Announcing the Fall Events Series
After a few quiet summer months, we are back and ready to announce another exciting season of author events.
Here’s a peek of what’s to come! And check back often. New events are added weekly, and no one wants to miss out on any of the fun.
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND WILL BE HELD AT ST. LOUIS COUNTY LIBRARY HEADQUARTERS – 1640 S. LINDBERGH BLVD. ST. LOUIS, MO 63131.
UPDATE: New events with Col. Bill Pogue, Sharon Kay Penman, Richard Paul Evans, John Flanagan, Gregory Maguire, and Kim Edwards! Check back often for more great author events.
AUGUST
Thursday, August 11, 7 pm
Scott Phillips, “The Adjustment”
St. Louis writer, Scott Phillips presents his latest gritty thriller, a classic noir story of blackmail and murder in post-WWII Wichita. Phillips is the author of numerous popular thrillers including “The Ice Harvest,” which was a NY Times Notable Book of the Year and was made into a major motion picture starring John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton. (Auditorium)
Saturday, August 13, 7 pm (Doors open and pre-show entertainment at 6 pm)
Seventh Annual Family Read Night featuring Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Sponsored by Delta Dental
The side-splitting duo behind the bestselling “Starcatchers” young adult series return with the fifth installment, “The Bridge to Never Land.” A new adventure begins as two brave kids set out on a quest and discover that the legend of Peter Pan is not fiction after all. (Main Reading Room)
Thursday, August 25, 7 pm
Colonel William R. Pogue, “But for the Grace of God: An Autobiography of an Astronaut and Aviator”
For decades, Bill Pogue has been an unsung hero in the astronaut corps. A Korean War aviator, US Air Force Thunderbirds pilot, Apollo 7, 11, and 14 support crew member, and Skylab IV pilot, Pogue offers an inspiring account of a unique and adventure-filled life. (Auditorium)
Wednesday, August 31, 6:30 pm
Judy Schachner, “SkippyJon Jones Class Action”
Children’s Program Sponsored by the Reading Garden Event Series
Bestselling children’s book author Judy Schachner reads and signs her latest book about a lovable Siamese kitten with a big imagination. In “SkippyJon Jones Class Action,” SkippyJon puts on his Chihuahua disguise and attends a school for his “unruly and drooly” dog friends. (Auditorium)
SEPTEMBER
Wednesday, September 14, 7 pm
Sixth Annual Suspense Night
In partnership with the Bouchercon 2011 mystery convention, the Library presents the sixth annual Suspense night featuring readings and a panel discussion with mystery writers from across the country: Megan Abbott (“The End of Everything”), Reed Farrel Coleman (“Innocent Monster”), S.J. Rozan (“Ghost Hero”), Lisa Lutz (“Heads You Lose”), Steve Hamilton (“Misery Bay”), Christa Faust (“Money Shot”), Peter Spiegelman (“Thick as Thieves”), Daniel Woodrell (“Winter’s Bone”, and Katie Estill (“Dahlia’s Gone”). (Auditorium)
Friday, September 16, 7 pm
Harlan Coben, “Shelter”
Teen Event Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
Critically-acclaimed writer Harlan Coben presents a suspenseful new mystery series for young adults. Featuring Mickey Bolitar, nephew of Coben’s most popular character, “Shelter” introduces a new generation of fans to the masterful plotting and wry humor that have made Harlan Coben an internationally bestselling author. (Auditorium)
Tuesday, September 20, 7 pm
Scott Westerfeld, “Goliath: Leviathan Trilogy #3″
Teen Event Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
The New York Times bestselling author of the “Uglies” science fiction series presents the highly-anticipated final installment in the Leviathan trilogy. In “Goliath,” Alek and Deryn are on the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, reclaim Alek’s throne as prince of Austria, and finally fall in love. (Auditorium)
Thursday, September 22, 7 pm
Margaret Peterson Haddix, “Torn: Missing Series #4″
Teen Event Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
Award-winning teen author Margaret Peterson Haddix presents the fourth book in her sensational “Missing” series about young time travelers. In “Torn,” Jonah and Katherine arrive in 1611 only moments before a mutiny on Henry Hudson’s ship in the icy waters of James Bay. (Auditorium)
Tuesday, September 27, 7 pm
Susan Elliott, “Across the Divide: Navigating the Digital Revolution as a Woman, Entrepreneur, and CEO”
Presented by the Pacesetter Author Series
One of the first programmers at IBM and the founder of Systems Service Enterprise, Susan Elliott was a woman pioneer in the man’s world of technology. “Across the Divide” details how she conceived and managed her business in a field with exponential change and international competition. (Auditorium)
Friday, September 30, 7 pm
Laurence Bergreen. “Columbus: The Four Voyages”
Presented by the ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series
Acclaimed historian Laurence Bergreen details the many adventures and historical background of Christopher Columbus’ celebrated, controversial career. Bergreen’s previous biographies include the national bestsellers “Marco Polo” and “Over the Edge of the World: Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe.” (Auditorium)
OCTOBER
Wednesday, October 5, 7 pm
Jon Scieszka, “SPHDZ Book #3!”
Young Readers’ Event Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
Caldecott Honor-winning children’s writer presents the third installment in his zany alien adventure series. Michael K. and the Spaceheadz have almost recruited 3.14 million earthlings, but there is still a lot to be done. Agent Umber of the AAA (Anti Alien Agency) is relentless and the unseen leader of the Spaceheadz turns out to be the last person anyone expected! (Auditorium)
Monday, October 10, 7 pm
Sharon Kay Penman, “Lionheart”
New York Times bestselling historical fiction novelist, Sharon Kay Penman presents a stunning story of Richard the Lionheart, the accomplished and controversial medieval warrior-king who led the Third Crusade. “Lionheart” is a powerful story of war, diplomacy, passion and treachery, all set against the rich textures of the Holy Land. (Auditorium)
Thursday, October 13, 7 pm
Alison Weir, “Mary Boleyn: The Mistress of Kings”
Sister to the infamous Anne Boleyn and an intimate player in one of history’s most legendary dramas, much of what we know about Mary Boleyn has arisen from fiction and conjecture. Now acclaimed historian Alison Weir presents the first in-depth biography dedicated to the enigmatic Mary Boleyn and uncovers the truth about one of the most misunderstood figures of the Tudor age. (Auditorium)
Saturday, October 15, 7 pm
Jonathan Franzen, “Freedom”
Presented by Read St. Louis
In the most talked about novel in recent years, Jonathan Franzen presents an epic of contemporary marriage and love. “Freedom” combines comedy and tragedy in the story of a couple struggling to learn how to live in an ever more confusing world. A St. Louis native, Franzen is the author of three other novels, including the contemporary classic and National Book Award-winner “The Corrections.” (Main Reading Room)
Friday, October 21, 7 pm
Daniel Yergin, “The Quest: The Global Race for Energy, Money, and Power”
Presented by the ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series
This long-awaited successor to Daniel Yergin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Prize” provides an essential, overarching narrative of global energy, the principal engine of geopolitical and economic change. A renowned energy authority, Yergin presents a gripping account of the quest for the energy the world needs—and the power and riches that come with it. (Auditorium)
NOVEMBER
Thursday, November 3, 7 pm
Richard Paul Evans, “Lost December”
Beloved author of “The Christmas Box” and “The Walk,” Richard Paul Evans presents a modern-day holiday version of the story of the prodigal son, a novel of redemption, hope, and the true meaning of Christmas. Richard Paul Evans is the author of 15 inspirational novels–all New York Times bestsellers. (Auditorium)
Monday, November 7, 7 pm
Ally Condie, “Crossed”
Teen Event Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
Popular teen science fiction writer Ally Condie presents the second installment in her dystopian “Matched” trilogy. In search of a future that may not exist, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky—taken by the Society to his certain death—only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake. (Auditorium)
Thursday, November 10, 7 pm
John Flanagan, “The Outcasts: Brotherband Chronicles #1”
Teen event presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
John Flanagan, author of the international phenomenon “Ranger’s Apprentice” series, creates a new cast of characters to populate his world of Skandians and Araluens. Full of seafaring adventures, Book 1 of The Brotherband Chronicles tells the story of Hal, Stig, and the other outcast Skandians who must enter the ultimate battle at sea. (Auditorium)
Tuesday, November 15, 7 pm
Gregory Maguire, “Out of Oz: The Final Volume in the Wicked Years”
The world of Oz comes full circle in Gregory Maguire’s stunning conclusion to his smash New York Times bestselling “Wicked” series. “Out of Oz” opens with the Emerald City mounting an invasion of Munchkinland, Glinda held under house-arrest, and the Cowardly Lion on the run from the law. Amidst the chaos, Elphaba’s granddaughter, Rain, comes of age to take up her broom in an Oz wracked by war. (Main Reading Room)
Thursday, December 1, 7 pm
Kim Edwards, “The Lake of Dreams”
The author of the #1 New York Times bestselling novel and book club favorite “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter,” Kim Edwards presents the story of a woman’s homecoming, a secret, and the old house that holds the key to the true legacy of a family. (Auditorium)
