So on Saturday night I put together that event at Bluestockings... it was a reading by Gayle Brandeis of her new novel, Self Storage, which I'm publicizing (today's excitement: see the rad round-up at The Morning News), and CODEPINK presented it, which was terrific as Gayle is very involved with that organization and its fantastic mission. Inspired by the Sleater-Kinney song that's often in my head, "Words and Guitar," I asked my friend Kelley McRae, who PASTE magazine brilliantly praised for putting "a little Hank into Williamsburg," if she'd perform. It was really a smash. At least sixty-five people showed up, including many of my friends and favorite people, which delighted me more than words can say, except: thank you. I was especially jazzed to see quite a few authors in the crowd -- off the top of my head.... Andi Buchanan, Susan O'Doherty, Masha Hamilton, Bryan Keefer, Katherine Lanpher, Leora Skolkin-Smith... and Richard Grayson, who I didn't get to meet but had nice things to say. In all, it was the sort of smart, stylish evening that reminded me why (and how much) I heart New York. We'll have to do it again sometime.
