SAVE THE DATE
Literary Lights 2007
Friday, December 7, 6-8:30 pm
Patrons’ Luncheon, 12 noon-2 pm
The Greenwich Arts Council is planning its second annual multi-author book signing and holiday party to take place at the Greenwich Arts Council building, 299 Greenwich Avenue, on Friday, December 7. Literary Lights 2007 will once again be held in collaboration with Just Books of Old Greenwich and will feature more than 20 name authors who will sign their recent releases offered for sale.
The book festival will be a good source of holiday gifts, since patrons will have the opportunity to get their books personalized. The Arts Council plans on having a broad spectrum of genres represented, including romance, mystery and thriller, art and photography, biography, politics, science fiction, cooking, children’s, decorating and lifestyle.
Admission to Literary Lights will be free and refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. All book purchases will include a 20% tax-deductible contribution to the Arts Council and will be sales-tax-free for this event. For more information and for volunteer opportunities, please call the Greenwich Arts Council office at 203-622-3998.
Enjoy a 10% discount on dinner after the event at these participating restaurants: Abis, Le Figaro Bistro, Meli-Melo, Solaia and Pasta Vera. Please check for restaurant updates.
Participating authors to date include (*subject to change without notice):
(See below for available bios.)
| Author |
Title |
| John Baldwin (CT) |
Last Flag Down |
| Dan Barry |
City Lights: Stories about New York |
| Charles Monagan (CT) |
Connecticut Icons |
| Bill Evans (CT) |
Category 7 |
| Andrew Gross |
Blue Zone |
| Jane Green (CT) |
Second Chance |
| Michael Korda |
Ike: An American Hero |
| Meghan McCarthy |
City Hawk |
| Jane O'Connor |
Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy |
| Stewart O'Nan (CT) |
Last Night at the Lobster |
| Howard Roughan |
You've Been Warned (with James Patterson) |
| Jake Rajs |
Atlantic: Coastal Towns, Seashores and Waterways |
| MJ Rose (CT) |
Reincarnationist |
| George Taber |
To Cork or Not to Cork |
| Michael White (CT) |
Soul Catcher |
| James Stevenson |
Lost and Found New York: Oddballs, Heroes, Heartbreakers, Scoundrels, Thugs, Mayors, and Mysteries |
| Rosemary Wells |
Max & Ruby's Christmas Tree |
| Chuck Fischer |
Christmas Around the World |
| Susan P. Meisel & Nathalie Sann |
Gourmet Shops of New York: Markets, Foods, Recipes |
John Baldwin - Last Flag Down: The Epic Journey of the Last Confederate Warship
Thriller writer John Baldwin joins forces with the prolific Ron Powers (a Pulitzer Prize winner and co-author of Flags of Our Fathers) for a true Civil War adventure saga centered on a young CSA navy lieutenant. The 24-year-old Conway Whittle, an ancestor of Baldwin's, was assigned as first lieutenant and executive officer on the Confederate raider Shenandoah late in the war. The ship sailed from London disguised as a merchant vessel and attacked Yankee merchant ships and whalers until August 1865, when the crew learned that the war had ended five months earlier. Baldwin and Powers recount this historical tale in a lively, evocative style bringing to life one of the more obscure episodes of the Civil War. John Baldwin is a magazine writer, lecturer, and the author of two novels including The Eleventh Plague.
Dan Barry - City Lights: Stories About New York
A perpetual tourist in his New York City hometown, Dan Barry wrote a weekly New York Times column, "About New York," from 2003 to 2006 in which he humanized the local heroes, colorful characters and ordinary residents of a city in constant flux. This collection of essays sparkles and illuminates as much as the city it endeavors to capture. Readers will lament the loss of old New York businesses and be intrigued by the tale of a Gatsbyesque figure who tried to pose as a member of the upper crust. Barry now writes a national column for the Times called "This Land." He was a nominated finalist for the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for his coverage of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and for his coverage of life in New York City, and shared the 1994 Pulitzer for Investigative Reporting while working at the Providence Journal. He is also the author of a memoir, Pull Me Up.
Charles Monagan - 50 Symbols of the Nutmeg State
Charles Monagan knows Connecticut. As editor of Connecticut Magazine he has spent years discovering and describing the people, places, and things that comprise the character of his home state. With this entertaining collection of photos, anecdotes, and little-known facts, Monagan presents fifty of his favorite icons—from the hot lobster roll to the Yale Bowl, the U.S.S. Nautilus to the Merritt Parkway—and shows natives and newcomers alike the independent spirit and local pride at the heart of Connecticut. Monagan is also the author of The Neurotic's Handbook and The Reluctant Naturalist.
Bill Evans - Category 7
Bill Evans, a meteorologist for New York's WABC-TV, and novelist Marianna Jameson (Big Trouble) pit a band of diverse weather professionals against a storm of unheard-of magnitude that's headed straight for Manhattan. Simone, a Category 7 hurricane, threatens to topple skyscrapers, flood subways and tunnels and submerge the city under thirty feet of water. As it turns out, Simone isn't a natural phenomenon but the product of rogue weather science being wielded by billionaire Carter Thompson as part of a personal vendetta against the US President. It's up to Kate Sherman, once a member of Carter’s weather team, and Jake Baxter, a weatherman for the CIA, to deploy a secret Navy weapon and stop Simone. Bill Evans is a five-time Emmy Award-winning, nationally-renowned senior meteorologist. In addition to WABC-TV, he can be heard on a regular basis on Radio Disney and ESPN Radio and has appeared on Good Morning, America and Live with Regis and Kelly. Evans has received the Outstanding Meteorologist Award from the National Weather Service and has hosted the National Hurricane Conference. Category 7 is his first novel.
Andrew Gross - The Blue Zone: A Novel
From the bestselling co-author of Judge & Jury and Lifeguard comes this electrifying solo debut, The Blue Zone. Kate Raab's life seems almost perfect: her boyfriend, her job, her family . . . until her father runs into trouble with the law. His only recourse is to testify against his former accomplices in exchange for his family's placement in the Witness Protection Program. A year later her father disappears—into what the WITSEC agency calls "the blue zone"—and someone close to him is found brutally murdered. With her family under surveillance, the FBI untrustworthy, and her father's menacing "friends" circling with increasing intensity, Kate sets off to find her father—and uncover the secrets someone will kill to keep buried. Andrew Gross is the co-author of five New York Times number one bestselling novels with James Patterson.
Jane Green - Second Chances
Jane Green has become a nationally bestselling author with legions of fans through her novels about the true-life dilemmas of real women-their relationships, their careers, their loves, their triumphs and disappointments. In her latest book, Green tells the story of old school friends, some of whom haven't seen each other in nearly two decades. When one of them dies in a terrible tragedy, the reunited friends work through their grief together and find that each of their lives is impacted in ways they could have never foreseen. Green, a London native and former journalist, now lives in Connecticut with her American husband and four children. She is also the author of Swapping Lives, The Other Woman, To Have and to Hold and Jemima J.
Michael Korda - Ike: An American Hero
Korda, editor, novelist and memoirist, presents an ambitious and enthralling new biography of Dwight D. Eisenhower, full of fascinating details and anecdotes, which places particular emphasis on his brilliant generalship and leadership in World War Two. It also provides, with the advantage of hindsight, an acute analysis of his character and personality, reaching the conclusion that he was perhaps America's greatest general and one of America's best presidents, a man who won the war and thereafter kept the peace. New York Times bestselling author Michael Korda's books include Charmed Lives: A Family Romance, Queenie, Ulysses S. Grant: The Unlikely Hero and Journey to a Revolution: A Personal Memoir and History of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.
Meghan McCarthy - City Hawk: The Story of Pale Male
In a heartening, colorful tale perfect for 4-8 year olds, Meghan McCarthy brings to life a hawk that made headlines. New York City is known for its sky-scrapers, subways, and hustle and bustle -- not for its wildlife. So everyone is surprised when a red-tailed hawk is spotted flying over Fifth Avenue, and even more surprised when he decides to settle down on the ledge of one of the Big Apple's swankiest apartment buildings. The hawk soon draws many admirers. They name him Pale Male and watch as he builds his nest, finds a mate, and teaches his little hawk babies to fly. Based on the true story of Pale Male, City Hawk captures the essence of family, perseverance, and big-city living. McCarthy, a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, has written and illustrated several children’s books including George Upside Down and Show Dog.
Jane O'Connor - Fancy Nancy and Fancy Nancy & The Posh Puppy
Jane O'Connor charmed readers young and old with the unforgettable Nancy, a little girl who believes that more is ALWAYS better when it comes to being fancy. From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly studded shoes, Nancy was determined to teach her family a thing or two about being fancy in Fancy Nancy. When her family decides to get a dog in Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy, Nancy is certain she can be fancier than ever. After all, a papillon-a small, delicate, fluffy dog-is the ultimate accessory. But her family wants a large, plain dog. How unglamorous! With O'Connor's trademark humor and warmth and Robin Preiss Glasser's sassy illustrations, Nancy discovers that real fanciness does not depend simply on appearance. An editor at a major publishing house, O'Connor has written more than thirty books for children, including the Nina, Nina Ballerina stories. Ms. O'Connor lives with her family in the glamour capital of the world-New York City.
Stewart O'Nan - Last Night at the Lobster
Set on the last day of business of a Connecticut Red Lobster, this touching novel by the author of Snow Angels and A Prayer for the Dying, tells the story of Manny DeLeon, a conscientious, committed restaurant manager any national chain would want to keep. Instead, corporate has notified Manny that his New Britain, Conn., location is not meeting expectations and will close on December 20. It's a loss he tries to rationalize amidst his conflicted romantic feelings for a waitress he can't forget and his responsibility to his pregnant girlfriend. On this last night, Manny is committed to a dream of perfection, but nothing and no one seem to share his vision. Stewart O'Nan has been hailed as "the bard of the working class," and he has crafted a powerful and vividly real day-in-the-life of an American everyman that ponders the value of honor, achievement and love. O'Nan, a recipient of several writing honors, was named one of America's Best Young Novelists by Granta in 1996.
Howard Roughan - You've Been Warned
Howard Roughan collaborates with bestselling author James Patterson in this high-drama thriller. Kristin Burns, a New York City nanny and aspiring photographer, is devoted to the two children under her care, but her desire for their father, Michael Turnbull, leads her to a risky, torrid affair with him. Kristin's anxiety about her guilty secret is heightened by a series of frightening nightmares. As her life turns stranger by the minute, Kristin is haunted and terrified. Is it all in her head? Or is the nightmare becoming her life? Kristin searches desperately for what's real through the lens of her camera, only knowing two things for sure: that no place is safe and the fate of everyone she loves lies in her hands. Roughan is the author of The Up and Come, The Promise of a Lie, and most recently the co-author, with James Patterson, of Honeymoon.
Jake Rajs - Atlantic: Coastal Towns, Seashores and Waterways of North America
With an introduction by Walter Cronkite, this lavish, limited-edition volume showcases more than two hundred sumptuous color photographs in full spreads and gatefolds. The Atlantic seaboard is home to some of the finest stretches of sand beaches and outer islands in the world. From the rocky edges of Penobscot Bay, to the cottage charm of Nantucket Island, to the tropical grandeur of Palm Beach's majestic houses, award-winning photographer Jake Rajs captures the towns and fishing villages, the lighthouses and dunes, and the ocean in every season. Rajs's assignments have taken him to exotic locations around the world and have led to publication in Life, Esquire, Omni, Travel and Leisure, GEO, and Camera 35, among other magazines. He was voted Reader's Digest's "Best American Photographer," and his previous Rizzoli titles include These United States, America, Manhattan: An Island in Focus, and Cherry Blossoms.
M.J. Rose - The Reincarnationist
After a bomb explosion nearly kills photojournalist Josh Ryder, he begins experiencing flashbacks—or, perhaps, memories—of events that seem to have happened to him 1,600 years earlier, in another life. Convinced these episodes aren't figments of his imagination, he enlists the aid of the Phoenix Foundation, a group that specializes in past-life research. Later, when he becomes involved in the unearthing of an ancient tomb—and experiences a connection with its long-buried resident—Josh realizes he has a chance to right a wrong that happened a millennium and a half ago, not to mention an opportunity to solve a series of modern-day murders. International bestselling author M.J. Rose is the author of eight previous novels, including Lip Service and three titles in the Butterfield Institute series: The Halo Effect, The Delilah Complex and The Venus Fix. She's also the co-author of two nonfiction books on marketing and is on the board of directors of the International Thriller Writers.
George M. Taber - To Cork or Not to Cork: Tradition, Romance, Science and the Battle for the Wine Bottle
In Judgment of Paris, George M. Taber masterfully chronicled the historic 1976 wine tasting when unknown California wines defeated top French ones, marking a major turning point in wine history. Now he explores the most controversial topic in the world of wine: What product should be used to seal a bottle? Should it be cork, plastic, glass, a screwcap, or some other type of closure still to be invented? For nearly four centuries virtually every bottle of wine had a cork in it. However, between three to five percent of cork is tainted with a noxious chemical compound that can ruin an otherwise perfect bottle. While cork's critics urge people to throw off the old and embrace new closures, millions of wine drinkers around the world are still in love with the romance of the cork and the ceremony of opening a bottle. With a thorough command of history, science, winemaking, and marketing, Taber examines all sides of the debate. Along the way, he collects a host of great characters and pivotal moments in the production, storage, and consumption of wine. Taber is a dedicated wine enthusiast and was a reporter and editor with Time magazine in the United States and Europe for twenty-one years.
Michael White - Soul Catcher
White's latest novel follows Augustus Cain, a down on his luck gambler, wounded Mexican-American War veteran and notorious fugitive slave catcher. After a run of bad luck, Cain accepts an assignment from Mr. Eberly, a wealthy Virginia landowner to whom Cain is indebted, to track down two runaway slaves, Henry and Rosetta. Along with three of Eberly's men, Cain sets out on a dangerous journey that takes him from Richmond to New York and Boston. After Cain captures the runaways and turns homeward, the trek becomes a means of redemption for both the soul catcher and his captives, and paints an unsettling portrait of a nation on the brink of civil war. Michael White is the New York Times Notable author of five novels, including the acclaimed A Dream of Wolves and The Garden of Martyrs, which was a Connecticut Book of the Year finalist. He teaches at Fairfield University and at the Stonecoast MFA program in Maine.
James Stevenson - Lost and Found New York: Oddballs, Heroes, Heartbreakers, Scoundrels, Thugs, Mayors, and Mysteries
Celebrate the lost histories, unusual people and places, and hidden treasures of New York City's glorious past with this delightful and engaging collection of original illustrations and stories by artist/writer James Stevenson. This handsome volume features the series of Stevenson's "Lost and Found New York" pieces, originally published in the New York Times since 2003, along with never-before-published original artwork. Stevenson is an op-ed contributor to the New York Times. He was on the staff of The New Yorker for more than three decades; his work includes 2,000 cartoons and 80 covers, as well as reporting and fiction. He is also the author and illustrator of over 100 children's books.
Rosemary Wells - Max & Ruby's Christmas Tree
It’s Christmastime, and Ruby is teaching Max how to hang ornaments on the Christmas tree. But for every traditional ornament that Ruby hangs, Max hangs a silly one of his own. Brother and sister are nearly done . . . but wait! Ruby has forgotten to add the tree topper! Can Max help her save the day? Rosemary Wells is the author of a number of popular children's books, most notably the Max and Ruby series which follows the everyday adventures of sibling bunnies - curious three year old Max and bossy seven year old Ruby. She gets the inspiration for Max and Ruby from her two daughters and the experiences they have with friends and school. She has also written Noisy Nora, Yoko, A Trip to the Bunny Planet series and a collected book of illustrations of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs.
Chuck Fischer - Christmas Around the World
Master pop-up artist Chuck Fischer's latest creation is a wonderful holiday treat. Featuring France, Germany, Russia, Latin America, Scandinavia, Great Britain, Italy, and the United States, every spread is packed with delights: a luxurious central pop-up image, plus removable booklets, pullouts, mini pop-ups, and more. The text illuminates unique Christmas traditions, gift legacies, and portraits of mythic figures, such as England's Father Christmas and Italy's Le Befana. Chuck Fischer is the author of three previous pop-up books; The White House, Great American Houses and Gardens, and Christmas in New York. Christmas in New York will also be available for purchase.
Susan P. Meisel & Nathalie Sann - Gourmet Shops of New York: Markets, Foods, Recipes
New York is famously rich in diversity, a city where you can find cooks from every corner of the globe down each street. The city's gourmet shops dazzle all five senses and entice you to taste new delicacies. One hundred of the best-loved and most-visited gourmet destinations, from neighborhood jewels to exotic superstores are explored in fascinating detail-from the sparkling cases of cheeses at Dean & Deluca to the overwhelming spice shelves at Kalustyans. Sixty one-of-a-kind recipes bring home the rewards of New York's unrivaled food culture. For discerning eaters everywhere, Gourmet Shops of New York inspires the imagination and makes a great gift or souvenir for anyone with a taste for the best. Susan P. Meisel managed her own catering business and went on to write Hamptons Pleasures and The Hamptons: Life Behind the Hedges. Nathalie Sann is a native of Paris, where she taught cooking classes.
Highlights from
Literary Lights 2006: A Holiday Book Festival
Literary Lights Committee member Karen Watt with author Anna Quindlen
Host Janis Jones with guests at High Tea with Anna Quindlen
Anna Quindlen with GAC Board President Lucy Hedrick and Literary Lights co-chair Pat Mendelsohn
Anna Quindlen with Literary Lights committee member Jennifer Dahlberg and co-chair Pat Mendelsohn
Members of Literary Lights committee, from l to r: Lois Slachowitz; Pat & Bob Mendelsohn; Jennifer Dahlberg; Janis Jones
Writing Workshop at Greenwich Arts Council
Creative writers of all genres are invited to join the Greenwich Writers, led by Amy Beth Arkawy, novelist, playwright and journalist.
“The emphasis continues to be on the writing process,” says Arkawy, who is also a trained psychotherapist and creativity coach and often helps clients conquer artistic blocks and has taught writing classes at the University of Massachusetts, Greenwich Adult Education and Literacy Volunteers/ Stamford-Greenwich. “ I want to create a space that is safe and empowering; a place in which each writer—regardless of experience or skill level—will be embraced and encouraged to explore and express his/her own artistic voice.” Writers will write together within the group each week and share their works-in-progress. Opportunities for publication and production will also be shared.
Unlike some groups that are genre specific, Greenwich Writers is open to all creative writers. “ I think it’s helpful for a novelist to see how a playwright handles dialogue and for a playwright to hear how a poet plays with language,” Arkawy says. “ The hope is that free from constrictions artists will experiment, play, share, collaborate. When you are open to the unexpected and surrounded by a supportive community true artistic alchemy can be sparked.”
Over time Greenwich Writers hopes to grow into a producing and publishing entity with readings, festivals and books emerging from the members’ work.
For information call Amy Beth Arkawy (914) 939-5579.
Amy Beth Arkawy is the author of the forthcoming novels Radio Karma and Reeling in the Years. Her plays include the McClaren Memorial Comedy Award-nominated Psychic Chicken Soup. Several have been produced at festivals in New York City and across the country and have been featured in several “Best Scenes and Monologues” anthologies. She has also enjoyed stints as theatre and TV critic for The Westchester and Fairfield Weekly and talk show host/DJ for several radio stations including WGCH in Greenwich. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Amy Beth was an M.F.A Fellow at the University of Massachusetts and has a M.S. in Counseling from Long Island University.
