THE WASHASHORE
Marshall Highet and Bird Jones
In their latest historical novel, Marshall Highet, MA English ’07 and Bird Jones have set their story on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, during Prohibition. It is 1929 and Emily, a Midwest teen, has come to live with her Aunt Isabel after her mother’s death. Attempting to adjust to the close-knit, insular community doesn’t come easily, but when a friend of Isabel’s dies at sea, Isabel is convinced it is murder and enlists Emily’s help. Once again, Highet and Jones have created a realistic setting and plot, with the illegal liquor trade involving rumrunners thoroughly researched and integrated into their tale. With descriptive, immersive prose, they capture the coastal sense of place and portray the tension that arises between natives and newcomers. During her journey, Emily begins to understand how to adapt to her new environment and overcome the resistance of the local people on her way to self-discovery and transformation.
NOAH KAHAN: OUT OF BODY
Asher Brown, Coproducer; Matteo Moretti, Camera Operator
Matteo Moretti ’21 and Asher Brown ’19.5 are no strangers to cinema. Moretti is a freelance filmmaker, editor, and photographer at Matteo Moretti Media. Brown is a partner with Brown Barn Studios. Not only that but he is a childhood friend of musician Noah Kahan. So when the chance came to produce a documentary about Kahan, Brown played an instrumental role. Kahan’s rapid rise to stardom may seem magical but it’s anything but. The documentary explores his internal world as he grapples with anxiety, depression, and the surreal nature of becoming a widely celebrated artist almost overnight. Music is the narrative backbone of the story, and the filming is shot intimately and close up as Kahan performs, showing his facial expressions and vulnerability, revealing how disparate are the public views of a celebrity and his true inner emotions. As Kahan returns to Vermont to connect with his roots and family, he will make you laugh and make you cry as you come to know him beyond his music.
HUNTER’S HEART RIDGE
Sarah Stewart Taylor
In the second book of her Bethany, Vermont, mystery series, Sarah Stewart Taylor ’93 has yet again created a suspenseful crime story involving Frank Warren, a detective who has moved to Bethany after a traumatic personal experience and works for the Vermont State Police. The story takes place during deer season in November 1965, and what seems to be an accidental shooting has taken place at a local exclusive men’s hunting and fishing club for congressmen, diplomats, judges, and titans of industry. Warren is called to investigate and soon suspects that the powerful men ensconced at the club may have intertwined secrets and possible murder motives. Strongly drawn characters and a vivid setting add to the compelling and complex plot. Taylor’s talent for unraveling a mystery with tension and atmosphere evokes a satisfying conclusion that resonates not only intellectually but emotionally.
THE MOTIVATED SPEAKER
Ruth Milligan, Acacia Duncan, Blythe Coons
From the professional experiences of three communication coaches comes The Motivated Speaker: Six Principles to Unlock Your Communication Potential by Ruth Milligan, Acacia Duncan, and Blythe Coons, MA English ’07. Using the expertise they have gained over the years, the authors have put together a practical and empowering guide designed to help individuals become more confident and effective communicators. Blending storytelling, strategy, and advice, the book offers a clear step-by-step development program for speakers that emphasizes keeping a genuine voice, creating confidence through preparation and practice, knowing their audience, and speaking with intention. Easily digestible, this book is a motivational tool that allows the reader to apply lessons immediately and work toward an authentic, impressive public speaking style.
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