Critic’s Choice

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

by James McBride

Thursday, November 14, 2024, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 10am, Hayes Hall
Elaine Newton, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

Delve into James McBride’s rich, multilayered story exploring race, love and secrets in a small Pennsylvania town. Join Elaine Newton as she unravels this compelling tale of community and identity.

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James

by Percival Everett

Thursday, December 12, 2024, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 10am, Hayes Hall
Elaine Newton, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

James blends humor and tragedy in a thought-provoking tale of a man caught between his past and present. Elaine Newton explores how the novel navigates themes of identity, history and the subversion of stereotypes.  

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Long Island

by Colm Tóibín

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, January 18, 2025, 10am, Hayes Hall
Elaine Newton, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

Colm Toíbín’s Long Island explores the complexities of family, memory and belonging against a shifting cultural backdrop. Join Elaine Newton as she examines Toíbín’s evocative portrayal of lives intertwined with place and time.

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The House of Doors

by Tan Twan Eng

Thursday, March 13, 2025, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 10am, Hayes Hall
Elaine Newton, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

Tan Twan Eng’s The House of Doors probes into the hidden lives and tensions of colonial Malaya, mingling historic events with personal struggles. Elaine Newton explores this evocative tale of love and power.

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Absolution

by Alice McDermott

Thursday, April 17 2025, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 10am, Hayes Hall
Elaine Newton, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

Absolution tells the riveting tale of two women whose lives intersect during the Vietnam War. Join Elaine Newton as she examines this compelling narrative of memory, choices and the weight of the past.

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Margaret Atwood

Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 7:30pm, Hayes Hall
Margaret Atwood, author
Alexander Shelley, artistic and music director
Kathleen van Bergen, CEO and president, Artis—Naples

Join prizewinning author Margaret Atwood for an insightful conversation on her writing career and the creation of Songs for Murdered Sisters. Hosted by Kathleen van Bergen and joined by Alexander Shelley, the discussion highlights the Naples Philharmonic’s upcoming performance of the work.

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Amor Towles

Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10am, Hayes Hall
Amor Towles, author
Elaine Newton, host

Elaine Newton hosts a conversation with The New York Times bestselling author Amor Towles (Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow, The Lincoln Highway) about his career and how he shapes his novels like a symphony — complete with different tones, multiple movements and crescendos.

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James McBride

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 7:30pm, Hayes Hall
James McBride, author
Elaine Newton, host

Elaine Newton hosts an evening with award-winning author, musician and screenwriter James McBride, whose landmark memoir, The Color of Water, spent over two years on The New York Times bestseller list. Hear him discuss his latest novel, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, and more.

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