Book Revue

Huntington's Book Revue is the kind of book store that you might see in a movie-- a funky, independent village spot that functions like a town square. And when Olivia's publisher asked where we'd like to have her Long Island book signing, it was an immediate response: The Book Revue. Sure Bill Clinton signed his book there, and Mary Tyler Moore too, but it was also a store I've frequented since I was a teenager growing up in a nearby town. The turn out today for Olivia was just amazing. Pitched in Newsday today as one of the 'top ten things to do on Long Island', the crowd ranged from friends, family, colleagues, her teachers, my students, James' clients, and people who read in the newspaper about this girl who drew birds. IT was part reunion, part eco-activism. By the time car service came to take Olivia and James to the airport, headed for Portland Oregon, the goodies had been eaten and the books had sold out. Thanks to all of you who were there to celebrate Olivia's Birds!

Brooklyn Bookstore

I always try to frequent independent bookstores since they often carry unusual books or specialize in a particular genre. P.S. Bookshop on Front Street in Brooklyn has both. Specializing in rare books, including first editions and out-of-print books, a bibliophile could roam the stacks with pleasure. With the kids perusing the children's section, I was free to sample the rather hefty art and architecture department at my leisure. There I was surprised to find great art books on the $10 rack, including a lovely overview of the Hirshorn Museum. While I was immersed in an architecture survey, a woman asked for help with a rare book in the glass cabinet, Arthur Rackham's illustrated tales by Edgar Allen Poe-- a gift for her son. Right then and there I swore that at one point in my life I would do the same for someone special-- for isn't it a great thought to give such a meaningful gift-- a treasured book to commemorate a significant event in one's life?