Nov 13

Good news on a Friday. I found out this morning that Dr. Maya Angelou will speak at Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant, Texas, at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 19, 2010. Angelou is the celebrated author of many books and a thrilling, moving public speaker. She’s penned more than 30 bestsellers, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which chronicles the early part of her life. Angelou has roots in Southwest Arkansas, in fact, having grown up for part of her childhood in Stamps, Ark. She chronicles those days in “Caged Bird,” which is considered a classic autobiography. Tickets are already on sale and it’s a good bet they’ll go quick. They cost $45, $35, and $25. Students get in for $15. More info and tickets: 903-434-8181 or NTCC’s Whatley Center for the Performing Arts Website.

- Aaron Brand

Submitted photo:

maya angelou

Aug 6

Edward Humes, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and journalist, will discuss his career and new book “Eco Barons: The Dreamers, Schemers, and Millionaires Who Are Saving Our Planet” at 7 p.m. on Monday at Soul Surroundings (121 N. Polk) in Jefferson, Texas. The discussion is part of the Pulpwood Queen Book Club’s Arts, Letters, and Soul Author Lecture Series. “Eco Barons” chronicles some of the visionaries who push for stronger environmental stewardship and a deeper eco-consciousness. I’ve not read the book, but it certainly is a timely issue and there are a number of fascinating characters (Ted Turner, for example) who’ve devoted their considerable fortunes and time to enacting positive environmental change. Humes has a blog about his book here: Eco Barons blog. 

Tickets are $30 per person and $40 per couple; a supper and refreshments are included. For more information or buying a ticket, call Soul Surroundings at 903-665-8107 or Beauty and the Book (where copies of “Eco Barons” are available) at 903-665-7520. 

- Aaron Brand

Submitted photo: 

EcoBarons hc final

Dec 5

Looks like American book publishers got together to make an online video plugging books as good gifts for the holidays. It’s hard to argue with that point and sends a great message … particularly to youngsters. For me, books usually make up the majority of what I like to buy for people (and myself) during the winter holidays and Christmas season.

Here’s a few celebrity quips about what makes books good things to give to others at this time of year. Click the link: Books = Gifts.

- Aaron Brand