Reality TV star and local entrepreneur Carl Radke is adding “author” to his growing list of accomplishments with the release of his memoir, “Cake Eater,” and a nationwide book tour set to begin in January.
Radke, best known for his appearances on Bravo’s “Summer House” and for opening Greenpoint’s Soft Bar and Cafe in September, officially launched the book Dec. 30, marking a new chapter in both his career and personal journey.
He told Brooklyn Paper when Soft Bar opened that he was “proud to give a place and space for those who don’t drink alcohol, for people who maybe want to take a break or just looking for somewhere to hang out that is completely free of alcohol.”
“Cake Eater” chronicles Radke’s journey through sobriety, grief and public scrutiny, as well as his search for joy “in a world that equates fun with alcohol.” The memoir also offers an unfiltered look behind the scenes of reality television and how pursuing authenticity reshaped his life.
“It was not easy to go back and dig in and talk about stuff that’s painful and tragic and difficult,” Radke told press earlier this month. “It was a difficult process, but it was something that I felt was important to put my life story out there to help other people.”
In conjunction with the book’s release, Radke is embarking on a national tour that will take him to bookstores and other venues across the country, where he will meet readers and sign copies. Tour dates run through February, with stops planned in New York, Minneapolis and Los Angeles, among other cities.
The tour kicks off with a VIP book launch event Jan. 4 at Soft Bar, where Radke will host fans in his own neighborhood. The event will feature a conversation about the creative process behind “Cake Eater” and an opportunity to meet the author.
In an Instagram post announcing his memoir, Radke acknowledged the vulnerability behind the project.
“Releasing a book this raw and unfiltered is, at times, incredibly scary, but the stories in this book were vital lessons, incredible memories and oftentimes, dark moments that I haven’t been vulnerable about before. This book is also a tribute to those who loved, shaped, and cared for me when I needed them most,” he wrote.
“To everyone who has followed me, reached out to me, and shared their own stories on recovery, this book is also for you. I am so honored to be able to share this story with you so that you get a chance to dive deeper into why I am the way that I am.”
In another post announcing the tour, Radke said he was excited to take “Cake Eater” on the road.
View this post on Instagram
Tickets for Radke’s Brooklyn launch can be purchased for just under $50 at showpass.com. “Cake Eater” is now available wherever books are sold.
