On a perfectly crisp fall day, we gathered to celebrate Elaine Castillo’s debut novel, “America Is Not the Heart.” The multi-generational family saga tells the story of three Filipina women immigrants in the U.S.

“Hungrily ambitious in sweep and documentary in detail, and reads like a seismograph of the aftershocks from trading one life for another.” – The New York Times Book Review

“A stunning, powerful look at the American Dream; at family; at all the past lives we can’t escape, no matter how far away we are from home. It’s tender, touching, and impossible to put down.”– Shondaland

"Sophistication rare in a first novel ..." – Vogue

The Belle Isle Boat House was our host for the evening. Event coordinator Ryan Abney toured guests through the 117-year-old facility and showed off the half-million dollars in renovations that are coming.

The building, which offers sweeping views of the Detroit River and downtown skyline, still houses the Detroit Boat Club Crew — the oldest rowing club in North America.

The evening featured a custom cocktail created by Mallery Heise of The Apparatus Room, using the flavors of book — including purple yam!

Additionally, several women-owned vendors joined the party to tell Shady Ladies about their businesses. We were happy to welcome: Rebel Nell, Le Detroit Macaron, Held Ceramics, Rosemarine Textiles, Not Sorry Apparel, Kaivi Jewelry, and de Petites Merveilles.

After a book reading that featured Elaine speaking from the second floor balcony, Romeo & Juliet-style, Shady Ladies retried to the dining room for a meal prepared by Dorothy Hernandez of Sarap Detroit. A Filipina American herself, Dorothy wanted to give guests a taste of her culture and bring “America Is Not the Heart” to life.