Bedside Reading Weekend

Reading has the power to transport us to faraway places and enter the minds of characters. A reader can escape everyday life into the world created by the author’s written word. This weekend, to commence March as National Reading Month, the Hamptons will host the inaugural Bedside Reading Weekend, with five authors signing books at five East End hotels.

Liz Brodar, owner of White Fences Inn in Southampton, sought to drive tourism to the East End during the off season, and saw the month-long literary celebration as a good opportunity. She contacted Jane Ubell, owner of Bedside Reading; the company provides complimentary books to luxury and boutique hotels such as Chamberlain West Hollywood, The Simpson House Inn in Santa Barbara, Waldorf Astoria, Mandarin Oriental, Casa del Mar, and several Hamptons locations. Then, Ubell reached out to the Tall Poppy Writers.

Founded in 2013 by bestselling author Ann Garvin, the Tall Poppy Writers is the only author-driven marketing cooperative in the United States, and its membership is exclusively female. With a combined social media reach of nearly half a million people, the group has collectively raised more than $100,000 for various causes beyond the literary world. Their altruistic efforts garnered attention from Francis Ford Coppola Winery, which launched Books & Bottles products in 2017, featuring company wines paired with Tall Poppy Writer titles.

“When our friends at Bedside Reading approached us about this event, my Tall Poppy Writer sisters and I didn’t hesitate for a moment to say yes!” Amy Impellizzeri, author of “Why We Lie,” said. “I think a lot of people picture authors holed up all day in their writing dens, but the reality is that most writers absolutely love to connect with readers. We love to hear their stories. This is our first ever Tall Poppy event in the Hamptons. We’re thrilled and definitely know it won’t be our last!” Impellizzeri will be signing her book on Friday, March 1, at Topping Rose in Bridgehampton from 6 to 8 PM for a “Meet & Mingle” kickoff event for the weekend.

Author Kristy Woodson Harvey, on Saturday, March 2, will sign “The Secret of Southern Charm” from 11 AM to 1 PM at White Fences Inn. Alessandro and Tathiana Teixeira of Plain-T will additionally provide a unique “Tea Tasting” experience for guests, featuring two of their most popular blends; Detox Lemon Ginger Mint and the Mind & Body.

Saturday will be packed with events for literati and nouveau readers alike. The 1770 House in East Hampton will pair Amy Reichert’s signing of “The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go” with a “Coffee Break with Hampton Coffee” from 2 to 4 PM. Conclude the evening down the road at The Baker House 1650 with a “Pop the Cork” champagne cocktail party with “The Fifth of July” author, Kelly Simmons.

Concluding the weekend will be a farewell book signing and light refreshments at The Maidstone Hotel in East Hampton on Sunday, March 3, from noon to 2 PM. Author Sandra Block will sign “What Happened That Night.”

The weekend package is $150 plus the costs of the room at each of the inns. It also includes $100 dining credit, all five books, and a gift bag filled with goodies. Contact the properties for more information or to reserve a room.

nicole@indyeastend.com