My debut book launch event at the Appleton Public Library on Feb.17 was a blast and a great success! There were almost 60 people there and I sold as many books. The support I received from my family when I was in Moscow and when I returned home and was active for Inna has not wavered: my two brothers, Jerry and Tom, and two sisters, Therese and Julie, were there with their spouses, Leslie, Laurie and Windsor (my brother-in-law Dennis is working out of state).

One of the highlights of the evening was having my 7 year-old daughter, Jamie, count to four in Russian, in my microphone. There is nothing shy about that girl! Another highlight was the actual book signing. Sitting at the table and interacting with each person who bought a book helped me to finally realize that my dream to have this book published has come true! My thanks to all who came.

Next stop: Shorewood Public Library, Wed., Feb. 23 at 6:30.