I call Mary Alice Monroe the canary novelist. Like the proverbial "canary in a coal mine," she calls readers' attention to environmental dangers and ecological issues and injustices, using beautiful prose as her proxy. Mary Alice may write popular "beach reads," but her best-selling novels also help keep those beaches and their natural inhabitants, like the endangered loggerhead, from further destruction.

On Monday she launches her latest book, Beach House Memories, in typical Mary Alice style—as a fundraiser for the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Hospital campaign.

We'll interview Mary Alice and review Beach House Memories in an upcoming post, so stay tuned. But in the meanwhile, get your tickets for Monday. It's a win-win-win-win opportunity: see the Aquarium's new lemur exhibit (opening tomorrow!), support the turtle hospital, meet a New York Times bestselling author, and get a great book signed for your mom for Mother's Day!!

Here's Mary Alice's personal invite:

"As a real-life “turtle lady,” I wanted to do something extra special with my readers for our beloved loggerhead sea turtles. So, my book launch party on May 7^th at the South Carolina Aquarium will be a special fundraiser. A portion of every book sold will benefit the sea turtle hospital. The event will celebrate both the launch of BEACH HOUSE MEMORIES and the launch of the SC Aquarium’s new sea turtle hospital expansion plans. There will be drinks, food, and jazz music provided by the Franklin Ashley Jazz Quartet. Guests will get to enjoy the facility after-hours and see the new Madagascar exhibit that will have opened just days prior. I can’t think of a more perfect setting to have a book launch party!"

Mary Alice Monroe Book Launch Party

Monday, May 7, 6-8 PM, South Carolina Aquarium

$20 per person (event only)

$35 per person (event and signed hardcover)

RSVP to (843) 577-FISH (3474)