Lakewood Native To Launch New Book, "The Irish Hungarian" At Local Girl

Hi Observer readers, Erin O'Brien here.

I grew up on the corner of Lake Avenue and Parkside drive, right next to Lakewood Park. I'm a 1983 LHS graduate and still get a Christmas Card from Mr. Sors every year (yes, that Mr. Sors).

I lived in a walk-up brownstone on West Clifton after graduating from Ohio University in 1987 and drank my share of (ahem) cold ones at the Riverwood Cafe. Now I have a husband and daughter and although I live in Broadview Heights (think: Parma Heights with a little less glam), Lakewood is always first in my heart.

On Thursday, Feb, 2 at 7:30 p.m., Red Giant Books and will be launching my book of humourous nonfiction, The Irish Hungarian Guide to the Domestic Arts at Local Girl Gallery. It won't take long for you to find Lakewood amid the pages of The Irish Hungarian. My old hometown plays a big part throughout, starting in the introduction.

Although the word "launch" implies backwards counting, a huge explosion and blasting through the earth's atmosphere, this event won't include any of that (unless you're into metaphor). It will, however, be just as spectacular (and a tad less noisy).

That's because not only will you partake in some nibbles and libation, you'll mingle with the one and only Irish Hungarian (as in: me) and get a sample reading of The Irish Hungarian (as in: the book). For something spectacular, Michael Heaton, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Minister of Culture calls The Irish Hungarian is a "wonderfully exuberant and outlandish look on life that is whip-smart, heart-felt and subversively funny enough to cause unsuspecting readers to choke on their guffaws."

That all of this will unfold at Local Girl Gallery isn't just icing--it's an extra large fluffy dollop of buttercream frosting. Because as Lakewood insiders know, this place will fill you with Extreme Cleveland Love. The gallery is brimming with arts and crafts made by, well, local girls (and guys). I'd love to tell you exactly what you'll find when you amble in next month, but the shop's inventory changes all the time depending on who's creating what in and around the fabulous North Coast.

Odds are you'll find something funky or hip at Local Girl and that it will be the right price. You might even find that one object that simply takes your breath away and that you absolutely cannot live without. I promise you'll find a copy of The Irish Hungarian, which, incidentally IS PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (can you tell I sort of dig that?) and will run you fourteen clams.

(Yes, it will eventually be available online. Hold your horses already!)

To my old Lakewood buddies, I'd love to see you. To the new buddies I've yet to make, I'd love to meet you.

Erin O'Brien's eclectic features and essays have appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Plain Dealer, Scene and Fresh Water. Visit erinobrien.us for a complete profile.