The event was held to promote the author's newest book, By Any Other Name. It's a dual-timeline novel about two female playwrights who are trying to get their work taken seriously by male producers. The past story explores the idea that William Shakespeare did not write all of the plays attributed to him, that perhaps some of them at least were penned by women who paid for the use of his name in order to disguise their gender. It's an interesting concept. Most of the dialogue between Jodi and Jennifer had to do with By Any Other Name. Not only is it the author's newest novel, but she said repeatedly that it's the one she was "born to write." She's very passionate about its subject matter, so the discussion was interesting, lively, and delightful. After that, the two women talked about how editors and authors work together, which was also super intriguing. Jodi then answered some general questions from the audience. Jodi's got such a warm, bubbly personality that it was lots of fun to listen to her. Even my husband—who had heard of Jodi only vaguely from me—said he really enjoyed the presentation. (Also, kudos to the man for accompanying me to an event for someone he wasn't familiar with and which was attended by an audience of at least 90% women. He's a good sport.)

A copy of By Any Other Name was included in the price of the event ticket. It was pre-signed, so we couldn't get any personalization, but we did get to take a photo with Jodi. We only got a quick minute with her, but she was sweet, friendly, and very gracious. Even though this is very much not my favorite picture of myself (I hate all snaps of myself, to be honest), it's a fun momento of a very enjoyable evening. 

I haven't read By Any Other Name yet, but I'm even more excited to dive in now. Have any of you read it? Any other Jodi Picoult fans out there? What's your favorite of her books? I think Leaving Time is mine.