I had a ticket to see Lisa Scottoline at the Columbus Metropolitan Library yesterday as part of their Carnegie Author Series. I was lucky enough to get invited to the reception ahead of time. Lisa talked to all of us, and signed copies of her book, The Truth About the Devlins. When I said I was Lesa Holstine, she said, “I know you! We’re friends on Twitter!” She came around and gave me a hug, and remembered that my name is spelled with an “e”.
If you ever get a chance to hear Scottoline, grab it. She’s funny, and speaks from the heart. If you’re bothered by the word “shit”, don’t go, but the library staff member who introduced her said, “Libraries have something to offend everyone. We have Lisa Scottoline.” I don’t think anyone in the crowd of 500 left.
She talked about why she loves libraries, telling the story about only having one book in the house when she grew up, “TV Guide”. One of her teachers suggested her parents take her to the library because she memorized “TV Guide”. She went in while her father sat in the car. But, she didn’t know what to check out. She found a series of books with a man’s profile on them, and he had a big nose. So, he must be Italian, right? No, it was Sherlock Holmes, but she was hooked on crime fiction after reading those books. Then, she talked about Nancy Drew. And, everyone who read those books remembered Nancy’s blue roadster. It gave Nancy an independence that other young women didn’t have.
Scottoline talked quite a bit about her family, and her mother’s strength. In fact, she addressed the women in the audience to comment about women’s strength and independence.
Scottoline said she doesn’t like genre classifications. She doesn’t write crime ficiton. She writes about justice and families. She’s written thirty-five books in thirty-six years. And, for all the fans of Rosato & Dinunzio series, she told us Hollywood has discovered her, and there all plans to turn all seventeen books into a series, TV or streaming.
There’s so much more I could say, but you really should go see her if you can. She said she writes from the soul, and people caught her soul. And, she ended by thanking everyone for coming to the library to see her, and thanked Gramercy Books, a local independent book store. She said you can tell the cultural health and life of a community by its libraries that build communities, and by its bookstores.
Check out her latest novel, The Truth About the Devlins.
Thanks so much for the recap of this, Lesa! It sounds like it was a fantastic talk. How amazing that she grew up in a house where the only reading material was TV Guide! I love the story of her first trip to the library too.
It was a fantastic talk, Kate. I’ve seen her a couple times, once on a panel, several times via virtual talks. It’s not the same. If you get the chance to see her in person, on her own, grab it.
A perfect day for you, Lesa! ❤
It was, Kaye. I loved it.
I second Kate – thank you for the recap. Loved reading it! I’ve not read any books by Lisa Scottoline but will have to remedy that immediately.
And, if you like audio books, Lindy, you should listen to the ones she does with her daughter, Francesca. So funny! My best friend loves to listen to them.
Yes, we were at a “Lunch With Lisa Scottoline” at Bouchercon, I think in St. Petersburg. Very entertaining.
Lesa, I’ve never listened to an audio book! Another new experience to look forward to sometime. But – and this is totally your fault for making me want to read them ha ha ha – I’ve just ordered the first two books online (library didn’t have them) of the ones she did with her daughter.
Lindy, personally, I don’t listen either. I can read much faster than I can listen. But, I know people love those audio books, so just thought I’d mention them. I hope you enjoy the books!
I was lucky enough to see her about 5 years ago and she was fabulous. Very funny and down to earth! Glad to hear that she hasn’t changed! Lucky you to get a hug from her!
You’re right, Mary. She told the audience to ask her anything. Funny, and honest.
Wonderful, so happy that you went. I have read her books before and it is great to know about her!
She’s so honest, Carol. It’s just fun to hear her talk.
I love her! I hope she comes to my area someday. I follow her on instagram and her dogs are fantastic too – absolutely adorable.
You’re right. Her dogs are adorable. She’s fun to follow, however you do.
Thank you for this report, Lesa. I heard Lisa Scottoline speak several years ago, and she was so wonderful. She just seems so genuine.
Thank you, Ingrid! She does, doesn’t she? I think she just puts herself out there, as she is.
So glad you went. It sounds like a wonderful event. Sorry I missed it.
I’m sorry you missed it, too, Linda, but you had priorities.