Move Over, Kerouac: Check Out These New Works from Lowell Authors
Lowell has inspired many famous writers, from wanderer Jack Kerouac and poet Lucy Larcom to the famous gothic Edgar Allen Poe. Today, Lowell continues to influence modern authors to write new works about life, history, and the human experience. Check out these four brand-new releases from Lowell writers that continue the city’s rich literary tradition while adding a new, modern spin.
Steven O’Connor- This is No Time to Quit Drinking: Teacher Burnout and the Irish Powers
Steven O’Connor is an English teacher at Greater Lowell Technical High School, and is inspired to write both by Lowell and his Irish heritage. He has published an astonishing 14 short stories and two full-length novels, and is known for his rich description and knowledge of Lowell. Inspired after hearing that the comic novel is “dead,” O’Connor’s newest release and third novel, This is No Time to Quit Drinking: Teacher Burnout and the Irish Powers, is a comic novel about a teacher whose life is plagued with problems (a banshee hunter, a haunted house, and a hit man to name a few). This new page-turner is the perfect book to read on a stormy night with a cup of tea handy, and is a unique, refreshing book for both the newcomers to the genre as well as the seasoned veterans.
T.R. Monaghan- Sweet, Sweet Jayne
T.R. Monaghan grew up in Lowell, so her first novel is set there during the 1970’s. Partly inspired by her memories and the city itself, Sweet, Sweet Jayne is about a young girl from a troubled family. When Jayne is hired to be a runner for a prominent gang, she quickly becomes entangled in Lowell’s underworld, but her new life is threatened by a crooked FBI agent looking to crack down on crime. Monaghan’s fictional work is inspired by real events in Lowell during the ‘70’s, drawing from research she conducted at the Pollard Memorial Library and an interview she conducted with a friend who was a rookie police officer in Lowell during that time. Her book is currently available on Amazon, and she’s already excited to begin working on her second novel about Lowell.
A.G Reidy: dinkweed
Also set in Lowell during the 1970’s, dinkweed explores the lives of three brothers growing up in a hardscrabble part of the city. Through a collection of short stories, we follow older brother Gary’s trials of love, status, and self-image all while guiding his younger siblings through lives of their own. It’s a nostalgic look at coming-of-age in a Lowell that is very different from the present, and touches on themes of self-discovery and growing up. Author A.G Reidy also grew up in Lowell, and was inspired to publish her first collection of short stories partly by her own experiences of perseverance and growing up in the city.
Richard P. Howe Jr. and Robert Casper: Community and Country: Greater Lowell Veterans Council 1919-2019
Written and compiled by former Greater Lowell Veterans Council Commander Robert Casper and Greater Lowell Veterans Council Historian Richard P. Howe Jr., this new book is a history of all veterans' organizations in Lowell, past and present.
Throughout 100+ years of existence, over 30 organizations have held membership in the Greater Lowell Veteran’s Council. This book illuminates the important work done by these organizations with photos and detailed descriptions of monuments, groups, and people who have contributed to the rich history of Lowell’s veteran population. History lovers and native Lowellians will learn something new not only about the Lowell Memorial Auditorium and other veterans monuments throughout the city, but also more about Lowell’s unique history and its long-standing support of community and country.
Whether you’re into crime, comedy, or history, new authors from all over Lowell always have something to offer. For more Lowell writers and new works, including poetry, Richard P. Howe has a great list of recent releases: http://richardhowe.com/city-resources/
October - Literature, Art, Science and Cultural Happenings
This month the spirit of Halloween festivities radiates through the air and various historical observations start coming to our attention. Culture also courses through the city as anniversaries and receptions celebrate the arts and the community. Enjoy events highlighting history and celebrating arts and culture in October. Here's a sample of the events you can find on our calendar!
Reception for Vast! Mad! Striving! Exhibit
This exhibit, part of Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Festival, opens on October 6th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lowell Telecommunications Corporation. It presents the work of artists in various media through the perspective of Jack Kerouac. Attendees will experience Lowell as it is today while embodying the soul of the city. Live music, poetry, art and refreshments will also be offered.
Photo by John Suiter
Ghosts of the Pawtucketville Night Kerouac Tour
Part of Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Festival, on October 8th, take an evening walk led by Roger Brunelle through the streets of the Pawtucketville neighborhood where Jack Kerouac spent his adolescence. The walk begins at 6 p.m. at Cumnock Hall in UML’s North Campus. Participate in readings from Kerouac’s talk-writings at the cottages and tenements where he lived and attended school. For the end of the tour, walk to Ste Jeanne d’Arc Church where Kerouac saw a vision of the BEAT-ific Generation.
EVOLUTION Artist Reception
Sophy Tuttle’s evolution work will be showcased on October 14th from 7 to 9 p.m. at Gallery Z. Tuttle is a fine artist, illustrator and muralist based in Boston. Join her in sharing her experiences and love for the natural world at this reception. Enjoy light refreshments and the beer and wine cash bar as view her work.
For more information, visit Gallery Z’s Facebook.
Lowell Reads: Harvard Observatory Photographic Plates Presentation
Join staff from the Harvard College Observatory as they talk about their experience with photographic plates on October 21st at 1 p.m. at the Pollard Memorial Library. Listen to the staff recount their digitization and transcription project with the Smithsonian. Attendees will receive a special discount code for tickets to the Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s production of Silent Sky.
More information available here.
Photo courtesy of the African Community Center of Lowell
African Community Center of Lowell – 1st Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the accomplishments of the African Community Center of Lowell’s first year of operation with the Anniversary Celebration on October 29th from 3 to 6 p.m. at Eliot Church. Experience African and American cuisine and enjoy non-alcoholic beverages. Listen to guest speaker Sarah Dryden-Peterson’s talk and learn more about the African community and culture.