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Stories and songs followed by a simple activity for ages 4 months to 4 years. Call 456-2289 for more information.

In this "well crafted and cunning debut novel" (Publishers Weekly), Robin Antalek tells the story of a preoccupied playwright father and a cult-actress mother, and their four children, who between them have an enthralling collection of strengths and character flaws. This is a family saga that covers ... (more)15 years of trials, tribulations, and triumphs. For lovers of Jodi Picoult and Chris Bohjalian. Review Quotes: "THE SUMMER WE FELL APART is a thoroughly entertaining and often heart- breaking romp through the chaos and comforts of a large and extraordinary family." -- Jessica Anya Blau, author of THE SUMMER OF NAKED SWIM PARTIES "Full of the best kind of heartache, "The Summer We Fell Apart" is an unforgettable, big-hearted debut that will make you want to pick up the phone and call your own brother or sister." -- Will Allison, author of What You Have Left "Robin Antalek's debut is as haunting as it is gripping-a story of the events, both mundane and dramatic, that tear a family apart; and of the often inexplicable love that binds a family together. THE SUMMER WE FELL APART is a beautiful, memorable novel." -- Diana Spechler, author of Who By Fire "The most moving aspect of this very moving novel may be its author's relationship to her characters. By portraying each sibling's muddled life with tenderness, respect, and clear-sightedness, author Antalek proves herself to be the ultimate good parent." -- Martha Moody, bestselling author of Best Friends ""The Summer We Fell Apart" is a bright, big-hearted novel about the complexities and heartaches of the way we live now." -- Elizabeth Benedict, author of Almost and Mentors, Muses & Monsters

Author Leah Marinsky Sharpe, and illustrator Jane Marinsky, join us to present their beautiful new children's book, a retelling of a classic Italian folktale. Like many good fables, this story opens with a foundling left – rather inconveniently, if not surprisingly – in the woods. A large lizard, ... (more)ever conscious of tripping hazards, picks up the infant and takes her home, where she soon grows into a pretty, pampered, and generally useless young woman named Isabella. Despite her adoptive mother's efforts (for the lizard is really a witch in disguise) to shape her up, the girl prefers the alluring life offered her by the charming Prince Rupert, a world of cooks and servants, palaces and jewels, luxury and indolence. Luckily, the lizard woman is a canny, concerned parent. She does not suffer fools lightly and is not about to let her daughter's too-easy transition to palace life go unchallenged. And so she arranges a surprise transformation for her daughter – one that puts the prince's marital plans on hold and gives the witch just enough time to hammer home a few lessons about the downside of idleness, the inanity of vanity, and the satisfactions of self-reliance. In this witty, modern interpretation of a classic Italian folktale, Leah Marinsky Sharpe has crafted a light-hearted mother-daughter fable with a moral that is sure to strike a chord with readers of all ages. The illustrations by Jane Marinsky glow with rich color and playful humor. Together, words and pictures provide a zesty treat for parents and children alike.

Author Leah Marinsky Sharpe, and illustrator Jane Marinsky, join us to present their beautiful new children's book, a retelling of a classic Italian folktale. Like many good fables, this story opens with a foundling left – rather inconveniently, if not surprisingly – in the woods. A large lizard, ... (more)ever conscious of tripping hazards, picks up the infant and takes her home, where she soon grows into a pretty, pampered, and generally useless young woman named Isabella. Despite her adoptive mother's efforts (for the lizard is really a witch in disguise) to shape her up, the girl prefers the alluring life offered her by the charming Prince Rupert, a world of cooks and servants, palaces and jewels, luxury and indolence. Luckily, the lizard woman is a canny, concerned parent. She does not suffer fools lightly and is not about to let her daughter's too-easy transition to palace life go unchallenged. And so she arranges a surprise transformation for her daughter – one that puts the prince's marital plans on hold and gives the witch just enough time to hammer home a few lessons about the downside of idleness, the inanity of vanity, and the satisfactions of self-reliance. In this witty, modern interpretation of a classic Italian folktale, Leah Marinsky Sharpe has crafted a light-hearted mother-daughter fable with a moral that is sure to strike a chord with readers of all ages. The illustrations by Jane Marinsky glow with rich color and playful humor. Together, words and pictures provide a zesty treat for parents and children alike.

We don't want to read anything too heavy at Christmas, so we've decided to enjoy this literary romp at our January meetings. "I can't remember the last time I discovered a novel as smart and delightful as this one, a world so vivid that I kept forgetting this was a work of fiction populated with characters ... (more)so utterly wonderful that I kept forgetting they weren't my actual friends and neighbors. Treat yourself to this book please--I can't recommend it highly enough."--Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love We've chosen an eclectic, ambitious list of books for the coming year: join us for every meeting, or deal yourself in as the spirit moves you. ...All of these titles are in paperback, or should be by the time we'll read them, and they will all be discounted 25% from the publisher's price for the following year, whether you join us for meetings or not. All evening meetings are on the second Monday of the month, and begin at 7:00, to give you time to have dinner and relax a bit first.

Marek's Nicaragua is an account of the adventures of a February 2009 Comics Delegation to rural Northern Nicaragua during the Henniker-San Ramón Comics Exchange, which facilitates comics-based cultural exchange between students and families in the sister communities of Henniker, New Hampshire and San ... (more)Ramón, Nicaragua. Marek is an author, illustrator (obviously), musician, and educator. Read more about Marek at his blog.

Local artist, singer, and photographer Kathy Lowe has put together an astonishing book of photographs called Petreflections ($39.95). Kathy will join us on 1/16 to discuss the book, and she will then do a show with masks, music, and dance inspired by the photography. Kathy promises to cap all this off ... (more)with a discussion of the connections between visual and performance art. This is an event not to be missed. Preview the book and show here: http://www.woodshades.com/PetreLiveIn...

We don't want to read anything too heavy at Christmas, so we've decided to enjoy this literary romp at our January meetings. "I can't remember the last time I discovered a novel as smart and delightful as this one, a world so vivid that I kept forgetting this was a work of fiction populated with characters ... (more)so utterly wonderful that I kept forgetting they weren't my actual friends and neighbors. Treat yourself to this book please--I can't recommend it highly enough."--Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love We offer "brown bag lunch" book club meetings--at noon on the third Monday of each month. Bring your lunch and join us! We've chosen an eclectic, ambitious list of books for the coming year: join us for every meeting, or deal yourself in as the spirit moves you. ...All of these titles are in paperback, or should be by the time we'll read them, and they will all be discounted 25% from the publisher's price for the following year, whether you join us for meetings or not.

In the sweeping tradition of "The English Patient," Janice Y.K. Lee's debut novel, now a best-seller, is a tale of love and betrayal set in war-torn Hong Kong. In 1942, Englishman Will Truesdale falls headlong into a passionate relationship with Trudy Liang, a beautiful Eurasian socialite. But their ... (more)affair is soon threatened by the invasion of the Japanese as World War II overwhelms their part of the world. Ten years later, Claire Pendleton comes to Hong Kong to work as a piano teacher and also begins a fateful affair. As the threads of this spellbinding novel intertwine, impossible choices emerge-between love and safety, courage and survival, the present, and above all, the past. "A rare and exquisite story...Transports you out of time, out of place, into a world you can feel on your very skin." -Elizabeth Gilbert

The Poetry Society meets here the third Wednesday of each month. All are welcome! The headliner this month, Walter Butts, is the current Poet Laureate of New Hampshire. Mr. Butts's reading will be followed by an open-mike event, ably led by Concord's Don Kimball.

Greening Your Family is a valuable reference guide for parents to make informed decisions about the consumable products we buy on a regular basis. Information is arranged in an easy-to-use format that allows readers to quickly find what they need. The book includes numerous tables and product lists, ... (more)recipes for making homemade cleaners, and a variety of web-based resources. Perfect to bring to the store and consult while shopping, Greening Your Family offers busy families an important tool they can use for optimal health.

Gray Fitzgerald has been one of those customers for years--the kind who is so interesting to talk to, all work stops if a conversation gets going. Now he has published a book on a subject dear to his heart: the nature of God's relationship with man as described in the Bible. Come hear him speak, and ... (more)join the conversation. His book is "for those troubled by parts of the Bible that: • Show a vengeful vindictive God • Appear to be in conflict with other scripture • Portray God not only as a God of war but ordering genocide • Describe Biblical leaders practicing ethnic cleansing • Picture God punishing the descendents of sinners for generations • Describe a God who favors some ethnic groups while rejecting others" "As Jesus was discerning God’s will and call for his life, he embraced parts of the Hebrew Scriptures. They were an invaluable resource for him as he struggled to be faithful to his call and relationship with God. However, there were other parts of Hebrew Scripture that Jesus not only rejected but confronted. Having an awareness of which scriptures Jesus chose and which he confronted is extremely valuable in comprehending the Bible and determining what God requires of us. This knowledge is critical as we discern and choose our own spiritual paths. The Bible Confronts the Bible is one of the few resources addressing this significant faith issue."

This elegant narrative chronicles the lives of four women who experienced elation, hope and disappointment following the American invasion of Iraq and the fall of Saddam in 2003. Two Iraqi sisters glimpse a new life following years of oppression: Zia is fluent in English and obtains a job inside the ... (more)Green Zone working for the Americans; Nunu, the younger and more timid sister, struggles to complete college in the increasingly dangerous urban environment. Asquith (The Emergency Teacher) deftly details the arduousness of establishing women's centers and getting women elected to office through her profile of Heather, once a wonky bureaucrat turned U.S. Army reservist, who must confront sexism within both the U.S. military and the unfamiliar Muslim culture. Lastly is Manal, a women's rights and antiwar activist born in America of Palestinian parents, who struggles to put aside her politics in the interests of helping Iraqi women succeed with the establishment of women's centers. Deftly chronicled by Asquith, who spent two years in Baghdad reporting from the front lines, this informative narrative offers readers a seldom heard female perspective into the everyday lives, struggles, disappointments and triumphs of four women during this chaotic and dangerous time.

Every year we choose a play by Shakespeare not only to discuss but to perform, with a spirited dramatic reading. This year we'll be reading the immortal tale of Prince Hal and his larger than life companion, Falstaff. Reading Shakespeare aloud always improves one's comprehension of his language. If you ... (more)only come to one book club meeting at Gibson's this year, come to this one. (no brown bag discussion this month) We've chosen an eclectic, ambitious list of books for the coming year: join us for every meeting, or deal yourself in as the spirit moves you. ...All of these titles are in paperback, or should be by the time we'll read them, and they will all be discounted 25% from the publisher's price for the following year, whether you join us for meetings or not. All evening meetings are on the second Monday of the month, and begin at 7:00, to give you time to have dinner and relax a bit first.

Our postponed event with Mr Cohan will now be in February. His book will then be out in paperback with new material on this quickly changing topic. Is your 401k still in the tank? Do you still tremble with populist rage at the Wall Street barons who wrecked the economy? Well, get happy! We have a great ... (more)event for you. William D. Cohan published the book House of Cards: A Tale of Hubris and Wretched Excess on Wall Street in March. Though primarily about the demise of Bear Stearns, it was also illuminating on how a general culture of arrogance, coupled with bad decision making, brought the world's most powerful economy to the verge of collapse. The book was a bestseller, and Mr. Cohan appeared on The Daily Show, Jim Lehrer's News Hour, the Diane Rehm Show, and many other important media outlets, to explain exactly what happened. Now he's coming to Gibson's, to bring us all up to date. Don't miss it!

Joe Monninger is a wonderful writer who has published books for all ages. His YA novels Baby and Hippie Chick were very successful commercially and won the admiration of booksellers and librarians everywhere. His latest novel (for adults), Eternal on the Water, stands a good chance of being his breakout ... (more)book--the book that exposes him to a national audience. We have our fingers crossed, because he's a great guy.

Amanda Soule, the author of the popular blog Soule Mama, offers tips on how to restore or repurpose everyday items to help them become family treasures. For craftsy people and those who love them. Filled with 33 projects made by reusing and repurposing materials--from vintage feedsacks to old sheets ... (more)and towels--and including some projects that children can help with, this book offers practical items that can be used in the home. "Handmade Home "offers simple sewing and craft projects for the home that reflect the needs, activities, and personalities of today's families. Filled with thirty-three projects made by reusing and repurposing materials--from vintage feedsacks to old sheets and towels--and including some projects that children can help with, all of the items here offer a practical use in the home. Amanda Soule does much more than simply present a collection of handmade items; she reveals crafting as a lifestyle based on the principles of consuming less and reusing more, appreciating the earth, and connecting to our families. This is a craft book that gives you the tools for creating a life--and a home--full of beauty, integrity, and joy.

Given the daily challenges of raising a child with autism, it’s easy for parents to lose sight of themselves, for their marriages to weaken or fall apart, and for their overall quality of life to plummet. Studies indicate high rates of depression among autism moms and that their depression does not ... (more)usually subside with the passage of time. Susan Senator interweaves her own experiences raising an autistic child with the voices of parents, researchers, and professionals in the field to offer guidance and encouragement: Parents can take care of themselves while taking care of their children. Parents and families can have good lives even if their children aren’t “cured.” The Autism Mom’s Survival Guide is unique among books about autism in that it is not primarily about how to parent an autistic child. Instead, it is written for the challenged parents themselves, understanding them to be individuals who need to find fun, happiness, validation, and fulfillment now—in the midst of struggle and hardship—in order to be healthy and whole. Topics include strategies for: • handling feelings of despair and hopelessness, • caring for your marriage, • finding a good balance between accepting your child and seeking new treatments, • understanding the challenges of autistic adolescence, • looking toward your child’ s adulthood. Susan Senator is the mother of three boys, the oldest of whom has autism. She is the author of Making Peace with Autism, a memoir of her family’s struggles and triumphs. Her writing on autism has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Boston Globe. She has been featured on the Today Show, CNN, MSNBC, Voice of America, and NPR.

Accomplished physician and researcher Dr. Lewis Cohen uses a true-life case of a medical murder investigation to answer one of the most difficult questions facing our society: how far should modern medicine go to extend a dying patient’s life? On a blustery night in January, 2001, detectives from the ... (more)Massachusetts State Police knocked on Amy Gleason's door. Gleason, with fellow nurse Kim Hoy, had helped a patient deal with pain and suffering at the end of life. Now the patient was dead, and the two nurses were being formally investigated for murder. Yet as Dr. Lewis Cohen shows, the death, the investigation, and its aftermath are all too common byproducts of the political battle between left and right to decide the proper way for Americans to end their lives. In this captivating and powerful true story, Dr. Cohen uses the experiences of Gleason, Hoy, and the nursing assistant who accused them of murder to demonstrate what happens when decisions about life and the purpose of modern medicine shift from the hospital to the courtroom to the church. No Good Deed chronicles how the conflict over end-of-life issues plays out in hospitals every day, examining the high toll that these difficult choices take on families and medical professionals alike. Delving into the difficult role that nurses--not doctors--must play as those closest to their patients’ suffering and death, No Good Deed examines how the nurses naturally draw upon their empathy, convictions, religious beliefs, and training when making decisions. In the end Cohen, a physician with 30 years of research into this debate, goes behind the scenes on both sides, looking at how the accusation of murder plays against the realities of modern medical care and raises vital questions about the role of medicine at the end of life.

Maxine Kumin is one of our favorite poets. Her recent poetry has been a striking mix of the pastoral and the political, and it will be well represented in this new volume, Where I Live, which includes her best work over the past 20 years and many new poems as well. Among many honors too numerous to name, ... (more)Maxine Kumin has won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry, and has served as Poet Laureate of the United States.

Maxine Kumin is one of our favorite poets. Her recent poetry has been a striking mix of the pastoral and the political, and it will be well represented in this new volume, Where I Live, which includes her best work over the past 20 years and many new poems as well. Among many honors too numerous to name, ... (more)Maxine Kumin has won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry, and has served as Poet Laureate of the United States.