Stories have the power to transport us, to inspire us, to teach us, to make us feel seen.
No matter the genre, stories allow us to experience the world, to walk in someone else’s shoes. The magic takes the form of words on the page.
As a lifelong fiction reader, I love nothing more than traveling to different places and times, all within the pages of a book, all without ever getting up off the couch. When I became a journalist, I realized that nonfiction carries this same power, albeit in a different manner.
Within these pages, you’ll find a variety of destinations. It’s almost like “choose your own adventure.” Where do you want to travel first?
Step into The Eleventh Letter Writing Gallery, where text art adorns the walls and creativity flows freely in writing workshops and other literary activities. Here, stories abound. You’ll meet owner Jocelyn Winn, whose writing journey inspired her to shepherd others along their paths.
Melodies and lyrics tell stories, too. Discover the brand new record store attached to Pembroke City Limits in downtown Suncook Village, where a vinyl revival is taking shape. You’ll find that the store complements the live music bar, with both establishments owned by locals Rob Azevedo and Eric Klesper.
Voyage to 20th-century France with author Laura Knoy, whose debut novel, “The Shopkeeper of Alsace,” illuminates one woman’s determination to keep her family safe from the dangers of World War II. Knoy shares more about her writing process and the real-life inspirations behind her historical fiction tale.
Or, explore our own internal storytelling with The Monitor Weekly, our new podcast. Hosted by news editor Rebeca Pereira and reporter Alexander Rapp, each episode brings to life our reporting projects, showcases journalist voices and takes listeners inside our process. You’ll relish the multitude of stories spotlighted and find yourself hungry for more.
No passport or suitcases necessary. Just yourself and your curiosity. Enjoy our stories, wherever they take you.
Happy reading,
Rachel Wachman