'Unflappable' Takes Princeton Locals On A Virtual Road Trip

PRINCETON, NJ — HarperCollins/Chronicle Books author, Suzie Gilbert and illustrator/author Kim Doner are doing a virtual event with the Princeton Public Library at 7:30 p.m. on Monday to offer an escape from the coronavirus.

During the virtual event Princeton Librarian Janie Hermann will ask Gilbert and Doner questions about their book "Unflappable". Both Gilbert and Doner are also wildlife rehabilitators who will be talking about how working with wildlife has inspired them, as well as about their latest work.

"Unflappable" was Gilbert's debut book that took her about two years to write.

"I am sure every writer whose book was scheduled for release this spring went through the same feelings of shock and disbelief as I did. I live in a very small town, and it really didn't seem real until my local bookstore shut down," Gilbert said. "At first I felt almost selfish, worrying about my book when there was a pandemic. But I was concerned about my livelihood, the same way as people whose workplaces were closing."

Although Gilbert can not physically go out for her book tour due to the coronavirus, she says "Unflappable" has been called "the perfect escape for 2020."

"The strange twist to my book is that it's the road trip everyone wishes they could take now. It's a funny, page-turning, suspenseful adventure filled with all kinds of characters, both human and animal. You learn about the strange world of wildlife rehabilitation, but at the same time it's pure escapist entertainment. I can honestly tell people, 'Here, read this. You'll feel better'," Gilbert said.

To check out the virtual event visit crowdcast.io/e/unflappable/register.

For more information or to buy "Unflappable" visit suziegilbert.com/books.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.