I just finished Jennifer Weiner’s latest book, Certain Girls. You probably recognize her name as she wrote the book In Her Shoes which was made into a major motion picture with Cameron Diaz. Anyway, here is the weird thing: I finished the book and I am not thinking about the storyline and I can barely remember the ending. I am thinking about the structure. One chapters alternate between the mother’s and daughter’s point of view. And all I keep thinking about is how I could get so lucky that my daughter would keep a diary that she let me read. I could know what she’s done, what she’s thinking, what she wants. Mind you my oldest daughter Eden does not write. She is three. But knowing that I was a difficult teenager and expecting no less from my own children, I keep thinking that I have 10 years to convince her that this is a great idea. Would this not be the greatest mothering tool; getting to share your kid’s innermost thoughts. Invasive and controlling? Yes. But thirteen is a very hard age. Even harder today than it used to be with drugs, the internet, increased peer pressure. With this tool, I’d be in the know. Who she is hanging out with? What she is doing or not doing? Which week she hates me? The weeks she’s not talking to me would be so much easier - it would spare me hours of unnecessary angst. Reality check: it is so not happening. Like any teenager in her right mind is never going to ever alternate authoring a diary with her mother. But I can always dream.
My son’s favorite book in the entire world is The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller. It is this hilarious book about the states deciding to have a party and trade places since they are bored with their current positions. I could read this book 20 times in a row and still my son would ask for more. So last week, I am invited to attend the Book Expo of American at the LA Convention Center. Before I was an “author” I did not even know this event existed. Now that I know I hope I get to go every single year. It is a trade show featuring publishing houses from all over the world - thousands of them. Each one has a booth in which they showcase their new fall and winter books to book buyers, stores, tv bookers, magazines and everyone else in the book industry. It is the book equivalent of what Sephora is for makeup junkies and candy stores are for sugar addicts and heaven for book readers. At the expo every book that is being published in the fall is on display and you are encouraged to take home free books. Free always makes me nervous but nevertheless I managed to fill two complete bags worth of books that were so heavy I could barely make it to the car. Then I found out the coup d’ gras. Laurie Keller has a new book coming out in the fall. The Scrambled States of America Talent Show. She will be signing them over the weekend and I send a dear friend in my stead to secure a copy. By Monday I have decided that I am the coolest mother in America. I am reading a book that is not even for sale yet to Emet. And it is signed to him and Eden. I try to explain this to him over and over again, how special this book is, but he does not care. All he wants is for me to read it to him. Finally I give up and start reading the story. He laughs out loud. It is even better than the first. After the third reading and it is time for lights out, Emet whispers to me, “thanks for the book mom, it’s great.” For a moment all is right in the world.
It turns out dating my husband is crucial to our marriage. I traveled a ton the month of May promoting the book. My husband and I knew that it would be hectic but we never imagined how challenging it would be to our marriage. Not seeing and spending time with Jeff for the days I was gone was devastating. I missed him a ton. So when I got back last week after yet another long trip, I sent him and email and asked him on a date. I know it was not very traditional, but after 8 years of marriage I figured I could go a little outside of the box. He was surprised at first by my formal proposal - but excited. I made reservations at a great sushi place and got all dressed up in an outfit he had never seen. He is a guy, so I am never sure if he notices when I wear something new. But as we headed for the door, he remarked, wow you look great. Good start. At dinner, I talked, but I also spent a lot of time listening. For a moment, I even forgot that we have three kids. We were on a date - as if we were first getting to know each other. But it was better, deeper. I did not have to spend the whole dinner trying to figure out what he was thinking and if he would ask me out again. Instead, it was about having a moment to remember why we are so good together. Why I think he is the best man for me. Why I still think he is a hottie and why I am so lucky. The next day I asked him out again. Who knew that dating once you’re married could be so great.
I sat next to Sex and the City the day before it opened. I know that doesn’t make sense. Last week I attended the Jewish Book Council event. Over 3 days, almost 200 authors give 2 minute pitches about their book to an audience of bookers. Our seats were alphabetical. And for one of the first times in my life I was thrilled to no longer be a Zwelling (my maiden name) since I would have been the last person to speak! So I find my way to Hirsch on the chair right next Handler. Sitting next to me is Evan Handler. I have been living in outer space and I have not really seen Sex in the City (the tv show or the movie) and I have no idea who he is. I’ve been busy, and with 3 kids watch a lot of cartoons. People keep coming over to him asking for his autograph - a lot are men asking for their wives. (Yea, sure). He is courteous and obliges for each request. Right before the speeches start, I realize who he is and ask if he is bald Jewish guy from Sex and the City. Perhaps not the best opening. I tried to make small talk between authors - a clumsy attempt to apologize for a clumsy opening, but he did not seem very receptive. But when it was all said and done, he gave me the nod and said he like my talk. I gave him the words of encouragement for the film and his new book. He did not need it. That night at 12:01 am all the theaters showing Sex and the City were packed and most were sold out through the weekend. Maybe you will see him on his book tour. Word to the wise, don’t open with the bald, Jewish thing. Go for something like the sexiest naked man on TV. I think he would appreciate it more.
I just finished Jennifer Weiner’s latest book, Certain Girls. You probably recognize her name as she wrote the book In Her Shoes which was made into a major motion picture with Cameron Diaz. Anyway, here is the weird thing: I finished the book and I am not thinking about the storyline and I can barely remember the ending. I am thinking about the structure. One chapters alternate between the mother’s and daughter’s point of view. And all I keep thinking about is how I could get so lucky that my daughter would keep a diary that she let me read. I could know what she’s done, what she’s thinking, what she wants. Mind you my oldest daughter Eden does not write. She is three. But knowing that I was a difficult teenager and expecting no less from my own children, I keep thinking that I have 10 years to convince her that this is a great idea. Would this not be the greatest mothering tool; getting to share your kid’s innermost thoughts. Invasive and controlling? Yes. But thirteen is a very hard age. Even harder today than it used to be with drugs, the internet, increased peer pressure. With this tool, I’d be in the know. Who she is hanging out with? What she is doing or not doing? Which week she hates me? The weeks she’s not talking to me would be so much easier - it would spare me hours of unnecessary angst. Reality check: it is so not happening. Like any teenager in her right mind is never going to ever alternate authoring a diary with her mother. But I can always dream.
My son’s favorite book in the entire world is The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller. It is this hilarious book about the states deciding to have a party and trade places since they are bored with their current positions. I could read this book 20 times in a row and still my son would ask for more. So last week, I am invited to attend the Book Expo of American at the LA Convention Center. Before I was an “author” I did not even know this event existed. Now that I know I hope I get to go every single year. It is a trade show featuring publishing houses from all over the world - thousands of them. Each one has a booth in which they showcase their new fall and winter books to book buyers, stores, tv bookers, magazines and everyone else in the book industry. It is the book equivalent of what Sephora is for makeup junkies and candy stores are for sugar addicts and heaven for book readers. At the expo every book that is being published in the fall is on display and you are encouraged to take home free books. Free always makes me nervous but nevertheless I managed to fill two complete bags worth of books that were so heavy I could barely make it to the car. Then I found out the coup d’ gras. Laurie Keller has a new book coming out in the fall. The Scrambled States of America Talent Show. She will be signing them over the weekend and I send a dear friend in my stead to secure a copy. By Monday I have decided that I am the coolest mother in America. I am reading a book that is not even for sale yet to Emet. And it is signed to him and Eden. I try to explain this to him over and over again, how special this book is, but he does not care. All he wants is for me to read it to him. Finally I give up and start reading the story. He laughs out loud. It is even better than the first. After the third reading and it is time for lights out, Emet whispers to me, “thanks for the book mom, it’s great.” For a moment all is right in the world.
It turns out dating my husband is crucial to our marriage. I traveled a ton the month of May promoting the book. My husband and I knew that it would be hectic but we never imagined how challenging it would be to our marriage. Not seeing and spending time with Jeff for the days I was gone was devastating. I missed him a ton. So when I got back last week after yet another long trip, I sent him and email and asked him on a date. I know it was not very traditional, but after 8 years of marriage I figured I could go a little outside of the box. He was surprised at first by my formal proposal - but excited. I made reservations at a great sushi place and got all dressed up in an outfit he had never seen. He is a guy, so I am never sure if he notices when I wear something new. But as we headed for the door, he remarked, wow you look great. Good start. At dinner, I talked, but I also spent a lot of time listening. For a moment, I even forgot that we have three kids. We were on a date - as if we were first getting to know each other. But it was better, deeper. I did not have to spend the whole dinner trying to figure out what he was thinking and if he would ask me out again. Instead, it was about having a moment to remember why we are so good together. Why I think he is the best man for me. Why I still think he is a hottie and why I am so lucky. The next day I asked him out again. Who knew that dating once you’re married could be so great.
I sat next to Sex and the City the day before it opened. I know that doesn’t make sense. Last week I attended the Jewish Book Council event. Over 3 days, almost 200 authors give 2 minute pitches about their book to an audience of bookers. Our seats were alphabetical. And for one of the first times in my life I was thrilled to no longer be a Zwelling (my maiden name) since I would have been the last person to speak! So I find my way to Hirsch on the chair right next Handler. Sitting next to me is Evan Handler. I have been living in outer space and I have not really seen Sex in the City (the tv show or the movie) and I have no idea who he is. I’ve been busy, and with 3 kids watch a lot of cartoons. People keep coming over to him asking for his autograph - a lot are men asking for their wives. (Yea, sure). He is courteous and obliges for each request. Right before the speeches start, I realize who he is and ask if he is bald Jewish guy from Sex and the City. Perhaps not the best opening. I tried to make small talk between authors - a clumsy attempt to apologize for a clumsy opening, but he did not seem very receptive. But when it was all said and done, he gave me the nod and said he like my talk. I gave him the words of encouragement for the film and his new book. He did not need it. That night at 12:01 am all the theaters showing Sex and the City were packed and most were sold out through the weekend. Maybe you will see him on his book tour. Word to the wise, don’t open with the bald, Jewish thing. Go for something like the sexiest naked man on TV. I think he would appreciate it more.
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