Mary Pat Kelly Galway Bay Book

Galway Bay was well and truly christened on Monday night, February 9th, with a reading at Barnes and Noble on Broadway and 82nd followed by a great celebration at the Parlour, our "local" on 86th between West End and Broadway. What joy to be surrounded by family and friends as I shared the stories from the journey that became Galway Bay and to read a few passages. Lots of questions and comments during the discussion period.

And we ended with a song! Frank, Malachy and Alfie McCourt joined by Irish singer Mary Deady led the 100 plus group in a wonderful performance of the song Galway Bay. You're on your way, Galway Bay. God speed.

I am sitting here waiting for Sharkey to cut my hair. His shop I Style is an Upper West Side favorite and I'm a regular. BUT today is unique because on the other side of Broadway in Barnes and Noble (my Barnes and Noble) there's a poster in the window with the cover of Galway Bay and my picture announcing that I'll be reading from the book on Monday February 9, the date of publication. It is especially exciting because I have spent so much time in that store over the years. I know the booksellers -- Pat, whose family roots are in Galway too, Barbara, who wrote a wonderful comic novel, Lou, the community relations manager, whose book on William Randolph Hearst is a classic (he was delighted to hear that I live in an apartment building Hearst built) and Lou's colleague Anne, a playwright I see at Church.

While writing Galway Bay, when I needed to be sustained I imagined it finished, published, and the poster announcing a book signing hanging in the window of this very Barnes and Noble. Well the day is here. Join me Monday February 9th at 7 pm for a short reading and book signing, and after a stop at The Parlour to raise a pint to Galway Bay.

Oops Sharkey's calling me. One thing's for sure I'll have a good haircut on the day.

Labels: Barnes and Noble, Book signing, Galway Bay, The Parlour, Upper West Side, William Randolph Hearst