The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Clinton’s book stop sells out in hours
Wesleyan R.J. Julia Bookstore hosting former presidential candidate Oct. 21
MIDDLETOWN » Half a day after ticket sales opened for Hillary Clinton’s visit to the Wesleyan R.J. Julia Bookstore to speak about her newmemoir, the event was already sold out.
Events Manager Liz Bartek said hundreds are expected Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. to hear Clinton speak about her yet-to-be-released 512-page book, “What Happened,” detailing the events surrounding her Democratic candidacy in the 2016 presidential election.
Tickets went on sale late Monday afternoon for $30, which includes a copy of the book, and sold out by Tuesday morning, Bartek said.
The book, published by Simon & Schuster, will be available Sept. 12 at the bookstore at 413 Main St.
Because of the sheer number of people expected to attend the event, the bookstore very likely will close, Bartek said, but a final decision has not been made.
“We haven’t met with her team to discuss those specific security logistics,” Bartek said. “That will be happening in the coming weeks. When we hosted her at R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison, the store was closed during the event, so we anticipate that will also be the case.” Clinton’s book “describes
what it was like to run against Donald Trump, the mistakes shemade, howshe has coped with a shocking and devastating loss, and how she found the strength to pick herself back up afterward,” according to the Wesleyan R.J. Julia website.
“With humor and candor, she tells readers what it took to get back on her feet — the rituals, relationships, and reading that got her through, and what the experience has taught her about life.
The former Secretary of State “speaks about the challenges of being a strong woman in the public eye, the criticism over her voice, age, and appearance, and the double standard confronting women in politics,” it continues.
The bookstore, which opened this spring, was heralded as a “new standard for college bookstore.” More than 150 people were introduced to the 12,000-squarefoot space in the old Itkins building on Main Street May 24.
Middletown native Shannon Allen, a Mercy High School graduate, Florida resident and wife of retired NBA all-star and Olympic gold medalist Ray Allen, owns the cafe inside the bookstore, grown, a USDA organic-certified restaurant.
For October’s event, a ticket is required. Clinton will also sign copies of her 2017 illustrated children’s book edition of “It Takes a Village,” available for purchase at the store the day of the event.
Clinton will sign a maximum of two books for each individual and will not personalize her signatures or sign memorabilia of any kind.
According to a post on the bookstore’s Facebook page, Wesleyan R.J. Julia is not taking orders for signed copies in advance, however people may contact the office Oct. 22 to check for availability.