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Hello again, book lovers. It's been awhile. So let's not waste any time catching up and making small talk. Let's do this thing.

As usual, I'm currently reading way too many books. Too many to share, but I will give you the highlights. I'm still struggling to finish The Other Boleyn Girl and have resisted going to the theater to see Hollywood's interpretation, but I may eventually have to give in. I'm trying so hard not to give up on this one, but it's become dreadfully boring. I also just started Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes for two very unrelated reasons: It's as close to a real vacation as I can afford right now, and I've been watching a lot of old movies lately, most of them set in Italy and I've become obsessed.

And, I recently spent a lazy Saturday with an old friend, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret? by Judy Blume. I loved this book as a young girl and I love it still today. It is truly one of those timeless classics that speak to generations of women young and old. The social, religious and personal issues that plague Margaret are issues we all deal with. I love revisiting books and I'm continually surprised when I stumble upon something new and illuminating that somehow I missed all those times before. I recommend rereading a favorite book soon. I find it reenergizes my passion for reading and reminds me why I love it so much.

Now to switch gears. Did any of you make it down to New Orleans to hear Salman Rushdie speak last Monday? If so, I'd love to hear about it. I think the gods are against me. I missed Toni Morrison, thanks to my sister's rehearsal dinner last year. And thanks to a delightfully unexpected case of the flu, I missed Mr. Rushdie as well. But, alas there are lots of other really cool literary events coming up to check out. Here are two:

Wednesday, April 23

Octavia Books in New Orleans welcomes Food Network star Alton Brown. He will sign copies of his latest book, Feasting on Asphalt: The River Run, which features many Louisiana locales. 5 p.m.

Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10

LSU Press will hold its Hurt Book Sale at its warehouse, 3555 River Rd. Thousands of books in slightly bruised but not used condition will be available at bargain prices. Photography books, history, fiction, literature, poetry and more will be offered at $5 each for hardcovers and $2 each for paperbacks. Or, shoppers may fill an LSU Press tote bag to the brim with their choice of books for only $25, including the bag!

Keep me posted on upcoming literary events by posting comments below.