Introduction | Something About the Author | Events |
Running a Discussion Group | Further Reading
East of the River Reads is a community-wide program that encourages local residents to read and to promote community spirit by encouraging as many people as possible to read the same book and get together to discuss it. The towns participating this year are Andover, Bolton, Colchester, Columbia, Glastonbury, Hebron, Manchester, Marlborough, and Portland.
In this novel about Ralph Waldo Emerson's wife, Lidian, Amy Belding Brown examines the emotional landscape of love and marriage. Living in the shadow of one of the most famous men of her time, Lidian becomes deeply disappointed by marriage, but consigned to public silence by social conventions and concern for her family's reputation. Drawn to the erotic energy and intellect of close family friend Henry David Thoreau, she struggles to negotiate the confusing territory between love and friendship while maintaining her moral authority and inner strength. In the course of the book, she deals with overwhelming social demands, faces devastating personal loss, and discovers the deepest meaning of love. Lidian eventually encounters the truth of her own character and learns that even our faults can lead us to independence.
Summary from St. Martin's Press
How Do I Participate?
Get a copy of the book! Copies may be borrowed from the Welles-Turner Memorial Library, East Glastonbury Public Library Association, and the South Glastonbury Public Library, or from any of the other participating libraries.
Read the book! During the months of June-October, join family, friends, co-workers, and members of the community and read it.
Participate! Join one of the scheduled discussion groups see below or conduct your own in your neighborhood, church, or at a local restaurant.
Blog! Add your thoughts to the East of the River Reads blog.
Something About the Author: Amy Belding Brown
Amy Belding Brown, a graduate of Bates College, received her master of fine arts degree from Vermont College. Her publication credits include Yankee, Good Housekeeping, and American Way, among others. The wife of a United Church of Christ minister and mother of four, she is on the staff of the Orchard House museum in Concord, Massachusetts.
Brown is also the author of Strawberry Lace and Island Summer Love.
| DATE | EVENT | TIME AND PLACE | NOTES |
| Wednesday September 19 |
Book Discussion | 7:00 p.m. Welles-Turner Library 2407 Main St. Glastonbury Room |
Discussion will be led by Jordan Pecile. |
| Wednesday October 3 |
Author Talk | 7:00 p.m. Douglas Library 22 Main St. Hebron, CT |
For more information, call 860-228-9312. |
| Sunday October 14 |
Bus Trip to Concord, MA | 11:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Visit the Concord Museum, Orchard House, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery |
Cost: $45.00 (includes admission to two attractions) Register at Welles-Turner Library Reference Desk or your local library Checks payable to Town of Glastonbury, due at registration Registration closes September 27 |
A reader's guide can be found on the St. Martin's press web site.
Updated August 29, 2007
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