Books
Andy Cohen Comes to Georgia Tech in April
Didn’t we just do this? Andy Cohen returns to Atlanta just a few weeks after taping The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 5 Reunion Show. On Tuesday, April 9th, he’ll speak, meet fans and sign copies of his memoir, ‘Most Talkative‘ at the Georgia Tech Barnes & Noble in Midtown at 6 p.m.
Check out this behind-the-scenes clip from the Reunion show:
I say ‘didn’t we just do this?’ because Cohen already came to Atlanta once to sign his book at SCAD. That tour – and having it face the camera every night on Watch What Happens Live! – must not have been enough! 
Check out our video from his first appearance at SCAD:
Georgia Tech Barnes & Noble, 48 5th Street NW, Atlanta
Andy Cohen to ‘Talk’ From New Book @ SCAD-Atlanta Next Wednesday [VIDEO]
![Andy Cohen Most Talkative1 Andy Cohen to Talk From New Book @ SCAD Atlanta Next Wednesday [VIDEO]](http://atlantaboy.com/wp-content/uploads/Andy-Cohen-Most-Talkative1.jpg "Andy Cohen Most Talkative SCAD-Atlanta")
Bravo’s Andy Cohen comes to SCAD-Atlanta next Wednesday, June 6th, to read from his new book, ‘Most Talkative: Stories from the Front Lines of Pop Culture‘ (check out an excerpt here)…
Cohen’s journey begins with him interviewing his all-time idol Susan Lucci for his college newspaper and ends with him having a job where he creates TV icons.
In ‘Most Talkative,’ Cohen tells tales of absurd mishaps during his ten years at CBS News, hilarious encounters with the heroes and heroines of his youth, and the real stories behind The Real Housewives. For example, he admits his was wrong about Kim Zolciak. (See our Kim Zolciak Interview.)
Andy Cohen’s appearance at SCAD-Atlanta is FREE with the purchase of his book at the door, or $10 without. The event is sponsored by SCAD-Atlanta’s writing program at Ivy Hall and A Cappella Books of Inman Park. It begins at 6:30 p.m.
- SCAD-Atlanta is located at 1600 Peachtree Street, Midtown, Atlanta.
Andy Cohen: ‘I Was Wrong About Kim’
Andy Cohen, who just a few weeks ago stopped by Blake’s on the Park to recover after taping the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion’ at the Biltmore Hotel, dishes on our ladies in his new memoir, ‘Most Talkative,’ out today…
Cohen reveals that the Reunion episodes originally came about because of NeNe Leakes. ‘At the time ‘Atlanta’ premiered, it wasn’t a given that a reunion would follow every season. We didn’t build it into our schedule and didn’t assume there’d be a demand for one with every series. I got a voice mail from NeNe (the first time I’d ever had contact with her directly) saying, ‘I’m begging you to do a reunion, Andy. I want to confront Kim.’
Another excerpt from ‘Most Talkative’:
‘The next ‘Housewives’ edition to premiere was Atlanta, which would go on to become our highest-rated of all the cities in the franchise. We’d been sitting on a casting tape for a show called ‘Hotlanta’ for a while, featuring a group of affluent black women with energy and attitude. I was excited about the idea of doing a show featuring rich African Americans, a concept I hadn’t seen on TV since ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’ The ‘Hotlanta’ women became ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta‘ and all I could say was, ‘BAM!’
Linnethia ‘NeNe’ Leakes was an instant standout, telling the camera even then, ‘I walk into a room and my eyes are popping and my lips are busting and BAM!’ But every time I watched the tape I became more confused by Kim Zolciak. I didn’t understand her role within the group – first all, and most obviously, she was white. Just as obvious, her blond mane was a full-on wig. She looked like a country singer to me and seemed more Nashville than Atlanta.
She just didn’t feel Bravo, which lots of analysts crunching numbers tell us is watched by the most upscale and educated audience on cable – lots of urban women and their gay best friends, along with hip suburban moms. A fair number of straight men get hooked on the Housewives, too, after their wives cajole them into watching. (My theory: They love having the green light to gawk at hot women with big knockers getting into catfights). Boy, was I wrong about Kim!”
- For more Atlanta Housewives gossip, get ‘Most Talkative’ now on Amazon.
Brad Goreski Signs ‘Born to Be Brad’
Brad Goreski, Rachel Zoe’s former assistant turned Bravolebrity with his own show, ‘It’s a Brad Brad World‘ signed copies of his new book, ‘Born to Be Brad‘ Friday night at Barnes & Noble in Buckhead.
Brad says his book has more to offer than advice on how to get the perfect wardrobe. He also talks about coming out, struggling with addiction, and ‘proof that if you listen to the voice in your chest, you can become your best self and change your life and succeed.’
Jennifer Hudson Signs ‘I Got This’ in ATL
Jennifer Hudson signed copies of her new book, ‘I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down‘ yesterday, first at the Weight Watchers Center in Kennesaw and later at Barnes & Noble in Buckhead…
After the signing, an ATLboy reader dined next to J-Hud for dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. The last time she was in ATL performing at the W Midtown, we spotted Hudson and her family having lunch at Willy’s Piedmont Park.
Wonder how many Weight Watchers points are on those restaurants?
Remain in Light, Andy Warhol
As bookstores in Atlanta and around the country close, two local authors have turned to e-books to get their words out, just in time for the holidays.
(Amazon says it is selling more than one million Kindles per week, and that their new Kindle Fire is the #1 bestselling, most gifted and most wished for product across the millions of items available on Amazon).
But back to the books…
If you visited the High Museum of Art’s Picasso to Warhol exhibit, you’ll enjoy poet Megan Volpert’s Sonics in Warholia (Kindle, $6.99).
A collection of love letters and hate mail Volpert imagines sending to pop icon Andy Warhol, it suggests that love him or hate him, we all have a little bit of Andy’s ghost hiding somewhere within us.
If you’ve enjoyed other biographies about and books by Andy Warhol (like my favorites, POP! and The Andy Warhol Diaries), Sonics in Warholia is a must-read.
Collin Kelley has penned Remain in Light (Kindle, $4.99), a mystery that takes readers from America to London to the fabled City of Light. This is the second novel in Kelley’s Conquering Venus trilogy.
Several characters from Kelley’s original Conquering Venus remain, but several more complex ones are introduced to keep the trilogy flowing.
If you like mystery novels and/or London, you’ll love Remain in Light.
Both authors are published by Sibling Rivalry Press.
What is your favorite book on the Kindle?
Outwrite Bookstore Closes Its Cover
We were saddened to hear the news today that Outwrite Bookstore, one of the country’s longest-lasting LGBT bookstores, is closing it’s 10th and Piedmont location…
Over the years, Outwrite hosted many celebrities and reality stars for book signings including Roseanne Barr, Carson Kressley, Pam Grier, Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters, Lance Bass, Tabatha Coffey of Bravo’s ‘Tabatha’s Salon Takeover‘ and the Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Most recently, Kendra Wilkinson, Meredith Baxter, CNN’s Don Lemmon, Judge Glenda Hatchett, and ‘Wicked‘ author Gregory Maguire appeared at the store. We also remember seeing the late Tammy Faye Messner and a grumpy Chaz Bono.
Outwrite also hosted many events for local and first-time LGBT authors, including two book release parties for our ‘ATLANTAboy: An Insider’s Guide to Gay Atlanta‘ and ‘The Out Traveler: Atlanta‘ guidebooks.
Beginning today, everything in the store is 25% off as Outwrite begins liquidating its inventory.
We will miss Outwrite at 10th and Piedmont, but look forward to its next chapter. There will also be a signed celebrity book poster auction (date coming soon) and on December 3rd, an in-store party to thank Outwrite’s customers and celebrate its 18th anniversary.
Here’s the notice Outwrite owner Philip Rafshoon sent out today:
As you may know, we have been challenged by changes in the book industry and the downturn in the economy. At this time, we regret to share with you that the lease at our current location will soon be coming to an end.
Our landlord has been extremely cooperative and has worked with us longer than expected. Our departure is amicable. The bottom line is simply we can no longer afford to rent this desirable space regardless of what business model we try to engage. In the near future, when you visit Outwrite, you will see that “for lease” signs have been installed.
The good news is that we’re looking for a new location that will allow Outwrite to continue serving you as Atlanta’s LGBT bookstore and coffeehouse. In the mean time, we must reduce our inventory and beginning today almost everything in the store will be on sale for 25% off. Please join us for this special sale as well as two special events:
* Poster Auction: We will be holding a special auction of our collection of posters signed by authors and celebrities to raise funds to help us relocate. Stay tuned to our communications and we will announce the date for this event very soon.
* Anniversary Party: On Saturday December 3, we will be holding a party to celebrate Outwrite’s 18th Anniversary and show our appreciation for our customers.
We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events, and appreciate your ongoing support.”
Gregory Maguire Signs ‘Out Of Oz’ Tonight
You’ve seen ‘Wicked’ at the Fox, now you can meet the author of the acclaimed series tonight at Outwrite…
Gregory Maguire’s fourth and final novel in the series, ‘Out Of Oz,’ takes readers back to the Emerald City. An invasion of Munchkinland, Glinda under house arrest, and the Cowardly Lion on the run from the law are just some of what’s in store. Amidst the chaos, Elphaba’s graddaughter, Rain, comes of age to take up her broom in an Oz wracked by war.
Maguire’s first book, ‘Wicked,’ was published in 1995. It garnered critical acclaim and became the basis for the Broadway musical, ‘Wicked,’ one of the most successful Broadway productions in history.
This year, ‘Wicked,’ which ran September 14th to October 9th, shattered box office records at the Fox Theatre. The musical grossed $2,438,947 over eight performances, making it the highest-grossing week for a touring Broadway show in North American history.
- Gregory Maguire appears at Outwrite Saturday, November 5th at 7:30 p.m.
Judge Glenda Hatchett @ Outwrite Tonight
Atlanta’s own Judge Glenda Hatchett visits Outwrite Bookstore tonight at 7:30 p.m. to read from and sign copies of her latest book, ‘Dare to Take Charge: How to Live Your Life on Purpose‘…
Interactive and inspirational, ‘Dare to Take Charge’ challenges readers to ask self-reflective questions that lead to self-discovey and a pathway to healing. Daring her audience to study the positive with the same interest and intensity that they study the negative, Judge Hatchett uncovers the potential for grace and success in our lives.
After graduating from Emory University School of Law and completing a coveted clerkship in the U.S. Federal Courts, Judge Glenda Hatchett became an attorney for Delta Airlines and then Chief Presiding Judge of the Fulton County Juvenile Court.
Meredith Baxter Gets ‘Untied’ at Outwrite
Meredith Baxter, best known for her portrayal of Michael J. Fox’s mom Elyse Keaton on ‘Family Ties’ appeared at Outwrite Bookstore last night…
In 2009, Baxter came out publicly on the Today Show as a lesbian at the age of 62. Her new book, ‘Untied,’ is more than just a coming out story. For the first time, she opens up about her Hollywood childhood, career, family and personal life in a candid and inspiring account.
‘Untied’ begins with Meredith’s tumultuous and often rebellious youth as the daughter of a successful actress, Whitney Blake (Dorothy Baxter on Hazel). It continues into her early marriage and motherhood while living paycheck to paycheck, then goes into her life as an actress, which almost happened by accident.
While Meredith is widely remembered for her portrayals of intelligent, independent women, in real life, despite being an advocate for women’s rights, she often put aside her own needs for her career and marriage. Now cancer-free and sober for the past 21 years, Baxter has emerged a stronger woman and is finally telling the story of her remarkable journey.
Today, with a new sense of self, she makes appearances speaking on behalf of breast cancer, domestic violence, alcoholism, and gay rights.