VERO BEACH — Dolphins and sea turtles are among the Treasure Coast’s best-loved “residents” and “visitors,” and best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe shares the community’s affection for these wonderful creatures. In fact, they’re the centerpiece of many of her novels.
Monroe will discuss her books including the latest volume of the dolphin-themed Lowcountry Summer Trilogy, at the annual Book Author Luncheon sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) on Feb. 21 at Bent Pine Golf Club in Vero Beach.
She will sign books at 11 a.m., luncheon begins at 12 p.m., followed by Monroe’s talk. The event is open to the public; cost is $50 per person and reservation deadline is Feb. 16. Make reservations online at www.verobeach-fl.aauw.net/bal.
Monroe is known for her intimate portrayals of women’s lives and keen eye to setting. She brings to life the many colorful people and compelling story layers of her home city, Charleston, and the beaches of the South Carolina Lowcountry. An active environmentalist, Monroe draws themes for her novels from nature and the parallels with human nature, thus drawing attention to various endangered species and the human connection to the natural world. She is involved with several environmental groups and is on the board of the South Carolina Aquarium, the Leatherback Trust, and Charleston Volunteers for Literacy. Her volunteer work with these and other groups provided the inspiration for several of her novels.
The Lowcountry Summer trilogy is set against the backdrop of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The first book, The Summer Girls, introduces the complex relationships between three sisters of the Muir family at Sea Breeze, their historic home on Sullivan’s Island, S.C. The second, The Summer Wind, was released last year, and the third, The Summer’s End will be out this summer.
Monroe’s books have achieved several best seller lists including the New York Times, SIBA, and USA Today. She has served on the faculty of numerous writer’s conferences and retreats and is a frequent speaker. She serves on the board of the South Carolina Aquarium, the Leatherback Trust, and the Charleston Volunteers for Literacy. Her first children’s book received several awards, including the ASPCA Henry Bergh award. In 2008 Monroe was awarded the prestigious SC Center for the Book Award for Fiction.
This is the AAUW’s 33rd annual Book Author Scholarship Fundraiser, and all proceeds will support scholarships, grants and programs for women and girls in Indian River County. The Vero Beach branch of AAUW has awarded tuition scholarships to women at Indian River State College each year since 1971. To make your reservation, visit the AAUW website, www.verobeach-fl.aauw.net/bal. Contact Paula Herbert (772) 226-5380 or Linda Clerch (772) 564-9297 for more information.