Read The Best Books First…
Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all…Henry David Thoreau.
Many years ago when we lived in Indiana, I was in an extraordinary book club for five years. Unfortunately, when we moved to Florida, I was not able to find such an interesting group again. I promised myself, if we ever moved, this would be a top priority to put back in my life. To be honest, I never thought it would happen twice in a lifetime.
As soon as we settled here in Texas, I was on the search! I feel like I hit the gold mine on my first visit to this book club called “The Bookworms.” They had a local author named Ann Weisgarber giving a talk on her writing process of her latest book, “The Promise.” This book is based on the true story of one of the deadliest storms in American history. Can I tell you? I sat there listening to her like a child in a candy store with my eyes wide open.
Here in her own words describing her thoughts before she wrote “The Promise.”
I was fascinated by the 1900 Storm, the worst U.S. natural disaster of the 20th Century. If Galveston’s west end was isolated in 1963, what was it like during 1900? Did people live there then? If so, who were they? Did they survive the storm?
I read every non-fiction book about the storm that I could find. To my disappointment, none mentioned people who lived outside of the city limits. St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum was down the beach and the disappearance of the buildings and the tragic deaths of the nuns and the children are still a part of the 1900 Storm lore. But was St. Mary’s completely alone without neighbors?
My question took me to the Galveston and Texas History Center at Galveston’s Rosenberg Library. With the help of the archivists, I eventually found names of people who lived outside of the city. They were fishermen, ranchers, and dairy farmers. The facts were bare and sparse, but combined with the interview with Tommy Harrison and Peggy McDermott, that was enough to trigger my imagination.
The Promise is my tribute to the women, men, and children who lived down the island on September 8, 1900.
I absolutely adore when new authors are found and recognized for their extraordinary work.
-The Promise is shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.
-The Promise is a finalist for the Ohioana Book Award in Fiction.
-The Promise is Spur Award Finalist for Best Historical Fiction.
When her talk was all done, she graciously autographed everyone’s book! She allowed me to photograph her and I was very pleased with the results. Here in the image…Ann Weisgarber with an admiring fan from the book club.
I wanted her to have a copy of the picture, so I sent an email to her attaching this photo. She wrote back and said she adored it and sent it off to her publisher!!!! OMG!! I wasn’t expecting that…woohoo. What a wonderful time we had with this gracious talented author.
To learn more about Ann Weisgarber… you can click here to find her website.
Are you reading such an insightful book? Please share with us, I love to hear your recommendations…
Laurie
XXOO
Pride in Photos 
Laurie, that is a great shot. Congratulations! You capture people’s joy in your pictures so perfectly.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
She’s right — it’s a fabulous photo! 🙂 I love reading but have never taken the time to participate in a book club. Sounds like fun!
Looks like a really good book. Thank you for sharing.
How wonderful that you found the bookclub! I think Texas is a great fit for you. 🙂 I love that she signed every book, that’s a cool thing. 🙂
I love the portrait and that is so cool the author is using it! I’m glad you found a great book club. I wished I had the time to try one. My current read is Secrets of The Lighthouse by Santa Montefiore. It is a fiction book from the UK. I have one other book from a different author from the UK. It’s fun trying authors from different regions! Hugz Lisa and Bear
Reading is one of my greatest joys. Our book club has been going for around 10 years, we meet every 6 weeks and we have read many, many wonderful titles – and a few really dreadful ones! Not only do we read and discuss books, we also share other reads and finish off with a jolly good supper! I am currently reading “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver; I am finding it hard to put down. I have also read “The Lacuna” by the same writer. She writes beautifully.
I have not tried this author yet, I will put these on my list. Have a great weekend.
I would love to find a good bookclub. Enjoy!
I’ve never belonged to a reading group or book club, Laurie, though I can see what an enriching experience it could be. I use a couple of online sites- Goodreads and Lovereading, to identify new books, but am slow to recommend because I’m never sure about other people’s tastes.
Such a timely post…..we hope to visit Galveston this fall/winter and such an enlightening book on the area might pique my interest in some of Galveston’s history. How wonderful that you’ve found yourself another book club to enjoy 🙂
I am delighted that my timing will work out for you. This will definitely improve your visit.
the childhood of jesus. By Coetzee. you will love. 🙂
Thank you Charron for the recommendation.
It’s an excellent portrait. Can you call it a portrait when there are two people in it? 🙂
I’ll have to check this author out. My group just read Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. A beautifully written, heartbreaking story. So good!
thank you for this recommendation.
I like meeting up through groups. It is a great place to meet new people and connect.
Wonderful!
This is a great photo, Laurie, and I am so glad that you found a good book club!
Happy day to you!
You did a great job on that photo. No wonder she loved it!
I’ve been looking for a book club in my area myself. I read mostly mysteries, read every day, and know the local librarians on a first name basis. 🙂
Wonderful shot Laurie,… maybe Ann will use it in one of her publications! Her book sounds like a fascinating read… happy reading 🙂
Gorgeous photo, and I am so glad this amazing story is being told.
Glad you found a new bookclub and that you sent her that picture – you never know where you talents will lead you.
I love that you have found a book club that you could grow to love. I myself have never been a part of one – I may give it a try someday when my girls are older and I am looking for something to occupy my time 🙂
Yes! Reading is essential to my mental health. So glad you’ve found a great book club. Time for my chamomile and book right now! Tootle-loo!
Wow, that was great!
Wow! What a group. thanks for sharing and the heads-up about the book. 🙂
What a special event to meet the author. Great photo of Ann Weisgarber, and she sent to sent it off to her publisher!!
Thank for the link, Laurie.
Book clubs build so many layers in our lives. This experience is one to keep revisiting.
Sounds like you have found a great group – love the photo
What a great chance to meet her! Lovely!
That is a great photo! I read a lot of technical articles/blogs/books. So when I read for “fun” it is typically lighter in nature – more to escape. I love Maeve Binchy and am now reading books by Rosamunde Pilcher. I absolutely loved her book Shell Seekers – a real gem!
So glad that you found a good club. Have always loved reading from a early age. I could live in our library. Great picture and will check out the link to her website.