RUTLAND—Phoenix Books and Chris Bohjalian are teaming up to raise some holiday cheer for Spectrum Youth and Family Services. For every copy of Bohjalian’s upcoming novel “The Guest Room” that customers preorder now through Dec. 24, $5 will be donated to Spectrum. The first 300 books preordered will also be signed and personalized by Bohjalian in time for the release of “The Guest Room” on Jan. 5, 2016. Fans are encouraged to keep in mind that only 300 copies will be available for this opportunity to have them autographed and personalized.
“This program is the epitome of what makes Vermont so special: A local, homegrown talent supporting his community, working in partnership with a locally owned bookstore, to raise needed funds for one of the most important social service organizations in Vermont,” says Phoenix Books owner Mike DeSanto. “I am so happy to work with Chris Bohjalian and our fantastic booksellers along with the wonderful staff at Spectrum Youth and Family Services to do what we can to support Spectrum. May the gift giving begin!”
Founded in 1970, Spectrum is a nationally recognized leader in helping youth ages 14-26 and their families turn their lives around. Each year, the organization provides 2,000 teenagers and young adults with basic needs and shelter, coaching and mentoring on life skills, and mental health and substance abuse counseling. “We’re so grateful that Chris wanted to help the teens and young adults we serve this way. There is no question he is a masterful writer who knows how to keep a reader hooked from the first page to the last. But as far and wide as he travels, he is always reaching out to help his community back home any way he can. We appreciate it so much,” says Mark Redmond, Spectrum’s executive director.
“It has never been easy to be a teenager,” adds Bohjalian, “but these days it might be tougher than ever. That’s why I support Spectrum. Over the years, I have met—and written about—so many teens whose lives were changed by the group. Spectrum sees the promise in our kids and gives them a future.”
Bohjalian is the author of eighteen books, including “Close Your Eyes,” “Hold Hands,” “The Sandcastle Girls,” “Skeletons at the Feast,” “The Double Bind,” and “Midwives.” His novel “Midwives” was a number one New York Times bestseller and a selection of Oprah’s Book Club. His work has been translated into more than thirty languages, and three of his novels have become movies (“Secrets of Eden,” “Midwives,” and “Past the Bleachers”). He lives in Vermont with his wife and daughter.
All three Phoenix Books locations—Burlington, Essex, and Rutland—will be taking part in the fundraiser. Phoenix Books Rutland is located at 2 Center Street, Rutland.
