Since our beloved founder Kim Ricketts passed away at the end of April, we here at Book Events have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness and offers of support we have received. Kim was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to so many people, and we have laughed, cried, and been otherwise deeply moved by the stories and memories you have shared over the past several weeks. Thank you!

Many of you have also asked, “What’s happening to Book Events?” In short, we’re here, and the company is continuing! When Kim realized that she would not recover from her illness, she decided to sell her business to a successor, so that her vision of connecting people, stories, and ideas would go forward. I was honored when she agreed to let me be that person.

I joined the Book Events team last September, and have had the privilege of meeting many of you at Cooks & Books events. I look forward to meeting more of you at corporate and public events over the coming months. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of the Ricketts family as I transition into this new role. And of course I couldn’t do this without our fabulous staff, Office Manager Jenny Gialenes, Events Manager Deb Crawford, and our incredible event staff: Susie Hino, Molly Horak, Patty Liu, Andrea Dunlop, and Lara Schrier.

What can you expect going forward? More events, more ideas, and of course, more books and authors. I’ve just returned from the Book Expo of America in New York, and am thrilled about the brilliant authors and new books we’ll be bringing to Seattle.

In the meantime, at left are two events to get your summer started.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Food

When: Monday, June 20, 7-9pm
Where: Palace Ballroom,
2100 5th Avenue, Seattle
Cost: The $25 ticket price includes appetizers and wine.

Copies of the author’s books will be available for sale and signing.

We can’t think of a better way to kick off the summer and honor our beloved founder than by throwing one of Kim’s favorite parties: What We Talk About When We Talk About Food. Join us as an exceptional group of local food writers discusses what they do, why they do it, and where they find inspiration. The marvelous Amy Pennington will moderate the panel discussion, and the team at Tom Douglas Restaurants will prepare bites for you to enjoy. You never know what will happen when this group gets talking and the drinks start flowing!

Our amazing lineup of authors:

Amy Pennington—Apartment Gardening
Becky Selengut—Good Fish
Anna Roth—West Coast Road Eats
Keren Brown—Food Lover’s Guide to Seattle

Visit www.tomdouglas.com for tickets.

Ice Cream Social with
Jeni Britton-Bauer, Author of
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

When: Monday, June 27 at 6 p.m.
Where: The Dahlia Workshop, 401 Westlake Avenue
Cost: $30, includes ice cream, sparkling wine, and a copy of the $20 book

Cherry Lambic Sorbet, Riesling Poached Pear, Rhubarb and Lime Cardamom Yogurt… these are just a few of the unique flavors that have earned Columbus, Ohio-based Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams a national following. Join us at Tom Douglas’ brand new Dahlia Workshop, as we welcome Jeni Britton-Bauer, author of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, to Seattle. Jeni will show us her breakthrough method for making creamy, scoopable ice cream at home, and the Dahlia workshop team will prepare some of her addictive flavors for you to enjoy. You’ll go home with a signed copy of Jeni’s beautiful new book and inspiration to try her magical flavors at home.

Get your tickets today at www.tomdouglas.com

Thank you for being such strong supporters of Book Events over the years. Kim created an amazing community, and the team and I are excited about contributing to that community and carrying her legacy forward. I hope to see you soon!

Lara Hamilton and the Book Events Team