You guys!!!!!
It’s BOOK DAY!
It feels like Christmas and heaven and my birthday all in one.
Seriously, I can’t believe White Jacket Required is out in the world today. Seeing it at Barnes and Noble was incredibly surreal —- I fought the urge to jump up and down and tell the entire bookstore that I wrote it! Instead we just took a bunch of iphone photos then went next door to PF Changs and drank Champagne. Then I came home and made one of my favorite comfort food recipes from the book—my mom’s spaghetti sauce—for dinner.
THANK YOU guys so much for all your support. I could never have done this without you and I am beyond thankful for all your comments, emails and moral support every single day. It means the whole world to me.
I updated the book tour page {which you can now find easily on the sidebar —->} to include a couple more signing dates. Yay Austin!! There will probably be a couple more on top of those and I’ll let y’all know about those as soon as I do.
Wahoo!!
Pin It 
{ 156 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats! I preorder thought nook app but it won’t download yet. Hope they upload it soon. I had hoped to read on my flight today. Be proud!
I preordered, too, and mine hasn’t uploaded yet either. I went to the Barnes & Noble website & it isn’t even available anymore to purchase for Nook. Wonder what’s golf on & whether we’ll be getting our e-books…
Going, not golf!
YEah it still won’t download and since they took it off the site I’m guessing
It won’t. Hopefully thy resolve the problem soon.
I’ve emailed Customer Service with Barnes & Noble to see if they can tell me anything about the situation.
I just put in a ticket too
It downloaded now
They fixed it!
Congratulations Jenna! I can’t wait to go buy it after work today!
Congrats, Jenna! I bet you are so excited for this day – such a huge milestone & big day! Woot!! Congratulations!
I just read all about your book, and saw that delicious looking recipe for shrimp and grits on the ‘Simply Scratch’ blog! Being a Georgia girl myself, I was enthralled to see a grits and shrimp recipe…without cheese! It looks sooooo good!….I wanna say CONGRATULATIONS to you on your new book!!!!!
One of these days my book of poetry will be sitting right beside “White Jacket Required”!….Okay, so I’m a little bit delusional! ^_^ But don’t bother yourself about that!…*Teehee*…Just kow that there’s another southern girl in the world rooting in your direction!! Have a good day!
You are simply inspirational – it has been so neat to follow you along this journey. Very excited for you! I am from Austin and will definitely be at your book signing. Congrats!!!
Ditto from another Austinite!
Congratulations! I cannot wait to read it. Enjoy every moment.
Congratulations! Have so much fun on your tour. Just one question: I was so excited to buy the book on my NOOK e-reader today, but it’s not available to buy on Nook yet. Any idea when it will be? Thanks!!
Congrats! I just marked it on my Goodreads “to-read” list, and I’ll be buying it as soon as I’m back in the states!
Congrats Congrats Congrats, I cannot wait to pick up a copy today!!!!
Enjoy your day. And this morning, repeat Champagne as desired!
Ali it let me preorder it on nook but your right it’s not on the site anymore. Wonder why it got taken down? It’s showing in my nook app but says its unavailble to download try again later.
So very excited for you. What an accomplishment! Cheers!
!! Awesome. I think I would be so nervous that the world would be able to read my thoughts – but I guess you’ve been so open and “you” on your blog, there’s nothing to fear!
I’m so excited to get this book!! Eeee!!
congratulations!! if you have any book signings up in the northeast (like ME, MA, NH or VT) please let us know..I will definitely try and be there!!
Congratulations Jenna!!! This is so exciting. I’m hoping the book makes it up here to Canada so I can pick up a copy. If not, I’ll have to Amazon it!
Congrats! I’ve been following your blog for a long time, so I can’t wait to read your book!
Congratulations! I can’t even imagine the feeling…so very exciting!
huge congrats! just ordered my book on amazon yesterday : ) come to DC please!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is so exciting!
Congrats Jenna we are all so proud of you. I am a couple chapters into your book and I am loving it. As a slightly younger (just a little) reader you have been an inspiration to me!
Thanks
Ellie
I can’t wait to read it!!
congrats, jenna! i’m excited you’re coming to austin now! I will for sure try to come see you there! what an exciting time for you
enjoy!
Heeey congratulations!!!! Since I live in Chile I will order it on amazon right now, so I will be reading it in a month or so!!!!
I’ve been reading your blog for over a year now!! And it is funny because I don’t really know-know you but I’m SO proud of you! Can’t wait to read the book!
Congratulations Jenna!! I read your book in like, 3 nights. It was a real page turner!! It’s definitely going on my upcoming holiday gift guide.
Enjoy the launch and book tour! xox
~A
i can’t wait to read your book! & yay for a texas book signing!! i really hope i can make it!
Congratulations! I ordered a copy a few days ago. Can’t wait to read it.
Congratulations, Jenna! I’m dying to read it but – am I wrong – there is no Kindle edition?? I know, I know – I can purchase the hardcover copy but I’m not in the good ol’ USA so it would take a while to deliver and, well,.. I CANT WAIT!
What a momentous day! So happy for you!
wohoo congrats I can’t wait to read it!
WOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! So proud of you! And I can’t wait to read it!!!
Congratulations, Jenna! You bless so many people with your blog and it’s been cool to feel a part of your journey, even though all I do is open my Google Reader!
Congrats, Jenna! I am reading the book this morning with my cup of coffee and lovin’ it. I hope you add a Pacific NW venue to your book tour.
I’ve followed your blog and transformation for years and this is an incredible day!!
So excited for you!!!!! Congrats. And I can’t tell you how excited I am that you’re coming to Austin. Yippee! You will be able to see what a dork I am.
Congratulations Jenna!! I’ve been following your blog forever and I know this is such a huge step. I can’t wait to get your book soon and read it cover to cover. Any chance you can stop by Raleigh while you’re in NC?
Congrats!! Such a special day.
Congrats!!!!!!!
Congrats! I just ordered a copy from Amazon and I’m going on vacation in less than 2 weeks (!!!) and I can’t wait to read it while I’m lounging on the beach – LOL
I have 50 pages to go!
I am loving it. Way to go! So glad you were able to do some celebrating.
I can’t wait to read it! Congrats on all your accomplishments! I really want to drive from Houston to come to your Austin signing
Congrats–that’s so exciting. I saw a display yesterday at B&N! See you in Birmingham soon!
Jenna, I am so excited for you that you’re dream of writing and publishing a book has come true. You’re blog is amazing and I just know you’re book will be fantastic. My pre-ordered copy is en route…expected Thursday. Eek! Can’t wait ; )
Looking forward to reading your book! A huge CONGRATS!!
hi jenna! congrats! so happy for you. i hope to make your SF date in a few weeks.
have a great day with all the excitement of your new release!
i preordered WJR from amazon weeks ago, but it hasn’t arrived yet
Ahhh YOU are such a rock star! Happy Book Day!
Congrats Jenna, was hoping to see Tampa on your list, but heading out to buy your book, I will tell everyone that I know this author, hoping its on the front table as I walk in
. Have fun on your tour, I know your mom must be super excited to be going with you. On a different topic, I have a new friend whom I will be living next to in Sarasota, she also cooks, bakes and takes photos for magazines, I told her to check out your website, her name is Gail Greco, she got back to me today saying, ” you’re a real pro and very devoted”, she would like to meet you one day. Wants to know if you are on Linikin to introduce herself. She did a show for PBS, back in the 90′s, she produced, directed and hosted a cooking show for country inns. She also said that she could possibly get you some cool give aways for your followers. Again, congrats and enjoy your book tour. xx
I am soooo happy for you, what a huge accomplishment, Congratulations!!!I can’ t wait to get my hands on a copy. I hope there is a book signing in my area soon!!! (Southern California, but not too far south) Santa Barbara would be good!!!
Hooray! I am looking forward to reading it
I also LOVE your bubble necklace.
Congrats Jenna! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and have been so excited for your book to come out. I’m going to buy it right now!
i’ve been reading for years and years but have probably never commmented… but just wanted to say congratulations – it’s so fun to watch someone’s dreams come true!
I ordered it on Friday from Amazon thinking it wouldn’t show up until later this week, but suprise suprise it showed up Sunday!! I read it almost in one sitting. Fun to read more about your story.
I’m so excited for you! Congratulations!!! As soon as I’m back in the US (in two weeks) I’m heading out and buying your book.
Normally I just read from my kindle, but I’d rather have the real deal for this one!
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations!! What an awesome accomplishment! Come to DC please!
Congrats, lady!
Congrats Jenna! I ordered mine this weekend. Can’t wait to get it!
Congratulations Jenna! Everyone is so proud of you and I, for one, and truly amazed and inspired. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of my own.
ah! A bunch of us plan to come visit you in Charleston! Congrats! Do you know how long you’ll be there Tuesday night? I teach Body Attack that night until 7!
Congrats. Amazing feeling I’m sure!
Manyyy congratulations Jenna!!!
You must feel over the moon! I’m so excited to read it !
i just downloaded it! so excited to read it!
How’d you download? On nook? I preordered but it won’t download
Mine has finally loaded (7:45 pm eastern)! Did you get yours to work, Jodee?
Wow! So excited for you! Congrats!
Congrats, Jenna! I can’t wait for my copy to ship from Amazon!
Ahhh congrats!!!
Congratulations!!! What a dream come true! So excited for you and so excited to get a copy of my own
Major congrats Jenna! I can’t wait to buy a copy.
Congratulations!! Come to Boston for an extended book tour please
Seriously, Jenna….OKLAHOMA!!! you’ll be in TX. It’s CLOSE ENOUGH!
That is so awesome! Can’t wait to get this book!
I like Craft Beer Guide back there! haha! Congrats to you! you are a great writer and this is such an amazing accomplishment! God Bless!
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations! I’m excited for you!
Congratulations jenna!!
you deserve it! 
Yay! Congrats! How very exciting! Will definitely pick up a copy!
Jenna, I was just sent a copy of your book to review by your PR team! I will post a review this week but so far I am loving it. You have such a great relaxing way with words and I absolutely LOVE your recipes sprinkled in to go with your stories!
ali
Congratulations! I just got my book delivered to me this morning…already reading it!
YAY!!! Congrats!! I will go get it today.
You need to make a stop in California and show some love to your California peeps! Oh I know…how about Lake Tahoe @ Spindleshanks or Wolfdale’s? BTW you look beautiful!! *cheers!*
Congratulations! It’s next on my books-to-buy list!
Congrats!!! how very exciting!
hey jenna, i just had some difficult moments at work today and will totally be rewarding myself with a purchase of your book RIGHT AFTER WORK. so excited to get my hands on it!
Can’t wait to buy it this weekend! Congratulations!!!!
Congratulations on your book!! Super excited for you. What an amazing accomplishment.
How exciting! I’m so happy for you. Looks like we’ll switch up this evening, and head to Barnes & Noble. Congratulations Jenna! P.S. I probably would have screeched and jumped up and down and yelled “I wrote this book!”
Congrats Jenna! I can’t wait to read it!
Yay!! Congrats to you, Jenna! So happy for you!
Congrats! You should have screamed to everyone in the store that it was your book and done an impromptu book signing! ENJOY!!!
Adam tried and I wouldn’t let him! hehe
Congratulations Jenna!!
What a wonderful day for you:-)
Picked up a copy this morning after doing a “yay Jenna cheer” (in my head because out loud would have been awkward
). So excited for you. Congrats!!
Seeeeeeriously so proud of you today!!! <3
Yay for Jenna! Congrats sweetie
CONGRATULATIONS! So, so, sooo very happy for you and your readers
I very much enjoyed it–such a great read for a lazy afternoon. Hope your day is fabulous, Jenna!
No love for the Midwest on the tour
It’s coming! Hopefully!
Could not be more excited for you! Going to get it tomorrow during my lunch! Congrats and can’t wait to see you in Bham!
Congrats, sweet Jenna! I am so incredibly happy for you and proud to own a copy of your book. Can’t wait to start reading it!
After work today I went to the nearest bookstore. The book wasn’t on the shelf, yet they had copies on file. Well, I waited for the employees to locate the books out back, which are now on the shelf and ready for sale, minus the one that is sitting on my bedside table. Can’t wait to read it.
Thank you for sharing your adventures.
Thank you!!
Congratulations Jenna! SO proud of you! And can’t wait to check out your book!
PS. Wish you were book touring all the way to Canada! xoxo
Congratulations Jenna! Wishing you well from Toronto!
I am so excited for you!! Any chance you’ll come up the west coast to beautiful British Columbia?!
Oh man, wouldn’t that be awesome?!??! I really would love to–I have always wanted to visit that part of the country!
Congrats! You look gorg in that pic!
I was able to buy it last week at Barnes and Noble and I read the whole thing over the weekend. Absolutely loved it
YAY! You’re coming to Atlanta!!
Just spent the last few hours reading your book and LOVED it!! As a mid twenties girl myself I found it very relatable and inspirational. Great job Jenna!
I read the entire book today. It was fabulous. I can’t wait to try some of the recipes, although I have to admit – with all the talk of croissants, I was seriously hoping for a recipe!
The parts about your brother were amazingly touching and brought back very real memories about the day my dad died. I think I cried from chapter 17 until the end of the book.
Thank you, Julie!!
I’ve been loving your blog and recipes for awhile now so this is just so so cool! I can’t wait to read your book! Congrats Jenna!
CONGRATS! I cannot wait to get it and read it cover to cover. I hope you decide to come to LA, or decide to do a meet up in SF sometime so I can say hello to you.
Going to pick up this book when I get my kindle this weekend.
congrats!! i could not imagine how exciting this must feel!
Why is the book not on the Kindle yet????
Unfortunately I don’t have control over that—I apologize!
Congrats, Jenna! Just ordered a copy from Amazon.
a million congrats, Jenna!! I really hope you make it out to DC on your book tour
Congrats congrats!!
Congratulations on your AWESOME DAY!!
My copy came into River Books Carmel one day early–today–I ran right over to pick it up and started reading right away next door at Carmel Roasting Company. Will be up all night to complete. What a tremendous job!!
Will donate my copy to the main Carmel Library on Ocean Ave….knowing how much you love Carmel.
You’ve been through a couple of lifetimes in four years. Applause, Jena. This is seriously cool. Loved the dedication too.
Oops, that’s ‘Jenna.” Any day now I’ll learn to spell.
Oh congrats!! I want to jump up and down for you! I can’t wait to read it, I hear it is just wonderful.
Purchased right after work yesterday!
I can’t wait to dive in! Would love to see you in DC on your book tour!
congrats pretty lady!
Just ordered your book!! Can’t wait to read it
Congratulations Jenna! So excited for you!
Congratulations! Planning to see you when you come to Birmingham. Can’t wait to read the book!!
I am soooooo excited that you’re coming to Austin! Can’t wait to meet you! ELR Austin readers, email me at jnrfinallymarried@gmail.com I’d you wanna meet up before the book signing!!!
Already have it marked in my calendar
Wahoo!!!!!!!!! So excited for you. Can’t wait to read your book. Congrats, Jenna!
xo
Congratulations!
What a special day and impressive accomplishment.
Congratulations! That is so exciting.
Hi Jenna! I’ve been a steady reader of your blog since a couple years back…and I gotta tell you congratulations!!!! I’m thrilled right along with you that your book is out
I live in Seoul, Korea…so probably a few months yet for your book to hit the stores here, but I’ll surely be on the lookout! Lovin’ your outlook and tastes in life, God bless you <3
Congratulations Jenna! Just waiting for it to be released in the UK (come on, already UK publishers!!)
I am so extremely happy for you Jenna! I can’t wait to read it!
I started to read your book and could not put it down till I finished, very moving chapter about your brother, felt your love for your parents and friends, you must write a sequel ! keep moving forward .
Congrats on your book release! have the best time on the book tour! You should make a mini-stop in DC!
Congrats on the book, Jenna! I’m so excited to read it. Do you know if it will become available on Kindle?
Congrats! Not sure you’ll see this comment or have a chance to respond, but I was wondering what was with all the southern/western book signings? Who chooses the locations? Are they chosen because they are convenient to where you/your family live, or is there some evidence that the majority of your fans are in those areas? (Genuinely curious.) There are NO northeastern locations!
They are locations that my mom and I can drive to from Georgia…I totally wish I could come to the Northeast this time but it was just too far for this trip.
Congrats!!
I received my copy of the book yesterday, finished it today, and absolutely loved it! Your writing is so fresh and honest- great book! There are several recipes included that I cannot wait to try!
Congrats Jenna!!! Long time reader, so proud of you
!!!
I echo other commenters in requesting a Kindle version! I am in Canada and this would be the most convenient way to read it ASAP. Thanks!!
Can you enable a purchaser to see inside the book on Amazon?
Unfortunately I don’t have access to that but I can ask my publisher about it!
Hi Jenna, I just finished reading your book. I was able to relate to you on so many levels. Many times, I felt like I was reading my own story. I, too, earned my Bachelors in English (with an emphasis in Creative Writing). I, too, missed having manicured nails, can relate to feeling like a completely different person when stepping out of my chef’s uniform and into something feminine (and feeling like a girl again). Meat Fabrication was the class I hated the most in culinary school. It was so not fun struggling with filleting fish, cutting open a pig, and learning how to debone a chicken. Life was miserable those three weeks.
One minor detail I wanted to bring to your attention was the Ms. Kim of your childhood cooking class who spoke with a “thick Chinese accent”. If her last name was Kim, was she a Korean descent that came from China, or was she Chinese woman who married a Korean man with the last name, Kim? My last name is Kim too. And I was puzzled when I came across the Ms. Kim with the Chinese accent, instead of Korean.
And like many of your readers have said, I really wish the chapters did not feel so rushed. There were many details lacking that I wanted to know more of and read more about. But even with that said, I still very much enjoyed it. I even blogged about it!
I have no idea but I just emailed my publisher hoping they can also tell me anything about the situation! I apologize for that!
Okay, so I think it is either available now for download or will be available very shortly! Sorry about that!
Congratulations, Jenna! Mine took awhile (try all day), but finally showed up on my Nook
{ 6 trackbacks }