It is a beautiful day here in Minnesota… maybe not as sunshiny warm as I would like… but the sun is out and it will be good weather for gardening this after noon and mowing the lawn while listening to audio ( ♥ )
When in New York earlier this month, I was hoping I would get a chance to see Adriana Trigiani. Adriana is tied in to my whole BEA experience from the first time I attended in 2010. That first year, I won a contest Adriana had held and was one of 6 Bloggers who were picked up at the Javitz Center in a limo and taken to Alice’s Teacup for an amazing lunch and one on one time with Adriana. She was so personable and sweet and I felt like I was in book lovers heaven!
In 2011, a group of us met up with her again and went on a walking tour of Greenwich Village and where her characters frequent. In 2013, she had us over to her home for brunch. BRUNCH! AT HER HOME. Yeah, I just said that.
In 2015, when my life fell apart and I did not attend the Book Expo, Adrianna personally called me. That meant so much to me I can not even put it into words. In 2016, we were in Chicago for the Expo and she was not there.
Some Authors are like Super Heroes…
So this year, I really wanted to say hi to her and I stood outside her long line for book signing just so I could wave at her. I sent a message up the line that I was there and just for her to look up so I could smile and wave (I am from Central Minnesota this is what we do)… I waited for over an hour and finally my message was delivered and she looked up and called me over…
*Gulp*
Security helped me get through the rope barrier and I passed in front of the line of those still waiting to have their book signed. A little embarrassed, and sure an Adriana fan who had been waiting in line was going to knock me to the ground and beat the stuffing out of me… surprising they let me pass and were nice about it..book people are the best!
Once up front she hugged me and I had my picture taken with her, despite my polite refusal to have a book signed that I had not been in line for, she signed one for me anyway. We talked for like 30 seconds and I thanked her for the phone call and I was on my way.
Yeah.
So without further ado… Kiss Carlos.
It’s 1949, and South Philadelphia bursts with opportunity during the postwar boom. The Palazzini Cab Company & Western Union Telegraph Office, owned and operated by Dominic Palazzini and his three sons, is flourishing: Business is good, and they’re surrounded by sympathetic wives and daughters-in-law, with grandchildren on the way. But a decades-long feud that split Dominic and his brother, Mike, and their once-close families sets the stage for a rematch.
Amidst the hoopla, the arrival of an urgent telegram from Italy upends the life of Nicky Castone (Dominic and his wife’s orphaned nephew), who lives and works with his uncle Dom and his family. Nicky decides, at 30, that he wants more – more than just a job driving car number four and more than his longtime fiancée, Peachy DePino, a bookkeeper, can offer. When he admits to his fiancée that he’s been secretly moonlighting at the local Shakespeare theater company, Nicky finds himself drawn to the stage, its colorful players, and the determined Calla Borelli, who inherited the enterprise from her father, Nicky must choose between the conventional life his family expects of him and charting a new course and risking losing everything he cherishes.
So now you know the why this book came home with me from the expo… and you know why I have every book that Adriana has ever written in my own library. Kiss Carlos was released this week on June 20th. It you have not experienced Adriana, then I am telling you that you are in for a treat… she write amazing characters and amazing stories. Don’t miss out.
Book Journey 
What a wonderful story! I am in awe of Adriana and all she does. She is such a kind person.
I agree Kathy – a New York trip does not feel the same if I do not see her 🙂
That is very cool. With the enormous amount of fans that some of these authors have, it really stands out when they show a personal connection to you.
I agree! My favorite connections are like this….
I’m not familiar with her books but it sounds like I need to check them out. She sounds like a wonderful person!
She really is Rachel – you must try them…
Love your story about “skipping” the line. 🙂
She is a wonderful person – love that she called you.
ENJOY the book!!
Thanks Elizabeth!
How great to have a personal connection to this wonderful author. Loved your post!
Thank you Mary 🙂
I loved the photos of that brunch at her home a few years ago…I would love to have been there.
Great photo of the two of you…and that autograph is beautiful.
Enjoy!
I agree Laurel – she makes things so special and personable.
I met her this year for the first time at BEA. She is truly and amazing lady!! Loved her dearly!
She is at that – she takes the time to connect with everyone – I love that about her.
Wonderful story and pics! I’d like to read her new book.
Its really beautiful I can not wait to dig in
Love this! Not only is she a great author, but a wonderful person as well.
Yes!!!! ;P
Fantastic – just love all this so much, how awesome it all is. Thanks for sharing it with us – inspiring.
I could not wait to tell this story 🙂
I adore Adriana and her books. I saw her at the Harper booth after her signing – I happened to be walking by and she saw me, gave me the biggest hug and we just chatted for a big. She’s just awesome!!! I’m starting the book today…can’t wait!!!
OOOHHHHH you are ahead of me! Enjoy!
Great story and dedication! She sounds like a special woman.
She is – and her stories match her personality – I always say if you meet Adriana, you can not wait to read anything that woman writes!!!
Fabulous story? Other than the Stone Gap books, which one of her books is your favorite? Is Kissing Carlos worth buying?
“Fabulous story” is a statement not a question. 😦 I am a school librarian and love to hear stories behind librarians’ connections to authors. Sorry for the typo.
How fun! And what a kind and thoughtful person she must be.
I’m happy to see you back blogging here. I’m reading a book you might like. It’s Solve for Happy. The author has had some of the same experiences you have had, and I’m fascinated with the way he is now leading his life.
After meeting Adriana for the 7th time just last week in South Philadelphia all I can say is she never disappoints. Us Philly Girls always find our way to see her if she is anywhere within our reach. always a fun time chasing after our girl, Adriana ❤️