This week on The Reading Life: Susan talks with bestselling author Tony Horwitz, author of “Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide.” And fantasy novelist Bryan Camp previews his new Crescent City Novel, “Gather the Fortunes.”
*Our Reading Life episode for May 28 and 29 features an interview with the brilliant storyteller Tony Horwitz, author of "Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide," recorded May 21 in anticipation of Mr. Horwitz's visit to New Orleans May 31. We are sorry to report that Mr. Horwitz died Monday evening; Octavia Books will host a short remembrance of his life and work Friday at 6 p.m..
May 26 calendar:
Here in New Orleans:
- Mystery writers C.S. Harris (Candice Proctor), author of “Who Slays the Wicked, “and Michael Allen Zell, author of “City Krystal Soul Man,” will discuss their latest novels at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.
- We welcome everyone to join One Book One New Orleans for an interactive event based on the theme of TRUTH in the novel "Vengeance" by Zachary Lazar. Guests will receive a card with a character description written on it when they arrive. They will then be invited to walk through different elements of the novel and write their perspective of events through the eyes of their characters. At the end of the event, everyone will have the opportunity to share their thoughts about the novel and about how readers understand truth. This event takes place Wednesday, May 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the Earl K. Long Library at the University of New Orleans.
- Blood Jet Poetry Series presents Catherine Thompson and Brad Richard reading from their work, Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m., and the Dragonfly, 3921 St. Claude Ave.
- Bryan Camp, discusses and signs “Gather the Fortunes: A Crescent City Novel,” Thursday, May 30, at 6 at Garden District Book Shop.
- David Mizejewski discusses and signs “Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife,” Friday, May 31, at 7 at Barnes & Noble/Metairie.
- Our Reading Life episode for May 28 and 29 features an interview with the brilliant storyteller Tony Horwitz, author of "Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide," recorded May 21 in anticipation of Mr. Horwitz's visit to New Orleans May 31. We are sorry to report that Mr. Horwitz died Monday evening; Octavia Books will host a short remembrance of his life and work Friday at 6.
- The Women’s National Book Association has a meeting coming up Saturday, June 1, at 1 p.m. at Paper Machine, 6330 St. Claude Ave., to learn more about their book collection and printing presses from book artists Jessica Peterson and Yuka Petz. Open to the public.
- Poets Deb Jannerson, Elle Magnuson and Paris Tate read at the Poetry Buffet, Saturday, June 1, at 2 p.m. at Latter Library.
The Symphony Book Fair is coming up soon. This annual event takes place at the Lakefront Arena and begins Friday, May 31, from 9-8 p.m. (there is an admission fee from 9 am.-3 Friday only), and continues Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, June 2, from 9 am.-4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Special collections for sale this year include:
- A collection of books on Josip Tito and Yugoslavian history
- A large collection of Agatha Christie mysteries
- An exceptionally large inventory of children’s books
- A personal collection of meteorology
- And opera and classical music on DVD and vinyl
Elsewhere in Louisiana:
- There are only a few tickets left for the sixth annual Walker Percy Weekend in St. Francisville, starting Friday, May 31, through Sunday, June 2, with panels, an exhibition of Walker Percy photos, and other events throughout the town’s historic district, with of course, lots of bourbon on hand. Watch for the complete schedule at Conundrumbooks.com.
Congratulations are due to a number of local folks:
- New Orleanian Linda Prout is a winner of one of the first-ever Todd H. Bol Awards for Outstanding Achievement, named for the founder of Little Free Libraries. Prout, a retired teacher, has been tireless in her support of Little free Libraries across New Orleans in the post-Katrina era and has helped distribute thousands of books across the city.
- Congrats to Tulane alum Ellen Byron received an Agatha Award at the recent Malice Domestic conference. She was honored for best contemporary novel for her mystery, “Mardi Gras Murders,” the most recent in her Cajun Country Mystery series.
- And in the run-up to the Anthony Awards at Bouchercon, several New Orleans crime writers are nominees:
- In the Best Novel category, - “November Road,” by Tulane alum Lou Berney, set in New Orleans during the Carlos Marcello era, and “Sunburn,” by Laura Lippman, and in the Best Short Story category, Greg Herren for “Cold Beer No Flies” in the anthology, “Florida Happens.”
- And coming up: Bloomsday returns Sunday, June 16, at 11 a.m. at various venues around town. This annual reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses is looking for those who like to read aloud. Check out the Facebook page, Bloom’s Day New Orleans 2019 for more information.
