I want to extend a heartfelt invitation to an event that means the world to me. This Saturday, April 5th, from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, I’ll be at the Bolingbrook Fountaindale Public Library for a very special book launch celebration. This isn’t just any author event… it’s a homecoming for me, and I’d love to share it with you.
A Homecoming at Fountaindale Library (April 5th)
Join me for the official Hearts of Glass book launch at Fountaindale Public Library on April 5th. An ASL interpreter will be present to make sure everyone can enjoy the event.
Why is this event so special? Because it’s happening at the library both my child and I grew up in, making it a true homecoming celebration.
I have countless memories of Fountaindale. Returning to this beloved place as an author to launch Hearts of Glass: Living in the Real World has my heart swelling with nostalgia and gratitude. This library isn’t just a building to me; it’s where generations of my family fell in love with stories and had essential resources for us.
To kick off the book’s journey here feels like coming full circle.
For those who can make it out, here’s what you can expect at the event:
- Meet & Greet: Come chat with me about the book, my writing process, Gen X nostalgia, or anything you’re curious about! I’ll also do a short, heartfelt reading of a couple of my favorite excerpts from Hearts of Glass.
- Book Signing: I’ll be signing copies of Hearts of Glass (we’ll have books available for purchase on site). I can’t wait to personally sign one for you and say hello.
- Inclusive & Fun: This will be a warm, welcoming gathering. An ASL interpreter will be on site so that all our neighbors can fully participate. We’ll have snacks, beverages, and even a little free gift for everyone who attends. Just my way of saying thank you for being part of this journey.
Whether you’re a Bolingbrook local who grew up roaming these library aisles or you’re new to the community, everyone is welcome. Together let’s turn this afternoon into a celebration of community, nostalgia, and the power of coming together. I truly hope to see you there – it’s going to be an emotional, joyful day that I hope we all remember for a long time.
The Power of Stories to Connect Generations
One of the reasons I wrote Hearts of Glass – and why I adore YA fiction – is the way stories can bond different generations. This novel is set in the late ’80s, but its themes are timeless and timely, touching on challenges teens still face today
I’ve always hoped that Gen X Watch, Fem Fridays, and Hearts of Glass would serve as an opportunity to bond generations.
We Gen Xers might see reflections of our own youth in the characters, while younger readers (Gen Y and Z and beyond) can discover that their parents or even grandparents get it – we’ve been through similar struggles, heartaches, and triumphs.
I’ve heard from some of you that you’re intending to read the book with your teens, or passing it to your parents after you’re done. I am amazed! An honest story can open up conversations across age groups – maybe an ’80s mall scene in the book gets a parent talking about their past, or a young reader asks, “Did things like this really happen back then?” In those moments, a book becomes a bridge. We share laughs about the nostalgia and, more importantly, share understanding about the serious matters that spans generations. That’s the magic of YA fiction for me: it reminds us that love, friendship, and the unfair strengthening of resilience in a harsh world are universal no matter when or where we grew up. Those feelings connect us all.
Shoutouts from an Amazing Community
In the lead-up to this launch, I’ve been blown away by the support from friends and fellow creators. Just this week I had the pleasure of chatting with Bookish Chas on YouTube in an in-depth interview about Hearts of Glass.
It felt like two old friends catching up – we talked about everything from ’80s nostalgia to the real-life issues that inspired the story. Chas asked such thoughtful questions, and I may have revealed a behind-the-scenes tidbit or two! He also posted a wonderful (spoiler-free) video review of the book on his channel.
Hearing Chas describe how the story resonated with him absolutely made my week. If you haven’t seen his review or our interview, I encourage you to check them out – his perspective as a fellow Gen X booklover is so genuine and heartfelt.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, the awesome hosts of the LikeWhatever Gen X podcast gave Hearts of Glass a shoutout on a recent episode. They even mentioned on-air that they got an early peek and said “it is really good.”
This genuinely floored me! AS I have devoured their past episodes there is one thing that is undeniable. They speak their minds and are out of fucks to give. So if they say they like something, they mean it!
I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be joining Nicole and Heather on an upcoming episode of their podcast. We’ll chat about the book, swap some ’80s stories, and dive into the Gen X fuckery. Stay tuned for that! I’ll share details once the episode is about to drop. I can’t wait to talk with them (the podcast is a blast, by the way) and connect with more listeners through that conversation.
The love on Instagram has been equally incredible. My friend Ruth, of Ruth’s Rec Room, put together a fantastic short video review urging everyone to check out Hearts of Glass. (Full disclosure: yes, Ruth and I go way back – she’s a friend. But as she wrote, she “doesn’t go to the trouble of making a whole video just because” she knows me – she did it because she truly enjoyed the book!) In her post, Ruth asked: “Add to your TBR pile! Like 80s nostalgia? Real teens with real problems? Good-hearted male leads who are adorably clueless?”
Then encouraged folks to “make Hearts of Glass: Living in the Real World one of your next reads!”
I was beyond touched by her enthusiasm (and let’s be honest, her way with words gave me a big smile). Seeing a story aficionado genuinely recommend the book to her followers is the highest compliment I could receive.
And if that weren’t enough, the fabulous Jordan (aka @CantBuyMe80s on Insta) gave Hearts of Glass a shoutout too! She featured the book on her delightfully retro ’80s-themed page.
Jordan’s passion for all things ’80s is infectious, and to have Hearts of Glass highlighted in her community made my day. It’s yet another reminder of how lucky I am to be part of this circle of creative, supportive nostalgia lovers who have each other’s backs.
Every one of these interactions, a YouTube chat, a podcast nod, Instagram reels, represents support and love that I don’t take for granted. They show that this book isn’t just my journey; it’s ours. It’s being embraced by a community that understands where it came from, and that is the most rewarding feeling in the world.
Thank You to Our Readers and Patrons
Lastly, I want to speak directly to you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. When I started Gen X Watch, I never imagined it would grow into the supportive community it is today. Your encouragement… every comment, every share, every message… gave me the courage to pour my soul into Hearts of Glass. For those on Patreon who believed in this project early on (even getting sneak peeks and listening to my weekly rambles), you have my eternal gratitude. You’re not just supporters; you’re collaborators in spirit.
Writing a book can be a daunting road, full of self-doubt and late-night writing sessions, but knowing that this community had my back made all the difference. I truly feel like we wrote this book together! Your feedback and enthusiasm shaped it more than you know. And now, as I prepare to share it in person at the library event, I carry your support with me. It’s because of you that I strive to create stories that are honest and heartfelt. It’s because of you that Hearts of Glass exists and is ready to meet the world.
So, to each of you reading this: thank you for being part of Gen X Watch and part of my life. If you’re in the area on April 5th, I hope to see you at Fountaindale Library so I can thank you in person – with hugs, laughter, and maybe a few happy tears (it could happen… fair warning!). Let’s celebrate this Hearts of Glass homecoming together as the family of friends that we are.
If you can’t make it, no worries – I feel your support in spirit! There will be more events down the road, and I’ll be sharing highlights on the column. And of course, I’ll keep you posted on that podcast episode and any other fun updates. Stay tuned, and take care of each other.
Stay Totally Awesome!
Stay True to You!
With love and endless appreciation,
-Pat Green-Editor in Chief ❤️
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