December kicked off with a visit from John Treat, author of Big Table Publishing Company's 2016 Best Seller, The Rise and Fall of the Yellow House. Set against the backdrop of early 1980s Seattle at the beginning of the AIDS crisis, it's a love story of two gay men fighting addiction and battling demons. The writing is masterful, with compelling characters and a powerful story line. He described the times (which he experienced firsthand) and told some really funny stories. (He does a great impersonation of Arianna Huffington!) But of course there were tragic aspects too, and it was very emotional hearing him talk about friends he’d lost. A great great person. Please check out the trailer for the book here: https://vimeo.com/139965385
Thanks, John, for coming all the way from Seattle!
The following weekend was another TRIPLE BOOK LAUNCH, featuring Keith Tornheim, Glenn Bowie, and Richard Fox. There was a little glitch in the proceedings, however, when Glenn texted me that morning from the ER. Two collapsed lungs! And I was like, "But you were supposed to bring the cheese platter!" A quick call was dispatched to Chris Reilley, who agreed to stand in for Glenn.
Before a larger-than-expected crowd, we began with Keith Tornheim, who read from his new collection of poetry, Fireflies - Poems of Love and Family. Great writing, and lots of laughs!
Next up, Chris Reilley. Before he read from his collection of shorts and poetry, Breathing For Clouds, he spoke warmly about our beloved Glenn Bowie. Glenn, in addition to writing poetry and composing songs, builds elevators. Seriously, like, from scratch! He was deeply missed, but of course Chris was his usual great!
Richard Fox rounded out the afternoon, reading from his new collection, wandering in puzzle boxes. His poem, "fil de telephone" is about the last time he heard his father's voice, and, standing in the back of the room, I couldn't stop crying. That poem always gets me.
A visitor from the past showed up unexpectedly - Edgar Allen Poe! We were SO thrilled to have him there! He was so impressed by the poetry he heard that he said not a word. Sometimes that happens.
And yes, there was a cake!!
THANKS everyone, SO much, for being part of our last events of 2015! Please keep following us on Facebook and check our site from time to time to see what fun things we have planned for 2017!
