Book Reads featuring Author Tom Schabarum

Airstreaming is set in Kansas City, the epicenter of be-bop jazz, train travel and commerce in mid-century Midwest. The story begins in the early 1970’s, and uses the declining 18th and Vine Jazz District, Union Station and West Bottoms stockyards, as its backdrop, as well as the outlying town of Olathe, Kansas.

 

Airstreaming refers to the icon of American travel, the Airstream trailer, which conjures up dreams of escape for many people. The trailer becomes a catalyst for three women whose extraordinary circumstances bind them together - Clare, a newly single working mother,  Linda, her daughter and Martha, a housewife.

 

Jack, a strong and complicated man, whose love for his wife Martha, links the three women, holds on to hope after tragedy strikes by buying an Airstream trailer.  His belief that it will change everything blinds him to the reality of his situation. Only Linda ultimately sees the truth, and must confront the other three as each of their worlds change

 

Ultimately, everyone must choose what to leave behind in this uniquely American story.

 

Mr. Schabarum’s first novel, The Palisades, was a 2011 Lambda Literary Award Finalist. His collection, The Narrows, Miles Deep, was a 2011 Best Book selected by Felice Picano at Lambda Literary Foundation. His poetry was recipient of the 2010 Creek-walker Poetry Prize, and has been published in Poet Lore, Flights, pifmagazine, and other literary journals. He holds an MFA in creative writing and literature from Bennington College. He lives in Seattle, WA. For more info: www.tomschabarum.comAirstreaming is