AUTHOR EVENTS

Don't worry.  This is going to be short.  I came across two author events that will be of interest to at least some of you.

First of all, I have been going on and on about the luncheon with Ann Patchett for Wednesday, June 15, at Book Passage.  Well, it turns out that she will be at Keplers that same evening at 7:00.  I have no idea if she's interesting, but she sure can write.  I'm still glad I'm going to the luncheon so I can kiss ass, but it's a great alternative for the rest of youse guys.

The second event is also sponsored by Keplers but will take place at the Fox Theater in Redwood City (where Meredith had her bat mitvah almost 20 years ago!).  It's scheduled for Wednesday, July 27, at 7:00.  It's George R.R. Martin, who has written a fantasy series called A Song Of Ice And Fire.  His first book in the series, Game of Thrones, is the subject of an HBO miniseries that's airing now (every Sunday at 9:00).  I read book 1.  I made a deal with Jeffrey that I would read it.  So I did (I forgot what he agreed to read in exchange).  Would I read beyond book 1?  Possibly.  I'm not a huge fantasy fan, although I really enjoyed the Landover series, by Terry Brooks.  Having said that, I still want to see Martin.  He definitely has a cult following.  In fact, they're selling tickets to the event - $42 per person, including his latest book in the series, #5, or $48 for 2 people, including one book.  Hope to see you all there (I just threw that in there for effect).

Two other quick notes.  I finished the Erik Larson book, In The Garden Of Beasts.  It was really good.  When I told you that he was appearing at Booksmith in SF, I forgot to mention that Joni and I saw him (with John and Sue) quite a few years ago when he was promoting Thunderstruck.  He was a bit pompous.  I'm hoping that it was due to the venue - Montalvo.  Maybe he'll be more modest in a modest bookstore like Booksmith.  Oh wait, I've never been to this bookstore.  We'll have to wait and see.

Got an email today from the owner of of "M."  He's 81, and he announced he's going into semi-retirement.  He was an attorney for 41 years with the same law firm!  So he retired at 70 and bought a book store.  Pretty cool.

I lied about this post being short.