Westfield Native Robert Cozzi Returns Home For Book Signing

Westfield native Robert Cozzi will be at The Town Bookstore autographing copies of his new book, Blanket of Hearts, on Sept. 10. Located at 270 E. Broad Street, the signing is scheduled from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. In addition to books purchased that day, Cozzi will also be signing any previously purchased books of his.

"Of course I grew up in Westfield and I was a page 2 editor for Hi's Eye back in high school," Cozzi, who graduated from Westfield High School in 1982, told Patch. "I have kept a journal since I was 14 years old and I still write in one everyday."

Returning to the Westfield book store as a published author is personal for Cozzi. "The Town Book Store holds a special place in my heart because I bought my first book there with my own money in 5th grade, (George Orwell's "1984") and it's one of the few independent book stores left," said Cozzi.

Not just a chance for poetry lovers to meet the author, the signing will have an altruistic aspect to it. "I am donating all of my book proceeds from this book signing event to The Closer to Free Bike Ride for Cancer, which is a fundraiser for Yale-Smilow Cancer Hospital," Cozzi said.

Phil Gottlick, a good friend of Cozzi's and a classmate from Westfield High, will be participating in a 64-mile long fundraising bike ride in Connecticut to raise money for the same organization, also held on Saturday.

Two up-coming songs, co-written by Cozzi and his friend, singer-songwriter, King Kazi, were inspired by the book. "I Can't Live Without You" will be released soon, along with accompanying music video. Kazi is also the model featured on the books cover.

Blanket of Hearts, described as Cozzi's "most intimate collection of work to date," is a poetry and prose compilation focusing on "the often-harsh terrain and mine-studded landscape of relationships." It has been nominated for a Indie Book Award from Metamorph Publishing in the Favorite Poetry Book category (you can vote for the winner here).

For those unable to attend, you can reserve a signed copy by calling the Town Book Store at (908) 233-3535, or messaging Cozzi through his Facebook page. You can check out the book's trailer (featuring Kazi) below.

Image courtesy of Robert Cozzi