As a precaution to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) as advised by public health officials, ALL NEWPORT BEACH LIBRARIES ARE CLOSED AND ALL LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND STORYTIMES ARE CANCELED OR POSTPONED THROUGH MAY 2020.  

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Rowley’s smash debut, Lily and the Octopus (2016) was a publishing phenomenon. The magical tale of grief and friendship sent shock waves through the literary world and was heralded on both sides of the Atlantic. Sold in translation in nineteen languages, Rowley’s remarkable book made The Washington Post’s list of Notable Fiction and is currently in development as an Amazon Studios feature film. Rowley now delivers on the soaring promise of that debut with The Editor (2019) a stunning exploration of the complicated bonds forged within families and a tribute to the serendipitous relationships that shape and define us.

LIBRARY LIVE presents prominent literary figures and emerging talent with their recent publications of fiction or nonfiction. All speakers are selected by volunteers who serve on the Library Live Committee: Loren Blackwood, Nancy Dahlfors (Chair), Lisa Dowling, Barbara Glabman (Library Trustee Liaison) Dorothy Larson, Toby Larson, Natasha Palmaer, and Melody Wilson. Contributors to this Rizzoli publication include Mike Diamond from the Beastie Boys, Steve Van Doren from Vans; artist Julian Schnabel; surfer Kelly Slater, and photographer C.R. Stecyk III.

Nancy Dahlfors, Library Live Committee Chair and NBPLF Board Member, says “This season explores the power of adoption and the need for finding loving homes for 50,000 children in California; surfing and skateboarding as pastime, competition and industry; the challenges of migrating families; and the literary complications of when fictional characters interact with Jackie Onassis. It’s a wide range of interesting and timely topics and we look forward to engaging our speakers and community in conversation over coffee and cookies.”