MARBLEHEAD — Community members were encouraged to head to Abbot Public Library to participate in the Summer Literary Reception in the library courtyard on Sunday afternoon, with a special appearance from bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe.
At the reception, which kicked off at 4 p.m., Monroe gave an exclusive reading of her newest novel, “Where the Rivers Merge,” an impactful story of resilience, connection and “the natural world,” according to the library’s website. The first 30 guests to arrive were gifted free copies of Monroe’s book.
Community members got to enjoy refreshments while they mingled with other lovers of literature, as well as the chance to participate in a silent art auction, which showcased works by artists Bruce Eissner, Elaine Purdy, Ginny von Rueden, Caroline Wojtas, Acadia (Kay) Mezzofanti, Bob Hendricks and Steve McClure. Bids for the artwork were accepted until 5:30 p.m. that evening.
Monroe is a New York Times bestselling author of 27 books, according to her website. She has also earned several accolades, including induction into the South Carolina Academy of Authors’ Hall of Fame; the Southwest Florida Author of Distinction Award; the South Carolina Award for Literary Excellence; the RT Lifetime Achievement Award; the International Book Award for Green Fiction; and the prestigious Southern Book Prize for Fiction.
Monroe has consistently highlighted the importance of the Earth’s habitat throughout her work. She immerses herself in her writing, and aside from academic research, she works with wildlife experts, and volunteers to help wildlife.
She’s also an active conservationist and serves on the South Carolina Aquarium Board Emeritus, The Leatherback Trust, The Pat Conroy Literary Center Honorary Board, and the Casting Carolinas Advisory Board. When she isn’t busy diving into the deep end of
Library Director Kim Grad expressed her excitement for Monroe’s visit.
“Abbot Public Library is delighted that Mary Alice Monroe has included us in her book tour for ‘Where the Rivers Merge,’ which, apparently, is her first historical novel,” Grad said. “I think there’s a lot of parallels between the environmental themes she writes about in her area — which is South Carolina — and of course, the North Shore… There’s a lot of environmental themes that a lot of people can relate to.”
