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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T120000
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SUMMARY:Carol Barrios Signs Her Debut Novel\, "Mahala"
DESCRIPTION:Carol Barrios Signs Her Debut Novel\, Mahala\, at Bank Square Books\, bringing a story rooted in her family history to Mystic on Saturday\, August 29\, when she signs copies of the book. The free weekend signing runs from noon to 4 p.m. It gives readers a chance to meet the Connecticut author behind a historical novel that begins more than a century ago on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. \nAt its center is Mahala\, a young woman confronting a future that everyone around her seems to have already decided. \nA Woman Born Before Her Time\nMahala opens in St. Vincent in the British West Indies in 1900. \nIts title character occupies an unusual place within her own family. Adopted by her mother’s best friend but raised next door to her biological siblings\, Mahala grows up connected to two families of Indian descent navigating life in colonial Caribbean society. \nThe adults around her know what comes next. \nShe’ll leave school. Marry well. Run a household. Have children. \nMahala has other ideas. \nShe wants an education\, independence and the ability to decide what happens to her own life. \nEventually\, those ambitions force her toward a choice: remain in St. Vincent and accept an arranged marriage or leave her homeland and family behind for the possibilities of New York. \nFrom the Caribbean to New York\nMahala’s journey gives Barrios room to explore more than one place and period. \nThe novel moves from the restrictive expectations surrounding a young woman in the colonial Caribbean toward the possibilities and complications of life in America. \nNew York offers freedom\, but not an easy life. \nMahala ultimately becomes involved in efforts to improve conditions for women working in New York’s garment industry during the 1920s\, expanding her struggle for control over her own life into a concern for the lives of other women. \nThat gives the novel several layers at once: historical fiction\, immigration story\, coming-of-age novel and family saga. \nBut there’s another layer beneath all of them. \nMahala Was Her Grandmother\nBarrios didn’t invent the woman at the center of the story from nothing. \nMahala was inspired by her own grandmother. \nThat family connection gives the novel an unusual starting point. Barrios is using fiction to reach backward through generations\, imagining the private choices\, conflicts and emotions surrounding a woman whose life ultimately became part of her own family’s history. \nThe result explores questions that remain recognizable more than a century later. \nHow much does someone owe their family? \nWhen does tradition become a limitation? \nAnd what are you willing to leave behind for the chance to determine your own future? \nA Connecticut Author’s First Novel\nMahala is Barrios’ debut novel and was published in April 2026. \nCarol Marques Barrios is a graduate of the University of Connecticut\, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a Master of Business Administration. \nShe now lives in Fairfield\, Connecticut\, with her husband and three daughters. \nHer first novel takes her considerably farther from home\, geographically and historically\, while remaining connected to the family story that inspired it. \nSpend Part of Saturday With the Author\nSaturday’s Bank Square Books appearance isn’t a formal author talk with a single starting time. \nBarrios will be at the Mystic bookstore from noon to 4 p.m. for a weekend book signing\, giving readers a larger window to stop in\, meet her and have a copy of Mahala signed. \nThe event is free. \nReaders who can’t attend can also arrange to purchase a signed copy through Bank Square Books. \nFor everyone else\, the author behind Mahala will be in Mystic Saturday afternoon\, signing a story that began in her family generations before she sat down to write it. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Carol Barrios (Mahala) Weekend Book Signing\nDate: Saturday\, August 29\, 2026\nTime: Noon–4 p.m.\nLocation: Bank Square Books\nAddress: 80 Stonington Road\, Suite 8\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nAdmission: Free\nAuthor: Carol Marques Barrios\nBook: Mahala\nPublished: April 2026\nGenre: Historical fiction and family saga \nCarol Marques Barrios visits Bank Square Books for a four-hour signing of Mahala\, her debut historical novel inspired by her grandmother’s journey from the colonial Caribbean toward a life of her own choosing. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/carol-barrios-signs-her-debut-novel-mahala-at-bank-square-books/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T120000
DTSTAMP:20260820T205512Z
CREATED:20260820T205512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T205512Z
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SUMMARY:Marie Nichols brings Kynlee and the Sparkle Dress to Bank Square Books
DESCRIPTION:Marie Nichols brings Kynlee and the Sparkle Dress to Bank Square Books for a free Saturday Storytime on August 22\, giving young readers a chance to meet a Connecticut children’s author whose own adventures with her grandchildren helped inspire her stories. \nNichols will read her newest picture book during the 11 a.m. storytime at the Mystic bookstore. The event is free and runs until noon. \nKynlee and the Sparkle Dress is a 36-page illustrated children’s book about a little girl\, her grandmother and a birthday that becomes much more adventurous than Kynlee expected. \nA Birthday\, a Sparkling Dress and a Little Magic\nIt’s Kynlee’s birthday\, and she has been waiting for her turn. \nShe remembers the exciting adventures her older brother has shared with their grandmother\, Gram. Kynlee was always too young to join them. \nThis birthday is different. \nGram gives Kynlee a sparkling dress\, and Kynlee becomes convinced there is something magical woven into it. Soon\, grandmother and granddaughter are swept into the kind of adventure Kynlee has been waiting to experience. \nBut the story isn’t simply about a magical dress. \nAs their adventure unfolds\, Kynlee begins discovering that what makes her birthday extraordinary isn’t necessarily something hidden in the fabric. The book turns its fantasy premise into a story about confidence\, imagination and recognizing the qualities that make a child special. \nAt its center is also the relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter\, a theme that runs through much of Nichols’ work. \nThe Real-Life Gram Behind the Stories\nThere’s a good reason the grandmother feels important. \nNichols draws heavily from her own experiences as a grandmother. \nA native New Englander\, she was born and raised in Lewiston\, Maine\, growing up with four sisters and a brother in a family where extended-family relationships were part of everyday life. \nNichols recalls Sundays when everyone piled into the family car to visit grandmothers\, aunts\, uncles and cousins. She describes her own grandmothers as strong\, independent women who taught their children to look after one another. \nThose memories eventually found their way into another generation. \nNichols now lives in Connecticut and spends part of her time in Virginia with her grandchildren\, where bedtime stories can turn into imaginary expeditions. \nShe jokingly describes herself as the family’s “Marvel action grandmother\,” joining her grandchildren in the elaborate worlds they create. \nRather than leaving those adventures in the living room\, Nichols began turning some of that energy into children’s books. \nKynlee Has Joined the Adventures\nKynlee and the Sparkle Dress\, published in late 2025\, is particularly significant because it’s the first adventure centered on Kynlee. \nBut Kynlee isn’t the first child to head off on an adventure with Gram. \nNichols has created a growing collection of children’s stories built around grandparents and grandchildren exploring imaginary worlds together. \nIn We’re Going to the Dinosaur Forest!\, young readers head into a dinosaur adventure that emphasizes finding courage when things become frightening. \nWe’re Going on a Space Adventure! sends Gram and her grandchildren much farther from home. The story mixes imaginative play with the idea of believing in yourself when a difficult situation suddenly requires courage. \nNichols has also expanded the series with We’re Going on Safari\, following Kynlee and Bracken on an imaginary wildlife expedition with Gram. The story incorporates animal facts and questions about how animal parents care for their young. \nTogether\, the books reflect a simple philosophy Nichols uses for her children’s work: “Read\, Play\, Repeat!” \nReading becomes the beginning of play rather than the end of it. \nMore Than Just Reading the Story\nThat approach extends beyond the books themselves. \nNichols’ Step in Time Books project includes companion activities for children\, with games\, quizzes and mazes created around her stories\, including Kynlee and the Sparkle Dress. \nThe idea is to encourage children to keep interacting with a story after the final page has been turned. \nIt’s also a natural fit for Saturday Storytime. \nHearing a book directly from its author gives children something they don’t get from an ordinary bedtime reading. The person who imagined Kynlee\, Gram and the sparkling dress is sitting in front of them\, turning something normally confined to a page into a shared experience. \nMeet the Team Behind Kynlee\nNichols wrote the story\, but Kynlee and the Sparkle Dress also has a visual storyteller. \nThe book is illustrated by Penny Weber\, a New York-based children’s book illustrator whose digital artwork draws upon her background working in watercolor and acrylic paint. \nWeber has illustrated numerous children’s books and uses Photoshop to produce artwork intended to retain the warmth and texture associated with traditional painted illustrations. \nLinda H. Powers handled the book’s design. Powers has worked in creative services and publishing for decades and has designed and produced more than 45 children’s illustrated books\, along with educational and other publishing projects. \nThe finished Kynlee and the Sparkle Dress is available in both paperback and hardcover editions. \nA Saturday Morning Built for Younger Readers\nThe book is particularly suited to a storytime setting. \nAt 36 pages\, Kynlee and the Sparkle Dress is a picture book aimed at young children\, with booksellers generally placing its readership around the preschool and early elementary years. \nIts birthday theme is immediately familiar. So is Kynlee’s frustration at watching an older sibling get to do things she couldn’t yet do. \nThen comes the sparkling dress\, Gram and the possibility of magic. \nFor parents and grandparents\, meanwhile\, there’s another story running underneath it: the importance of the adventures children remember having with the adults who loved spending time with them. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Marie Nichols: Kynlee and the Sparkle Dress Saturday Storytime\nDate: Saturday\, August 22\, 2026\nTime: 11 a.m.–noon\nLocation: Bank Square Books\nAddress: 80 Stonington Road\, Suite 8\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nAdmission: Free\nAuthor: Marie Nichols\nBook: Kynlee and the Sparkle Dress\nLength: 36 pages\nIllustrator: Penny Weber\nBook Designer: Linda H. Powers\nFormat: Children’s picture book \nNichols will read Kynlee and the Sparkle Dress during the Saturday morning program\, introducing children to Kynlee\, Gram and an adventure that begins with one very special birthday present. \nSigned copies are also available through Bank Square Books for readers unable to attend the event. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n\n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/marie-nichols-brings-kynlee-and-the-sparkle-dress-to-bank-square-books/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Marie-Nichols-brings-Kynlee-and-the-Sparkle-Dress-to-Bank-Square-Books.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260821T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260821T190000
DTSTAMP:20260820T200731Z
CREATED:20260820T200731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T200731Z
UID:10007245-1787335200-1787338800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Mark Joseph Stelzner discusses Growth Machines
DESCRIPTION:Mark Joseph Stelzner discusses Growth Machines at Bank Square Books in Mystic on Friday\, August 21\, just three days after the book’s publication. \nThe free author talk and signing begins at 6 p.m. Stelzner\, an associate professor of economics at Connecticut College\, uses his new book to tackle a question almost everyone has experienced in one form or another: Why do we keep buying things we don’t really need\, even when getting more stuff doesn’t seem to make us happier? \nHis answer goes considerably beyond blaming advertising\, credit cards or a lack of self-control. Growth Machines argues that America’s economic system depends upon continually expanding consumption and has gradually helped condition people to find satisfaction in the act of consuming itself. \nWhy Do We Keep Buying?\nThink about the unopened books on a shelf. Clothes bought and barely worn. The perfectly functional phone replaced because a newer one appeared. \nStelzner argues that conventional economics doesn’t adequately explain behavior like this. \nPeople obviously work and spend money to meet genuine needs such as food and housing. But Growth Machines examines what happens after those needs have been satisfied. \nAccording to Stelzner\, consumption can become rewarding in itself. Buying something provides a temporary emotional payoff\, even when the object being purchased adds little lasting happiness to our lives. \nThe book then asks a larger question: What if that behavior isn’t merely an individual quirk? \nWhat if the economy needs it? \nAn Economy That Needs More\nAt the center of Growth Machines is Stelzner’s examination of what he calls “growthism\,” the assumption that an economy should continually become larger. \nIf economic growth depends heavily on consumer spending\, people can’t simply reach a comfortable level of material life and collectively decide they have enough. Businesses need customers to keep purchasing. New desires must emerge. Existing products must be replaced. \nStelzner traces how those economic pressures interact with human psychology\, status and social expectations. \nAcross 12 chapters\, he examines conspicuous consumption\, irrational economic behavior\, manipulation\, the potentially addictive qualities of consumption\, environmental consequences and the relationship between consumers and workers. \nThe final portion of the book turns toward another question: if endless consumption isn’t producing greater happiness\, what would an economy built around a different definition of prosperity look like? \nA New Book with a Local Connection\nThe Mystic appearance comes almost immediately after the book’s release. \nThe University of Chicago Press published the 296-page Growth Machines on August 18\, 2026\, making Friday’s Bank Square Books program one of the first opportunities for local readers to hear Stelzner discuss the finished book. \nThe subject also grows naturally from his academic work. \nStelzner joined Connecticut College in 2015 and is now an associate professor in the college’s Economics Department. His primary research has examined inequality and the political foundations of the economic system. \nHis work has explored labor laws and inequality\, antitrust policy\, wage discrimination\, private health care costs\, technological change\, slavery and capitalism\, and the economic history of the United States. \nMore recently\, that research expanded into the relationship between economic growth\, consumption and happiness. \nIn 2022\, he published research examining what economists call the Easterlin Paradox\, the observation that rising income and economic growth don’t necessarily produce corresponding long-term increases in happiness. \nGrowth Machines takes that problem beyond the academic journal and places consumption itself at the center of the discussion. \nFrom Inequality to the Shopping Cart\nStelzner’s background makes his approach to consumer behavior somewhat different from a traditional personal-finance critique. \nHe’s not primarily asking whether someone should have bought the $6 coffee or upgraded a television. \nHis research looks at the systems surrounding those decisions. \nPrevious work has examined how changes in labor law contributed to inequality during the Gilded Age\, how employers can exercise wage-setting power over workers and how political and institutional structures influence economic outcomes. \nWith Growth Machines\, the consumer becomes part of that larger economic structure. \nWe work to consume. Businesses depend on that consumption. Growth requires additional spending. Additional spending requires new wants. And satisfying those wants sends us back around the cycle. \nThe uncomfortable part of Stelzner’s argument is that people can participate willingly because buying something can genuinely feel good\, at least temporarily. \nThe Book Is Already Drawing Attention\nAlthough Growth Machines has only just been released\, it has attracted praise from several prominent scholars and writers examining capitalism\, inequality and economic growth. \nEconomist Thomas Piketty\, whose work has focused extensively on wealth and inequality\, described the book as a must-read examination of conspicuous consumption and the rise of growthism. \nHarvard historian Sven Beckert praised Stelzner’s exploration of how increasing consumption became connected to ideas about well-being and economic thought. \nOther early responses have focused on the book’s examination of the environmental consequences of an economy structured around continual expansion. \nThat gives Friday’s discussion several possible directions. Growth Machines isn’t simply about shopping habits. It touches economics\, psychology\, labor\, inequality\, environmental sustainability and a surprisingly personal question: \nHow much of what we want did we actually decide to want? \nAbout Mark Joseph Stelzner\nMark Joseph Stelzner is an associate professor of economics at Connecticut College in New London. \nHe earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University\, a master’s degree from the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies and his doctorate from the University of Massachusetts. \nHis academic research specializes in inequality and the political underpinnings of economic systems. \nStelzner’s scholarship has appeared in publications including the Cambridge Journal of Economics\, The Review of Black Political Economy\, Journal of Happiness Studies\, Economic History Review and Labor History. His work has also received attention from publications and organizations including The Economist\, The Nation\, the Washington Center for Equitable Growth and the Center for American Progress. \nGrowth Machines is published by the University of Chicago Press. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Mark Joseph Stelzner: Growth Machines Author Talk and Signing\nDate: Friday\, August 21\, 2026\nTime: 6–7 p.m. \nAdmission: Free\nAuthor: Mark Joseph Stelzner\nBook: Growth Machines: On the Hollow Joys of Consumption in the Desert of Economic Life\nPublisher: University of Chicago Press\nPublication Date: August 18\, 2026 \nThe program includes a discussion of Growth Machines followed by a book signing with Stelzner. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/mark-joseph-stelzner-discusses-growth-machines/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mark-Joseph-Stelzner-discusses-Growth-Machines.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260808T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260808T120000
DTSTAMP:20260806T011716Z
CREATED:20260806T011716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T011716Z
UID:10007119-1786186800-1786190400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Jane Carlson-Pickering (Have You Seen the Berry Monster) Saturday Storytime
DESCRIPTION:Jane Carlson-Pickering (Have You Seen the Berry Monster) Saturday Storytime comes to Bank Square Books in Mystic on Saturday\, August 8\, inviting young readers and their families to enjoy an interactive storytime\, meet the author\, and have books signed after the program. The event introduces children to a playful mystery while encouraging curiosity about the natural world. \nCentered around the picture book Have You Seen the Berry Monster\, the story follows two children as they investigate why their blueberries keep disappearing. Through observation\, asking questions\, and using simple scientific reasoning\, they discover that solving a mystery often begins by paying close attention to the world around them. \nHosted by one of Mystic’s favorite independent bookstores\, this Saturday Storytime offers families an opportunity to combine reading\, learning\, and meeting an experienced educator who has spent her career helping children discover the excitement of science. \nAbout the Book\nHave You Seen the Berry Monster is a rhyming picture book that blends storytelling with early science concepts. As the mystery unfolds\, young readers learn about animal habitats\, food chains\, and the importance of making observations. \nThe story encourages children to think like scientists by asking questions\, gathering clues\, and using inductive reasoning to reach their own conclusions. Its colorful illustrations and engaging format make it well suited for preschool and elementary-aged readers. \nMeet the Author\nJane Carlson-Pickering spent 34 years as a K–college educator with a focus on gifted education\, technology integration\, and science curriculum development for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Her background in education helped shape Have You Seen the Berry Monster\, making science approachable through storytelling and hands-on thinking. \nFollowing the reading\, families will have an opportunity to meet the author and have books signed. \nA Great Event for Young Readers\nSaturday Storytime is ideal for families looking to encourage a love of books while introducing children to STEM concepts in an enjoyable way. Parents\, grandparents\, caregivers\, and teachers will find plenty of opportunities to continue conversations about nature\, wildlife\, and scientific discovery long after the event ends. \nRecommended Ages\nWhile children of many ages are welcome\, the program is best suited for preschoolers and elementary school students\, generally ages 4–8. \nEvent Details\nDate\nSaturday\, August 8\, 2026 \nTime\n11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. \nLocation\nBank Square Books \nAddress\n80 Stonington Westerly Road\nMystic\, CT \nAdmission\nFree \nParking\nParking is available at Olde Mistick Village. \nAge Restrictions\nNone. \nImportant Notes\nThe event includes a storytime followed by an author signing. Arriving a few minutes early is recommended\, as seating may be limited. \nMore Information\nFor more information\, visit the event website using the Event Website link below. \n  \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/jane-carlson-pickering-have-you-seen-the-berry-monster-saturday-storytime/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Jane-Carlson-Pickering-Have-You-Seen-The-Berry-Monster-Saturday-August-8-11am-12pm-Bank-Square-Books.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T190000
DTSTAMP:20260805T013646Z
CREATED:20260805T013646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T013646Z
UID:10007101-1786039200-1786042800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Debra Curtis Author Talk and Signing at Bank Square Books
DESCRIPTION:Debra Curtis Author Talk and Signing at Bank Square Books in Mystic on Thursday\, August 6\, for an evening celebrating her emotionally powerful first novel\, Laws of Love and Logic. Curtis will discuss the inspiration behind the book in conversation with New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice before signing copies for readers. \nPublished as part of Jenna Bush Hager’s Thousand Voices imprint\, Laws of Love and Logic explores the complicated bond between two sisters whose lives have been shaped by grief\, addiction\, first love\, and the difficult choices that define families. Spanning decades\, the novel weaves together themes of forgiveness\, science\, faith\, and resilience into a story that has already attracted attention as one of the imprint’s standout debut releases. \nBefore turning to fiction\, Curtis spent her career as a professor of cultural anthropology at Salve Regina University\, where she specialized in gender and sexuality. The Rhode Island author now lives with her husband and English bulldog\, Harry\, and brings years of insight into human relationships to her first novel. Joining her is Connecticut favorite Luanne Rice\, author of 39 novels including Last Night\, Last Day\, and The Shadow Box\, whose books have also been adapted for television. \nWhether you’re looking for your next book club pick\, enjoy meeting authors\, or simply love independent bookstores\, this free conversation offers a chance to hear two accomplished writers discuss storytelling\, family\, and the emotional threads that connect us. Guests who cannot attend in person may also order a signed and personalized copy of Laws of Love and Logic through Bank Square Books. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Debra Curtis Author Talk and Signing \nDate: Thursday\, August 6\, 2026 \nTime: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. \nLocation:\nBank Square Books\n80 Stonington Road\, Suite 8\nMystic\, CT 06355 \nAdmission: Free (RSVP requested) \nMore Information\nAttendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance. Signed and personalized copies of Laws of Love and Logic are also available to purchase for those unable to attend by using the Event Website link at the bottom of this page.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/debra-curtis-author-talk-and-signing-at-bank-square-books/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Debra-Curtis-Author-Talk-and-Signing-at-Bank-Square-Books-Thursday-August-6-6pm-7pm.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260726T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260726T180000
DTSTAMP:20260721T035405Z
CREATED:20260721T035405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T035405Z
UID:10006893-1785085200-1785088800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Josh Weil Author Talk and Signing for What Came West
DESCRIPTION:Josh Weil Author Talk and Signing for What Came West comes to Bank Square Books in Mystic on Sunday\, July 26\, offering readers the opportunity to meet the acclaimed novelist behind one of the year’s most talked-about historical fiction releases. The free event features Weil in conversation with behavioral scientist and author Stuart Vyse\, followed by a book signing. \nCentered on the American frontier just before the California Gold Rush\, What Came West follows Silas Hall\, an outsider searching for purpose in the untamed Sierra Nevada. Through parallel narratives\, the novel explores ambition\, violence\, belonging\, and the consequences of one life-changing decision. The book has earned widespread praise for its vivid storytelling and fresh examination of the mythology of the American West. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Josh Weil Author Talk and Signing for What Came West \nDate: Sunday\, July 26\, 2026 \nTime: 5:00-6:00 p.m. \nVenue: Bank Square Books \nAddress: 80 Stonington Road\, Suite 8\, Mystic\, CT 06355 \nAdmission: Free \nAbout What Came West\nSet in the Sierra Nevada during the 1840s\, just before the Gold Rush transformed the American West\, What Came West tells the story of Silas Hall\, a man driven by a lifelong search for belonging. As waves of settlers pour into California\, his fragile life is shattered by violence\, leading to a desperate act that changes his future forever. \nThe novel unfolds through two intertwined narratives: a tense account of Silas’s flight through the wilderness and a deeply personal letter written to the son he left behind. Together\, they create a compelling exploration of the myths\, conflicts\, and human costs that shaped the American frontier. \nAbout Josh Weil\nJosh Weil is the author of The Great Glass Sea\, the novella collection The New Valley\, and the story collection The Age of Perpetual Light. His work has earned numerous honors\, including the Dayton Literary Peace Prize\, the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction from the American Academy of Arts and Letters\, the National Book Foundation’s “5 Under 35” award\, the California Book Award\, and a Pushcart Prize. A Fulbright Fellow\, Weil now lives in California’s Sierra Nevada\, where the landscape helped inspire What Came West. \nIn Conversation with Stuart Vyse\nJoining Weil for the discussion is Stuart Vyse\, a behavioral scientist\, teacher\, and writer. A contributing editor for Skeptical Inquirer magazine\, Vyse has also written for publications including The Atlantic\, Time\, Medium\, Tablet\, and The Good Men Project. \nWhy Attend\nWhether you’re a fan of historical fiction\, literary fiction\, or simply enjoy hearing authors discuss their creative process\, this free event offers an opportunity to gain insight into one of the year’s notable new novels and meet an award-winning writer in an intimate bookstore setting. \n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/josh-weil-author-talk-and-signing-for-what-came-west/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Josh-Weil-Author-Talk-and-Signing-for-What-Came-West-Sunday-July-26-5pm-6pm.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260725T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260725T180000
DTSTAMP:20260722T214202Z
CREATED:20260722T214202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T214202Z
UID:10006976-1784995200-1785002400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Eric Jay Dolin: The Wreck of the Mentor Author Talk and Signing
DESCRIPTION:Eric Jay Dolin: The Wreck of the Mentor Author Talk and Signing takes place on Saturday\, July 25\, at 4:00 p.m. at Bank Square Books in Mystic. Maritime historian and best-selling author Eric Jay Dolin will discuss his latest book\, The Wreck of the Mentor\, before signing copies for attendees following the presentation. \nIn The Wreck of the Mentor\, Dolin recounts the remarkable true story of the American whaleship Mentor\, which wrecked on a remote reef in the western Pacific in 1832. Stranded far from home\, the surviving crew faced not only the challenges of survival but also the uncertainty of encountering the Indigenous people of the Palau archipelago. Through extensive research\, Dolin explores the shipwreck\, the crew’s captivity\, and the complex rescue mission that followed\, offering readers a compelling look at maritime history during the Age of Sail. \nKnown for his engaging presentations and meticulously researched books\, Dolin has written numerous acclaimed works on American maritime history. This special event offers history enthusiasts and readers an opportunity to hear directly from the author about one of the most dramatic survival stories of the nineteenth century while learning about the research behind the book. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Eric Jay Dolin: The Wreck of the Mentor Author Talk and Signing \nDate: Saturday\, July 25\, 2026 \nTime: 4:00 p.m. \nLocation: Bank Square Books\n53 West Main Street\nMystic\, CT 06355 \nTickets\nTickets can be purchased by clicking the Event Ticketing link at the bottom of this page. (Price includes book). \nMore Information\nAdditional event information is available at the event website link below. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/eric-jay-dolin-the-wreck-of-the-mentor-author-talk-and-signing/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Eric-Jay-Dolin-The-Wreck-of-the-Mentor-Author-Talk-and-Signing.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260722T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260722T190000
DTSTAMP:20260714T030908Z
CREATED:20260714T030559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T030908Z
UID:10006778-1784743200-1784746800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Kate Eberle (If Books Could Kill) Author Talk and Signing
DESCRIPTION:Kate Eberle (If Books Could Kill) Author Talk and Signing comes to Bank Square Books in Mystic on Wednesday\, July 22\, for a free evening celebrating the Connecticut author’s debut novel. Readers will have the opportunity to hear Eberle discuss her first book\, her writing journey\, and the inspiration behind her genre-bending romantic comedy before meeting the author and having books signed. \nIf Books Could Kill follows Roxie Mitchell\, an adventure-loving romance reader who jokingly wishes she could become the heroine in her favorite author’s next novel. Her wish comes true—but not in the way she expected. Instead of finding herself in a swoon-worthy romance\, Roxie discovers she’s been dropped into a crime thriller where her charming first date tries to murder her. Forced to rely on Grant Hoffman\, an English professor with a love of crime fiction\, the pair must navigate a world where the boundaries between fiction and reality disappear. \nA Connecticut author and Boston University journalism graduate\, Kate Eberle turned to fiction after rediscovering her love of storytelling. If Books Could Kill marks her debut novel\, blending romance\, mystery\, suspense\, and humor into an imaginative story for readers who enjoy clever twists on familiar genres. \nEvent Details\n\nEvent: Kate Eberle (If Books Could Kill) Author Talk and Signing\nDate: Wednesday\, July 22\, 2026\nTime: 6:00-7:00 p.m.\nVenue: Bank Square Books\nLocation: Mystic\, CT\nAdmission: Free\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout If Books Could Kill\n\n\n\nWhen romance reader Roxie Mitchell wishes herself into her favorite author’s next novel\, she expects a perfect love story. Instead\, she lands inside a crime thriller where surviving the plot becomes just as important as finding romance. \nThemes include: \n\nRomantic comedy\nMystery and suspense\nBooks and storytelling\nFiction versus reality\nUnexpected adventure\n\nAbout Kate Eberle\n\nConnecticut author\nGraduate of Boston University with a degree in journalism\nFormer journalist turned novelist\nIf Books Could Kill is her debut novel\nSelf-described lifelong theater enthusiast\n\nBook Signing\nFollowing the discussion\, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Kate Eberle and have copies of If Books Could Kill signed. \nMore Information\nAdditional event information is available by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/kate-eberle-if-books-could-kill-author-talk-and-signing/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kate-Eberle-If-Books-Could-Kill-Author-Talk-and-Signing-Wednesday-July-22-6pm-to-7pm.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260717T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260717T190000
DTSTAMP:20260713T193434Z
CREATED:20260713T193434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T193434Z
UID:10006770-1784311200-1784314800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Ethan Joella Author Talk and Signing for The Top of the World
DESCRIPTION:Ethan Joella visits Bank Square Books in Mystic on Friday\, July 17\, for a free author talk and book signing celebrating the release of his newest novel\, The Top of the World. Readers will have the opportunity to hear Joella discuss his latest work\, his writing process\, and the themes that have made his novels favorites among fans of contemporary literary fiction before meeting the author and having books signed. \nThe Top of the World follows Maggie Bishop\, a recent high school graduate in the summer of 1975 who is struggling to understand the death of her older brother\, Chip. Her search for answers leads her to the Red Maple Inn\, a mountaintop resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains\, where she uncovers the relationships her brother formed during his final months while discovering her own path toward healing. Told across two transformative summers\, the novel explores grief\, family\, memory\, and the enduring impact of human connection. \nJoella is the bestselling author of A Little Hope\, a Read with Jenna Bonus Selection\, along with A Quiet Life\, The Same Bright Stars\, and The Top of the World. An English and psychology instructor at the University of Delaware\, he is known for writing emotionally resonant novels centered on ordinary people facing life’s defining moments. \nEvent Details\n\nEvent: Ethan Joella Author Talk and Signing\nFeatured Book: The Top of the World\nDate: Friday\, July 17\, 2026\nTime: 6:00-7:00 p.m.\nVenue: Bank Square Books\nLocation: Mystic\, CT\nAdmission: Free\n\nAbout The Top of the World\nSet during the summer of 1975\, the novel follows Maggie Bishop as she searches for answers about her late brother’s mysterious final months. Her journey leads her to a mountaintop resort where unexpected friendships and long-hidden truths help her—and those around her—find healing and hope. \nThemes include: \n\nFamily relationships\nGrief and healing\nComing of age\nMemory and hope\nSmall-town community\n\nAbout Ethan Joella\n\nAuthor of The Top of the World\nAuthor of A Little Hope\, a Read with Jenna Bonus Selection\nAlso wrote A Quiet Life and The Same Bright Stars\nTeaches English and psychology at the University of Delaware\nLives in Rehoboth Beach\, Delaware\, with his wife and two daughters\n\nBook Signing\nFollowing the discussion\, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Ethan Joella and have copies of The Top of the World signed. \nMore Information\nAdditional event information is available by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page. \n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/ethan-joella-author-talk-and-signing-for-the-top-of-the-world/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ethan-Joella-Author-Talk-and-Signing-for-the-Top-of-the-World-at-Bank-Square-Books-Friday-July-17-6pm-7pm.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260711T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260711T160000
DTSTAMP:20260627T005015Z
CREATED:20260621T195427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260627T005015Z
UID:10006125-1783771200-1783785600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Paige Classey: Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer Weekend Book Signing
DESCRIPTION:Paige Classey visits Bank Square Books for a special weekend book signing celebrating her latest novel\, Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer. Readers will have the opportunity to meet the Connecticut-based author\, have books signed\, and learn more about the story behind her suspenseful middle-grade adventure. \nThe novel follows Anna-Jane\, a camper excited to spend another summer at Camp Chester\, only to find herself caught in a growing mystery when communication with the outside world suddenly disappears. As strange events unfold around the camp\, Anna-Jane and her fellow campers must confront uncertainty\, the struggle for survival\, and the challenge of trusting one another in an increasingly dangerous situation. \nInspired in part by the author’s own summer camp experiences\, Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer combines mystery\, suspense\, and coming-of-age themes in a story that has earned praise for its tension and emotional depth. The signing offers readers of all ages an opportunity to connect with the author and discover one of the season’s exciting new releases. \nEvent Details \nDate: Saturday\, July 11\, 2026 \nTime: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. \nLocation:\nBank Square Books\n80 Stonington Road\, Suite 8\nMystic\, CT \nAdmission: Free \nRSVP: Click the website link at the bottom of this page to RSVP. \nAbout the Book \nAnna-Jane and the Endless Summer follows a group of campers whose summer takes a dramatic turn when townspeople begin disappearing\, communication systems fail\, and mysterious dangers emerge around their isolated camp. \nAbout the Author \nPaige Classey is a Connecticut shoreline resident\, school librarian\, and author. Her previous novel\, Everything You Left Me\, was recognized by Forbes as one of the year’s most anticipated YA mysteries. \nAdditional Information \n\nMeet-and-greet with the author\nBook signing\nFree admission\nFamily-friendly event\nHosted by Bank Square Books\n\n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/paige-classey-anna-jane-and-the-endless-summer-weekend-book-signing/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Paige-Classey-Anna-Jane-and-the-Endless-Summer-Weekend-Book-Signing-at-Bank-Square-Books.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260708T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260708T190000
DTSTAMP:20260621T183846Z
CREATED:20260621T183719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260621T183846Z
UID:10006105-1783533600-1783537200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Nicole Blades: Would I Lie to You? Author Talk and Signing
DESCRIPTION:Nicole Blades visits Bank Square Books to discuss her latest novel\, Would I Lie to You?\, a fast-paced thriller that blends espionage\, family secrets\, and dark humor. The event gives readers an opportunity to hear directly from the acclaimed novelist and journalist as she discusses the inspiration behind her newest book and the characters who inhabit its world of deception and intrigue. \nThe novel follows Lucille “Lu” Barlow\, a seemingly ordinary wife\, mother\, and business owner who secretly leads a double life as an international cat burglar working for a covert criminal organization. When her husband’s new job at a cutting-edge biotech company pulls the family to a picturesque New England town\, Lu discovers she has one final assignment: steal classified technology connected to her unsuspecting husband’s work. What follows is a suspenseful story filled with hidden agendas\, neighborhood secrets\, and impossible choices. \nDuring the evening\, Blades will be joined in conversation by bestselling thriller author Greg Wands before participating in a book signing. Fans of thrillers\, mysteries\, and contemporary fiction will have the opportunity to learn more about the writing process and meet the author behind one of the year’s anticipated suspense releases. \nEvent Details \nDate: Wednesday\, July 8\, 2026 \nTime: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. \nLocation: Bank Square Books \nAdmission: Free \nRSVP: Click the website link at the bottom of this page. \nFeatured Guests \n\nNicole Blades\, author of Would I Lie to You?\nGreg Wands\, bestselling thriller author\n\nAbout the Book \nWould I Lie to You? follows a covert international thief who is given one final mission involving her husband’s groundbreaking biotech research\, forcing her to choose between family and the secret life she’s spent decades hiding. \nAdditional Information \n\nAuthor talk and discussion\nAudience Q&A opportunities\nBook signing following the event\nFree admission\nPresented by Bank Square Books\n\n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/nicole-blades-would-i-lie-to-you-author-talk-and-signing/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Nicole-Blades-Would-I-Lie-to-You-Author-Talk-and-Signing-July-8-6pm-7pm-Bank-Square-Books.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260626T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260626T190000
DTSTAMP:20260531T231819Z
CREATED:20260531T231524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260531T231819Z
UID:10003438-1782496800-1782500400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Glitz and Gays: A Pride Month Book Bedazzling Party!
DESCRIPTION:Glitz and Gays: A Pride Month Book Bedazzling Party! is the perfect night of books\, creativity\, and LGBTQ+ celebration at Bank Square Books in Mystic this Friday\, June 26. Bring your favorite queer book from home or add a copy of One Last Stop to your ticket to personalize at the event. With rhinestones\, decorative supplies\, snacks\, wine\, and good friends\, this June 26 evening is for readers\, crafters\, and those in the LGBTQ+ community looking to make their own sparkling masterpiece or just have a queer-friendly book club alternative. \nSprinkle on some glitter\, enjoy a themed snack\, and bedazzle your favorite LGBTQ+ reads into new works of queer art. Great for celebrating Pride Month\, girls’ night out\, or any occasion in between\, Glitz and Gays: A Pride Month Book Bedazzling Party! is perfect for anyone who loves self-expression\, community\, and books. Leave with a one-of-a-kind literary work of art and a night spent with fellow book lovers! \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/glitz-and-gays-a-pride-month-book-bedazzling-party/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Glitz-and-Gays-A-Pride-Month-Book-Bedazzling-Party-June-26-6pm-to-7pm.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260623T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260623T190000
DTSTAMP:20260615T011038Z
CREATED:20260615T011038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T011038Z
UID:10005963-1782237600-1782241200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Annie Hartnett (The Road to Tender Hearts) Author Talk and Signing
DESCRIPTION:Annie Hartnett (The Road to Tender Hearts) Author Talk and Signing brings the award-winning novelist to Bank Square Books in Mystic on Tuesday\, June 23. Readers will have the opportunity to hear Hartnett discuss her latest novel\, The Road to Tender Hearts\, a darkly comic and heartfelt story that follows a lottery winner\, two orphaned children\, an estranged daughter\, and a cat with an uncanny ability to predict death on an unforgettable cross-country journey. \nHartnett has earned national acclaim for her blend of humor\, heartbreak\, and richly drawn characters. Her latest novel was named a best book of 2025 by NPR\, LitHub\, and Southern Living\, while also receiving the 2025 New England Book Award for Fiction. During the event\, attendees will hear about the inspiration behind the novel\, Hartnett’s writing process\, and the challenges and rewards of crafting stories that balance comedy with emotional depth. \nFollowing the discussion\, guests will have the opportunity to meet the author and have books signed. Whether you’re already a fan of Rabbit Cake and Unlikely Animals or discovering Annie Hartnett’s work for the first time\, this event offers a chance to connect with one of New England’s most celebrated contemporary writers. \nAbout the Book\nThe Road to Tender Hearts follows PJ Halliday\, a lottery winner whose life has been marked by loss\, disappointment\, and three heart attacks. When he learns that his high school sweetheart is finally single\, he embarks on a cross-country road trip to win her back. Along the way\, he’s joined by his adult daughter\, two newly orphaned children\, and a therapy cat named Pancakes\, creating a heartfelt and often hilarious story about second chances\, family\, and love. \nEvent Details\nDate: Tuesday\, June 23\, 2026\nTime: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.\nLocation: Bank Square Books\, Mystic \nAttendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance. Signed copies of the book will also be available. Click the website link at the bottom of this page to register for tickets and/or a ticket and book.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/annie-hartnett-the-road-to-tender-hearts-author-talk-and-signing/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Annie-Hartnett-The-Road-to-Tender-Hearts-Author-Talk-and-Signing-June-23-6pm-to-7pm-Purchase-tickets-and-a-book-by-clicking-the-website-link-at-the-bottom-of-this-page.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T160000
DTSTAMP:20260609T223848Z
CREATED:20260609T223848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T223848Z
UID:10005916-1781956800-1781971200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:John Glynn (The Lost Book of Lancelot) Weekend Book Signing
DESCRIPTION:John Glynn (The Lost Book of Lancelot) Weekend Book Signing gives readers an opportunity to meet the author of a new reimagining of one of Arthurian legend’s most enduring characters. Hosted by Bank Square Books\, the event invites visitors to stop by for a book signing and learn more about Glynn’s latest novel\, which blends medieval mythology\, fantasy\, romance\, and adventure into an expansive retelling of the story of Sir Lancelot. \nThe Lost Book of Lancelot follows a young orphan raised among a mysterious sisterhood on the Isle of Women who eventually discovers his connection to a prophecy and his true identity. As he trains to become a knight and forms a deep bond with Galehaut\, he finds himself drawn into Merlin’s plans\, the court of King Arthur\, and a kingdom facing growing threats from beyond its borders. The novel combines familiar Arthurian figures with new perspectives\, exploring themes of identity\, destiny\, loyalty\, and love. \nThis signing is ideal for fans of fantasy\, historical fiction\, LGBTQ+ literature\, and classic mythology. Readers will have the chance to meet Glynn\, discuss the novel\, and have copies signed while learning more about a story that reimagines one of the most celebrated legends in Western literature. \nAdditional Details\n\nDate: June 20\, 2026\nTime: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.\nLocation: Bank Square Books\n\nAbout the Book \n\nReimagining of the Arthurian legend of Sir Lancelot\nFeatures King Arthur\, Merlin\, Galehaut\, and the Knights of the Round Table\nExplores themes of identity\, destiny\, friendship\, and love\nSet against a backdrop of medieval lore and prophecy\nCombines fantasy\, adventure\, and historical inspiration\n\nAbout the Author \n\nEditorial Director of Hanover Square Press\, an imprint of HarperCollins\nAuthor of Out East: Memoir of a Montauk Summer\nOut East was an Indie Next selection and named among Oprah Magazine’s Best LGBTQ Books of 2019\nWriting has appeared in People\, Oprah Daily\, The Millions\, and The Daily Beast\nLives in New York City with his partner and dog\, Whitman\nCopies of The Lost Book of Lancelot will be available through Bank Square Books\nSigning opportunities available during the event\nEvent details subject to change by the organizer
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/john-glynn-the-lost-book-of-lancelot-weekend-book-signing/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/John-Glynn-The-Lost-Book-of-Lancelot-Weekend-Book-Signing-Saturday-June-20-12pm.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T120000
DTSTAMP:20260617T011428Z
CREATED:20260617T011428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260617T011428Z
UID:10005985-1781953200-1781956800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Saturday Storytime at Bank Square Books
DESCRIPTION:Saturday Storytime at Bank Square Books offers young readers and their families a fun and welcoming way to start the weekend in Mystic. Held every Saturday morning\, the free program invites children to gather for a shared reading experience featuring engaging picture books and occasional themed activities designed to spark imagination and a love of reading. \nEach session includes one or two children’s picture books selected by the bookstore’s staff\, creating an interactive experience that encourages curiosity\, creativity\, and storytelling. Depending on the week’s theme\, children may also have the opportunity to participate in simple activities connected to the stories being read. \nWhether you’re introducing a child to the joy of books or looking for a family-friendly activity in downtown Mystic\, Saturday Storytime offers a relaxed\, enjoyable environment where young readers can discover new stories and connect with other book-loving families. \nEvent Details\nDate: Saturday\, June 20\, 2026\nTime: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.\nLocation: Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington-Westerly Road\, Mystic \nHighlights\n\nFree weekly storytime\nChildren’s picture book readings\nFamily-friendly atmosphere\nOccasional themed activities\nPerfect for young readers and caregivers\n\n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/saturday-storytime-at-bank-square-books/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Saturday-Storytime-at-Bank-Square-Books-Saturday-June-20-11am-to-12pm-Free.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260612T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260612T190000
DTSTAMP:20260609T184523Z
CREATED:20260609T184523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T184523Z
UID:10005909-1781287200-1781290800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Rick Koster (White Ghost Blues) Author Talk and Signing
DESCRIPTION:Rick Koster (White Ghost Blues) Author Talk and Signing brings the Connecticut author\, music journalist\, and novelist to Bank Square Books for an evening discussion about his latest novel. Koster will be joined in conversation by bestselling author Luanne Rice as they explore the inspiration\, characters\, and themes behind White Ghost Blues\, a coming-of-age story that blends supernatural elements\, music\, friendship\, and personal sacrifice. \nThe novel follows Wyatt “White Ghost” Dumaine\, a teenage blues guitar prodigy navigating life in New Orleans while balancing friendships\, family responsibilities\, and a complicated connection with a vampire cheerleader named Allison Pernot. As Ghost faces difficult choices involving loyalty\, love\, and identity\, the story combines humor\, fantasy\, music\, and drama against the backdrop of post-Katrina Louisiana culture. \nThis event is ideal for readers who enjoy supernatural fiction\, young adult novels\, local authors\, and literary discussions. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from Koster about the book’s creation\, participate in the conversation\, and have copies signed following the presentation. \nAdditional Details\n\nDate: Friday\, June 12\, 2026\nTime: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.\nLocation: Bank Square Books\n\nFeatured Guests \n\nRick Koster\, author of White Ghost Blues\nLuanne Rice\, New York Times bestselling author\n\nAbout White Ghost Blues \n\nYoung adult supernatural novel set in New Orleans\nFeatures Wyatt “White Ghost” Dumaine\, a teenage blues guitar prodigy\nBlends music\, fantasy\, friendship\, and coming-of-age themes\nFollow-up work from the author of Gris-Gris Gumbo and Poppin’ a Cold One\n\nAbout Rick Koster \n\nFormer musician and longtime writer\nAuthor of Louisiana Music and Texas Music\nResident of New London\, Connecticut\n\nSigned Copies \n\nSigned copies may be available for attendees\nCustomers unable to attend may purchase a copy through Bank Square Books and request personalization when ordering\nPersonalization requests are accommodated when possible\n\nAbout Luanne Rice \n\nAuthor of 39 novels\nNew York Times bestselling writer\nSeveral works adapted for television\, including Blue Moon\, Silver Bells\, and Follow the Stars Home
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/rick-koster-white-ghost-blues-author-talk-and-signing/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rick-Koster-White-Ghost-Blues-Author-Talk-and-Signing-Friday-June-12-6pm-to-7pm.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T120000
DTSTAMP:20260528T145535Z
CREATED:20260528T145535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T145535Z
UID:10002682-1780138800-1780142400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Elaine Alexander Storytime: Giant Cuttlefish – Chameleon of the Sea
DESCRIPTION:Elaine Alexander Storytime: Giant Cuttlefish – Chameleon of the Sea brings ocean science\, strange sea creatures\, and children’s storytelling together for a family-friendly literary event centered around one of the ocean’s most bizarre and intelligent animals. Author Elaine M. Alexander will read from her book Giant Cuttlefish: Chameleon of the Sea\, which explores the fascinating world of giant cuttlefish through vivid illustrations\, marine biology\, and kid-friendly storytelling designed to make the deep ocean feel both educational and slightly otherworldly. \nThe giant cuttlefish is often described as one of the strangest creatures in the sea thanks to its ability to instantly change color and texture while hunting\, hiding\, or communicating. With eight arms\, feeding tentacles\, sharp beaks\, advanced eyesight\, and remarkable intelligence\, cuttlefish have survived in Earth’s oceans for hundreds of millions of years. Alexander’s book dives into the creature’s camouflage abilities\, hunting behavior\, life cycle\, and survival challenges while introducing younger readers to the weird beauty of marine life and ocean ecosystems. \nAlexander has become known for writing nonfiction children’s books that focus on unusual deep-sea creatures and marine science topics in ways that feel adventurous rather than academic. Her earlier book Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep earned multiple awards and recognition in STEM literature circles. For families with younger kids who love sea life\, strange animals\, science\, or hands-on learning experiences\, this feels like one of the weekend’s more charming low-key events. \nFeatured Topics: \n\nGiant cuttlefish camouflage\nOcean ecosystems\nMarine biology\nDeep-sea creatures\nAnimal adaptations\nSTEM learning\n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/elaine-alexander-storytime-giant-cuttlefish-chameleon-of-the-sea/
LOCATION:Bank Square Books\, 80 Stonington Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Bank Square Books
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Elaine-Alexander-Storytime-Giant-Cuttlefish-Chameleion-of-the-Sea-May-30.jpeg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR