Reader! I made this thing and I want to tell you about it.

In this issue: a text message someone sent me at midnight, a fun video thing, a food and restaurant hero for our times, what exactly The 2-Hour Cocktail Party is all about, the Chicken Game, and a few more things.

Why you’re getting this: I'm Nick Gray and this is my Friends Newsletter. I send this every month to interesting people and friends I want to keep in touch with. You can un-subscríbe any time and I won't be mad. I won't even be notified!

photo of Nick Gray holding his book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party — My book is here! The paperback turned out so nice. Also I think I need to iron this shirt.

Random links

✅ GTD in 15 minutes – A Pragmatic Guide to Getting Things Done
One of the most popular and time-tested productivity systems. This refresher / overview from recomendo is nice.

🌴 Why You Need A Digital Detox with Andrew Wilkinson
I should probably do this... after the launch... some day...

🍔 NYT: Guy Fieri, Elder Statesman of Flavortown
A living legend.

💪 Abs of Steel 30-Day Challenge
I've done this a few times. Easy-ish for beginners. Helpful for core strength.

🌎 Astronaut.io
"It’s a website that plays a few seconds of random YouTube videos with almost no views." Oddly addictive and a neat look around the world to slices of daily life, also via recomendo.

My book launch: Read the reviews

My new book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, has officially launched.

You can buy it on Amazon here. Read the reviews!

This book is for you if:

You want an easy way to make new friends,
You have at least 5 people you could invite to a party,
You've NEVER hosted a cocktail or dinner party before, or
You've hosted a dinner party but were exhausted afterwards.

If you're afraid nobody will show up, if you don't know what to say to the first people who arrive, or if you're an introvert and the very IDEA of hosting scares you - I wrote this book for you.

The 2-Hour Cocktail Party 3D graphic in a yellow background — See my book on Amazon! I made this image for my Instagram, but sharing it here, too.

Look at this text message!!

When you order my book, you'll learn a simple formula with step-by-step instructions to host parties that help you meet new people, strengthen your existing relationships, and make you the person everyone wants to know.

But don't just take my word for it. Look at this text message I just got from Tatiana in Seattle:

group photo saying Nick we had the most amazing party — Tatiana read an early copy of my book and hosted her first party last night! This stuff really works.

How cool is that?? Tatiana is not my friend. (Well, now she is!) She didn't know me before reading my book. I didn't pay her to write that. She just read my book and then hosted a great event. My book works, and it'll work for you.

Like Tatiana, you'll learn which days are the best for hosting events (probably not the ones you think!) and what to say to the first people who arrive (what I call "The Awkward Zone"). Read how to ensure your invitations get responses and your guests show up excited to mingle. Plus, get helpful pre-party checklists and a breakdown of activities to encourage new connections.

Order my book now on Amazon: $1.99 Kindle, or $17.99 paperback.

And, newsletter bonus: if you don't like it, I will give you your money back. You can Venmo request me (@nickgray) within 1 week of purchase, valid thru June 21st. I can also do PayPal. If you don't feel that my book is packed with massive value, I will refund you the price of the book.

Break: Fun image

look at the chicken photo in white background

Special deal: $1.99 on Kindle

I’ve been advised to discount the ebook version from its full list price down to $1.99 for this first week.

As a reader of my Friends Newsletter, I’d love to offer you a discounted copy. With the ebook, you can read it from any phone, tablet, or computer using Amazon's Kindle app.

Click here to purchase the ebook at the discounted rate.

If you’re more of a “feel the paper” type, the paperback is available for $17.99. I love the paperback. I designed it to be used like a handbook in planning your party. Paperback link.

Available at approximately that same price in Canada, Mexico, much of Europe, India, and elsewhere. On Amazon and also online at Apple Books, Kobo, B&N, etc.

Great Quotes (unrelated to my book)

“I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange.”
— Agent Cooper to Sheriff Truman in Twin Peaks

"There are three ways a smart person can go broke: liquor, ladies, and leverage."
Charlie Munger

"The answer to, "What idiot did this!?" is almost always, "A smart, well-intentioned person making tradeoffs you hadn't even considered.”
@jayspectech on Twitter

The End

These past 48 hours have been a blur. I've been working on this book for the past five years. It is an interesting experience to finally share it to the world. I hope you'll check it out on Amazon.

If you want to share my book to friends or on social media, please send people to this landing page I made: www.party.pro/book/

Did I already talk about this, how most adults haven't made a new friend in over 3 years? People are sorta lonely. Or they want something more from life - new friends who uplift and encourage and support them. Or maybe you just want an excuse to get your neighbors together, or the people at work you haven't seen in a while.

A cocktail party can do that, even if you don't drink alcohol. I'll show you how.

Thanks for reading my Friends Newsletter.

🤠 Nick Gray

photo of my wakesurfing while holding a poster of my book cover — 3 seconds after this photo was taken, I fell and soaked the poster 😂 RIP