Book Launch Activities Recap for Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella

Last month, we celebrated our fifth book, Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella by Julie A. Jacob, which is a perfect summer read full of nostalgia and good vibes set in Middleport, Wisconsin, a fictional town on the Lake Michigan shore.

When we opened to submissions last summer, Julie A. Jacob’s pitch for Bicentennial Eve stood out as something we all were excited to bring to life. As our country prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its formation, we find it to be the perfect time to contrast to the mood of the nation in 1976.

Midwest family values are front and center in this multigenerational tale told from the points of view of seven characters. Truly a book for all ages, characters range from mothers and aunts to fathers and uncles, a few teenagers, and a set of grandparents.

Bicentennial Eve sheds light on our common values as Americans who hold dear the freedoms we enjoy. The story reminds readers what life in Wisconsin was like fifty years ago. This novella includes stories from characters who served during WWII and Vietnam, and to whom we owe our ultimate gratitude.

Julie had more than a great idea for a story, which was inspired by her own memories of being a teenager in 1976. She also has solid writing chops. The story flows easily. The reader is quickly invested in the lives of the characters and activities of the community. Julie is a communications professional and freelance writer. She has an MFA in creative writing from Roosevelt University, and her creative nonfiction works and essays have been published in Midwest Prairie Review, On Wisconsin, Open, Under the Sun, and several editions of the TallGrass Writers Guild annual anthology. Some of her work is featured in a self-published collection of essays, Two States of Single: Essays on Love, Family, and Living Solo, available on Kindle. This is her first novel. She lives in southeastern Wisconsin with her poodle and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Author Julie A. Jacob was thankful for the Fresh Water Press LLC team, for the loved ones who support her, and for the venues who hosted the celebrations. She said, “I am inspired to see how many people love books and independent bookstores!”

The party doesn’t stop there! Julie is back on the road this summer. Meet her at the other events on her book tour listed in our Events page.