This is it, book lovers!
Nov. 1 begins National Novel Writing Month! That means you get to join people all over the world who have decided to shun all the excuses and just do it! Write, write, and write! Every day for a month!
It's pretty exciting. And it's all free!
Thank you to fellow book club member Lena Claxton, who's running a great new writer's retreat in Jamaica, who reminded me of all of this this morning.
Learn more here on the National Novel Writing Month website.
Who's in?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Speaking Volumes Selection for November: Juliet by Anne Fortier
The lushly beautiful book, "Juliet" by author Anne Fortier is our book club selection for November. We'll be chatting with the author live on the web via video so everyone who is a fan can join in. Details to come! But mark your calendar. The event will be Monday, Nov. 22 at 7 PM.
Keep checking back for new news or sign up for updates on this blog and get the latest news in your inbox!
-Happy reading!
Alison
Monday, October 25, 2010
Review of "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest"
From our book club member and guest reviewer Adriana L. Medina
A “hornet’s nest” usually refers to a contentious situation. So if you stir the hornet’s nest you are likely to make people uncomfortable and upset. However, if you kick the hornet’s nest, you can better believe that an army of “hornets” are coming after you with a vengeance. That is exactly what comes to pass in Stieg Larsson’s final installment of the Millennium Trilogy, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest."
This third novel is much like the first two in that the story jump starts from the first page, in this case, right where we left off in book two, but then slows down as additional back-story is provided through exposition. There are new characters introduced and their relationship to the “hornet’s nest” or Sweden’s security police, and the criminal investigations surrounding the murders for which Salander is the prime suspect, are slowly revealed. A few of these new characters are on Salander’s side; however, most are not. Those out to get revenge will sacrifice even themselves to protect the “nest,” the other “workers,” and the “cells” they have created over time. Since Salander is in critical condition due to a gun shot to her head, this time, it’s Bloomkvist’s turn to outwit the “hornets” and he does so by pulling a few pages from Salander’s book. Still, Salander, in her true fashion, also does her part to undermine authority and through her own methods take the law into her own hands for what she deems to be justice.
This novel does tie back to the first one and once the reader sees the parallels and Salander’s choices are revealed, he/she will agree that Salander has matured over the course of the trilogy. She is capable of maintaining her sights on the bigger picture and of making better choices. And while her kick of the hornet’s nest does create quite a stir and many problems for her and others, ultimately, like any good crime thriller, lose ends are tied up, the crime is solved and exposed, the “hornets” are captured and the “nest” is eliminated, and the detective, who in this trilogy is sometimes involved in criminal activities herself, proves that she has more wits and fury than a nest of hornets.
"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" is available wherever books are sold.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Review of "Look Again" by Lisa Scottoline
Review by book club member and book blogger Cheryl McDermitt.
"Look Again" is another wonderful mystery/thriller written by Lisa Scottoline! I have to admit at first when I saw the subject matter of this book I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it. Stories about abducted children aren’t the genre I usually read. I am glad I read this one though.
Ellen Gleeson is a Philadelphia reporter who adopted this sick little child named Will. She juggles work and home life like any other single mother. She has a very competent nanny named Connie to help her out with Will. One day she picks up her mail and staring her in the face is a card with an age-processed photo of a little boy named Timothy Braverman and he had been abducted in Florida . Ellen can’t stop thinking of how much the little boy on the card looks so much like her Will. Ellen’s mind constantly goes back to the little boy in the picture and she starts investigating her son’s birth mother. During the length of the investigation she finds out the attorney that handled Will’s adoption commited suicide 3 weeks after the adoption, the supposed birth mother, Amy can’t be questioned because she died of a drug overdose and according to Amy’s mother Amy could never get pregnant. Ellen tries to locate a man who was Amy’s boyfriend at the time of the abduction of the Braverman boy. Ellen keeps going back and forth in her mind about whether Will could be Timothy Braverman or not. Her instincts are telling her they are one in the same but her Dad tells her to leave well enough alone and her present attorney tells her the same thing.
In a desperate attempt to find out the truth Ellen flies to Miami where the Braverman’s live. She finds their home and parks out on the street watching them. All the time it is driving her deeper and deeper towards danger. You really need to read this book to find out how the story unfurls-it is worth the read!
Ellen Gleeson is a Philadelphia reporter who adopted this sick little child named Will. She juggles work and home life like any other single mother. She has a very competent nanny named Connie to help her out with Will. One day she picks up her mail and staring her in the face is a card with an age-processed photo of a little boy named Timothy Braverman and he had been abducted in Florida . Ellen can’t stop thinking of how much the little boy on the card looks so much like her Will. Ellen’s mind constantly goes back to the little boy in the picture and she starts investigating her son’s birth mother. During the length of the investigation she finds out the attorney that handled Will’s adoption commited suicide 3 weeks after the adoption, the supposed birth mother, Amy can’t be questioned because she died of a drug overdose and according to Amy’s mother Amy could never get pregnant. Ellen tries to locate a man who was Amy’s boyfriend at the time of the abduction of the Braverman boy. Ellen keeps going back and forth in her mind about whether Will could be Timothy Braverman or not. Her instincts are telling her they are one in the same but her Dad tells her to leave well enough alone and her present attorney tells her the same thing.
In a desperate attempt to find out the truth Ellen flies to Miami where the Braverman’s live. She finds their home and parks out on the street watching them. All the time it is driving her deeper and deeper towards danger. You really need to read this book to find out how the story unfurls-it is worth the read!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
David Sedaris Visits Charlotte; Signs 'Squirrel', Sings Praises
Photo by Anne FishbeinAlmost every year, America’s beloved humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris visits Charlotte to read from his latest work, albeit a book, an essay or even bits from his journal. This week, the author’s visit to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center featured a happier, shinier version of the author who enchanted the packed Belk Theater leaving the audience more uplifted and enlightened than when they arrived.
Sedaris fans are an interesting cross section of the community that might not ordinarily come together in one space. There were his National Public Radio fans; (Sedaris breakthrough the comedy barrier with his piece for Ira Glass on what it was like to be an elf in Macy’s Santaland in NYC.) And then there were commuters who delight in hearing his exquisite and unique voice read his numerous best-selling books such as “Me Talk Pretty”, “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim” and “When Engulfed in Flames.” And then there were the progressive, forward-thinking citizens that delight in Sedaris’ acid tongue and rapier wit.
Sedaris on stage is something to behold. All he needs is a few well-chosen essays and you could feel the laughter of the packed audience here to see North Carolina’s favorite son buoy to higher levels of delight. The author’s newest book (which he reminded the audience is now No. 5 on the New York Times best-seller’s list) is “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk.” “One might call them a set of fables; but they are not,” Sedaris opened. “Fables have morals. These are a collection of animal stories where the animals act like people.”
Indeed his latest book can easily be best described as animals gone awry or at least gone human. And with his incredible attention to detail, animals take on the type of qualities we humans might be afraid to mock in ourselves. However in animals, it’s all together charming.
The collection of stories includes “Motherless Bear”, “The Parenting Storks” and “The Grieving Owl,” which Sedaris read for the howling crowd. The story is about how a great horned owl, that recently lost his spouse, spends the rest of his time trying to become a more informed creature by asking his prey to teach him something. Sadly, just as he does and lets the animal go, a family member will swoop down for the kill. “It’s easier than doing it alone; think of the hours I’m saving, the owl’s sister shrieked,” he read.
Sedaris and friends on tape
Normally one of the best things about a new Sedaris book is the audio book version, which features his deadpan delivery and inimitable voice. For the uninitiated, his comic stylings are as unique as Woody Allen or Chris Rock. This time, “Squirrel” features the vocal talents of three other contributors who breathe a new twist into the author’s words. “When I write these stories I keep reading them aloud over and over and testing the material in front of audiences,” he said. “But when you hear (Broadway legend) Elaine Stritch read the sentence and talk about the Motherless Bear in her own way, it’s pure delight.”
To keep producing quality work takes a commitment to the craft. Sedaris told the audience that he writes for at least four hours a day, every day of the week, splitting the work between morning and evening. “After any more than four hours of sitting in front of the computer and it becomes time to check out YouTube for videos of animals eating other animals,” he opined.
The stop in Charlotte was one of many; the author will visit 36 cities in 37 days and then begin a four-week book tour to promote “Squirrel.” Sally Brewster and Frazer Dobson, owners of the esteemed Park Road Books who have often been the bookseller of choice on his visits, commented on the author’s convivial air at the Belk. “You can tell he’s happier and more relaxed this time around,” said Brewster.
Part of that can be attributed to the author’s new healthier lifestyle: he’s quit smoking and works out regularly. He even had time to offer praise for a Charlotte institution. “Do you all know how lucky you are to have an amazing YMCA?” Sedaris offered praising the Dowd. “They will all be friendly, but swimming in the pool at the Hilton was amazing!”
Sedaris rounded the evening out by sharing essays such as “Stand By” about the travails of airline traveling and selections from his journal. It can be intimidating to think, ‘who can be funny even in their journal?’ But as audience members lined up to get their book inscribed and chat with the delightful author, the author asked those in line to share their favorite joke. As many comic tidbits flowed forth it became obvious, this man knows how to not only be funny but help others delight in the humor of life as well.
“Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk” is now available at booksellers everywhere.
Sedaris fans are an interesting cross section of the community that might not ordinarily come together in one space. There were his National Public Radio fans; (Sedaris breakthrough the comedy barrier with his piece for Ira Glass on what it was like to be an elf in Macy’s Santaland in NYC.) And then there were commuters who delight in hearing his exquisite and unique voice read his numerous best-selling books such as “Me Talk Pretty”, “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim” and “When Engulfed in Flames.” And then there were the progressive, forward-thinking citizens that delight in Sedaris’ acid tongue and rapier wit.
Sedaris on stage is something to behold. All he needs is a few well-chosen essays and you could feel the laughter of the packed audience here to see North Carolina’s favorite son buoy to higher levels of delight. The author’s newest book (which he reminded the audience is now No. 5 on the New York Times best-seller’s list) is “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk.” “One might call them a set of fables; but they are not,” Sedaris opened. “Fables have morals. These are a collection of animal stories where the animals act like people.”
Indeed his latest book can easily be best described as animals gone awry or at least gone human. And with his incredible attention to detail, animals take on the type of qualities we humans might be afraid to mock in ourselves. However in animals, it’s all together charming.
The collection of stories includes “Motherless Bear”, “The Parenting Storks” and “The Grieving Owl,” which Sedaris read for the howling crowd. The story is about how a great horned owl, that recently lost his spouse, spends the rest of his time trying to become a more informed creature by asking his prey to teach him something. Sadly, just as he does and lets the animal go, a family member will swoop down for the kill. “It’s easier than doing it alone; think of the hours I’m saving, the owl’s sister shrieked,” he read.
Sedaris and friends on tape
Normally one of the best things about a new Sedaris book is the audio book version, which features his deadpan delivery and inimitable voice. For the uninitiated, his comic stylings are as unique as Woody Allen or Chris Rock. This time, “Squirrel” features the vocal talents of three other contributors who breathe a new twist into the author’s words. “When I write these stories I keep reading them aloud over and over and testing the material in front of audiences,” he said. “But when you hear (Broadway legend) Elaine Stritch read the sentence and talk about the Motherless Bear in her own way, it’s pure delight.”
To keep producing quality work takes a commitment to the craft. Sedaris told the audience that he writes for at least four hours a day, every day of the week, splitting the work between morning and evening. “After any more than four hours of sitting in front of the computer and it becomes time to check out YouTube for videos of animals eating other animals,” he opined.
The stop in Charlotte was one of many; the author will visit 36 cities in 37 days and then begin a four-week book tour to promote “Squirrel.” Sally Brewster and Frazer Dobson, owners of the esteemed Park Road Books who have often been the bookseller of choice on his visits, commented on the author’s convivial air at the Belk. “You can tell he’s happier and more relaxed this time around,” said Brewster.
Part of that can be attributed to the author’s new healthier lifestyle: he’s quit smoking and works out regularly. He even had time to offer praise for a Charlotte institution. “Do you all know how lucky you are to have an amazing YMCA?” Sedaris offered praising the Dowd. “They will all be friendly, but swimming in the pool at the Hilton was amazing!”
Sedaris rounded the evening out by sharing essays such as “Stand By” about the travails of airline traveling and selections from his journal. It can be intimidating to think, ‘who can be funny even in their journal?’ But as audience members lined up to get their book inscribed and chat with the delightful author, the author asked those in line to share their favorite joke. As many comic tidbits flowed forth it became obvious, this man knows how to not only be funny but help others delight in the humor of life as well.
“Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk” is now available at booksellers everywhere.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Review of Opera Carolina's "Cosi Fan Tutte"
There are many reasons art enriches life. Besides its beauty and its spectacle, it speaks truth.
Recently, I've been musing a lot about the role of love in one's life. It's very easy to somehow forget how transformational true love really is. We all get busy with work, family and just day-to-day life and even if we have a beloved in our lives; it becomes very easy to forget the magic.
Opera Carolina's premier offering of the season, Mozart's "Cosi Fan Tutte" reminded me just how important love really is. And more importantly not questioning or testing love but believing, accepting and surrendering to its power.
At the heart of the story lies two sisters who are faithfully devoted to their beaus. However a world weary older man convinces their boyfriends that they could be swayed by their devotion. And therein the plot unfolds.
To say more might ruin the fun. But take a dash of "The Road" movies with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, add some modern goddesses and add some the lushly inspired music of one of the world's greatest composers and you begin to understand what a delightful experience "Cosi" offers.
James Meena's thoughtful staging of the show really helped make the plot relevant and realistic. Originally Mozart wrote this as a contemporary piece in the 1790s but Meena updated the period to the 1920s/30s and used a somewhat contemporary set from "The Transit of Venus." This helps make the opera far more approachable than if it had stayed in the 18th century. Even though stories of love are universal, the updated staging and costumes helps the audience just relax and slip into the beautiful arias.
The opera talent on stage -the combined talents of Robert Mack (Ferrando), Caitlin Lynch (Fiordiligi), Elizabeth Stannard (Dorabella) and Marian Pop (Guglielmo) - are uniformly spectacular. Together with Sarah Callinan and Krisopher Irmiter, as Despina and Don Alfonso, respectively, the cast puts forth a world class offering. They make the quartets and sextets reach incredible heights as well as shine in their solo arias.
Ultimately the story leaves you wondering to the end how this romantic folly will play out. But I walked away feeling more hopeful about love than before and being grateful how great art can inspire great living. See "Cosi Fan Tutte" before its run finishes this week at the Belk and remember the magic of love!
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit CarolinaTix.
Alison Woo
Carolina Weekly Newsgroup
Recently, I've been musing a lot about the role of love in one's life. It's very easy to somehow forget how transformational true love really is. We all get busy with work, family and just day-to-day life and even if we have a beloved in our lives; it becomes very easy to forget the magic.
Opera Carolina's premier offering of the season, Mozart's "Cosi Fan Tutte" reminded me just how important love really is. And more importantly not questioning or testing love but believing, accepting and surrendering to its power.
At the heart of the story lies two sisters who are faithfully devoted to their beaus. However a world weary older man convinces their boyfriends that they could be swayed by their devotion. And therein the plot unfolds.
To say more might ruin the fun. But take a dash of "The Road" movies with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, add some modern goddesses and add some the lushly inspired music of one of the world's greatest composers and you begin to understand what a delightful experience "Cosi" offers.
James Meena's thoughtful staging of the show really helped make the plot relevant and realistic. Originally Mozart wrote this as a contemporary piece in the 1790s but Meena updated the period to the 1920s/30s and used a somewhat contemporary set from "The Transit of Venus." This helps make the opera far more approachable than if it had stayed in the 18th century. Even though stories of love are universal, the updated staging and costumes helps the audience just relax and slip into the beautiful arias.
The opera talent on stage -the combined talents of Robert Mack (Ferrando), Caitlin Lynch (Fiordiligi), Elizabeth Stannard (Dorabella) and Marian Pop (Guglielmo) - are uniformly spectacular. Together with Sarah Callinan and Krisopher Irmiter, as Despina and Don Alfonso, respectively, the cast puts forth a world class offering. They make the quartets and sextets reach incredible heights as well as shine in their solo arias.
Ultimately the story leaves you wondering to the end how this romantic folly will play out. But I walked away feeling more hopeful about love than before and being grateful how great art can inspire great living. See "Cosi Fan Tutte" before its run finishes this week at the Belk and remember the magic of love!
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit CarolinaTix.
Alison Woo
Carolina Weekly Newsgroup
Friday, October 15, 2010
Opera Carolina's Cosi Fan Tutte
Opera Carolina launches its new season with “Cosi Fan Tutte,” featuring, from left to right, Robert Mack (Ferrando), Caitlin Lynch (Fiordiligi), Elizabeth Stannartd (Dorabella) and Marian Pop (Guglielmo).Ah, Mozart. Nothing really does it for me more then a bit of Wolfgang.
That's why I'm super excited to be going to Cosi Fan Tutte, Opera Carolina's debut offering this season.
There are still tickets left so join me! With performances Saturday, Oct. 16, Sunday at 2 PM (that's the one I'm going to!) and Thursday night, Oct. 21, you still have plenty of chances to join in the magic. Here's more details.
I had the great fortune of sitting down with the esteemed conductor of Opera Carolina, James Meena, who is now in his 11th season with the beloved arts organization. Read my article here.
If you can't make it this weekend, I'll be tweeting and blogging more. Be sure to follow me on Twitter by clicking here. I'll give you all the inside scoop on what's bound to be the premier event of the season!
See you at the opera!
Alison
Monday, October 11, 2010
Speaking Volumes Selection for October: The Works of Laura Esquivel
Photo courtesy of Simon and SchusterTo celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we've decided to do something completely different. Rather than just read one book, we're going to open it up to any or all five of the compelling works from one of the most popular and enduring authors of modern literature, Laura Esquivel.
Laura Esquivel is a Mexican born author who sprang to fame more than twenty years ago with her brilliant work, "Like Water for Chocolate." The story started as a series of installments that captured the tales of Tita and Pedro. Being thwarted from pursuing their love, Pedro marries Tita's sister, Rosaura. The two spend the next twenty years under the same roof while Tita shares her love through food. The lyrical novel offers recipes and romance in such a poetic manner; it instantly became one of the most successful books written by a Latino author of all time.
It was No. 1 on the best-sellers list for more than three years and was translated into 23 languages. The book also became a movie, with the screenplay written by Esquivel herself and directed by her husband, Alfonso Arau.
Esquivel's second book, "The Law of Love," did not achieve as much success as its predecessor but offers a tale of magic realism at its best. The story revolves around Azucena and her beloved Rodrigo and their fate of finding love through different ages. It's lushly romantic and it pushed the forms of literary convention in a time when such things were not heard of. The book comes with a CD, the songs of which are geared to trigger certain emotion and memories for the characters, and a Manga-esque storyboard. This is hands down my favorite book and the one I'd be taking with me on a desert island, given the choice of just five books.
In 2000, she followed up "Love" with a collection of essays on love, food, romance in To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we've decided to do something completely different. Rather than just read one book, we're going to open it up to any or all five of the compelling works from one of the most popular and enduring authors of modern literature, Laura Esquivel.
Laura Esquivel is a Mexican born author who sprang to fame more than twenty years ago with her brilliant work, "Like Water for Chocolate." The story started as a series of installments that captured the tales of Tita and Pedro. Being thwarted from pursuing their love, Pedro marries Tita's sister, Rosaura. The two spend the next twenty years under the same roof while Tita shares her love through food. The lyrical novel offers recipes and romance in such a poetic manner; it instantly became one of the most successful books written by a Latino author of all time.
It was No. 1 on the best-sellers list for more than three years and was translated into 23 languages. The book also became a movie, with the screenplay written by Esquivel herself and directed by her husband, Alfonso Arau.
Esquivel's second book, "The Law of Love," did not achieve as much success as its predecessor but offers a tale of magic realism at its best. The story revolves around Azucena and her beloved Rodrigo and their fate of finding love through different ages. It's lushly romantic and it pushed the forms of literary convention in a time when such things were not heard of. The book comes with a CD, the songs of which are geared to trigger certain emotion and memories for the characters, and a Manga-esque storyboard. This is hands down my favorite book and the one I'd be taking with me on a desert island, given the choice of just five books.
In 2000, she followed up "Love" with a collection of essays on love, food, romance in "Between the Fires." Shortly thereafter, she penned "Swift as Desire" an intriguing story about true love and what happens when communication, or lack of it, distorts it.
Laura Esquivel is a Mexican born author who sprang to fame more than twenty years ago with her brilliant work, "Like Water for Chocolate." The story started as a series of installments that captured the tales of Tita and Pedro. Being thwarted from pursuing their love, Pedro marries Tita's sister, Rosaura. The two spend the next twenty years under the same roof while Tita shares her love through food. The lyrical novel offers recipes and romance in such a poetic manner; it instantly became one of the most successful books written by a Latino author of all time.It was No. 1 on the best-sellers list for more than three years and was translated into 23 languages. The book also became a movie, with the screenplay written by Esquivel herself and directed by her husband, Alfonso Arau.
Esquivel's second book, "The Law of Love," did not achieve as much success as its predecessor but offers a tale of magic realism at its best. The story revolves around Azucena and her beloved Rodrigo and their fate of finding love through different ages. It's lushly romantic and it pushed the forms of literary convention in a time when such things were not heard of. The book comes with a CD, the songs of which are geared to trigger certain emotion and memories for the characters, and a Manga-esque storyboard. This is hands down my favorite book and the one I'd be taking with me on a desert island, given the choice of just five books.
In 2000, she followed up "Love" with a collection of essays on love, food, romance in To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we've decided to do something completely different. Rather than just read one book, we're going to open it up to any or all five of the compelling works from one of the most popular and enduring authors of modern literature, Laura Esquivel.
Laura Esquivel is a Mexican born author who sprang to fame more than twenty years ago with her brilliant work, "Like Water for Chocolate." The story started as a series of installments that captured the tales of Tita and Pedro. Being thwarted from pursuing their love, Pedro marries Tita's sister, Rosaura. The two spend the next twenty years under the same roof while Tita shares her love through food. The lyrical novel offers recipes and romance in such a poetic manner; it instantly became one of the most successful books written by a Latino author of all time.
It was No. 1 on the best-sellers list for more than three years and was translated into 23 languages. The book also became a movie, with the screenplay written by Esquivel herself and directed by her husband, Alfonso Arau.
Esquivel's second book, "The Law of Love," did not achieve as much success as its predecessor but offers a tale of magic realism at its best. The story revolves around Azucena and her beloved Rodrigo and their fate of finding love through different ages. It's lushly romantic and it pushed the forms of literary convention in a time when such things were not heard of. The book comes with a CD, the songs of which are geared to trigger certain emotion and memories for the characters, and a Manga-esque storyboard. This is hands down my favorite book and the one I'd be taking with me on a desert island, given the choice of just five books.
In 2000, she followed up "Love" with a collection of essays on love, food, romance in "Between the Fires." Shortly thereafter, she penned "Swift as Desire" an intriguing story about true love and what happens when communication, or lack of it, distorts it.
Most recently, Esquivel wrote "Malinche" based upon the real-life story of the translator who worked for Herman Cortes, the Spanish conqueror. Malinche holds a controversial place in history and was seen by many as a traitor to her people. But Esquivel does a noble job examining her plight as a woman caught between two worlds. The author travels a familiar, yet satisfying, route of navigating the territory of dancing between one's head and heart.In all of her books, the author captures an elevated sense of life and love in such a darling and endearing way, it's really hard to pick a favorite. "Chocolate" was a previous book club selection but for all our new members, feel free to start your voyage of discovery with this book or any of the others mentioned here.
Save the Date
We're still working out details but we'll be meeting on Monday, Oct. 25 at 7 PM to discuss the book at a festive location sharing delicious and authentic Latin-inspired food! Check this column next week for more or visit our blog at: http://bestbookblog.blogspot.com/ for details.
Happy reading!
Alison
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Speaking Volumes Radio Show: Live Chat with NYT Best Selling Author Jennifer Crusie
Author Jennifer Crusie Hi everyone! Please note we've had to make a quick change on the date for this event.
Join me LIVE on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 7 PM EST as we chat with New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Crusie,who has just returned to the literary scene with her first solo novel in years, "Maybe This Time."
Click here to listen to the show or call us at (347) 539-5852 to ask Jennifer a question!
We'll talk about her latest book, the writing life and what she's working on now!
Have a question? You can also e-mail it to me at alison@thecharlotteweekly.com.
Note: This live chat will be recorded for future listening.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Speaking Volumes Selection for September: The Wet Nurse's Tale
As the days shorten, it feels like the time to curl up with a great book lengthens. This September as we continue our sixth year of our newspapers’ signature book club, Speaking Volumes, we choose a book that looks at the daring choices women made in the past. “The Wet Nurse’s Tale” by North Carolina native Erica Eisdorfer is a story of intrigue and romance set in the midst of Victorian England.The main character jumps off the page in a sort of “Upstairs/Downstairs” type of saga which keeps you on the edge of your seat. After tragedy befalls Susan Rose, she is forced to become a wet nurse for a wealthy family. Soon she finds more trouble but it’s Rose’s plucky character and resolve to reunite her family that keeps her going. Rose is a character you won’t soon forget.
Meet the author
Join us on Sept. 27 at 7 PM at Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place Mall to discuss this exciting new book, now in paperback, with the book’s author Erica Eisdorfer. The Duke grad discusses her debut novel and the writing life. Please RSVP by e-mailing us at bookclub@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com.
Happy reading!
Alison Woo
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Come join us at Eat, Pray, Love movie night!
Join us Tuesday, August 17 at 7:35 PM at the AMC Carolina Pavillion 22 on 9541 South Boulevard, Charlotte, NC to watch a book club favorite movie, "Eat, Pray, Love" starring Julia Roberts. Please RSVP by e-mailing bookclub@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com.
We'll meet inside the theater! Hope to see you there!
Enjoy the trailer!
We'll meet inside the theater! Hope to see you there!
Enjoy the trailer!
Monday, August 09, 2010
Speaking Volumes Selection for August: The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
The one thing that has propelled our book club readers through all the diverse books we have read over the six years of book club is this: our own love of reading. Reading has a way of expanding your horizons the way nothing else can. British author Alan Bennett’s brilliant and whimsical novella takes a bit of literary license to look at this weighty topic.
As we begin “The Uncommon Reader” by Alan Bennett we meet Queen Elizabeth II who discovers there is a book bus that visits the palace weekly. To her surprise, she finds that reading becomes a consuming passion. And the insights she gleans about herself and the power of reading are both insightful and universal.
At 112 pages, this novella is a brisk and bright read!
Join us on August 19 at Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place Mall at 7 PM to discuss this delicious book and your own passion for reading. Please RSVP at bookclub@carolinaweeklynewsgroup.com.
Enjoy!
Alison
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Speaking Volumes for July – LIVE Online Author Chat with Maryann McFadden, So Happy Together
As we hit the peak of the summer season, it seems like the perfect time to read one of our book club’s favorite authors. Our July selection is Maryann McFadden’s newest novel now in paperback, “So Happy Together” - an intergenerational family story that takes place on Cape Cod. McFadden authored our previous book club pick, “The Richest Season.”
Considering everyone’s schedule, we’ve made this book club event convenient for all. You can call in via telephone or log on via your computer to watch live video of author Maryann McFadden from your own beach house or summer hideaway.
The live book club author chat takes place on Monday, July 26 at 7 PM. Here's how to participate:
1. You can call in on your phone at:
1-408-600-3600; then type in access code:803 937 381.
OR....you can log in to WATCH the video online by clicking:
The password is: bookclub
If you have trouble and need the meeting number, it is: 803 937 381
Please RSVP by e-mailing bookclub@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com. Happy reading!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Speaking Volumes Selection for June 2010: Return to Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
Come celebrate the beginning of summer and Speaking Volumes’ sixth anniversary Monday, June 28 at 5:30 PM at McCormick and Schmick at SouthPark.
This month we’re reading “Return to Sullivan Island” by Dorothea Benton Frank. We’ll discuss the book while partaking in M &S’s most excellent happy hour goodies! Click HERE for the menu (which BTW they've mentioned can change, but at least it gives you a good idea of the plethora of possibilites for just $1.95!) Please be advised, all food and drink will be the responsibility of the purchaser.
Kindly RSVP by e-mailing bookclub@carolinaweeklynewspaper.com. For more info, visit our blog, which is linked on our website, http://www.thecharlotteweekly.com/.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Want to Get Your Book Published?
Writers, want to learn some inside secrets of the publishing business?
Katharine Sands, literary agent at the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency and agent provocateur of the book, "Making the Perfect Pitch," will appear as a guest on the "Your Book Is Your Hook!" Show Tuesday, May 18th, 2010, 9:00am on WomensRadio.com. Ms. Sands talks about what authors need to know to catch a literary agent's eye. She also discusses how authors can make the perfect pitch for their books and how she uses her book as her hook.
Katharine Sands, literary agent at the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency and agent provocateur of the book, "Making the Perfect Pitch," will appear as a guest on the "Your Book Is Your Hook!" Show Tuesday, May 18th, 2010, 9:00am on WomensRadio.com. Ms. Sands talks about what authors need to know to catch a literary agent's eye. She also discusses how authors can make the perfect pitch for their books and how she uses her book as her hook.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
The Creation of Eve - Date for Book Club Set!
Hello all!
FYI, the new date for "The Creation of Eve" discussion with author Lynn Cullen is set for Friday, May 28 at 7 PM EST.
Please RSVP by e-mailing me at bookclub@carolinaweeklynewspaper.com.
See you there!
Alison
FYI, the new date for "The Creation of Eve" discussion with author Lynn Cullen is set for Friday, May 28 at 7 PM EST.
Please RSVP by e-mailing me at bookclub@carolinaweeklynewspaper.com.
See you there!
Alison
Sunday, May 09, 2010
May 2010 Book Club Selection: The Creation of Eve by Lynn Cullen
We're reading the amazing book, "The Creation of Eve" for May's book club.
Originally it was scheduled that we meet Monday, May 17 but we're moving the date to the last week of May. We're trying to secure the exact date with the author now but we're hoping to meet with the author via SKYPE. Stay tuned to this blog for more details.
But in the meantime, happy reading!
Alison
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Looking for a Great Read for your Mom?
The best book I've read this season hands down is the new book from NPR: Mom: A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps.
It's filled with beautiful vignettes about the impact of mothers on a number of people's lives. And these little bite-size delights are perfect for the mom on the go (BTW, what mom do you know who doesn't multitask?)
Buy a copy for your mom, yourself and your friends! You won't be sorry you did.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Listen to our book club chat with Adriana Trigiani
If you couldn't call in Monday night, no worries. Here's our chat with best-selling author Adriana Trigiani.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
DETAILS for Adriana Trigiani LIVE Book Chat TONIGHT!
Hi everyone,
The chat with Adriana Trigiani is over but look to this website tomorrow morning as we will post the link. Wasn't she just the BEST?
She truly is an extraordinary talent! Watch the videos below for more!
Alison
The chat with Adriana Trigiani is over but look to this website tomorrow morning as we will post the link. Wasn't she just the BEST?
She truly is an extraordinary talent! Watch the videos below for more!
Alison
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