It was cozy – a slight understatement for an event that drew 2000 book lovers. I did not mind the crowd because the event drew some of the top authors in America, there to meet their fans, get some input from readers, and sell some books with proceeds to benefit the Library. Most everyone I saw was loaded up with books to take home for themselves and as gifts. Getting the personal inscription was the best part, although to me it was hearing what some of these authors had to say. As you would assume the longest lines was for Alec and Hilaria Baldwin at adjoining tables both selling and signing books and hosting the event.

I saw and interviewed Geraldo Rivera – one of the famous one-named authors like Ellen and Oprah. He wanted to publish his final journalistic chapter (the Geraldo Show) saying how 9-11 changed he world and “I gave up my cushy job at CNBC and I went to war covering stories in Iraq and Afghanistan. that odyssey needed to be told by me before I am pushing up daisies” Geraldo has always been active and hope to continue while getting a little time with his kids and grand kids.

I also interviewed chef Mark Strausman, Chef at Freds and at Sapore di Mare where he made his reputation. He said that to come out East was an enlightenment. He went from a housing project in Queens to a national known chef. He fed fancy people and fisherman and his book is a memoir in recipes.

Authors included Dr. Ruth, Lee Child, Robert Caro and 80 other notable authors.

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