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Writer's pictureChris Curry

December 2023 Newsletter

Updated: Jan 25

Welcome, everyone, for the holidays!


Two girls standing next to christmas tree made of books with their arms up presenting it

“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! Emily and Salem erected the 2023 traditional Book Tree! Come on in with your family and take your picture in front of our 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. We can't wait to greet everyone at Pat Hankins' annual show this Saturday as she presents her latest clay works. This year she is joined by Nancy McCrary who is showing her sweet photographs of pooches. Don't miss the artists' Opening Reception on this Saturday, December 2nd from 5-7:30 (we're gathering a little bit earlier so we can catch the daylight!). 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 2024 Dog and Pony Show! Start thinking which photos of dogs or horses to enter--and there's still time to take some! We'll feature 30 photographs and welcome the famous parade of adoptable dogs from Coco's Cupboard at the Reception in February.

Have you checked out our webpage and social media? And, our TikTok account! Many thanks to Emily for being at the helm of these so we can stay in touch a la the 21st century. And, as the year ends, we would like to extend 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



BIG SALE! ALL CHRISTMAS BOOKS ON SALE FOR $1.00! HO HO HO!!!



Come and see Pat Hankins' new treasures!

The Holiday Art Show featuring Clay Works by Pat Hankins and and Photography by Nancy McCrary

RECEPTION: Saturday, December 2nd 5-7:30 p.m.

We are so looking forward to seeing Pat's annual ceramics 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."

Nancy McCrary is the Editor and Publisher of South x Southeast Photomagazine, founded in 2011. In 2015 Nancy began South x Southeast Workshops and remains the director. She was co-director of SlowExposures Photography Festival for 8 years. She has reviewed portfolios at PhotoNOLA, LOOK3, SlowExposures, Click! Photo Festival and for private clients. She practices photography in between taking care of her sweet dogs.



LouLou on the Front Porch by Nancy McCrary



Spazz at Paws Atlanta by Fred Strobel

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 14th

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!



SATURDAY, December 2nd: RECEPTION for Pat Hankins and Nancy McCrary from 5-7:30 pm. Join us for great food and drink with a great group of art lovers as we share their lovely work!

THURSDAY, December 7th: THE DROP-IN GUILT-FREE BOOK GROUP meets at the store at 7:00 p.m.! We're discussing "Dinosaurs" by Lydia Millet. And, we're picking next year's books! Join us!

FRIDAY, December 1st: The Writer's Group meets at the store at 6:00 pm. It's not too late--write something to share!

TUESDAY, December 5th: THE SPIRITUALITY GROUP meets at 1:00 p.m. at the store. Interested in participating? They are discussing an incredible book--Julian of Norwich: Wisdom in a Time of Pandemic and Beyond. Timely...

FRIDAY, Dec. 15th: Come on downtown for the Parade at 5:00 and get into the Christmas Spirit! And, shop at the Christmas Market at the 1828 Coffee Company every Saturday 10-4 till Christmas during the day!

THURSDAY, Dec. 14th: THE SCI-FI FANTASY BOOK GROUP meets at 6:00 to discuss Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel. If you are interested in joining this great group, come and grab a seat!

LIVING ROOM CONVERSATIONS 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 2024.

THE CLASSICS GROUP returns in January! The book: Call of the Wild by Jack London.

WEDNESDAY, December 20th at High Noon: The BROWN BAG BOOK GROUP discusses "Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. And, bring your ideas for next year's reading list!

MONDAY, Dec. 25th: We will be closed for Christmas Day but open our regular hours all month and on Sunday from 10-2 on the 24th, Christmas Eve for late gift shopping! We'd love to meet your out-of-town family members who visit for the holidays!

December at A Novel Experience

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

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