An Unforgettable Evening in Elm Grove

I know I haven't written for a while. You probably thought, as I did, that my fifteen minutes of fame were over. Not quite.

Our daughter, who teaches Italian at the University of Delaware, told a colleague, who is from Milwaukee, about my book when it came out. The colleague told her sister, who lives in Elm Grove, a suburb of Milwaukee, about it The sister read it and loved it. She suggested that her book club read it as well, and they did

And so on April 16 I was invited to speak to the book club. It was at the home of Lyn and Mike Hamilton. They have a villa very near Sant'Anna and have visited the place. Lyn prepared a wonderful meal that included chicken cacciatore and tiramisu.

About 25 people, including five husbands, attended. I was amazed how everyone -- everyone!-- knew all the characters and the most minor of details. They knew the book better than I do! They also asked questions about the writing process, which I couldn't answer. I just write.

So thanks to the Elm Grove Book Club. And special thanks to the sister of our daughter's colleague, who initiated this. By the way, on May 15, I'll speak at the Elm Grove Public Library. That was initiated by this same woman. Many many thanks.