There are no words to convey the sorrow we all share with our fellow American families in Uvalde, Texas. As a mom, with a daughter who’s a teacher, and a bookseller in a store that proudly serves so many families in our incredible community, this most recent tragedy has saddened me more than most. Though several states away, it’s too close to home…I know many of you I’ve spoken to in the last day feel the same. We’re not alone…
Those of us who read are mostly rational humans, so it’s doubly hard to absorb such irrational acts of violence, let alone some of the irrational responses in the aftermath. It doesn’t compute, it doesn’t fit. There’s no compartment clever enough in which to tuck this away. We don’t know where to put the sadness, frustration and fury.
But sometimes, talking about it or writing about it can help the process.
This Monday, on Memorial Day, our fine writer’s group, Main Street Writes, will meet on Zoom as we do most Mondays. Time will be set aside at the outset of this meeting and for as long as everyone wishes, for those wishing to share poetry or prose relating to the fears and frustration we all feel in the wake of senseless tragedy. None of us can change what happened, but sometimes gathering each other close and sharing our thoughts and words can help in some small measure to heal the grief we may feel.
We invite anyone to join us in that discussion – whether to share words of your own, or just to listen in. It’s meant to be a conversation, and you’re welcome and encouraged to be part of it. The Zoom link and related info can be found HERE.
And please know that we value each and every one of you and encourage you to come together as family, friends and community during the bad times AND the good. If we stand together, we each have each other to lean on, and in many cases, to help hold us up.
I hope you’ll join us for some community gathering at these upcoming events, too, including tonight’s book club discussing Goodbye Orchid, and Saturday’s book signing with Sophia Alexander.
We’ll see you on Main Street…
Shari
TONIGHT: Bookclub, Goodbye Orchid
by Carol van den Hende
May 26 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St.
Summerville, SC + Google Map
A wonderful pick this month from a wonderful author, Goodbye Orchid has garnered international attention as a book club read. All are welcome and treats will be served. Winner of the American Fiction Award and Pinnacle Achievement Award…Find out more »
SATURDAY Booksigning – Tapestry:
A Lowcountry Rapunzel
May 28 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St.
Summerville, SC + Google Map
Come on out and meet Sophia Alexander and get a copy of each of the first two award-winning books in her trilogy – Silk: Caroline’s Story AND the brand new release of Tapestry: A Lowcountry Rapunzel The trilogy began with Silk: Caroline’s Story that released last summer. It’s 1899, and Caroline Corbett is ready for the twentieth century. She’s excited to find work and meet new people—but gets more than expected when a rough-hewn Lowcountry farmer and a small-town doctor…Find out more »
MONDAY Main Street Writes:
A Special Memorial Day Meeting
May 30 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
VIRTUAL ONLY THIS WEEK
Our Monday Memorial Day meeting will be dedicated to sharing our words and thoughts in the wake of Uvalde… For the inner writer in all of us, our regular Monday evening writers group. Join us via the Zoom link below: On entering…Find out more »
THURSDAY Happy Hour Book Signing:
Carolina Moonset by Matt Goldman
June 2 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St.
Summerville + Google Map
Join us for a special book signing and Happy Hour (we’ll provide the wine and refreshments) when New York Times bestselling author Matt Goldman joins us for the launch of his poignant new novel releasing May 31st from Forge (an imprint of Tor Books): Carolina Moonset. ABOUT THE BOOK Both suspenseful and deeply moving, Carolina Moonset is an engrossing novel about family, memories both golden and terrible, and secrets too dangerous to stay hidden forever…Find out more »