T. Coraghessan Boyle is one of the most prolific and consistently well-reviewed authors currently at work today. Newsweek described him as “America’s most imaginative contemporary novelist.” In short, he is a literary icon, a master of language and storytelling–and next Wednesday, February 3 (7 pm, Library Headquarters) you can meet him in person!
Mr. Boyle will be sharing not one, but two new books with us. His new collection of short stories “Wild Child” is fresh from the printers. The darkly comic collection bounces readers through Boyle’s distinctive world of quirky characters struggling with burden and circumstance. The title story revolves around the Wild Boyle of Aveyron, a feral child discovered in the deep woods of France in 1797, and has been described by Publisher’s Weekly as “as good as anything [Boyle] has written yet.”
Boyle will also read from and discuss his highly acclaimed novel “The Women”–out now in paperback. In this mesmerizing page-turner, Boyle takes on the incredibly rich subject of Frank Lloyd Wright and his scandalous lovelife. From the New York Times review: ”Boyle doesn’t just fiddle around with familiar biographical material. He inhabits the space of Wright’s life and times with particular boldness…it is Boyle at his best. “
Check out this amazing video trailer for “The Women” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SYfDafLOQk
And if you need further enticement… Mr. Boyle is DRAMATIC–yes, all caps are appropriate. As his website states, his events are performances, not readings (which connotes “drowsy boredom and the quietly hissing radiator in the back of a somnolent classroom”).
Don’t miss this one!
He’s St. Louis’s most popular author with a dedicated following of fans of all ages. He’s published more than 25 New York Times bestselling adult crime novels that have been translated into 22 languages in 7o countries. He’s also the author of a phenomenally popular young adult series co-written with one of America’s best humor columnists and several other amazing young reader adventure series. He plays the bass in an all-author rock band that also includes Stephen King, Amy Tan, and Mitch Albom.
AND he’s one of the Library’s all-time favorite guest speakers who packs the house every time!
That’s right! Ridley Pearson will be back at Library Headquarters on February 25, 7 pm to share the second installment in his Steel Trapp series about the clever and daring teenage spy, Steven “Steel” Trapp.
In ”Steel Trapp 2: The Academy,” Pearson’s junior James Bond is sent to a boarding school for young spies by his FBI agent father, but soon finds that the school has been infiltrated by foreign agents with deeply sinister motives.
Ridley’s other books for young readers include the #1 bestselling Starcatchers series (a weirdly wonderful prequel to the classic Peter Pan) written with Pulitzer Prize-winning humor writer Dave Barry and the Kingdom Keepers series (about all the shadowy happenings after the humans leave Disneyland). His adult thrillers include “Killer Summer,” “Killer Weekend,” and “Cut & Run.”
The event will be at Library Headquarters (1640 S. Lindbergh) at 7 pm. Doors open at 6 pm and early arrival is recommend. Trust us–he’s worth the wait!!
2009 was a record-breaking year for the St. Louis County Library Foundation’s Author Event Series, and we’re not slowing down in 2010. The winter/early spring season features award-winning novelists, a legendary journalist, the country’s top mystery writers, and much, much more!
This page will be updated as we add new events, so check back often for breaking news and big surprises!
Unless otherwise noted all events are held at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters (1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. — across from Plaza Frontenac) and are free and open to the public.
JANUARY
Friday, January 8, 7 pm – Jeannette Walls, “Half-Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel”
Jeannette Walls’s memoir “The Glass Castle” was “nothing short of spectacular” (Entertainment Weekly). Now, in “Half Broke Horses,” she brings us the story of her grandmother, told in a first-person voice that is authentic and triumphant. ”Half Broke Horses” is Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults. Destined to become a classic, it will transfix audiences everywhere. (Main Reading Room)
Tuesday, January 12, 7 pm – Jane Bryant Quinn, “Making the Most of Your Money Now: The Classic Bestseller Completely Revised for the Risky New Economy”
Presented by the Pacesetter Author Series
Jane Bryant Quinn is one of the nation’s leading personal finance commentators. An award-winning columnist for Newseek and the author of the wildly bestselling “Making the Most of Your Money,” she‘s cornered the market on essential advice about planning a financial future. Now, Jane does it again – with a timely update, focusing on practical advice on how to cope and remain optimistic in the 21st century. (Auditorium)
Saturday, January 30, 7 pm – Gwen Ifill, “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama”
Presented by the Westfall Favorite Author Series and the SLCL 2010 Black History Month Celebration
In “The Breakthrough,” veteran journalist Gwen Ifill surveys the American political landscape, shedding new light on the impact of Barack Obama’s stunning presidential victory. ”The Breakthrough” is a remarkable look at contemporary politics and an essential foundation for understanding the future of American democracy in the age of Obama. (Main Reading Room)
FEBRUARY
Wednesday, February 3, 7 pm – T.C. Boyle, “The Women” and “Wild Child”
Brilliant, incisive and always entertaining, T.C. Boyle’s fiction showcases the mischievous humor and socially conscious sensibility that have made him one of the most acclaimed writers of our time. Boyle will discuss his latest novel “The Women”–about the romantic life of architect Frank Lloyd Wright– and a new collection of short stories, “Wild Child.” (Auditorium)
Friday, February 5, 7 pm – Ruth Ann Hager, “Dred & Harriet Scott: Their Family Story”
Presented by the 2010 Black History Month Celebration
Ruth Ann Hager’s extensively researched book on the Scott family history reveals groundbreaking information and opens a new page in St. Louis history. Lynne Jackson, great-great-granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott and President of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation will offer introductory remarks. (Main Reading Room)
Wednesday, February 17, 7 pm - A Girls Night Out with Local Authors Susan McBride & Sharon Shinn
Popular local authors Susan McBride and Sharon Shinn present a lively conversation about their books and experiences in the publishing world. Susan McBride is the author of the popular “Debutante Dropout” adult mystery series and “Debs” teen series. Her latest is a special homage to women over 40 called “The Cougar Club.” Fantasy author Sharon Shinn has written numerous novels for adults and teens, most recently “Quatrain,” a collection of four enchanting novellas that introduce her distinctive blend of romance and adventure. (Auditorium)
Monday, February 22, 7 pm – Teen Authors Heather Brewer & Lisa McMann
Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
Popular teen authors share the stage for a celebration of the supernatural! St. Louis author Heather Brewer will discuss “Eleventh Grade Burns,” the fourth installment in her spectacular series about teenage vampire Vladimir Tod. Lisa McMann will read from “Gone,” the third installment in her spooky series about a girl who can manipulate other’s dreams and nightmares. (Auditorium)
Thursday, February 25, 7 pm – Ridley Pearson, “Steel Trapp 2: The Academy”
Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson presents the second installment in his thrilling young adult spy series. Steven “Steel” Trapp’s photographic memory and love for adventure make him the perfect junior James Bond, but can he stop the sinister forces that have infiltrated his elite boarding school for young spies. Full of all the intrigue and adventure that have made Ridley Pearson St. Louis’s most popular author and an international bestseller! (Auditorium)
MARCH
Wednesday, March 3, 7 pm – Adriana Trigiani, “Brava, Valentine”
Adriana Trigiani’s “Brava, Valentine” is the much anticipated, dazzling sequel to her New York Times instant bestseller, “Very Valentine,” which was hailed by People magazine as “Sex and the City meets Moonstruck…sly, sensual, and dripping in style.” Trigiani is the award-winning author of the popular Big Stone Gap series and the bestselling novels “Lucia, Lucia” and “The Queen of the Big Time.” (Auditorium)
Thursday, March 4, 7 pm – Chris Cleave, “Little Bee”
From the author of the international bestseller “Incendiary” comes a haunting novel about the tenuous friendship that blooms between two disparate strangers–one an illegal Nigerian refugee , the other a recent widow from suburban London. Astonishing and unforgettable, “Little Bee” is one of the biggest literary sleeper hits in the last several years and the perfect choice for book clubs. (Auditorium)
Monday, March 22, 7 pm – Roy Morris, Jr., “Lighting Out for the Territory: How Samuel Clemens Became Mark Twain”
“Lighting Out for the Territory” tells how Samuel Clemens reinvented himself as Mark Twain, all the while evading gunslingers, failing miserably as a miner, and getting into all sorts of trouble along the way. Historian Roy Morris’s biography is the first full-length study of Mark Twain’s life-changing time in the Wild West–where he began his writing career and shaped himself into America’s most famous and influential writer. (Auditorium)
Thursday, March 25, 7 pm – Timothy M. Gay, “Satch, Dizzy, and Rapid Robert: The Wild Saga of Interracial Baseball Before Jackie Robinson”
While historians have long studied baseball’s role in easing postwar integration, not nearly as well chronicled are the interracial exhibitions that took place in the ‘30s and ‘40s, especially those involving Satchel Paige, Dizzy Dean, and Bob Feller. Baseball historian Timothy Gay offers a spirited look at three of baseball’s most flamboyant characters and some of the best, if least-known, stories in baseball history. (Auditorium)
APRIL
Tuesday, April 20, 7 pm – Jacqueline Winspear, “The Mapping of Love & Death”
Described as a combination of Agatha Christie and Sebastian Faulks, British mystery writer Jacqueline Winspear has built a large and dedicated following of readers. In the latest installment in her New York Times bestselling series, sassy sleuth Maisie Dobbs is hired to unravel a case of wartime love and death, an investigation that leads her to a doomed affair between a young cartographer and a mysterious nurse. (Auditorium)
The St. Louis County Library Foundation’s 2009 Author Event Series wrapped up last week with our finale event and a Friends Holiday Party with award-winning novelist Wally Lamb. It was an extraordinary season featuring many of the country’s top writers and capped off by the Best Reading Series honor from the Riverfront Times.
Check out this gallery of some of our favorite moments of 2009! Click on an image for a larger photo and a description. More photos from all of the Library Foundation’s special events can be found on our Flickr site – http://www.flickr.com/photos/34960896@N05/.
All photos by Dave Moore.
Join Us For a Holiday Open House!
Library Headquarters (1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd) on Saturday, December 5, 10 am – 2 pm. Fun activities, food, holiday shopping and giveaways all day! Sponsored by the St. Louis County Library Foundation and Montgomery Bank.
Sample delicious baked goods from Comapnion.
Taste the unique popcorn creations from POPtions!
See the latest holiday fashions from J.Crew and crewcuts. Chat with a fashion representative and register to win a $25 gift card.
Visit with representatives from Montgomery Bank for financial tips. 
Special Events Schedule:
11 am – 1 pm – BOOK SIGNINGS
Acclaimed artist Billyo O’Donnell and Karen Glines, co-authors of “Painting Missouri: The Counties en Plein Air” will be selling and autographing their book. Prints of Mr. O’Donnell’s paintings will also be available for purchase.
Lorenza Pasetti, owner of Volpi’s on the Hill and co-author of “Authentic Volpi,” will sign her book and offer samples of her famous Italian meats.
12 – 2 pm – Face painting with BeBe the Clown. Free balloons for kids of all ages while supplies last.
In celebration of the Library Foundation’s 10th Anniversary, we have launched a brand new website featuring bright colors and loads of interesting pages and links. The site is designed for easy navigation and offers the schedule for the Foundation’s outstanding author event series, information about joining the Friends of the Library Foundation or becoming a member of the Starcatchers Society for major and planned gifts, outreach programs like The Gift of Reading and Read St. Louis, items available in the Foundation Store, and much more.
Check it out: http://www.slcl.org/foundation/
![screenshot1[3]](http://slclfoundation.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/screenshot131.jpg?w=600&h=447 "screenshot1[3]")
The Library Foundation’s Author Event Series received some great news last week when we learned we’d been named the city’s Best Reading Series in the Riverfront Times’ 2009 Best of St. Louis issue.
Considering the Library began focusing on bringing in more authors and developing a prominent author event series about 3 years ago, we’re especially proud of this recognition! Many thanks to all of our partners, sponsors, and many loyal audience members that come out to support us event after event.
Crowd shot from the Library's 2009 event with poet Nikki Giovanni. This is what we mean by a fabulous audience!
Check out the great write up from the RFT (http://www.riverfronttimes.com/bestof/2009/award/best-reading-series-854303/):
In the past year, the St. Louis County Library has booked heavyweights such as Michael Chabon, Daniel Silva, J.A. Jance and Rick Riordan. That last fella, if you didn’t know, is the author of young-adult novel sensation “The Lightning Thief,” and his appearance drew more than a thousand clamoring fans. Granted, not every writer is met with arena-rock crowds, but the library’s ongoing author series has no trouble filling seats, thanks to two basic selling points: well-known names and a wide range of genres, from journalists to children’s-book authors and every specialty in between. Sometimes they even fill several criteria at once, as with mystery novelist Ridley Pearson, who teams with humor columnist Dave Barry on a series of fantasy-adventure novels for kids. Whether it’s the semiannual mystery writers’ panel or a local sportswriter’s book signing, the St. Louis County Library has established itself as a fixture on this town’s literary landscape.
We thought we’d celebrate with a sneak peek at some of the amazing events we have planned for 2010! Janurary is typically an especially slow events month, but next year we will get off to an explosive start with three events with incredible women writers.
January 8, 7 pm – Jeannette Walls, “Half-Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel”
Jeannette Walls’s memoir “The Glass Castle” was “nothing short of spectacular” (Entertainment Weekly). Now, in “Half Broke Horses,” she brings us the story of her grandmother, told in a first-person voice that is authentic, irresistible, and triumphant. ”Half Broke Horses” is Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults, as riveting and dramatic as Isak Dinesen’s “Out of Africa.” Destined to become a classic, it will transfix audiences everywhere.
January 12, 7 pm – Jane Bryant Quinn, “Making the Most of Your Money Now: The Classic Bestseller Completely Revised for the Risky New Economy”
Jane Bryant Quinn is one of the nation’s leading personal finance commentators. An award-winning columnist for Newseek and Good Housekeeping, and the author of the wildly bestselling “Making the Most of Your Money” and “Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People,” she‘s cornered the market on simple but essential advice for people of any age to plan for their financial future. Now, Jane does it again – with a timely update, focusing on clear, practical advice on how to plan, how to cope, and how to remain optimistic for the 21st century.
January 30, 7 pm – Gwen Ifill, “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama”
In “The Breakthrough,” veteran journalist Gwen Ifill surveys the American political landscape, shedding new light on the impact of Barack Obama’s stunning presidential victory and introducing the emerging young African American politicians forging a bold new path to political power. The Breakthrough is a remarkable look at contemporary politics and an essential foundation for understanding the future of American democracy in the age of Obama.
The Library Foundation is honored to kick-off both the 2010 ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series and the Library’s annual Black History Month Celebration with this special event with Gwen Ifill.
And now for something completely different…
Next Tuesday, the St. Louis County Library Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Celebration continues with a special event unlike anything ever hosted in the Library. St. Louis County Library Headquarters will close early and reopen for a special performance in the Main Reading Room by an ensemble from the world-renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
The musicans will perform “Sounds of Missouri” including traditional Bluegrass medleys, songs from the “Abe Lincoln Songbook,” a musical arrangment featuring the text of Mark Twain’s “The War Poem,” arrangements by Scott Joplin, and more. The ensemble consists of:
Voice: Brian Owens
Violin: Rebecca Boyer Hall & Asako Kuboki
Viola: Christian Woehr
Cello: Alvin McCall
But that’s not all… on a separate stage, critcally acclaimed St. Louis plein air painter Billyo O’Donnell will create a live portrait of the musicians. Guests can special order a limited edition print of O’Donnell’s portrait signed by the artist and St. Louis Symphony conductor David Robertson. All proceeds will benefit the Library Foundation and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
An exhibit of O’Donnell’s oil paintings will be open to the public prior to the performance–5:30-6:45 pm. 
O’Donnell will also sell and sign copies of his gorgeous coffee table book “Painting Missouri: The Counties en Plein Air” during a post-event reception. Co-author Karen Glines will join Billyo for the book signing.
While the Library always takes great pride in offering unique entertainment, we are especially thrilled by this collaboration with the Symphony and Billyo O’Donnell. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of music, art, and literature!
*****A limited number of FREE tickets are still available! Stop by St. Louis County Library Headquarters or call (314) 994-3300 ext. 2281 to reserve your tickets (limit 2 per customer).
This year the St. Louis County Library and St. Louis Public Library kicked off our most ambitious collaborative project ever–Read St. Louis. It is a community-wide literacy initiative developed by the Libraries to encourage metro St. Louisans to read and discuss books from a variety of genres and reading levels. The libraries promote the selected books through book discussions, associated programs, and free author events. The program is funded by a generous grant from the UPS Foundation; co-sponsors and partners include KMOX, KMOV, the Literacy Roundtable, and numerous independent and chain bookstores across the region. A true city-county partnership, the Read St. Louis honorary co-chairs are Mayor Francis Slay and County Executive Charlie Dooley. For more information on Read St. Louis, please check out www.readstlouis.org.
Next week, St. Louis County Library will host the fourth author featured in the 2009 Read St. Louis program. Debut novelist and recent Washington University graduate Stefan Merrill Block was selected as the 2009 Contemporary Fiction author. His lyrical and moving novel The Story of Forgetting has stunned readers and critics across the country.
The Story of Forgetting follows two men, generations apart, as they try to make sense of the devastating impact of early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. The novel is exceptional not only in its delicate handling of the characters’ difficult stories, but also in its unique fusion of this very real-world story with the mythical land of Isidora–a fantasy land free from the sorrows of memory.
The Story of Forgetting is a finalist for the 2009 “Indies Choice Book Award” for Best Author Discovery; it was a 2008 Independent (UK), St. Louis Post Dispatch, and Austin Chronicle Best Book of the Year; and it was selected as ”Best First Novel” in the 2008 Rome International Festival of Literature.
Here are a few of the rave reviews from critics:
“[An] emotional roller coaster … ‘The Story of Forgetting’ is as true to the anguish of [its] questions as it is ablaze with love and vitality … Mr. Block taps into the life force that gives [his characters] a human, heart-wrenching answer … a fresh, beguiling novel.” –Janet Maslin, The New York Times
“Nuanced yet intensely personal literature … [Block's] investment in vivid character development pays off handsomely in a tightly structured narrative that moves flawlessly from start to finish … The brilliance of ‘The Story of Forgetting,’ poetic and spiritual, is undeniable.” – Steve Giegerich, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“This is one of those rare works of near-genius… Block writes with the certainty and originality of a Nabokov or a Faulkner… A story about people, which is… touching, inventive and intelligent”. –Virginia Ironside, The Independent (UK)
We can expect great things from this promising 27 year-old author. Don’t miss your chance to meet him now!
Stefan Merrill Block
Reading & Book Signing
Thurs., Sept. 17, 7 pm
St. Louis County Library Headquarters (1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.)
We are also very pleased to partner with Main Street Books in historic downtown St. Charles–the cutest little bookstore on the cutest street in Missouri – http://www.mainstreetbooks.net/. Main Street will provide copies of The Story of Forgetting for purchase and signing at the event.
The St. Louis County Library Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2009 Fall Author Event schedule. Featuring two of the biggest political books of the year, numerous critically-acclaimed and popular novelists, and several of the hottest teen authors at work today, the fall line-up promises something for everyone.
Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters (1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.) and are free and open to the public.
SEPTEMBER
Monday, September 14, 7:00 pm (Authors’ Nook)
Robert Ellis and Marianna Riley, “Caring for Victor: A U.S. Army Nurse and Saddam Hussein”
St. Louisan and former Army Nurse at Camp Cropper near Baghdad, Robert Ellis was responsible for the health and well-being of the high-value detainees, including Saddam Hussein–code name, Victor. “Caring for Victor” depicts Ellis’ complicated relationship with Hussein and presents an exclusive look at the everyday life of a soldier in Iraq.
Thursday, September 17, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Stefan Merrill Block, “The Story of Forgetting”
2009 Read St. Louis Contemporary Fiction Selection
In Stefan Merrill Block’s extraordinary debut novel, two men, generations apart, try to unravel the strands of their shared genetic history and understand the mystery of Alzheimer’s Disease. ”The Story of Forgetting” has been widely reviewed as one of the most promising debut novels in recent years.
Wednesday, September 23, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Greg Marecek, “The St. Louis Football Cardinals: A Celebration of the Big Red”
Through vivid imagery and dozens of action photographs, this keepsake edition documents the complete history of the coaches, players, and games that brought thrills to countless loyal St. Louis Cardinals football fans.
Special Guest Appearances by Football Hall-of-Famers Roger Wehrli and Jackie Smith
Books must be purchased at the event for signing. The author and players will sign one piece of memorabilia per book purchase (limit two).
Tuesday, September 29, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
William Ouchi, “The Secret of TSL: The Revolutionary Discovery That Raises School Performance”
Presented by the Pacesetter Author Series
In this follow-up to his groundbreaking book “Making Schools Work,” Dr. William Ouchi explains how schools that control their own budgets can reduce teachers’ TSL—Total Student Load—allowing them to develop a stronger relationship with students and substantially raise the performance level of their classrooms.
Co-sponsored by the Cooperating School Districts of Greater St. Louis, the Booksource, and Focus St. Louis
OCTOBER
Friday, October 2, 7:00 pm (Main Reading Room)
Sue Monk Kidd & Ann Kidd Taylor, “Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story”
Master of Ceremonies: Deb Peterson – Columnist, St. Louis Post Dispatch
In this intimate dual memoir about their travels through Greece and France, beloved novelist Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter, Ann, offer distinct perspectives as a fifty-something and a twenty-something, each on a quest to redefine herself and rediscover each other.
Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Melissa de la Cruz, “The Van Alen Legacy”
TEEN EVENT: Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
Young, fanged, and fabulous! Teen fans of Melissa de la Cruz’s popular Blue Bloods vampire series are invited to the US Book Release celebration with the author! The event will be a “Blue Bloods Ball” featuring music, dancing, trivia contests, and refreshments.
Co-sponsored by Radio Disney
Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Julia Glass, “I See You Everywhere”
From the author of the National Book Award-winning novel “Three Junes,” comes an intimate new work of fiction: a tale of two sisters told in their alternating voices over twenty-five years.
The format of this event will be an onstage interview moderated by KMOX’s Total Information AM host Debbie Monterrey.
Saturday, October 24, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Trenton Lee Stewart, “The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma”
CHILDREN’S EVENT: Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
The Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission. When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the fearless foursome must unravel clues relating to a dangerous plot. Filled with page-turning action and mind-bending brain teasers, this wildly inventive journey is sure to delight.
Thursday, October 29, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Ellen Schreiber, “Royal Blood: Vampire Kisses #6″
TEEN EVENT: Presented by the 2009 Jewish Book Festival
TICKETED EVENT – $6.00 PER PERSON
Bestselling Ellen Schreiber’s “Vampire Kisses” series captures the thrill of a most unusual romance through the story of a vampire-obsessed Goth-girl from Dullsville and her mysterious boyfriend. This special event includes games, character look-alike contest, a manga portrait artist, and more!
Friday, October 30, 7:00 pm (Main Reading Room)
Taylor Branch, “The Clinton Tapes: Wrestling History with the President”
Presented by the ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series and the KMOX/Fontbonne University Book Club
For this highly-anticipated biography, Pulitzer-Prize winning author Taylor Branch was invited to record and report on highly candid and personal interviews with President Clinton throughout his time in office.
The format of this event will be an onstage interview moderated by KMOX 1120’s Charles Brennan.
November
- 2008 Marion Ettlinger
Wednesday, November 4, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
David Wroblewski, “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle”
David Wroblewski’s riveting family saga explores the deep alliance between humans and dogs and is an inspired retelling of Hamlet set on a remote farm in Northern Wisconsin. “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” was an Oprah Book Club Selection and has been reviewed as an “instant modern classic.”
Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Kate Jacobs, “Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel”
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kate Jacobs presents a special holiday installment in the popular Friday Night Knitting Club series. “Knit the Season” is a moving, laugh-out-loud celebration of special times with friends and family.
![on%20deck%20with%20the%20rigging[1]](http://slclfoundation.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/on20deck20with20the20rigging1.jpg?w=150&h=100 "on%20deck%20with%20the%20rigging[1]")
Thursday, November 12, 7:00 pm (Main Reading Room)
Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson, “Peter and the Sword of Mercy”
2009 Family Read Night co-sponsored by Commerce Bank and Delta Dental
The side-splitting authors of the bestselling Starcatchers series return to the library with “Peter and the Sword of Mercy.” Picking up 23 years after their last book left off, Peter must enlist the help of Wendy Darling and save the world from an evil plot by the Shadow Creatures.
The library will close for general use during this event.
Monday, November 16, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Robert Merry, “A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent”
Presented by the ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series
In a one term presidency, James K. Polk completed America’s Manifest Destiny—extending its territory across the continent by manufacturing a controversial two-year war with Mexico. Journalist and historian Robert Merry fills in this crucial epoch in American history through the story of a towering personality.
Wednesday, November 18, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Richard Paul Evans, “The Christmas List”
The New York Times bestselling author of “The Christmas Box” returns with a holiday novel of hope, love, and redemption. Richard Paul Evans’ inspirational stories of faith, family, and love have broken publishing records, regularly topped bestseller lists, and won the author countless devoted followers throughout the world.
Friday, November 20, 7:00 pm (Main Reading Room)
David Plouffe, “The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barak Obama’s Historic Victory”
Presented by the ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series
Master of Ceremonies: Don Marsh – Host of “St. Louis on the Air”, KWMU 90.7
Campaign manager David Plouffe led the effort that put Barack Obama in the White House. In “The Audacity to Win,” he chronicles the exciting possibilities revealed by a campaign that combined digital technology and grassroots organization and in many ways functioned as a $1 billion start-up with laser-like focus and discipline.
DECEMBER
Thursday, December 3, 7:00 pm – (Auditorium)
Wally Lamb, “Wishin’ and Hopin’: A Christmas Story”
The beloved bestselling author of “The Hour I First Believed” and “I Know This Much Is True” delivers a holiday treat—an unforgettable novella that captures the warmth and joy of the season.
