I met Sarah McCoy for the first time at the 2012 Gaithersburg Book Festival. She was there promoting her new-at-that-time book, “The Baker’s Daughter,” which The New York Daily News called “intricate and delicious.” I remember thinking she looked so young to already… Continue Reading
GBF Blog
Talking — and Writing about — Politics
Have you ever been engaged in a political conversation and found yourself wondering what someone meant when they mentioned “dog whistles,” “walk-backs” or “Washington handshakes”? If so, you’re not alone. And thanks to journalists Chuck McCutcheon and David Mark, co-authors… Continue Reading
Erika Robuck talks Hawthorne, Historical Fiction and Inspiration
Erika Robuck is a book blogger, voracious reader and the critically acclaimed author of “Hemingway’s Girl,” “Fallen Beauty” and “Call Me Zelda.” Her newest book, “The House of Hawthorne,” is a beautiful novel about the unlikely marriage between celebrated novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne and invalid artist Sophia Peabody. I read Erika’s previous book, “Fallen Beauty,” when… Continue Reading
Celebrating a Successful Book Donation Drive
The Gaithersburg Book Festival and the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa (Kentlands) extend heartfelt thanks to all who donated to the 2014 children’s book drive and congratulate Mitch Bass, the winner of the free massage or facial at Hand and Stone. Everyone who donated received a… Continue Reading
Reflections on an Evening with David Baldacci
by Megan Wessell On Tuesday, December 2, the Gaithersburg Book Festival hosted an event with bestselling author, David Baldacci , at the Gaithersburg Library. Baldacci has written many books and perhaps is best known for his gripping thrillers. The event was moderated… Continue Reading
Give a (Children’s) Book: New Business Partners with Book Festival on Holiday Book Drive
A note from the owners of the Kentlands Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa When John and I opened the Kentlands Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, we not only wanted to create an oasis of wellness but… Continue Reading
David Baldacci: Feeding Body & Mind
by Natasha Collin Did you know that one in every four people seeking assistance at a food pantry is a child? There is no question that a strong association exists between malnutrition early in life and late manifestations of intellectual… Continue Reading
A Librarian Reflects on Banned Books Week
by Jennifer Nicholson I find that lists of banned books make excellent lists for book suggestions. Looking through lists of frequently banned books reveals some of my all-time favorites books: “The Giver,” “A Wrinkle in Time,” “Harry Potter,” “Of Mice and Men,” “Bridge to Terabithia,” “The Face on the Milk Carton,” “Brave New World,” “The Kite Runner,” “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,” “Captain Underpants.” Okay, maybe “Captain Underpants” is not one of my favorites, but I… Continue Reading
From “Where the Wild Things Are” to “Ulysses”…
by Gene Taft I was so excited when I heard about Panned Books Week. I take quite a bit of perverse pleasure in reading bad reviews of what are now considered classic books. Here are some of my favorites: “[A] pointless and confusing story.” Publishers… Continue Reading
The Wrongness Allure of Banned Books
by Paul Stankus I knew it was wrong, but I read it anyway. The wrongness all the more alluring to a pre-teen mind. While my own parents were supportive of my voracious reading habits, society around me was not—and the… Continue Reading