December 2025 Newsletter

Welcome, everyone, for the holidays!

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends: they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."

― Charles W. Eliot

Greetings! We just had a fabulous Thanksgiving season as we met many of your family members from all across the U.S. who were in town for the holiday. And, now for Yuletide celebrations! We're getting ready to build our traditional Book Tree! When it's done we'll let you know so you can come on in with your family and take a picture in front of this year's version.

We've unpacked our annual "stocking stuffers" for the holidays (who knew that Squoosh Moosh Squishy Friends would be so popular...). Check out the unique gifts that can't be beat for those special people on your list. Paviz Akbari is bringing a wonderful collection of carved, hand-decorated gourds for that one-of-a-kind gift. And, we can't wait to greet everyone at Pat Hankins' annual reception this Saturday as she presents her latest clay works. This year she is joined by Charlotte Weber who will display her photographs . Don't miss the artists' Opening Reception this Saturday, December 6th from 5:00-7:00. It's one of the most interesting and fun crowds we host all year.

And, photographer alert! We've just about to release the Call for Entries for the 2026 Dog and Pony Show! Start thinking which photos of dogs or horses to enter--and there's still time to take some more pix! We'll feature 30 photographs and welcome the famous parade of adoptable dogs from Coco's Cupboard at the Reception in February.

And, as the year ends, we would like to extend our Christmas wishes to you and yours and our heartfelt thanks for your role in supporting our indie bookstore throughout this past year--we couldn't do it without you.

Stop by and as always, let us know what you're reading!

-The Novel Experience Team

Come and see Pat Hankins' new treasures!

The Holiday Art Show featuring Clay Works by Pat Hankins, and Charlotte Weber

RECEPTION: Saturday, December 6th, 5-7 p.m.

We are so looking forward to seeing Pat's annual ceramic show at A Novel Experience--she brings her skill and adventures to every piece she creates. Pat has been working in pottery for over 35 years--in her own words: "My goal as a clay artist is to have a conversation with you. When you first look at my work, you see shapes--the malleable clay transformed into sculptural forms...textured with marks left by shells and fossils, hand made and commercial stamps, drawings inspired by my favorite places, odd things that I have found during my travels. The familiar and historical references are hidden in the surface of the clay...like a piece of an ancient ruin left for you to discover."

Charlotte's photography will adorn the walls of A Novel Experience for the month of December--meet her at the December 6th reception!

Stay tuned for our Call for Entries coming soon!

Get ready to enter the Dog and Pony Show!

Pick out your best 4 dog and/or pony photos!

The deadline will be Midnight, January 21st!

Be part of our annual tradition of celebrating dogs and horses! We're working with CoCo's Cupboard (our local dog rescue group) to bring the best to our February show. There will be dogs-for-adoption, fresh air, and a parade. We'll hang the accepted work on the walls of the bookstore and, enjoy our scrumptious hot dog feast at the reception. Sale of work will be encouraged!

December at A Novel Experience!

SATURDAY, December 6th: RECEPTION for Pat Hankins and Charlotte Weber 5-7 pm. Join us for great food and drink with a great group of art lovers as we share their lovely work!

THURSDAY, December 4th: THE DROP-IN GUILT-FREE BOOK GROUP meets at the store at 7:15 p.m.! We're discussing "Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro. And, we're picking next year's books! Join us!

FRIDAY, December 5th: The Writer's Group meets at the store at 6:00 pm. It's not too late--write something to share!

MONDAY, December 18th: The Romance AND Novels at Night Book Groups are reading Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal by Megan Quinn and are having a joint Christmas party at 7pm!

TUESDAY, December 2nd: THE SPIRITUALITY GROUP meets at 1:00 p.m. at the store.

SATURDAY, Dec. 13th: Come on downtown for the Hometown Christmas Parade at 6:00 and get into the Christmas Spirit! And, shop at the Christmas Market at the 1828 Coffee Company every Saturday till Christmas !

LIVING ROOM CONVERSATIONS is finished meeting for 2025 and will return in January for a full year of incredible discussions of current topics. We welcome anyone who is interested in civil discussion and learning about our diverse community. Join us every third Sunday of the month beginning again in 2026.

THE CLASSICS GROUP will return in January on the 25th at 2:00 and discuss The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.

WEDNESDAY, December 17th at High Noon: The BROWN BAG BOOK GROUP discusses "The Fury" by Alex Michaelides. And, bring your ideas for next year's reading list!

THURSDAY, Dec. 25th: We will be closed for Christmas Day but open our regular hours--10 a.m.-7p.m. Monday through Saturday all month. We'd love to meet your out-of-town family members who visit for the holidays!

Can't wait to see you! Make sure to tell us what you've been reading!

Sincerely,

All of us at A Novel Experience

770-567-1103. 426 Thomaston Street, Zebulon, GA 30295