The buttoned-down publishing industry went Hollywood over the weekend as booksellers gathered for BookExpo America, their annual convention. USA TODAY’s Jocelyn McClurg and Carol Memmott report from Los Angeles. Olsens use their ‘Influence’
Young stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen mingled with 70 booksellers at a party in West Hollywood to promote their glossy October book, Influence. The bash wasn’t open to reporters, but Mary-Kate got on the phone later to talk about the project and why the twins wanted the word out early. “It was the first party to launch the book, and we just wanted booksellers to know that we’re really excited about it,” says Olsen, 21. “We worked so hard on it.” In the photo-heavy Influence (Razorbill, $35), Mary-Kate and Ashley together and separately interview 22 actors, designers and photographers they consider influential, including Karl Lagerfeld, Lauren Hutton, Diane von Furstenberg and Margherita Missoni. There will be two jackets, with a different Olsen on each front cover and the other on the back. “We wanted it to be an inspiring book about people who are successful,” Olsen says. “Sometimes we all get lost in the process of our lives, and it’s inspiring to hear others’ stories and to know there will be ups and downs and to hear how they got through it.” Does Mary-Kate, who describes herself as a perfectionist, think she is an influential fashion icon? “You would have to ask someone else that,” she demurred. — J.M. One night with Prince
Star-struck booksellers could schmooze with any number of celebrity authors, including Barbara Walters, who autographed her best seller Audition. But one ticket was the hottest: an invite to the home of rock star Prince, whose first book, 21 Nights, arrives in September. Guests wandered the palatial home and grounds in the hills above L.A. but never encountered the private rocker until he stepped onto an outdoor stage at 1:45 a.m. Saturday and gave a free concert in his own backyard. It was worth the wait: a 1 hour, 15 minute set, mostly covers of other artists, including Sly and the Family Stone, The Beatles and the Doobie Brothers. The show ended after 3, with Purple Rain and 1999, and Prince saying it was time to let the neighbors get some sleep. 21 Nights (Atria, $50) is based on his 21 concerts in 21 nights in London last year. — J.M. |
