Author, actress, playwright and poet Jenny Hubbard will launch her new book, “And We Stay” on Tuesday starting at 5:30 p.m. at Literary Bookpost, 110 S. Main St. Refreshments will be provided and Hubbard will read from her book starting around 6 p.m.
Her first book, “Paper Covers Rock,” was nominated for a Morris Award that honors books written for young adults. It is sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association. It was also one of the books chosen for Salisbury’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Hubbard has gained positive early reviews from Kirkus, which nearly always emphasizes negatives. In the case of “And We Stay,” Kirkus writes, “A strong, gentle, smart and powerful book about suicide’s aftermath. … As graceful as a feather drifting down, this lyrical story delivers a deep journey of healing on a tragic theme.” Hubbard scored a coup with that review.
The School Library Journal calls the book a little gem. “ … despite the heavy topics, the book feels sweet and poetic and never gratuitous.”
Hubbard writes of Emily Beam, a student at Amherst School for Girls, trying to write out her grief and horror at her boyfriend Paul’s suicide. Beam’s inspiration is Emily Dickinson, and she works her way through tragedy with her poetry.
Booklist gave it a starred review and said it “mixes prose and poetry to stunning effect.” Hubbard tells her story in third-person present tense, which is tough to maintain, but works well to bring readers closer, the review says.
Rowan Public Library will have the second annual Classic Chicks Film Festival and Spa Night at headquarters in Salisbury and at the South Rowan location this year.
The first event will be Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6-8 p.m., at headquarters.
The second will be Monday, Feb. 17, 6-8 p.m., at South Rowan Regional Library in China Grove.
The evening begins with light refreshments, followed by a series of short musical and comedy films. Between films, there will be pampering with foot soaks, facials and more.
Bring your mother, sister or best friend. Admission is free, but space is limited. Ensure your spot today by registering online at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or by calling 704-216-8229.