I thought I'd share it in case anyone else would be interested -- I found an article that's pretty cool about it.


Bright Lights, Small City: David Carr’s memoir recalls fast times in our slow lane.


And the author, David Carr, has a blog through Amazon Connect, too. Check out this post, I thought it was cool, too (especially the pic of the stuffed animal holding the book; haha!).

I Love Reading

Lately, I've been carving out more time to read. I've always enjoyed it, but it's just so hard to keep at it. I guess I kind of go through little spurts. I always have magazines, but that's different. When I get into a book, I look forward to the next chance I have to read more.

There's 2 books that I've recently finished. The first is "Anybody Out There?" by Marian Keyes.

I really enjoyed this book, and it was hard to put it down. There's a lot of things in the overall plot to keep your mind's interest, and I found myself really wanting the main character to get what she needed. It reminded me a little bit of "P.S. I Love You" too.

After that, I read Alice Sebold's "Lucky". A few years ago, I read "The Lovely Bones" and enjoyed it. I'd heard about "Lucky" and how it was the author's true encounter with rape. I think not only was the book great to read, but it also makes you realize that Sebold has come a long way in writing about it. I'm sure that a lot of the reason for her writing it was to help her recover. It took a ton of courage, but she's a very big inspiration to many because of it.

Has anyone seen this cover for the book? I haven't, until today online. I like both covers, even though both of them have an entirely different feel to them.

My next pick is going to be Augusten Burroughs "Magical Thinking: True Stories". Anyone read it, or have any more recommendations?

The Scent of Happiness

My book signing Friday night went completely fabulously. R and I arrived an hour or so ahead of time. My mom, step dad, 3 of their longtime friends, along with my Uncle and his girlfriend were all there at a table for dinner reservations. Then, R and I went into the back where we found his parents, grandparents, a couple cousins, and even an Aunt that brought her book club! My great aunt and uncle were also back there along with another family friend.


It was already insanity for me! I got a little anxious, but was okay. R sat with his family, and I returned to where mom was to sit down. I only ordered a salad because I didn't want to be stuffed during the evening.


More and more family and friends began to show. The owner of the Inn had the "music room" set up with tables, hors d' ouevres, and a special table with a huge chair for me to sit in and sign books. The first 45 minutes was pure chaos. Everyone was coming up and having me sign and personalize books. But, what was worse is that my Aunt was temporarily M.I.A. and she was supposed to be taking care of the money part for me.

Once she returned, things weren't as bad. And once I had a short little break, I could finally start sipping on my pinot grigio.

Once the signing was all finished, I got to go around and talk to people finally. I felt bad that I didn't get a chance to talk to some people (like the ex b/f's mom and grandma), but they understood. It was so nice that so many people came. I sold probably around 85 out of 120 books. Some people that I had thought would come didn't, so if they had, I probably would have sold out.


Oh, and R's parents and my parents met for the first time. I really wasn't worried or anything though. Both of our parents are quite laid back and funny characters.


AND, supposedly my cousin caught an outline of a figure on the stairwell when taking pictures!!! Everyone was talking about it, but I haven't gotten to see it yet! How exciting! (The Inn where the signing was at is haunted, and is also on the cover of the book...I'm friends with the owner.)


We all went into the bar area and celebrated. A guy that is always there and loves to play the guitar wrote a song for me about ghosts. It was really cool. It was one of those moments where you are like, "Wow! This is great, I am so thankful, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now." My eyes teared up, too. lol. It really was a great night.


My mom and step dad left at about 11:30 and R and I left at about midnight. The only people left were the owner and a few staff members, my dad and his girlfriend, and my step dad's brother and girlfriend. Oh, and the guitar guy and his girlfriend...(who I did a delicious shot with, she suggested it...it's called 'sex on a bayou').


Also, my mom and step dad got me a couple congratulatory gifts. One is a bracelet on a black thin leather string with a silver id tag on it that says "thrill amaze inspire". It's really cool, and very me. AND, with a little help from L out in Vegas, mom also picked up Michael Kors "Island Capri" perfume that came with a blue clutch! Which was awesome for a few reasons:

1. I love Michael Kors

2. I love anything 'island' or 'beach' or 'ocean'

3. I needed a new scent!

Here's a picture of it!!!

Drumroll Pleasssseee...

My book is being released tomorrow!!!

...and that is no April Fool's Tom Foolery goin' on right therrrrre

New Clothes are my Favorite!

Today has FLOWN by! I only have 20 minutes left in the office!!! I've still been doing a lot of work with all the wedding pictures...posting them up in different spots, and then I'm going to figure out which ones to order prints of, what ones I want framed, scrapbooked, etc. It's fun, but a lot of work!


I've began reading a book again that I started months ago, but then switched to reading something else (which I hardly ever do). It's called "Girls Night Out" by a bunch of different best-selling authors including Meg Cabot, Marian Keyes, and Carole Matthews.

And then yesterday when I went to do a little shopping, I got this top at Forever21!That's it for today!!!