Upcoming author talks, local book releases aim to hook Columbia readers

Summer is as busy a season as ever in the local book community, with new releases, author talks, summer reading programs and more. Here is some news and notes about what's happening now — or about to — in Columbia's literary world.

Attend an online author talk with Kate DiCamillo

Anyone who has spent time on the page with Mercy Watson knows, in the parlance of another kids' classic, she's some pig.

Award-winning children's author Kate DiCamillo ("Because of Winn-Dixie," "The Magician's Elephant") is Mercy's creator and literary caretaker and, as part of an online author series, Daniel Boone Regional Library patrons can hear DiCamillo talk about the world of her treasured porcine character.

The author will discuss her "Mercy" books, as well as a follow-up series, "Tales from Deckawoo Drive," at 1 p.m. July 9. This online event is designed for families, with kids from preschool age to second grade. Families can register and receive a link for the talk at https://events.dbrl.org/event/11014231; a recording will be available later.

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The author talk series continues this month with online appearances by Max Brallier (July 16), Elizabeth Acevedo (July 23) and Dan Santat (July 30). Check out the full list of upcoming speakers at https://libraryc.org/dbrl/upcoming.

Local author Ed Varnum releases second novel

There's something special about watching local writers not only chase their talents, but unfold their ideas over multiple books. Columbia author Ed Varnum follows his own narrative arc with the release of "Metamorphosis: In Pursuit of Something Better," which follows 2017's debut "In Pursuit of Something Better."

The first volume formed a multi-generational portrait of the Mayes family as they changed alongside a younger version of America. The family tried to live out and live up to the book's title, moving across the country in the first half of the 20th century.

"Maybe that something better is not entirely physical, but discovering who we are and what our place in this world is," Varnum said at the time of its release.

In Book Two, readers experience freshman year of high school alongside Marty Mayes, who becomes a real-time witness to the civil rights movement, the loss of President Kennedy and crescendoes of violence and opposition to the war in Vietnam.

"It is a story of first love and new-found self-awareness, a ringing discernment of societal injustice and prejudice, and the realization of abiding hope through caring family, lifetime friendships, and enduring faith," according to a back-of-the-book description.

"Metamorphosis" is available to borrow via DBRL or buy at Amazon.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.