TWO RIVERS – Fresh Water Press will mark the release of “Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella” with two public events May 21, including an afternoon nostalgia program in Manitowoc and an evening story slam in Two Rivers.
Wisconsin book launch brings bicentennial-era memories to Manitowoc County
The publisher will host a nostalgia presentation from 2 to 3 p.m. May 21 at the Manitowoc County Historical Society, 924 Pinecrest Road, Manitowoc.
Author Julie A. Jacob plans to share artifacts from her personal collection, read from the book and sign copies.
Story slam in Two Rivers invites readers to share their 1976 Independence Day stories
The evening event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. May 21 at Uncorked Book Lounge, a new bookstore in downtown Two Rivers at 1610 Washington St.
Attendees can mingle with Jacob and other readers; books and beverages will be available for purchase, including a signature “Stars & Stories Sangria” and nonalcoholic options.
Fresh Water Press co-owner Tara Huck and Uncorked Book Lounge owner Carrie Paczkowski, cousins who were born during the bicentennial year, helped shape the red-white-and-blue theme, the publisher said.
About ‘Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella’
Set entirely on July 3, 1976, the novella follows a family in the fictional lakeshore community of Middleport as bicentennial preparations stir questions of loyalty, longing and what independence costs across generations.
As the day unfolds, Grandma Kitty searches for adventure while young Skylar looks for a first taste of love. Each character, the publisher said, is chasing a measure of freedom against the backdrop of a changing country.
Fresh Water Press described the book as a slice-of-life story rich with period details that may appeal to readers who enjoy small-town American storytelling.
Julie A. Jacob, Wisconsin writer, releases first novel
Jacob is a communications professional and freelance writer with a master’s degree in creative writing from Roosevelt University. Her essays and creative nonfiction have appeared in “Midwest Prairie Review,” “On Wisconsin,” “Open and Under the Sun,” among other publications. She lives in southeastern Wisconsin.
Fresh Water Press spotlights writers from Wisconsin’s northeastern lakeshore
Founded in 2024, Fresh Water Press publishes books by writers who live in or write about Wisconsin’s northeastern lakeshore. The press works across genres and aims to elevate underrepresented authors and distinctive voices. Learn more at https://freshwaterpressllc.com/.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Fresh Water Press plans Manitowoc and Two Rivers book events May 21
Reporting by Brandon Reid, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
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