The Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, The Tennessee Williams Tribute, and Mississippi University for Women again join forces for the fall Table Talk series. This season’s opening presentation on Sept. 3 features author Bobby Cole whose third novel, “The Rented Mule,” was released earlier this year.
Cole’s first two novels, “The Dummy Line” and “Moon Underfoot,” struck a chord with readers who enjoyed the fast-paced action, plot twists, and the portrayal of a protagonist, Jake Crosby, who blended the virtues of a loving father and husband and a fierce and cunning protector of his family. Both these novels received enthusiastic notices from readers and reviewers alike.
“The Rented Mule,” which features a new lead character, has likewise hooked an audience interested to learn how businessman Cooper Dixon will clear his name after being set up to take the fall for his wife’s kidnapping.
“Even though it was released after ‘Moon Underfoot,’ I actually wrote ‘The Rented Mule’ in the year after I finished ‘The Dummy Line,'” said Cole Wednesday. “It actually was promoted in a wider fashion by (publishers) Thomas & Mercer than the previously released stories, and many people actually read this story first. I am really proud of it — over 1,400 reviews on amazon and it averages 4.1 stars.”
Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Cole is currently president of Mossy Oak BioLogic and lives in West Point with his wife and daughter. He is an avid gamekeeper and hunter; this passion served him well in “The Dummy Line” as numerous reviewers praised his skillful use of “woodsmanship” and hunting expertise. In addition to working at Mossy Oak and writing in his free time, Cole is strong supporter of the Catch-A-Dream Foundation, a program for terminally-ill children.
In an interview with Nancy Jacobs of “Mississippi Writers and Musicians,” Cole noted that “Mississippians love to read, love stories, and are incredibly supportive of anyone who is trying to write.”
“A visit by Bobby Cole to our Table Talk series is long overdue,” said Friends member Jo Shumake. “We look forward to hearing him read from his novels and talk with him about his creative process.”
Cole remarked, “I’m excited to be in Columbus and talk books with people that enjoy reading. Several stories, especially ‘Moon Underfoot,’ have had Columbus and the surrounding areas weaved through them.”
Table Talks will be presented on Wednesdays in September at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for those wishing to bring their lunch and socialize before the program begins at noon. The Friends will serve iced tea.
Also in September
Join the Friends for these other events during the month ahead.
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