On Saturday I had the pleasure of attending Literary Orange, a Celebration of Authors, Readers, and Libraries, sponsored by the Orange County Public Libraries. This is the 11th year it has been held and this year it was at the Newport Beach Marriott. It is a full day of keynote speakers, interviews with authors, three different selections of panel discussions with authors, raffle baskets, and a nice lunch. The day starts with coffee/tea and breakfast pastries and opening remarks by the organizers and volunteers. This year the keynote speakers were Marcia Clark (known for the OJ Simpson trial and her crime fiction series), Christina Baker Kline (author of "Orphan Train" and other books), and Fannie Flagg (whose first novel was the best selling "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café"). They were all fascinating and Fannie was very funny.
The paid attendance was 200 women and a few men. The round tables in the ballroom accommodated everyone at close quarters, but everyone was in a good mood and happy to squeeze together. The lady in the orange scarf on the right is my friend and fellow member of the Book Group, Nancy Mastroianni.
This is Fannie's latest book, from which she read a chapter, to everyone's delight. Each tote bag contained a copy of this book. On site was a book store "Mystery Galaxy" which is located in San Diego (5943 Balboa Ave, Ste 100, 858-268-4747) carrying all the books discussed and a few more. Needless to say, I added to my library. I still prefer books printed on paper - hard or soft cover.
Attending with Nancy and I was our friend, and Book Group member, Carol Bednar. Carol and I attended two panels about mysteries, all authors I have not read - yet! The final panel we three attended was "What do I read next?" presented by two representatives of Random House, one of the event sponsors. We heard about all the new books Random House is issuing this year. And we will definitely read some of them.
Meanwhile, back in Placentia, poor KoKo and Froggie had to stay home all alone. They did fine, no accidents and nothing shredded. KoKo is a very good dog.
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5 comments:
it was a wonderful day! Hooray for KoKo. He is a winner, Del.
I can only look at KoKo face to see how he felt about your absence!
It sounds like a wonderful gathering.
My book club and I loved The Orphan Train. Most of us are midwesterners living there during the period, but no one could remember hearing about this. This was an interesting read.
My book club and I loved The Orphan Train. Most of us are midwesterners and lived there during the period, but no one could remember hearing about this.
This was an interesting book.
Thanks for the tips on good reads! I also prefer paper/hard cover books in hand and a shady tree to sit under to catch a breeze.
KoKO does look like he needs a treat after all that sleep!
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