Audio By Carbonatix
It’s been thirty years since book-loving siblings Tom and Marilyn Auer put out the first edition of The Bloomsbury Review, a homegrown journal that’s gained national recognition over the years for doing what other national journals didn’t: Writing about mid-list literary treasures that were under-promoted and often overlooked by the mainstream press. Along the way, they kicked off the careers of writers like Sherman Alexie and Greg Mortenson, and despite hard times that included the untimely death of Tom Auer in 2003, the affectionately nicknamed “Blooms” perseveres.
“Blooms is an institution,” says longtime volunteer and book-biz veteran Dave Perkins. “To be able to keep a literary magazine alive for thirty years here when only 5 percent of the nation even buys books is an accomplishment, but it’s primarily been a labor of love. We cover books that nobody else covers. That’s what we focus on: If it’s a really good book and it deserves attention, we give it.”
But since a little help never hurts, Blooms will host a Silent Auction and Literary Fête tonight that’s part fundraiser, part anniversary celebration and all fun, with several signed first editions from Alexie and other Bloomsbury friends (plus many other choice items) for auction, good eats, local authors in attendance and acoustic tunes by Eileen Niehouse. The party starts at 6 p.m. at the Washington Street Community Center, 809 South Washington Street. Tickets are $10; visit www.bloomsburyreview.com or call 303-455-3123 for information.
Sat., May 22, 6-9 p.m., 2010
