Former BJ reporter Thrity Umbrigar, who left to become a best-seller of novels set in her native India, had a swimmingly good time on the shores of Lake Erie in her Conversation With Thrity Umbrigar at the Hagan hacienda while reading from her latest novel, “Everybody’s Son.”

Thrity wrote:

“Still glowing from the book club party thrown for me yesterday by Mary T. Hagan, Maggie Hagan, Denise Reynolds, Elaine Hagan, Jeff Hagan, Susan Hagan, Annie Hagan, Jim Hagan and Chris Hagan.

“Reading against the backdrop of the lake on a spectacularly beautiful day was pretty wonderful. And thanks to all you gorgeous people who showed up.

“But one of the highlights for me? Jeff Hagan walked in and handed me a box of chocolates and a long-stemmed rose, saying, "Everybody wants a box of chocolates and a long-stemmed rose," quoting the Leonard Cohen song, “Everybody Knows,” which is one of my favorites.

 It was such a generous, warm, unexpected gesture and it touched me deeply.

“And Susan Hagan sang so beautifully that I could barely concentrate on autographing books, so distracted was I.

“What an amazing family this is! And what a memorable event this was. Saying thank you doesn't begin to describe it.

“And special kudos and thanks to Suzanne from Mac's Backs-Books On Coventry for coming out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with books.”

The Hagans have been big in Cuyahoga County and Ohio politics almost since Abraham Lincoln was a boy splitting logs.

In “Everybody’s Son,” young Anton Vesper shatters a window to escape into the arms of a rich judge’s white family. Thrity may shatter or solidify or alter your views on race, class, child welfare and the justice system with "Everybody's Son."