Roswell Reads Announces ‘The Stolen Lady’ is 2022 Book Selection

Roswell Reads has selected “The Stolen Lady: A Novel of World War II and the Mona Lisa” by Laura Morelli for its 17th annual citywide book selection. Morelli is an art historian and an award-winning USA Today bestselling historical novelist. “The Stolen Lady” is her latest novel, based on the true story behind the biggest museum evacuation in history: the Louvre’s efforts to keep the Mona Lisa and the rest of the Louvre’s collection out of Nazi hands.

Four events are planned to celebrate the selection throughout January: A pair of virtual book discussions on Jan. 11; a virtual author presentation Jan. 29, “Roswell Reads 2022: The Mystique and Mystery of The Mona Lisa;” a virtual writing workshop led by Morelli Jan. 31; and a family program with an art project for children. All events are free but registration for each is required.

Virtual Book Discussions

Prior to the virtual author presentation, Roswell Reads will offer two virtual book discussions Tuesday, Jan. 11. These are live events via a Zoom link structured to replicate in-person conversations about “The Stolen Lady” as much as possible. Morelli will not be part of these book discussions, but all participants will have an opportunity to speak. Also, Morelli is offering something special to everyone who attends: A free online seminar called “Secrets of the Mona Lisa,” which she is offering at no cost to book discussion participants only. Register by emailing your name, city and preferred time (2 p.m. or 7 p.m.) to roswellreadsbookdiscussions@gmail.com.

Virtual Author Presentation

“Roswell Reads 2022: The Mystique and Mystery of The Mona Lisa” will be virtual and presented online Saturday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. Registrants will receive a link to view Morelli discussing “The Stolen Lady” and sharing many images and details that bring the dual-time-frame historical novel to life. The author also chats about her childhood memories of visiting her Roswell family and answers registrants’ questions. Register at roswellreadsmorelli2022.eventbrite.com.

Virtual Writing Workshop

Morelli will lead the virtual Roswell Reads 2022 Writing Workshop Monday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m. The bestselling author, whose mission is to educate, entertain and inspire readers with stories of art history, both real and imagined, has taught college students across the U.S. and in Italy, and has produced art history lessons for TED-Ed. She now teaches exclusively online in her Art History Academy. Morelli has written for National Geographic Traveler, Italy Magazine, Departures, and other media. In the writing workshop, she discusses her transition from art historian to bestselling historical novelist, her paths to publication, her writing process and offers advice and inspiration for writers in today’s publishing landscape. Register at roswellreadswrites2022.eventbrite.com

Family Program

Roswell Reads’ annual family book selection is “Who Stole Mona Lisa?” by Ruthie Knapp and illustrated by Jill McElmurry. The children’s book reflects the theme of this year’s selection, as does an art project distributed through Roswell’s libraries and available for download online. Narrated by Mona Lisa herself and brought to life with illustrations that take the reader from da Vinci’s Renaissance right up to the present day, “Who Stole Mona Lisa?” is a stylishly whimsical biography of the most recognized painting of all time. Families can pick up their free Mona Lisa art project kit at both the Roswell and East Roswell libraries beginning Monday, Jan. 10. The kit and other fun activities and resources can also be downloaded at RoswellReads.com.

Since its beginnings in 2005, Roswell Reads has promoted the value of reading, literacy, and lifelong learning through the shared community-wide experience of reading and discussing a common book. Readers are able to collectively examine relevant issues, establish bonds, and forge a better understanding of their community and society.

For details on these Roswell Reads programs and registration information, go to roswellreads.com. Roswell Reads is an organization of the Friends of the Roswell Library (FORL). To learn more about FORL and its other programs – Atlanta Authors, Mystery Book Club, and Noonday Nosh - visit www.FORL.net.

2022 Roswell Reads Schedule

All programs are free, but registration is required.

Jan. 11: Virtual Book Discussion, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Registration: RoswellReadsBookDiscussions@gmail.com

Jan. 29: Virtual Author Presentation: “Roswell Reads 2022: The Mystique and Mystery of The Mona Lisa” by Laura Morelli

Registration: roswellreadsmorelli2022.eventbrite.com

The presentation will be available online beginning at 2 p.m.

Jan. 31: Virtual Writing Workshop with Laura Morelli

Registration: roswellreadswrites2022.eventbrite.com

The presentation will be available online beginning at 2 p.m.

Jan. 10: The Roswell Reads Family Program

Art project kits related to “Who Stole Mona Lisa?” written by Ruthie Knapp and Illustrated by Jill McElmurry,” will be available at both the Roswell and East Roswell libraries. The kit and other fun activities and resources can also be downloaded at RoswellReads.com.