The Wildes: A Novel in Five Acts
Louis Bayard’s latest is as engrossingly page-turning as readers have come to expect from one of Capitol Hill’s most beloved writers. In a letter to readers upon the release of the book, Bayard noted that many people are surprised to hear that Oscar Wilde had a wife. The book brings Wilde’s wife, Constance, his sons, Cyril and Vyvyan, as well as the playwright’s inimitable mother, Lady Wilde, and lover, Lord Alfred Douglas into full flesh as they suffer the heartrending consequences of Wilde’s scandal. The Wildes is a must-read for fans of Wilde, historical fiction, and Bayard alike.
Breaking into Sunlight
Photo: John Cochran
Named one of the ten best debuts for kids of the summer by The American Booksellers Association, John Cochran’s sensitive story finds twelve-year old Reese’s life upended when his father overdoses and his mother relocates them to a trailer on rural property. Reese must learn how to negotiate the complex emotions of caring deeply for an addict. As Reese adapts to life on the farm, he makes two new friends, finding resilience and connection as they explore the local wilderness together. Cochran formerly wrote for Congressional Quarterly in D.C., where he received the Everett McKinley Dirksen Award from the National Press Foundation. Cochran lives in Capitol Hill.
American Diplomacy’s Public Dimension
How has US diplomacy influenced the world? Bruce Gregory’s book reveals the hidden story of the people who have shaped America’s global negotiations. Spanning the early days of European colonization to social media, this history explores how American diplomats, broadcasters, soldiers, and citizen-organizers have influenced US interactions with other nations. Gregory shows how diplomacy has driven American foreign policy for centuries, delving into key historical moments, analyzing strategy, and examining the cultural factors that shaped America’s global relationships. Gregory is a long-time resident of Capitol Hill.
MidnightRose: Reading Series
September 14, from 2 to 4pm, at the Tenley Library
Revel in two hours of the poetry and prose of writers who are activists. Readings by: Poet Ethelbert Miller is an award-winning author of two memoirs and several poetry collections. Poet Naomi Ayala has authored three poetry collections and is a DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellow. Poet and writer Brian Gilmore is the author of four collections of poetry and a 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award Recipient. More information: [email protected]
Michelle La is Associate Professor of English at George Mason University. She blogs about writing, her writing classes, and writing retreats at writinglostriver.org.
