By Jennifer Tronson for the Shelby Promoter
Shelby High School alumnus and world renowned author James Grady's latest book, "The Smoke In Our Eyes," is receiving rave review and has garnered the attention of many, including members of the podcast, Chatter on Books. Chatter on Books is a group of individuals who discuss best sellers, interview the authors and discuss different matters, big and small. The group is a huge supporter of independent bookstores and local libraries, at times offering the authors they interview grant money to be given to one of their choosing. Not only will Grady be featured on their podcast scheduled to air on the morning of March 26, but he was also offered a $750 grant to be given to whatever bookstore or library he chose. Never one to forget his hometown, Grady stated without hesitation that he would like that money to go to his hometown library, the Toole County Library in Shelby, Montana.
"The Group got a hold of me, and I'm scheduled to do a Zoom on Monday, March 25, with them," said Grady. "They asked the authors being interviewed in March to pick a bookstore, library, or shop, to receive a no-strings grant of $750. Yup, seven hundred and fifty dollars! I told them I pick the Toole County Library in my hometown."
Local historian and photographer, Dean Hellinger, was contacted to take a few photos of the library and the local librarians to send on to Chatter on Books, to personalize things a bit. Head librarian, Heidi Alford, was surprised and thrilled to hear about this great donation and expressed her gratefulness to Grady.
"James Grady has always been a supporter of the Toole County Library," said Alford. "I think this stems from the fact his mother, Donna Grady, worked here for 16 years. And the man loves books, loves resource sharing and truly believes any library is the heart of the community."
The donation is much appreciated, as it will help with purchasing new books and updating equipment, helping to cover expenses that exceed the budget.
"James is in-tune to small, rural libraries and the challenges they face to provide new books, new computers and new databases," said Alford. "The gift of this grant will support our goal to do just that! We are grateful to Chatter on Books and to James for picking his hometown library!"
Chatter on Books will tape "live" with Grady on Monday, March 25, via Zoom, and the show ill be posted by mid-morning on March 26. The group tapes live so they can all see one another, but the podcast itself is audio only.
"Chatter on Books is a cross between 'Wait, wait, don't tell me!' and "PTI" with books and sometimes drinks thrown in," said Chatter on Books member Torie Clarke. "We debate best sellers, interview fantastic authors and pontificate about matters large and small. We fiercely favor independent bookstores and local libraries. 'Going local' let's us chat up authors' favorite haunts and contribute to a good cause."
Although it has been many years since Grady left Montana and his small hometown to become an accomplished author, his small-town roots have not been severed, but have grown and continue to be an influence his life and writing. Congratulations on your success, James, and thank you for sharing it with us!
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