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BEA 2007 Parties: Publishers Weekly at The Strand
June 6, 2007

OK, so Gawker wrote it up already. They certainly didn't get the whole story... they left out Frank McCourt and Pete Hamill, for one thing. For another thing, they left out how Strand owner/daughter Nancy Bass Wyden's "dramatic declaration" of real interest was how she's expecting twins in August -- how does any woman who is at least six, if not seven, months pregnant look that great in a cocktail dress?

And yes, the cuts became warmer rather than cooler -- but, as one pal said, "This is Second Avenue Deli -worthy fare!" Some people loved the pickles-n-popcorn vibe; some didn't. All I wished is that the coupes of champagne were icy instead of lukewarm. (There was supposed to be a 7 p.m. toast, but I think wilting partygoers got desperate and just starting reaching for any liquid close at hand. Why was it SO FREAKING HOT?)

However, I have to tell you that I was delighted and starstruck by the speakers. Maybe it's because I was "up from the provinces" for Book Exp, but any gathering that includes Art Spiegelman, Frank McCourt, Pete Hamill, Fran Lebowitz, Adam Gopnik, Nora Ephron (albeit in a nanosecond's appearance), Kurt Andersen, and Ed Koch (did I forget anyone?) is fine by me.

Happy Birthday to The Strand. The best testimonial I can add to those given by the famous is that while I was there I spotted four books I was tempted to buy right then and there. In the interest of BEA galley-gathering and the limits of my suitcase, I refrained; but I was sorely tempted.

Posted by Bethanne Patrick on June 6, 2007 | Comments (0)