I can hardly believe that the launch of Markets of Provence is just around the calendar’s corner. The book will be widely available on May 3, and I can’t wait. I’ve seen one advance copy which, I must say, looks great. No one can pry it out of my hands. Well, except for occasional photo opps.
When I began the research in 2012, the idea of a book coming out in Spring 2016 was a fuzzy and far-off prospect. Now I’m hearing birdsong, watching cardinals take flight with a flutter of red tail feathers, noticing star-shaped flowers proliferating among the grass as if reflecting the twinkling night sky in broad daylight. And I’m feeling more than my usual awe about the miraculousness of spring’s arrival.
This is the season that I’ve been waiting for, and working toward, for over four years. I’m exhaling one deep looong breath, and getting ready to take in another. Although the creation process has been intensely personal—the book has been taking shape in my heart and brain, spilling over into umpteen files on my computer, and bursting the girth of folders in my credenza—it is about to become public. I feel like any expectant mother: excited and nervous, protective and proud.
It has been extremely gratifying to receive a spate of early reviews. Library Journal dubbed it “a delightful little chèvre of a travel book.” The Provence Post said it’s “perfect for anyone living in Provence…traveling here…or still dreaming of visiting some day.” Music & Market Tours described it as “a sensory and inspirational read…virtually transporting us to some of our favorite villages and reminding us of those scents, sights, and flavors that always enthrall.” The book is being offered as a prize in “The Best of France River Cruise” contest, along with a 7-night river cruise and Villeroy & Boch tableware…nice company to be in! (It’s not too late to enter.) Rudy Maxa interviewed me for his syndicated travel radio show “Rudy Maxa’s World with the Careys,” (podcast 4/16/16), as did Kara Rota, aka the Clever Cookstr, in a podcast and article which you can find on QuckandDirtyTips.com. Lots more good stuff ahead. For all my news updates, go here.
I wondered at the outset of this project whether I would have anything worthwhile to say about the markets in Provence that hadn’t already been written. Would there be enough to fill a book? And now I am shuffling reams of paper and wondering instead how I will squeeze my remarks into a reasonable length for a presentation.
I’m very excited to introduce Markets of Provence at a series of events starting next week. The first is being held in my hometown of Boston at the French Cultural Center/Alliance Française of Boston on April 28. It will be followed by Rizzoli’s in New York City on May 3, the official publication date. Dixon Long will present at Book Passage in Corte Madera on May 15. I’ve been invited to speak at Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park on May 24, Omnivore Books on May 25, and the 92nd Y in NYC on May 31. For the most current round-up of events and links to upcoming talks, click here.
The fact that I am about to publish my second book, on a topic that I adore, fills me with wonder and gratitude. It has been a privilege to work on this book and to meet many extraordinary people who’ve been generous with their time and guidance—farmers, chefs, merchants, shoppers, and more. I’m so happy that I’ll soon be able to share the fruits of my labors with you. If you’d like to journey with me to the wonderful markets of Provence, the book is available for preorder already. Come to one of my talks, where I’ll also be signing books, or follow me on social media where I’ll be posting updates.
I hope our paths will cross soon. Happy spring!
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Markets of Provence