Our things literary.
Last night's Finding Roanoke conversation (on chapter four of Dar Williams' What I Found in a Thousand Towns) probed Roanoke's transformations over decades, asking questions such as: How do we thoughtfully and inclusively continue the successful revitalization efforts begun decades ago with Center in the Square? Who historically has gotten pushed aside in the wake of… Continue reading ★ FIVE ON better understanding the experience of race in Roanoke
Beth Macy appeared at Book No Further this weekend to celebrate the opening of Doloris Vest's new bookstore and the paperback release of Macy's second book, Truevine (Back Bay Books, 2017). In presenting the motivation behind her work, the Roanoke based author points to the unexpected heroes she's drawn to. They fight the odds—against racial injustice,… Continue reading ★ History and the art of the possible: Beth Macy at Book No Further
Roanoke writer and civic leader Rev. Joe Cobb has teamed with Linda Webb to present Heart to Heart, a weeklong conversation series with a daylong conference. The conversations, held from November 8-13 in a variety of settings, are designed to create dialogue and support for all people seeking deeper understanding in relationship to LGBTQ neighbors… Continue reading ★ Heart to Heart guest Susan Cottrell on journaling and building community
We're three chapters into Roanoke's lively discussion of Dar Williams' What I Found in a Thousand Towns. Here's the update on the weekly series: Forty people gathered on the Sweet Donkey patio with owners Dustin Eshelman and Ann-Maree White and host Brent Stevens. The topic: how a business can help build community, how the community can help shape… Continue reading ★ Finding Roanoke: Update and Coming Events
National Book Award Finalist for nonfiction, Strangers in their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right - A Journey to the Heart of our Political Divide will be the next title discussed by the Civil Discourse book group. (Come to the November 15 meeting and help identify a better name for this group!) By UC… Continue reading ★ Civil Discourse Book Club announces next title
In this new series, we're passing along must-read recommendations on key topics from BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke residents. To kick it off, longstanding civic leader Rupert Cutler offers five books on environmental stewardship. About Rupert: Rupert’s seemingly inexhaustible civic energy has fueled the opening of Explore Park and the beginnings of both the greenway trail… Continue reading ★ Recommended by local readers: FIVE ON environmental stewardship from Rupert Cutler
It's nearly upon us, National Novel Writing Month. Also known in its awkwardly catchy abbreviated form NaNoWriMo, November might be a productive month for you. Let's learn more with Liz Bradley, one of our municipal liaisons for the effort. BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke: First, what's the goal of National Novel Writing Month? Liz Bradley: NaNoWriMo believes that everyone has a… Continue reading ★ Liz Bradley says you can do it: National Novel Writing Month
Roanoke will soon have a new independent bookstore. Doors will open at Book No Further on October 17 at 10 AM in the 16 West Marketplace (16 West Church Street, Roanoke). In anticipation, owner Doloris Vest filled us in on what she’s learned planning and preparing for the business. BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke: Folks are… Continue reading ★ What she’s learned: Doloris Vest on the planning of Book No Further
"Roanoke’s identity as a great place to live grows from the work of individuals and organizations. But how does it all come together? The answer may be ‘positive proximity.’" From the Oct. 4 Roanoke Times. Read the opinion piece in the October 4 Roanoke Times for an overview of the Finding Roanoke discussion series based on… Continue reading ★ Finding Roanoke: Today in the Roanoke Times and Thursday night at Sweet Donkey
BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke 