News
Not Your Average Book Club
By Caitlin Stolzenthaler
FRIENDS AND BUSINESS partners Kim Widener and Jacquie Fiorito have found a way to go beyond the book for fellow readers.
Their Grove-based venture, "Book It! Author Based Events," is bringing authors such as Joyce Carol Oates, Janice Lieberman, musical guests and more for a fun, smart take on the book club and an alternative night out.
"It's creating a social network between people with like-minded interests," said Fiorito, of Middletown, who conceptualized the company.
"[It's] in response to bringing authors and readers more in touch," added Widener, of Rumson. "It's more social, more personal."
Book It's modern, inviting space features the titles of authors scheduled to make appearances on tables and shelves. Plush orange sofas decorate the front room; celery green leather couches, sleek black tables and chairs, and a black bar frame the small stage where featured guests will speak.
Reading a book becomes much more than flipping pages at Book It. $60 buys a different experience than the typical in-store book signing: the book itself, tickets to the pre-event social and the author event itself, as well as an after-party.
"Pre-event socials" act as open book reviews and book discussion among members. About two weeks later, the event itself delivers the discussed book's author for an interview conducted by Widener and Fiorito, Q&A session with the audience, and book signing, followed by the after-party, catered events with cocktails and musical guests.
Widener applauds the fact that readers will have a chance to understand the authors' writing processes and "how they wrote it" at the event, and get "the story behind the story."
"Books and literature are an aspect... of making sense of their own lives," she said of readers.
The venue will also host monthly acoustic nights as part of its "Music2Words" series, Scrabble nights, and Slam It! Poetry slams. Book clubs for women, men, and teens will meet, and Widener and Fiorito are open to educational workshops and seminars aimed at bettering the audience and the community.
"It's for anyone who wants to make a connection in a meaningful way," said Widener. "Anything smart, sophisticated, fun."
"[We want people to] have a good time and be smart doing it," said Fiorito.
The remainder of June and July will feature Janice Lieberman, discussing her book "How To Shop for a Husband" with cocktails at Avenue in Pier Village via Book It; Dr. Jen Leigh, a psychologist who often works with teens will discuss her book on self-esteem with Book It's "Pretty, Smart" lit club for teenage girls; and New York Times bestselling author Kelly Corrigan will visit with musical guest Mike Errico.
"[We wanted to] create a place where people can go meet people like them, and discuss real issues," said Fiorito.
"It's blowing the dust off of yesterday's book signings."
For more information, visit www.bookitevents.com or call (732) 224-1300.
