Listening to an author discuss their books gives me a thrill, like I’m gaining top-secret insider knowledge. I love hearing about the research and the backstory behind creating a work of fiction or nonfiction. I’ve had the fortune of hearing authors speak in person, but it’s not always easy to make that happen, especially when it comes to major best-selling writers. Thankfully, I can enjoy presentations from many big-name authors from the comfort of my home, thanks to Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Online Author Talks series. Each month, three or so best-selling authors and thought leaders are broadcast live to discuss their books and big ideas. Topics range from genre fiction, such as dystopia from an Indigenous perspective and psychological thrillers, to self-help, history, leadership, and more. You can even submit questions for the speakers in advance, and, if you attend a broadcast live, you chat with other watchers. Or, you can watch archived recordings if you can’t make the live sessions. Here are several upcoming talks in March and April that I’m excited to share. You can register for any of these, and find archived talks, at libraryc.org/crrl, opens a new window.
The Movement, opens a new window by Clara Bingham
Enjoy a conversation with an award-winning journalist and author as she brings a slice of women’s history to life. The Movement provides an intimate oral history of the 1960s and early 1970s feminist movement, capturing the raw emotions and experiences of those who drove its evolution. Artists, politicians, athletes, and activists, Black and white, stood up to challenge centuries of tradition, demanding equality. Bingham reconstructs the critical events that ignited this revolution, from landmark publications to groundbreaking campaigns, highlighting the profound impact on American society.
Reset, opens a new window by Dan Heath
In his talk, Heath will present his revolutionary guide to fixing what’s not working--in systems and processes, organizations, and even in our daily lives. Modifying established work and life patterns can feel like an impossible task, weighed down by ingrained habits and constant distractions. Heath offers a practical approach to overcome this inertia. By identifying key "leverage points," where small adjustments yield significant results, and strategically reallocating resources, we can drive meaningful change. Reset uses a range of examples to illustrate how to build momentum, eliminate wasted effort, boost team motivation, and initiate change with impactful "bursts."
Nemesis: An Orphan X Novel, opens a new window by Gregg Hurwitz
The latest Orphan X novel plunges Evan Smoak into a devastating conflict with his closest ally, Tommy Stojack, forcing him to confront the ultimate betrayal. What begins as a deep friendship erupts into a deadly chase as Evan, bound by his code, must hunt down the man he once trusted. Meanwhile, Tommy is on a desperate mission of his own, putting him on a collision course with Evan. But even as these two former friends clash, a greater, unseen threat looms, leaving their survival in doubt. In his talk, Hurwitz will chat about his popular Orphan X, opens a new window series and the thrill of writing suspenseful stories.
By Any Other Name, opens a new window by Jodi Picoult
Picoult is a fascinating speaker as well as a New York Times-bestselling author. In her upcoming talk, she’ll chat about her latest novel, which tells the captivating stories of Melina Green and Emilia Bassano, two women determined to overcome obstacles and pursue their artistic passions. Melina, a contemporary playwright, draws inspiration from her ancestor, Emilia, a 16th-century woman rumored to be the "Dark Lady" of Shakespeare's sonnets and possibly the true author of his plays. Emilia's journey from orphan to courtesan to clandestine writer is juxtaposed with Melina's struggle to regain her confidence, creating a compelling narrative about ambition, courage, and the fight for creative ownership.
The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits, opens a new window by Jennifer Weiner
Another heavy-hitter in the world of women’s fiction, Weiner will discuss her thought-provoking and entertaining bestsellers, from her earlier works to a preview of her forthcoming novel, The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits. This compelling story of sisters, dreams, and the price of fame follows Cassie and Zoe Grossberg from their meteoric rise as the pop duo, the Griffin Sisters, to their sudden and unexplained disbandment. In the vibrant early 2000s, Zoe's charisma propelled them to stardom, while Cassie's talent fueled their music. Now, years later, their silence and estrangement mask a hidden truth that Zoe's daughter is determined to reveal. This tale examines the pressures of the music industry and the impact of choices made in the pursuit of success, asking if forgiveness and reconciliation are possible.
Adult Winter Reading at Central Rappahannock Regional Library is still happening! Log 5 books read between January 1 and March 31 to earn a fair-trade chocolate bar and fun sticker. Sign up at librarypoint.org/winter, opens a new window.
Tracy McPeck is the Director of Adult Services at Central Rappahannock Regional Library. This column first appeared in the Free Lance-Star newspaper.
