Fall 2009 Events Line-up

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.”

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.

 

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.

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.