Spring Book Lovers Luncheon With Author Curtis Sittenfeld

The Friends of Princeton Public Library has just hosted their annual Spring Book Lovers Luncheon, which brings in top published authors to meet book lovers. This year featured a talk by bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld (Sisterland, American Wife, The Man of My Dreams, Prep). Her latest book, Eligible is a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This acclaimed book is part of The Austen Project, which pairs six bestselling contemporary authors with Jane Austen’s six complete works.

Sittenfeld is genuine and has a wonderful sense of humor. She fully captivated the group as she discussed her book, some of the process, and the difference of the U.S. and U.K. covers. She had all laughing and mesmerized as she read excerpts of her book. At the end, she welcomed questions and comments. One woman had received an advanced copy of the book and was gushing about it.

The Book Lovers Luncheon took place in the Springdale Golf Club with a limit of 150 attendees. While there were a handful of men in attendance, this event was pretty much a ladies’ luncheon. Girlfriends, co-workers, book groups and a family of three generations gathered for a wonderful three-course lunch of gazpacho, perfectly cooked salmon, roasted potatoes, and a bundle of asparagus, carrots and peppers, plus petit fours for desert. A vegetarian option with fruit for dessert was also offered. A librarian was seated at each table to converse with attendees.

The tables were beautifully set with one pair of Hostess Dishwashing Gloves courtesy of Hedy Shepard as part of the centerpiece, and a place card on the table with the name of another prize. The first prize was awarded to the person who has lived in their home for the longest time. The second one was given to the person who had a birthday closest to that of Jane Austen. Everyone received a hardcover copy of Eligible, underwritten by Beatrice Bloom and Weichert Realtors, and a swag bag of beauty products compliments of NeoStrata. Bella Boutique and Pure Barre – Princeton were also sponsors of the event.

At the end of the luncheon, Curtis Sittenfeld signed books to cap off an amazing afternoon. But, wait… something special happened at the event. There was a prominent supporter in the room besides the library’s Executive Director Brett Bonfield. Bestselling author Jennifer Weiner was sitting next to Sittenfeld at the table with Bonfield. What an added treat for book lovers!