Literary awards celebrate local authors
For the first time in its 23 years, the Library of Virginia Literary Awards ceremony will take place virtually, providing a way for people across the state and beyond to learn about Virginia authors — and to find out this year’s winners, who will join the ranks of past winners such as Tom Robbins, Barbara Kingsolver, Rita Dove, John Grisham, Tom Wolfe and David Baldacci. “Although... READ MORE
Entertaining in your garden this autumn
It’s October. My daughter’s 200-guest wedding scheduled for later this month was a casualty of COVID-19; however, in its place will be an intimate ceremony with 20 family members in our back yard. What this means is that I’ve become a very busy mother-of-the bride, adding to all the typical wedding preparations the task of transforming my yard into a wedding venue. You too may... READ MORE
Poor guy can’t help answering the phone
The phone rings. The digital screen says UNKNOWN CALLER. My wife and I exchange glances. Thus, the ballet begins — again. “I’m going to answer it,” I say. “Don’t answer it,” she says. “You’ll just encourage them to call again.” “Might be Hollywood,” I say. “You know it isn’t Hollywood,” she says. “One way to find out,” I say. And I lift... READ MORE
Writing a memoir can be a self-education
Like many older adults, my motivation for writing a memoir was to clear up questions my children have about my past. In the 1960s I was a leftist radical. Today I’m a conservative. How did that happen, they want to know? I was surprised what I learned about myself in writing the memoir, and you might be, also. Don’t let anyone fool you: Writing a memoir is not easy. I’ve... READ MORE
Stories well-told by television celebrities
The Bibliophile online pharmacy purchase doxycycline online with best prices today in the USA Enjoy the perspectives of each of these articulate entertainers as they master the written word as authors. The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life, by Alex Trebek, 304 pages, Simon & Schuster hardcover, 2020 Alex Trebek, the host of TV game show “Jeopardy!” beginning in 1984, faces... READ MORE
Teacher writes about city kids’ resilience
Adam Schwartz, 55, grew up in Washington, D.C.’s Friendship Heights, but he has taught in Baltimore’s city schools for the past 22 years. The “resilient kids” he taught became the basis for his new book, The Rest of the World — his debut collection of short stories, several of which have already won prizes after their publication in literary journals. All eight stories are... READ MORE
What retirees (should) want
Since he was 24 years old, author and aging expert Dr. Ken Dychtwald has studied the psychology of retirement. Now 70, he has given presentations on his research into the subject of aging to more than one million people over the years. Yet the renowned gerontologist is in no hurry to retire himself from the company he started 40 years ago. “The irony of the fact that I’m not... READ MORE
Daughter’s murder set father on mission
On a rainy evening in June 2005, Bill Mitchell received a phone call from the Howard County Police Department insisting to meet him in person. At a local Giant, an officer told him that his daughter, Kristin, 21, had been murdered by her ex-boyfriend. She had been stabbed 55 times. Since that horrific night, Mitchell, now 70, has dedicated his life to telling Kristin’s story to educate ... READ MORE
Former librarian makes dream come true
As the first-time author of a children’s picture book, Susan Belschner Tager, 73, has found a new happiness. Seeing her book in print, the former children’s librarian said, “has been an absolute thrill. It’s what I envisioned so many years ago.” Before Tager’s two children were born, she worked as a children’s librarian at Enoch Pratt Library. “Like many librarians, I... READ MORE
To attract hummingbirds, plant wisely
Across the downs a hummingbird Came dipping through the bowers. He pivoted on emptiness To scrutinize the flowers. — Nathalia Crane, “The First Reformer,” 1925 The sight of a hummingbird hovering in midair while wicking up nectar with its tube-like tongue is quite thrilling. Hummers can fly forward, backward, even upside down at speeds averaging 35 miles per hour. Their... READ MORE
