Author talks in Columbia and local book releases planned
Summer is as busy a time of year as ever in the local book community, with new releases, author talks, summer reading programs, and more. Here are some news and notes on what’s currently happening—or coming soon—in the literary world at Columbia.
Join an online author conversation with Kate DiCamillo
Anyone who has ever written anything with Mercy Watson knows that, to use the language of another classic children’s book, she is a real pig.
Award-winning children’s author Kate DiCamillo (“Because of Winn-Dixie,” “The Sorcerer’s Elephant”) is Mercy’s creator and literary curator, and as part of an online author series, visitors to the Daniel Boone Regional Library can hear DiCamillo talk about the world of her beloved pig character.
The author will speak about her “Mercy” books as well as a follow-up series, “Tales from Deckawoo Drive,” on July 9 at 1 p.m. This online event is for families with children in preschool through second grade. Families can register at https://events.dbrl.org/event/11014231 and receive a link to the talk; a recording will be available later.
The author talk series will continue this month with online appearances by Max Brallier (16th of July) Elizabeth A. (23 July) and Daniel Santa (July 30). For the full list of upcoming speakers, visit https://libraryc.org/dbrl/upcoming.
Local author Ed Varnum publishes second novel
There’s something special about watching local authors not only pursue their talents, but develop their ideas across multiple books. Columbia author Ed Varnum follows his own story arc with the release of Metamorphosis: In Pursuit of Something Better, which follows his 2017 debut In Pursuit of Something Better.
The first volume was a multi-generational portrait of the Mayes family as they changed along with a younger version of America. The family attempted to live up to the book’s title by moving across the country during the first half of the 20th century.
“Perhaps this betterment is not purely physical, but the discovery of who we are and what our place is in this world,” Varnum said at the time of publication.
In the second book, readers experience their first year of high school alongside Marty Mayes, who witnesses in real time the civil rights movement, the loss of President Kennedy, and the rise of violence and resistance to the Vietnam War.
“It is a story of first love and newfound self-confidence, a haunting realization of societal injustice and prejudice, and the realization of lasting hope through a caring family, lifelong friendships, and unwavering faith,” says a description on the back of the book.
“Metamorphosis” can be rented through DBRL or purchased from Amazon.
Aarik Danielsen is the Tribune’s features and culture editor. Reach him at [email protected] or call 573-815-1731. He is on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.
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