One of the great things about my job is the people I get to work with. And one of my favorite people was Mary Pols, who I sat next to for a few years. Mary was our movie critic, and she was so darn smart about movies, it was always a joy to read her reviews.

The bad news is, Mary left the paper a few months ago. The good news is, she left because she’s now an author and her first book comes out on June 3. It’s a memoir: “Accidentally on Purpose: A One-Night Stand, My Unplanned Parenthood, and Loving the Best Mistake I Ever Made.” 

Yep, it’s the old cute-guy-in-a-bar scenario. Mary was 39 and single, and it was starting to look like she’d never have the children she so desperately craved (she came from a family of five kids). When she got pregnant, she was in a quandary. She was single. She was a journalist, which means she was not exactly rolling in money. She wasn’t sure about the baby’s father, or even if she wanted him in her life, much less her baby’s life. She wanted a girl. The baby was a boy.

The book is beautifully-written: witty, often poignant, and always brutally honest. Publisher’s Weekly says “Candid and unaffected, Pols provides an important lesson about not being willing to compromise herself, and that being brave can bring the richest rewards.”

I was so entranced reading Mary’s book, I forgot I was reading about a friend.  It’s already being considered for a movie and TV series, and rightfully so. And, Mary is going to start on a novel after she finishes her book tour for this one. 

And here’s the really fun part. Mary and I will be in conversation at the intimate Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette at 7 p.m. Monday June 9. This theater works great for author events … I did one with Candace Bushnell there a few years ago and it was a blast. This one will be, too, because Mary and I know each other, so who knows what will come out! Also, Town Hall has a full bar, and you can bring your drinks to your seats, unlike other venues.

Because the theater is small (180 seats), the audience will be able to participate as well. And, her books will be sold at the event by my friend Kathleen Caldwell, who owns A Great Good Place for Books in Oakland.

Tickets are a bargain; $8 (cheaper than a movie, and much better for your mind!)  Call 925-283-1557. Town Hall Theatre is on the corner of School Street and Moraga Road in Lafayette.

I hope to see you there!