''Coming to My Senses' Chronicles Adventures in Scent

Photo of Alyssa Harad by Erin Mayes.

Fragrance lovers will adore the new book Coming to my Senses: A Story of Perfume, Pleasure and an Unlikely Bride, by Alyssa Harad. The memoir, which hits bookstores this Thursday, chronicles the author's journey into the seductive world of scent. 
Harad, who blogs for Now Smell This, Perfume Smellin’ Things, and writes about fragrant finds for various publications, said she never set out to write a book about herself. 
“My intention was to create a book out of all my favorite bloggers and their great blog posts because I was just an obsessed fan girl,” Harad told In A Bottle. 
Instead, editors became interested in her evolution from shopping-averse academic to scent expert, and urged Harad to tell her own story. 

“I think for me the book is as much about women and pleasure and how to be a girl as it is about perfume,” she said. 
To celebrate the launch of her book, Harad is hosting two special events designed to awaken the senses by blending fragrance and flavor.
The first, set for 7 p.m. July 12 at Book People in Austin, will treat guests to honey truffles and Jasmine Bellinis. 
The second, 7 p.m. July 19 at BookCourt in Brooklyn, will feature Maria McElroy of aroma M perfumes, and perfume cocktails by Julianne Zaleta of Brooklyn Brainery. 
Harad will read from her book and sign copies as well.
“I love that kind of translation work. Perfume was my back door into beauty departments and that high glamour, but I also think it’s fun to take it out of the beauty counter and back into the kitchen,” Harad said. 


Coming to my Senses (Viking, July 5, 2012, hardcover, $29.95) is available at bookstores nationwide.