Why a dinner event for 'Go Set a Watchman'? Bob Dotson's idea at signing in April becoming reality

      So much has been written about "Go Set a Watchman" and its launch today.
      There have been personal essays in state publications such as one by an Oklahoma City University professor in The Oklahoman. Rumors of a third book in The New York Times.  Longer pieces about Harper Lee and her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama from national magazines like Smithsonian.
       Best of Books president Joe Hight even appeared on NewsOK.com to talk about the launch.
       It's created a frenzy -- a good one about books and classics -- not seen since the launch of "Harry Potter."

     Best of Books had more than 100 preorders ready and waiting for customers this morning.
     Its partnership with next-door neighbor Bayou Grill to present a " 'To Kill a Mockingbird'/'Go Set a Watchman' Southern Dinner & Entertainment" also sold out two seatings this evening. Nearly 110 people will be fed and entertained.
      But how did BOB decide to do a dinner when other stores were doing midnight openings, early openings and all-day readings instead? It began in March during a rainy day when Bob Dotson of NBC's "American Story" came to the store to sign his book with the same name.

Bob Dotson

      At the time, Bob was talking to Joe about signings and suggested that Best of Books consider what a store in his home state of Connecticut did: Have a dinner with a event revolving around a book or author. Great idea, Joe thought, but the timing had to be right for the first one. Then came the furor surrounding "Watchman."
        After the event this evening, Best of Books may partner with Bayou Grill for more events in the future. Let us know what kind of dinner event you like or might want to attend; give us suggestions. It just needs to revolve around books, authors or history.
         Before then, BOB sends a special thanks to Bob for his idea that is now a reality.