Today I head back to Massachusetts for a reading in Marblehead at The Spirit of ’76 Bookstore. The reading and signing begin at 7 PM and I hope to see some old friends while I’m in town. I’d like to thank my old friend, journalist Laurie Fullerton, for writing this lovely piece in the Marblehead Reporter.
One of the themes of The Good House is the way that small businesses are having a hard time surviving, since they must compete with larger corporations and chain stores. In fact, when I walked through the town of Marblehead recently, I looked for any small businesses that were still there. All but a few had been replaced by national chains. There were signs for several corporate real estate chains but no private firms. There’s now a Starbucks and a CVS, but the little family drugstore has been gone for years.
But the Spirit of ’76 Bookstore is still open and stands on the exact same corner where it has stood since I was in high school. In fact, Bob Hugo, has owned and run the bookstore since 1965! I’m not sure that it is the longest running privately-owned business in Marblehead, but it is certainly one of them.
If you can’t make the signing, but would like me to personalize a book for you or a friend, feel free to call The Spirit of ’76 today at 781-631-7199 and I will sign it while I’m there tonight.
The Spirit of ’76 Bookstore is named for the widely-reproduced Spirit of ’76 painting by Archibald MacNeal Willard. This original painting hangs in Marblehead’s Abbot Hall.
I would also like to add that I have altered a previous post that announced the snow date for my signing at The Hickory Stick Bookshop here in Washington, Connecticut. The reading had been scheduled for last Saturday but was cancelled sue to snow. Instead, it will be on Sunday, March 3rd, at 2:00 PM. Not Saturday March 2, as I originally posted but Sunday.
Definitely Sunday. March 3rd. At 2:00.
Just ordered my hard copy from Spirit of 76……just had to have an autographed copy! I hear that the folks at Spirit of 76 are really looking forward to your reading/signing. Have fun!
Thanks Babs, loved meeting Lynn and Ashley there!
Another Great Review,, Cast a spell,, I Love it!!!
“This book is not about magic and illusions. However, the character Hildy Good has definitely cast a spell over the literary world. “
Ann, It is so exciting to follow all of the buzz surrounding your (latest!) wonderful book! Not only is”The Good House” worthy of all of the praise, but so is its author! You are a lovely person and it’s great to see some of the good stuff come to such a good person. Also, you’ve earned it! Enjoy it all!
Thanks Lynn!
I got may book in the mail today and after reading this post I am so glad to have called the Hickory stick to order my copy. Ann, thank you for sigining my copy for me, I am so happy, you have made my day. Enjoy the book tour!
Many thanks to you Candy!
Ann, I had a great time at the book signing tonight. It was such a thrill to meet you! The stories you told were hilarious. After listening to you read from the book, I know that I am going to love this book. You are such a warm, friendly person (not to mention gorgeous and super talented). I am so happy for you for the great success you’re having with the book.
Louise, it was so great to meet you and I LOVE my gift! Will post a photo of it soon! xo
I am very early in my reading The Good House and I am enjoying it. I already want to cure Hildy and save Rebecca from something.
Thanks Judy!
I don’t have time to post an entire blog post but the Marblehead event was really, really wonderful. Thanks to my friends, old and new, who came out. I was so touched by the wonderful turnout. And a special thanks to our very own Louise, from here on the blog, who gave me a bed-desk accessory which I will photograph and post here soon.
Ann, you’re welcome…I’m so glad that you like the gift. It was a wonderful event. I could feel the love in the room, which is a tribute to you. It reminded me of the feel of the blog. Your graciousness sets the tone here and makes us all feel welcome and you made me feel that way in person as well. Best of luck on the rest of you book tour.
Ann,
I just finished The Good House and I wanted to tell you that it was, for me, a welcome and wonderful reintroduction to the world of the book.
Long story short- I used to read everywhere and all the time, and then things changed and I realized I hadn’t read anything at all beyond the posts of an ever-increasing blog roll or online news stream.
Good stuff, but nothing that lasted more than a few scattered minutes here and there.
But then I read the NYT article about The Good House and downloaded a sample and then the whole book.
I read it so quickly and so thoroughly enjoyed the connection I was making with your characters and their stories- and I wondered how I had ever lost that delicious part of the day when I could just sit down and read- no TV or radio, no flicking between apps- just sitting and enjoying a well told tale and characters who feel like family and friends.
Thank you! You nudged me back into the wonderful and comforting arms of the book!
p.s.
I completely forgot to say that the book is very finely written- it was such a pleasure to read and anticipate the next sitting. And I just downloaded your other novel!
I so look forward to reading your book! I would love to buy an autographed copy if that is possible.
Best of everything!
Barbara Adair
Ann, I just finished reading the book. I LOVED it! I don’t want to give anything away and ruin it for everyone who hasn’t read it yet…so I’ll just say WOW!!!!!
Hi Ann,
I loved hearing your stories at the Spirit of ’76 (and seeing so many old faces) and learning about how you wrote your amazing book. And though I’ve long finished it, your characters are still in my head. That’s talent – since my head is full of so much…, so congrats! I’m equally obsessed about your glasses. Wish to share where they came from?
Cheers!
Nanny
Hi Nanny, I have been trying to remember where I bought them and when I do, I’ll post. Thanks!
Sorry to hear that Marblehead has succumbed to the chain store thing. Bravo to The Spirit of 76 Book store for hanging on!!!!
Your book revived my own memories of North Shore connections and gave me quite a rush.
In addition to empathy, wit, and irony in your writing, I’d like to add grace. Your style is so effortless, the story just unfolds by itself. Great work, lady!!
Btw, is it bad that I’ve been wedged by a water heater playing Scramble? Some folks say I have a problem, but you don’t think so, do you?
Seems like perfectly normal behavior to me.
Have been peeking into the blog the past couple of months and I am so happy for your success with your
new book. I am going to try to make it to the Hickory Stick on March 3rd. to meet you and of course, Gomer. I love all the stores you tell of about your dogs and horses being an animal lover myself.
My husband and I just lost one of our two German-Shepherds and are having a terrible time getting over his
parting. He was my guardian, protector, friend, and buddy who shadowed me everywhere. He was a kind and good natured shepherd who greeted everyone with his stuffed toys. A true tribute to his breed. He was such fun each day that is like something bright is missing from our home. His sister, from the same litter, is having a hard time also. If anyone tells you that animals do not grieve, they do not know what they are talking about. I have seen it, even in horses. He became sick the beginning of December and rallied after surgery to enjoy his life for about seven more weeks and until the last week when he became very weak, I could not get myself to do much since then but have looked in to see what was going on. So, I hope this means I am doing better. I loved seeing the pictures of all your dogs in the snow. Brought a smile to my face.
I am so happy you are going to all these independent book stores for your signings. The big chains cannot compete with the warm feel you get when going in the smaller ones. I have been to the Hickory Stick and J Julia’s. I love them both.
When you talked about walking around Main St. in Marblehead and seeing all the chain names, even real-estate, it hit home. My husband is a small independent real-estate broker and has been for thirty years and it is getting really hard to compete. We have only one independent drug store left in town and at least four or five chains. It is really sad. I hope everyone out there goes and supports all the independents. Funny, that is how I became aquainted with your blog. My husband’s name was in Connecticut Magazine for an article on real estate the same time they did the article on you and that is when I started to follow your blog. I believe Gomer was in that picture with you and you looked like someone I might enjoy listening to and I was right.
Wish you continued success with your new book and hope to make it March 3rd to meet you and Gomer.
Thanks Stephanie, and so sorry about the loss of your sweet shepherd.
Stephanie, so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. I have been there myself, and know what a hole this can create in your heart and your home. It is truly a loss of a family member. Just take one day at a time, that’s all you can do.
Sending you hugs. xo
Maureen
Ann and Maureen, thank you both, for your reply about my dog. It meant alot.
Stephanie
Ann and Maureen, thank you both for reply about my dog. It meant alot.
Stephanie
Ann: Do you have any plans to come to the Minneapolis/St Paul area for a book signing? We would love to have you here! About to start the Good House on this snowy Friday night. Can”t wait. Susan
Thank you so much Ann for your kind compliments about the article I wrote about you and thank you for the gift and the book! My entire family is reading it – and my folks were so proud to see you up there. You are definitely treasured by us all. Wishing you continued success and I can’t wait to read your next one!
Fondly, Laurie Fullerton
I was writing to say that the reading was great and we all enjoyed it so much. I was trying to post a note saying I really appreciate you mentioning me…and you are a treasure to us all!
Thanks so much Laurie! xo
Good read of the Good house. Well, it’s more than that, really. I loved Hildy from begining untill the last page. Good (great) job!
Thanks Ana!
Hi
Just checking in with the folks who mentioned getting together at the Pasadena show. Hoping we can do something before or after the event. It seems most of us are coming from a bit of a distance.
Will dogs be able to attend the event? I know my Pomeranians would love to attend with me. I have wanted to post a pic of the pups from my litter since you asked but can’t see how to attach anything.
Ann you really deserve all the attention you are getting! You even got rave reviews in People magazine. I’ve read your previous books and really enjoyed them…they were wonderful. This book is different. It is a work of shear brilliance. The work of a truly great novelist that can take her place amongst the memorable writers of our time.
Congrats
Kathy it was great meeting you the other night. I didn’t see this comment until now!
Kathy,
My husband and I are in L A to visit our daughter and will be at Vroman’s for the signing. Hope to meet you!!
Ann, it’s bound to feel odd seeing you on the left coast.
Gotta get to Santa Anita and galleries too. Coffee at Clockers Corner Tuesday A M, anybody??
Looking forward to the reading and seeing y’all!!!
Hi Carol
Wow– there was a bunch of S Ca. who originally assured Ann they were going and we were going to do something as a gang. Hoping they just haven’t been checking in since the blog has not changed in a while.
Guess anyone who shows will most likely be a blog reader. Don’t worry I’m sure there will be a full house. Carol, I will be wearing a brown and cream plaid coat and hopefully I will have my passel of pom pups with me. Unfortunately I did not order enough copies for each of them to present a dog eared copy to Ann to sign. Actually given the way they are teething it would have looked like they consumed the book in one sitting.
Any way see ya!
Sorry I can’t make Ann’s reading in Pasadena tonight. I am home with my 14-year-old dog, who had back surgery in December. I just can’t leave her after being at work all day.
Sandra, just catching up on the blog after being away. Hope your dog is recovering well. That must be a very tough road for a 14 year old dog. I’m sure you are taking very good care of her.
Best of luck for her recovery.
Maureen
I don’t know where to post to have a chance that you might actually see this, Ann, I can only imagine how busy you are right now. I just wanted you to know that i just finished listening to your book read uncannily and beautifully by Mary Beth Hurt. I can honestly say this is one of the best books I have had the privilege of experiencing in longer than I can remember. This world, the world you created, is so ALIVE, that I felt a part of it as I was hearing it. I listened on my commute to work — and then snuck in more minutes in between patients at the psych hospital. Your writing is beautiful — the dialogue just sings…I never wanted it to end. And needless to say, I LOVED Hildy — flawed to be sure — like all of us..but I was amazed at her bravery and her outspokeness most especially when she was sober. I loved how she confronted hard conversations that I would have avoided at all costs. After all, what’s she got to lose (quite a lot sometimes) but she never loses some form of herself. Could say so much more… Thank you for this, I hope you are so proud at what has come through you. Truly amazing. Now…who will play her in the movies? Mary Beth would of course be my first choice after hearing her give voice…but then I can also see Meryl, or Blythe Danner or Ellen Burstyn or Helen Mirren…what does current casting look like? Again thank you so much. Your gift and your voice is more amazing than you know. So glad I found you even before you published this. Much love to you…please come to Northern California…we’ll take you for a ride on a very fine boat — that is the equivalent of an old New England home. xoxox Vennie
Many, many thanks Vennie! I hope to meet you through Ann and Richard some day!
saw you at spirit…loved every moment and loved your book…now i need to know what kind of eyeglasses you wear…they are fabulous!