Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Bright Forever


Have you read Lee Martin's book, The Bright Forever? This book draws from a real event that happened in Lawrenceville, IL in the 1970's. Good books are often based partly on facts or events that have occurred in a region known to the author. Remember, the advice -- "Write about what you know"-- is really true.
This book was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in fiction in 2006 and it is REALLY good! Once you start reading it, you may be up all night, not able to put it down until the last page.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Lee Martin's From Our House: A Memoir


I just read Lee Martin's From Our House: a Memoir this past weekend in getting ready for his visit Sept. 30. I don't know how I missed it before, but it is a gripping account of his early life. I had to put it down several times to think and to get my balance back after some of the events he describes. It is a sharp picture of rural America, especially our region, and illustrates his talent in describing people, relationships, and consequences of their actions and events that happen to them. Check it out at the Anderson Library at Olney Central College.