FARMINGTON – Two of the area’s most beloved local writers will speak about one of the area’s treasured resources Tuesday night at a downtown Farmington community bookstore.

It will be the first of two book readings and signings featuring Maine writers at Devaney, Doak and Garrett Booksellers this week.

Bob Kimber of Temple and Dean Bennett of Mount Vernon will sign copies of their anthology, co-edited with Phyllis Austin, “On Wilderness: Voices From Maine” and no doubt get into a bit of a discussion about the book’s central theme – wilderness.

The collection, released in June, includes writing, photographs and drawings by 40 Maine voices, including Scott Perry of Industry and Bernd Heinrich, a native of Wilton who now spends much of his fall at his cabin near Mount Blue.

As summer winds to a close and Mainers clamber to spend every possible second outdoors enjoying the wilderness before the chilly bell of winter tolls, the collection has special relevance. Among other things, it attempts to offer practical solutions to recovering and nurturing wilderness in the future.

Kenny Brechner, of Devaney, Doak and Garrett Booksellers, says the theme of conservation is what makes “On Wilderness” appealing to all readers.

“Everyone has a stake in the fate of the land around us,” he explains. “We are fortunate to live in a region where we do have wilderness.” But keeping it that way is an issue the book takes up.

“These guys are well-rounded thinkers and in my mind, are important people in the community,” Brechner said, adding that they’re good writers also. Their own selections are included in the book.

Moosepath man

On Thursday evening, the downtown community bookshop will feature another celebrated Maine author, this time playing host to Van Reid, author of the acclaimed Moosepath League Series.

Reid of Damariscotta will read from “Mrs. Roberto,” the fourth installment of the series, which spins a yarn speckled with Yankee wit and Maine absurdity. It features imaginary characters who are somehow all too familiar.

Brechner can attest to the popularity of Reid’s books, which have been leaping off the shelves of his store. “He’s life, he’s fun, he writes well and he’s entertaining,” Brechner summarizes.

Brechner said events like these provide local authors and readers with a face-to-face connection. Although the signings do drum up some sales, the events are more of a public service than anything, he said.

“I see us as a cultural venue and I think it’s important to have literary events in the town,” he says. “I feel that something we should provide.”

sdepoy@sunjournal.com

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