I went to a friend’s book launch last week. I was feeling anti-social and meh, but I like to show up for my friends so I put on pajamas that look like not-pajamas and dragged myself to Rainy Day Books.
I used to avoid Rainy Day Books like the plague because their old owners were snobby and exclusive and just felt yuck; but, a while ago they sold the place and I figured I should probably give them another try. I was hopeful about the new owners because the book that was launching is My Name Is Baby: An Intersex Memoir by Chris Arnone. I figured if they were willing to promote & launch Chris’s book they were at least LGBTQIA+ friendly.
It was a wonderful event, and the energy of the store has improved for the better under the new ownership. Chris is charismatic, a phenomenal writer, and very comfortable on stage. His moderator, Bodi Takacs, had infectious energy in the best of ways. Their questions were well thought out, their knowledge of the book and subject matter unparalleled, and they were one of the best moderators I have ever witnessed.
Chris’s book is engaging, educational (without being boring or too technical), and important. It’s unlikely I would have picked up an intersex memoir if I didn’t know Chris personally, but I’m glad I’m his friend because it’s a good book and deserves a read– it would have been a shame for me to miss his story. (I’m glad I’m his friend for other reasons too! BTW we met at the Nebulas when I went to CA a few years ago.)
So if you want to read outside your normal genres this is a great choice; and if you haven’t been to Rainy Day Books in a while check it out under the new ownership–they still carry Andre’s chocolate almonds too so you can also have a delicious treat while browsing.
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This week’s 7 cards is out. For those of you that watch it I’m open to feedback about the new camera set up. Better? Worse? Too close? Too far? Let me know. Change is hard, but I am capable of learning new things even when it’s mildly frustrating.
Have a good week.