Just got back from Seattle…Seattle is one of the loveliest cities in America and it’s hard to leave. Its nickname is “The Emerald City” and I can see why.

I spoke at the Seattle Public Library on May 21 and met Chris Higashi, the librarian who started the Community Reads programs. It was very exciting meeting her because I have been talking about her for the past five years! Thanks to her idea, I have had the pleasure of being involved in nine Community Reads programs. They are a wonderful concept that bring all kinds of people together, people who normally would have nothing in common. Thank you Chris!

I also went to Milwaukee and stayed at the lovely Pfister Hotel. There was a professional baseball game in town so the place was filled with twenty-something athletes.  Everyone was so excited except me since I don’t know a single professional baseball player. The athletes were all over the place and judging by the excitement, it was a big deal. Oh well. That’s what I get for being  a writer who does not follow sports!

I also saw the AMAZING art museum designed by Santiago  Calatrava. Words can not do it justice so look it up. It actually has wings that open every day. It was breath taking.

I visited the Joseph-Beth Bookstore in Cincinnati. They are one of the few independents doing well and I could see why. It’s one of those stores that I could spend hours in and not realize it. From there, I went to the Thurber House and was given an official tour. I also had the opportunity to sign James Thurber’s closet. (Don’t ask me why. It’s a tradition.) I’m a judge this year for the Thurber Prize so I have my work cut out for me. There are eight books on my night stand right now…

I had an event at the Columbus Art Museum which was organized by Thurber House. It was one of the highlights of my tour. Thank you Thurber House!

I also participated in the Ann Arbor Book Festival last week. Ann Arbor reminds me a lot of Berkeley. From what I gathered, the two towns are quite similar.

 I also got ambushed on a right-wing radio show. (I had no idea it was a right wing radio show.) That was an ugly experience that showed me a side of America I had not yet seen. Let’s hope America does not go in that direction. More on that later.

I also went to the Contra Costa Book Festival. It was their first year. Let’s hope it keeps growing and attracting more people!

I am now off to Pebble Beach to deliver a graduation speech. Oh, what will I say?

Cheers,

Firoozeh

I just got home yesterday from the first leg of my book tour.  A big thank you to Bensenville Reads for selecting FUNNY IN FARSI. My hostess there was a superhero named Jill Rodriguez. She is the county librarian and has the most amazing, devoted staff you can imagine. Not only do they work with the community, but they are very innovative. For example, their library stays open 24 hours every September 11th since they believe libraries are the antithesis of what happened that day. Kelly, another librarian, started a program “52 Books in 52 Weeks.” You see what I’m talking about? These people are DEVOTED to literacy.

I also visited Fenton High School. (Hi Esteban! Hi Sal! Hi Mansoor!) I met kids from Blackhawk Middle School (I will not embarrass Blake or anyone else since I seemed to do plenty of that when I was there.) I also visited Bridgeway, which is a huge senior home.  Great audiences everywhere I went, except for…  Apologies to Barbara’s Bookstore where I drew a whopping crowd of THREE people. (Thank you Bob, Madonna and Hannah.) Oh well, it has to happen to all authors at some point but I would like not to experience that again!

In Ohio, I particapated in Dayton’s Big Read where they had selected FUNNY IN FARSI. (Thank you Dayton!) I spoke at Meadowdale High School for Kristen Mills’ classes. They were a GREAT audience and had even made me a banner with all kinds of drawings related to FUNNY IN FARSI, including a camel/llama/lamb. I think the final consensus was that it was a llama. No matter since I loved it.

The Big Read event was very interesting because they also gave awards to volunteers in the community. Let me tell you, there are some amazingly generous folks in Dayton. (Did you know there is even a peace museum there?) It was a very fun evening.

I also spoke at Books & Co. What a store! Thank you to Sharon for doing so much behind the scenes. When an author event goes well, it’s not just because of the author. It’s also because of the people who planned it and advertised and set out the chairs, etc. It was an enthusiastic crowd  with lots of questions. I had a blast.

And a final thank you to Becky from Project READ for everything, including driving me to the airport. (90 minute drive!) I hope to be back in Dayton again.

Until then, keep reading!