NEA Big Read Book Discussion
Celebrate the Big Read with discussions of Yang’s memoir, The Late Homecomer, with its themes of migration, immigration, family stories, and identity. We’ll engage with writing prompts and consider the history of where we live in terms of its indigenous peoples, waves of immigration, importance to early statehood, and continuing evolution as a haven for creative communities—rich territory for memory, memoir, and personal myth-making.
Erin Downing Reading
Erin will be touring through our area to talk about her new novel, JUST KEEP WALKING! She is visiting during her book tour to talk about her writing process, the grueling (and fun!) 310-mile hike she completed as research for this novel, and some fun behind-the-scenes real life stories that made their way into the book.
Erin has written more than fifty books for kids, including the highly acclaimed middle-grade novel CONTROLLED BURN (a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection), THE GREAT PEACH EXPERIMENT series (also a JLG Selection), and many PUPPY PIRATES chapter book adventures. JUST KEEP WALKING is her newest release and is also Erin’s favorite book yet!
Platteville Public Library Pop-up
Republic of Letters will be at the Platteville Public Library for Platteville’s Hometown Friday Night celebration. In addition to books, there will be drinks, food, and music.
The Book Kitchen Open House
Come see what all the construction has been for and sign up for a class or ten.
Book Swap at American Wine Project
Bring a book, take a book, buy a book, have a drink.
Mary Grow Book Reading & Signing
Many of you may remember Mary Grow from when she lived in Mineral Point, or perhaps you remember her popular children's books Chester Meets The Walker House Ghost and Chester & The Mystery of the Tilted World.
Mary is releasing a new book, Night Train To Odessa, set in 1919 war-torn Ukraine. We're excited to host her at Republic of Letters, where she will be reading from her book and signing copies.
"Deeply informed and highly engaging, NIGHT TRAIN TO ODESSA relates the heart-wrenching story of Elvira Maria as she searches for her lost children during the brutal upheaval of the Russian Civil War. The mother's tenacious struggle becomes increasingly difficult due to her poverty and loneliness—until she finds unexpected kindness from an itinerant puppeteer and a woman with an unsavory past. Mary L. Grow visits a tumultuous era with insight and the well-crafted impact of an accomplished author."
—Sara Rath
author of The Waters of Star Lake