Dear Gentle Reader,

Our hearts go out to the people in Southern Appalachia, who are beginning the process of rebuilding as the storm waters recede in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The devastation suffered in our state is immense, and it will take a very long time to recover. You know it is serious when World Central Kitchen has set up to feed folks. We are collecting money to donate toTriangleMutualAid.Org, so stop by if you would like to make a monetary contribution. Supplies on the list at Triangle Mutual Aid site are being accepted at Back Alley Bikes (100 Boyd Street in Carrboro),  RUMAH (415 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh), and Art Post(718 Ireldell Street in Durham).

One of our all-time favorite authors is headlining the Chatham Literacy Fall Luncheon. Master storyteller and bestselling author Jill McCorkle discusses her acclaimed short story collection Old Crimes at Chatham Literacy’s Fall for Literacy Luncheon at The Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center on Thursday, October 24th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Click here to purchase tickets. Chatham Literacy is a superhero organization in Chatham County and deserving of our support. They help not only with general adult literacy, but also English as a Second Language, financial literacy, citizenship, helping people fill out job applications, and other programs throughout the county.

Big news within Fearrington… Our neighbor, The Belted Goat, not only has a new wine shop, Galloways, but is also offering small plates in the evening. Check our their menu available 5-8pm starting this Wednesday. Wine, beer and live music are also available on the lower level of the Goat. Think soup with a grill cheese, a Ploughman’s platter, shrimp & grits, a few salads and paninis, plus daily specials such as Wednesdays you will find mussels & frites, Thursdays look for fish and chips, Fridays pick up a pizza from Roost and grab a table. The grocery selection upstairs is expanding as well. More to come…

Margot Lester is here tomorrow (Wednesday) from 2:30 -4:30pm withWriter’s Office Hours.  She also is running a pair of college essay writing workshopson Sunday the 13th. See the calendar listings below for more information.

This weekend we welcome Saturday at 11am, UNC’s Burton Craige Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence, Michael Gerhardt, for his book, FDR’s Mentors: Navigating the Path to Greatness, aunique and illuminating exploration of the key relationships that shaped Franklin Delano Roosevelt into one of America’s most definitive leaders. Then at 2pm, Vanessa Woods will be here to talk about her latest work, Puppy Kindegarten: The New Science of Raising a Great Dog. “This book will make you a better dog parent! Packed with evidence-based advice and practical wisdom, this is the essential guide for understanding and rearing your next generation of furry best friends.”—Laurie Santos, professor of psychology and director of the Canine Cognition Center at Yale University

Next weekend (Saturday, October 12th), we have Cozy Con South, which starts at 10am and runs until 4pm. Click herefor the schedule, list of authors attending, and to snag a ticket. Looks to be a full day and loads of fun. Pete can’t wait and hopes you will join us.

Thursday, October 17th at 6:30pm we are bringing back Book Club Night. Ticketsare $10, and we are pouring wine, raffling off bags of books, and talking great reads. Attendees will also receive 20% all book purchases that evening, So if you are in a book club or just in the hunt for your next solo read, come and join us.

The Usual Suspects,

Pete, Johanna, Sarah, Tyler, Beth and Keebe