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Jewish Literary Festival poster
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Washingtoniana Central
Steve Cymrot knows DC. The owner of Riverby Books has long nurtured a special section of his store devoted to the nation’s capital. Now with the addition of several libraries purchased in the past few months, his Washingtoniana collection has grown to between 700 and 800 books. “There are lots of used book stores around,” says Cymrot, “so I tried to think about what we could do better. Everybody’s got to be the best at something. We want to become the source for Washingtoniana.” Riverby is well on its way.
Shelf after shelf now bulges with books both old and new on the architecture, history, and people of DC. There are social registers, books on clubs, churches, and schools, and first-person accounts by those who have lived here, such as Mary Clemmer Ames, a 19th-century reporter who shares her unique perspective in “Ten Years in Washington: Life and Scenes in the National Capital, As a Woman Sees Them” (and if you think her title is long, you should see her chapter headings).
One of Cymrot’s favorites is “Spring in Washington,” a 1947 meditation on nature by Louis Halle that features charming illustrations of our local flora and fauna. Halle’s perspective extends far beyond the imposing facades of official Washington. “The setting preceded the city,” he writes, “and will survive it.”
For those seeking a more modern view, there are yards of political books and biographies, as well as lighter fare such as “All the President’s Pastries.” Prices range from $7.50 to $150.
Riverby also boasts a large selection of works by Capitol Hill authors. Jean Nordhaus’s beautiful poetry and Sam Smith’s political calls to action rub spines with Lou Bayard’s historical mysteries and Katie Kelly’s series of Lucy Rose books. S.J. Ackerman’s brand-new book called “Making Eastern Market” is on display, as is a signed novel by Martha Grimes. Familiar names, not-so-familiar names, and former residents such as Jonathan Yardley all share shelf space. It’s a veritable who’s who of local writers that can occasionally elicit a surprised, “Gosh, I didn’t know (S)HE lived here!”
Riverby Books is at 417 East Capitol St., SE, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 202-543-4342 or www.riverbybooks.com.
Karli & Company
Former Capitol Hill mom Jan Cammarata can’t resist a homeless cat or dog. She began rescuing pets here in 1996 and shares her experiences in “Karli’s Kritters,” a new book written for her daughter and other kids who love animals. Photos of the menagerie show Howard, “a black cat with a tooth sticking out,” “Buzzy and his cross-eyed sister Zoie,” and Karli’s best friend, a dog named Simon, who “lets me put my head on him like a pillow.”
Told in Karli’s voice, the text encourages people to provide a “forever home” for an unwanted cat or dog from a shelter. It also delivers a message on opening your heart to other species: “I’m adopted too,” writes Karli. “My mom rescued me from Guatemala, but she says I was the one who really rescued her.”
Cammarata now lives in Annapolis, where she volunteers with “Maryland Votes for Animals.” She plans to help shelter dogs find homes and hopes to establish a sanctuary for abandoned pets. She also hopes that Karli will one day become a veterinarian.
“Karli’s Kritters” is available at www.karliskritters.com, at www.authorhouse.com (888-280-7715) or through online retailers.
Jewish Literary Festival
The 11th year of the Hyman S. & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival promises ten days of talks, readings, and discussions with a distinguished line-up of writers. Presented by the Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center, the festival offers not only author events, but a film (“Adam Resurrected” starring Jeff Goldblum and Willem Dafoe), crafts, bookbinding, and storytelling for children, and even a poetry slam.
The Festival kicks off on October 18 with “Literary Confessions: An Evening of Philip Roth,” a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Roth’s first book, “Goodbye, Columbus.” The evening, which is presented in partnership with Theater J, will include dramatic readings from Roth’s work.
This year’s books run the gamut from history and biography to poetry, fiction, and humor. Melvin Urofsky discusses his masterful biography, “Louis D. Brandeis: A Life,” Robin Gerber celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Barbie doll with “Barbie and Ruth,” Morris Dickstein recalls the 1930s with his “Dancing in the Dark: A Cultural History of the Great Depression,” and Binnie Kirshenbaum reads from her new novel, “The Scenic Route.” For a full roster of authors, visit the DCJCC website.
The Jewish Literary Festival runs October 18-28 at the Washington DCJCC, 1529 16th St., NW. Tickets are $10 for most events ($8 for seniors), $25/$20 for the opening night reception. Visit washingtondcjcc.org/litfest or call 202-777-3521.
A Literary Feast
Have a meal with “The Lorax,” dine with “Julie and Julia,” or sit down for a cozy supper in Lake Wobegon. Attend the fifth annual Literary Feast, an evening of book-themed parties, and you’ll not only eat well but you’ll also help support a good cause. The Capitol Hill Community Foundation, which sponsors the event, reports that proceeds this year will help support Sports on the Hill, an all-volunteer youth organization that currently gives more than 1,000 Hill kids a chance to participate in sports.
On October 24, some 30 volunteer-hosted dinners will take place simultaneously all over the Hill, after which guests and hosts will gather at Eastern Market for dessert and dancing. Guests are invited to dress to their dinner themes, and nobody knows until a few days before who is attending which “book,” making it a great way to meet new friends and neighbors. |
