Folk Music Novelist at Riverrun
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Scott_AlarikThere’s never been a book like Scott Alarik’s Revival, according to publicist Deidre Randall, and there’s never been a book release like it, either. The first novel of folk reporter Alarik is set in Boston’s vibrant modern folk scene. Booklist calls it “a joyous celebration of folk musicians and their world.” Author Alarik will speakl at Riverrun in Portsmouth on September 30 accompanied by local musicians. (Click headline for more)

 

The Harvard Square Business Association officially named September “Revival Month in Harvard Square,” connecting the book’s release to an array of events, from a performance by Vermont’s Bread and Puppet Theater to an Urban Agricultural Fair, that exemplify the area’s unique mix of hipness and tradition, innovation and renewal.

Harvard Square has never done this for a book before, says HSBA director Denise Jillson. “When I read the novel, the connection was immediate,” she says. “All these events come together under that theme of revival. It’s a month of living traditions, bringing the community together and celebrating things we share, from community gardening to welcoming autumn with RiverSing, and Oktoberfest. It’s not about reliving the past, but reviving the best traditions and making them part of the present. And that’s what this novel is all about.”

National folk stars are already singing the novel’s praises. Songwriting legend Tom Paxton calls it “a moving story…beautifully painted,” and Americana star Mary Gauthier says it is “a beautifully told and totally beautiful love story.” Activist, author, and songwriter Si Kahn called it “a finely wrought, emotionally gripping tale, told with great humor,” and songwriter Catie Curtis said its “Characters [are] so believable you want to go hear them in concert.”

Alarik brings his Revival book tour to the RiverRun Bookstore on Friday, September 30. He wanted the event to be a music party, and was delighted when local folk favorites Susie Burke and David Surette agreed to join him. At first, Surette was surprised to be asked to perform at a book release. But after he read Revival, it made perfect sense.

“Music is such a central part of the book,” he says. “It drives the plot and the characters. It’s nice to see the folk world represented in such an intelligent, literate, and readable way. The book takes music very seriously, but not in a sentimental or sappy way. The descriptions of guitar playing and making music ring very true to me. Obviously, people who like folk music will have a special affinity for Revival, but I think it will appeal to general readers, too. As a middle-aged guy, there’s lots about the older character that resonated with me beyond the music.”

Alarik says he’s particularly excited about the RiverRun show, because the book is being published by Portsmouth’s award-winning Peter E. Randall Publisher, which is run by Deidre Randall, who is also a local songwriter and poet. They created a new imprint, Songsmith Books, to publish Revival and other books with a special appeal to music lovers.

“I thought it was crucial that the first folk music novel be published by someone who knew both the folk world and the book trade,” says Alarik. “I could not have found a better partner than Randall. Susie and David are among my favorite New England folk musicians, so I couldn’t have found better partners for this show, either.”

Visit http://www.scottalarik.com for more information, or call RiverRun Bookstore at 603-431-2100 to reserve your signed copy of Revival.

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