Haroutunian joins Vestal for reading at Auntie’s
New York writer Nicole Haroutunian, whose story collection “Speed Dreaming” has been widely praised, will be in Spokane this week for a reading at Auntie’s Bookstore.
Haroutunian’s work has appeared in Tin House, Barnstorm, The Literarian and other journals. The story collection, her first, has been longlisted for the Frank O’Connor Award.
When she’s not writing, she works as a museum educator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City
Joining her will be Shawn Vestal, Spokesman-Review columnist and author of the award-winning story collection, “Godforsaken Idaho.” His debut novel, “Daredevils,” is due out next year from Penguin Press.
Haroutunian and Vestal will read at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Auntie’s, 402 W. Main Ave. It’s free. Call the store at (509) 838-0206 for more information.
Carolyn Lamberson
Alexie readies children’s book
National Book Award winner Sherman Alexie – already a poet, novelist and short story writer – moves into a new realm with his first picture book set to be released in May 2016.
Illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Yuyi Morales, “Thunder Boy Jr.,” published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, is about a boy who wants his own name instead of sharing his father’s.
The American Indian author is known for his works looking at the struggles of being American Indian and living on reservations in the U.S.
Alexie’s young-adult novel “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” sold 1.5 million copies and won a National Book Award in 2007.
Associated Press
GU scholars collaborate on book
“Conversations on Servant-Leadership: Insights on Human Courage in Life and Work” is a new book edited by four scholars affiliated with Gonzaga University.
The book includes thoughts on the role of leadership, power and love from the likes of former Philippines President Corazon Aquino. According to a GU news release, “The text offers insights into how leaders can help their organizations find the courage to forge a strong and enduring path into the future in an increasingly conflicted and complex world. It focuses on the importance of leadership and service.
The editors are Shann Ray Ferch, author and professor in GU’s Leadership Studies doctoral program; Larry C. Spears, author and Gonzaga’s first-ever Servant Leadership Scholar; Mary McFarland, former dean of the Gonzaga School of Professional Studies; and Michael R. Carey, dean of GU’s virtual campus.
The book was published by the State University of New York Press.
Carolyn Lamberson
Poetry contest is open
The Poetry Scribes of Spokane, which has been around since 1937, is hosting its annual poetry contest.
The contest is open to works of 40 lines or fewer, either rhymed or unrhymed, from poets ages 18 and older.
To enter, mail two copies of your poem to Poetry Scribes, 2912 W. Longfellow Ave., Spokane, WA 99205 no later than Sept. 2. One copy should include the author’s name, phone number and address, the other should be free of identification. There is an entry fee of $5 per poem (make checks payable to Poetry Scribes). First, second and third place will be awarded in each category; prizes will range from $100 to $25.
Awards will be presented in October. For more information, call Clararose Childs at (509) 325-4393.
Carolyn Lamberson