Greene’s ‘The Underdogs’ Shines at 12th Annual Roswell Reads Luncheon

ROSWELL, Ga. – The 12th Annual Roswell Reads Literary Luncheon March 18 featured Melissa Fay Greene discussing her book, “The Underdogs.” Greene not only drew the largest audience ever to the annual event, she also received a standing ovation from local readers and book club members in attendance as well as Roswell’s mayor and a Roswell family featured in “The Underdogs.”

Guests had the opportunity to visit with a service dog trained by 4 Paws for Ability and a therapy dog from Happy Tails. Continuing the day’s dog theme, there were table numbers represented by dog photos, bookmarks with paw prints, and even dog-bone-shaped cookies.

This year’s Roswell Reads activities began in February and included book discussions in East and West Roswell, a writing workshop led by Greene, an orientation to Happy Tails pet therapy at Lucky’s Restaurant in Roswell, and programs for children at the Roswell and East Roswell libraries, which included reading to therapy dogs and hearing a student talk about his personal service dog experience.

The Roswell Reads annual book selection and event planning is the responsibility of the volunteer Roswell Reads steering committee, which includes Marilyn Baron, Kayron Bearden, Deanna Boe, Kathy Cioffi, Lisa Dossey, Andie Gambrel, Nancy Gore, Swalena Griffin, Simone Hanson, Vanya Hristova, Becky Lukovic, Julia Padgett, Marlena Salters, Deanna Smith, Linda Smither, Judy Stanton, Debbie Weiss. The committee was assisted by Andie Gambrel and Beckie Hawkins from the city of Roswell as well as retired Roswell Readers Kelly Frommer, Pam Wood and Louise Conti and Janice Tedford, also Roswell Reads founders.

Roswell Reads is made possible through the funding of the Friends of Roswell Library, the support of the city of Roswell, and a grant from Roswell Rotary. This year, the Friends of the East Roswell Library donated books for the guests to take home from the luncheon.

Roswell Reads promotes the value of reading, literacy and lifelong learning through the shared communitywide experience of reading and discussing a common book.

For details, go to www.roswellreads.com.

Pictured in photos by Martina Schmidt of Martina's Images are Greene during her presentation, and Gerry Serrate of Happy Tails, who brought her therapy dog, Shayna, to the luncheon. Also, Cora Cramer, president of the Friends of Roswell Library, and Pat Price, president of the Friends of East Roswell Library, chatted at the head table, where Roswell Mayor Jere Wood and Greene also visited.