BAXTER — Award-winning writer Charmaine Donovan, Brainerd, will present the next Speaking of Books program from 4:30 to 6 p.m. June 21 in the Joe Plut Reading Room at Prairie Bay Restaurant in Baxter.
Donovan’s first collection of poetry, “Tumbled Dry,” was recently named winner in the Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards competition announced at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. One of seven nominees, the book was published by Lost Hills Books.
The award acknowledgment said “In ‘Tumbled Dry,’ each poem paints a picture of an age and time that dissolves the borders between then and now with heartfelt precision. Donovan’s poems fulfill the words of Robert Penn Warren who said, ‘How do poems grow? They grow out of your life.’ Readers will note her inventive use of many forms, as well as an unpretentious style which combines naturally with subjects rooted in small-town northern Minnesota life.”
“Tumbled Dry” has also been nominated for Minnesota Book and Midwest Book awards.
The series of monthly, third-Thursday programs is an opportunity to meet authors, publishers, book photographers and illustrators.
The series host, Joe Plut, taught 36 years at Central Lakes College. He conceived the series with help from Chef Matt Annand of Prairie Bay, who provides complimentary hors d’ oeuvres and a $5 discount dinner coupons for that night’s menu.
Those planning to attend the presentation and/or dinner are requested to RSVP by calling 824-6444.
The remaining schedule for the inaugural season: July 19, Norton Stillman of Nodin Press, publisher of Plut’s “Conversations with Jon Hassler”;” Aug. 16, Doris Stengel; Sept. 20, Bill and Evelyn Matthies; and Oct. 16, Paul Sailer.
