Library's Distinguished Speakers Series Dishes Up a Slice of Aimee Bender

The Friends of continued its series Tuesday night with author Aimee Bender, who read from and discussed her novel The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake.

The book series is the creation of Jeanne Gervin, who is on the board of the library's Friends. In March, Gervin invited local screenwriter Mark Lopez to chat about his work on The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Bedtime Stories, among other movies. On July 28, said Gervin, the library will host author and producer Gregg Hurwitz.

Bender, who teaches creative writing at USC, said that The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake tells the tale of a synesthete who, when she eats, can feel the emotions of the people who prepared her food.

Bender said she had originally planned to call the book I've Been Here the Whole Time, but reconsidered when no one—not even her editor—could remember the title from one day to the next. Someone at her publishing house suggested putting the words "lemon cake" in the title, said Bender, and it grew from there.

She said that she thought the title was instrumental in the novel's popularity with book clubs, as they could put out plates of lemon cake to eat while reading. The library had done so too, she said, gesturing to the refreshments at the back of the room. Name the book, and its title will physically manifest.

"Which is why I've said the next book will be called Parisian Apartment," she said.

Gregg Hurwitz will read at the library on Thursday July 28 at 7 p.m. Click here for more information.