tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83181118119760555982011-11-04T08:51:52.253-07:00georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.comBlogger831100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-34167870461942192992011-11-04T08:17:00.000-07:002011-11-04T08:51:52.295-07:00

Last weekend I went on an errand for the big guy in the red suit who lives at the North Pole--trying to get a jump on things. It was a book errand, the best kind.If you are a book person, especially if you are a parent of young book lovers, here is a tip. The tip is mainly to help you keep from making yourself nuts as the big gift-giving event gets closer.Three books are already looking to be in

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-11948407942810059352011-11-03T07:54:00.000-07:002011-11-03T08:29:53.213-07:00

Anyone who keeps up with the book world, and especially with young adult books, recalls the enormous media hubbub last month surrounding the nomination--and then, un-nomination--of author Lauren Myracle's book, Shine for the National Book Award. I don't have anything new to add to that story. Ms. Myracle was the absolute picture of grace and class in her response to the whole mess. And the

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-75942294126543933982011-06-01T11:49:00.000-07:002011-06-01T12:10:45.627-07:00

The difficult thing about having a blog (or any other social media account) and staying away for a while is that when you return there are all kinds of unfamiliar updates, features, etc. Plus, you have to look around and find where you wrote your password down because you have forgotten it. Don't we have too many numbers, passwords, etc. to remember?The summer book season is upon us. The spring

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-68852675844473290702010-11-27T07:11:00.000-08:002010-11-27T08:58:11.508-08:00

Georgia authors were all over the place in 2010. From children's books to regional interest titles to New York Times bestsellers, Georgia authors had a prolific year.Now that the holidays and the gift giving season is here, you can show your appreciation to Georgia's writers (and to your favorite bookseller) by giving the best present of all--books.The list below is just a sample of what Georgia

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-54625579019264956452010-11-11T06:28:00.000-08:002010-11-11T07:34:29.210-08:00

Happy Veteran's Day! Some months back, a Facebook friend forwarded an article to me that he had seen in the news and that pertained to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The title of the article asked, "Is America Still Fighting the War on Terror?"My friend forwarded the article with the following comment. He said, "No. America is not fighting the war on terror. The United States Marines are.

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-28553951312093030702010-10-06T06:02:00.000-07:002010-10-06T06:53:27.092-07:00

October is here and, finally, tolerable weather has returned to north Georgia. October is also prime book month in Georgia (fall and spring being the best book seasons, in general). Below are several noteworthy events, of many (Billy Collins was just at Georgia Tech):Pat Conroy and Cassandra KingOn Wednesday, October 6, authors Pat Conroy and Cassandra King will be giving a reading at the

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-11739303282853506292010-08-19T20:09:00.000-07:002010-08-19T20:54:40.426-07:00

Zero, Zilch, Nada--Counting to None by Wendy Ulmer (and illustrated by Laura Knorr) tells the story of Harry, a senior accountant in the Congressional Budget Office who decides to leave public service to become a financial planner for a giant corporate mortgage lending firm, and the hilarious mayhem that results. Not really.Actually, Zero, Zilch, Nada is the latest title from Sleeping Bear Press

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-1005707588577080912010-08-18T05:42:00.000-07:002010-08-18T06:18:24.893-07:00

Georgia gets a new book festival this year when the Inaugural Suwanee Festival of Books is held at Suwanee Town Center on August 28 and 29 (in Suwanee, Georgia, of course). If you just can't wait one more week for the Labor Day Decatur Book Festival, or you'd simply like to get warmed up for that event, the Suwanee event is well worth looking into.Nearly one hundred authors will be on hand at the

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-39720639446058740192010-05-27T07:06:00.000-07:002010-05-27T08:37:29.782-07:00

I would like to thank Vince Dooley for taking time last week to speak with me about his new book, Vince Dooley's Garden--The Horticultural Journey of A Football Coach, with paintings by renowned artist Steve Penley. The book also includes a foreword by Michael Dirr and an afterward by Allan Armitage, both University of Georgia horticulturalists. The horticultural journey of a football coach? I

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-83986752506547216612010-05-02T19:03:00.000-07:002010-05-02T21:11:33.392-07:00

Atlanta author Susan Rebecca White's new novel, A Soft Place to Land, arrived in bookstores on April 4. The new book follows last year's debut novel, Bound South, which was nominated this year for a Townsend Prize for Fiction. Ms. White's new novel was featured in a review in today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution. To read that review, click on the link below and go to the lifestyle

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-41128166206906483872010-04-27T05:04:00.000-07:002010-04-27T05:49:32.011-07:00

Congratulations to Atlanta author Kathryn Stockett, whose book, The Help was recently awarded the 2010 Townsend Prize for Fiction. The Award is presented every two years to a Georgia author, and is named for Atlanta Magazine founding editor, the late Jim Townsend. This year's award was sponsored by the Writer's Institute at Georgia Perimeter College, The Atlanta Writer's Club, the Margaret

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-63089987801195273102010-02-25T12:50:00.000-08:002010-02-25T13:25:35.464-08:00

Congratulations to Judith Ortiz Cofer and Philip Lee Williams, who were both inducted this week into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame, located on the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens. This honor could not have been bestowed upon two more deserving authors (or terrific people).Because their collective work is simply too much to even summarize in such a short space, I invite readers to

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-46341180031952138052009-12-24T05:35:00.000-08:002009-12-24T06:03:52.928-08:00

Norphlet, ArkansasDecember, 1944"Christmas is gonna be here soon, and the way things are a-looking around here, it ain't gonna be much. Momma told me not to expect a lot, and for her to tell me that when it's right after Thanksgiving means I ain't gonna get nothing. Yeah, I do get a little sad when I think about a Christmas without presents, but you know; I don't care that much about Christmas

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-44735377360165975382009-10-16T11:40:00.000-07:002009-10-16T11:50:27.203-07:00

The following piece was researched and written last summer for a local magazine (Gwinnett County, Georgia). I post it here in honor of the season. Sorry, no photos to post as yet. Those are currently trapped in storage in a malfuntioning remotedrive. I'll work on it.The Wog (a true story)Perhaps you are one of the many Gwinnettians who will be making the drive over to Athens this fall to attend

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-77283028344726095472009-09-24T05:14:00.000-07:002009-09-24T05:33:38.107-07:00

An interview with Georgia author Donny Seagraves for her debut young adult novel Gone From These Woods, just out from Delacorte Press.GBAW: Hunting and the outdoors were obviously part of your growing up, and part of the culture you live in. Did you have any concerns that your book would be seen as a direct assault on a part of that culture? Putting it bluntly, did you think that readers would

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-64063756577868833242009-08-05T18:12:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:15:54.779-07:00

Thank goodness. Fall is around the corner. School starts back soon. College enrollments are way up and budgets are way down. Cooler weather. Fly fishing? And, of course, college football.Fall is also prime book season. Here is a smattering of what's happening in Georgia. Note: this is the Cliffnotes version. If you want more details, please check the appropriate link at right.Happy reading

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-56103325934257079322009-07-26T18:12:00.000-07:002009-07-26T18:52:48.500-07:00

Author and native Atlanta, Georgian Pat Conroy has a new book, South of Broad. It is being published by Nan A. Talese, and arrives in bookstores on August 19. I managed to snag an advanced reader's copy some weeks ago, and read the book over a few days.Pat Conroy's men are Southern to the core. They just don't wear it on their sleeve as a simple-minded caricature (unless intended to irritate

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-91488054767522451872009-06-24T17:53:00.000-07:002009-06-24T18:45:48.679-07:00

Attention all espionage and national security aficionados:On Thursday evening, beginning at 7 pm at the Buckhead (Atlanta) Barnes & Noble, Emory University professor of political science and history, Dr. Harvey Klehr will discuss his new co-authored book, Spies: The Rise and Fall of the KGB in America. The book examines the journals of former KGB officer Alexander Vassiliev, and details the

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-61878769675571621442009-06-13T11:34:00.000-07:002009-06-13T12:30:53.917-07:00

After years of meticulous research, Judy and Takis Iakovou's historical mystery novel, Bitter Tide, finally hit the shelves this week. The Athens' area couple are perhaps best known for their previous Nick and Julia Lambros mystery series, which includes So Dear to Wicked Men and There Lies a Hidden Scorpion. They are also known for Taki's Greek cooking, and are the former owners of the Silver

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-77782029864684131342009-05-31T17:46:00.000-07:002009-05-31T18:14:21.479-07:00

First published in Albania in 1970, then in France in 1994, The Siege by Albanian author Ismail Kadare has finally made it to bookstores in the U.S. It is just out from Cannongate Press. It is extraordinary.The book won the first Man Booker International Prize in 2005, and Kadare has repeatedly been seen as a candidate for a Nobel Prize in literature. And he is from Albania.Set in medieval

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-7968241941450188842009-05-22T11:42:00.000-07:002009-05-22T12:12:04.719-07:00

My dad (Pop, we call him) is getting remarried tomorrow. The harem of 50-year-old hotties living at his house had to move out to make room for his new bride.Pop is marrying a wonderful lady. It's quite a story, too. Both he and my late mother, as well as his new wife-to-be and her late husband, all new each other as teenagers. They grew up together. My mom passed away over three years ago, now.

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-64300112093124789872009-05-15T11:23:00.000-07:002009-05-15T11:51:25.103-07:00

It is certainly nice to be home after being on the road for work for nearly a month. Two weeks in Chicago, then two weeks commuting daily between metro Atlanta and Milledgeville, Georgia.While in Chicago, I had the opportunity to meet author Neil Shubin at a discussion and signing for his book Your Inner Fish. I'm hoping the book will give me some insights on the matter of my own inner fish, as

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-73938899386565299042009-04-01T05:35:00.000-07:002009-04-01T06:11:03.121-07:00

This from yesterday's New York Times:Following a spate of recent food recalls, the Obama administration announced in a surprise news conference that it was now targeting Peeps, the gooey, brightly colored candy-thing that is popular around the Easter holidays. Like fruitcake, the so-called treat is often given, but seldom actually consumed.In a news conference last week, acting Secretary of

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-54947416933607059122009-04-01T05:26:00.000-07:002009-04-01T05:35:02.821-07:00

In what can only be considered a major literary coup, the Georgia Center for the Book will present J. D. Salinger tonight on stage in the Decatur Library Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public, and begins at 7:15 pm.Salinger will be joined on stage by Thomas Pynchon, Cormac McCarthy and Phillip Roth. What an extraordinary and rare occasion it will be!Author J. D. Salinger is best

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-21433280020104369972009-03-16T05:47:00.000-07:002009-03-16T06:15:08.712-07:00

Ours is a Peace Corps family, so to speak. My wife and I first met at a gathering of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers in Atlanta. We had both been back from our respective tours with the Peace Corps--she in Mali, me in Albania--just a few months. We spent the months of our early courtship comparing stories from our service, and competing in terms of who had acquired the most numerous and more

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-32993823640669810912009-03-10T18:06:00.001-07:002009-03-10T18:42:59.726-07:00

Some years ago I had the opportunity to work with author and poet Philip Lee Williams in conducting a reading and book signing for his then new book The True and Authentic History of Jenny Dorset. The reading was to take place at the bookstore where I was working at the time.On the day before the reading was to take place, Phil gave me a call at the store. He wanted to know if--all things

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-12618808709865323582009-03-02T08:15:00.001-08:002009-03-02T08:58:51.141-08:00

In my last post, I stated that the weather was turning warmer.Welcome to springtime in Georgia. It snowed all day yesterday. But the snow clouds had a silver lining--the weather was bad enough to close down my school (where I work) today, but not bad enough to close my children's daycare (they would have been upset to miss today's Dr. Seuss birthday festivities on any count). The weather for the

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-4707381606836660742009-02-27T06:32:00.000-08:002009-02-27T07:11:54.871-08:00

It is official, my family has been designated the 2009 Why You Should Get Your Flu Shot When You are Supposed to Family of the Year.We have always made a point of getting our shots each year. This year, however, we decided that due to a mild winter, and everyone being pretty healthy, that we would postpone (forgo) shots. That proved to be a pretty bad idea. With the exception of perhaps five or

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-22816746133032968182009-02-03T07:06:00.000-08:002009-02-03T07:12:25.032-08:00

On Monday, February 9, beginning at 7 pm (reception at 6 pm), debut Atlanta author Susan Rebecca White will present her new novel, Bound South, at the Margaret Mitchell House and Literary Center in Atlanta. The event is free for Margaret Mitchell House members, $5 for Atlanta History Center members, and $10 for non-members.Ms. White is a native Atlantan. Her new book, Bound South, tells the story

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-6249845631161749702009-01-21T06:17:00.000-08:002009-01-21T06:23:13.541-08:00

Here is a little suggested reading in recognition of the momentous occasion this week:The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do for Your Country--Today and Every Day by Cheri SicardHere's just one suggestion from the book: Use the Library of Congress.RMR

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-14967086938726341112009-01-20T05:54:00.000-08:002009-01-20T05:58:47.319-08:00

Last week, my daughter brought home from her elementary school library a copy of Georgia author Betteye Stroud’s 2005 The Patchwork Path-A Quilt Map to Freedom (illustrated by Erin Susanne Bennett). My daughter informed me that the book has been nominated for a 2009 Georgia Book Award. She also informed me that she is reading books to earn points for a free ticket to Six Flags Over Georgia. So we

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-60852933833494595292009-01-16T13:30:00.000-08:002009-01-16T13:49:09.288-08:00

A nasty cold sent me home from work early one day this week. While not in a cold-medicine-induced stupor, I was able to spend some quality time with Isabella.And Cullen.Back over the holidays, my ninth-grade niece and I came to an agreement. If I would read Twilight, the first in the Stephenie Meyer Twilight Saga, she--my niece--would read Brom Stoker’s classic, Dracula. That was the deal.Until

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-25399748538793113872009-01-12T05:30:00.000-08:002009-01-12T05:56:05.579-08:00

Here are a few readings, signings and discussions taking place in Georgia between now and the end of the month. By no means is the list complete.Rudolph P. Byrd, The Essential Writings of James Weldon Johnson. Tonight, Monday, January 12 at 7:15 at the Georgia Center for the Book in Decatur. Free.Tuesday, January 13Bernie Schein, If Holden Caulfield were in my Classroom: Inspiring Love,

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-77101399228375912802009-01-08T05:29:00.000-08:002009-01-08T05:46:30.993-08:00

To know, positively, before leaving one's office, countinghouse, or workshop for a day's outing, that it is the day of all others of the season, and that the phase of the moon, the condition of the sky and atmosphere, the direction and force of the wind, and the temperature and condition of the water are just right to insure success, and to know just what bait or fly to use, and in what portion

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-44129296476587128962009-01-07T06:02:00.000-08:002009-01-07T06:20:53.904-08:00

My one New Year's Resolution, posted seven days into the New Year--Better Time Management.My apologies to Phil Williams. In my last post, I referred to his upcoming book by the title, Ode to Water. The actual title is Elegies for the Water.If I have one more New Year's Resolution, it would be this (these): read more and fish more in 2009, especially with my kids.Recommended: Any title, really.

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-5673925134432633792008-12-31T11:43:00.000-08:002008-12-31T12:40:24.213-08:00

No. Not really. It just sounded like an appropriate title for a New Year's Eve post.What a year. I know that it has been tough for so many. Thank goodness for book people.Christmas is just passed, and the giving and getting of books is always a big part of our household's holiday.For instance, one of the gifts that my wife received from me this year was a book about sewage. How many people can

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-810630542933414482008-12-15T05:24:00.000-08:002008-12-15T05:58:58.642-08:00

Tonight, December 15, at 7:30 pm, Horizon Theatre in Atlanta's Little Five Points District will present WordFeast, a Georgia author-filled event to help the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Among those appearing will be Melissa Fay Greene, Pearl Cleage, Joshilyn Jackson, Carmen Deedy, and Rob Cleveland. It's just $15 to get in or--better yet--15 canned goods. For more information, call Horizon

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-18594211111013725572008-12-10T05:26:00.000-08:002008-12-10T05:48:36.712-08:00

Author Terry Kay will be reading tomorrow night at the Margaret Mitchell House & Literary Center in downtown Atlanta. He will be reading selections from his book, To Whom the Angel Spoke-A Story of the Christmas. The author inscribed a copy of this book to my little girl when she was just two weeks old. Terry, she'll be reading that book to her little brother this year.Mr. Kay will be accompanied

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-46848899556737035362008-11-04T21:41:00.001-08:002008-11-04T21:45:22.400-08:00

November 4th, 2008 We never cease to amaze ourselves, or the rest of humanity. RMR

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-11052214893617138262008-10-31T12:01:00.000-07:002008-10-31T12:10:34.179-07:00

Happy Halloween, book people!In recognition of the season, here is a family story that I would like to share. Make of it what you will.My grandfather grew up in the foothills of Alabama. One of his favorite stories that he liked to share with us kids during the Halloween season involved an event that occurred in the small town where he grew up in rural Alabama. The event occurred during the

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-33125815665285944382008-10-31T10:49:00.000-07:002008-10-31T10:54:45.470-07:00

The joy that I experience in bookshops has nothing to do with their size. I like them all. -Lawrence Clark PowellHighly recommended: Patience & Fortitude by Nicholas A. Basbanes (and anything else by this book person's book person).

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-28597281886617540602008-09-08T15:50:00.000-07:002008-09-08T17:31:47.698-07:00

If you just didn't get enough of a book fix last weekend at the Decatur Book Festival, the following list contains some additional--most, I hope--author events, signings, readings, festivals, etc. that are upcoming in Georgia.Monday, September 8thHanif KureishiSomething to Tell You7 pm @ the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory UniversityPresented by A Capella Books in AtlantaWednesday, September

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-27836789228604673272008-08-29T07:26:00.000-07:002008-08-29T07:42:38.333-07:00

The greatest book festival in the World begins today in downtown Decatur, Georgia. Seriously, at just three years of age, the Decatur Book Festival is officially FAMOUS. Two hundred and fifty plus authors will be in attendance (many from Georgia--many from Decatur). Some 50,000 to 75,000 people are expected to attend. So much to see, do, eat, read. See the Festival link at right for the entire

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-57559063783253515112008-08-13T08:14:00.000-07:002008-08-13T08:23:24.026-07:00

The Georgia Perimeter College Writer's Institute, in conjunction with the Atlanta Writer's Club, will present 2007 Pulitzer-Prize winning poet Natasha Tretheway and internationally acclaimed crime novelist Karin Slaughter (both Georgia authors) together at 1 pm, in Room C110 on the GPC Dunwoody Campus on Saturday, August 16th.For more information about the Georgia Perimeter College Writer's

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-37888558774994620252008-08-12T10:44:00.000-07:002008-08-12T11:00:56.406-07:00

Well, there she goes.Yesterday was the first day of kindergarten for my house.Didn't she just get here? Didn't she just learn to walk and wasn't she just in diapers? Now she says that she wants to dress up like one of the B-52s for Halloween. I am looking at a book that was inscribed to her by author Terry Kay (To Whom the Angels Spoke) when she was barely a month old. She has books that were

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-88477628406801393952008-08-05T22:08:00.000-07:002008-08-05T22:25:31.017-07:00

Upcoming Author & Book Events in GeorgiaThursday, August 7thSandy JonesGreat Expectations: Baby Gear7 pm at Barnes & Noble in Alpharetta770.993.8340 for information.Texas Governor Rick PerryOn My HonorBorders Books in Buckhead (Atlanta)404.237.0707 for information.Mark BaurleinThe Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future7:15 at the Decatur

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-67508195059557828712008-07-22T06:10:00.000-07:002008-07-22T06:25:46.294-07:00

Hello Georgia book people,Here is a sampling of upcoming author and book events here in Georgia. The list is by no means complete. One day, I will have a website linked to this blog that will--in my dreams--provide a regularly updated and "comprehensive" list of literary events in Georgia. Until then,Wednesday, July 23rdDavid SirotaThe Uprising7 pm at Manuel’s Tavern in AtlantaSponsored by A

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-40502963002300878222008-07-21T06:54:00.000-07:002008-07-21T06:57:59.210-07:00

Some folks mistake kindness for weakness, forbearance for indecision. --Roger Pinckney, Seventh Son on Sacred Ground

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-27565360062635070152008-07-10T05:32:00.000-07:002008-07-10T05:46:27.774-07:00

In his epic of Americana, Sowbelly: The Obsessive Quest for the World-Record Largemouth Bass (Plume, 2006), angler, author and Forbes contributing writer Monte Burke writes,"Navel-gazing literary books like A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean and Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis by Howell Raines became a movie and bestseller, respectively. There are no similar tomes

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-5026398757584832632008-07-09T07:51:00.000-07:002008-07-09T07:55:37.795-07:00

This coming Saturday, I am going to Hell—Winder, Georgia.I mean this as no slight to the good people of Winder. In fact, Winder isn’t actually Hell, per say, it just happens to be located near the entrance to the place. In this particular instance, the Hell that I am referring to is a place once referred to by local Native Americans—the Creek and the Cherokee, according to my sources—as

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-29782515056585041002008-07-02T06:51:00.000-07:002008-07-02T07:00:34.260-07:00

Your humble blogger last week visiting with author, columnist and conservationist Roger Pinckney (R) on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, where he lives, writes and occasionally fights.more proof that rmr

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-81047122117401071162008-07-01T06:28:00.000-07:002008-07-01T06:36:43.385-07:00

A new book list.In yesterday’s edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, there appeared an article by Phil Kloer pertaining to a book list recently published in Entertainment Weekly magazine. To see the article, ‘Ooh, another list! EW’s Top 100 books of the last 25 years.’ go to www.ajc.com and click the books link. It’s always good to see book news in the dailies, and lists are always fun.

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-24756842661444374582008-06-30T06:33:00.000-07:002008-06-30T06:46:53.323-07:00

The photographs shown here are of the Mary Fields School located on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. It was here that (Georgia) author Pat Conroy taught between 1969-1970. He later turned his experiences on Daufuskie into the 1972 autobiographical novel, The Water is Wide. The book was later made into the 1974 feature film Conrack (the name Conroy’s students gave him), starring Jon

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-39983170359076683322008-06-29T18:48:00.000-07:002008-06-29T18:56:31.900-07:00

Aboard the Capt. Eulice on the crossing between Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands.

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-16153629575972719022008-06-19T10:57:00.000-07:002008-06-19T11:16:03.990-07:00

“Imagine if they (kids) knew plants and animals the way they knew brand names and logos, if they knew mountains the way they know malls.” writes Rick Van Noy.Yes. Just imagine.Just out this month from the University of Georgia Press, Van Noy’s new collection of essays, A Natural Sense of Wonder, considers many of the same themes as Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods—Saving Our Children from

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-29465305994097669442008-06-16T10:48:00.000-07:002008-06-16T11:06:27.535-07:00

Yesterday was Father’s Day. I scored big. No tie, but a really cool—retro—shirt. Plus the latest titles by Jimmy Buffett (Swine Not?) and David Sedaris (When You are Engulfed in Flames).Best of all, though, was spending the day with my wife, my kids and my dad. And fishing down at the small lake that my dad owns just south of Atlanta.We call him Pop. The kids call him Poppy. And do they adore

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-48233249591842812422008-06-09T11:49:00.000-07:002008-06-09T12:00:15.194-07:00

The Georgia Center for the Book, located in Decatur, has released its latest version of The Books that All Georgians Should Read. Some great titles here:The 2008 Georgia Top 25 Books By Living Georgia WritersTaking After MudearAnsa, Tina McElroyAbove the Fall Line: The Trail from White Pine CabinBlackmarr, AmyBe SweetBlount, Roy Jr.Waltzing Through the Endtime (poetry)Bottoms, DavidBaby Brother’s

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-37640760038462977582008-06-03T12:25:00.000-07:002008-06-03T12:35:39.221-07:00

Seventy-six years ago yesterday, a nineteen-year-old Georgia farm boy named George Washington Perry landed a 22 pound, 4 ounce largemouth bass. He caught it in Montgomery Lake, located in middle Georgia. Perry’s bass still holds the record for the biggest largemouth bass ever caught. Ever. Anywhere.This likely does not seem like such a big deal to non-fisherpersons. Bibliophiles might wish to

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-73154201065762516652008-05-17T08:44:00.000-07:002008-05-17T09:00:44.417-07:00

Earlier this week, I read an article in the Atlanta Jounral-Constitution about the success that the Georgia Department of Economic Development was having in using Georgia's literary heritage to attract international tourism to Georgia.The piece appears in the AJC 5/13/08 edition (see 'Georgia entices British travelers with big dose of the South, Gone With the Wind piques interest abroad').This

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-65358914523190472552008-05-16T12:45:00.000-07:002008-05-16T12:58:55.775-07:00

As a part-time stay-at-home dad, I am always looking for interesting, educational and fun activities that my three-year-old son and I can enjoy together. Earlier this week he came to me and said that he needed to get out for a while, so I took him on an impromptu field trip to a water treatment facility.This may sound a little strange for a three-year-old (or most anyone else, for that matter),

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-5561082915812517022008-05-09T12:05:00.000-07:002008-05-09T12:24:12.860-07:00

This past weekend, my family and I attended the award ceremony for the Annual River of Words arts and writing contest which is sponsored by the Georgia Center for the Book, Project WET, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The award ceremony was being held at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in North Atlanta.More accurately, my family and I went to the Chattahoochee Nature Center for a

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-54923290530907571432008-05-09T11:33:00.000-07:002008-05-09T11:47:19.089-07:00

In case you missed these two talented Georgia illustrators at this week’s annual meeting of the International Reading Association in Atlanta (http://www.reading.org/), be certain to visit their respective web sites at left for information about their work, book titles, and appearances. These two gifted folks are great, especially when they appear together.Laura Knorr’s most recent book of

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-77740440393200996182008-05-02T06:09:00.000-07:002008-05-02T06:15:59.748-07:00

2008 Townsend Prize for FictionBelated congratulations to author Renee Dodd on her being chosen for the 2008 Townsend Prize for Fiction. Ms. Dodd received the award last week at a ceremony held at the Old Courthouse in Decatur, Georgia. The Award is sponsored by the Writer’s Institute at Georgia Perimeter College, and is given in honor of Atlanta Magazine founder Jim Townsend. The presenting

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-45509503008706652082008-04-28T10:52:00.000-07:002008-04-28T11:10:54.548-07:00

On May 1st, three Atlanta area authors will be attending the annual Edgar Awards in New York City. The Edgars, as they are known, are presented by the Mystery Writers of America and represent the highest honor for writers in the genre. The Atlanta authors who will be attending this year’s ceremony as nominees are Evelyn Coleman, author of Shadows on Society Hill, Derek Nikitas, author of Pyres,

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-30298416584838981292008-04-23T12:46:00.000-07:002008-04-23T12:57:21.059-07:00

Happy Earth Day, plus one.From the “It’s a new book to me” category, I am currently reading Last Child in the Woods—Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv. The book was published in 2005 by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill and has since received enormous attention from educators, environmentalists, children’s advocates, and the popular media. If I understand correctly, Mr.

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-19966663973048777452008-04-14T11:36:00.000-07:002008-04-14T11:58:38.649-07:00

I would like to thank my friends at Accent Gwinnett Magazine for allowing me to review The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn and Hal Iggulden. The review (below in its entirety) appears in the March/April 2008 issue of their fine publication. Accent Gwinnett is a local/regional publication. It’s a lifestyle magazine and targets the Gwinnett County, Georgia community--a suburb of, and major player

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-79097696839735155702008-04-09T11:49:00.000-07:002008-04-09T11:53:57.438-07:00

Of all God's creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.--Mark Twain, Notebook, 1894Recommended Reading:The Cat Who Covered the World by Christopher S. WrenRMR

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-3818383358714535432008-04-08T05:36:00.000-07:002008-04-08T05:52:43.883-07:00

It is getting to be about that time again. I expect that you can begin to smell them at my dad's pond right about now.I believe that there are times when God wants to test us--test us for our patience and determination. That is why He created fish.I believe that there are times when God wants to test our integrity, our honesty. That is why He created fishermen.Who better to serve as the link

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-38103777178636117492008-04-04T13:54:00.000-07:002008-04-04T14:14:41.435-07:00

I have been getting some feedback from readers. Granted, at this point I could likely count the number of acknowledged readers of my blog on my fingers. Still, it’s nice to hear from people.In the interest of drumming up some discussion—and mostly because I am curious to know people’s thoughts on the subject(s), I wanted to post several general queries. They are surveys, really, though not

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-20081507924865065502008-04-02T13:55:00.000-07:002008-04-02T14:06:53.985-07:00

First, and of certainly minor consequence, my new website www.gabookevents.org will hopefully be up soon. Again, my goal is to give book buffs in Georgia a one-stop spot to look for author signings, writer’s conferences, and other literary events taking place throughout the State. I will be drawing from many different sources (at this point, some 200 plus that I have accumulated over the past

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-59292324755269288452008-03-31T12:26:00.000-07:002008-03-31T12:45:53.526-07:00

I believe that it would be accurate to say that I am an intelligence buff; Intelligence (or intel, as we like to call it—we being other intelligence buffs) in this case referring to espionage, national security issues and, well, spy stuff in general. My interest has both a serious side and a less than serious side.Regarding the less than serious side, I confess that I am, like so many, drawn to

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-88409011754637984232008-03-28T08:03:00.000-07:002008-03-28T08:12:33.058-07:00

Happy birthday, big man!Who entered the world (throwing a right hook at the doctor) three years ago today.I never know what's coming next.--Gore VidalNic's Book recommendations:The Cat in the Hat by Dr. SeussCharlotte's Web by E. B. WhiteAnything featuring racing legend Lightning McQueen.

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-60392738224711581092008-03-26T12:42:00.000-07:002008-03-26T12:52:40.384-07:00

This blog is officially dedicated to the subjects of books and water. The “books” part I have already touched upon in previous posts. I would now like to say a few words about the “water” part. Why water?For starters, water is pretty important stuff. It has been getting an enormous amount of media and, more recently, actual public attention in the past year or so here in Georgia as a result of

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-2990733226920403812008-03-25T07:07:00.000-07:002008-03-25T07:29:19.244-07:00

Hear are a few recommended book titles for the previous posts. 3/11/08The Writer’s Chapbook by George Plimpton (ed.) A real gem for readers and writers, and fans of The Paris Review.The Best of Plimpton by George Plimpton Many of Plimpton's classic pieces, including Sidd Finch.George Plimpton—The Man in the Flying Lawn Chair and Other Excursions and Observations by Sarah Dudley Plimpton (ed.)

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-67265625716630807322008-03-18T10:57:00.000-07:002008-03-18T11:05:13.133-07:00

Keep your head down during the tornado season. Lord, what a mess.Also, book folk, when in Atlanta you need to be certain to get over to Decatur—the City within a City—and check out the bookstore scene. The City of Decatur alone is worth the trip. It is very pedestrian friendly, offering a pleasant reprieve from our mostly car-oriented metropolis, and its notorious traffic. Decatur is also

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-62962488687436746422008-03-17T11:36:00.000-07:002008-03-17T11:41:47.024-07:00

Dear Readers & Fellow Georgia Bibliophiles,I have been in the book business for over a decade now. Most of that time I spent organizing—or helping to organize--author signings and other literary events, mostly in Georgia. It is amazing—especially to book folk—just how much is going on at any given time in Georgia with regards to books, authors and the larger world of publishing. Author signings

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-42969517278230966792008-03-17T10:19:00.000-07:002008-03-17T10:43:50.389-07:00

First, I would like to say that my thoughts go out to friends, acquaintances and former colleagues in Tirane, Albania. I hope that they are all well, and that none of them were affected by this week's disastrous explosions at the military munitions dump located in the Tirane suburbs. Regarding other news from the Balkans, I certainly hope that policy makers are keeping a very close eye on

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-21217926908052190392008-03-12T07:36:00.000-07:002008-03-12T07:48:30.215-07:00

I am presently enjoying the status of part-time stay-at-home dad. I am keeping my three year-old son, Nic. So I am thinking up appropriate projects and activities that we can do together that are educational, fun, and give us a chance to do some father and son bonding. Our big project this week is that we are going to make beer. If other stay-at-home dads who are out there have interesting,

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-9131675131826259902008-03-11T12:40:00.000-07:002008-03-11T13:09:59.105-07:00

I have given some thought to what I want this blog to be about. That is, I have tried to think of a common thread with which to tie together subject matter as seemingly disconnected as books, water, fishing, trucking, espionage, the one-time Atlanta landmark of Oxford Bookstore, the Peace Corps, childrearing, Library 2.0, the Night Stalker, politics, Marx play sets, Harold Lloyd Movies, the

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-22063274746747690142008-03-08T13:40:00.000-08:002008-03-08T13:59:18.676-08:00

A friend in Japan sent me an email this week informing me that he had visited my new blog. My first reader, that I am aware of. My condolences go out this week to my wife's family. Her grandmother passed away. She was 101 years old. I am reading Blogging for Dummies by Susannah Gardner and Shane Birley (2nd edition; Wiley Publishing). Does anyone have a recommendation for similar titles?

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-76860940143982056122008-02-27T06:02:00.000-08:002008-02-27T06:06:56.495-08:00

In the end all books are written for your friends. --Gabriel Garcia MarquezBorrowed from The Writer's Chapbook, George Plimpton (ed.); 1989, Viking Penguin.

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-9975231674711372862008-02-26T12:18:00.000-08:002008-02-26T13:16:23.408-08:00

I had the opportunity this morning to join a group of writers over in Athens (GA) for their weekly get-together over coffee. It's a small group. Among those present this morning were authors Terry Kay and Jennifer Patrick. Again, it's a small group that gathers each week, and I knew everyone there from previous book signings, readings and festivals. Author Gail Karwoski usually attends, but

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318111811976055598.post-37801290162324096592008-02-22T06:35:00.000-08:002008-02-22T07:05:59.944-08:00

Greetings, and welcome to my new blog. I am new to the blogosphere, and hope to see my blog improve dramatically, in terms of appearance, as I come up to speed.This blog will be devoted largely to the discussion of books, writing, publishing, and the book industry. This will include some observations on book selling and promotion, which is how I have been making my living for the past decade.

georgiabookmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272456452505857501noreply@blogger.com0