THE BOOKWORM
Once upon a time, and when I was much younger ... it was part of my job with Barnes & Noble to order a warehouse full of books, inventory them and figure out how to transport said warehouse of books from North Austin to the Capitol for the Texas Book Festival.
Once they were trucked over, we would set up a huge tent full of books and attempt to sell as many of those as possible through the weekend. After the weekend, the process would reverse. We would transport them back, transfer signed books to stores in San Antonio and Austin, and then inventory and ship back the rest.
This past weekend was the 13th anniversary of the Texas Book Festival, and it was the first time I attended where I was not working or volunteering.
The main reason for going was to hear Rick Bass speak about his new book, “Wrecking Ball: Race, Friendship, God and Football.”
In case you’re not familiar with his writing, Bass is an award-winning author who grew up in Texas but has lived in Montana for the past four decades. Previous titles include, “A Thousand Deer: Four Generations of Hunting and the Hill Country” and “The Traveling Feast.”
In Wrecking Ball, Bass relates his experience following a minor league football team in Brenham, The Texas Express. When the author’s best friend obtains a volunteer position as a trainer for the team, Bass discovers a great writing opportunity.
The team is constantly short of players, and they somehow convince Bass (who is 60 years old at the time) to suit up. By far the oldest player on the team, the author comes to know and love his teammates, the coach, and the community.
Beautifully written, this book is a great read for those that love small town sports. Bass signed a copy of his book to our library, and it’s cataloged and available to read.
Upcoming Programs Monday, Nov. 17, 4:15 p.m. – Mindful Monday for teens in the HUB.
Thursday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – Mary’s Potpourri Book Group meets in the conference room to discuss “Walden,” by Henry David Thoreau.
Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m. – “Live! At the Library” featuring the Kenny Grimes Trio.
Friday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – Tai Chi facilitated by volunteer Lavada Smith, in the community room.
“Wrecking Ball,” by Rick Bass
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