Brookline Authors Speak

Jonatha Ceely read from and discussed Bread and Dreams at The Brookline Public Library.

Organized by the hard-working trustees of the library, this two-day invitational program featured an exciting range of authors who are Brookline residents. It was a pleasure to participate in the inauguration of what we hope will be a new tradition.

I participated in the Sixth Annual AMELIA BOOK ISLAND FESTIVAL, giving a workshop on "Making Time to Write" on Friday and presenting Mina and Bread and Dreams at a reading on Saturday. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet fellow writers as well as enthusiastic readers. This is a wonderful annual event that I would recommend to readers, aspiring writers, and potential presenting writers. The place is beautiful, the people are welcoming, and the festival is efficiently and graciously run. It was a very positive experience.

I met with the women's book club at MIT to discuss Mina. The group commented (perceptively, I thought) on themes in the novel and asked excellent questions about the background of the story sand the writing process. I found the atmosphere congenial and the diverse members of the group interesting.

THE BROOKLINE PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNUAL GALA was held at the Brookline Public Library. The gala included an opportunity to meet local authors, food, drinks, dancing, and an auction--all to benefit the library. This was fun for the authors--who were guests of the library--THANK YOU! Information on the 2007 Winter Gala c/o The Brookline Public Library, 361 Washington Street, Brookline MA 02446.

At Porter Square Books, the National Women's Book Association sponsored a reading by member authors: Jonatha Ceely (Bread and Dreams, fiction), Amy Butler Greenfield (A Perfect Red, narrative nonfiction), Edith Pearlman (How to Fall, short stories), and Clea Simon (Mew Is For Murder, mystery) read from their work, answered questions, and enjoyed a wine-and-cheese reception. It was an honor to be asked to join such distinguished company.

I discussed the writing of Bread and Dreams, read, and signed books at PEN New England's monthly reading at the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The varied group included PEN members, hotel guests, friends, and classmates from Vassar with whom it was fun to renew acquaintances. The wine reception provided by the hotel prior to the reading was nice, too.

I read and signed books at the Porter Square Books in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was a pleasure to see friends and ex-colleagues from my teaching days and to meet new readers. The bookstore is a welcoming place.

I signed books at A Novel Idea in Bristol, Rhode Island. On a lovely fall day, in a pretty town, it was interesting to watch street life and meet some people. I am very grateful to J. and C. who made the trip to Bristol just to meet me. Every writer should be lucky enough to have such dedicated readers.

I signed books at Borders in Syracuse, New York. The rush and bustle of a huge mall were not conducive to conversation, but, nevertheless, I met a few people and learned a little about another side of book-selling.

I read and signed books at Creekside Books and Coffee in Skaneateles, New York. Although it was a day of pouring rain and the attendance at the reading was small, I enjoyed the experience very much. It was a pleasure to discover that the proprietor, Ms. Davis, had read my novels and wished to support them. Skaneateles is an attractive place, the bookstore is inviting, and the audience, although small, asked stimulating questions.

I read and signed books at Novel Idea in Kingston, Ontario--my hometown. It was fun to greet old friends and new acquaintances. It seemed as if almost all the decades of my life were represented. The proprietors of Novel Idea, the Milans, were welcoming, the refreshments were delicious, and the weather cooperated, too. Thanks to all who turned out for their enthusiastic support.

Jonatha Ceely read and signed books at The Toadstool Bookstore in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Despite the rain, the threat of floods, and the actual river flooding in the area, some loyal readers appeared. I enjoyed their questions and the opportunity to discuss the challenges and pleasures of historical research.

Jonatha Ceely read and signed books at the Brookline Booksmith at Coolidge Corner in Brookline, followed by a wine-and-cheese reception. An enjoyable evening brought together a range of new readers, friends, Brookline neighbors, family, and ex-students, one of whom made a two-hour drive to be present. It was fun to present Bread and Dreams to such a warm and enthusiastic group. I am grateful for the support of the Brookline Booksmith.

Jonatha Ceely visited the Winsor School in Boston and met with ninth graders who had read Mina for assigned summer reading. The students asked perceptive questions about the writing process. I enjoyed meeting them.

The poem "View from the Schoolroom Window Looking South to the Beth Israel Hospital" was on display next to the fifth-floor elevator in Boston City Hall as part of the exhibit "375 Views of Boston." If you would like to read this poem, send an email to me with "Poem" in the subject line.

Jonatha Ceely was the guest speaker at the Brookline Rotary Club weekly meeting. Her topic was "So You Want to Write a Book?" Note: Attending the meeting and learning more about the community outreach of the Rotary Club was a wonderful experience. I also appreciated the warm reception I received.

Jonatha Ceely was the guest of a Jewish Women's Book Group in Kingston, Ontario for discussion of the themes and the writing of Mina.

Jonatha Ceely spoke about the historical background of Mina in the George Stevens Academy Summer Speaker Series in Blue Hill, Maine.

At the Brookline Senior Center in Brookline, Massachusetts, Jonatha Ceely spoke about the historical background of Mina and read from the novel.

The publication of Mina was celebrated with a reading and book launch party.