Independent Publishers Rock

Siren's Feast is making news.  It was just chosen as a finalist in the Autobiography/Memoir category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.  The winner was Julie Andrews' memoir Home, published by a major, Hyperion.  So that's one for the little guy.  Now I get those lovely gold stickers and bragging rights.  

Feasting in Wonderland

Last night was no ordinary book club event since it took place in the brand new library of Wonderland Ave. Elementary School in Laurel Canyon, a place memorialized in song by Joni Mitchell, among others.  My daughter Vedra was fortunate enough to have attended Wonderland in the early 80's so being there brought back warm memories for both of us. School librarian Myrtle Keefe was instrumental in bringing together a crowd of sassy Moms and a few Dads along with friends from the neighborhood.  Cheryl Montelle, dear friend and fellow member of Amy Friedman's writing group, the East Side Posse, along with Tyson Cornell of Book Soup helped coordinate.  And now Siren's Feast is available at Book Soup, one of the hippest bookstores in Los Angeles, located on the infamous Sunset Strip.  What more could an author wish for?  Actually I can think of a few more things. Stay tuned.

After my presentation and reading and fielding questions from the group, we all retired to the teacher's lounge and feasted on dishes prepared, from my recipes, by book club members. Everyone did a splendid job.  Martha's trifle, I have to admit, was even better than mine.  She carmelized the almonds and added Triple Sec.  Wow!  And Joan even attempted one of the more challenging recipes, Keta, Armenian sweet rolls.  We had fattoush, lentil salad, dal muhammara, tabbouli, grape leaves, beorag.  What better way to end a book club gathering than with a feast?