Batavia's Books Between Bites continues with Marnie Mamminga
Batavia's popular monthly noontime book program, "Books Between Bites," continues Thursday, Nov. 16, with Batavia author Marnie Mamminga discussing her new book "On A Clear Night: Essays from the Heartland."
The best-selling Northwoods memoirist returns for a second visit to the program. She will discuss her collection of essays on the extraordinarily ordinary rhythms of the Midwest - from the anxiety of taking a teenager out for driving lessons, the nostalgic pleasure of watching the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the heartache of moving an aging parent into a nursing home, and the quiet bliss of sitting on a cabin's porch, listening for loons and wolves under the Northwoods' starry sky.
With insight and humor, Mamminga chronicles the common experiences that unite those of us who live, love, and work in the heart of the country. Combining elements of the personal and the universal, these essays chart the passage of time from childhood to adulthood, sickness to health, working life to retirement, parenthood to grandparenthood, and everything in between. These sharply observed vignettes highlight the importance of taking time to appreciate the ordinary occurrences that profoundly shape our lives and the places we call home.
Published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press, she is also author of their top-selling book "Return to Wake Robin: One Cabin in the Heyday of Northwoods Resorts." Both books will be available for sale and signing.
The series is held from noon to 1 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. The public is invited to attend these free programs, presented on the third Thursday of the month, September through May. Reservations are not required.
The program is moved up one week on Dec. 14 when Pam Otto, manager of the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles, discusses the book "Winter World: The Ingenuity of Animal Survival" by Bernd Heinrich.
The series continues in 2018 on Jan. 18 with Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke presenting "Batavia's Revisionist History: Stories From Our Past That History Now Proves Have Different Endings."
On Feb. 15, Batavia author shares his newest books, co-authored with David Hirsch, "The Ultimate Guide to the Gettysburg Address" and "The Ultimate Guide to the Declaration of Independence."
Lester Munson of ESPN returns March 15 discussing two sports-related books, "Arnie: The Life of Arnold Palmer" by Tom Callahan, and "Smart Baseball" by Keith Law.
Another program regular, Rick Kogan of WGN and the Chicago Tribune, returns April 19 discussing his friend and Chicago legend, the late Studs Terkel.
The season ends May 17 when Batavia Karl Bruhn tells the story of the Batavia/Chicago connection to a great (and nearly forgotten) architect: Solon Spencer Beman.
The programs are held in the large Founders Room on the main level of the Batavia Public Library. Parking is available in the lot just south and adjacent to the library.
People are invited to bring their lunch and eat as they enjoy the program and discussion. Lunch items, beverages and baked goods can be purchased at Chapters Coffee House & Café, just inside the library and adjacent to the meeting room. To pre-order for pickup just before the program, call (630) 406-8005.
Books Between Bites was established in Batavia in 1987 by the late Lee C. Moorehead. The program has been continued by Moorehead's wife, Betty, and his daughter, Becky Hoag, in partnership and cosponsorship with George H. Scheetz and Stacey Peterson of Batavia Public Library.
For more information, call Becky Hoag at (630) 482-9157. The complete schedule and description of each program can be found on the website, booksbetweenbites.com. Printed season schedules are now available at Batavia Public Library.