Events & Talks

Now Available at Parnassus Books! Nashville ~ West End Location

Sarah Saxton Strassberg

Gum Spring Public Library

On August 28, 2022, Sarah Saxton gave a book talk about The Queen Anne Society and pirate history at the Gum Spring Public Library in Stone Ridge, VA. Dozens of attentive listeners ranging from ages 3 to 65+ learned about the rich history of Atlantic piracy, ancient puzzles and codes, and the role of Virginia’s governors in Blackbeard’s life and death. She discussed the importance of reading and studying history, and she shared excerpts from The Queen Anne Society. A pirate costume contest for younger attendees was held. All proceeds from book sales at this event went to a C.A.R. chapter.

Great Falls Elementary School

On November 26, 2019, Sarah Saxton Strassberg gave a book talk on The Queen Anne Society to the sixth-grade class at Great Falls Elementary School. Her presentation included a synopsis of the history of piracy in Europe and the Americas, facts and myths about Blackbeard's life, folklore and legends from North Carolina, and historically significant codes and puzzles. She also spoke about the writing process and the importance of reading and learning about history, and she read two excerpts from her novel. It was a treat for her to present at her alma mater and thank her elementary school teachers and librarian who inspired her to pursue writing.

Oriental, North Carolina -- River Dunes Library

On July 15, 2019, Sarah Saxton Strassberg gave a book talk on The Queen Anne Society at River Dunes in Oriental, North Carolina. Strassberg’s presentation centered on the historical events, legends, artifacts, and places that inspired The Queen Anne Society. She spoke about changing perceptions of pirates in Europe and the Americas in the 1500s-1700s. She also shared myths and facts about Blackbeard, including why he may not have been such a one-dimensionally "bad" person, and the legend of Teach’s Light. It was especially exciting for her to talk about Blackbeard and other famous pirates on their old stomping grounds in Beaufort and on nearby Ocracoke Island. She read two excerpts from her novel, and people of all ages attended.

For more information on the area, visit:

https://riverdunes.com/

https://www.teachshole.com/

https://ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com/

Strassberg reads a spooky excerpt about Teach's Light.

Great Falls Public Library

On March 9, 2019, Sarah Saxton Strassberg gave a book talk on her self-published novel, The Queen Anne Society, at the Great Falls Public Library. The Queen Anne Society (geared toward ages 9-14) is a mystery novel that follows the adventures of the Bearington children and their friends, the Garcias, as they seek to outwit a dangerous and mysterious secret society and find Blackbeard’s long-lost treasure before it’s too late.

Strassberg’s book talk centered on the historical events, legends, artifacts, and places that inspired The Queen Anne Society, particularly the history of piracy in Europe and the Americas, Blackbeard’s life and death, and the legend of Teach’s Light. She read two excerpts from her novel that were especially relevant to the historical context of her presentation. People from ages 3 to 83 attended, which made for a lively discussion.