Clippings 21: post roadtrip roundup

Did you see me waving as I drove past your house?  Brandon and I have been road-tripping all over the south, eastern seaboard, and midwest, covering over 2100 miles in two weeks.  We had a gorgeous week with family in Savannah, followed by visits with friends in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, plus a few days of alone time in our favorite-city-to-visit-annually (where we spent a whole day at the Library of Congress, pictured here as captured by my husband).  We got back to Ohio just in time to meet with our History Lives editor, whose trip here from Scotland immediately stripped us of miles-traveled bragging rights!

While we were gone, I spent only enough time online to keep up with the poetry discussions here (hey, I had babies to hold and a tan to work on!), but I promise I’ll get right back to reading all of your blogs.  In the meantime, my inbox informs me of a number of interesting developments in our book-talk world that I want to pass on to you.

Persephone Books recently upgraded their website, including a new page for book groups that they intend to launch soon.  I had hoped to receive my first Persephone edition for my birthday a few months ago, but the purchaser had trouble with the bookseller that was trying to get it for them, so I ended up picking out something else instead.  Looks like I may have to order direct myself if I want to get my collection started!

Also working on a new website are the folks producing the gorgeous Saint John’s Bible.  I’ll let you know when it happens, or you can join their fan page at Facebook to stay up to date.  I’m glad to say that I’ve already started this collection, and the volumes are really something to hold and pore over.

DailyLit is currently offering a free collection of two dozen Mark Twain essays called “Who is Mark Twain?”  They claim none of these essays have been published previously, so this is quite a feast for Twain fans. While you’re there, you might also want to check out (and contribute to) their 50-word-mini-saga challenge: that’s shorter than a short short story!  I think you’ll agree that some of the contributions are MUCH better than others…

And finally, the organizers of the Festival of Faith & Writing 2010 have released an exciting initial list of speakers, including:  Eugene Peterson, Kate DiCamillo, Mary Karr, Richard Rodriguez, Stephen Carter, Fanny Howe, Joshilyn Jackson, Lisa Samson, Kevin Young, Brady Udall, Kathryn Davis, Avi, Matt Ruff, Christian Wiman, Michael Perry, Peter Manseau, Sharon Flake, Scott Cairns, Debbie Blue, and Gene Luen Yang.  Get on the info email list now or watch their website for further updates.  I learned so much at the 2008 Festival and can’t wait to go back! 

Any other interesting book news?  I’ll be making my blog rounds over the next few days, so watch for me.  I’m looking forward to catching up on all your reviews.

28. April 2009 by Mindy
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