Okay, it's happened... I got an email the other day from a friend I knew when I lived in Philadelphia...She'd mentioned to someone we both know (a guy she didn't realize I'd once dated) that I'd written a book about my spiritual attempts to sort out my love life. Apparently, he was a bit concerned that he'd see himself in my pages...that he might be THAT FROG.
"No worries," I wrote back quickly, "he's not in there." Still though--awkward!
Philadelphia was a train wreck for me, romantically speaking...my dating history could be a exhibit in the amphibian house at the Philly zoo. But now that that's behind me, I'm excited to go back and see the city with new eyes. It's been calling to me: Lisa Tucker's fabulous new novel THE CURE FOR THE MODERN LIFE is set in Center City, and Kelly Corrigan's memoir takes place in the same suburb I lived in in law school (there's something wild about reading a memoir and thinking, "I've shopped in that drug store!")
But what really drew me back to those days was Jen A. Miller's amazing travel guide THE JERSEY SHORE. Now I'll confess, when I first moved to Philadelphia, the whole "down the shore" thing baffled me--I thought, Pennsylvania doesn't have a shore...does it?!? But then a friend drove me down to Margate for the day, and suddenly I understood. Jen's book brought back such great memories--the summer my girlfriends and I rented a house in Avalon and spent every weekend soaking up rays by day and dancing at the Princeton at night, the smell of the ocean as you drive over the bridge. It was a much-needed break from the intensity of my newly minted legal career, and Jen captures all that and more.
My favorite part of the book are Jen's essays about her own time down the shore--her family memories, more recent tales of going back and exploring. If you're looking for a way into summer this year, this is a great read! You can win a copy on Jen's blog --just send her a picture of her book in your part of the world.
And I'll be in Philadelphia--creating brand new, happy memories (and hopefully meeting Jen in person)--on Wednesday, May 7th. If you're in the tri-state area, come on by :)
14 comments:
I'm super far from Philly, but I hope you have a good trip.
Actually, I really just stopped by to say how super excited I am to officially be on the Frog Blog Tour - my book arrived today! Thanks so much, I'm looking forward to starting on it.
Funny about the sort-of-ex who found out about your book. As I'm reading through your many "loves," I am left wondering if they know about this book and what they think!
Yay! The Jersey shore!! Best place in the world to live! Hopefully, I'll see you in Philly on the 7th. :) Keri
Hi, a Philadelphian here who just stumbled onto your blog. I am really interested in reading your book. And now that you have given us these other local suggestions, I have more to add to my reading list! I agree that dating in this city can be pretty harsh, guess that's why I decided to blog about it. Enjoy your visit in May!
Hi there! Just found you via Michelle's blog and I'm sorry I missed the Frog Blog Bus Tour, but I'm adding your book to me "to-read" list anyway. ;)
I just peed myself with excitement.
Awkward! At least he wasn't in the book :) I've always wanted to visit Philly, but so far I haven't made it there. Have fun on your trip!
That is good that he wasn't in the book, but it's also hilarious that he was worried about it. Very awkward! :) I got the book by the way, and I'm reading! Great so far!
Wow, thanks Trish! That's a great post, and thanks for including my book in it! I was just down the shore yesterday (where else would I be)...there's that pre-season energy. I can't wait!
And I hope to see you on May 7, too!
(for all you Philly gals: downtheshorewithjen.blogspot.com)
That's definitely the risk of writing a memoir, right?
It's definitely an odd experience to read your book so far since I already "know" you.
How hilarious that he thought he might be the frog! Maybe he should concentrate on cleaning up his act so as to avoid future book cover appearances. ;)
Oh how I miss the Jersey shore. I have such amazing memories from family vacations to being older and going with my girlfriends. I am definitely going to check out Jen's blog. And your book too!
Haha, I would be concerned as well if I were in your ex's position! Lucky for him...
I've been wondering if any of your exes will pick up the book and try to determine which frog is them.
Personally, I love reading the Vineyard names I know and love. And I love seeing that Gwen & Paul gave you a lot of advice and wisdom that you later passed on to me.
God rocks that way.
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