Writers on a New England Stage Present Jodi Picoult

On Wednesday, October 12 at 7 p.m., Writers on a New England Stage presents Jodi Picoult, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of "My Sister's Keeper" with her just-released novel, "Small Great Things."

Picoult has authored such stirring novels as "My Sister's Keeper," "Nineteen Minutes," and most recently, "Leaving Time." Titled after a quotation by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Small Great Things" tells an unforgettable tale of racism, birth and death in a rural Connecticut hospital, and a devastating court case.

"I really had to explore my own beliefs and my own biases and learn a lot about myself and privileges that I've had that I'd never noticed before," said Picoult. "It's been a story I've wanted to tell for a long time and I didn't know the right way to tell it. And when I finally felt like I cracked that, it was the right time."

Each literary evening features an author presentation followed by an onstage interview with Virginia Prescott, host of New Hampshire Public Radio's "Word of Mouth." Live music is performed by the award-winning house band Dreadnaught. Shows are rebroadcast on NH Public Radio.

Says Margaret Talcott, Producer of Writers on a New England Stage,�"Her last seven books have each shot to number one on the New York Times bestseller list, and I'm certain 'Small Great Things' will follow suit --�and it's a page-turner. Jodi is a distant neighbor, living in New Hampshire's Upper Valley. She took the stage last in March 2010, and it'll be great to welcome her back!"

The book has been called "Gripping... a thought-provoking examination of racism in America today," by Booklist, and Good Housekeeping says it's "A compelling, can't-put-it-down drama with a trademark Picoult twist."

The Music Hall is a performing arts center featuring curated entertainment from around the world in two theaters in its downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire campus -- one, a landmark 1878 Victorian theater, designated an American Treasure for the Arts by the National Park Service's Save America's Treasures Program, the other the intimate Music Hall Loft around the corner, recently named "best performing arts venue" by Yankee Magazine and the recipient of the NH AIA award for design excellence.

Tickets are $13.75 ($11.75 for members). For each 1-2 tickets sold, the purchase of a book voucher ($28.99 hardcover) is required. Vouchers can be redeemed on the event night for signed copies of the book.

Writers on a New England Stage: Jodi Picoult will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at The Music Hall Historic Theater, 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH 0380.