The newly established Syracuse Florence book club, hosted in the charming Villino Library and led by the delightful British-born April Child, recently had the honor of welcoming a very special guest. Syracuse alumna and acclaimed YA author Charlotte Balogh graced one of their meetings, bringing with her a wave of excitement and inspiration.
Charlotte, whose much-anticipated book Kill the Lax Bro is set to be released next summer by Delacorte Press and Penguin Random House, shared her fascinating journey with the book club members. Over tea and ‘biscuits’, she delved into her experiences breaking into Hollywood writer’s rooms, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.
The discussion was not just about her past achievements. Charlotte also gave a sneak peek into her upcoming project, a unique blend of memoir, novel, and fairytale, which she is currently crafting in the serene libraries and bustling coffeeshops of Florence. Her passion for storytelling and her dedication to her craft were evident.
Nor was the gathering a one-sided affair. Charlotte was genuinely curious about the reading habits of the book club members. She engaged them in a lively conversation about how they select their books, their reading preferences, and their use of modern reading apps like Kindle and BookTok.
The meeting was a perfect blend of inspiration and interaction, leaving everyone with a renewed love for literature and a deeper understanding of the writing world. The Syracuse Florence book club, under April Child’s enthusiastic leadership, is a beacon for book lovers, fostering a community of readers and writers who inspire each other.