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Prominent New York realtor Joanne R. Douglas has a new book out called NEGOTIATING NEW YORK: Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Real Estate, which she wrote with her brother, Alfred Renna. Joanne has been in a book group for 10+ years, and there’s a very poignant chapter in the book where she talks about how her book group helped her get through her husband’s illness and death. Here she shares some stories about what her book group has meant to her.

The ultimate thrill for any reader is the opportunity to meet an author whose work they enjoy. When I saw an announcement that I could meet Louise Penny, I was ecstatic! I was introduced to Louise’s work long after her series was established; although I had certainly heard of her, I not read any of her books.

On Saturday, March 11th, New York City readers and booklovers were treated to a wonderful afternoon of celebrated authors discussing their books and writing. Hosted by publisher Simon & Schuster in the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, the Book Club Matinee was the first event from the publisher and, hopefully, not the last. It was just perfect in so many ways.

Washington DC's Shakespeare Theatre (STC) is a jewel in the city, with an extraordinary community service reach…..here is another facet to that jewel. 

Christina Baker Kline, the bestselling author of ORPHAN TRAIN, gives readers the fascinating story behind her latest novel, A PIECE OF THE WORLD, which was inspired by Andrew Wyeth’s mysterious and iconic painting Christina’s World.

This weekend, long-time Bookreporter.com reader Nancy Bader attended the Savannah Book Festival, now in its 10th year. Here is her report.... The Savannah Book Festival always runs over President's Day weekend. There's a single, opening speaker Thursday night (James Patterson -- CROSS THE LINE, this year); the keynote Friday night (Colson Whitehead -- THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD) and the closing speaker Sunday afternoon (Christina Baker Kline-- A PIECE OF THE WORLD). Tickets to hear each of those were $20.

Every December, readers, writers and booklovers gather at Random House’s Open House event, a day when readers are invited to meet their favorite authors and Random House’s staffers to learn more about new and upcoming titles. (There are additional events like this hosted throughout the year.) The event is typically hosted at the Random House offices, but last week for their 10th Open House event, they celebrated by taking things out of house, to the nearby Kaye Theater at Hunter College.

The Texas Book Festival was held on November 5—6, in Austin, TX. The annual festival is one of the largest and most prestigious in the country and boasts over 250 authors, over 20 venues including the State Capitol, and more than 80 exhibitors --- not to mention live music, local food trucks and plenty of family activities. We were not fortunate enough to make it out there this year, but two fabulous readers, Anne Glasgow and Kathy Bigelow, were kind enough to share their experience with us. Below, they talk about their favorite panels, unexpected author encounters, and which books they are most looking forward to reading.

This past August, Edinburgh was host to their very own international book festival, set in a specially created tent village in Charlotte Square Gardens. They welcomed more than 800 authors in over 700 events, including novelists, poets, scientists, philosophers, sportsmen, illustrators, comics creators, historians, musicians, biographers, environmentalists, economists, Nobel and Booker prize-winners and many more besides. Jani Brooks from Rhode Island was lucky enough to attend, and here she shares her experience with us, including amazing descriptions of Scotland's sights and sounds and her very special Outlander-themed trip.

On Saturday, October 22nd, almost 300 book lovers joined authors and publishing professionals for Hachette’s annual Book Club Brunch --- now in its fifth year. Boasting a variety of authors, books and snacks, this event is highly anticipated by readers and sells out nearly every year. The Book Report Network staffers were unable to make it, but we had seven generous readers share their experiences with us, including which authors they connected to most, which books they can’t wait to read, and how the discussion of Min Jin Lee’s PACHINKO --- which readers were given the opportunity to read before the event --- played out in such a large group.