JUNE 6-13, 2024: Pre-Launch in Seattle, Washington

The Book Tour begins with a family and friends reunion and a series of pre-launch events

June 10, 2024:
The book wasn’t even out yet. But that didn’t stop Fauntleroy and Alki United Church of Christ (UCC) of West Seattle from teaming up with the Westside Interfaith Network to open their proverbial arms to me and embrace Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands.

“Full disclosure,” I said at the start of our evening together. “I’ve only recently landed from London, so it’s the middle of the night by my body clock. You are also my very first event! My guinea pigs, if you will. I hope you’ll forgive me that I need to read from my notes.”

The crowd of 40-50 people forgave me. I felt empowered, even reading from my notes. I gave them three exclusive sneak peeks into the book, which would come out a full week later, on June 18. And I never had to refer to my notes again!

June 11, 2024:
I had my one and only café event of the tour, with people coming and going as I channeled my inner singer-songwriter to talk-read through the book, reading after reading. Friends came and strangers stopped. One gentleman stayed throughout, but at the back of the room with his headphones on and his computer open, working. I couldn’t have been more surprised when he approached me at the end, thanking me for such a powerful book and applauding me for taking on such a divisive topic — and doing it in such an engaging way.

Which just goes to show you — even the least attended event holds the power to touch hearts and potentially change minds.

June 6-9, 2024:
We had a Towle Family reunion! I have an aunt and loads of cousins on the USA West Coast who I never get to see!

June 10-13, 2024:
I reconnected with friends from my college and Hong Kong days, who now live in Seattle: Cathy and Charlie, Mary Beth and Thompson, Bonne, and Bob — Thanks for your hospitality, one and all!

June 12, 2024:
I attended the weekly Tuesday ICE Air deportation watch at Boeing Field. Boo! Boeing Field! Shame on you!

Then, I hand-sold Crossing the Line into bookstores all over the Seattle area. Thanks for joining me, Cathy! And what a great way to get to know a city!