Authors' Night!



Jen Lancaster, her newest memoir, "Jeneration X," and Amy

I almost talked myself out of going to see Jen Lancaster after the last [pathetic] attempt, but I decided to go to an event in Lake Zurich tonight anyway, and I am so glad I did.  Jennifer Weiner, Stacey Ballis, and Sarah Pekkanen were there as well!  Talk about a group of intelligent, hilarious, and classy women!  I love their books, and despite the crazy heat (the building didn't have a lick of air conditioning - no worries, I took pictures anyway) it was a fun event! 


Franzia boxed Chardonnay, and my new autographed books!

Jen Lancaster, Sarah Pekkanen, Jennifer Weiner, & Stacey Ballis.

This is my third (and least embarrassing) time seeing Jen Lancaster, but my first for the other three authors!  Jennifer Weiner bought cupcakes for the crowd of 400+ and was so gracious to all of her fans!

Thank you Swirlz Cupcakes!

Clockwise:  Chocolate Chip, Chocolate, Peach Cobbler, & Red Velvet!  YUM!!

It was a lovely evening and I am so excited to read my new books!!!  I think my most favorite thing abot this group of ladies is that they are so personable and seem to really enjoy interacting with their fans.  After the last time I met Jen Lancaster and acted like a total boob, it's almost bittersweet that she didn't remember who I was.  Ha.  Regardless, they are all very kind, and I am still excited to read their works and go to events they hold in the area.

Amy, Stacey Ballis, and her newest book "Off The Menu."

Jennifer Weiner, her book "Best Friends Forever" and Amy.

Amy, Sarah Pekkanen, and her book "Skipping A Beat."

Last, but not least, as much as I loved the featured authors, my favorite interaction was with the author Eleanor Brown (The Weird Sisters) who offered to take my picture with Sarah & Stacey.  I haven't read her book yet, but I plan to.  She was so friendly and fun, I can only imagine that her writing reflects her personality.  Besides, she keeps company with some of my favorite authors, how could she go wrong?

Eleanor Brown & Amy.

Did I mention that I even won an actual door prize?  Seriously, I got it while standing in a doorway because I was one of the last people standing in line for Jen Lancaster.  I wouldn't be a true fan if I didn't get it autographed as well, right?  :)

Jennifer Weiner swag bag!

Reading Between The Wines

For the last few years, I have considered joining or starting a book club.  I love to read, and I know plenty of people who do as well, but I never knew where to start.  I'm not sure if it was a lack of gumption, know-how or courage, but I've pretty much gone book-clubless all this time.  With my new found resolve to get out more, I finally decided to put the wheels into motion. 

After a couple Google searches, I remember my previous roommate, Rebecca, had used the website, meetup.com to find a photography group in our area.  If it worked for her, it could work for me, right?  Right!  I pulled up the site, and after entering "book club" and "Downers Grove, IL," I had a list of local book clubs ripe for the pickin'. 

A quick scan of list confirms that I will be able to find a book club meeting in my area... it also draws my attention to a title called "Reading between the wines."  To be honest, I'm already sold on the group... but I figure I should check out the information before committing my time (and so as not to seem too eager).  Imagine my surprise and happiness when I read the information and the group leader indicates that she loves "chick-lit," is not all that into fantasy, vampires, werewolves, etc., AND enjoys a nice glass of wine?  Yes!  I am joining this group for sure!  The kicker?  Tonight we met at Anna Shea Chocolates!  What is Anna Shea Chocolates, you ask?  Only the most adorable chocolate/cupcake/gelato/wine lounge there is!  I've been a giddy little girl since I found this group and have been excited ALL day, gearing up for this evening's meeting!  It was a little bit of a drive, and the weather wasn't as nice as I blogged that it was going to be, but it was worth it!  The wine was great, the chocolate was great and I really think I am going to enjoy myself in this group!  We seem to have the same taste in genres and when I mentioned that Jen Lancaster has an upcoming book signing in May, they already knew who she was!

The books that are up for consideration at this point are:  Mennonite In A Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen, The Four Mrs. Bradwells by Meg Waite Clayton, Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin, and The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry.  I'm excited to find out what collective group has decided on.  I hoping to make some friends in this group and hoping that it leads to even more adventures.  If you have any book suggestions, please let me know.  I'd be happy to pass them along.  :)