This year marks the forty-fifth anniversary of Lee Smith’s first novel, The Last Day the Dogbushes Bloomed. Since its publication in 1968, Lee has penned twelve other widely acclaimed novels and four collections of short stories. Pick up any Lee Smith book and you’re rewarded with a generous mix of poignancy, drama, and comedy—wholly satisfying reading experiences that have left lasting impressions on millions of readers.

In honor of this anniversary and Smith’s just-released novel Guests on Earth, the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance and Algonquin Books have designated the week of October 21, 2013, as “Celebrate Lee Smith Week.” Shannon Ravenel, Smith’s longtime editor and Algonquin’s cofounder, said, “For forty-five years Lee has given us enduring works of fiction, all of them treasures. ‘Celebrate Lee Smith Week’ affords us a wonderful opportunity to honor Lee’s literary legacy and for readers to discover (or rediscover) her timeless classics alongside her newest release, Guests on Earth.”

To celebrate, enter for a chance to win signed first-editions of The Last Day the Dogbushes Bloomed — and Guests on Earth. Continue the celebration by picking up a Lee Smith book that’s new to you, sharing a favorite title with a friend, or visiting Lee on tour. From this Friday’s event in Hillsborough, N.C., to upcoming stops in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and more, the Guests on Earth tour might bring Lee to a venue near you! And be sure to fill out the form below for a chance to win signed first editions of both The Last Day the Dogbushes Bloomed and Guests on Earth. 

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