A banner day in Pittsburgh

The Store treated the hometown boy very nicely.

Yesterday was one of those days that I will always remember, one of the moments from this book tour that will stand out and stand the test of the time. Thank you Pittsburgh.

I’ll begin at the end – with a jam-packed reading at Barnes and Noble at the Waterfront. This had to be the biggest crowd I have had, with people jammed in, chairs filled, eyes popping up over bookshelves. Thank you everyone who came and the nice management of the store for putting up such a great display and making me feel so at home.

Big In China is all about my experiences in China. Maplewood, NJ is where I live and a place I love – but in many ways, Pittsburgh will always be my home. And that made the special feeling, the big crowd, the beautiful display very, very meaningful to me.

I began the day speaking to students at my alma mater, Taylor Allderdice HS. They were attentive and involved and the school looks great. I had not set foot inside it in 27 years.

Later, my dad and I rode bikes (about 6 miles each way) to the Pirates home opener. I could barely keep up with him. Dixie remains an inspiration. Beautiful ride, on a trail by the the Monongahela River. Crossed a couple of bridges, which always makes you feel like you are in Pittsburgh and had a great afternoon on a beautiful day in a beautiful stadium – at a terrible game.