There’s nothing I love more than getting completely enraptured by a book. Cozying up on the couch, lying on the grass in the park, drinking a chai latte in a bustling cafe — wherever and however I do it, reading is one of those simple pleasures I love indulging in no matter my mood.
There are a ton of authors that I keep coming back to: classic novelists like Jane Austen and John Steinbeck and more contemporary authors like Haruki Murakami and Joan Didion. When it comes to Jodi Picoult, I keep returning to read the next improbable situation she leaves her characters to figure out — and leaves me thinking about long after I finish one of her books. (Read her interview with Community Editor Rachel Wachman in the Around Concord magazine!)
Picoult will be visiting downtown Concord this weekend, along with more than 50 other authors, for the third annual New Hampshire Book Festival. Picoult will serve as the adult keynote speaker and Jeff Kinney, author of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, will be the children’s keynote.
Hear Picoult and Kinney speak on Oct. 2, and stroll downtown on Saturday, Oct. 3, to watch live panels, purchase featured books, visit booths of local businesses (come stop by the Monitor’s tent!) and join in on fun activities. At least one panel on Saturday will pique your interest: from family dramas to poetry to magical adventures to love and obsession (which will be moderated by our very own news editor, Rebeca Pereira).
What should also be on your radar this weekend is First Friday in Concord. Oktoberfest is taking over downtown, with special folk and funk rock performances as well as handcrafted sausages from Teenie Wienies and a beer garden at Penuche’s Ale House. Stop by local businesses for special deals and enjoy the eccentric music acts throughout the night.
Travel over to Contoocook this weekend for Brimfield North, New Hampshire’s largest antique show, flea market and food truck festival. On Oct. 3 and 4 on the Hopkinton State Fairgrounds, over 400 vendors will showcase their vintage items and handmade goods alongside live entertainment, activities and, of course, many food trucks offering the best taste New England offers. Admission starts at $6 for a single day.
Over in South Sutton’s Sunset Hill Education Institute, New Hampshire Healthy Climate is hosting Climate Connections and Cafe, a family-friendly event focusing on environment and health, on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children will learn about ways that the changing climate affects people’s health through lessons led by Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine students. Adults can be part of the Climate Cafe to share their climate and health concerns.
You can hear me talk more about weekend events on WNHN-LP, 94.7 FM from Wednesday through Saturday.
Arts Ahead is in partnership with WNHN. Coming up next week on “What’s Your Story?” co-hosts Fred Richards and Cary Gladstone will be talking with JaneE King, who only learned in adulthood of her Indigenous roots. Listen to “What’s Your Story?” Mondays, 8 to 8:30 a.m. and repeated Sundays, 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., on WNHN-LP, 94.7 FM, and streaming at wnhnfm.org.”
