One of the coolest things about writing for Wallyhood is that I’ve become acquainted with some very talented people who live in the neighborhood. From writers and artists, to musicians, physicians, and magicians—I’m sure every neighborhood has a few, but it’s been a real treat for me to get to know a little bit about the ones living here and to be able to share them with you. One such example is author Erica Bauermeister.
Bauermeister wrote to let us know about a new book she had just written, and asked if we’d like to give it a read. I was intrigued, especially since she mentioned that the story was set in Seattle, and that there was even a house in Wallingford that was the inspiration for one of the chapters.
Joy for Beginners is about seven women who come together during a dinner party to celebrate their friend Kate’s recovery from cancer. During dinner, Kate mentions that her daughter wants to celebrate Kate’s victory by taking her on a white-water rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, which Kate is reluctant to do. At the urging of her friends, she agrees under one condition: each woman at the dinner party must step outside of their own comfort zone and do something they’ve never done before, and Kate gets to decide what that one thing is for each of them. From there, the book is divided into chapters in which each character fulfills her own challenge.
Joy for Beginners is heartwarming and Bauermeister’s storytelling is breezy, making it the perfect summer read. She gives each character her own voice and as a writer she takes a step back to let the story unfold through their dialogue. As a result, the characters are vibrant and personable, and their challenges are fun and relatable–each containing elements that most everyone faces in life. And the house in Wallingford? I guessed correctly who’s it was in the book on my first try! But you’ll have to read the book to see for yourself.
Joy for Beginners will be available for sale beginning June 9 in bookstores and online, and you can meet her in person during the following readings/signings:
Thursday, June 9th, 7 pm: Reading/Signing – Elliott Bay Books, 1521 10th Ave Seattle, WA 98122 (map)
Wednesday, July 20th, 7 pm: In conversation with Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain
Barnes and Noble – University Village, 2675 University Village Street, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)
Wednesday, August 3rd, 7 pm: Reading/Signing – Third Place Books (Lake Forest Park), 17171 Bothell Way Northeast, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155 (map)
Thursday, August 4th, 7 pm: Reading/Signing – New University Place Library, 3609 Market Place W., University Place, WA 98466 (map)