The Friends of the Leelanau Township Library are set to present a full line-up of authors for the Summer Writers’ Series beginning July 9. All events are free and will be held again at the Willowbrook Mill on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.
The first event to kick off the series will feature Omena resident and author Donald Lystra, who was awarded gold medals in the Midwest Book Awards for his last two books and has a new book out this year titled, “Searching for Van Gogh.” Lystra, whose latest book is in memory of Nancy Giles, will be interviewed by Pamela Grath of Dog Ears Books.
“Searching for Van Gogh” is a coming of age story set in 1963. In a relationship that borders on love but doesn’t quite get there, Audrey (one of the characters) gives meaning to Nate’s artistic aspirations and helps him find courage. Together, they set off on an ill-fated mission and along the way secrets are uncovered and boundaries are crossed.
“From experience that I had from my earlier books like the short story collection, there were readers in the local area and in Traverse City that seemed to connect with my work and that was very gratifying, and I’m hoping that the same thing will happen with this book,” Lystra said. “I’d like people to connect with the characters I created, mainly a young woman and a young boy, to connect with them in a sympathetic way and understand them and maybe just understand another view of the world at a time quite long ago now in 1963.”
Like Lystra’s last two fictional books, the story “Searching for Van Gogh” is set in Michigan. Lystra said he likes to set his stories in places that he’s familiar with, so cities like Grand Rapids, where Lystra grew up, are mentioned in the book.
“As far as the characters go, they are creations, but they do act in places that I’m familiar with and they respond to some historical events that I know about,” he said. “I like to write about places that I know about. I lived in some other places, but I lived by far the most time in Michigan so that is what I like to draw on.”
Events like the summer writers’ series are informative and enjoyable for both avid readers and for those that may just pick up a book or two in the summer. Lystra said he most enjoys the question and answer periods with the audience that happen during talks, where he can engage with the people that are interested in learning more.
“It’s mainly the kind of audi- ence that these events usually draw, I like that very much. There are a lot of serious readers in the Northport area and all around Leelanau County into Traverse City for that matter,” he said. “Usually these events are very well attended because there’s a lot of people who love books and like to learn more about a particular book they may have read or are thinking about reading... Avid readers and people who maybe don’t read a lot that maybe read one or two books over the summer — it’s nice to draw those types of people.”
Birders in the community will be interested in the July 16 featured author. Joan Strassmann, a summer resident in Leland, will be there with her book, “Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard,” which is filled with insightful information.
In a review of the book for Terrain.org, Northport resident Gregory H. Nobles writes, “Throughout this impressive and refreshing book, Strassmann finds a fine balance of her own, offering just the right combination of accessible science and engaging narrative to feed our own hunger for avian information. It’s a work we can read cover to cover, or we can dip into whatever chapter we want when we need to read about a particular species. It’s both a good read and a reference, a book that deserves close — and slow — consideration.”
On July 23, author Abra Beren will discuss her 2023 book, “Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit.”
“Pulp” is a heartfelt story about Beren’s love for northern Michigan, and she will be interviewed by Rick Gans, a library board member. She will also be guest chef for the event “Abra Berens & Women in Wine” at the Willowbrook Mill on Thursday, July 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are available on mynorthtickets.com for $145/ ticket.
The series finale on July 30 will feature Stephen Lewis who will discuss his 2023 book, “From Infamy to Hope.” This novel of historical fiction is set in puritanical 17th century Boston. It is told in the compelling voice of the housemaid, Rachel Moore, who is convicted of fornication and sentenced to wear a black W on her gown. Rachel then masquerades as a boy soldier during the war in hopes of recovering her baby that was sold to satisfy a debt. Lewis holds a doctorate from New York University in the literature of 17th century New England Puritanism and currently lives on Mission Peninsula. He is a regular contributor to the Record Eagle, On Language column. He will be interviewed by Gregory H. Nobles.
A dessert reception will follow each event. Copies of the book will be offered for sale by Pamela Grath, owner of Dog Ears Books in Northport. For more information, call the library at 231-386-5131.
