Moving on with the Reading

My co-worker, H, asked me earlier if I’ve been having “alzheimer” moments lately.  I said no and here I am after one.  I decided to step away from my desk for lunch and I instinctively picked up my book, “BLINK”, from the table and walked away.  I found a spot outside and sat down to read and then I suddenly realized I finished the book on the subway ride to work earlier.  So my brain cells are fading away.  That’s my “alzheimer” moment for the day.

I will begin reading Sue Monk Kidd’s THE MERMAID CHAIR later — the tome-size MY LIFE by Bill Clinton is waiting athome — it’s just too big for me to lug around and I hate wearing my books out.  If  you look at my bookshelf, not even the paperbacks have worn spines.  I open them at a 45 degree angle when I read them so that they don’t get damaged.  

Speaking of books, James “Jim” McGreevey, former governor of New Jersey is having a book signing at the 22nd street Barnes and Noble at 7PM on Friday, September 22.  McGreevey stepped down some 2 years ago after coming out of the closet — presumably pre-empting someone else’s scheme to out him.  I saw him on the news last night walking with his new partner by his side — and he is doing the talk shows circuit and the book is reportedly a candid account of (in his words) “his own mistakes,” and based on an excerpt reading on Oprah, speaks of his own realization about his sexuality.  I am neither a fan or a critic, but I always admire people who are able to admit to who and what they are, despite the backlash and consequences.  McGreevey had made the revelation that he was gay with his wife by his side, and while she is still referred to as “his wife,” it was obviously the end of “them”.  When asked, she had no comment on the book and simply stated her main concern was to protect their daughter at this time.

I am seriously thinking of attending because my last book signing, if I am not mistaken, was Caroline Kennedy’s “A PATRIOT’S HANDBOOK”.   (Or was it Tom Clancy’s TEETH OF THE TIGER?)  They are interesting events where the authors get to address their audience, and while personalization is frowned upon, they do sign the book and you are guaranteed a first edition print.  If I get to go, I’m having him sign 2 books — one for me, and one for my brother, Nikky.