Launch party for Asheville author’s book is Thursday at Malaprop’s; novel named a top teen book of 2010 by NPR

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Asheville author Stephanie Perkins is celebrating the launch of her first novel on Thursday with a big party and signing event at Malaprop’s. Local folks should come out and support Perkins – she’s Asheville’s next star in the book world.

Perkins’ book, Anna and the French Kiss, was named a top young-adult novel of the year by Gayle Forman of NPR:

On the surface, the perfect romantic comedy seems so easy: Take lovers, add drama, serve hot. Once you deconstruct a book like Stephanie Perkins’ delectable debut, you realize what a trick such a concoction actually is: love interests whose chemistry sparks off the page, tantalizing pacing, sparkling repartee, vibrant supporting characters, and a setting like Paris never hurts.

Loyal reader Jarrod (who also happens to be married to Perkins) says the ever-tasty Sisters McMullen Bakery is providing French pastries. The event starts at 7 p.m. and it’s open to the public.