Friday, April 22, 2011

An Evening with Rebecca Rasmussen

Rebecca Rasmussen, author of THE BIRD SISTERS
Life has been absolutely crazy for me the past few weeks; and as a result, I'm finding myself a little behind with posts. But I'm going to believe/live the adage that "it's better late than never," right?

Last week, I had the absolutely pleasure to meet Rebecca Rasmussen, author of one of my favorite books of the year  THE BIRD SISTERS. If you have any doubt about how much I loved this book, you can read my review here. I had been looking forward to meeting Rebecca for a few months -- even before I read her wonderful debut novel -- because I already considered her a friend. I "met" Rebecca awhile back on twitter (where she's extremely active); and she seems to be everywhere in the blogosphere!

Rebecca was appearing at the Whistlestop Bookshop in Carlisle, PA. (Believe it or not, I had never visited this quaint independent bookstore even though it's only a half hour away. I fell in love with the story and I will definitely be going back!) The owner had a nice spread including wine, cheese and crackers and fruit, but the highlight of the evening was when Rebecca sat down to read from THE BIRD SISTERS. Rebecca is a fantastic reader and it was apparent how much this book means to her. You could just "sense her passion" as one attendee noted!

Rebecca is exactly like I was expecting -- she's smart, funny, and gorgeous! And I'm so glad that I was finally able to meet her for real -- my husband can no longer refer to her as one of my "fake friends." After her reading and (very successful) signing event, Rebecca and I (along with some "new" friends) headed to a nearby bar for drinks and dinner. I had a blast and I so wish Rebecca lived closer because I do think we'd be great friends!

Rebecca is doing a pretty extensive tour for THE BIRD SISTERS, so if she's in your neck of the woods, you should definitely visit. And if not, you should still read the novel -- it's fantastic!

Update: I totally forgot to mention another highlight of my evening! (I was in a rush to get my posts ready before leaving town for the Easter holiday.) I was finally able to meet another "fake" friend -- Harvey Freedenberg. I "met" Harvey a few years ago on Twitter and was pleasantly surprised to learn that he's a fellow booklover in good old Central PA. Harvey is a freelance book reviewer, and his terrific (and insightful) reviews have appeared in some major publications including Book Page, Bookreporter.com, Shelf-Awareness.com and Harrisburg Magazine.
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14 comments:

  1. Saorse Eilidh Care LykinsApril 22, 2011 at 2:49 AM

    I was searching out some new book blogs, and I was excited to find yours. On my blog I have awarded you The Stylish Blogger Award. If you would like to pass it along to other bloggers or would just like to meet another book blogger, I hope you stop by.

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  2. Beth FApril 22, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    I just love Rebecca -- she so easy to be with. She is also a great reader and had the audience here fully engaged. And I had no idea that Carlisle had an indie bookstore.

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  3. AnonymousApril 22, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    Oh, this is such a fun post! I love when writers are good readers and presenters. Awesome! Hope life slows down, a bit, for you. :O)

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  4. bermudaonionApril 22, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    I'm glad to hear Rebecca is as wonderful as she seems online. I can't wait to meet her in person when she's here in June! She is just adorable!!

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  5. Mary BethApril 22, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. Mary (Bookfan)April 22, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Sounds like a great evening! I get to meet Rebecca in a few weeks - so excited :)

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  7. Julie @ Read HandedApril 22, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    I've been hearing so much buzz about this author and her book. My public library has two copies on order, and I've already added my name to the requests list. I'm getting excited for reading it!

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  8. rhapsodyinbooksApril 22, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    What fun that she went out with you all! I love to meet authors. So many of them are so nice!

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  9. Rebecca RasmussenApril 22, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Oh Julie -- I had so much fun meeting you honey! You are so warm and smart and generous :) XOXOX

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  10. Sandy NawrotApril 22, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    You can just tell by her comments and her presence around the blogs that she is the nicest person. I'm so glad you got to meet with her and connect...didn't you just feel euphoric?

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  11. AnnaApril 22, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Sounds like you had a great time. I'm looking forward to reading the book at some point.

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  12. Dawn @ sheIsTooFondOfBooksApril 22, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    What a great event - Rebecca, Harvey, AND a new-to-you indie bookstore. The triple crown, Julie!

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  13. UnknownApril 22, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    I love Rebecca Rasmussen and her incredible new novel, The Bird Sisters! It is something everyone ought to read.
    Wonderful site, Booking Mama, so happy to have read your post and will keep you on my radar.
    Best,
    Siobhan Fallon

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  14. ____April 22, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    It's so funny how everyone can just tell that Rebecca is the sweet, kind, passionate soul she is via the internet! But it's true, though, she is one of the kindest and most enthusiast writers I know. And The Bird Sister is truly a deeply moving and magical story. I loved it so much! Sounds like you had a great evening, Julie! Cute new bookstore is also a plus. :)

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