Weeks 3 and 4
Notes on sending a book into the world
MY LAST INNOCENT YEAR has been out for almost a month, and I can feel it sort of moving away from me as it makes its way out into the world—which is exactly as it should be! I love hearing how readers are creating their own relationship with the book, forming connections that have nothing to do with me. I had dinner with a man who went to Williams in the 1950s, and he said the book reminded him of his own experience as a Jew at a predominantly Christian college back then. I’ve also heard from people who have read the book and want to share it with young people they know. It’s just incredible. I love hearing from readers so, please, let’s keep the conversation going!
I am thrilled to report that the MLIY was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice. Being featured in the Times not once but twice is more than I could have hoped for.
I was on Zibby Owens’ podcast “Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books,” although it appears Zibby has time to do everything! Zibby was an absolute delight, pointing out things I hadn’t had a chance to talk much about, including writing about “girls with feelings” and stealing as a theme in the book. A propos of that, a brilliant friend of mine who happens to be a psychotherapist had this to say about stealing: “As a specific behavior, it’s so symbolic and laden with meaning. Less about the items taken and more about what drives the behavior: loss, longing, shame, the need to fill a void, wanting to have, to possess.” Fascinating! Zibby also gave me a chance to talk about my mother, and for that I am ever grateful.
Over at 19thnews.org, I spoke with Jennifer Gerson about consent, power, gender, #MeToo and Monica Lewinsky and what it takes to forgive our younger selves.
Here’s a nice review from WYPR and The Weekly Reader.
I hit the road one more time, stopping first at Porter Square Books in Cambridge, Massachusetts where I chatted with the ever lovely Joanna Rakoff. Joanna was one of the first people I approached for a blurb, and she was so wonderful and generous, we put her blurb on the cover! My son was there, along with two dear college friends. I loved every minute.
Then it was back home for an event at Athena Books in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, a bookstore that is so gorgeous I kind of want to move in (I do want to move in). I was there with my dear friend Terri Trespicio, author of UNFOLLOW YOUR PASSION. It was an amazing night, full of lovely readers and friends. I signed lots of books so if you are looking for a signed copy, you can find one at Athena.
My tour is officially over, but you can still find me around…
On Thursday, March 23, I will be at the Katonah Reading Room from noon to 2PM for a Speakeasy session. If you’re in the area, stop by and we can chat over coffee and avocado toast! The Katonah Reading Room is an absolutely adorable bookstore in Katonah, NY. They have also selected MY LAST INNOCENT YEAR as their March book club pick! See their calendar for more details.
On March 24 at 6PM, I will be at House of Books in Kent, CT with Robert Lopez, whose new book Dispatches From Puerto Nowhere: An American Story of Assimilation and Erasure is available for preorder.
On March 28 at 6PM, I will be at Rosie in connection with Elm Street Books in New Canaan, CT. I will be discussing MLIY with Avery Carpenter Forrey, whose delightful novel SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT is coming out in May (preorder now!).
And finally, on April 5 at 7PM, I will be live with Susan Scarf Merrell on YouTube as part of the BookEnds BookClub. Susie was my mentor during my year with BookEnds and helped me bring this novel across the finish line. She also came up with one of my favorite lines in the book. Join us and I’ll reveal which one!
I am also available to chat with your book club, if that’s your thing. Head over to my website and you’ll find a reading guide, a link to a MLIY-inspired Spotify playlist as well as a form to contact me about meeting with your book club over Zoom. I already have several meetings scheduled and I can’t wait.
I am hoping to have some book recommendations for you next week. I am in the middle of several books and waiting to see where they land. In the meantime, thanks to everyone who has read, bought, borrowed and recommended MLIY! I am forever grateful to you!
