Upcoming book events

"A Gamecock Odyssey" book tour rolls on!

Ok, “tour” might be a little grandiose. But I do want to get the word out about a few events in support of A Gamecock Odyssey. Before diving into that though, I want to thank some great people for a wonderful few days of events in Columbia last weekend.

Thanks to the good folks at Columbia’s All Good Books for hosting my conversation with Bob Gillespie, former senior sports writer with The State, last Friday evening. Bob and I discussed “Odyssey” and USC’s often controversial, always entertaining independent era. Many thanks to Bob for lending his insights and perspective accumulated over a thirty year career covering many of the teams, athletes and coaches we discussed.

I have been following All Good Books’ Ben Adams since he opened Odd Bird Books a few years back in Columbia’s Arcade Mall on Main Street. I was thrilled for him then, and I’m really thrilled for him now. He and his partners have created a beautiful space - a fantastic shop - right in the heart of Five Points. It was an honor to be there, and wonderful to see a thriving indy bookseller back in Columbia all these years after Happy Bookseller closed their doors over in Forest Acres.

There are lots of avenues to purchase books, but if you have an opportunity to support All Good Books, or the independent bookstore wherever you live, please do so. Your dollars make a difference, so shop local!

Shout out to USC Press for their continued support of “Odyssey.” Particularly Marketing and Sales Director Cathy Esposito and Marketing Assistant Diane Wade, who staffed the USC Press booth at Soda City Market last weekend. The rain held off and it was a beautiful Saturday morning for strolling Main Street, sipping a great cup of joe from Curiosity Coffee Bar, taking in the dozens of other cool vendors, and chatting with fellow Gamecock fans and book lovers.

Not do be outdone, Press Director Michael McGandy gave up part of his weekend to help out at the USC Bookstore merch table at Colonial Life Arena prior to the men’s game versus Vanderbilt. Michael shared that his dad was a concession vendor at Yankee Stadium many years ago, and he obviously inherited the art of concession fare patter (“Books here! Get your books here!”).

Finally, thanks to Lynn Broxmeyer and her staff at the USC Bookstore, who got us into the CLA early and set us up with everything we needed to sell some books at both the men’s game Saturday and the women’s game Sunday. It was a wonder to watch Lynn work, managing the barely controlled chaos of the merch booth during pregame, halftime and post-game, as 18,000 fans descended upon the CLA for both games.

It was a fantastic weekend, made even better by two Gamecock wins, the opportunity to see friends and family, and to meet a lot of great people interested in Gamecock history!

What’s next?

I’m excited for a few additional events coming up in March and April.

• March 2 & 3 - I’ll be back at the USC Bookstore merch booth for both the men’s game versus Florida and the women’s game versus Tennessee. These will be the final home game and Senior Day for both teams. Swing by the booth just inside the main entrance and say hello!

• March 7 - Columbia’s Barnes & Noble at Richland Mall has relocated to the Shoppes at Woodhill, at 6090 Garners Ferry Road. I’ll be signing books between 5 & 7pm during their grand opening weekend. Additional details here.

• April 11 - Spartanburg’s Hub City Books (6-8pm) - I will discuss A Gamecock Odyssey and USC’s independent era.

More updates to come here at SxSE!