I was very sad to read today of the death of writer, Paul Auster. He was a prolific author of novels, memoirs, and screenplays, whose body of work will long be remembered. He is best known for his New York Trilogy.
The third annual Saratoga Book Festival took place this past weekend. Heartfelt congratulations to the many people who made it happen. Over four days, more than 25 festival events featured big stage interviews, more intimate conversations, and panel discussions. It was hard to choose which events to go to. Many intrigued me. The sessions I attended were varied and I was introduced to some authors I was familiar with and those who were new to me. I want to share with you some of the books and introduce you to some of the writers that were showcased. I plan to read them and hope you'll give them a look.
Ana Turns is loosely based on the Mrs. Dalloway concept. A day in the life of a woman reckoning with her past and present in order to live a richer future. Although the most notable tribute was Michael Cunningham’s, Pulitzer prize winning THE HOURS, written in 1998, in many ways, this story is a fresh take on the Virginia Woolf story. With grace, perception of what makes us tick and originality, this book was a wonderful read. It's Ana’s sixtieth birthday. And what are birthdays for (especially the milestones) but to think about the rest of our lives. Her life has been complicated and she understands that if she is to find happiness in her future, she must make peace with her past. Unlike Clarissa, she did not plan her party, which may be part of her overall problem.
Have you any idea how many books are published in a year? The number is staggering! In 2019, print book sales in the US alone was 675 million. And that's just print. It doesn't include audio or digital or global sales. How do you ever choose what to read? No worries! There is a world of suggestions, opinions, and influencing.
Any writer worth her or his salt will tell you that reading is the most important part of learning how to write. Of course, if you aren't a voracious reader, why would you want to write in the first place? If you are reader or a writer or both or just like to read about books or writing or people who write or people who read, you are in the right place.
Reader’s Cafe 