|
Local Author Book Talk: Juliet Grames
On Thursday, March 26th at 6:30 p.m., Juliet Grames will be at the Whiton Branch Library to discuss her debut novel, The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna, which was released by the major publisher Harper Collins in April 2019. Grames will talk about the writing process, rediscovering the lost and buried stories of our grandmothers, and more, as well as taking questions from the audience. Copies will be available for purchase and signing from "Book Club on the Go" on the night of the event.
Grames was born in Hartford and grew up in Canton and Simsbury. She spent much time in her younger years in Manchester and even credits a few Manchester residents as some of her strongest writing influences. Her first novel is set in Calabria, Italy, as well as Connecticut, and is inspired by her own Calabrese grandmother's life story.
The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna is about sisterhood and family secrets, immigration and the American Dream, family loyalty and betrayal, and one woman's tenacious fight against her own fate. The book has been translated into ten languages and The New York Times called it "rich in detail, tightly written and delightfully easy to get lost in" while The Washington Post called it "magically real...achieves what no sweeping history lesson about American immigrants could: it brings to life a woman that time and history would have ignored."
Don't miss your chance to meet this local author!
Coming Soon: New Board Book Bags at Whiton!
We've taken the guesswork out of choosing books for our youngest readers! Whiton's new Board Book Bags each include 10 board books based around a theme and are packaged conveniently in an easy-to-grab tote. These bags are perfect for infants and toddlers and are sure to help you find new family favorites. Choose from a variety of themes including: Touch and Feel; Lift the Flap; Animals; ABC, 123; High Contrast; Sandra Boynton; Bedtime; Babies!; Classics; Leslie Patricelli; Dinosaurs; Rhymes and Songs; Food; Colors; and Vroom. Look for these within the next few months over at Whiton.
Tax Forms
We have tax forms! Stop by Reference to get yours while supplies last.
Best of 2019 Staff Reads
Don't forget that 2019 was also the year that Manchester resident Megan Collins released her debut novel, The Winter Sister, with major publisher Simon and Schuster!
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
"An engrossing story of two rookie cops and their families, one fateful event, and the lasting impact, told over 40 years. Definitely a must read!"- Barbara
Recursion by Blake Crouch
"Intriguing techno thriller with a plot more addictive and easier to get lost in than the coolest smartphone."- Brittany
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
"An intriguing unusual story that is both funny and a little sad, and definitely made me think."- Carrie
The Institute by Stephen King (audiobook version)
"A great good versus evil novel. The narrator did an excellent job with the character voices, making it easy to differentiate between who was speaking and enjoyable to hear."- Debbie
The End of the World Running Club by Adrian Walker
"After a giant asteroid hits the Northern hemisphere, what would you do to save your family?"- Doug
The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman
"A moving story of hope, survivial, loss, and perseverance through the eyes, hearts, and stories of several diverse charcters."- Eileen
The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker
"The Dreamers was an incredibly moving book with mesmerizing prose and characters you'll long remember. I couldn't stop thinking about it."- Jessica
Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
"I liked the romance and learned more about a disease I didn't know much about. I became attached to the characters (I cried when a character died) and liked how the book did not shy away from LGBTQ issues."- Karen
Harry's Trees by Jon Cohen
"The characters are what make this magical realism tale amazing - you really feel invested in their stories."- Krystal
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
"It's both the story of a relationship between two great characters, and a story about the interconnections between all people everywhere. It's written in insightful, intimate details, but it makes you think about global issues."- Lynn
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
"I loved this historical fiction because it transported me to Madrid in 1957, a city and time in history I previously knew very little about."- Michelle M
Where the Light Enters by Sara Donati
"This sequel to The Gilded Hour continues the story of two trailblazing female doctors in nineteenth century New York. It's great historical fiction and a wonderful depiction of Manhattan during that time period."- Mona
When Life Gives You Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People by Jeannie Gaffigan
"It was delightful, because the Gaffigans are funny people, and it was heartwarming, because of all the family went through dealing with her brain tumor surgery and the healing afterwards."- Terry
The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Millicent Patrick by Mallory O'Meara
"An excellent book that is part biography, part treasure hunt to find out about Millicent Patrick."- Trevor
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (audiobook version)
"Excellent full cast audiobook: makes you feel like you're listening in on the private interview sessions of a famous 1970's rock band."- Valerie
|
