Chaucer’s Books will hosts local author Sandy Pearl for a book talk and signing of “Then the Phone Rang: My Journey from Hitchhiking Hippie to the Hollywood High Life.”

The talk will be 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 at 3321 State St., Santa Barbara.

“Then the Phone Rang” tells the story of a young woman whose life, initially lacking direction, has been shaped by a series of unpredictable events since her early 20s. 

Pearl started her career in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, fetching coffee, and answering phones.

Over the next 23 years, she worked her way up to doing publicity for Atlantic Records and various aspects of production in television, film and commercials, culminating in a successful career as a producer of national television commercials.

On her journey, she met many famous and colorful characters who populated her world and formed relationships within and outside the industry — some good, others not so much. 

Pearl’s collection of real-life experiences blends light-hearted anecdotes, dark drama, tales of misadventure, riveting stories, and vignettes, with a twist of humor woven in.

When the phone rings, you never know what it will bring.
 
A third-generation Santa Barbara, Pearl has traveled the world, backpacking and on private jets. Throughout her adventures, she has survived kidnapping, detainment, two near-death experiences, and being targeted by a stalker.

“Then the Phone Rang” marks her debut as an author.