The Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel will kick off the New Year with a series of January book signing events featuring acclaimed authors Laurence Leamer, Steven Gaines and Actor/Author George Hamilton, as well as a Princess and Pirates Story Time for children. The events showcase literary works that can be purchased at Morris & Co., one of the resort’s retail boutiques.
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Laurence Leamer, Madness Under the Royal Palms
Leamer reveals the secrets of the Palm Beach elite who reside behind the high walls and manicured hedges of this exclusive enclave. A winter resident since 1994, the author gains the trust of his subjects, playing tennis with them and attending their parties. Such firsthand experience is supplemented by newspaper articles and interviews with scores of men and women who, although usually guarded, are unusually open to Leamer. The book’s highly visual vignettes dominated by divorce, infidelity, excessive drinking and violence produce a depressing picture of sad, angry, insecure and frequently nasty people hiding behind empty smiles, luxury cars and socially invisible servants.
Thursday, Jan. 29, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Steven Gaines, Fool’s Paradise
Gaines journeys back into Miami Beach social and cultural history, unearthing stories of the resort’s past that are every bit as absorbing-and jaw-dropping-as those of its present. The book begins with a snapshot of the city’s current excess then plunges into the Beach’s origins, chronicling the audacious rise of such hoteliers as the Fontainebleau’s Ben Novack and the Eden Roc’s Harry Mufson, the sharp-elbowed tactics of Al Capone and Frank Sinatra, and the Mac-10 shooting sprees of the Marielito and Colombian drug lords. From there, the narrative shifts to two wildly eccentric souls who gave their lives to preserving the city’s architectural dazzle and introduces us to “the Most Powerful Man in Miami Beach,” and arrives finally in the modern day.
Saturday, Jan. 31, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Children’s Story Time Event
A Fearless Pirate & Fairy Princess entertain children with live stories of their magical adventures and interactive activities.
Saturday, Jan. 31, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. -George Hamilton, Don’t Mind If I Do
Hamilton, known for films like “Love at First Bite” (1979) and “Evel Knievel” (1971) and TV shows including the more recent “Dancing with the Stars” presents a refreshingly witty and fun Hollywood memoir. Hamilton embraced his atypical family and used the experiences to help create his Hollywood persona. His mother was always looking for husbands to support her lavish lifestyle, and his older brother helped her find financial support while Hamilton and the youngest brother were in school. They traveled cross-country many times in search of a suitable man, and Hamilton took up acting to help provide for his family. With his good looks, charm, and sophistication, he was a natural and knew how to market himself. Col. Tom Parker, who discovered Elvis, became a surrogate agent and friend to Hamilton, helping him with his career. Hamilton had flings with Elizabeth Taylor, Merle Oberon, and other top Hollywood divas. He tells all in this fascinating, humorous autobiography.
Tickets for these events can be purchased at http://www.wantickets.com/fontainebleau or by calling 866–926–8499. Ticket price includes the purchase of the book, reduced parking and 20% off in selected restaurants and retail shops at Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
