www.yourtownie.com
FREE
Issue No.
February 5 - February 18 VOLUME 5
Happy Valentine’s Dates Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, let’s just go ahead and assume that you lovers are going to go out on the Saturday before. If not, there are not going to be many options on a Sunday. So, happy pre-Valentine’s dating.
For the active couple: {Note: You can actually do this date ON Valentine’s Day} Grab your running shoes and take a jog around Cherokee Lake. While you’re cooling down, you can head over to the rose garden because let’s get real, nothing is more romantic than strolling around in a rose garden. After that, head to MacIntyre Park and play a game of disc golf. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, you could always have a romantic picnic at the park after your disc golf game. Round out your fun day with a couple of bowling games. {Pro tip: Don’t forget your socks.}
For the foodie couple: Thomasville has some amazing restaurants. Luckily, many of them are within walking distance of each other. {Pro tip: Get reservations everywhere before you try to finagle your way into a restaurant on the day before Valentine’s day.} First, head to Chop House and get the Pork Belly or the Duck Flatbread {or both}. Then, head down to Liam’s and grab an entrée. If the weather is nice, sit in the courtyard. It’s enchanting at night. Last, head down to Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop and get a chocolate flight and a glass of wine.
For the "I'm not sure we've been together long enough to celebrate Valentine's Day" couple: It’s probably a bit to premature to exchange gifts or even cards, but you want to do something. A great option for a new couple would be to park downtown and then walk to George and Louie’s where you can grab some dinner. If it’s not too cold, sit outside. The lights put an amazing glow on everything. Then walk to Bacchus and grab a drink. It’s a bit of a hike, but during the walk you can get in some really good conversation. Good news is that you were smart enough to put your car in a centralized location, so you don’t have to make the hike back to George and Louie’s for your car.
For the "Let's not put too much pressure on this Valentine's Day thing" couple: Go to Ice N’ Creamy and grab a scoop or two of ice cream. There’s nothing quite as adorable as people licking ice cream cones in tandem. Then make your way over to Gateway Cinemas and watch a movie. There’s a lot of romance in simultaneously ramming your hands into a bucket of popcorn. After the movie, head over to Grassroots and grab a coffee. There’s no way you’re going to want dinner after you’ve eaten four pounds of popcorn. Well, that’s all folks. We hope that you have an amazing Valentine’s Day. — Denise P.
Two Bad Days:
FREE
2
February 5 - February 18 VOLUME 5
Brookwood Presents Bye Bye Birdie Looking for an activity that your entire family can enjoy? Does something with award winning music, choreography, and humor sound perfect? I’ve got something for you. On February 5, 6 & 7 Brookwood School will present the Tony award winning musical Bye Bye Birdie at the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium. Once again under the direction of Constance Clineman, Brookwood students, parents and members of the Thomasville community will bring to life the satirical take on life in the 1950s. Inspired by the draft of icon Elvis Presley into the Army in 1957, Bye Bye Birdie follows the story of rock star Conrad Birdie, his agent and songwriter Albert Peterson, Peterson’s secretary Rosie, and all-american teen Kim Macafee as they scheme and execute one final publicity stunt and then deal with the fallout after things go awry. The school play is a cherished tradition at Brookwood. When asked what he enjoyed most about participating in the school play, Parker Watt, who plays Albert Peterson said, “My favorite thing about the school musical is the fact that I get to become closer with so many talented people that I normally would not get the chance to be with.” You can ask any past or present cast member what the best part of the play is and it will almost always include some variation of Parker’s answer. It is a unique opportunity that brings together over 80 students ranging from Junior K to 12th Grade, teachers, faculty members and friends. The show will run Friday {8p}, Saturday {8p} and Sunday{2p} at the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium. General admission tickets are available at the door for $15 for Adults and $10 for students.
A Remembrance of Hutch I love my job. I really do. And I realize from the outside, Chamber of Commerce work can often look like puppies, kittens, rainbows and ribbon cuttings. But as with any job, there are good days and there are reeeeaaallly bad days. During my tenure as Chamber Executive here in Thomasville, I can thankfully only recall two truly bad days.
My second bad day was yesterday – the day I received the news that my sweet friend Hutch had passed. I had known for about a week it was coming but couldn’t help feeling like the rug had been ripped out from under me. Much like that other bad day, I felt lost and sad. I was sad for myself, sad for his family and sad for my community. His community.
The first bad day was a little over a year ago. I won’t go into any of the gory details, but suffice it to say, I was having a very hard time and was really questioning my role here. While sitting at my desk in tears, I got a call from my sweet friend, Bob Hutchison. Hutch was a member of my board and had been nothing but a bountiful source of love and support from the very start. I so vividly remember the first time I met him during my first formal interview for this job. He made what could have felt like an interrogation feel like Sunday dinner with the family.
I went on Facebook looking for a distraction and came across the I HEART HUTCH page created several months ago in support of my friend. And there it was. There it ALL was. All of the love and encouragement. All of the happiness and hope. Throughout the rest of the day, I saw glimpses of Hutch everywhere I turned. At a Chamber Ambassador meeting. At the gym. At the local barbeque joint. His legacy has survived! I started to realize that he had not only poured his goodness into his family. He has poured it into each and every one of us as well.
Knowing I was struggling that day, Hutch invited me to lunch. When I arrived, I found him and his daughter Holli waiting for me. The two of them spent that entire hour listening to me, encouraging me and basically bringing my pathetic pity party to a screeching halt. On that day, I was struck by not only what a loyal friend I had in Hutch, but how his daughter was exactly like him. He had managed to pass along his traits of kindness and compassion to his daughter almost like blue eyes or brown hair. I could see in sharp relief the amazing legacy he had provided her. Later on, as I met other members of the family, I noticed these same traits in them too, as if it was a Hutchison family tradition.
I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to say goodbye. He signed off with me exactly how he always did, with “I love you, Sweetie.” He always had a way of making me and everyone else around him feel like family. So in that spirit, my plan is to pass his legacy on to my children. What better way to honor such an extraordinary human being? I believe as long as we make it a point to share his legacy with the ones we love, the Hutch we loved will never truly die.
— Emily M.
Whispers Psst...mention this whisper in an e-mail to yourtownie@gmail.com for two free tickets to the Sunday showing of Bye Bye Birdie...first to e-mail gets them... Take your kiddos to Victorian Valentines at the LP House on Feb. 13...a scavenger hunt and crafting are sure to get them in the spirit...call Amelia at the Historical Society for the deets... Stay tuned for an interview with a celeb...
CHUMS Nick & Areka Beckham
CHUMS
These chums have known each other since high school but it wasn’t until they each got a little more life under their belts that they found love-at-first-sight-in-a-really-long-time. Seven years later, Nick and Areka Beckham manage a house full of kids and one super sweet dog but they are so sweet on each other you would think they are still dating. #RelationshipGoals #TheseAreYourValentinesChums What is the first thing you noticed about each other? A: He's tall, dark & handsome. Hard NOT to notice. N: Her green eyes. I thought a woman like her could only be dreamed up in a book or made in a movie. She looked exotic. I had to make her mine. What do you love most about each other? A: His sense of humor. He makes me laugh out loud every single day…and he's seriously smart so I never ever have to help with homework. N: I love the way she talks to people. She can get complete strangers to open up to her. She listens and is genuinely interested in what they have to say. I've always been mesmerized by that. How does Nick make you feel loved? Every day we're together he shows my boys how to treat a woman & our girls how to be treated by a man. That's pretty special. How does Areka make you feel loved? She has always supported me when I've wanted to pursue different careers. Behind every strong man... Who said "I love you” first? A: He's going to love answering this. I did. At Waffle House. Don't judge. N: Duh. She did. At the Waffle House. Romantic, I know. What is your ideal Valentines date? A: This year I want to watch Deadpool with him. We love to watch movies but rarely get to sneak away to the theatre. N: A secluded cabin weekend in the mountains. A grill, a fire pit, a view and time with each other. Having toddlers can make it very difficult to spend time together.
— Emily M.
— Lauren Basford, Executive Director, Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce
+
F r e e
t o
r e a d ,
t h a n k s
t o
t h e s e :
Don’t miss our weekly specials! www.mimisthelook.com
General, Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry 106 West Jackson Street Downtown Thomasville #mimisthelook
303 W. Hansell Street • Thomasville 229-227-1447 www.aconfidentsmile.com
to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com
Page No.
2 FIND US ONLINE AT YOURTOWNIE.COM
February 5 - February 18
Townie Love Letters To Matt H.,
Valentine for Janice Hines Gardner
Someone said the best years of my life are still to come. I don't believe that, because from the day you walked in to my life, it has been the just that, the best. I know the years to come will be epic with you. I love you and I am proud to be your wife. Happy Valentines Day!
Our Staff Publisher + Editor in Chief Jennifer Westfield Social Media Dara Barwick Denise Purvis Columnists J. David Bray, Jr. Sarah Esra Denise Purvis Kelly Samek Contributing Writers Lauren Basford Chaise Bishop Clay Byars Benjamin Gardner Brian Herrmann Didi Hoffman Annie Jones Emily McKenna Denise Purvis Jennifer Westfield
Alisha
To Mike,
Every day has been an adventure and I am so excited to be moving towards our dream. You are my life and love forever and I can't believe I am lucky enough to have my best friend on my team and in my heart. I love you to the moon and back! Jennifer P.
Dear Keeper of the Sacred VCR: You are one of my closest and invaluable friends. We've been through good and bad times together, hood-rats and sasquatches, I look forward to nothing less in the future. Love, The Doh!
Coming Next Issue: More Antiques Show coverage than you could shake a stick at, plus an exclusive interview with Nina Campbell
Contributing Artists Clay Byars William Hamil
Dear Don:
My head rests high near to hip, Hand un-scrolling Our sap and private Language across your papyrus. Tamarisk-scented forefinger, Sign on sinew, New trails Blaze from this side of my thumb. We are the old and tidal Souls of broken shores, Regrown groves, grafted gardens. Flesh of my bone, Bone of my flesh Redeem these wretched, wrecked Pieces and accept My willing demise. Bid welcome the rest of my life.
I appreciate everything you do for me, and your tolerance of my over-the-top adoration of my dachshund. You are the best. Love, Denise
Dear Jennifer and Sarah: You both help me so much in so many ways. I cherish your friendship and both of you dearly. You’re both beautiful and wonderful land mermaids.
Stylish Love
Benjamin G.
Dear Nora:
You are the most wonderful beautiful, shining example of a perfect baby dog. You are the light and love of my life. Never change.
Distribution Trent Tucker
Davey
Preservationists have long sought to protect the places in our town that we most love and cherish. In fact, people will tie themselves to a tree, or lay down in front of a bulldozer to preserve a place that reflects our heritage or truly defines who we are as a community.
Like Thomasville, Savannah was recently approved for a chapter as well. Both cities will begin as a “CNU interest group.” This designation encourages groups to seek chapter status while recognizing that each process is unique and highly dependent on location and resources.
But what of all the new construction? Will people fight as passionately to save the sprawling communities and buildings that characterize development in America since the end of WWII? If you are like most people, your answer is probably no.
While a “CNU interest group” is bound by the organization’s bylaws and parameters, they are provided the freedom and assistance to evolve and grow into a full 501c3 chapter.
If you are a design professional, business owner, local advocate, or interested citizen and you share the conviction that our physical environment has a direct impact on the success of our community, as well as our chances for happy and prosperous lives then we encourage you to attend and get involved.
Georgia Press Association
I think I have it now.
Thomasville CNU Chapter to be FIrst in so.ga.
While the group just received word of its newfound status, plans have been in the works for nearly two years. The first CNU Thomasville meeting will occur in February.
Layout Clay Byars
Love has really never been defined. Probably because it encompasses something different for everyone. To me, love is not only a feeling but, a way of living. No, I don’t want to watch that stupid movie but, clearly, it means something to you so I’ll get the popcorn! Yes, I expect you to attend this auction on your day off. Love is the reason we do things for others we really don’t want to do.
Love, Your Mother
But if a group of like-minded planners, designers, business owners and developers from Thomasville have their way, this will soon change, as Thomasville has been approved to host a chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU).
Advertising Design Katie Reeves
Love, Denise
The Thomasville chapter will provide the organization with its only presence in South Georgia. It is rare for a City the size of Thomasville to host a chapter. As an “interest group” Thomasville CNU can grow and find its local niche. Founded in 1993, CNU is a movement based on the principles of how cities and towns have been built for centuries, promoting development that is equally amenable to cars and pedestrians, balances local character with modern efficiency, and allows people to choose how they will live, work, shop, and get around. CNU consists of 17 regional, state, and local chapters, including Atlanta, the only chapter in Georgia. — Brian Herrmann, City Planner, City of Thomasville
Quoted in the ‘Ville What’s the weirdest* thing that you’ve done on Valentine’s Day or that has happened to you? “One time [my husband and I] stayed at a hotel one town over so I could take a whirlpool bath… not for the reasons you would think…but to ease my arthritis.” –Emily H. “A police car drove me and my friends to the "club" in Jacksonville while my fiancé was home.” -T.D. [Side note: T was not arrested. This trip, with a real cop, was purely for fun.]
The Thomasville Townie publishes the first and third Friday of every month. To advertise, suggest article ideas or contact staff members, please email yourtownie@gmail.com.
“The horse and carriage mule stepped on my boyfriend’s foot while we were posing for a picture outside of a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day!” -E.B. [Side note: In case you’re wondering, I asked about his toenail. It did not turn black or fall off.]
Printed by the Bainbridge Post- Searchlight
“I was married for 15 years. Absolutely nothing.” -Benjie M.
“My boyfriend broke up with me on Valentine’s Day because he didn't want to have a Valentine’s tea party. We were 23.” –Lindsey R. “My boyfriend took me out to dinner and asked me if we could get back together. I was unaware that he had previously broken up with me.” –Olivia C. To quote myself here, one Valentine’s Day when I was 20, my boyfriend asked me what I would wanted for a gift. I told him I wanted rollerblades. When he delivered a tiny ring box to me, I hyperventilated and freaked out because I thought it was an engagement ring. I refused to open it and kept saying “I just wanted rollerblades.” It wasn’t an engagement ring…or rollerblades. In the words of Stephanie Tanner, “How rude!” {of me.} *You guys have had some TAME Valentine’s Days. I had to ask a million people before I could get anything remotely weird. — Denise P.
LEAP YEAR
Stand OU T from the Crowd!
LOCK IN
branding / logo design / graphic design photography / video
Clay Byars
designer - creator - owner byarsclay@gmail.com 229 977-4615 tri-bstudio.com
Join Hananel Jackson and the TCA Youth Team for fun games, a movie, and more!
Fine Oriental Rugs
Friday, February 19 6-10 pm
REGISTER
www.thomasvillearts.org
graphic design • marketing consulting branding & identity • promotional products event planning
Phone 229.403.1741 • ktcreative@me.com • www.ktcreative.net
to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com
Downtown, 102 W. Jackson St. Thomasville, GA
Page No.
3
FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE
February 5 - February 18
Dance Card
townie crossword
Friday, February 5 Bye Bye Birdie
Thomasville Municipal Auditorium, 144 E. Jackson Street 8p, $20 for reserved seats, $15 for adults & $10 for students Friday and Saturday performance times are 8:00p. Sunday performance time is 2:00p. Tickets available at Brookwood School, Rayann's Christian Bookstore, Center Drugs in Cairo and at the door. For more info visit www.brookwoodschool.org or call 229-226-8070.
1
Enlightening Bites at the Thomas County Public Library
20
Thomas County Public Library, 201 N. Madison St. 12-1p June Baily White will discuss Birdsong Nature Center’s Old-Timey Plant Sale. The sale specializes in reliable old garden plants collected from local gardeners, and native plants. A special feature of the sale is a superb collection of native azaleas of all sizes and colors. This year's sale is March 19th. For more information, call Nancy Tillnghast 229-225-5252.
Saturday, February 6 Book Signing with Chef Roland Mesnier
Firefly, 125 S. Broad St. 10-11a Chef Mesnier’s newest memoir and cookbook, The White House in Gingerbread, tells the story behind each of the holiday gingerbread houses he created for display in the White House State Dining Room. A Sweet World of White House Desserts: From Blown-sugar Baskets to Gingerbread Houses, A Pastry Chef Remembers, 2011, is a memoir in which Chef Mesnier recalls the stunning desserts he created for White House State Dinners, formal events, and family celebrations. Roland was hired by Rosalynn Carter and continued his service in the White House until 2006 while George W. Bush was President. Dessert University, 2004, has become the primer for pastry chefs. It contains 300 spectacular recipes and essential lessons. For more information call Yolanda Banos at 229-226-4634.
Father & Daughter Dance
Thomasville Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 2057 GA Hwy 122 7-9:30 DJ Jimmy Smith will spin the tunes with a great mix of (family friendly) music from the 70's 'til today, raffle prizes will be awarded, and horse drawn carriage rides will be available. There will be deserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Dress is Sunday to formal, and admission is $10 per person. Photography By D.J. will be on hand beginning at 6:00p. For expedited admission, tickets should be purchased in advance at the shelter or by telephone 229-228-0613. Tickets may also be purchased online via the Secure Online Donation page of their website by typing "Dance 2016" in the comments box.
Friday, February 13 Field Trip at Pebble Hill Plantation
Pebble Hill Plantation, 1252 US Hwy 319 S. 10a-noon Led by Mark McClure, Forest Health Specialist with the Georgia Forestry Commission, the group will enjoy a wagon ride to view examples of common invasive species and discuss ways to identify and stop further spreading across the landscape. Attendees are asked to wear long pants and boots or walking shoes. Event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Advance reservations required.
Saturday, February 14 Victorian Valentines at the Lapham-Patterson House
Lapham-Patterson House, 626 N. Dawson St. 10a-noon, Children 3-5 $1, Children 6+ $2, Adults $3 The Lapham-Patterson House invites you to Make History this Valentine’s Day weekend at “Be Mine, Victorian Valentine,” a Victorian Valentines workshop for kids. Please join us as we discover Victorian Valentine traditions including how to make Victorian Valentine cards, treasure pouches, and more. Children and families are encouraged to try the scavenger hunt and explore the Lapham-Patterson House following the program. The Lapham-Patterson will open for regular tours beginning at 1:00p. For more information please call 229-226-7664 or visit www.thomascountyhistory.org.
Sunday, February 14 Sundays at Four Concert
Trinity Anglican Church, 325 W. Jackson St. 4p, $5 donation "Sundays at Four" offers monthly concerts that feature local and regional artists performing a wide range of musical styles. Reception to follow the performance.
Thursday, February 18 TCA Whet Your Palette 6-8p, $25pp
Join Hillery Richards for February’s Whet Your Palette! She is teaching tenebrism (the shift from light to dark in painting) and the subject is a wood duck. Medium: Oil on Canvas. To register visitwww.thomasvillearts.org or call 229-226-0588.
A Colorful Night at the Bookshelf
The Bookshelf, 126 S. Broad St. 6-7p Join for a night of fun, relaxation, and community. A Colorful Night at The Bookshelf is happening Thursday, February 18th from 6-7p for all you lovely folks that like to color as much as Annie does. Bring your own coloring book, or buy one from our shelves, and we will provide you with colored pencils, crayons, etc. to create a creative masterpiece! Of course if you have your own tools, you are more than welcome to bring them to share.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
14
15
16
17
18
19
21 25
29
30
22
23
26
34 42
35
36
49
37
47
50
51
55
52
58 65
59 66
67
61
72
73
74
Sacred song Afloat Presentation Treed {2 wds.} Happy cat sound Alack's partner Puzzle Heroic Famous inventor who applied for his patent on Valentine's Day in 1876 Ancient Greek city Reverberate Executive director Bedspread feather Unit of electric power Kate's forbidden Hollywood valentine To be Possessive pronoun Live-in babysitter Sound of relief Baby's bed Compass point Helen of __ Reel Loving shape for a cake Large computer co. Unidentified flying object Elects {2 wds.} Christmas __
56 57 58 60 64 66 68 69 70 71 72 73 74
Royal Big Apple {abbr.} Forbidden Orson valentine Distaste for religion S.A. Indian Information Bakers needs Coot Greek god of war What cheese does Fraud New __ {city} Negatively charged particle
DOWN 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 23
Standard golf scores Stair Father Humphrey's forbidden Hollywood valentine Occult Copy Outstanding Little Mermaid's love Passageway under arch Swab Chosen Who purchases some 64-73% of all flowers on Valentine's Day Capital of Norway A fox's hole {2 wds.} Canoe propeller
62
63
68 71
32 33 34 37 41 43 44 45 46 48 49 51 54
53
60
70
20 22 24 25 27 29
40
48
69
1 6 10 14 15 16 17 18 19
39
56
57
ACROSS
38
44
46
64
28
43
45
54
13
32
33 41
12
24
27
31
11
26 28 29 30 31 35 36 38 39 40 42 46 47 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 65 67
Delete Screen Foot wear Unadulterated Canal BB association Mettle Valentine's Day blossom evoking faith and hope Mongolian desert ___ book, church music Obscure No work day Roman cloaks Pro Washington city Estimated average number of children - in thousands - conceived on Valentine's Day Unbeliever Capital of Ghana Ranker Small licorice treats Tropical edible root Restaurant Within Association {abbr.} High naval rank {abbr.} Query
Now accepting applications for select grades for the 2016-2017 school year. Contact Rebecca Erwin, Director of Admissions, for an application at 229.226.8070. Brookwood School 301 Cardinal Ridge Road Thomasville, Georgia 31792 www.brookwoodschool.org Brookwood School admits academically qualified students of any race, color, creed, gender, or national and ethnic origin.
to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com
January was a little odd for me personally {due in part to a cancelled NYC vacation — thanks, winter storm Jonas}, but for the bookstore? It was stellar. We hosted a couple of outstanding authors, including First Lady Sandra Deal, and we helped book clubs get inspired with new members and our favorite 2016 selections. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I read nine books. Here they are: The Widow by Fiona Barton. I kicked off the new year with a couple of thrillers; if I’m ever in a reading slump, I find a fastpaced suspense helps me recalibrate, and The Widow by Fiona Barton fit the bill. When protagonist Jean Taylor’s husband dies, she realizes the secrets she’s been keeping can finally be shared. Expertly paced, the novel unfolds through different voices — Jean’s, the cops, a news reporter — and the reader becomes desperate to know what Jean has been hiding all these years. The Widow wasn’t particularly groundbreaking, but it held my attention up until the very last page. It releases on February 16. Twisted River by Siobhan MacDonald. Twisted River was my second thriller of the month, and although I didn’t find it quite as compelling as The Widow, it’s perfectly enjoyable. The novel follows two families in need of a vacation, only to have their overseas house swap go horribly wrong. {Think the movie "The Holiday" with an awful twist.} This one releases March 22. The Arrangement by Ashley Warlick. I’ve been recommending The Arrangement since I finished it; the debut novel is written by a fellow Southern bookseller, but that’s not why it’s at the top of my “must-read” list. The Arrangement is the fictional story of real-life food writer MFK Fisher, and it imagines her time in California, France, and the Swiss Alps. Warlick navigates the novel’s different settings beautifully; I felt like I’d been completely transported back to the 1930s, mesmerized by Fisher’s life and work. Book clubs will want to snag this one when it releases February 9. Perfect Days by Raphael Montes. It’s hardest to review the books I don’t like, so here’s what I’ll say about Perfect Days: If you’re looking for a well-written suspense novel, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a "Criminal Minds" episode in literary form, Perfect Days is probably for you. This newly translated novel was too dark and explicit for me, and the story never had quite the substance to justify the story. I asked a customer and our shop manager to read this one, just so we had a couple of different opinions, since mine is pretty skewed. Feel free to chat with us at the register about it. Forty Rooms by Olga Grushin. This book was my favorite of the month, and that’s saying a lot, because I read some really lovely books in January. The novel’s premise is simple: According to the author, a woman occupies 40 rooms in her lifetime, from her childhood bedroom to her dorm room, the bathroom where she breaks up with her boyfriend to the nursery where she rocks her children. Forty Rooms follows the protagonist through all the rooms of her lifetime, and the result is something of beauty. Forty Rooms may top my “best of 2016” list at the end of year. The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee. Told in three alternating voices, The Expatriates follows the wives of men in the tech and financial industries and how they’re handling life abroad in Hong Kong. The Expatriates was an interesting look at a life I don’t know very much about, and for that reason, I enjoyed it. It might be best read in a book club setting. Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy. I picked up this YA novel based solely on my love for Julie Murphy’s Dumplin’, but when I read the description — something about a teen with cancer — I just wasn’t sure. {It feels like that market’s been pretty well covered.} However, just a few pages in, and I was hooked. Alice’s cancer isn’t the defining characteristic of this quirky book; instead, it’s Alice’s insecurities and anger as she navigates her vengeful bucket list that had me quickly turning pages. I loved this book and thought it was another nice departure from some other YA fare {though Dumplin’ still has my heart}. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. You’ve probably seen this book making the rounds on the morning shows and the review columns. Paul Kalanithi had completed his training to become a neurologist when he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer; this is the book he wrote as he endured a year of treatment before dying at the age of 37. When Breath Becomes Air is ultimately about meaning; it’s a book about death and life and what makes it worth living. This is my other favorite book of the month; it’s stunning and heart-breaking and an absolute must-read. {Yes, you’ll need Kleenex, but read it anyway.} My Kitchen Year by Ruth Reichl. I suppose this is technically a cookbook, but it’s filled to the brim with essays and insights, so I think it counts as part memoir, too. In My Kitchen Year, Ruth Reichl adjusts to life after her beloved Gourmet magazine is shut down, and she loses the job she’s held for years. For comfort, she returns to her kitchen, and the result is this beautiful book. It’s so lovely, I actually bought a copy for my own kitchen, and I can’t wait to tackle some of the recipes. {Though I mostly bought it for Reichl’s gorgeous prose.}
— Annie Butterworth Jones Co-Owner + Managing Partner T he Bookshelf
FREE
FREE
February 5 - February 18 VOLUME 5
February 5 - February 18 VOLUME 5
FIND US ONLINE AT YOURTOWNIE.COM
Issue No.
2
FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE
to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com