I am pleased to announce that I will be doing a reading and book signing for my novel Hope in the Time of Dying at the iconic bookstore Book Soup on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood on Wednesday, August 20th at 7 pm. Over the thirty years we lived in Beverly Hills, I dropped by this wonderful independent bookstore on many occasions and dreamed of a day I might give a reading there. On a whim, I wrote a request for the book signing, expecting either a standard rejection notice or perhaps no response at all. Imagine my surprise when, only a few days later, I received an email asking which dates I might be available. I am still pinching myself.

A reading at Book Soup is especially important to me because West Hollywood was ground zero for the AIDS epidemic in Los Angeles in the mid-1990s and is the primary setting for my novel Hope in a Time of Dying. This independent bookstore has been a strong advocate for alternative voices in our society since its inception in 1975. Founded by Glenn Goldman, known as “Bookseller to the Great and Infamous,” the store has been a hangout for booklovers, book writers, artists and musicians since its doors opened. I am honored to be granted the opportunity to share my book at this legendary location.

I am even more excited since my book has recently won the top prize in literary fiction in the LGBTQ+ category in the American Fiction Awards.

If you live in the LA area, please come celebrate with me. I would love to see you!