We are thrilled to welcome the internationally known bestselling author Tess Gerritsen to our library October 1, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Publisher Weekly has dubbed her "the medical suspense queen".
Ms. Gerritsen says "I had the idea of a library tour some years ago because I know there are so many libraries with meager budgets who never get author visits. It's my way to thank our public libraries because that's where I first learned my love of books!".
Ms. Gerritsen will present a general talk about her books and the ideas that inspired them. There will also be a question and answer session. Ms. Gerritsen will sign your own copies of her books and Barnes and Noble will have books for sale.
All are welcome to meet Ms. Gerritsen tomorrow, October 1st!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
"Falling Angels" by Tracy Chevalier
Our evening book club just discussed Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier. This was a very pleasant surprise!
The book is not long or exceptionally complicated but the author weaves in so much history that it is amazing. The fictional story, inspired by Highgate Cemetery in north London, England, keeps you reading and while you're on this journey you're learning some fascinating history about Victorians including their mourning and death rituals and also the beginnings of the women's suffragette movement.
The story starts the day after Queen Victoria's death in January, 1901 and ends the night before King Edward VII's funeral in 1910. This is the Edwardian period and was, according to the author, "the transitional period between the strict social codes and elaborate commemoration of the dead, and the modern world where...death is no longer celebrated".
The story follows two families who meet in the cemetery because their family plots are next to each other. Each family has a young daughter who become fast friends even though their mothers don't approve. One family is middle class while the other is more upper class. One family clings to the old Victorian values even as the world is getting more modern. The story is told from shifting perspectives: wives and husbands; the two girls; the grandmother; the servants. The 20th century is coming full force and with it come disappointment and then tragedy for the families.
The author's website at tchevalier.com is full of interesting information. While there click on any of her book titles and you'll find all sorts of interesting facts about the history of the period she's writing about, her inspiration to write the book, a summary and reviews. It is one of the most informative author websites.
Ms. Chevalier was born in Washington DC but has lived her entire adult life in England. Her second novel, Girl with a Pearl Earring sold 4 million copies and was made into a movie starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson.
One book club member who has read almost all of her books said she would recommend every one. Based on Falling Angels I can definitely say I'll be reading more of Tracy Chevalier's books.
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| Highgate Cemetery, north London |
The book is not long or exceptionally complicated but the author weaves in so much history that it is amazing. The fictional story, inspired by Highgate Cemetery in north London, England, keeps you reading and while you're on this journey you're learning some fascinating history about Victorians including their mourning and death rituals and also the beginnings of the women's suffragette movement.
The story starts the day after Queen Victoria's death in January, 1901 and ends the night before King Edward VII's funeral in 1910. This is the Edwardian period and was, according to the author, "the transitional period between the strict social codes and elaborate commemoration of the dead, and the modern world where...death is no longer celebrated".
The story follows two families who meet in the cemetery because their family plots are next to each other. Each family has a young daughter who become fast friends even though their mothers don't approve. One family is middle class while the other is more upper class. One family clings to the old Victorian values even as the world is getting more modern. The story is told from shifting perspectives: wives and husbands; the two girls; the grandmother; the servants. The 20th century is coming full force and with it come disappointment and then tragedy for the families.
The author's website at tchevalier.com is full of interesting information. While there click on any of her book titles and you'll find all sorts of interesting facts about the history of the period she's writing about, her inspiration to write the book, a summary and reviews. It is one of the most informative author websites.
Ms. Chevalier was born in Washington DC but has lived her entire adult life in England. Her second novel, Girl with a Pearl Earring sold 4 million copies and was made into a movie starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson.
One book club member who has read almost all of her books said she would recommend every one. Based on Falling Angels I can definitely say I'll be reading more of Tracy Chevalier's books.
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| The author in Highgate Cemetery |
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Meet Author Tess Gerritsen October 1, 2013
Mark your calendars! We are thrilled to welcome the internationally known bestselling author Tess Gerritsen to our library October 1, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Publisher Weekly has dubbed her "the medical suspense queen".
Ms. Gerritsen says "I had the idea of a library tour some years ago because I know there are so many libraries with meager budgets who never get author visits. I had thought of trying it out first in West Virginia but when Mary Clare (of Bartholomew County Public Library in Columbus, Indiana) e-mailed me, inviting me to speak at her library, I thought why not start in Indiana? So it's a bit of an experiment. It's my way to thank our public libraries because that's where I first learned my love of books!".
The author has taken an unusual route to her writing career. After graduating from Stanford University she went to medical school and became a doctor. She began writing while on maternity leave. She is now a full-time writer residing in Maine.
Her first novels were romantic thrillers. Then her first medical thriller Harvest put her on the New York Times Bestseller List. She has since won the Nero Award for Vanish and The Rita Award for The Surgeon. She also has a series of novels featuring Rizzoli and Isles which inspired the TV show.
Ms. Gerritsen will present a general talk about her books, the ideas that inspired them and the TV show. There will also be a question and answer session.
All are welcome to visit with Ms. Gerritsen October 1st!
Ms. Gerritsen says "I had the idea of a library tour some years ago because I know there are so many libraries with meager budgets who never get author visits. I had thought of trying it out first in West Virginia but when Mary Clare (of Bartholomew County Public Library in Columbus, Indiana) e-mailed me, inviting me to speak at her library, I thought why not start in Indiana? So it's a bit of an experiment. It's my way to thank our public libraries because that's where I first learned my love of books!".
The author has taken an unusual route to her writing career. After graduating from Stanford University she went to medical school and became a doctor. She began writing while on maternity leave. She is now a full-time writer residing in Maine.
Her first novels were romantic thrillers. Then her first medical thriller Harvest put her on the New York Times Bestseller List. She has since won the Nero Award for Vanish and The Rita Award for The Surgeon. She also has a series of novels featuring Rizzoli and Isles which inspired the TV show.
Ms. Gerritsen will present a general talk about her books, the ideas that inspired them and the TV show. There will also be a question and answer session.
All are welcome to visit with Ms. Gerritsen October 1st!
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| Tess Gerritsen at a book signing |
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