Greetings!

Jason and I were discussing how this week is relatively light for new releases. That said, several books have been getting some buzz that have come out this week and last. Lots of booksellers are getting behind Amor Towles's Rules of Civility (Viking), a novel of 1930s New York that chronicles Katey Kontent's attempt to jump from the secretarial pool to high society. The obvious comparisons are to Wharton, James, and Salinger; the obvious adjective to use in conjunction with the novel is "smashing." Heller McAlpin called Rules of Civility "stylish, elegant, and deliberately anachronistic." Read the rest here. (Publisher: $26.95, Boswell: $21.56).

Crossing Central Park, we get to Helen Schulman's Upper West Side of her new novel This Beautiful Life (Harper). The Bergamot family has moved there from Ithaca, and all is going well until 15-year-old Jake forwards a sexually explicit video of a classmate that threatens to bring down the entire family. For just like Katey Kontent, the Bergamot family are strivers too, having left a perfectly good life for something more, only to be left with something less. And you know I can't resist a novel with a good dose of family dysfunction. Maria Russo on the front page of the New York Times Book Review found the story "riveting." Here's a link to the full review. (Publisher: $24.99, Boswell: $19.99).

A different kind of search for the good life can be found in Brook Wilensky-Lanford's Paradise Lust: Searching for the Garden of Eden (Grove Press). Apparently this quest has been going on for some time. As a jumping off point, Wilensky-Lanford uses the family story of a great uncle who tried to locate Eden, and then explores other options, from China to the North Pole to Ohio. Joseph Smith posited that the Garden was likely in Missouri, per an essay on The Huffington Post. Kirkus Reviews calls Paradise Lust "a lively journey." Read their review here. (Publisher: $25, Boswell: $20).

A Special Bilingual Reading from Oliver Pötzsch, Thursday, August 4, 7 pm

Imagine your favorite thriller, only your detective is a hangman in 1600's Bavaria and your wronged suspect is a midwife accused of witchcraft. That's the premise of The Hangman's Daughter, the new novel from Oliver Pötzsch, a Bavarian screenwriter who himself hails from a dynasty of executioners. The book was published in the United States as an ebook and was only recently picked up by a traditional publisher, who is flying Pötzsch over from Munich for a small reading tour.

Thanks to everyone who helped out finding contacts to spread the word about this reading, conducted in both German and English, on Thursday, August 4 at Boswell. I've tried to spread the word the best I can. Alas, we have the same problem we did with Paolo Giordano's event in Italian--I do not have German language editions available. My apologies to for the inconvenience.

Debra Brenegan's Literary Take on Fanny Fern, Monday, August 8, 7 pm. 

Why don't you know who Fanny Fern is? A famed newspaper columnist of her day, an ardent fighter for women's suffrage, and mentor to Walt Whitman, her novel Ruth Hall (which we have available in the Penguin Classic edition) was said to have outsold Harriet Beecher Stowe's.

Milwaukee native and UWM alumna Debra Brenagan returns to town on publication of her novel, Shame the Devil, which explores the life and works of this 19th century novelist. Kelly O'Connor McNees, whose The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott is now in paperback, writes that "Brenegan's Fanny Fern is a marvel--fiercely determined, passionate, and alive with a strikingly modern wit. Shame the Devil is a fine tribute to the writer who paved the way for generations of women."

Patrick McGilligan on Filmmaker Nicholas Ray, Thursday, August 11, 7 pm.

Known as a cinematic visionary who created dark, haunting films, Nicholas Ray's own life may have rivaled the ones he put on the screen. From his childhood in LaCrosse to his theater years in New York, his long if erratic career in Hollywood was quite the rollercoaster. Nicholas Ray: The Glorious Failure of an American Director is the newest biography by Milwaukee's own Patrick McGilligan, published on Ray's 100th birthday (August 7, 1911-June 16, 1979).

The Los Angeles Times recently noted: "McGilligan burnishes his legacy in America (where many of his best films remain unavailable on video), even while documenting in unsavory detail his implosion via drink and drugs." A little serious scholarship, a little gossip (the family denies Ray's bisexuality, for example)--isn't that the meat of the best biographies?

We're honored to be co-sponsoring this event with the Milwaukee Film Festival, which begins September 22 and runs through October 2. I'm excited to note that the Festival has expanded venues to include the Downer Theatre and the Ridge Cinemas in New Berlin. Is it fair to say I am slightly more excited about the Downer? Boswell is also co-sponsoring a film at the festival--details in the next newsletter.

Jeansonne and Luhrssen on Elvis Presley, Tuesday, August 16, 7 pm.  

What a partnership! One of Milwaukee's finest historians teams up with a top notch music and pop culture writer for a talk in commemoration of the 34th anniversary of the King of Rock and Roll's passing (January 8, 1935-August 16, 1977).  In Elvis Presley: Reluctant Rebel, a new look at the life of an idol, the extensive research is evident at the authors explore Elvis Presley's musical talents, childhood, films, relationships, and the social revolutions that shaped his career and impact on American musical culture. And here's some praise from half the world away--an Australian fan site offers: "In the war between Elvis fact and fiction, this highly entertaining and lovingly researched book details the historic, spiritual and commercial aspects of America's Mystery Son, Elvis Presley."

David Gordon on the Architectural Legacy of His Brother Max Gordon.  

On Wednesay, August 17, at 7:30 pm (note the special time), we present a talk with former Milwaukee Art Museum director David Gordon, on the subject of Architect for Art: Max Gordon. Whether creating enormous exhibition spaces or designing living quarters for collectors and homes and studio facilities for artists, the acclaimed architect Max Gordon (1931-1990) shaped the physical settings of art in the world's major cities during his influential career, including New Scotland Yard and the first Saatchi Gallery.

David Gordon is not just a contributor to the monograph; he is also the late architect's brother. And you can see the devotion to art runs in the family, for Max Gordon's particular talent was for designing exhibition spaces, studios, and homes that always highlighted artwork. 

Timothy Messer-Kruse on the Haymarket Anarchists, August 19.

Join us on Friday, August 19, for a 7pm talk with Bowling Green State University history professor Timothy Messer-Kruse. Drawing from thousands of pages of previously unused material, The Trial of the Haymarket Anarchists: Terrorism and Justice in the Gilded Age rewrites the narratives surrounding the Haymarket bombing and trial of 1886. This well-researched history is an important contribution to American labor history. Read more on the Third Coast Digest website.

Noted Biographer Margot Peters with Dan Mooney and Ruth Schudson on Wednesday, August 24, 7 pm.

Summers: A True Love Story tells of the true story of Rob and Jennie*, two teens who met at Bradford Beach in the summer of 1949. "What harm can come of writing letters?" the note from Rob asks, on his return to Des Moines. The answer may be partly revealed in this dramatic reading, at 7pm on Wednesday, August 24, at Boswell.  Joining Peters will be Milwaukee Chamber Theater regulars Dan Mooney and Ruth Schudson, taking the parts of Rob and Jennie. 

Lake Mills-based Peters has written noted biographies of May Sarton, The Barrymores, Charlotte Brontë, and Lunt and Fontanne. Her forthcoming biography of Wisconsin poet Lorine Niedecker will be published in October. More on her blog. And check out the Milwaukee Chamber Theater's impressive new schedule with Ruth Schudson in "Driving Miss Daisy" and Dan Mooney in Tom Stoppard's "Heroes."

*Jennie is actually Margot Peters.

We're Hosting Ernest Cline for His Brilliant* and Enthralling** Novel on Monday, August 29, 7 pm, at Boswell.

It's a typical dystopian day in 2044. Wade Watts is a poor high school student living in a stacked trailer (think PODS), living most of his life in an online game called Oasis. When the creator dies, his will stipulates that whoever unlocks the riddles in the game first will inherit his estate. And our boy Wade (a future-times Charlie Bucket) is battling not just other competitors for the prize, but an evil corporation. Take it from here, Stacie!

"To every geek girl and nerd boy who's ever wanted to ride a lightcycle or wear a browncoat, I give the ultimate party blend of every cult film, gaming, music, comic or literary pop culture reference from the last 25 years of the 20th century.  It is the novel of a generation inside of which beats the heart of our collective future."

To be blunt, the Boswellians are mostly a bunch of geeks and this novel is nothing short of geektastic. We begged and pleaded for Cline's tour to be expanded to the midwest, and the results are not one, but two events in the Milwaukee area.  Ours is Monday, August 29, at 7 pm, while Next Chapter is hosting the Sunday before. Our event is co-sponsored by Hot Pop; they're bringing some super eighties stuff for sale. Ready Player One goes on sale August 16. We're taking holds!

*Jason **Greg

Clark Howard to Appear at Boswell on Wednesday, August 31, 7 pm.

Samuel Park's Novel of an Indomitable Spirit During a Turbulent Time in South Korea's History.

On Wednesday, September 7, at 7 pm we'll be hosting Samuel Park, author of the novel This Burns My Heart, the story of Soo-Ja Choi, a Korean woman looking to make her dream life in the face of tradition, oppression and manipulation. Here's what Audrey Niffenegger has to say: "Quietly stunning--a soft, fierce story that lingers in the mind, Samuel Park is a deft and elegant writer; this is a very exciting debut." 

It gets better. Jenna Blum calls the novel "astonishing" and "mesmerizing" while Sarah Waters calls This Burns My Heart a "lovely, romantic, haunting book." Wendy Lee praises Park as "one of those rare writers whose talent transcends the limits of race and gender." 

Having read This Burns My Heart, I think the story would resonate with many Korean Americans in the Milwaukee area--I'm pretty sure a lot of readers will identify with Soo-Ja's economic and moral challenges, and root for her as she battles her manipulative in-laws. I have a few contacts, but I need more. If you've got some ideas, please, email me.

More September Authors at Boswell (and One More for August).

Tuesday, August 30, 10:30 am:

It's our free session of Music for Aardvarks, a boisterous hour of musical songs and games for parents and their toddlers, hosted by Jennifer Murphy Damm. Regular Friday classes start in September.  Email Jennifer for more information, or visit the website.

Thursday, September 8, 7 pm, with an introduction by Judy Bridges: Karen McQuestion, author of A Scattered Life and Easily Amused. Milwaukee's ebook self-publishing success story first caught the attention of our online competitor and then was picked up by Mariner Books. Now with her two most popular novels being published in trade paperback editions, we celebrate her success with a talk/reading/signing that showcases these charming novels. 

 
Friday, September 9, 7 pm, co-sponsored by the Friends of Villa Terrace:

Alan Strekow, author of Cyril Colnik: Man of Iron.

Cyril Colnik was an Austrian-born metwalworker lured to Milwaukee after the Chicago exposition to create works for Captain Pabst, and received further commissions from Charles Allis, Lloyd Smith, and Herman Uihlein. This beautiful new book, published by the Friends of Villa Terrace, features prominent examples of Colnik's ironwork.

Saturday, September 10, 2 pm:

Chistopher Buehlman, author of Those Across the River.

A veteran moves back to a small Southern town, only to find there are horrific secrets laying dormant in a nearby plantation.  Folks are calling Buehlman a Stephen King in the making. Some of us are chomping at the bit to read this.

Wednesday, September 14, 7 pm:

Lesley Kagen, author of Good Graces.

Kagen returns to the Milwaukee of Whistling in the Dark for her new novel, set in 1960. Sally O'Malley is coping with an ill mother, an increasingly rebellious sister, a grueling heat wave, and a series of alarming incidents happening in the neighborhood. Will she investigate?  Of course she will.

Thursday, September 15, 7 pm:

Wade Rouse, editor of and contributor to I'm Not the Biggest Bitch in This Relationship: Hilarious, Heartwarming Tales About Man's Best Friend from America's Favorite Humorists. Acclaimed memoirist Wade Rouse presents a new anthology of life with dogs, including contributions from Jen Lancaster, Laurie Notaro, Jane Green, W. Bruce Cameron, and yes, Chelsea Handler's dog. See below for our exciting writers workshop.

Monday, September 19, 7 pm:

Sophie Hannah, author of The Cradle in the Grave and Little Face. 

A TV producer is slated to take on a documentary about crib-death mothers wrongfully accused of murder. But what happens when one of the mothers is found dead?  And don't forget, our in-store mystery group will be discussing another of Hannah's novels, The Dead Lie Down, on Monday, August 22, 7 pm. Come join Anne in our book club area--no registration required.

Wednesday, September 21, 7 pm: "Glimpses of Past--Present--Future"

with Suzanne Rosenblatt, Bill Murtaugh, and Lucille Rosenberg.

Join memoirist-poet Lucille Rosenberg, novelist and writer William Murtaugh, and writer-dancer-painter Suzanne Rosenblatt for an evening of homegrown words and art. The authors' chapbooks will be for sale at the event.

We've got more September events that are still to be confirmed.  Hope to have them ready by our next newsletter. And you can always visit our website for more event information.

Writers Workshop with Wade Rouse, September 16 and 17.