I love to read. I love books – always have. I’m so lucky to work with people who feel the same way. Since we (Brooke, Jenn, Katie, Jana, and I) have this in common, we decided to start a book club. Our book club has thus far had two events. We struggled picking a name – you want something witty and clever and relating to reading. Finally we settled on calling ourselves… wait for it…. wait for it…THE LADY LITERATES. Yeah, so wasn’t worth the hype.

Month 1 – Bess’s choice. I’ve always enjoyed David Sedaris. I have some of his books on my ipod and find they are wonderful for road trips and the treadmill (the one time I tried it). Big Hat Books, an independently owned bookstore I go to in Broad Ripple was actually going to have Sedaris come for a reading and a signing for his new book, When You Are Engulfed in Flame. I invited all the girls to join me and Katie had the great idea to make that our first book.

Here’s an excerpt from the email I sent my aunt about the reading:

It’s been such a long time since I’ve talked with you. I realized that I never gave you my David Sedaris update. He’s as fabulous in person as you would imagine. We got there at 6. We were told that our names would be on seats, so it didn’t matter when you got there. There was a huge line, but finally they went ahead and had people who had already picked up their books go on to the tent (that was us). There was then ANOTHER line to meet David. We were told not to bother because the reading would start soon. Well, let’s just say that didn’t happen. We easily were some of the only people sitting in the tent forever. It did give me time to run next door and pick up a smoothie for it was a hot summer day and we were standing on blacktop. Finally (at least 1hr to 1.5 hrs later) the reading began. He’s so funny and adorable. The line to have him sign books was sooo long after the reading. We thought we’d be smart by going, getting food and coming back. So we went across the street to their burger joint and got burgers (black bean for me) and fries. We sat down back under the tent and ate while others wasted away in line. Once we finished the line wasn’t all that much shorter. I feel like people were just sitting down and telling him their life stories. Hours and hours and hours later we made it inside the book store. Originally, David was sitting outside signing, but it got too dark for him – which is saying something considering with daylight savings it’s light until 10 pm. Our group of 5 had shrunk down to 3 hard core David fans – Jenn, Katie and myself.

By the time we made it inside the store we were getting a little bit of cabin fever and it was hotter than blazes. Like legit I was dripping in sweat. I kept using the books in the young adult section as fans. We started playing, “Who’d you rather” in the biographies section. This amounts to picking two biographies – for example: I would grab 1 of Einstien and 1 of Eisenhower. hold them up to the crowd (aka the Jenn and Katie) and say, “Who’d you rather do, Einstein or Eisenhower?” This game went on for a while. I’m sure we were very entertaining to the 10 people behind us. Keep in mind the book store was so HOT!!!!!!

Then at 11:30 we finally made it to David. Oh Happy Day! First my friend Jenn gave him her book.

Jenn: “Hi, I’m a big fan.”
David: “I love your nails.” ”
Jenn: “Thanks I just had them done for a wedding”
Book inscription: Jenn, I love your talons – David Sedaris.

Next it was my turn.

Me: “I’m a big fan. Your books on my ipod are one of the only things that keep me going on the treadmill. obviously (patting my belly) I’m ready for a new one.”

David: “There’s some guy that always gives me these great presents and last week he gave me a new ipod loaded with all these movies.”
Me: “Oh that’s awesome.”
David: “So, Bess, what do you do for a living.”
Me: “Media Planning”
David: “What’s that”
Me: “Good question”
Jenn: “You see [specific fast food chain] ads? We make that happen”
Inscription: Bess, when I see fries I think of you – David Sedaris

I also had him sign a book for our friend, Brooke, who didn’t want to stand in line.
Me: This is for Brooke, and she’s lame because she didn’t stay”
Inscription: Brooke, you are lame (and then he drew a picture of a Tiny Tim crutch

Next we have a book for our other friend, Jana, who left – the name card said “Hooker”
David: “Hooker? You have a friend named Hooker?”
Katie: “Yes, she didnt’ want to stay in line either”
Inscription: Hooker, you could have met me in person, but instead you are sucking cocks for money – David sedaris
Yeah, I know… this is why he’s the love of my life. I couldn’t believe that by 11:30, after doing this all day he would still be so witty and hilarious.

END EMAIL

The Lady Literates discussed the book at Bugg’s Temple. We had deep insights into the theme of death and such.

Next month is Brooke’s month. She picked the book, Beach House, by Jane Green. I finished it and it was a great summer read. One of those books that’s interesting but easy to get through and don’t make your brain hurt from thinking too much about it.