Elizabeth Gonzalez James to discuss debut novel July 6
Elizabeth Gonzalez James will join a live, online discussion about her new novel “Mona at Sea” at 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 6, hosted by the Lewes Public Library and Browseabout Books.
“Mona at Sea” is a sharp and witty debut novel that follows the journey of Mona Mireles, who despite her potential and top-of-her-class college degree, finds herself unemployed, living with her parents, and adrift in life and love in the midst of the 2008 economic crisis. Mona faces unemployment, underemployment, the complexities of adult relationships and the downward spiral of her parents’ disintegrating marriage. The more Mona craves perfection and order, the more she is forced to see that they are never attainable. Her struggle presents the question: When we find what gives our life meaning, will we be ready for it?
Gonzalez James will be joined in conversation by Suzanne Simonetti, author of “The Sound of Wings.”
“Mona at Sea” is Elizabeth Gonzalez James’ first novel. Before becoming a writer, she was a waitress, a pollster, an Avon lady, and an opera singer. Her short story, “Cosmic Blues,” was a finalist for Glimmer Train’s Short Story Award for New Writers, and her stories and essays have received multiple Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net nominations.
The discussion is free to the public, and registration for the Zoom-based event is required. To sign up, go to lewes.lib.de.us and visit the Virtual Programs for Adults page.
Participants also are encouraged to support the author by purchasing a copy of the book from local independent bookstore Browseabout Books. Each copy purchased comes with an archival bookplate signed by the author. Orders may be placed online at browseaboutbooks.com, by calling the store at 302-226-2665, or in person at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.