Join fellow Natchitoches readers excited about our morning book club, Literary Lagniappe, with discussion guided by Marné Deranger. A lifelong reader, Marné collaborates with authors and publishers, reviewing new releases and helping her followers discover their ideal books and audiobooks. Follow her as ReaderByTheWater on Instagram and Facebook.
Book: THE OTHER SIDE OF NOW by Paige Harbison
Genre: Magical Realism
TL;DR: A Hollywood starlet finds an "alternate life" waiting for her in a small Irish town.
Read this if you liked: THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig, the movie SLIDING DOORS, or cozy Irish settings like those in Maeve Binchy novels.
How about a magical realism book set in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day? Sláinte!
Meg, a famous actress with a more famous boyfriend and a fabulous (if food-limited) life in Hollywood, books an impromptu vacation to the Irish town where she had planned to attend college for theater. To her surprise, everyone there knows her by her real name (and real nose), including a hilarious coworker friend, a handsome pub owner…oh, and her childhood bestie who died when they were both 19 years old.
If you’re okay with magical realism, this was an immersive, fun, funny, yet thought-provoking read featuring one of the best explanations/executions of an alternate reality plot I’ve seen. I didn’t know how it would end, but I was invested in Meg’s emotional journey and the resolution of her story. (Have no worry about the ending. The author stuck the landing.)
The author narrated the audiobook (!), which is a #FiveSpongeAudiobook (a book so engaging you’re willing to clean to keep listening)
Marné
aka "ReaderByTheWater"
Instagram ｜Facebook｜Substack ｜GoodReads
LET US KNOW YOU’LL BE THERE BY CLICKING HERE TODAY — includes complimentary coffee and tea.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO STAY FOR OUR THEMED LUNCH, CHOOSE “WITH LUNCH”
FREE to attend or $20.00 with lunch (just bring your book and your thoughts; we’ll provide everything else).*
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Natchitoches Picnic Company
*Classes & Events Cancellation & No Show Policy
We understand that life happens and plans can change. To ensure the best experience for all guests and to respect the time and preparation required for each class, we kindly ask that you review our cancellation and no-show policy:
🔸 Cancellations
More than 72 hours before class: You may receive 100% credit towards a future class at Natchitoches Picnic Company, or transfer your ticket to another guest.
Less than 72 hours before class: You may receive 50% credit towards a future class at Natchitoches Picnic Company, or transfer your ticket to another guest.
Same-day cancellations are considered a no-show.
🔸 No Shows
If you do not attend your reserved class and have not contacted us in advance, your reservation will be forfeited, and no refund or credit will be issued.
🔸 Minimum Enrollment & Weather Cancellations
We reserve the right to cancel a class if minimum enrollment is not met or in the case of severe weather. In this case, you will receive 100% credit towards a future class at Natchitoches Picnic Company.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Our classes are carefully planned, and your reservation helps us create the best experience possible for all attendees.