Nearly everyone in the audience seemed to be clutching a copy of Rubin's book. (Those that didn't could buy one from the stacks brought in by Rainy Day Books.) Many, like me, arrived early for the wine and hummus reception that preceded the event and to snag a seat near the stage.
For all the anticipation, however, Rubin's remarks were brief. In 10 minutes, she summarized the premise of her book and shared a few tips -- i.e., making the bed every day is the easiest way to gain a little more peace of mind ("mundane things, as it turns out, are very important in happiness"). A Q&A with the audience lasted only about five minutes, covering some of the same things that Rubin talked about in an interview with us last week.
When the presentation ended, an elderly woman in front of me turned to her friend and said, "She could have gone on a little longer." I, too, was hoping Rubin might talk more about what she's learned about happiness since finishing her book or share some anecdotes that didn't make it into print. But the lecture was followed by a book signing. And considering the huge line gathering for that as I departed, keeping the talk short may have been in the best interest of the author and the library staff.
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