This has been a busy summer for me as I have enjoyed many books, from family sagas like A Place For Us, to stories of strong women like The Weight Of Ink, to page turners and beach reads like Something in the Water and Vox.

I attended book launching events celebrating Jenna Blum and The Lost Family, Nancy Balbirer and A Marriage in Dog Years, and Susie Orman Schnall and The Subway Girls, and participated in engaging book group discussions for Educated, An American Marriage and Song of a Captive Bird.

I was thrilled to go to the East Hampton Library fundraiser, Authors Night, where I had a brush wth fame, as I was face to face with Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria Baldwin, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, and Geraldo Rivera.

I also visited with many wonderful authors there, including Jamie Brenner (The Forever Summer and The Husband Hour).  Visit my Book Nation by Jen Facebook Page to see all my photos from the star-studded event!

I stole a few days away with a friend, and in July we visited the Pollack- Krasner House in East Hampton, where Jackson Pollack lived and painted.  We experienced the signature Pollack technique of drip painting and strolled the incredible sculpture garden at Longhouse Reserve where Chilluly and De Kooning pieces are amongst those on display.  It was an incredibly fun, action packed artsy get-away!

Also, during the summer, the theater was calling my name and I saw two incredible Broadway musicals, Once On This Island and Come From Away. The rest of the days I spent relaxing, swimming, reading and catching up with friends at the beach in Amaganssett, NY and Westport, CT.

Amagansett, NY sunrise

Westport, CT sunset

In addition, I have started a fun, new job at Bedside Reading, a unique business that places complementary books at the bedside in 5 star luxury and beach hotels.  Publishers and authors can join the program (click here to apply) and once their book is accepted and in place we promote it in many ways, including in magazines and multiple social media networks.  I am thrilled that hotel guests across the country will be receiving fantastic books in their rooms like Jeanne Blasberg’s Eden, and Christine Pakkala’s Last-But-Not-Least Lola Going Green along with Leah DeCesare’s audiobook of Forks, Knives and Spoons!  Also guests will be treated to Girls’ Night Out by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke and Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage!  So great to be part of a team that spreads the love of books and sweetens the lap of luxury!

It is bittersweet for me as we wind down the summer, with just a few days left before my 21 year old son returns to college for his senior year. My 15 year old son is already busy studying for ACTs, practicing his viola for his Youth Symphony audition, and finishing his summer assignments in preparation for junior year.  Time goes so fast, especially in the summer!

This is my older son with photobomb by Chris Martin of Coldplay!

I will be going full force trying to tackle my “To Be Read” pile of books in between my work projects, and attempting to remain sane by attending my beloved dance class at Dance Express with Luisa for the 15th year!

Hope you enjoy the last dog days of summer! (This is Bogey!)

Thanks so much for following Book Nation by Jen!  I would love to hear about your warm weather adventures!  Did you go on vacation?  What did you read? What keeps you sane?

xo