News Summary
Mary Ann Lindley’s upcoming book, ‘Fragments: Then & Now’, will be released in 2025, featuring her columns from The Tallahassee Democrat complemented by contemporary reflections. The book portrays various themes through a personal lens, illustrating her insights gained over three decades in journalism. An official launch event is planned, along with additional readings and discussions.
Tallahassee is set to welcome a new literary addition in 2025 with the release of Mary Ann Lindley’s book, “Fragments: Then & Now.” Published by Apalachee Press, the book features a vibrant cover resembling a coffee table book but delves much deeper into journalistic insight and personal reflection culled from Lindley’s three decades as a columnist and editorial page editor for The Tallahassee Democrat.
Lindley, who grew up in rural Missouri, moved to Florida in search of adventure and eventually made Tallahassee her home, apart from a brief stint in Miami. Identifying herself as a member of the “clan of tossers,” she retains a tendency not to keep everything, yet thoughtfully saved her columns during her time at The Tallahassee Democrat. Following her journalism career, Lindley served eight years on the Leon County Commission before embarking on the journey of writing this book.
“Fragments: Then & Now” is meticulously organized into eight thematic sections. Each section comprises Lindley’s columns arranged chronologically, complemented by contemporary reflections titled “And Now.” Notably, some columns transcend singular thematic divisions, showcasing the author’s extensive range of insights. This structure not only reflects Lindley’s breadth but also allows readers to engage with multiple themes across the book.
The book addresses complex time transitions between past and present, which may present challenges for readers seeking clarity in narrative flow. Additionally, the absence of a subject index may hinder those looking to locate specific topics of interest. However, every section is rich with content marked by Lindley’s observations alongside quotes from writers she admires, enriching the overall reading experience.
In the initial section, Lindley reflects on her father’s experiences as a farmer contending with the unpredictability of weather, showcasing her ability to connect personal history with broader themes. Furthermore, she dives into the pitfalls of holiday traditions, advocating for simplification of expectations during these times. Her enduring passion for journalism resonates throughout the book, especially amid the continuous evolutions within the profession.
Within the “And Now” section, she elaborates on the birth of Zing!, an initiative designed to prompt readers to submit their viewpoints on various topics. Lindley also comments on the societal responsibility of discerning credible information, providing humorous critiques of media consumption habits. Additionally, her section concerning Florida serves as a compelling portrayal of the state’s inherent contradictions, juxtaposing its beauty against a backdrop of greed and political upheaval.
A significant moment in her writing captures Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris during a pivotal political juncture, underlining Lindley’s keen observational skills. Through her narrative, Lindley exhibits profound self-awareness, demonstrating the grace to acknowledge past misjudgments and emphasizing essential values like kindness, honesty, nurturing, and forgiveness as guiding principles for life.
“Fragments: Then & Now” aims to offer an engaging and insightful reflection through Lindley’s lens, inviting readers to revisit its contents multiple times. The official book launch is scheduled for October 4, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Midtown Reader in Tallahassee. Following the launch, there will be additional readings and events throughout October and November, featuring conversations about the book and opportunities for meet-and-greet/signing sessions.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Democrat: Mary Ann Lindley Mines Past
- Wikipedia: Mary Ann Lindley
- Tallahassee Democrat: Mary Ann Lindley New Book
- Google Search: Mary Ann Lindley Tallahassee
- Tallahassee Democrat: Friends Mourn John Newton
- Google Scholar: Mary Ann Lindley
- Tallahassee Democrat: The Fraternity of the Cold
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mary Ann Lindley
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
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