WHAT IS ROMEO READS?

Read ~ Attend ~ Connect

Romeo Reads is…
An invitation to all Romeo, Washington & Bruce Township residents to
– collectively read a specially selected book and to
– attend free events connected to its content.

We wish to:
• promote literacy
• foster an appreciation of books and reading
• provide a forum to connect and
• enhance civic unity through literature.

This is our FIFTH year of Romeo Reads. We hope you’ll join in.
This year we are reading The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki.

What is The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post about?
Growing up in the modest farmlands of Battle Creek, Michigan, Marjorie Merriweather Post was inspired by a few simple rules:
• always think for yourself
• never take success for granted, and
• work hard—even when deemed American royalty, even while covered in imperial diamonds.

Marjorie had an insatiable drive to live and love, and to give more than she got. From crawling through Moscow warehouses to rescue the Tsar’s treasures to outrunning the Nazis in London, from serving the homeless of the Great Depression to entertaining Roosevelts, Kennedys and Hollywood’s biggest stars, Marjorie lived an epic life few could imagine.

Her journey began gluing cereal boxes in her father’s barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that C.W. Post’s Cereal Company would grow into the General Foods empire and reshape the American way of life, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother and hostess, Marjorie dared to demand more—and made history in the process. Before turning 30 she amassed millions, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States. But it was her life-force, advocacy, passion and adventurous spirit that led to her stunning legacy.

And yet Marjorie’s story, though full of beauty and grandeur, set in the palatial homes she built such as Mar-a-Lago, was equally marked by challenge and tumult. A wife four times over, Marjorie sought her happily-ever-after with the blue-blooded party boy who could not outrun his demons, the charismatic financier whose charm turned to betrayal, the international diplomat with a dark side, and the bon vivant whose shocking secrets would shake Marjorie and all of society. Marjorie did everything on a grand scale, especially when it came to love.

Bestselling and acclaimed author Allison Pataki has crafted an intimate portrait of a larger-than-life woman, a powerful story of one woman falling in love with her own voice and embracing her own power while shaping history in the process.

Read and experience with us
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
for Romeo Reads 2025.

Who is the author?
Allison Pataki is the New York Times bestselling author of:
• Finding Margaret Fuller: a novel
• The Queen’s Fortune: a novel of Desiree, Napoleon, and the Dynasty that Outlasted the Empire
• Where the Light Falls : a novel of the French Revolution
• Sisi : Empress on Her Own: a novel
• The Accidental Empress: a novel
• The Traitor’s Wife: the Woman Behind Benedict Arnold and the Plan to Betray America
• Beauty in the broken places: a memoir of love, faith, and resilience
• and two children’s books: NELLY TAKES NEW YORK and POPPY TAKES PARIS.

Her novels have been translated into 20 languages. A former news writer and producer, Pataki has written for The New York Times, ABC News, The Huffington Post, USA Today, Fox News and other outlets.
She graduated Cum Laude from Yale University with a major in English and spent several years in journalism before switching to fiction writing. A member of The Historical Novel Society, she lives in New York with her husband and family.
What do others think of the book?
“…a compelling, fast paced historical novel that touches on changing social movements, politics, business, and gender roles throughout the 20th century…”

“It was stunning to read about the opulence of her life—the luxuries, the heartbreaks, the heroism. She was truly a woman of great honor, confidence, and heart. A wonderful book that really transported me through her years as if I was living it alongside her.”

“In the author’s note Pataki mentions some of the places she visited during her research, and ends with a suggested list of books for further reading about Marjorie Post.”

How do I get the book?
Purchase a signed copy of Allison Pataki’s book for $15.00 at the circulation desk of either branch, payable by cash or personal check, while supplies last.
Or, place a hold for a copy of the book through our library lending system.
Overdrive offers the title as an e-audiobook.
Enjoy your read!
Read The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post on your own, or meet with a group. We encourage readers to connect for book discussions.
Join our Facebook Group (Romeo District Library Group) to discover other readers, and for Romeo Reads ‘DID YOU KNOW’ tidbits!

THE EVENTS
1. Thursday, February 20, 2025, 6:00 pm
The Opulent Collections of Marjorie Post
Marjorie Post may be best known for growing General Foods and her wide-reaching philanthropy, but she is also know for her exquisite taste in luxury. Her collections include porcelain dining wear to lavish jewelry and fine art to high couture.

RDL Kezar Branch Manager Stacie Guzzo highlights some of the “glitz and glamour” of the Post empire.

Signed copies of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post are available for purchase at both branches for $15.00 while supplies last.

2. Thursday, March 6, 2025, 6:00 pm
Fabergé-esque Egg Craft
Marjorie Post obtained many pieces of art from around the world when in Russia, and she loved showing off her Fabergé Egg collection. Now you can craft your own beautiful masterpiece. Registration is required and limited to 20 spots.

3. Thursday, March 20, 2025, 6:00 pm
Clean Eating with Chef Fran
C. W. Post wanted to put his customers on “the road to Wellville.” Using the philosophy of clean eating, our favorite local chef, Fran from Pamela’s Catering, shares new recipes that even Post would be proud to put on his table! Registration is required and limited to 30 spots.

4. Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6:00 pm
Book Discussion with Librarian Stacie Guzzo
Read this magnificent history of fame and fortune, then join in the discussion before the author visits in a couple of weeks! If you do not get a chance to read it before the discussion meets, come anyway! We foster a no-pressure and lively good time!
Signed copies of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post are available for purchase at both branches for $15.00 while supplies last.

Thursday, April 24, 2025, 7:00 pm
Virtual Author Visit with Allison Pataki
The event all Romeo Readers have been waiting for!
This year’s Romeo Reads finale welcomes celebrated author Allison Pataki online for discussion and audience questions. Join us at Graubner for this exciting and magnificent event!

Signed copies of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post are available for purchase at both branches for $15.00 while supplies last.

How do I register?
Register online for EACH program that interests you.
• www.rdl.org, Library Information, Calendar.
• Then navigate to each event date to register.

Or, click through the direct links on this page. Please remember to include your email address.
Need to register by phone? Have a question? Call 586-752-2583
TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
We want as many participants as possible to enjoy this awesome program! Pick up a card with all the details at both branches.

ROMEO READS 2025 is sponsored by Romeo District Library &
Friends of Romeo District Library.

June 12th 2023 – August 12th 2023

Spend this Summer reading and logging your reading times to get prizes.

We have Summer Reading Challenges for Kids, Teens and Adults.

This year the Romeo District Library is using Beanstack to keep track of your reading. Getting started with Beanstack is easy!  You can download the app to your device or visit our Beanstack page to get started.  Follow the steps to create an account for yourself and your family so you can participate in our reading challenges!

You can download the Beanstack app for your device by visiting your app store below.

Once you download the app select “At my Library, school, or bookstore” then select Find a Site and search for Romeo to select Romeo District Library.

If you have any questions or problems please reach out at ask@romeodistrictlibrary.org or give us a call at 586.752.0603

 

What is Romeo Reads?

Read Attend Connect

Romeo Reads is…

An invitation to all community residents to read a Michigan-authored book and to attend free programs connected with its content.

We wish to:

• promote literacy
• foster an appreciation of books and reading
• provide a forum to connect and
• enhance civic unity through literature.

This is our third year of Romeo Reads. We hope you’ll join in.

We are reading Call me Athena: Girl from Detroit by Colby Cedar Smith.

What’s this year’s book about?

In depression-era Detroit, the world seems like a place full of contradictions to Mary…

Promised to a much older man and told to curb her desire to own a business like her father, while courted by a boy who sees her for who she is and who she wants to be, Mary sees her future as more uncertain by the day…

By flashing back to Mary’s parents’ adolescences in WWI-era Greece and France, they… exist as people whose dreams have been blunted by trauma.

Call Me Athena[‘s]… real strength is the way it takes such different times, places, and stories and shows how commonalities like love, grief, and hope can connect a family over the course of generations.

 

Who is the author?

Colby Cedar Smith grew up in the Midwest, and she still dreams of the cold northern woods and the smell of lake water.

She holds degrees from Colorado College and Harvard University. She has been a finalist for several poetry awards and prizes, and her poems have been published in many publications.

Call Me Athena is a Library of Michigan 2022 Michigan Notable Book selection.

Colby lives with her husband and two children in Hopewell, New Jersey, and teaches creative writing at the Arts Council of Princeton. Read more of her work at www.colbycedarsmith.com.

 

What do others think of the book?

“… the author’s sense of history brings details of the different times and cultures to life… Her blank verse serves the tale well, with lines such as “Death walks the halls / naked, / without pride, asking for his mother,” to convey the youth and despair of injured young men. A strong debut written with heart and strength. —Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission

“This novel in verse captures one young woman’s struggle for independence, equality, and identity as the daughter of Greek and French immigrants in tumultuous 1930s Detroit.” —Back Cover Review

“This is an exceptional novel in verse that at times devastated me in the best way, bringing out the anguish that these characters suffered and with only such few words. I also laughed and smiled at the joyful moments… Highly recommended YA novel that will transport you to historical times in which women had to fight for every bit of freedom. —Danielle, Amazon review

 

 

RomeoReads2022_Presentation
We invite all Romeo, Washington and Bruce Twp. community members to read a selected Michigan author’s title and to attend programs associated with its content.

The Romeo Reads 2022 selection is: The Mason House: a memoir by T. Marie Bertineau. It is a Library of Michigan 2021 Michigan Notable Books selection.

ALL TOGETHER.

one book. one community. one full program. one enriching dialogue.

Program runs March 1 – April 21 and includes:

March 1: Pasty Make & Taste: A a pasty making demonstration and tasting along with lots of fun facts about Cornish history and cooking.

March 17: Memoir-writing Workshop: Hear about the memoir writing process but learn some trick and tips along the way.

March 29: ‘Gifts of Grief’ Presentation: Therapist Alicia Brown as she discusses the positive side of grief and the grieving process.

April 12: Group Book Discussion: Join us for a discussion of the book, “The Mason House: A Memoir”, with RDL librarian Stacie Guzzo.

April 21: Author Visit & Book Signing: The Mason House: a memoir author, T. Marie Bertineau, will speak about her book and the writing process. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

SCROLL DOWN TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS

Romeo District Library, with Friends of the Romeo District Library are pleased to announce its first community read program, Romeo Reads. We invite everyone in our community to participate in our NEW multi-feature program including a shared read and discussion of a selected book, as well as professional presentations on topics weaved throughout. The Romeo Reads 2021 chosen book is one of the 2020 Michigan Notable Books: “We Hope For Better Things” by Erin Bartels. Description: When journalist Elizabeth Balsam is asked to deliver a box of old photos to a relative she didn’t know she had, the strange request seems like it isn’t worth her time. But as she explores her great-aunt’s farmhouse with its locked doors and hidden graves, she soon discovers just how dramatically some of the most newsworthy events of the previous two centuries shaped her own family. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding.

To purchase a signed copy of Bartels’ book for $12, contact the circulation desk at either branch to schedule a curbside pickup or delivery. Please specify if you are purchasing a copy. When you pick up your book, provide payment in an envelope in exact change or by check to the order of Friends of the Romeo District Library. Alternatively, you can place a hold for a book, ebook or e-audiobook through our catalog or Hoopla. There are several copies available in our Co-op. Enjoy your read!

Please note: Zoom codes and instructions will be provided to program registrants prior to event dates so please include your email address in your registration information.

Click Here To Download Zoom

Register for Events

Romeo Reads: Detroit ’67: Looking Back to Move Forward

Thursday 2/11/2021 7:00pm
Joel Stone, curator at the Detroit Historical Society presentation about the Detroit Rebellion of 1967 and the 12th Street Riot. The events that took place in the summer of 1967 had a significant impact on the people of Detroit and southeast Michigan. This presentation looks at the events of 1967 in their historical context and discusses how an extensive community engagement project was developed to address this important anniversary, and includes an award-winning exhibition and publication, successful oral history project, and over 180 partner programs.
This will be a Zoom presentation. Please note: Zoom codes and instructions will be provided to program registrants prior to event dates so please include your email address in your registration information.

Romeo Reads: Zoom Book Discussion

Thursday 2/18/2021 2:00 pm
Join us in discussing the Romeo Reads 2021 chosen book, “We Hope for Better Things” by Erin Bartels.
This will be a Zoom presentation. Please note: Zoom codes and instructions will be provided to program registrants prior to event dates so please include your email address in your registration information.

Romeo Reads: Zoom Book Discussion

Tuesday 2/23/2021 7:00 pm
Join us in discussing the Romeo Reads 2021 chosen book, “We Hope for Better Things” by Erin Bartels.
This will be a Zoom presentation. Please note: Zoom codes and instructions will be provided to program registrants prior to event dates so please include your email address in your registration information.

Romeo Reads: Building Family History From Stories and Legends

Tuesday 3/9/2021 7:00 pm
De Witt S. Dykes, Associate Professor of History, Oakland University will be speaking about family stories and legends handed down over several generations undergo variations in the telling. It is the responsibility of current generations to evaluate inherited stories, discard errors, use original primary sources to verify the truth and extend the family story as much as possible. The use of online databases will be analyzed in connection with print and other sources. Genealogy forms and a list of books and databases will be available.
This will be a Zoom presentation. Please note: Zoom codes and instructions will be provided to program registrants prior to event dates so please include your email address in your registration information.

Romeo Reads: Virtual Author Visit with Erin Bartels

Thursday 3/25/2021 7:00 pm
Join us for a discussion with Romeo Reads 2021, “We Hope for Better Things” author Erin Bartels.
Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things (2020 Michigan Notable Book, 2020 WFWA Star Award–winner, 2019 Christy Award finalist), The Words between Us (2020 Christy Award finalist, 2015 WFWA Rising Star Award finalist), and All That We Carried (coming January 2021). She is a member of the Capital City Writers and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. When she’s not writing, she can be found wandering through the woods with her camera, painting in both watercolor and oil, or reading with a semi-spastic Chihuahua mix on her lap. Erin lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son, Calvin. Find her on Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor, on Twitter @ErinLBartels, or on Instagram @erinbartelswrites.
This will be a Zoom presentation. Please note: Zoom codes and instructions will be provided to program registrants prior to event dates so please include your email address in your registration information.

Saturday, July 9th 2:00-3:30 pm

Come join for us for a fun exciting afternoon playing silly games! You will get one minute to accomplish weird tasks! For grades 5-8. No need to register.

 

Saturday June 11th from 2-4 pm
We’re having a carnival to usher in summer reading. There will be sno-cones, music, an obstacle course for all ages and much more. Enjoy the day and sign up for summer reading!
To sign up for summer reading from home, log into http://romeodistrictlibrary.readsquared.com after June 11. You can register as a family or an individual. Come back to log in minutes (or books for the pre-school crowd.) Play games on the site, read from our booklists, come to our programs and get badges. When you earn 5 badges, no more than once per week, come into the library to get a prize!