Lovers of history, mystery and great wines: If you’re in Chicago, stop by Taste Food & Wine between 6-8 p.m. on Monday, April 25th for BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™. Certified Wine Educator Phoebe Snowe will be pouring some great wines while Susanna Calkins, author of the just-released A Death Along the River Fleet, talks about the latest in her popular Lucy Campion series.
April 26th is the final day to get your discount registration for BookExpo America, to be held May 11-13 at McCormick Place in Chicago. BEA is North America’s largest book industry event. I’ll be there; will you?
There are just a few days left until the highly anticipated Season 2 launch of BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™. Appearing April 25th, from 6-8 p.m. at TASTE Food and Wine, 1506 West Jarvis, Chicago, our featured author is Susanna Calkins with her hot-off-the-press A Death Along the River Fleet (Minotaur/St. Martin’s Press). You can read an excerpt from the book at Criminal Element.com. The Book Bin will have books for sale on site and fabulous wines will be poured. Lots of other goodies will be offered.
And mark your calendars for May 16th, when BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ welcomes model/photographer/author Rory Flynn to Chicago to talk about and sign copies of her handsome photographic memoir about her father, movie idol Errol Flynn, The Baron of Mulholland. Check out Rory speaking about her father’s life and films on TCM’s 31 Days of Oscar. You can read more about BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ on the Book●ed Blog post of March 13, 2016.
Just two weeks to go until the Season 2 launch of BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™. Appearing April 25th, from 6-8 p.m. at TASTE Food and Wine, 1506 West Jarvis, Chicago, our featured author is Susanna Calkins with her hot-off-the-press A Death Along the River Fleet (Minotaur/St. Martin’s Press). The Book Bin will have books for sale on site and fabulous wines will be poured. Lots of other goodies will be offered.
And mark your calendars for May 16th, when BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ welcomes model/photographer/author Rory Flynn to Chicago to talk about and sign copies of her handsome photographic memoir about her father, movie idol Errol Flynn, The Baron of Mulholland. Check out Rori speaking about her father’s life and films on TCM’s 31 Days of Oscar.
I first wrote about the importance of “hearing” what we read in my July 28, 2013 post, Test-Driving Books—On the Road. Since July 2015, myBOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™events have been taking booklovers on some of those test drives. It’s a great way to decide which literary rides to hop on. Here’s why:
We tend to think of creative writing as something to read, to ingest through the eyes. But most of us hear voices in our head when we read. Our brains translate what our eyes see into words we hear internally.
Writing that is meant to be spoken (think of speeches) is approached a bit differently from writing that is expected to be read with the eyes. Speeches that sound good also read well. But what seems good in print doesn’t always sound good when spoken. You can test this yourself by picking up a handful of novels and randomly reading passages aloud. See if the writing holds up when you speak it.
The best writing, in my opinion, satisfies when read and spoken. This is why writers are advised to read their work aloud, either to others or in solitude. That exercise often turns up awkward, unrealistic dialogue, repetitive verbiage or other weaknesses that need improvement.
One way for readers to test the satisfaction quotient of a book before committing to it is to attend a reading by the author. Increasingly, authors are arranging readings from their latest book as a way to market their work. These events are usually free and open to the public — at the public library or neighborhood bookstores. Sometimes venues require a reservation and a fee – a secluded room in a restaurant, a literary conference or an arts retreat. BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ was created to provide a very accessible, convivial way for readers to meet authors and hear about their books as well to enjoy sample readings.
Large or small, free or with a fee, bare bones or full menu, there are opportunities to hear authors read their work throughout the year. You can find out about these events by checking your community newspaper, your library’s schedule of events, your neighborhood independent bookstore’s newsletter, literary periodicals that carry event news, or simply Google “author readings”. Those in the greater Chicago area can check out BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ by following the weekly Book.ed Blog, checking the Book●ed website (click on the BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ tab), or liking Book●ed on Facebook.
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ kicks off Season 2 on April 25th, from 6-8 p.m. at TASTE Food and Wine, 1506 West Jarvis, Chicago. Our featured author is Susanna Calkins with her hot-off-the-press A Death Along the River Fleet (Minotaur/St. Martin’s Press). The Book Bin will have books for sale on site and fabulous wines will be poured. Lots of other goodies will be offered. You can read more about BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ on the Book●ed Blog post of March 13, 2016.
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ launches its second season on April 25th from 6-8 p.m. at TASTE Food and Wine in Chicago. Back by popular demand is author Susanna Calkins with her hot-off-the-press A Death at the River Fleet, the latest in the Lucy Campion mystery series. Reflecting themes in the book, the wine tasting will feature a Spanish Verdelho, a French Riesling and a California Claret. Books will be available for purchase from the Book Bin. Bonus Buy tickets will also be available at the event for extra goodies. For a glimpse of what we’re about, check out the little BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ video announcement we did last year.
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ launches its second season on April 25th from 6-8 p.m. at TASTE Food and Wine in Chicago. Back by popular demand is author Susanna Calkins with her hot-off-the-press A Death at the River Fleet, the latest in the Lucy Campion mystery series. Reflecting themes in the book, the wine tasting will feature a Spanish Verdelho, a French Riesling and a California Claret. Books will be available for purchase from the Book Bin. Bonus Buy tickets will also be available at the event for extra goodies.
April 26th is the deadline for an early bird discount registration to BookExpo America (BEA) — North America’s largest publishing event — coming to Chicago May 11th–13th (with BookCon on May 14th).
Mystery Writers of America will host its Edgar Symposium in New York City on April 27th.
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators — one of the largest organizations for writers and illustrators in the world — will hold its 2016 Wild, Wild Midwest Conference at the Chicago Marriott Naperville April 29th – May 1st.
In its 27th year, The Sewanee Writers’ Conference will convene its workshops in Poetry, Fiction and Paywriting from July 19th-31st at the University of the South in Sewanee Tennessee. Fellowships and scholarships are available.
Lots of excitement building for Season 2 of BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™, which begins April 25th. We’re returning to TASTE Food and Wine, named the best place for wine tastings in Chicago by Foursquare, moving the events to Monday nights from 6-8 p.m. as part of TASTE’s popular semi-weekly wine tastings. The more the merrier!
The always entertaining Phoebe Snowe, a certified wine expert, will be pouring great wines paired to the themes of the books we’ll be featuring. TASTE is known for its vast selection of excellent wines that you won’t find in big box stores or through discounters. You’ll be surprised and delighted how competitively priced the wines are.
This year, we’re pleased to partner with a great independent book store, The Book Bin to handle our on-site sales. The Book Bin is “Not a Superstore… Just a Super Store!”
We’ll continue to bring in best-selling and award-winning authors representing various genres but we’ll bring them in just as their books are being published or they are making their first book tour in the Midwest.
Back by popular demand are the BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ Bonus Buy tickets. While our wine tasting events are free, these optional tickets will offer all sorts of rewards that will vary from event to event.
Lots more surprises in store – including celebrity appearances, fundraisers, raffles and more — so keep following our weekly blog posts on the Book●ed (you can sign up to receive them automatically) and on Facebook (please Follow us).
Invitation to authors: If you have a book coming out this year or are planning a Midwest book tour, I’d love to hear from you to explore a possible BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ appearance. Contact us via our website or a personal message via Facebook.
The Masque of a Murderer, the first book ever featured at a BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ event, is now in the running for three awards: the Bruce Alexander Historical Mystery (Lefty) Award, the Simon & Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award (Edgar), and the Agatha for Best Historical Novel. Congratulations to author Susanna Calkins!
Only two days into the Amazon Kindle promotion, In the Company of Legends has risen to the number 1 position in one category: #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Humor & Entertainment > Movies & Video > Video. For 29 days (this is a leap year) the electronic version of the book will be featured in the Kindle Store for only $1.99. Congratulations to my friends, authors Joan Kramer and David Heeley – who I hope to host at a BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ this year.
Depending on how one defines a blog year, starting the fourth year of the Book●ed blog makes me a Toddler, Teen or Senior. I’ve learned a lot about blogging since my first post on January 27th, 2013. For example, choosing “Getting to the Juicy Parts” (about the impact on books from changing habits in reading and writing) resulted in some internet images attached to my name that were (to put it mildly) smarmy, having nothing to do with me or Book●ed. I also received a flurry of unsolicited emails offering me X-rated toys and meds. Oops!
Over the past three years, I’ve become a keen observer of, and participant in, a dramatically changing book industry. I’ve seen many of my predictions about the connections between writers, readers, books and business come true. There have been some good changes, some not so good. It boils down to this: today more than ever, anyone who wants to get published can get published. Whether that statement is good news or not depends on how it affects you. I’ve spent many posts exploring all the angles.
I’ve aimed for a balance in my posts, as reflected in the categories that include: For Authors, For Booklovers, Facts & Statistics and Industry News. Often, I’ve included links to other websites for further information or examples. Covering every stage of conception, writing, design, production, marketing and selling books to promoting authors, books, booksellers, education and libraries, I’ve aimed to keep my posts enjoyable, enlightening and accessible.
The Book●ed blog began as a segment of a larger marketing effort that included video webcast interviews of authors. The posts continued as I shifted from webcasts to editing, publishing and marketing an updated and expanded English language edition of the bestselling Italian memoir, Searching for My Father, Tyrone Power. The posts continued as I developed and launched BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ — events pairing quality wine tastings with book signings.
In year four (as bloddler, teegler or segler), I will continue to report on changes in publishing, connect authors and their books with booklovers and aim to entertain. I invite authors to visit the Book.ed website to read past blog posts (in “Blog Here” click the categories that interest you), view the webcast interviews (in “Archives”) and learn more about BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™.
Bonus for any authors (and agents, publishers or publicists) who read this post to this point: I invite you to contact me if you have a book about to be published or recently published and will be in the Chicago area. Let’s explore the possibility of featuring you and your latest book at a BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ event!
Another BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ author from the 2015 season has been recognized for an outstanding literary achievement. Book●ed is proud to share the news that The Masque of a Murderer by Susanna Calkins has been short-listed for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Congratulations, Susanna!
Season 2 of BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ will begin in April. Program information will be available on the Book●ed website by clicking the BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™. We will also post on the Book●ed blog and Facebook page.
Note to Readers – From time to time, I will re-post a past entry that has withstood the test of time. Whether you missed it the first time ‘round or read it years ago, I feel it’s worth sharing again. I chose Guilty as Charged because working with The Book Cellar during the inaugural season ofBOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™, gave me an added appreciation for the role independent bookstores play in creating opportunities for booklovers to meet authors and buy their books in various venues. This is the perfect season to give the gifts of books to people you care about, and to support your local independent bookstores.
In the 1998 romantic comedy You’ve Got Mail, Meg Ryan loses the lovely little independent bookshop (“Little Shop Around the Corner”, an homage to the 1940 Ernst Lubitsch gem) she inherited from her mother and which she cherished. But she gets cute, multimillionaire mega-bookstore scion Tom Hanks and that makes for a happy ending. Sort of. For those of us who are not provided a very rich, attractive love interest in exchange for the closing of a favorite bookstore, life can be bitter indeed.
As large bookstore chains proliferated in the past couple of decades, local independent shops left the landscape because they couldn’t compete with the discount prices offered by the chains. Few foresaw the impact of Amazon (launched in 1994) and other internet booksellers that joined forces (or competed) with the chains. After Borders Books & Music (founded in 1971) – one of the world’s most expansive book retail chains — was taken over by equity investment buyers, then passed from one investment group to another without concern for books or the people who love them, it declared bankruptcy and closed in 2011.
In the past couple of years, I have seen the closing of one of the greatest independent bookstores – the legendary Bookman’s Alley in Evanston, Illinois – and two Borders stores in my area. Bookman’s Alley closed in July 2012, because owner Roger Carlson reluctantly retired after more than 3 decades of building a loyal clientele and awed admirers. Borders closed because its owners were really in the money business, not the book business.
Like many people, I look for the best prices on books I want to acquire. I buy them for a quarter a pop at my local library (comforting myself with the knowledge that my library gets the money), or at used book stores (helping staff there earn a living, I tell myself), or through Amazon and e-Bay (congratulating myself for being a thrifty shopper). I’m guilty as charged.
After once again watching Nora Ephron’s ode to romance, books and the Upper West Side of New York, I’ve decided Meg’s Little Shop Around the Corner – and all the little bookshops around the corners of our neighborhoods – are worth saving. I’ve committed to buying at least 6 books from my local independent bookstore every year. And hope it will continue to serve up the love of books I feel.
If you have a favorite independent book store, let me know about it – name, town/state/country – and what makes it special. I may post your reply in a future blog. In the mean time, please post a response with your favorite independent book store or just a comment.
Kudos to all the authors who participated in the inaugural season of BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ – we sure know how to pick ‘em:
• Susanna Calkins (July) – Guest of Honor at this year’s Sisters in Crime Chicagoland Holiday Party.
• Jen Gardner (August) – Special Event Guest of The Travel Boutique at their 2016 Caribbean Island Getaway.
• Eric Charles May (September) – 21st Century Award Winner, honored alongside Stephen Sondheim at this year’s Chicago Library’s Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner.
• Jasinda Wilder (October) – Riding the wave to another bestseller with Book #1 of her news-making Madame X trilogy.
• Joe Meno (December) – Selected by the Chicago Tribune roundup of leading authors talking about the book that inspired them to write.
You could spend a lot of money to be in a huge crowds to see your favorite authors … or you could come to the cozy, close up-and-personal BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ events where the quality wine tastings are free!
In deference to Chicago winters, BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ will be on hiatus until Spring 2016 but we’re already lining up incredible authors with the books you’ll want to read. Other plans are underway to make the 2016 season even bigger and better. Stay tuned!
December 5th will be your last chance to experience all the fun and deliciousness of BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ this year. We’re excited to welcome award-winning bestselling author Joe Meno who will autograph his recently released novel Marvel and a Wonder from 3-5 p.m. at TASTE Food & Wine, 1506 West Jarvis Avenue in Chicago. As always, the selected quality wines will reflect aspects of the book. “Bonus Buy” tickets will once again be available at the event for neat mementos and a 10% discount on wine purchases. The Book Cellar will handle on-site book sales.
About this wonderfully insightful book featuring the evolving relationship between a grandfather and his grandson, the New York Times Book Review said, “Meno, whose previous novel was Office Girl, has a knack for giving small happenings emotional weight… Meno knows how to make you love his characters, want what they want. ” The Wall Street Journal calls Marvel and a Wonder “(A) rugged page turner….” In a starred review, the Library Journal said, “Talented Meno has penned a wise and touching novel of love, loyalty, courage; an extraordinary book not to be missed.”
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is excited to round out its 2015 season by welcoming award-winning bestselling author Joe Meno who will autograph his recently released novel Marvel and a Wonder at its December 5th wine tasting. The free event will run from 3-5 p.m. at TASTE Food & Wine, 1506 West Jarvis Avenue in Chicago. As always, the selected quality wines will reflect aspects of the book. “Bonus Buy” tickets will once again be available at the event for neat mementos and a 10% discount on wine purchases. The Book Cellar will handle on-site book sales.
About this wonderfully insightful book featuring the evolving relationship between a grandfather and his grandson, the New York Times Book Review said, “Meno, whose previous novel was Office Girl, has a knack for giving small happenings emotional weight… Meno knows how to make you love his characters, want what they want. ” The Wall Street Journal calls Marvel and a Wonder “(A) rugged page turner….” In a starred review, the Library Journal said, “Talented Meno has penned a wise and touching novel of love, loyalty, courage; an extraordinary book not to be missed.”
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is excited to round out its 2015 season by welcoming award-winning bestselling author Joe Meno who will autograph his recently released novel Marvel and a Wonder at its December 5th wine tasting. The free event will run from 3-5 p.m. at TASTE Food & Wine, 1506 West Jarvis Avenue in Chicago. As always, the selected quality wines will reflect aspects of the book. “Bonus Buy” tickets will once again be available at the event for neat mementos and a 10% discount on wine purchases. The Book Cellar will handle on-site book sales.
About this wonderfully insightful book featuring the evolving relationship between a grandfather and his grandson, the New York Times Book Review said, “Meno, whose previous novel was Office Girl, has a knack for giving small happenings emotional weight… Meno knows how to make you love his characters, want what they want. ” The Wall Street Journal calls Marvel and a Wonder “(A) rugged page turner….” In a starred review, the Library Journal said, “Talented Meno has penned a wise and touching novel of love, loyalty, courage; an extraordinary book not to be missed.”
And don’t forget the November 21st BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ with acclaimed author Christine Sneed signing her beautifully drawn novel, Paris, He Said, while you enjoy classic Burgundy wines and an opulent French white sparklet. From 3-5 p.m. at TASTE Food & Wine. Find out why the Chicago Tribune book review said, “If you love the City of Light or have always wanted to travel there, Paris, He Said is worth a visit.”
For those who want to let their imagination take them to a far-away city, you can’t go wrong with Christine Sneed’s latest bestselling novel, Paris, He Said. The Chicago Tribune review of the book noted, “Sneed allows readers to revel in Paris’ celebrated light while walking its wide boulevards and cobblestone streets. If you love the City of Light or have always wanted to travel there, Paris, He Said is worth a visit. You’ll come for the story but stay for Sneed’s painterly homage to the city’s art and culture.”
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is delighted to welcome award-winning author Christine Sneed at its November 21st book signing and wine tasting from 3-5 p.m. at TASTE Food & Wine, 1506 West Jarvis Avenue, Chicago. The featured quality wines, reflecting themes in Paris, He Said, will be classic burgundy in a white and a red, along with an opulent French sparkling white. The wine tasting is free. Optional “Bonus Buy” tickets, which proved very popular at the October BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™, will be available again at this month’s event. Ticket holders will get a memento of the event and a discount on any wine purchases. For details, click the pull down tab at the Book●ed website or visit the Events page at Taste Food & Wine.
On Saturday, November 21st, from 3-5 p.m., the fifth BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ event of 2015 is proud to feature award-winning bestselling author Christine Sneed and her latest novel, Paris, He Said. The New York Times Book Review, called this beautiful book, “…an absorbing, original tale about the questions we all end up confronting as we grapple with the interplay between who we are and who we think we want to be.” Along with the book signing, we will be serving a trio of wines for the free wine tasting that reflect themes in the book: classic Burgundy in a red & a white plus an opulent French Sparkler. The “Bonus Buy” tickets that proved so popular at our October BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ will be available at the November event. If you’re in the area, come spend the afternoon with us at TASTE Food & Wine, 1506 West Jarvis, Chicago.
There’s still time to pre-order your book and get a Bonus Buy ticket for the October 22nd BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™. This will be a very special event as Amazon #1 and national bestselling author Jasinda Wilder makes her Chicago debut with her hot-off-the-press book Madame X. Meet the author who has been interviewed by major media and learn how she parlayed a seven-figure publishing deal with Penguin Random House after selling millions of self-published eBooks. In honor of the author and book, TASTE Food & Wine feature wines (free tasting!) will be a sparkling white and two scintillating red. Bonus Buy tickets get preferred position on lines, a 10% discount on all wine purchases, and a special author memento. For details about the event, check the Book●ed website. Visit The Book Cellar to pre-order your book and get a Bonus Buy ticket!
Eric Charles May, the September BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ featured author of Bedrock Faith, will receive the 21st Century Award at the Carl Sandburg Awards Dinner, benefitting the Chicago Public Library, on October 21st. The dinner will also honor famed composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Tickets for the Awards Dinner event are $1,000 – but BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ fans got to spend time with Eric last month while enjoying luscious wine for free at our event!
There’s still time to pre-order your book and get a Bonus Buy ticket for the October 22nd BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ . This will be a very special event as Amazon #1 and national bestselling author Jasinda Wilder makes her Chicago debut with her hot-off-the-press book Madame X. Meet the author who has been interviewed by major media and learn how she parlayed a seven-figure publishing deal with Penguin Random House after selling millions of self-published eBooks. In honor of the author and book, TASTE Food & Wine will featured wines in the free tasting will be a sparkling white and two scintillating red. Bonus Buy tickets get preferred position on lines, a 10% discount on all wine purchases (the tasting is free), and a special author memento. For details about the event, check the Book●ed website. Visit The Book Cellar to pre-order your book and get a Bonus Buy ticket!
Many female authors, facing gender bias in the publishing industry, turn to self-publishing. Producing a book is only step one. Knowing how to promote it into success is a very different art. Author Jasinda Wilder is a master of both. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and international bestselling author with millions of sales of self-published eBooks. One of her titles, Falling Into You, reached #1 on Amazon.
On October 6th, Jasinda Wilder’s first book in print as well as digital format will be published by Berkley Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Madame X is the first in a planned trilogy that netted a 7-figure deal for this Michigan-based mother of six.
On October 22nd, from 6-8 p.m., BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ will welcome Jasinda Wilder in one of her very first public appearances to sign copies of Madame X as she meets fans during another fabulous wine tasting event at TASTE Food & Wine in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.
For this event, BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is offering pre-orders of the book with “Bonus Buy” tickets. Ticketholders will get preferential place in line for books and autographs, 10% discount on all wine purchases and a special author memento. “Bonus Buy” tickets will also be available at the event but I encourage pre-ordering. Book pre-orders and Bonus Buy ticket sales will be handled by The Book Cellar. Event details can be found at the Book●ed website.
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is excited that its September 24th event will feature Bedrock Faith, a book exemplifying great literature that comes alive in a neighborhood. Eric May’s debut novel landed on several “Top 10” lists and led to Eric winning the prestigious 21st Century Award from the Chicago Public Library in partnership with the Chicago Public Library Foundation. In fact our September 24th event will be a prelude celebration before the Library’s award dinner in October. Come meet Eric, get a copy of his book and have him personally autograph it for you while you enjoy some wines with great character between 6-8 p.m. at TASTE Wine & Food in Chicago. No reservations or entry fees! Find details at the Book●ed website or on our Facebook page.
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is excited that its September 24th event will feature Bedrock Faith, a book exemplifying great literature that comes alive in a neighborhood. Eric May’s debut novel landed on several “Top 10” lists and led to Eric winning the prestigious 21st Century Award from the Chicago Public Library in partnership with the Chicago Public Library Foundation. In fact our September 24th event will be a prelude celebration before the Library’s award dinner in October. Come meet Eric, get a copy of his book and have him personally autograph it for you while you enjoy some wines with great character between 6-8 p.m. at TASTE Wine & Food in Chicago. No reservations or entry fees! Find details at the Book●ed website http://www.bookedwebcast.com/index.html# or on our Facebook page.
Ancient archeology shows that the concept of neighborhoods has been with us for a very long time, for very good reason. Neighborhoods bring people together in common purpose: safety, economy, socialization and care-giving. In other words: survive through hard times and thrive in good ones.
While the basic goal of neighborhoods is universal, the character of neighborhoods is as varied, distinguishable and fascinating as the characters in the neighborhoods. Books set in neighborhoods provide some of our most vibrant and memorable literature. They let us learn from the people and cultures that preceded us. We can travel the world today, meeting people and visiting different neighborhoods just by opening a book. We can be entertained, enlightened and inspired by stories set in or around neighborhoods.
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is excited that its September 24th event will feature Bedrock Faith, a book exemplifying great literature that comes alive in a neighborhood. Eric May’s debut novel landed on several “Top 10” lists and led to Eric winning the prestigious 21st Century Award from the Chicago Public Library in partnership with the Chicago Public Library Foundation. In fact our September 24th event will be a prelude celebration before the Library’s award dinner in October. Come meet Eric, get a copy of his book and have him personally autograph it for you while you enjoy some wines with great character between 6-8 p.m. at TASTE Wine & Food in Chicago. No reservations or entry fees! Find details at the Book●ed or on our Facebook page.
Meanwhile, here’s a sampling of other notable neighborhood novels set around cities known for the diversity and energy of their neighborhoods:
Washington Square – Henry James The Jungle – Upton Sinclair Manhattan Transfer – John Dos Passos The Maltese Falcon – Dashiell Hammett Call It Sleep – Henry Roth Native Son – Richard Wright The Tin Flute (orig. Bonheur d’occasion) – Gabrielle Roy The Chosen – Chaim Potok Time and Again – Jack Finney The House on Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros The Alienist – Caleb Carr Playing for Thrills – Wang Shuo (trans. Howard Goldblatt) The Sweet Forever – George P. Pelecanos The Devil in the White City – Erik Larson (2004) The Great Perhaps – Joe Meno (2009)
You can learn more by clicking the tab BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ at my Book●ed website.
Wine, the most delightful of drinks, whether we owe it to Noah, who planted the vine, or to Bacchus, who pressed juice from the grape, goes back to the childhood of the world. — Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826), French lawyer, politician and author of The Physiology of Taste.
With BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ off to a bright start, pairing quality wines with quality books, I find myself reflecting on the place of wine in literature. As far back as antiquity, wine is referenced on clay tablets and papyrus, even before the invention of paper or digital books. Clearly, wine’s potency is not limited to its level of alcohol. Whether part of the action, used as an adjective or offered as a metaphor for something else – success, romantic intoxication, life itself – wine and literature always pair well together. Fortunately for us, a wealth of literature over the centuries was made more interesting and enjoyable for the wine we read about as well as the wine we drink. See how many of these you know:
Frolic Wine — Anacreon Drinking Alone Beneath the Moon — Li Po The Soul of Wine — Charles Baudelaire I Bring an Unaccustomed Wine — Emily Dickinson Ulysses — James Joyce A Moveable Feast — Ernest Hemingway Ode to Wine — Pablo Neruda Taste — Roald Dahl A Long Finish – Michael Dibdin A Debt to Pleasure — John Lanchester
You can learn more about BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ by clicking the tab at the Book●ed website.
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is delighted to welcome NY Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster to a book signing and wine tasting at TASTE Food & Wine, 1506 W. Jarvis Avenue, Chicago, from 5-8 p.m. on August 20th to celebrate her newest book, The Best of Enemies, published by NAL on August 4, 2015.
Jen’s books, including Bitter is the New Black, The Tao of Martha and I Regret Nothing, received rave reviews from The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, InStyle and many more.
The Best of Enemies is told from the alternating perspectives of two women who define the term “frenemies”. It is a story of friendship, rivalry, road trips, and the glue that holds it all together—a mutual friend. Books will be available for purchase and signing. On-site book sales will be handled by The Book Cellar.
Reflecting the road trip aspect of The Best of Enemies, the wines to be featured are quality bi-coastal selections: “a voluptuous California chardonnay and a scintillating New York riesling,” announced wine maven Phoebe Snowe, owner of TASTE Food & Wine. Both selections, and others, will be available for sale.
Click on video to see the cute promo video introducing BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™.
For many readers, summer books should be selected like summer wines: light, bright, crisp, and refreshing. And fun, fun, fun! One author delivers this time and again: NY Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster. Her books include Bitter is the New Black, The Tao of Martha and I Regret Nothing, which received rave reviews from The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, InStyle and many more.
BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is delighted to welcome Jen to a book signing and wine tasting at TASTE Food & Wine, 1506 W. Jarvis Avenue, Chicago, from 5-8 p.m. on August 20th to celebrate her newest book, The Best of Enemies, published by NAL on August 4, 2015.
The Best of Enemies is told from the alternating perspectives of two women who define the term “frenemies”. It is a story of friendship, rivalry, road trips, and the glue that holds it all together—a mutual friend. Books will be available for purchase and signing. On-site book sales will be handled by The Book Cellar.
Reflecting the road trip aspect of The Best of Enemies, the wines to be featured are quality bi-coastal selections: “a voluptuous California chardonnay and a scintillating New York riesling,” announced wine maven Phoebe Snowe, owner of TASTE Food & Wine. Both selections, and others, will be available for sale.
If you missed the wonderful launch of BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ last month, you have another chance to be part of the fun on Thursday, August 20th, when we host NY Times best-selling author Jen Lancaster and feature her hilarious new book, The Best of Enemies. The fun begins at 5 p.m. at TASTE Food & Wine, 1506 West Jarvis, Chicago. Another delicious tasting will pair fascinating wines with elements of the featured book and author. Reservations are not necessary. Cheers!
After months of planning the newest venture from Book●ed, I’m delighted to report that the launch of BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ was a blast! The gathering of people at TASTE Food & Wine on July 23rd mixed, mingled and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The pairing of quality books with quality wines was “a stroke of genius” said one of the guests. Oh yes, indeed!
Author Susanna Calkins captivated us with her description of the fascinating period in history, “the world turned upside down” in 17th century England, where her acclaimed Lucy Campion mystery series takes place. The Masque of a Murderer, the third book in the series, was available for sale, along with copies of the previous two books, which Susanna personalized and autographed for new and returning fans.
Wine maven Phoebe Snowe poured the featured wines that were paired with references in the book to Rhenish wine and claret. Rhenish means from the Rhine Valley in Germany; for that, we were treated to a crisp, German reisling. Claret, explained Phoebe, was the name given by the British to wines from the Bordeaux region of France; the Bordeaux we tasted was luxurious. Both selections were big hits with the guests.
Thanks to Nili Yellin, representing The Book Cellar, for expediting book sales; and to Sara Fenwick of F-Stop Photos for capturing images of the evening.
Many of the guests who attended our launch plan to return for the August 20th BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ event when we host NY Times bestselling author Jennifer Lancaster. With her latest book, The Best of Enemies, we move from the mysterious past to the hilarious present. Wait till you see what featured wines TASTE will pair with that book! We hope to see you there.
To learn more about our events, visit the Book.ed website where you can read my weekly blog or click on the BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ tab for upcoming event details and our entertaining little promo video.
Book●ed has teamed up with TASTE Food & Wine, a popular Chicago shop, to elevate author book signing events with quality wines paired by themes to the books. The launch of BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ will be Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at TASTE Food & Wine, 1506 W. Jarvis Avenue. You can view my brief video with Phoebe Snowe, talking about this new venture by clicking on BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™.
For those who enjoy quality wine as much as quality books, BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ offers both as authors and readers get to meet in a convivial setting.
The first author to be fêted at a BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ event will be Susanna Calkins, whose newest book is The Masque of a Murderer. Published by Minotaur Books, it is the third Lucy Campion mystery set in 17th century England. Publishers Weekly called Calkins’s writing “Assured… Calkins’s familiarity with the period and her use of obscure details, such as the fire court set up to adjudicate claims after the Great Fire of 1666, are a plus.”
Reflecting themes in the book, a Rhenish (German riesling) wine and a claret will be featured among the wine options of the evening. Books will be available for purchase and signing. On-site book sales will be handled by The Book Cellar.
