A long day yesterday and a hot and humid one at that!
New York City was sunny – always good – but traipsing around in the stickiness made for a tired, tired girl at the end of the day.
I went to the Strand Bookstore and had a lovely time among the stacks. I wanted so many books but limited myself to two. Interestingly, I didn’t find the editions of Hamlet that I wanted, which was a surprise. I stopped by Anthropologie. Gorgeous and inventive displays, as always. But I didn’t buy anything.
Then I walked over to Chelsea Market, which is in an old building that has been renovated and now includes all sorts of smallish restaurants and shops. Several companies have office space there, including The Food Network and MLB.com and Oxygen (Oprah’s network.) But boy, was it crowded with tourists! I grabbed an expensive grilled cheese sandwich (everything is pricey in NYC) and did some people watching.
Look at what’s right across the street from Chelsea Market. (Even here in the city, they’re watching me!)
After that, I headed on up to the Upper West Side. I happened upon a used bookstore where I found two editions of Hamlet at a great price. Victory!
I sat for a while in this little park that is right next to the American Museum of Natural History. I’ll have more photos of the city for you tomorrow. I didn’t take a whole lot, however, because it was so darned humid!
Eventually, I headed over to Barnes & Noble, where I figured I’d grab a bite to eat in the café. When I checked out the area where Louise Penny would be speaking, I noticed there were people already there. (It was around 5:00 pm.) So I got my food to go and plopped down in a seat. Eventually, two other early arrivers sat nearby and I had a wonderful conversation with these women about how much we love Louise Penny’s books. It was great fun, like being in a Louise Penny Fan Club, which I suppose we are. The husband of one of the women also came along. He’s apparently a voracious reader and he loves her books, as well. Lots of stimulating conversation as we sat waiting for the start of the presentation.
Goodness, was it fun! Ms. Penny came out and spoke to us for about 20 minutes; she spoke of her childhood and of discovering at a young age that she wanted to be a writer. But a career at the CBC won out for a number of years until one day, at the age of 45, her husband said that if she really wanted to write a book, he would support her financially while she was doing it. She spoke about the very early days when she thought about the town she was creating – drawing a map of the town of Three Pines, a map she still has. And she spoke of deciding that she wanted to write about characters that she would like to have as friends; her idea being that if you’re going to spend as much time as a writer must spend with characters, she wanted them to be interesting and complex people she would like to hang around with. She spoke of doubts, of taking that first step and putting words on the page, of trying to find a publisher. (Her publisher and editor were sitting in the row in front of me.)
She is funny, charming and very honest. (I want to be her friend.) She also opened the floor to questions from the audience.
Then it was time for the book signing and we all got in a long line and awaited our turn.
There she is!
When it came time for me, one of the employees saw my iPhone and said he’d be happy to take a photo of Louise and me.
Then we chatted a bit and I told her about the blog (this one) and that I’d raved about her books here, which resulted in quite a few new readers and fans. She was so effusive about that, thanking me and saying how powerful social media could be for an author. I thanked her for sharing her talents with us and for writing all about Three Pines and Inspector Gamache. (By the way, she pronounces it with a short a (as in cat) in the second syllable, not with an ‘ah’ as I had been doing!) She grabbed my hand and thanked me for reading the books and spreading the word.
And the inscription: For Claudia – Thank you for telling so many others!
Sigh. I want to live in Three Pines and dine at The Bistro and chat with Louise Penny.
Here’s the book:
Gosh, she’s terrific.
I’m so glad I went, though I didn’t get home until almost 11:00. Tired today, but very happy indeed that I decided to go for it and attend the event. If you can ever see her, I urge you to. She’s a wonderful speaker – warm and charming and everything you thought she would be.
Happy Wednesday.
What fun Claudia. Louise sounds absolutely wonderful…I want to be her friend too!! So glad you had such a great time in the city. Rest up today!!
I will. She really is a woman I would love to be friends with!
What a wonderful day, Claudia. I haven’t read her books, but I’m so glad you’ve introduced me to them. On my list!
Oh, you must read them, Karen. I guarantee you will fall in love with them. But read them in order, starting with Still Life.
How wonderful! Hope you can take it easy and get some rest today.
I’m still in my jammies and I’m drinking coffee. A nice, relaxed day, Debbie.
It sounds like you had a wonderful day, Claudia!! I am so happy you got to meet Louise Penny. I love her books, also, and have read them all!! I can’t wait to pick this latest up!! It was wonderful hearing about your time in the city yesterday!! Francine
Thanks so much, Francine. I’m still on a bit of a high from meeting her last night!
Thanks so much for taking us along on your trip to the big city! It sounds as if the trip was just the lift your spirits needed. What a lovely photo of the both of you together…and by the way, I “covet” the pretty wrap/scarf Ms. Penny was wearing.
Am I the only person who feels a twinge of obligation to finish a book, even if you KNOW just a few pages into the book it is not going to live up to your expectations of being entertaining? It seems so silly, but I feel like I am letting someone down if I don’t complete it.
No, you’re not the only one. I’m the same way, Jeannine!
I’m so glad you had such a lovely time in NYC Claudia. As much as I love to read I think I’d be so much in awe if I actually met one of my favorite author’s I wouldn’t be able to speak. The only brush I’ve ever had with anyone famous was shaking hands with Vice President Gore at the Capital building in D.C. on vacation once. It’s been so long since I’ve taken the time to look through a bookstore but our local library has recently undergone a move into a brand new much larger building and I could spend a whole day there if I let myself. I will definitely be looking for Louise Penny’s books now.
I met Al Gore, too, Janie. That’s a funny story that I’ll have to share on the blog some day. Your library sounds like it’s going to be wonderful!
I’m so envious! Sounds like you had a wonderful day. I can’t wait to read this book. I’m on a long waiting list at my library!
It will be worth the wait, Kathy. I can’t read it for a while, either, because I’m in the middle of two other books and have some review commitments!
One of our local book clubs chose a book of hers to read. I have it on my shelf. I’m reading something now, but it will be the next one for me.
Sounds like you had a fun day.
Balisha
I did. Tiring, but fun and definitely worth it!
Claudia, I am so far behind on reading your blogs, but I had a few minutes to read this one and I’m so happy that I did. What a great day for you. You must be walking on air.
One of these mornings, I will make a fresh pot of tea or coffee and catch up with you.
I’ve missed you!
I’ve missed you! Take your time, read when you’re ready, Nancy.
It sounds like you had a wonderful day. Despite the heat and humidity. You got out and about.
Two used books stores in one day? Wow!
I have a couple of Louise Penny books waiting in line on the Kindle to be read. But somehow other books keep pushing to the front of the line. I will have to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
The two of you look enough alike that you could be sisters.
P.S. I watched an old movie the other day. It was called “Moonstone”, it was based on the book by Wilkie Collins. If you ever get the chance to see it I recommend that you do. I don’t know how closely it followed the book, but it was great fun.
The Strand is, luckily, both a used and new bookstore. Everything in one space!
I am so happy you got to have that experience! I’ve met only one author, Mary Kay Andrews, and it was so much fun. Its so great when you love their books as much as you do also.
hugs,
Linda
It’s lovely. I met P.D. James years ago when I was living in Cambridge. Somewhere (probably out in the shed) I have an autographed book of hers.
Sounds like you had a fantastic day! Great pic of you and Louise too! I would probably be dumbfounded if I ever met a famous person, and at a total loss for words. So glad you were able to tell her about your blogs! Rest up today…sounds like you need it! ;)
She’s so warm and genuine that it’s easy to talk to her, Donnamae.
Now look what you’ve done! You’ve gone and enticed me into wanting to read something besides biographies, history or cooking/gardening! Seriously Claudia, what would you recommend for a first Louise Penny read? There are a ton of her books in the iBooks store. Thanks for the help and have a great day. :>)
Janet, start with Still Life, the first in the series. And read them in chronological order. I think that’s important because there is a progression with each character that you won’t fully understand if you read them out of order.
OK – will do! Thanks for the info!
What a treat to see some of NY through your eyes, Claudia! Your pictures are terrific. But to meet Louise Penny, how exciting! Now I realize it must have been through your blog that I first heard of Penny last winter and ordered Still Life, went on to get all of the series and read it through twice. I’ve been pronouncing Armand’s last name wrong too and would not want to do that as I am in love with the man. The new book is on its way to me through Amazon and I’m planning time off to immerse myself in Three Pines again.
Thank you for the personal connection here. Loved reading it!
Several people at the event had reread all the books. I aim to do the same thing when I have some time! Enjoy the new one, Dewena.
Wow…what a wonderful day for you.
I wish I would have known about this. I am in Hoboken visiting my son. I could have popped over. :( I am sure you mentioned this, but I missed it. Darn.
I love her books. I agree…I want to live in Three Pines too. :)
Thanks for sharing.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
I mentioned it on Monday and yesterday, Elizabeth. So sorry you were so close and didn’t know about it!
I am sure you mentioned it. It was my fault I missed the mention. :)
THANKS, and glad to know you had a wonderful time.
Elizabeth
Love the photo of you and Louise Penny and the book inscription, so much fun! So glad you’re feeling better and were able to have such a lovely day out and getting a chance to meet a favorite author.
Yes, it was so nice to be out and about yesterday!
Thank you for sharing another day of adventure with me Claudia..what fun to meet someone that you admire so much..you both look so pretty in the photo..and such a wonderful autograph..I am glad your day turned out so nice..except for the heat of course..lol..
The heat was relentless and I don’t do well in humidity! But it was all worth it.
What a treat for you to actually meet Louise Penny. I have wanted to live in 3 Pines since the first book. I have all of her books and am waiting in line for my name to come up at the library. I may have to give in and order it online, I am that anxious to read it. Thank you for pointing me to these fabulous books.
It’s awfully hard to wait for this one, even though I have to wait to read it. Too many prior commitments!
Your google picture reminded me of a book that I am reading right now … Dragnet Nation by Julia Angwin….”A quest for privacy, security, and freedom in a world of relentless surveillance.” Not boring or all factual stuff….very interesting. I got it a the library. Speaking of the library I am number99 on the wait list for The Heist….ha! Depending on your take of it I will see if I break down and buy it.
Yes, it’s a little spooky to see those letters on that building!
Claudia, it’s true, you got me reading her books too. I have only read the first 2 but plan on reading the rest in that series. Always great to meet a favorite author. Glad you had a great time! You need to print and frame that pic too! Memories!!
That’s a great idea, Marsha. I should indeed print it out!
Oh my gosh, Claudia! I read yesterdays post late in the day so I didn’t comment, but I was so excited for you!! Louise Penny is, I believe, my favorite living author. And a picture with her!!
I would have that framed and hanging, pronto!! You both look absolutely wonderful! Don’t mean to gush on, but really……how great was that!!!! My book should be arriving soon. Can’t wait!
It was pretty great, Kathy. I’m lucky that I live relatively close to NYC. Have fun reading the book!
I told you you would love Louise! She is the dearest person. And I think as her success has grown and she is more confident, she has gotten even more humble. I am with you in encouraging anyone that can to go meet her. She is as wonderful a person as she is a writer. So glad you got to meet her.
Linda, you’ve obviously met her before? Is she a friend of yours? If so, I’m going to be awfully jealous!
I met her at The Poisoned Pen an independent bookstore in Scottsdale AZ at a book signing for her 2nd book. I made it a point to go every year while I was still working to get her latest. I watched the crowd grow by leaps and bounds year after year. So, no, not a friend although she makes you feel that way. She is just so humble and approachable.
So happy that you got to meet one of your favorite authors!
I was planning to try one of her books because of your high praise so I was very excited when I found one of her books at my mom’s house last week! I have just started reading A Fatal Grace.
You keep me very busy Claudia! We have the same taste in books, movies and minis.
Make sure after you finish A Fatal Grace that you go back and read the first novel in the series, Still Life. Then you’ll be all caught up before you start the third one in the series! And you will.
What a lovely blog as usual. Getting to go to New York just pop over for the day I can only imagine. I live in a small town and haven’t been out of my state. You look so pretty with your hair long, in fact both you and Louise look fabulous. Great to see women being natural with their looks, Claudia you are an inspiration. P.S. did you buy Don and Scout something from the big apple. Kind regards Janine, South Australia♥
No, I regret to say I didn’t, Janine. Although I did look for a book for Don. The one I was thinking of was actually cheaper on the Kindle, so I hope he decides to buy it there!
Thank you for your kind words, Janine!
Thanks Claudia!for making the trip and sharing it.Louise Penny writes so well and I am thrilled you could meet her.You both look great and I hope you are feeling as well as you look. (my visits have been a bit sporadic at this time) Do take good care.
I’m feeling much better, Grace. Thank goodness!
I’m so glad you got this opportunity! I’ve met Elizabeth Berg, Barbara Kingsolver, and Mary Oliver at readings/book signings. Loved all three. :-)
I would love to meet Mary Oliver (you know how much I love her work!) I’ve met P.D. James – many years ago in Cambridge. Maybe others….but I’d have to do some serious recall work and I’m not up to it at the moment!
Oh, I am so jealous! I love Louise Penny, I have read all of her books one made me sad, I didn’t like who did the murder.. We are going to Montreal this week because of her locales. you both look lovely with your long grey locks! I went to 2 reading,signings this winter. Carl Hiaasen, whether or not you like his books he is a delightful communicator…laugh out loud all evening. Alexander McCall Smith, the most charming, lovely man I have heard speak. I have read all of his books in his many series. He starts to laugh when he starts a tale and his audience is joyfully engaged the whole time! Reading is magic and the authors are my heros.