We're having a party and you're all invited ...

I'm excited to let you all know that we're having a launch party for Nick Saban vs. College Football at the Alcove International Tavern in Tuscaloosa. 

Although the book's official release date is Sept. 1, that's Labor Day, so we're waiting a week and having it it Monday, Sept. 8, beginning at 5 p.m. Barnes and Noble will be there to sell copies, which I'll be happy to sign, and Saturday Down South will have a presence as well.

For those of you who have not been to Alcove and are GPS-minded, the address is 730 22nd Ave., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. The formal signing will be until 7 or so.

I spy with my little eye ...

... a copy of Nick Saban vs. College Football on the NFL Network.

That's Ian Rapoport, who used to cover the Crimson Tide for the Birmingham News, who is now a big-shot reporter for the NFL Network. That's the book underneath the football on the right side of the screen (stage left for him if you know that term).

For those wondering that's actually from Ian's home as the various reporters regularly do segments from wherever they're based. That's why you see a Mississippi State cowbell (for his wife), a Columbia bobble head (where he graduated), and a hockey puck. Ok, I have no idea on the puck, but I'm a huge hockey guy so big thumbs up.

Thank you! (Photo credit Ian Rapoport, follow him on @RapSheet, everyone be nice and say hello to the Banktress, and brought to you by the campaign for IanIsAwesome.com).

First signing in the books

A huge thank you to everyone at the Alabama Booksmith for today's signing and to those who came by including Jonathan Harder and Carla Jean Whitley (author of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: How the Swampers Changed American Music). It was 100 degrees out, school started today in the Birmingham area and the interstate was in total shutdown-gridlock mode, but we were still very pleased how things turned out.

The book seems to be off to a great start even tough the official release date is September 1.

The Alabama Booksmith only sells autographed books and I think I put my name in about 50 extra for the store, but promised that when they run out I'll be happy to come by and do so again. If you you've never been to the store, you're missing out. Make sure to meet Jake and try and get him to tell some stories.