Merci à tous

It’s been three and a half months since Paris, My Sweet came out. In some ways, the whole publication has been very humbling (now I know why some writers say to never read the reviews). In other ways, it’s been the most thrilling experience of my life (champagne, macarons, best friends, family, hooting, hollering, pride, joy…). Mostly, like other projects and labors of love, it’s just a lot of work with high points and low moments tossed in for flavor.

At the risk of sounding like a total cornball, I will say the most gratifying thing has been the support I’ve received along the way. Living in New York, it can be way too easy to become hardened and cynical. Indeed, sometimes I am downright misanthropic (that’s another story…). But the store proprietors, publicists, librarians, chocolatiers, bakers, authors, readers and fans I’ve met while promoting the book dispel all those thoughts and soften my curmudgeonly ways. People are just so… nice.

I’ll be sitting there at a signing, and strangers will come up just to say “congratulations” and wish me well. At readings, people are so enthusiastic about the book, about Paris, about sweets—it’s like a party to know everyone and gush over these shared passions.

So thank you.

From the mother who brought her adolescent daughter with a budding obsession with Paris to Bobby’s on Main Street in Boonton, to my friend from San Francisco’s best friend who trekked to Chelsea Market Baskets to scoop up multiple copies for friends; from my dear old colleagues who surprised me by showing up at Books, Inc. in San Francisco to my fabulous relatives who surprised me by showing up at Three Tarts here in the city; from Chow Chocolates in Buffalo to Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe in Manasquan; from Seymour to Le Citizen; Lola’s to Sugar Daze; White Bliss to Posman Books; to every foodie and Francophile, and everyone, everyone, everyone who has emailed, posted on Facebook, come to a reading, thank you for sharing all of this. Thank you for keeping me soft. Thank you for everything.