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Health & Fitness

Nancy's Reads & Reels: The Decatur Book Festival and "Room" by Emma Donoghue

What I saw at the Decatur Book Festival.

I think everyone agrees that this year’s DBF was outstanding but I say that every year.

Friday night we went to hear Natasha Trethewey and other keynote speakers at the beautiful Schwartz Center for performing Arts at Emory. She got several standing ovations—we are so fortunate to have a poet laureate in our midst.

Saturday I heard Drew Jubera talk about his book, Must Win: A Season of Survival for a Town and Its Team. I’m not a football fan but this book looks like a winner. My only regret is that I didn’t have enough stamina to make it through the entire day. After standing in line in the blazing sun to get Natasha Trethewey to sign a book for my granddaughter, I was just too tired to go on.

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On Sunday, I wanted to get to as many authors as I could.  I enjoyed Sheri Castle author of The New Southern Garden Cookbook: Enjoying the Best from Homegrown Gardens. Even though I had to stand up for the hour it was well worth it.  Sheri has a great sense of humor as well as some cooking tips and recipes she shared.

I checked out Joe Meno’s talk on his book Office Girl. He was a very engaging reader and the question and answer session brought up some thoughts to ponder. The changes going on in the publishing business are alarming but readers still want to read. I also enjoyed Caitlin Kelly’s talk about her book Malled: My Unintentional Career in Retail. Anyone who has worked in retail will get a lot out of this book. Lastly, went to hear John T. Edge and Angie Mosier talk about The Truck Food Cookbook: 150 Recipes and Ramblings from America’s Best Restaurants on Wheels. Very entertaining!

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I finished reading Room by Emma Donoghue a disturbing but fascinating book written in the voice of a five-year-old. Jack’s mother was kidnapped by Old Nick and held captive for seven years. Even though they are locked in a small room, Jack’s mother does all she can to make life for them bearable. This book is a thriller that will keep you up well past your bedtime.

 

 

 

 

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