Adventure Weekend in Summerville Begins TONIGHT!

And… we’re off! A ton of big events coming up and it all kicks off…

TONIGHT! Third Thursday Adventure
and Live Book Launch!

We’re looking forward to an outstanding Third Thursday tonight. Not only will we have Mike Kaltofen on hand, and not only will the town square be sporting an Adventure theme (complete with zip line and climbing wall), but we’ll be hosting an adventure of our own: The authors of the debut memoir 100 Days in Vietnam will join us for an adventurous book launch; their book releases just two days before on June 15th!

Don’t miss this chance to meet co-authors Joseph and Matthew Tallon and grab a signed copy! Hint: the perfect Father’s Day gift!

“Joe Tallon scratched and clawed his way through Army training, ultimately finding himself in Vietnam by 1972. His resiliency and strength to overcome shine through in this poignant survival story told in tandem by father and son.”

– Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University, West Point Class of 1969

“100 Days in Vietnam offers readers both a rare window on the final days of our painful national odyssey in Vietnam and a remarkable record of an individual’s determined quest to honor a fallen comrade.”

Ken Burns, Filmmaker and Director of The Vietnam War, The Civil War, and many other films

As American troops continue their steady exodus on the last day of their ground war in Vietnam, Lieutenant Joe Tallon is shot down by an enemy missile. Forced to eject at a dangerously low altitude from their OV-1 Mohawk, Joe and his tactical observer, Specialist-5 Daniel Richards, land in the flaming wreckage. Lieutenant Tallon survives but Specialist Richards does not. Stateside, Lieutenant Tallon begins to heal and proceed with his life but the loss of his tactical observer is never far from his mind. Forty years later, Joe embarks on a quest to bring recognition to the sacrifice of Daniel Richards and secure a Purple Heart for his family.

Learn more about the event and the authors HERE.

An Adventure All Weekend

The adventure continues all weekend downtown, with the zip line and climbing wall moving to Short Central. Here at the store we’ll be celebrating our graduating booksellers Hannah and Emma (the party starts Saturday at 1:30 – stop in for free cake!)

And, 10% off storewide for DADS and GRADS all weekend long!

Monday, June 21st – Bring in Summer with “Talk Southern to Me!”

You’re invited to attend a VERY special evening discussing southern books and southern authors with author Joe Palmer (A Mariner’s Tale) and Pat Conroy Literary Center executive director and co-editor of Our Prince of Scribes, Jonathan Haupt!

“My wound is geography. It is also my anchorage, my port of call.”—Pat Conroy (The Prince of Tides)

This event will take place on Monday evening, June 21st, in lieu of Main Street Writes that night – as this is an event both writers and readers will want to attend and join in the conversation! We’ll be talking about why southern literature is even a “thing” – the origins and trailblazers, and who’s writing the best “southern stuff” these days. Following a fascinating talk with Joe and Jonathan about great southern books and authors, we invite you to weigh in with your own favorites and ask questions of the presenters.

Check it out from the comfort of home – Jonathan will join us from Beaufort, SC and Joe will weighing in from home in Fernandina Beach, FL. Main Street Reads’ Shari Stauch will moderate from Summerville!

Topic: Talk Southern to Me
Time: Jun 21, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82702196704?pwd=clNOMGZGNzBNaGU0SHZmQ0ZOYitndz09
Meeting ID: 827 0219 6704 Passcode: 355858

June 24th Pulpwood Queens Bookclub: Outbound Train by Renea Winchester

Join us for a thoughtful discussion of Outbound Train by Renea Winchester, who’ll be joining us for the talk! (in-store purchases are eligible for the 10% bookclub discount Plus signed bookplates will be available for your books).AND:

You can join the discussion LIVE at Main Street Reads (yes, we’ll have wine and treats!) OR via Zoom – Author Renea Winchester will join us that evening via Zoom so you can ask questions of the author! (Zoom info below)

Time: Jun 24, 2021 06:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85688828708?pwd=eWNWaGYyWFlaVDFRWmpSenlxdmFZZz09
Meeting ID: 856 8882 8708 Passcode: 281677
Learn more about the event, the book and the author HERE.

Saturday, June 26th: Summer Reading Spectacular w Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May, and Sville’s Jewel Sweeney!

And the culminating highlight of our big June live lineup: On Saturday, June 26th we’re bringing you an amazing event featuring authors Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May, debuting their middle-grade novel, The Islanders, available NOW at Main Street Reads, plus Summerville’s own Jewel Sweeney, debuting her newest middle-grade novels!

NOTE: We’ve stocked up on a BUNCH of Mary Alice Monroe’s famed works, including her recent The Summer of Lost and Found. Grab ’em at the store this weekend so you’ll have to get signed next weekend!

The morning will feature an intro to these wonderful authors as well as free treats, AND an open mic for middle graders to share their own writing! If you know a middle school student who wants on stage that day, drop us an email at mainstreetreads@gmail.com to get on the list! Open mic readers will be given up to five minutes to read their essay, poem or short story, staying on key themes from The Islander: friendship, inclusion and conservation. Students selected to read will also receive a gift from the authors!

Co-written with first-time author and friend Angela May, The Islanders introduces Monroe’s trademark passion for the environment to a new generation of readers as they follow eleven-year-old Jake and the summer he’s forced to spend on tiny Dewees Island with his grandmother.

PLUS! Summerville’s own Jewel Sweeney will be launching her two newest middle-grade books, Blueberry Ballerina and More Than a Jock. Jewel will join in the festivities at 11 a.m. (and she can be found at the Summerville Farmers Market each Saturday morning. HINT: Stop and visit her and get a book buck to spend at Main Street Reads!)

We look forward to seeing you at this special Summer Reading Spectacular to grab signed books from these amazing authors and enjoy treats, future young writer stars, and community on Hutchinson Square. Learn more about the event, authors and books HERE.

And… Summer Reading Group Faves!

Click on any of the images below to learn more about these stunning summer selections! They can be ordered right from our bookshop page, or contact us at 843-875-5171 or mainstreetreads@gmail.com to reserve and in-store copy!