ng r est.
ng ur erest.
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For Everfan CEO and founder Scott Chastain, National Superhero Day is about connecting and contributing. “I love being a part of Thomasville and having a business here and being connected to this community,” he says. “National Superhero Day is not a highly celebrated day. We thought this would be a fun way to use this day to recognize people who are heroes in our lives.” From now through April 17, you can purchase recognition bags {which include a cape and other goodies} that Chastain and his team of Everfan superheroes will deliver {in costume} on April 28. Bags are $25 each and will include a cape, coupons and other goodies for your superhero. Hero recognition bags can be purchased by emailing info@everfan.com or by calling 229-234-1222 — June D.
{2} Do you have any moving stories or memories that stand out about past dinners? All of the speakers have been incredible. They each have a special message for the audience. There is always a takeaway for the club members that they can take with them as they grow.
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{3} What are you most looking forward to with this year's event? Hearing Papa D’s message and celebrating his outstanding service to the community, anticipating another huge crowd {500+}, raising funds and the club members’ performance.
{4} Who caters the meal? We purchase the majority of the food through PFG {baked beans, potato salad, steaks & hamburger patties, condiments} and have volunteers and board members grill the meat. Fallin’s BBQ doctors up the baked beans. Chick – Fil –A donates tea and sliced cheese, Longhorn Steakhouse donates tea, Flowers Foods Bakery donates the hamburger buns and pastries, Lewis Produce donates the onion, lettuce and tomato, Thomas County Federal donates bottled water and Thomasville National Bank donates bottled water. The adult menu consists of a hamburger, baked beans and potato salad. The kids' menu consists of steak, baked beans and potato salad. Everyone receives a tasty pastry. More often than not, the kids prefer the burgers! {5} Can anyone buy a ticket or sponsorship and attend? Sponsorships are still available. You can purchase sponsorships on the MNWBGC website at mnw-bgc.org or at the MNWBGC admin office. You may also call the BGC office at 229-228 -5155. Individual tickets went on sale on April 3. You can purchase tickets at TCCHS office, on the MNBGC website mnw-bgc.org, call or can come by the MNWBGC admin office. Tickets are $35 or 2 for $50. {6} Do adults and kids mingle at the tables? If so, how do you determine who sits at each table? Yes, the sponsors and the club members sit together at each table. Each table sits two club members. A table sits eight people. — Denise P.
Head Over to Boston for the 27th Annual Spring Fling Spring has come to Boston and the community is ready for the 27th Annual Boston Spring Fling and Auction, which will be held Saturday, April 15, in downtown Boston. Hosted by the Boston Community Club, this annual event has become a favorite as families gather for Easter in the spring. The day begins at 9a with arts and crafts vendors set up on Main Street. There is no fee to participate but applications are required and can be found online at: www.bostonga.com; click on events and follow the prompts. Betty Hoskins, at 229-224-8660, is coordinating the vendors and welcomes your inquiries. There will be lots of green plants, handmade and homemade items as well as collectibles and specialties. At 10:00a, the popular Easter Bonnet Contest begins in Watt Park. Open to kids of all ages, bonnets are judged on originality. Get creative and join in the fun; there is no fee to enter and awards are given. The creative and clever hats are always amazing. For more info, contact Nancy Hoskins at 229-498-1228. There is no fee to enter the Easter Parade which begins at 10:30a. Applications can be found at www.bostonga.com or call Danny Groover at 229-498 -4065. Danny expects the competition to be keen for the best decorated golf cart as entrants compete for a cash prize. Everyone is encouraged to enter the parade and other vehicles are accepted - bicycles, pickup trucks, classic cars, horses or you can don a colorful outfit and walk the course to join the fun.
CHUMS Working Andy Chaudhari Andy Chaudhari is a familywww.tcfederal.com man. He came from his homeland of in your India to work to support his family back home. He spends most of best interest. his time working hard and long hours. He has found himself a home in Thomasville. But on his time off he can found out in nature, enjoying creation. How did you end up in Thomasville? I don’t know how to answer that. It is a long story, but I was looking for a job and my friend needed someone who knew about running a store so I came here to work for him.
The cast features talent from around the region, including Thomasville, Tallahassee and the surrounding areas. Director Donna Mavity is thrilled to be returning to TOSAC again, having last directed the theater’s 2004 production of Swingin’ on A Star. Trey Cox, also the owner and artistic director of Versa Musica Conservatory in Thomasville, will be making his music directing debut with TOSAC. Recently, he spent eight years travelling with 1st national tours of Broadway shows as music director/ conductor and pianist.
You’re from India, was it hard to get here? It’s not easy. It depends on how you come here. There are lots of
This and more await you in Boston on Saturday, April 15. Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled day in a wonderful atmosphere. All the downtown shops and restaurants will be open with fun specials and activities to add to your day’s activities. Proceeds from the auction are used to sponsor other community events and maintain the community center on Main Street. For more information on the schedule or to register for any of the events, go to: www.bostonga.com/events and follow prompts or call Danny Groover at 229-498 -1029.
r e a d ,
Do you get homesick? Yes, but because of me, my family lives a happy life. Has America felt welcoming or do you feel like a stranger in a foreign land? Americans are always nice. The grass is not always greener on the other side. In a thousand people maybe twenty don’t like me, so that’s not too bad. America is a lot better than other countries, often lots better than my own people. At least that is my experience in the USA.
Working in your www.tcfederal.com best interest. What do you do for fun?
Help Relay for Life Honor Local Cancer Survivors
Where I come from we don’t have special things to do for fun. But now after ten years I feel like I am missing something. Where is your favorite place to go on your day off? I love nature so here I go to Cherokee Lake. I always love the flowers and the garden. I have never been on any of the plantations here or seen the inside of a church. I would like to.
Good day Townies, Each year the Relay For Life Committee and I host an honorary dinner for local cancer survivors. This year the dinner will be held on Tuesday, April 25, at the Church of Latter Day Saints on Remington Avenue starting at 6p.
— Cherie L.
Relay For Life staff and coordinators would like all cancer survivors to come to this wonderful event. Longhorn Steakhouse will be providing food for the guests. It will be an evening of great food, entertainment and fellowship. If you have not received an invitation or are a recent cancer survivor, please contact Kaytie Long at 226-403-7475 to reserve a spot at the dinner.
Beauty Broad
I have been blessed to be a part of this great event for the past four years and hope you will help me spread the word. We all know someone that has been touched by cancer. Help me make sure they know about this dinner and get a chance to experience the love we have for them on this special night.
Most of us have heard about the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage when it comes to our body, but have you ever thought about the potential benefits for your face? {They are anti-aging!} I have just started adding this to my everyday routine and it’s definitely a keeper. You can do your massage when you cleanse, either morning or evening, so it will not add too much time to your normal routine. It is a simple process, but will noticeably change the appearance of your skin by removing toxins, stimulating oxygen and nutrient flow to the surface, and reducing inflammation and puffiness. Sinus issues? Relieving sinus pressure from allergies is an added bonus.
Delight! Mango Pavlova with Rum Whipped Cream
The Mystery Egg Hunt begins Monday, April 10 with clues posted daily. A Mystery Egg is hidden in the downtown area and clues will be posted daily in businesses giving participants hints on the location. A very nice Easter basket awaits the person finding the mystery egg!
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Yes, but it’s a really hard process. I don’t know: If the new president changes something, then God knows.
Show times are April 21-22 at 8:00p, April 23 at 2:00p, April 29 at 2:00 pm and 8:00p, and April 30 at 2:00p. All performances will take place at the TOSAC Storefront Theater at 117 S. Broad St. in downtown Thomasville. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students, available at www.tosac.com or by calling 229-226-0863.
Farm to Table:
At 1p, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt available to kids under 12 in the parking lot at Commercial Bank. There is no charge and baskets will be provided. Contact Richard Reynolds at 229-221-3209 for more information.
t o
Based on the beloved classic of children’s literature, this haunting drama tells the story of young Mary Lennox, an orphaned girl who is suddenly removed from her life in colonial India and sent to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald in a lonely manor on the moors of England. She soon finds herself caught up in a world of dark family secrets when she discovers the overgrown ruin of a garden, which once belonged to her uncle’s deceased wife, Lily. With the help of new friends, Mary learns that with care and tenderness, even the saddest stories can bloom into something beautiful. In this tale of mystery, loss, and redemption, she becomes the family's only hope for a new beginning.
Sincerely, Rick Barnes Logistics Chairperson, Thomas County Relay for Life
More competitive fun will begin with the auction at 11a in Watt Park. Register to get your bid number for $1, then get prepared to bid often and high as the auctioneer takes bids on items ranging from vacations to yard and garden items to a day of fishing in a pond on a local plantation, gift certificates from participating restaurants and shops and the list goes on. Contact Christie Thomas with donations, questions or concerns at 229-403-7175.
F r e e
Thomasville On Stage & Company presents the Tony Award-winning musical The Secret Garden, written by Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon and directed by Donna Mavity, with music direction by Trey Cox. Performance dates are April 21-23 and 29-30. The show’s final weekend will coincide with Thomasville’s 96th Annual Rose Show Festival.
Nat Higdon Business Lending
and then it always depends on your luck. I came here on a work Our expertise is invisas permit and I’ve been here for ten years. your best interest.Would you like to become a citizen?
Steak and Burger Dinner Ready for 14th Year
{1} What do the kids most look forward to? A portion of the children that attend the event will be performing a short song and dance at the beginning of the event. I believe the children are excited to perform in front of such a large crowd and show off their talents. Also, they enjoy being part of the largest fundraiser for MNWBGC. They also really like the food!
CHUMS
TOSAC Presents The Secret Garden
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The Marguerite Neel Williams Boys & Girls Club’s 2017 Steak & Burger Dinner is taking place on April 20 at 6:30p at the Thomas County Central High School Gymnasium, 4686 U.S. Highway 84 Bypass West. Frank "Papa D" Delaney Jr., beloved educator, community leader and spiritual mentor is the featured guest speaker. Now in its 14th year and historically held during spring, Steak & Burger Dinner is MNWBGC’s largest fundraiser with over 300 people in attendance. Steak & Burger Dinner features a dining role reversal between adults and approximately 60 Boys www.tcfederal.com & Girls Club members ages 6-18. Adults dine on burgers while the kids enjoy steak. We spoke with MNWBGC’s Development and Compliance Initiatives Coordinator Darcy Black about this year’s event.
Our expertise is in your best interest.
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Make Way for National Superhero Day
This year, Everfan, the maker of superhero kits, is partnering with Backpack Buddies Foundation, Inc. (BPB) whose mission it is to help alleviate childhood hunger. BPB provides backpacks of food for children in Thomas County over weekends or other periods of time when children are not in school. Schools identify the children, correspond with the parents or guardians and provide backpack collection and distribution. “Currently we are feeding approximately 479 children each week during the school year,” says Jan Van Heiningen, President of Backpack Buddies Foundation, Inc.
FREE April 7 - APRIL 20 VOLUME 6
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We are never too old or too young to believe in superheroes. To steal a bit from Dorothy Gale, we never have to look further than our own backyard. Our expertise National Superhero Day is April 28, giving everyone a chance to honor the your heroesis in in the Thomasville community and, at the same time, provide 10 daysbest of food for a child. interest. Nat Higdon
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April 7 - APRIL 20 VOLUME 6
Working in your best interest.
Rich without being heavy, fancy without being too fussy, a pavlova is a dreamy finish for a spring dinner party or an exotic treat for the Easter buffet. This version takes a turn for the tropical with a tangy mango curd filling and a tipsy whipped topping. The recipe instructs the creation of a single large disk, but you can easily divide the meringue into smaller, personal serving-sized disks.
Mango Pavlova with Rum Whipped Cream 5 egg whites Generous pinch of salt 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoon white wine or apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To: C To begin, gently stroke downward from in front of your ears, from your neck to
collarbone several times. This will begin the process of draining the fluid.
C Next, from the center of your forehead at the hairline, stroke out to your temples
and down in front of your ears. Then down your neck to the collarbone.
C Continue the out and down movement from the center of your forehead, center of
eyebrows, bridge of nose, tip of nose, above lips, and finally, to your chin and jawline. Tip: Try using a cleansing oil with your massage. The oil actually binds with impurities on your skin {will not sink into or clog pores} and helps to keep the PH balance instead of stripping our natural oils.
...Continued next page
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t o
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April 7 - APRIL 20 VOLUME 6
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April 15
First Friday Outdoor Concert featuring Big Mike and the Booty Papas
Boston Spring Fling
Corner of Remington Ave and Broad St. 7:30-9:30p, free These cats are all about having fun, makin’ you move your feet, a lot of laughin’ and a whole lot of lovin’! “Big Mike” is a big man with a big voice and big heart and a great, big bunch of people who love him and his music. Whether you’re carrying the world on your shoulders or primed for a good time, two-time Grammy winners, Big Mike and the Booty Papas know exactly what to do to get you up and moving. High energy, seasoned, soulful and fun.
Enlightening Bites: Easters Past at Pebble Hill Plantation with Whitney White & Lori Curtis Easter was one of the most celebrated holidays at Pebble Hill from the early 1900s through 1940. Currently, an exhibit in the Main House features Easter-related items from the Pebble Hill archives. Viewing this exhibition is included with the Main House tour ticket.
Jennifer Westfield
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Ochlockonee River Paddle
Dara Barwick Denise Purvis
Columnists
J. David Bray, Jr. Sarah Esra Denise Purvis Kelly Samek
Contributing Writers Clay Byars June Dollar Catharine Fennell Benjamin Gardner William Hamil Annie Jones Cherie Lee Denise Purvis Jennifer Westfield
Camp Pineywoods, 233 Hwy 84 Bypass Friday-Sunday, $50 for the Saturday paddle, $10 for two nights of camping. Join the Georgia Conservancy, Georgia Canoeing Association, Sweet Grass Dairy and Chuck Winchester on April 7-9 for a paddle on the Ochlockonee River near Thomasville, GA. The paddle will start at the boat ramp off Egg and Butter Road and explore the blackwater swamp features of the Ochlockonee River. We will paddle approx. 6 miles exploring the Ochlockonee’s many small lakes, oxbows and side cuts. Paddlers will enjoy live oak, Spanish moss and cypress trees. The paddle may begin and end at the same boat ramp due to unpassable debris in our route.
April 8 Historic Thomasville Segway Tour
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Thomasville Visitor’s Center, 144 E. Jackson St. 11a, $40pp The tour begins at the Thomasville Visitors Center Breezeway at 144 East Jackson Street. Highlights include the The Big Oak, LaphamPatterson House, Thomas County Museum of History, Thomasville Center for the Arts, Paradise Park, Hansell Street, Dawson Street and St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Book your tour online at www. tallahasseesegwaytours.com.
Easter Eggstravaganza
Katie Reeves
Paradise Park, 403 S. Broad St. 11a-2p, $1 pp There will be fun for the whole family, including food, music, arts & crafts, egg decorating, games, and of course, an Easter Egg Hunt! All proceeds will benefit Thomasville Police Department’s youth safety and education programs.
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Second Saturday Showcase Wiregrass Gallery, 120 N. Broad St. 11:30a-4p The “Black and White Collection” will be showcased in the window for the month of April. It consists of an assortment of garments and accessories woven in black, white and gray. In addition to this collection, Nocera has many other wearable art items for sale in the gallery. Nocera will conduct fiber technique demonstrations including weaving, knitting, and spinning throughout the day.
Georgia Press Association
April 9 Sunday Meal at South Eden Plantation
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April 7
Thomas County Public Library, 201 N. Madison St. 7:30-9:30p
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South Eden Plantation, 301 Showboat Lane 11a-4p, $29.50 per adult, kids 12 and under, free Join in for Sunday Meal at South Eden Plantation. They feature weekly menus, with endless, family-style portions. Live piano will be performed during each seating.
Sundays at Four Trinity Anglican Church, 325 West Jackson Street 4p, free The program will be conducted by Nicole Davis and include Haydn’s “Little Organ Mass” and Benjamin Britten’s Festival Cantata “Rejoice in the Lamb.” The featured soloists will be soprano Anna Marie Friars, alto Jenna Rodriguez, tenor Gabriel Hernandez and bass André Peele.
April 11 Burial Beer Co. Dinner and Tap Takeover at Liam’s Restaurant, Lounge, + Cheese Shoppe Liam’s, 113 E. Jackson St. 5p 5-Course Dinner & Beer Pairing $75 pp inclusive @ 7:00pm in the Restaurant – 12 Taps with Glassware $25 pp advance purchase tickets @ 5:00pm in the Lounge – For more info and to make reservations call 229-226-9944.
FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE There’s never a dull moment at The Bookshelf. We’ve been busy prepping for all of our spring events {Word of South weekend in Tallahassee! Our second Pen to Plate dinner! A new educational series!}, and somehow, in the middle of all that prep work, I’ve read quite a few books, many of which I think you’ll enjoy. Sit back, relax, and prep your TBR list, because here’s what I read in March:
Downtown Boston 9a-2p Always held the Saturday before Easter, the Boston Spring Fling features a parade, arts and crafts, an auction, an Easter egg hunt and more. Sponsored by the Boston Community Club, the day starts at 9 a.m. with arts and crafts vendors set up on Main Street. An Easter bonnet contest begins in Watt Park at 10 a.m., followed by an Easter parade at 10:30. The auction begins at 11 a.m. An Easter Egg Hunt begins at 1 p.m. All events are open to the public.
Easter Egg Hunt + Nature Walk at Pebble Hill Plantation Pebble Hill, 1251 US Hwy 319 S. 10a-noon, $10 for one adult and child, additional children $4 Join in the fun at Pebble Hill on April 15 for the Easter Egg Hunt & Nature Walk. This will be a great event for children ages 2 years up to second grade. Bring your own basket. Reservations are required. Availability is limited. Please make your reservations by April 7 by calling 229-226-2344.
April 17 ACTU and TU Student Life Film Club screening of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” Thomasville University, Flowers Foods Executive Classroom, SmithBonvillian Hall, Forbes Campus. 7p, free Screening of Rogue One.
April 20 Cocktails and Commerce at The Suites of Woodleaf The Suites of Woodleaf, 2022 E. Pinetree Blvd. 5-7p Please join us the third Thursday of every month for networking, hors d’oeuvres, beer & wine and door prizes! Each month will be sponsored by a Chamber member business and held at their location.
MNWBGC 14th Annual Steak and Burger Dinner TCCHS Gym, 4686 US-84 6:30p Please read our story in this edition!
Brew South at SGD Cheese Shop SGD Cheese Shop, 123 S. Broad St. 5:30p Due South’s annual kick-off event. Join the community of Thomasville as it rallies together and celebrates Due South weekend with a head start at Sweet Grass Cheese Shop. Listen to live music while you enjoy craft beer and a curated Brew South menu!
FARM TO Table, Continued Preheat oven to 275˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a stand or electric hand mixer, whip egg whites on high in a very clean metal bowl along with salt and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, about four or five minutes. Reduce speed to medium high and add sugar in a slow but steady stream. Return to high speed and beat until smooth and glossy, about another six minutes. Add vinegar, cornstarch and vanilla and mix until just combined. On the prepared baking sheet, spread mixture into approximately a nine-inch disk with slightly elevated walls and a shallow depression in the center. Bake for 45 minutes until very lightly browned on top. Turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside for two hours to finish drying out and crisping up. Then complete cooling by cracking open the oven door. When at room temperature, gently place the meringue on a serving plate and spoon in the mango curd, spreading into a circle within the walls of the merengue. Spoon or pipe on whipped cream and garnish as desired. Enjoy promptly.
Mango Curd 2 medium mangos, puréed 5 large egg yolks 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, cut into large chunks In a saucepan, whisk ingredients together over medium low heat. Cook, whisking constantly, for about seven to ten minutes and curd thickens slightly. {Do not allow to boil.} Cool completely before using.
Rum Whipped Cream 1 cup whipping cream 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 ounce spiced rum In a chilled bowl, whip cream and powdered sugar until soft peak stage. While continuing to mix, incorporate rum a little at a time. Whip just until stiff peaks form, being careful to not over-beat. Chill before using.
— Kelly S.
+ The Shark Club by Ann Kidd Taylor. You’ll recognize Ann Kidd Taylor’s name thanks to her mother, Sue Monk Kidd. I’ve read a few of Sue Monk Kidd’s books and enjoyed them, but the one I loved the most was Traveling with Pomegranates, a travel memoir she wrote with her daughter many years ago. Now, Ann Kidd Taylor has written her debut novel, and although I never quite felt the intensity of the conflict like I think the author wanted me to, I suspect this one would make a fine light beach read when it comes out in June. There were some bright spots, too: an inquisitive little girl, a quirky literary hotel, and an initially intriguing love triangle. {Plus, I really did learn a lot about sharks.} + Do Not Become Alarmed by Maile Meloy. Mark your calendars. Maile Meloy’s first novel for adults, Do Not Become Alarmed, comes out June 6, and I cannot wait to put it in your hands. The premise sounds like the beginning of a typical thriller: Two families head out on a cruise vacation together, only to discover their children have disappeared. But the whodunit takes a satisfying turn when Meloy shifts her attention to the families in the aftermath. Meloy manages to write from the perspectives of the adults and children with pretty intense detail; once you start this one, you won’t be able to put it down. Mark your calendars, or preorder this one. I think it will be one of the summer’s must-reads. + Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. If you listen to our store podcast, you know Chris and I are obsessed with Lincoln in the Bardo. Set entirely in a graveyard the night of President Lincoln’s son’s death, the novel features a massive cast of ghostly characters, but their sheer quantity is never distracting. Instead, George Saunders expertly weaves in actual historic accounts with his fiction, resulting in one of the most original stories I’ve read in years. Chris read this book, and I listened to the audio version; both are genius. + Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give by Ada Calhoun. I love a good marriage memoir {see, especially, Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert}, but Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give wasn’t quite what I assumed it would be. Author Ada Calhoun dispenses a different piece of marital advice with each chapter, and although the book is well-researched and interesting, it wasn’t as memorable or as humorous as I’d hoped. It was, however, extremely practical and realistic, and I think it would make a fun and unique wedding gift this spring and summer. + Exit West by Mohsin Hamid. I haven’t read any of Mohsin Hamid’s other works, but Exit West is already on my list of favorite books I’ve read this year. This timely novel about refugees could be preachy, but it never is. Instead, the book is part-fable - part-Narnia, really - with doors that lead to other lands, allowing boundaries between countries to disappear and the world’s peoples to mingle together, for better or worse. At the heart of the novel are Nadia and Saeed, young lovers who through one such door flee their violent native city, but whose relationship falters as they search for home in foreign lands. Exit West was beautiful and sad and hopeful - a reminder of what home and love and promise can mean. “We are all migrants through time,” Hamid writes, and that line in particular rings true, especially now. + The Fall of Lisa Bellow by Susan Perabo. The Fall of Lisa Bellow is a good example of an adult novel with YA crossover appeal; it’s a page-turner that hooks you pretty early, a less-literary novel reminiscent of Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You. When a masked man robs a local sandwich joint, 8th grader Meredith Oliver remains cemented to the ground, stunned into silence as resident “mean girl” Lisa Bellow is kidnapped. What follows is not the story of Lisa, but the story of Meredith and her anguish in being left behind, helpless. I couldn’t put this one down. For fans of Reconstructing Amelia. + The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy. I assumed, based on the hype and premise, that Ariel Levy’s new memoir would be right up my alley, but it wound up being a tough read for me. The book is smart and well-written {Levy is a writer for the New Yorker}, but the first half - as we watch the trajectory of her life head toward disaster - made for devastating, almost stressful reading. It also felt reminiscent of so many other memoirs I’ve read over the past few years, and I found myself ready to approach the end. By the second half, though, as Levy reflects on a miscarriage and the ending of her marriage, I was a bit more entranced. The best moments came from Levy’s vulnerability about grief and the toll it took on her mind and body. + Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? by Alyssa Mastromonaco. My mom saw Alyssa Mastromonaco interviewed on CBS and told me I needed to read her book. This is why we listen to our moms. Mastromonaco’s book isn’t the most well-written thing I've read all year, but it is laughout-loud funny and full of practical career advice - plus it fills the void The West Wing left in all of our hearts. I loved this one, and it’d make a fantastic graduation gift, too. For fans of Lean In and Is Everyone Hanging Out without Me? + We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter. Stop what you’re doing, and come buy this book. {Or check it out from the library. I’d love for you to buy it, but honestly? I just want you to read it, by whatever means you can.} Historical fiction is not a genre I’m typically drawn to, but this story about a Jewish family living in Poland during World War II captivated me from the first page. I became deeply attached to these characters, partly because they’re based on the author’s own family, and partly because Georgia Hunter wrote each character so incredibly well. I would never have picked this one up were it not for my book club, and I’m so, so glad I did. We had an awesome discussion this week - which means your book club probably would, too - and I now want to handsell this novel to everyone I know. {Read with a box of Kleenex.} + Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. Have you heard about our new book club partnership with Fuzzy Goat? Each month, we get together to knit and listen to a portion of an audiobook, and our meetings are some of my new favorite things. Thanks to that book club {Stitches and Stories, if you’re interested}, I decided to finish listening to Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. I’ve only read a couple of Picoult’s books, despite their frequency on the bestseller and book club lists, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but with Audra McDonald narrating the audiobook, how could I stop listening? Picoult describes the novel as the hardest she’s ever written, and I can understand why. Based loosely on a real-life event, Small Great Things features Ruth, an African-American labor and delivery nurse responsible for the care of a white supremacist’s baby. The worst kind of disaster occurs during her care of the infant, and Picoult then tells the story from three perspectives: Ruth, the infant’s father, and the defense attorney who defends Ruth during a criminal trial. The narration for this audiobook was impeccable, and Picoult covers a lot of difficult territory. Book clubs brave enough might try to tackle this one. — Annie Butterworth Jones Co-Owner + Managing PartnerT he Bookshelf
When it comes to your business or event, the right creative choices can help you stand out from the crowd. Be brave.
Phone 229.403.1741 | ktcreative@me.com www.ktcreative.net
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