I should be writing but--confession time-- instead decided to read this article on Donna Tartt in today's NY Times. It is about a writer, and writing, after all. The article is prompted by the release of her new book, "The Goldfinch," and touches on her early life. The Dickensian sweep of “The Goldfinch” has its … [Read more...] about Reading Around…and Writing
Blog
Book Parties!
A new book is always exciting. Opening the box for the first time and seeing all those hours of researching, writing and revising fitted between colorful covers makes a holiday. Hearing readers say they like the story is the best kind of music. And book parties are the best kinds of parties. This last weekend was a … [Read more...] about Book Parties!
Inspired by Will Allen — Matthew 25 Urban Farm ~ Cedar Rapids
Good ideas grow like plump seeds dropped in good ground. Last weekend I had a chance to see that again. I went to an urban farm in Cedar Rapids--Matthew 25. The farm was inspired by Will Allen and has as its goal the same goal as Will Allen's Growing Power Farm-- to provide tasty, healthy food at reasonable prices to … [Read more...] about Inspired by Will Allen — Matthew 25 Urban Farm ~ Cedar Rapids
Announcing: Good Times
Writing is such a solitary activity that whenever we have a chance for getting together with writers, readers, and general book-lovers we know it will be a good time. Well, I am excited today to announce two such get-togethers to help launch Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table. 10:00 Saturday, October 12 New-Bo … [Read more...] about Announcing: Good Times
Seamus Heaney at the End of August
Seamus Heaney is on my mind today, because he's gone now. Of course, I had to go to youtube and watch him read some poems; and then remember when he came to Iowa City to do a reading and I took Sweeney Astray for him to sign. By then Sweeney was no longer a new book, out for 13 years (in fact it was the only book … [Read more...] about Seamus Heaney at the End of August
Summertime Gazpacho
Gazpacho is one of those wonderful soups that have a little bit of a lot of vegetables. After such a long silence this blog will have a little bit of a lot. So, first into the stew: At ALA--along with the treasure of time with long time friends--I was happily surprised to run into Beth Krommes, Caldecott winner … [Read more...] about Summertime Gazpacho