Take a love of reading and books; a craving for adventure; and the chance to get together with friends; and what do you have? The key ingredients of two-time SDSU alum Susan McBeth’s company, Adventures By the Book.

McBeth graduated magna cum laude from SDSU with a degree in business management, and earned an M.A. in comparative literature with an emphasis in German studies.

A self-proclaimed book-lover all her life, McBeth had the opportunity to meet hundreds of authors and coordinate events as the director of marketing and events for Warwick’s Bookstore in La Jolla. But in early 2011, she left Warwick’s to pursue her own business.

“Adventures by the Book was created from the notion that many readers and authors want to connect on a more intimate basis,” McBeth said.

She was inspired after meeting Frances Mayes, best-selling author of “Under the Tuscan Sun.” Mayes’ invitation to visit Tuscany got McBeth thinking about how amazing a trip like that would be for her and other “Under the Tuscan Sun” fans.

In less than a year, McBeth has coordinated numerous author events, including Equestrian Adventure with Elizabeth Letts (“The Eighty-Dollar Champion”); a luncheon at the Japanese Friendship Garden with Margaret Dilloway (“How to be an American Housewife”); and an “Under the Tuscan Sun” travel adventure with none other than Frances Mayes.

One of McBeth’s most ambitious literary adventures takes place this summer with the Magical Mystery Literary History Tour. Participants will join San Diego author Kathi Diamant in the footsteps of Franz Kafka on a 10-day European sleuthing expedition. Diamant wrote the award-winning book, “Kafka's Last Love: The Mystery of Dora Diamant.”

McBeth admits to being the happiest she’s ever been in her career as she connects readers to authors that inspire and enchant them.

For more information about Adventures by the Book and upcoming events, visit the website.