Everyone simply must read the new book from Julia Alvarez, “Afterlife.” It is stunning. It also happens to be set mostly in Middlebury, and mentions all kinds of local organizations — the Open Door Clinic, Shaw’s, Champlain Valley Equipment, etc. The novel is brimming with extraordinary insights into our community, family, loss and growing old. I think it’s a tour de force. Get hold of a copy. Douglas Anderson Artistic Director Town Hall Theater Middlebury