The tour is about to begin!

As we race toward the launch of Look Me in the Eye, I’d like to invite all of you to come see me in person. I am traveling the country this fall, just to meet you. There may be other people at my book readings, but you on the blog are the ORIGINALS. The REAL THING.

So come out and see me. I know - a few of you are afraid of what you’ll find. But let me set your minds to rest. This is not like the Internet dating horror stories you’ve read. I look like the photos, and I sound like the audio book. For real. I am mostly personable and fairly friendly. Small children and herbivorous animals instinctively trust me. Fish, whom I eat, may not.

I have polished my appearance and practiced my sound endlessly, just so I don’t disappoint you. My clothes are clean, and so are my ears. I have trimmed my nose hairs and gotten fresh soles on my shoes. My shoulders will be sore, of course, from lugging that sack of books, but my uncle Bob has the mule and the wagon if I get tired.

With that in mind, I hope that all of you will crawl out from under your rocks – just as I have done – and come visit. Some of you will say, “Your nearest reading is too far away!” If you feel that way, see your local bookseller. Have them call Crown and ask for a reading. If enough people call, they’ll send me.

This weekend, September 15, I’ll be at the British Invasion in Stowe, Vermont. My group will have cars in the Mini, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, and Bentley classes, and I’ll be walking around. Come join us!

On September 25 we’re having a big party at the Union Square Barnes & Noble in New York City. I’ll be arriving to meet you a bit before the 7PM reading time. For the event itself, both my brother and I will tell stories from our books, and we’ll answer questions from the audience. The Union Square store is a big place, and we need a lot of friends to fill it up. Bring everyone you know!

We’ve got a bus traveling from Springfield to New York for the party, and everyone from Robison Service will be there. In addition, many of my home town friends – some of whom appear in the book – are coming. We’ve still got space on the bus if any of you want a ride. Call 413 785 1665.

The next day I’ll be appearing by myself at R J Julia Booksellers in Madison, CT. I’ve already heard from Kim Stagliano and a bunch of moms about this event, and it promises to be good. My brother isn’t coming to this reading, so you’ll have me all to yourselves. I will be signing books, children, pets, and whatever else crawls up to the table.

On Thursday the 27th I’ll be at Brookline Booksmith outside Boston. That event is co-sponsored by the Asperger Association of New England. Aspergians, moms, kids, and everyone else are welcome at this appearance. We may have a get-together after this event, depending upon responses.

So if you live within driving distance of these events, put them on your calendar!