Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Author Patricia Sprinkle Book Reading and Discussion in Peachtree City

The Friends of the Peachtree City Library association is pleased to present author Patricia Sprinkle. The author of "Daughter of Deceit", "The Remember Box", "Carley's Song", "The Thoroughly Southern Mysteries", and "The Shelia Travis" series, will read from and discuss her books on Saturday, March 12 at 1:00 p.m. in the Peachtree City Council Chambers City Hall at 151 Willowbend Rd. Her latest novel is Friday's Daughter. Following the program, the author will sign copies of her books and refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Terry Kay Offers 'Voice' Workshop

The use of voice in creative writing is the subject of a special workshop to be offered by novelist Terry Kay on March 26 at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) in Watkinsville.

A member of the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame and author of such best-selling novels as To Dance with the White Dog, Kay will share with beginning and established writers his experience in identifying, and refining, the "voice" of stories.

"The understanding of voice is perhaps the most difficult aspect of writing, especially in fiction," explained Kay, "because it doesn't really have a single, generally accepted definition. Ask any writer and he, or she, will give you a pretty good opinion of what voice means to him, or to her, yet you will realize that it's more speculation than explanation."

Kay's workshop will include a six-hour session, running from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 to 4 p.m. A no-cost follow-up session will be conducted at a date and place to be determined. Cost for the workshop will be $50.00 for OCAF members and $60.00 for non-members. Attendance will be limited.

"I've long wanted to fashion a workshop on the topic of voice," added Kay. "Concentration will be on the role of the writer, the character, and the reader in creating the aura that is the essence of voice. We'll spend a lot of time on the importance of rhythm and dialogue."

Kay is the author of 10 published novels, a collection of essays, and a children's book. His newest novel, “Bogmeadow’s Wish”, is scheduled for publication in March. Kay has previously conducted workshops in creative writing and screenwriting for OCAF. For a complete review of personal and professional history, Kay's website is: www.terrykay.com. For additional information on this workshop and to register contact OCAF at (706) 769-4565, info@ocaf.com or visit the website www.ocaf.com.
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Thursday, February 17, 2011

Borders isn't going away

Sadly, due to a combination of factors, Borders is going through Chapter 11. I've always liked Borders, even though there isn't one near my home or business. When I worked downtown I was a regular shopper.

I can understand why bookstores are struggling.

I went into Barnes & Noble a few years back to try and find a book. They were out, but said they could order it for me, they'd call and let me know when it was in and I could trek back down there and pick it up. OR, I could go on-line, order, get a discount, get free shipping and it would be delivered to my door a few days later. Well, gee, guess what I started doing on a regular basis? Ordering on-line of course.

I'm not into Kindle, eBooks and all the electronic readers. I like reading in odd places where electronic stuff just doesn't work. Anyone else have their shower setting set so they can read while showering? When taking a bath the idea of possibly dropping a Kindle into the water isn't relaxing. Standing over the stove cooking while holding a tablet reader doesn't work sometimes either.

I have nothing in the world against all the computerized stuff, I'm a semi-geek and love new technology (even when I don't know the correct terminology). But books are a tactile, touching, experience that I doubt I'll ever be able to give up.

I get my news via computer though. Sorry, newspapers.

I do hate to see Borders going through the reorganization, but am glad they'll still be around. They're not going anywhere. You can still buy on-line, stores are still open (although expect staff to be a little nervous about whether their store and jobs will survive).

To me, Chapter 11 is just a legal way to dump debt, cut staff, ditch buildings. It probably means that the stock holders will get stiffed, too. I owned K-Mart stock when they went through a similar process. Lost it all. Then they came back and didn't do anything for the stock holders. Perfectly legal, they sluffed off all the old, had no obligation, but I haven't walked into a K-Mart since it happened. I'd imagine Borders stock holders, assuming there is such a creature, will not be happy with them, but chances are they figured it was coming if they kept up.

So, shop on at Borders. They're saying all is normal for those of us out here in book-buying land. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to find that Borders is the first in a long row of bookstore dominoes.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Children's Classic Huck Finn Gets Rid of "N"-Word

"It certainly is controversial and it has been for many years," said Barbara Pickell, the Director of the Clearwater Public Library.

Published in 1885, Mark Twain's, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is known as the America's greatest novel.

However, says Pickell, over the years, many educators have opted out of teaching the childrens' classic because of the offensive language. Specifically, the "N"-word used 219 times.

So, Mark Twain scholar, Alan Gribbons, an Auburn University Professor, decided to make a change to the classic novel through publishing company NewSouth. In February, a version of the classic will replace the "N"-word with the word, "slave."

"It enables us to set this inflammatory racial epithet aside and begin to address the greatness of Twain's works," Gribbons told CBS News.

Pickell calls the move censorship. "It does take us away from the true literary work and what the author really meant to say in the words that really represented the time and place that he was covering," said Pickell.

Mother Dayna Saltarelli said, "I'm on the fence about it because that's the way it was... We're at a different time than the original but I still want him to know the history."

Another mom Decynthia Clements said, "I think that's a great idea." She sees both sides too but one outweighs the other. "It is complicated but it is a benefit. So, anything that is a plus I would go for."

Since the director of the Clearwater Library is against censorship, Pickell will offer the new version of this old classic. In fact, she has already ordered her copies.

"We're going to have it because that's what libraries do. We have material on all sides of controversial issues so we give people choices," said Pickell.

Both moms are happy to hear that and choose to read the revised edition with their sons.

Keep in mind, NewSouth is not the only publisher. There are many different companies that publish the classic novel. That means the original version will continue to be published as is.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Born in New York City in 1961, from 1975 to 1985 columnist and author Erik Rush was a club, stage and studio musician. He's also been involved in biomedical research, sales, marketing and media production.

Rush was the first to break the story of President (then Senator) Barack Obama's ties to militant Chicago preacher Rev. Jeremiah Wright on a national level in February of 2007.

He writes columns of sociopolitical fare for WorldNetDaily as well as dozens of nationally-distributed print and online news sources. He's appeared on Fox News, CNN, and is a veteran of a copious number of radio appearances and speaking engagements.

ABOUT THE BOOK: In 2008, Americans elected Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th president of the United States. Being a black man, of course this was heralded as a monumentally historic event-the first black president in a country that was segregated a scant 50 years ago. A historic event, yes, whether or not one subscribes to theories of underhanded race politics, the evils of affirmative action and the cult of victimization in which many hold that black people still live.

Yet, many were distressed by Obama's election. Little was known about the man and his likely policies despite two published memoirs; his political history- and close circle of influence-evidenced the most far left liberal tendencies. Nevertheless, he campaigned as a centrist. But his appeal also appeared clearly-in black and white.

Negrophilia studies the undue and inordinate affinity for blacks (as opposed to antipathy toward them), that has been promoted by activists, politicians and the establishment press for the past 40 years and which has fostered an erroneous perception of blacks, particularly in America. The book dissects the dynamic of race relations and race politics with an emphasis on same since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, how these are likely to develop given a Barack Obama presidency, and how conscientious Americans may discern the deeper truths of these matters and thus develop healthier perceptions.




Reprinted with permission

Changes to Classic Novel are Misguided, UWG Scholars Say

Sanitizing the American classic, “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” is a disservice to the novel and does nothing to further the discussion of racism, say University of West Georgia scholars.

An edition of Mark Twain’s 19th century novel is set for release by NewSouth Books with the ‘‘n’’ word removed and replaced by the word “slave.” “Injun” is also excised.

“I don’t think there is any way we can deal with the history of racism and the continuing racism in this country without dealing with the ugly language that racism spawns,” said Debra MacComb, an associate professor of English at UWG.

“Huck Finn” is one of the most frequently banned books. The literary surgery comes at the urging of Auburn University professor Alan Gribben, who has said that by removing the racially offensive language he hopes more people will read the book.

MacComb, who teaches a course on Mark Twain and also teaches the novel in her American Literature courses, disagrees.

“My students appreciate talking about the issue,” she said.

David W. Newton, chairman of UWG’s Department of English and Philosophy, concurred.

Although the conversation about racism and racist words is never easy to have, it is often educational, Newton said.

In studying “Huck Finn,” students and teachers “confront offensive words directly, and talk about our responses to them,” Newton said.

MacComb noted that Twain wanted to highlight “the failure of Reconstruction to allow these new black citizens to be part of the culture. They were increasingly disenfranchised. Slavery was over in name only. Slavery was not over.”

“Dr. Gribben suggests that it would be taught more often if not for the use of the racially offensive language. But I think we need to confront it,” she said.

Removing the slur “fails to deal with what Twain was interested in revealing. People believe that Twain was racist. Twain was anything but that. It’s his character Huck who grows up in a bath of racism. This language springs from his lips because he lives in that environment,” MacComb said. “Twain encourages us to see Huck’s racism and how he changes over the course of the book.”

MacComb noted that book was first banned in Boston soon after it was published in the U.S. not for racist language, but for its use of regional dialects.

Newton said that other American classics have also been edited.

A young adult edition of James Fenimore Cooper’s “The Last of the Mohicans” leaves out a large portion of the original novel, essentially rendering it a different book.

Doing so for younger readers may be appropriate, Newton said, but not for a college classroom.

“Literature is very often offensive and disturbing,” Newton said. “Sometimes it is purposely so. In other instances, like with ‘Huck Finn,’ it reminds us of historical realities from our own past.”

Monday, December 13, 2010

Steve Harvey to Sign Straight Talk, No Chaser at Borders in Lithonia

signing
Steve Harvey
Straight Talk, No Chaser

Tuesday, December 14, 2010 • 6:00 PM
>>Borders – Lithonia
8000 Mall Parkway | Lithonia, GA | 678.526.2550

Event rules apply. Capacity may be limited. Please arrive early.
See store for details.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

New Book Gets Your Thoughts Working for You, Instead of Against You

/PRNewswire/ -- Your thoughts mold your lifestyle. They also shape your mental, physical, relational, and emotional health. Caspar McCloud and Linda Lange, authors of the new book What Was I Thinking?, ask: What shape are you in?

Presented in a reader-friendly discussion style, McCloud and Lange make a strong case that people must choose whether to follow the path of fear (stress) or the path of faith (truth). Understanding these links brings new insight to help people achieve healthier lifestyle results, emotional and physical healing, freedom, and greater effectiveness in life.

Filled with relevant Biblical passages, exciting personal testimonies and "Points to Ponder," this book provides spiritually enriched food for thought that can enhance one's life greatly.

"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established" (Proverbs 16:3).

Major intriguing themes include: the direct link between thoughts and physical health; brain functions; the importance of forgiveness; and a variety of concepts that keep many people from living in health and joy instead of bondage.

The authors have found that:

* Doctors are recommending this book to their patients.
* People are reporting being healed of a number of sicknesses and diseases by applying these simple life-saving principles.
* Marriages and business relationships are being restored.
* People are being blessed beyond what they thought possible.


Readers will learn easy techniques that will forever change the way they think and process information leading to a more successful, happier life.

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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Book Review: Here We Go! Around-the-World-Family Adventure

Step into the pages of your memories and have fun with the children in your life.  

Who doesn't remember baking cookies with grandma in her apron or cuddling up in her lap while inhaling the delightful scent of her special powder to hear a story?  Who doesn't remember the special moments with grandparents that holiday traditions and smells conjure?  Who doesn't remember grandpa's special smile as he dug deep into his pocket to present you with a treasure?

The Baby Boomer Generation is coming of age, grandparent age, and realizing playing with grandchildren is fun.

Looking for adventures and ways to interact with young children has just gotten easier and more fun.  Roll together children, grandparents, some music, a drop of magic and imagination as you head into the newest family fun adventure--  all in the comfort of your home!

Here We Go! - Around the World Family Adventure is the first book in what promises to be an enchanting series of adventures and developmental activities for young children and the adults in their lives.  Written by award-winning author Walter Sorrells and illustrated by Victor Tavares, children will quickly be swept into the storybook.

In the first book, traveling grandparents return home to find their treasures fell out of the airplane.  With the assistance of their grandchildren and a magic compass, the group heads out to find the treasures.  The colorful pages and detailed artwork in the book complement the story as the family travels to lands across the world.  At each location the magic compass takes the family, the children are introduced to native customs as they locate a special treasure.

The story doesn't end as the last page is turned.  There are suggested activities which quickly encourage the readers to keep the story alive as new memories are made.

Original music which accompanies the story is also available.  The songs are well written and sure to be sung by children and adults alike as you rush to play them again.  While listening to the music, memories of grandparents or loved ones who have gone on before us bring the warmth of their love flowing back. 

The fun doesn't stop here, though.  There is an interactive website where the adventure continues with activities and craft ideas.

Collectables which correlate with the books are also scheduled to be released.  The first release in time for the holidays will be the Family Milagro Tree.  Families will discover their own miracle of memory making while decorating this enchanting tree together.

Developed by GrandCamp Adventures, this all inclusive series of books, music, activities and imagination building and time together doesn't have to be limited to grandparents.  What child wouldn't push their parents out of the house if the babysitter came with a grand adventure?

Discover the meaning of treasures.  Discover the joy of time together.

Learn more about GrandCamp Adventures.

Ann Eldredge
Fayette Front Page

Photo Source:  GrandCamp Adventures

Book Review: The Gulf Coast Oil Spill: Poor Little Pelican + A Kidreports Photo-Documentary

Last spring, the Gulf Coast Oil Spill had us all wondering about the oil gushing into the water and being brought to shore by either waves or storms. What effect did it have on the animals? How did our young children see this event?

A great new children's book by well known author Carole Marsh has just been released. This charming story unfolds at the beginning of the oil spill when some young pelicans are out on a morning's adventure. They soon find something is amiss with the appearance of the Dark Shadow and its effect on a young pelican friend.

Children will eagerly follow the pelicans' plight as they get a helping hand from the local children who are assisting the oil covered pelicans.

This story brings the headlines of the summer to a level where young children can understand the events of the oil spill on the environment. Followed by a photo documentary by a Gulf Coast girl named Erin, students will learn how our environment and wildlife were affected by the spill.

The book has wonderful reproducible activities for children as they explore the environment. Marsh has once again brought educators and parents a wonderful resource tool for our children.

The book is available through Gallopade International at www.gallopade.com.


Ann Eldredge
Fayette Front Page

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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Clayton State University Bookstore Holding “Go Green Day” Book Drive Thursday

The Clayton State University Bookstore will be holding a “Go Green Day” Book Drive on Thursday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The book drive will be held in the Bookstore, located on the lower level of the Clayton State Student Center. All donated books will be accepted, not just text books.

Books will be donated to Better World Books, which collects and sells books online to fund literacy initiatives worldwide. With more than six million new and used titles in stock, they are self-sustaining company that creates social, economic and environmental value for all their stakeholders. Better World Books supports book drives and collects used books and textbooks through a network of more than 1,800 college campuses and partnerships with more than 2,000 libraries nationwide. So far, the company has converted more than 35 million donated books into $7.5 million in funding for literacy and education. In the process, they have also diverted more than 13,000 tons of books from landfills.

According to Lynnie Beauvoir, customer service supervisor for the Clayton State University Bookstore, the purpose of the “Go Green Day” Book Drive is also to bring awareness to how the University Bookstore sustains and supports the “Green” initiative.

The University Bookstore “Green” other commitments (in addition to donating used books) include: sponsorship of the campus “Go Green Team;” helping with bottle and can recycling pick-ups around the campus; carrying “Green” supplies and merchandise; the reusable tote program with “Green” tote bags… with every purchase a percentage of the proceeds goes toward funding green initiatives on campus; and offering a strong used book buyback program which recycles and reuses books and also saves students money.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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