Best-selling author Candace Bushnell visits Arlington Heights

Best-selling author Candace Bushnell made Arlington Heights one of the stops on her national book tour last weekend, speaking before a sold-out crowd at the library and then eating dinner and mingling with fans at Tuscan Market and Wine Shop.

More than 200 people turned out for "An Evening with Candace Bushnell" June 27, an event co-sponsored by the library and the Tuscan Market Book Group.

Bushnell, the best-selling author of "Sex and the City" and "Lipstick Jungle," is now touring to promote her latest book, "Killing Monica."

During her three-hour appearance, Bushnell signed books, took photographs with fans, and delivered a lively onstage presentation including an audience Q&A.

Audience members, mostly women who ranged in age from 22 to mid-80s, said Bushnell was personable and charming as she talked about her books.

"It's always interesting to listen to the authors talk about their writing, and their stories," said Amanda Spence, of Arlington Heights, who attended with her daughter, Rebecca. "She was really down-to-earth and friendly."

Spence belongs to the Tuscan Market Book Group, which has authors come speak every 5-6 weeks. The publisher approached the well-respected book group about a Bushnell visit. Knowing Bushnell would draw a huge crowd, the group approached the library, which was more than happy to accommodate them.

"People like this access to authors," said library program supervisor Jennifer Czajka. "We want to make Arlington Heights known as a destination place for authors to connect to readers."

The event began with Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes welcoming Bushnell proclaiming Saturday as "Candace Bushnell Book Launch Event Day in the Village of Arlington Heights."

Then she started talking about her books, and the characters she creates.

"I like writing about characters that are larger than life," Bushnell told the crowd.

The main character in "Killing Monica" comes from an idea of always having to put our best selves forward in today's social media-crazed world, she said.

"Monica is always happy and smiling and when you see her. You want to be her. Nothing ever goes wrong for Monica, so we definitely know she is an imaginary character," she joked. "The book really is about identity and who we are and how we reinvent ourselves."