Charlie Wilson's War

Last night I spent a delightful evening in a BEAUTIFUL home (one that even had a ballroom!) with Joanne Herring. If you follow politics, are from Texas or have seen Charlie Wilson's War you are certain to know who Joanna Herring is. Julia Roberts played the young, attractive, Houston, socialite in the film.

The evening began with a cocktail buffet. All the guests made there way into the ballroom for the presentation. Mrs. Herring made a grand entrance and quickly began to share all her stories with us. She also made mention of her political views which everyone agreed with...we were in Texas after all (tee hee hee, of course I am kidding!). Then, she gave us a sneak peak into her new book: Diplomacy and Diamonds...

"She's been dirt poor, she's been filthy rich. Rich was more fun. She married three times, divorced twice, found her true love and lost him to cancer. At 21, she was told she would soon die. She lived. Doctors said she'd never be able to have children. She had 'em. She's bargained with God, dictators, and Democrats. She's partied with princes, presidents, premiers, Barbara Walters, Anwar Sadat, Margaret Thatcher, Tom Hanks, and Francisco Franco . . . though not all at the same time. She captivated powerful men with her feminine charm, and then persuaded them toward unlikely political alliances through her formidable intelligence. She waltzed with Prince Philip in Buckingham Palace, dressed in men's clothes and smuggled herself in a barrel across the Pakistani border, threw a Roman-themed party so extravagant it was featured in Life magazine, and survived a Soviet gunship attack in the mountains of Afghanistan. Joanne Herring, the Houston socialite portrayed by Julia Roberts in the film Charlie Wilson's War, is far more colorful, funny, and likable than any screen writer could have guessed. The former Texas television anchor is known for her improbable fight with the mujahideen against the former Soviet Union. But her full story-with all its God, guns, and Gucci glory-has never been told. Born in the man's world of Texas in a time when women had limited choices, Joanne Herring blazed a trail with allies as unlikely as Charlie Wilson, Pierre Cardin, and President Ronald Reagan, and in so doing forged new paths for women in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and America."

The book comes out in October, but you can pre-order your copy on Amazon now. All proceeds from the book will go towards Mrs. Herring's efforts in Afghanistan. I am thrilled to have been able to attend this event and obtain a signed bookplate. What a fabulous evening spent with an inspirational woman!!