Author Beth Malow and poet April Ossmann will be at Rochester Library on Saturday, July 11 to talk about their books: Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times co-authored by Beth, a neurology physician and researcher living in Vermont, Dr Doug Teschner, mentor, trainer, and coach, and Becky Robinson, founding CEO of Weaving Influence, a digital marketing agency that specializes in supporting authors. April’s most recent volume of poetry, WE, touches on themes similar to those in Malow’s book
Beth summarizes the book in these words: “In a climate of widespread contempt and even hatred for people who disagree politically, we can each make important contributions to better our lives, our relationships, and our country. We can stand up for what we believe while also building bridges across the political divide. While many fear for our nation’s future, there are practical steps we can each take to build hope for a better America.”
April’s latest work, WE (2025) takes “an unapologetically spiritual stance in bridging politicized divides with lyricism, warmth, and self-implicating humor, examining how we are shaped by and create our nation through our perceptions. The poems investigate what unites us, how to heal our families, friendships, and country of incivility and villainization by practicing greater compassion” (from the book jacket).
April is a recipient of a Vermont Arts Council Creation Grant and a Vermont Book Award finalist. She has published her poems widely, and is an independent editor at www.aprilossmann.com. She has taught at the low-residency MFA in Creative Writing Program at Sierra Nevada College, and was executive director of Alice James Books from 2000 – 2008. April lives in White River Junction, VT.
Beth has a passion for making science communication more effective and accessible, as well as for promoting critical thinking. She has given a TEDx talk on this, and has appeared on NPR 1A, PBS Newshour, and other news outlets. As a science and health writer and speaker, Beth is also engaged in civil discourse, and has experience in communicating with those who hold differing views. She has served as a workshop and debate leader for Braver Angels, a national non-profit volunteer-driven bipartisan organization focused on bridging partisan divides.
Please join us in welcoming both authors, for a morning of thoughtful discussion and unexpected pairings, as we listen to poetry alongside the work of overcoming disagreement and division.
Both writers will have books available for purchase.
Saturday, July 11, at 10 AM, upstairs at the library.
