BRATTLEBORO — Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main Street, will showcase three local writers next week in two separate events.
On Sunday, May 7, at 3 p.m., in the Main Reading Room, join author Ann Braden for the launch of her newest novel, Opinions and Opossums. She will read a selection from her new book and answer questions.
There will be a photo booth, a writing activity, an opportunity for two lucky people to win a free book, and there may even be a visit from a live opossum.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the release of Ann's new book with our community,” said Children's Librarian Lindsay Bellville in a news release. “Knowing how her two previous books have spoken to readers, we look forward to sharing this amazing story with kids and adults alike.”
Ann Braden is the author of two previous novels for young people, The Benefits of Being an Octopus and Flight of the Puffin, which have been embraced by kids and critics alike. She is an activist and the founder of two grassroots organizations; GunSenseVT and Local Love Brigade, and her commitment to making the world a better place imbues her writing.
“I am always eager to open a new book by Ann Braden” said Library Director Starr LaTronica. “I know that I will be keeping company with characters that will resonate with me, surprise me, increase my compassion and empathy and leave me with an abiding love for my fellow humans.
“In Opinions and Opossums, Agnes gave me courage and conviction as she found her voice to ask questions and express opinions. And I developed an admiration for opossums and an affection for abandoned shopping carts along the way. This is truly a tale that has something for everyone and will stay with readers long after they have finished the last page.”
On Wednesday, May 10, at 7 p.m., local writers Michael Nethercott and GennaRose Nethercott will appear in a joint presentation at the library. They will share their views on storytelling, offer readings, and engage in lively literary banter.
GennaRose Nethercott's recent novel Thistlefoot has received numerous accolades from such sources as NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and Book of the Month. Her first book, The Lumberjack's Dove, a story in verse, won the National Poetry Series.
Whether authoring novels, poems, ballads, or even fold-up paper cootie catchers, her projects are all rooted in myth and folklore-and what our stories reveal about who we are. She tours nationally and internationally, performing strange tales (sometimes with puppets in tow), and writes and researches for the supernatural podcast Lore.
Michael Nethercott's new novel, The Ballad of Black Powder, is his first foray into writing Westerns. He's the author of two mystery novels, The Séance Society and The Haunting Ballad, and has won several literary awards.
His short stories have appeared in numerous periodicals and anthologies, including Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and Best Crime and Mystery Stories of the Year.
As a playwright and director, he has helmed numerous local productions and was the originator of the Forest of Mystery theatrical tour, which has become an annual tradition at Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center.
Books will be available for sale and signing at both events, which are free and open to the public and are accessible to people in wheelchairs. For more information, visit brookslibraryvt.org or call 802-254-5290.