The Launch of Auntie

And just like that, Auntie is officially launched! The launch signing at Warwick’s was a perfect way to start, and I enjoyed connecting with friends, family, and strangers all afternoon. My mom and aunts flew in to attend, and their support—as it always does—means everything to me. From a friend standpoint, it always becomes clear in these instances that the bulk of my social circle (and, dare I say, anyone’s circle who works outside the home) is comprised of work people, so my book signing turned into a de facto reunion of sorts, with a wonderful collection of current and former co-workers, many of whom hadn’t seen each other in several years.

But there’s something particularly satisfying about selling a book to a stranger, which really just comes down to the individuals that happen to be in the bookstore while the event is happening. These strangers, of course, do not know me, nor did they come to the store with the intent of purchasing my book. And so while I love selling books to my friends who specifically come out to see me and buy a book, I’m always thrilled when a stranger decides to buy one.

Most of the strangers who bought a copy of Auntie at the launch signing did not have children, and I admit it’s certainly a book that appears from the cover to be most (only?) applicable to the childless. And I have certainly heard from several childless people who have read it and related to it in a very real way. But the funny thing about Auntie is it’s almost more a book for parents, in that this is a perspective I’d like them to learn more about. I want them to better understand the childless life, and perhaps become a bit more sensitive to things they may be saying or doing that are not only not appreciated, but may actually be negatively affecting their childless children/siblings/friends/colleagues.

There was a woman at Warwick’s who picked up the book and quickly said, “Well I already have kids, so…” and put the book down and walked off. So that’s probably my biggest challenge with this book, convincing parents that not only is a book called Auntie still applicable to them, but also that they will find value in it. That it may, in fact, change their perspectives. And I’ve been quite delighted by some of the things I’ve heard from the parents who have read it thus far. One woman—a mother of ten children—drove to Warwick’s just to tell me that she’d finished reading Auntie the night before and loved it. She said it changed her perspectives on several things, things she hadn’t considered before. And this, of course, was my hope. That even those in situations and circumstances completely different from mine would find value in my words and perspectives.

So get your copy and give it a read! If you missed the signing and would like an autographed copy, use the “Order the New Book” form. Whether you yourself are also childless or you’d like to understand this perspective (or encourage someone else to), it’s heartfelt, honest, and about a topic that should be talked about much more than it is.