Proceeds from Mary Alice Monroe's appearance benefit the Literacy Council of Kingsport. She speaks Monday, June 23 at 9:30 a.m., at Allandale Mansion, Kingsport, Tenn.
Mary Alice Monroe returns to Kingsport, Tenn., Monday, June 23, for a ladies' literacy coffee.
"Monroe at the Mansion," is part of her book tour for "The Summer Wind," which is the second novel in her Low Country summer trilogy. The event is held at Allandale Mansion at 9:30 a.m.
Monroe will speak, take questions from the audience and sign books.
The ladies' literacy coffee benefits the Literacy Council of Kingsport, a ProLiteracy Worldwide affiliate and a member agency of the United Way of Greater Kingsport.
As a bestselling author of 16 novels and two children's books, once again, Monroe endears readers with human relationships that parallel nature. In her tradition, a wild dolphin named "Delphine" creates awareness of perils facing the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.
Although each novel stands alone, readers were first introduced to the lives of three half-sisters and Delphine in "The Summer Girls," which is Monroe's first book in the summer trilogy set on Sullivan's Island, S.C.
Monroe volunteered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and participated in a floating doctor's clinic with Dr. Pat Fair to perform medical tests on dolphins. As a volunteer at the Dolphin Research Center in Florida, Monroe works with dolphin programs designed for special needs children and the Wounded Warrior Project, which she revisits in the Low Country summer trilogy. Monroe also serves on the board of the South Carolina Aquarium, the Leatherback Trust and the Charleston Volunteers for Literacy.
"My greatest hope is that readers become involved with my characters and enjoy a great story," explained Monroe. "Then, when they close the book, realize that they've learned a lot about this important sentinel species."
Other Monroe titles, including "The Summer Girls" and her children's books, "Turtle Summer" and "A Butterfly Called Hope," will be available for purchase at the event.
Advance registration is required, and tickets are limited. The new novel will be sold in conjunction with ticket sales prior to her appearance. Tickets, which include a copy of the new release, are $45. There is also an event-only ticket available for $35. For additional information, call the Literacy Council of Kingsport 423-392-4643 or to register online visit www.literacycouncilofkingsport.org or www.maryalicemonroe.com.
