I had the pleasure of seeing Julia Glass at The Concord Bookshop this past Sunday (click here for a list of upcoming events at the store). For those of you who will be attending Book Group Expo in San Jose this weekend, Julia will be there, and you are in for a real treat! She is a gifted storyteller and shared some very entertaining vignettes during the “question and answer” portion of Sunday’s program.
Julie has written two previous books, Three Junes, which won the National Book Award in 2002, and The Whole World Over.
On Sunday she read from her latest novel, I See You Everywhere, which was released just last week, on October 14. I See You Everywhere is a collection of stories of two sisters, told in alternating voices over 25 years. Together and apart, the sisters confront love, loss, life, death, and the very essence of sisterhood.
Julia says of siblings:
I frequently write about siblings. What fascinates me about siblings is that you’re given this person, you did not choose. That person is more literally related to you than any other person will ever be. As much as they can be your allies, there’s great potential for them to be your competitors or rivals … the “frenemy” quality of the relationship …
This is someone who knows the stories nobody tells about your family. They know the folklore. And yet these people can be very different from you, someone you might not give the time of day to if you met them at a cocktail party. For that reason, they’re the people that we take the most for granted.
Click here to listen to Julia read from I See You Everywhere.
Yes, I asked Julia to sign my book, she wrote: For Dawn, a TRUE reader. Many thanks for coming to listen. Best wishes, Julia Glass
And a photo of me with the author:
Check back, I’ll have a full review of I See You Everywhere when I’m caught up with my reading/writing schedule. And, Julia may visit She Is Too Fond Of Books in the next few weeks!
Great post. I love the way she personalized your book. I loved Three Junes and wasn’t aware the author had a new book.
Julia Glass is a lovely person from what I can tell. She and I were in the same bookshop in the Village when I was in NYC for my last spring break as a teacher. Three Junes had just won the National Book Award; I bought a copy (when the guy behind the counter managed to make me understand who she was), and she signed it.
One of the best parts was this: she had a kid (I assumed her grandson) in a stroller, and my mom said he whined a brief complaint when she slowed down to browse the sale tables outside, but he was completely patient while she was browsing inside and signing my book. I hope he grows up to be a reader, too.
That’s just awesome Dawn. I didn’t realize she had a new book out. I enjoyed Three Junes. The book cover on this new one is just gorgeous.
Kathy – *The Whole World Over* came out in 2006. Greenie (the pastry chef in *Three Junes*) is a main character. None of the characters crossed over into *I See You Everywhere*, though.
Jena – Julia was raised in the town next to where I live, so there was quite a local audience – her parents, people who saw her grow up … all the people that would make *me* nervous if I were reading. She was composed and relaxed, sharing stories of herself and her characters. She has two sons, I think they’re 8 and 12.
Dar – I haven’t read *Three Junes* (yet). I only read the first 40 pages or so of *I See You Everywhere* so far, to prepare a bit for the reading on Sunday. We have a lot of events going on over the next two weeks, then I can’t wait to dive into *I See You Everywhere*! I agree, the cover is gorgeous … and those green tones look great on Julia, too.
I saw this book the other night at Borders. The cover really caught my eye. Every time I see it though I think the title has something to do with “glass”. Must be that green class bottle/vase. This is on my list for sure.
Ti – That’s funny, the subliminal connection between the author’s name and the photo! And Julia looked so lovely, coordinated with the cover of her book in those green tones!
I’ve always wanted to read Three Junes. Dawn, I’m looking forward to your review of I See You Everywhere. As usual, I love reading your summaries of author events and seeing the wonderful photos!
Anxiously awaiting your review. This sounds like a great book. I’ve always been fond of sister stories, especially since I’m so close to my own. I think it’s great that you had a chance to meet the author!
How great! I keep hearing really good things about this book so I’m really looking forward to it. Hope she does stop by your blog – will be looking forward to that!
Shana – I’ll post later in the week about an author event I did *not* attend this weekend … I had my daughter stand in for me (and made her favorite dinner to thank her
)
Anna – It was interesting to hear how stories about siblings have always interested Julia Glass, also. *Three Junes* (which I haven’t yet read) is about 3 brothers!
iliana – Julia is out in San Jose at the Book Group Expo now, then touring with *I See You Everywhere* … we’re planning to connect when her schedule gets back to a slower “normal”.
I loved Three Junes and am glad to know she has another one out. Thanks!
Michele – I can’t believe I snagged *Three Junes* at a “fall festival” at a church this weekend … for 50 cents! I’m putting this in my listing of Friday Finds
Thanks so much for leaving the link to this on my site. I’m jealous that you got to hear her speak and am so interested in what she had to say. She’s exactly right about the sibling thing, and I thought the book was just wonderful. Hope you’ll enjoy it!
[...] reading with Julia Glass, author of I See You Everywhere [...]
Well, I’m so jealous that you were able to meet and talk with her. I do love her books and her writing style. Thanks for the link
Rebecca and Ravenous Reader – both your reviews make me want to pull *I See You Everywhere* to the top of my stack. I have a bookmark about 30 pages in, but I’ll re-start from the beginning when I can pick it up again.
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