Community of Scholars, a Hard-Hitting, Thought-Provoking Novel About Higher Education from Mary Agria, Author of Best-Selling, Time in a Garden

Drawing on decades of experience in academia, novelist Mary Agria, in her new novel, Community of Scholars, spins a tale of campus politics at its worst and its best, and the toll that games played in the name of higher learning take on professors and students alike. Intrigue, betrayal and violence threaten to destroy the college and faith in higher education itself. "A winner," says one reviewer. "Agria captures academia with knowledge and sensitivity." Available at http://www.maryagria.com and at online and local booksellers.

Southold, NY (PRWEB) March 30, 2009 -- Community of Scholars, a hard-hitting and thought-provoking novel about higher education has just been published by the Mary Agria, author of the best- selling novel, Time in a Garden. Drawing on decades of experience in academia, author Agria spins a tale of campus politics at its best and its worst, and the toll that games played in the name of higher learning take on professors and students alike. Grief-stricken by the death of his wife and unborn child, Political Science Professor A. J. Ferinelli buries himself in his teaching and research until Math Instructor Sam Pomerantz shows up on his doorstep accusing the Academic Dean of sexual harassment. Drawn into her quest for justice, A. J. finds himself caught up in a firestorm of intrigue, betrayal and violence that threaten to destroy the college and with it his faith in higher education itself as a community of learning.

"A winner," says an early review of Community of Scholars. "Agria captures academia with knowledge and sensitivity. A tale I won't forget. Characters show beautiful personal growth."

Agria's earlier novels have won regional and national recognition and praise. Time in a Garden [2006] is a "must-read for the contemplative gardener" Suffolk Times. "Time ...has become one of my top ten best reads. I loved this book. It garnered positive reviews from our book club." Barnes & Noble, 5-Star Review. Vox Humana: The Human Voice [2007] is "A reflective portrayal of the ascent of goodness, reconciliation and love." American Guild of Organists Magazine. Dan's Papers (The Hamptons, Long Island) calls In Transit [2008], "Wisdom, the kind that only a lifetime of experience can wield."

Mary Agria is launching Community of Scholars with a speaking and signing tour starting May 2009 which will take her to colleges, universities, book clubs and book stores from the East Coast to the Midwest. To sample chapters of her novels or to contact the author about speaking, visit http://www.maryagria.com. Her books are available on her website, at local booksellers and major online retailers.

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