Every once in a while, things miraculously come together in a perfect storm of timing.
I’ve wanted to visit Parnassus Books, the indie bookstore author Ann Patchett opened, ever since she built it a few years ago. When I recently reviewed The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, a gorgeous ode to bookstores, I looked up Parnassus to mention it in my post and saw that it was located in Nashville.
“Hmm,” I thought. “Maybe we can visit it on our Buick Bucket List trip.”
Then, of course, our schedule got completely booked up and I put the idea out of my head until Sunday when we checked out of the Sheraton Music City and had a few hours free before we could check into the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.
I casually suggested to Michael we check out Parnassus. I went on the website and discovered that Graeme Simsion, author of The Rosie Project, ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS, was going to be reading at 2 p.m.
OMG!
I Tweeted Graeme – yes, we’re on a first name basis now – that I was excited about seeing him and he Tweeted back that he would be there early and I should come in to chat before he spoke.
We got in the Encore, set the GPS and made our way to the cute shopping center where Parnassus was located next to a Chipotle and this donut shop. If you don’t know me, let’s just say I am obsessed with donuts.
“Wow,” Michael said. “We really could live here.”
I know that secretly he was thinking of his next appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage but he was right. Books. Chipotle. Donuts. That’s pretty much all I need.
We had lunch in a Chinese restaurant – trust me, we weren’t expecting to be eating Chinese food in Nashville, either, but it turned out to be one of our most meaningful experiences! We had such a wonderful conversation with our waitress about children, responsibility, aging, culture, that we all ended up hugging each other good-bye like long-lost friends.
It was truly amazing.
We walked, smiling, over to Parnassus, where Michael made himself at home in one of the comfy reading chairs and I went to tell Graeme just how much I loved The Rosie Project. He was warm and funny and as awkwardly charming as his main character.
He kept the full house laughing as he told stories about his childhood and the writing of the book.
I can’t wait for the sequel to come out.
I would have loved to have met Ann Patchett — next time, on my sequel visit! — but am so thrilled that I got to see her beautiful store and hear Graeme Simsion.
The afternoon had been an unexpected gift and we were on to Gaylord Opryland next, where more adventures lay in store …
I love learning more about authors and how their experiences influenced their writing. It gives you great insight into their writing.
I am loving your Buick bucketlist travels. You’re getting to really experience a lot. I’ve never heard of that author before but I’m glad you were able to meet one of your favorite author.
What a fantastic experience! It must have been such a great feeling to have had the chance to meet your favorite author. Such a terrific reminder about the power of words.
How awesome! This sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
You seem to be getting to learn and experience a lot with this.
Sounds like you had and amazing adventure! I love random stranger conversations that make you feel like you just made a life long friend. Love it!!
Getting that personal connection with an author is great. I love hearing about them and then finding out how and why they choose to write the books they do.
How neat!!! I love meeting authors, they’re so interesting!
Your trip was seriously serendipitous! I’ve enjoyed coming along for the ride!
Thank you for sharing your trip with, getting to meet an author is pretty darn tootin cool. I love the color of your Buick, it’s stunning!
I love bookstores, so much. I’m shop for books like some are with shoes and clothes.
It’s been a good long while since I’ve gone to hear an author speak. I am well overdue!
How fun! Yes books and donuts is all about anyone needs!
i love that your bucket list included a bookstore. that’s just awesome.
Thank you so much for taking us all on the ride, in your beautiful Encore. A book store, a private conversation with an author and a doughnut… the stuff dreams are made of!
I’ve heard my cousin rave about Parnassus Books before. Actually, it’s on the list of places she has to take me when I make it down for a visit. Now I’m adding donuts & Chipotle to the list too. 😉
I always say that if you follow an author reading, a good time will unfold before your very eyes. Funny how that works. Awesome for you! Thanks for sharing it all with us!
I love things like this too. Once you meet an author, and like them, you’re hooked forever on their books. 🙂
going to author speeches are always so enjoyable to learn how they started and how they became successes makes me work even harder at my goal to some day be one of them. I love writing.
In my next lifetime, I want to come back as Lois Alter Mark!! How fabulous to ride along with you on this journey! Thank you for the invitation. 🙂
I enjoy learning about authors and where they get their amazing ideas.
I’m glad this worked out for you! This has been a fun series to follow.
You are entirely awesome that awesome isn’t a strong enough word to use! Wow. How remarkable and what an extraordinary time you must have had!
Of course, a Lois day would not be complete without donuts. No Starbucks I see….
I am blown away by you.
Signed,
President of your Fan Club
I am loving this bucket list series, Lois! Makes me want to hop on the next plane to Nashville.
Sounds like a really nice experience. Glad you enjoyed yourself.
Glad you had a chance to meet Graeme. Your bucket list is slowly get smaller!
What a great experience. When you truly get to know the “truth” and character behind the book or movie, you truly fall in love with it!
What a wonderful experience that must have been. Glad you got to check one from your bucket list
What a fun adventure! I’m glad you got your wish! You look so happy in the photos!
It looks like you had an amazing time!
after such a ghastly day I loved seeing your cute face in that adorable car. And what is better than a bookstore? We ate lunch in a cafe in Iowa…all the walls were bookshelves! Don’t we love books? I hope they don’t take them away from us..
How fun to get to meet one of your favorite authors! I have a few that I would like to meet, but haven’t been so lucky yet. And the car is really nice too!
That is so cool! You are having quick the bucket list trip!
How amazing that the timing worked out so perfectly and you not only got to visit the book store but met an author friend!
I am really enjoying your bucket list posts.
Love the photo of you in front of the donut shop (I LOVE donuts!)
We are so similar! Books, Chipotle and donuts sound perfect to me. Oh…and the beach…we must add that. 🙂
Your Buick Bucket List trip is getting better every day!
Thanks for taking us along on your trip! Love it!
What a great experience. It sounds like you are having a fantastic time on your trip. Don’t you just love it when you get to cross something off your bucket list?
I love visiting and meeting authors. That is exciting you got to add that on your trip.
Authors are my favorite people. I need to include more things like this in my travels!
I’m so glad you had the chance to meet him. It looks like you had a really great time!
Sounds like a really fun trip! Looks like you had a great time!
I wish more authors came to my town. I would love to meet some of my favorites in person!
Sounds like a great time. Love your photos!
I have always wanted to visit Nashville! I am so jealous!
That sounds like such an amazing experience! I will add The Rosie Project to my summer reading list.
My husband LOVES bookstores! That would certianly be on his bucket list vacation
What a fun trip. Such an awesome experience you had! I am going to have to check out that book
I never met a bookstore I didn’t love. Here’s another one to add to my list.