Union Church welcomed us for the spellbinding author interview with Alma Katsu & FOSEL’s Sara DiVello
Alma Katsu, author of Fiend and interviewer Sara DiVello kept us on the edge of our seats as they explored Alma’s career journey from CIA Analyst to novelist of multiple books in the spy and horror genres. We learned that Alma’s drive to write ultimately required she leave the CIA to pursue her current passion.
Born in Alaska but raised here in Concord, MA, Alma began writing before her intelligence career, and returned to it, publishing her first novel, The Taker, in 2011. Her novels often blend genres, such as historical fiction with the supernatural, evidenced in The Hunger, a story of the Donner Party, which received an NPR award for horror.
Alma shared that The Fiend, a story about a wildly financially successful family with a terrifying evil demon was inspired in part by the acclaimed TV series Succession and has many parallels with some of today’s real situations like the Sacklers, the Murdochs, and others.
Our next author talk will be on December 10th with local author, Ilyon Woo, sharing her experience writing Pulitzer Prize winning, Master Slave Husband Wife. Join us at 6:30pm at Union Church, 485 Columbus Ave, Boston.
Fall Author Series had an exciting start last Wednesday
Last Wednesday the Friends of the South End Library opened its Fall Author Series at Union Church with a visit from Joanne Harris, acclaimed author of Chocolat. She talked about her newest book, Vianne, which is the prequel to Chocolat. Her host for the evening was FOSEL’s Sara DiVello. An engaged audience filled the room for the wide ranging conversation. Afterwards, Parkside Books sold copies of both Vianne and Chocolat. Ms. Harris autographed books while attendees mingled and enjoyed drinks and chocolates. It was a most enjoyable evening.
Final Summer Concert Last Night
Our last concert for the summer season was wonderful! Brazilian flavor jazz mixed with a few pop songs by Pat Loomis & Friends, including a lovely vocalist, Concetta. We're actively scouting out a temporary venue for next summer since our beloved Library Park will be closed for construction. We're considering close-by O'Day park on W Newton where the new benches fan out facing the new building. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Last Night Pat Loomis & Friends’ rocked the South End Neighborhood!
In the tradition of Boston jazz, last night’s concert in South End Library Park was a musical tribute to a jazz great, Herbie Hancock who played in Boston many times at various venues including Symphony Hall in 2015.
Pat Loomis & Friends played Hancock jazz standards Cantaloupe Island, Dolphin Dance, Maiden Voyage and Chameleon. “In the flow,” the band performed with enthusiasm and passion.
Kids were dancing, some people were eating, others were accompanied by their dogs, and all were rockin’ to amazing sounds.
Our next concerts are on August 28 and September 11 at 6:30pm, weather permitting. Seats are first-come, first-served or bring your own. It’s a wonderful time -- to connect with your neighbors, enjoy a summer evening, and hear wonderful music.