I belong to a local writer's group. Almost everyone there is significantly (20-40 years) older than me, and they're all the sweetest people in the world, very supportive of each other, etc. Except, maybe, for one, and that's where I need opinions.

We meet at the beginning of the month, but my grandmother's health suddenly took a very frightening nose dive a few days before. I flew out the morning of the meeting in a panic, having been told by family that I probably wouldn't get to her "in time". While waiting at the airport, I sent a quick email to a fellow club member, someone I would describe as a casual friend, having known them for a while, and having met them outside of the club. I told him exactly what was going on, because all of the members worry when someone doesn't show up.

Anyway, his reaction to my, "Oh my god, my grandmother's dying!" email was, "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, I'll let everyone know, and by the way, I'm having a book signing at blah blah two days from now, so tell all of your family and friends, because it's going to be really great, and I'm totally excited, and are you going to come, and how many friends are you going to bring, etc. etc. etc..."

Now, am I over-reacting, or is that rude and thoughtless on a whole new level? (His book was published months ago, so this was far from his first signing.) He even sent me a second email, a few days later, to give me more details, and tell me about another signing. The next meeting's coming up, and while I enjoy it very much, and like the rest of the folks, I really don't feel like sitting and making small talk with this guy for a few hours. To be honest, I'd rather take his precious book and smack him upside the head with it.

Any thoughts?