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Business & Tech

'Real Housewife' Draws More than 200 to Book Signing

Teresa Giudice draws fans of all ages to Borders Wednesday.

More than 200 people crowded into , on Commons Way, Wednesday to get a real look at one of the “Real Housewives of New Jersey.”

"Housewife" Teresa Giudice visited the Bridgewater store to sign copies of her newest book, "Fabulicious! Teresa’s Italian Family Cookbook."

The crowd began gathering late in the afternoon for the scheduled signing at 7 p.m. Borders General Manager Dot Smith said she expected at least 100 people, but that number quickly swelled to well more than 200.

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Giudice, looking “fabulicious” in a strapless dress and long straight hair, shook hands with each fan, personalized each autograph and happily posed for pictures.

First in line was Brittany Piano, of Piscataway, who rushed from her teaching job to arrive at Borders after 4 p.m.

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“I am just a true Jersey girl here to meet my other Jersey girl,” she said.

When she met Giudice, Piano proudly told her that, with her pending marriage, she too would be a “real housewife of New Jersey.”

Fans came from near and far. Amy Bitterman, of Hillsborough, bought two books—one for herself and one for her sister-in-law.

“I am a fan,” she admitted of the show. “It’s my medicine every night after the kids are sleeping. I live vicariously through it.”

Branchburg resident Nicole Hoffman, 21, declared, “She’s pretty cool.”

Mikesha Calhoun came all the way from Allentown, Pa.

“I follow her on Twitter and Facebook," she said. "She’s so funny. She’s sweet. I love her drama. She’s fabulous. I love how she’s so close with her little girls."

Calhoun’s cousin, Cherie Johnson, of Piscataway, added, “I’m an even bigger fan than her. She’s so real. She’s nice, but at the same time you don’t mess with her.”

For 16-year-old Christine Punzone, from Brooklyn, Giudice is her idol.

"I don’t watch reality shows," she said. "I just watch this because she’s on it. She loves bling. I love bling. She loves to cook. I love to cook. She’s Italian. I’m Italian.”

Bridgewater resident Erin Case, 17, said she was at the signing "because I love her. She's funny."

The crowd was largely female, with a few men scattered throughout. Angelo DiMatteo, of Bedminster, admitted he is a fan and said his mother is as well.

John Abram, of Basking Ridge, was No. 41 in line, and waited patiently with the three books he had purchased for his mother and sister, who had recently moved out of state.

“I’m doing a favor for family,” he said.

Since he didn’t know which “housewife” Giudice was, Abram said he had to first check out an episode of the reality TV show.

“She’s pretty," he said. "This isn’t so bad."

When he was finally able to see Giudice in person, Abram smiled and said, “She’s beautiful.”

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