Local Author Book Signing

Since this is our next read, I thought I'd pass along this info I just received. It's last minute, but it'll be fun if you can make it. If you don't have your book already, this may be an opportunity to pick one up. From what I'm told, the author makes more money from the sale when you purchase directly from her. The other option, though, is through Best Books in Jackson or http://www.indiebound.org/. Best Books has several copies in already and being held under my name so you can get a 15% discount.

Filling a Need

Below is a copy of an email I received from Becky, our satellite leader for WW. The Novelties has an opportunity to step up and help out. Take a minute to read what she wrote and let me know if you're interested in participating.

As you may remember, we took an offering for relief efforts for Haiti right after the tragic earthquake. We also mentioned that we would be partnering with World Vision in that effort. Based upon the funds that we raised (around $5,000), we have chosen the mode of sending first aid and health kits. How it works is:

We let WV know how many kits we can create based upon the amount of $ raised and then they, WV, sends us the kit materials for us to assemble and box up. They then pick up the assembled kits and send them to Haiti via their base in Miami.

What we need is Satellite groups willing to serve WW via assembling these kits. We will put together close to 200 of them, which is very exciting!!!!
Though the date is somewhat flexible based upon who jumps on this opportunity, we are looking to box materials the week of March 8th, before the Len Sweet weekend. If we can get a couple of groups to pull out a few hours on a Monday (8th) or Tuesday (9th) evening, that would be great. I will supply snacks.

Info for A Wizard of Earthsea (Jackson's Big Read)

Melissa McPhearson works with the library and was kind enough to remind me to remind you to check out their website for event information for the Big Read. http://jackson.lib.mi.us/ There is a link to the Big Read events right from the home page. If you see anything that looks interesting and you would like another 'field trip', let me know. You may be able to pick up copies of the book at some of them. Probably at least some good material to discuss...

Thank you Melissa!

Meeting Kristin

Tonight was awesome! Deb, Lisa and I met and talked with Kristin Hannah at Borders in Ann Arbor tonight. Kristin was touring to promote her new book, Winter Garden. I think Deb and Lisa will agree that she was definitely worth the trip to Ann Arbor.







Kristin was very personable, approachable, friendly, normal (lol), just like one of us. It was truly a joy to be able to be there and listen to her talk about her writing, her life and her books. She revealed that her mother died of breast cancer at the age of 48, which is the age Kristin herself was when she wrote the book Firefly Lane, which just happens to talk about that very subject. We were surprised to learn that some of Kristin's favorite types of books to read are suspense/thriller kinds of books, even though she loves to write contemporary women's novels. We also learned she never knew she would end up being a writer until she was in the hospital for an extended stay while pregnant with her son. She wrote her first book then, and hasn't looked back. Her career as an author has allowed her to stay home with her son (now 22) while he was growing up.


So.... it was a wonderful night! And after meeting Kristin, we're really looking forward to reading more of her books. Guess what our May read is going to be??? ;)

True Colors and Kristin Hannah

Once again, it's unanimous... except this time unanimously thumbs-up. Kristin did a wonderful job of telling a story of three sisters, each with totally different personalities. One is super-intelligent-successful-envious-of-beautiful sister. One is beautiful-carefree-doted-on-spoiled. And one is married-with-children-sensible-turned-independently rebellious. The story brings in the men that come into their lives and moves brilliantly through the twists and turns of love, jealousy, hope, support, pain, and every other emotion you can imagine. There were a few things we noted that Kristin could have given a more realistic theme to, but I think that will come with maturity in her writing style as she continues to put out novels. Overall, the book was a hit, and I think we will all look forward to checking out more of her books, both previous and future.

Speaking of Kristin, she is going to be in Ann Arbor this Tuesday, February 16 at 7:00 pm at Borders on Lohr Rd. (I94 west to exit#175, right off the exit, first left is Lohr Rd. You'll see Borders in a shopping center right after you make the turn.) The Novelties is going on a field trip to meet Kristin. Be sure to bring your books for her to sign. I work in Ann Arbor, so I will already be there, but I know of at least two who are riding together. We are meeting at Borders around 6:30. If you want to be included in ride arrangements from Jackson, email me at wendyr67@gmail.com.

Our next book is Jackson District Library's 'Big Read' selection. It's A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K. LeGuin. Best Books has them in stock for us. Give them my name when you purchase the book and you'll get 15% discount.

For April's book, we've chosen Picking Dandelions, by Sarah Cunningham. Sarah lives here in Jackson, MI, and is a high school teacher and author. She began her new-book tour in Jackson, at Westwinds and Jackson Coffee Company. She's now on her way to promote her books and spread her message, and we wish her all the best! You can learn more about her at http://www.sarahcunningham.org/. I will give Best Books a heads-up on this selection so they can get some in stock. Until then, you'll be able to find copies at Westwinds and at http://www.indiebound.org/.

Our next regularly scheduled meeting to discuss A Wizard of Earthsea is Monday, March 8, 7:00-9:00, Biggby, Jackson. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIME. We've moved the time back by a half hour so that more people will be able to make it. Hope to see you there...

Meeting Reminder

Hello Everyone! I meant to send this out yesterday. Sorry for the late reminder. Tonight we will be discussing True Colors by Kristin Hannah. Also on the agenda will be making plans to visit Borders in Ann Arbor next Tuesday, Feb 16 at 7pm where Kristin will be promoting her newest book, Winter Garden.

Tonight, Monday, Feb 8, 6:30-8:30, Biggby Jackson.

Hope to see you there!

Kristen Hannah in Ann Arbor

I just found out that Kristen Hannah, the author of our current read, True Colors, is on tour and will be at Borders in Ann Arbor at 7pm on Tuesday, February 16. The address is 3140 Lohr Rd, Ann Arbor. http://www.kristinhannah.com/content/about_kristin.php?id=Tour%20Dates

Keep it in mind. This would be a really fun thing to do together as a group. We can discuss further next Monday at our meeting.