Birthday Party for The Language Inside in Jeju, Korea

Today was the book birthday party for my verse novel The Language Inside,  published by Delacorte/Random House in New York yesterday. It was such a pleasure to celebrate the launch of The Language Inside, which blends elements of U.S., Japanese and Cambodian culture, at the Korean international branch of a Canadian School, Branksome Hall Asia, on Jeju Island, Korea. What a perfectly cross-cultural celebration! 

Branksome Hall Asia librarian Brian Farrell did a beautiful job organizing. At the event I introduced the characters and basic story of The Language Inside, read a passage, shared some Cambodian dance video footage, blew out candles on a congratulatory red velvet cake, and held a giveaway of copies of Orchards and The Language Inside, as well as a goods from MC Emma's Japan hometown of Kamakura. 
photo by Brian Farrell
photo by Brian Farrell photo by Brian FarrellThere were student interviews and unforgettable conversations with young authors. 

And one of my favorite comments today came from an adult reader who said that the romance in The Language Inside tugged at her emotions and made her want to start dating all over again. 

Thank you to Branksome Hall Asia for a perfect book birthday celebration!