Did you know that Andy Warhol had a girlfriend?

Did you know that Andy Warhol had a girlfriend? Actually, well, he didn't, but IF ANDY WARHOL HAD A GIRLFRIEND is the title of a book that's just now hitting the shelves. The book is the story of Jane Laine, who used to know a lot about art. But that was before she started managing a prominent gallery, and long before she met "it" artist Ian Rhys-Fitzsimmons. Jane can't seem to put a finger on what exactly is so "it" about his work. In fact, as far as she can tell, he's a big fraud and his fifteen minutes of fame should be over by now. Which could be kind of a problem-since Jane is the one who has to accompany him on a five-month international art fair tour.

To get through it all, Jane figures she'll be a good sport and keep her critiques to herself. Until, traveling with this alleged genius from London to Rome and beyond, she starts to understand the connection between art and love-and the fact that in both, perspective is everything.

The author, Alison Pace, is a cool young lady who has held two of the dreamiest jobs in the world. Recently, she's a published author at Berkley, and before that she had the fab job of working at Sotheby's. Now, those of you who don't know what's what, and have never been exposed to Sotheby's should either a) check out their website sometime, b) check out one of their catalogs or c) participate in an auction. When I chatted with Alison about working at Sotheby's, I was truly impressed. She described it like this:

Working at Sotheby's was a terrific experience. You were constantly exposed to outstanding art and always surrounded by people who were so knowledgeable about art and passionate about it. I learned a TON about art while working there, it was a great education. Out of every job I've had, it was, I think, my favorite.

I'm hoping to go see an auction in person one day, just to get the experience. Actually, I think I'm going to check out Alison's book, which got the following quote from Beth Kendrick, author of My Favorite Mistake, "Art lovers, dog lovers--even EX-lovers--will love this fun, funny book." I can't wait to read it!

And speaking Sotheby's, they're getting set for what the NY Post called, "a Kennedy garage sale", which cracked me up. Apparently Caroline Kennedy is running out of storage space as well and those monthly storage places in Brooklyn are SO expensive, so they're cleaning house. Some of the items that are going on the block:

• A group of three medicine bottles, and two glass bottles, some imperfections to the glass, and a chipped rim on the basket weave glass bottle. Expected price: $250-$350.


• A brass candlestick lamp in good condition, $125-$175.


• Two contemporary upholstered armchairs, described as: "Both seats with under-springing sagging a bit. Both the upholstery fabric on both chairs with quite a bit of fading, dusty scuffs and spots, fly specking and several minor rips." Expected price: $75-$125.

Now, as you can see, those Kennedy's really know how to hold a garage sale. The complete auction listing is here.

And lastly, accordingly to Keith Kelly at the Post ,

Chick Lit is getting a new home at Warner Books. Buoyed by the recent success of Susan Jane Gilman's bestselling "Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress" the book division of Time Warner has decided to launch a trade paperback imprint aimed entirely at women. It will be called 5 Spot.

"We're trying to show that chick lit doesn't have to be a derogatory term," insisted Amy Einhorn, the vice president and editorial director of Trade Paperbacks, "but it's not just chick lit—it's narrative non-fiction as well."

The inaugural list will have eight titles, including first-time novelist Beverly Bartlett's "Princess Izzy and the E Street Shuffle;" Liza Palmer's "Conversations with the Fat Girl and Kristin Harmel's "How to Sleep with a Movie Star."

The nonfiction wing will include "Miss New York Has Everything" by Lori Jakiela, "Revenge of the Past-Eaters: Memoirs of a Misfit" by Cheryl Peck and "The Virgin's Guide to Everything," by Lauren McCutcheon. "It will be a guide to everything except sex," said Einhorn, "there are already a lot of books on that topic."

That's all for now!