The St. Louis County Library is proud to participate in the first US World Book Night on April 23, 2012. Sponsored by publishers, the American Bookseller Association, and the American Library Association, World Book Night will provide free paperbacks to over one million people. But they need your help to disseminate the books. The organization is looking for 50 thousand book giver volunteers to hand out 20 books each. On April 23, volunteers will give these books out to strangers at the coffee shop, grocery store, gym, church, or wherever a new reader might linger.

To sign up to be a book giver, you just need to fill out the application on the World Book Night website – http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/about-world-book-night/register-as-a-2012-giver. And act fast; you must sign up by February 1! The organization will let you know mid-February if you’ve been selected as a book giver.

You will then be able to select your three favorite titles from their list of 30 books. With some of the best books of the last several years included–stunning novels like Chris Cleave’s “Little Bee” and Ann Patchett’s “Bel Canto,” great memoirs like Patti Smith’s “Just Kids” and Jeannette Walls’ “Glass Castle,” and fabulous books for young readers like Marcus Zusak’s “The Book Thief.” and Suzanne Collins’ ”Hunger Games”–you will be well-equipped to go out into your community and say “here read this; it’s my favorite.”

Four St. Louis County Library locations will serve as pick up locations for your book shipments: Headquarters, Thornhill, Tesson Ferry, and Florissant Valley -http://www.slcl.org/about/hours_and_locations. We will also give a library tote bag or t-shirt to everyone who signs up for the program and selects the Library as their home base.

As the website sums up, ”Reading changes lives and at the heart of World Book Night lies the simplest of ideas and acts – that of putting a book into another person’s hand.”

Working at a library, we all sit around and read all day. We wish! That could not be further from the truth, but we are all huge book lovers and take great pleasure in making book recommendations. So in the spirit of holiday sharing, our staff members have compiled our own 2011Best Books list.  

(Click on any of the titles and go to our catalog where you read descriptions, author bios, reviews–and order the book from your library branch. For free. Beat that, Amazon!)

I have not gotten to nearly as many books on these lists as I would like, but I want to add my vote for Tea Obreht’s stunning novel of the Balkan wars, “The Tiger’s Wife,” which I read in the early summer and whose characters, imagery, and magic has stayed with me throughout the year. And I can’t possibly forget the rich and haunting “Cat’s Table”by my all-time favorite novelist Michael Ondaatje—an incredible journey through childhood.

Development Manager, Jim Bogart reads more books than the rest of us combined—everything from fiction, history, sports, biographies, mysteries, even a kids’ book or two. His favorites for the year include the narrative histories “Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President” by Candice Millard, about the assassination of President James A Garfield; and “Devil in the White City” author Erik Larson’s chilling “In the Garden of the Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Berlin.” He also loved the new Stan Musial biography by New York Time sports columnist George Vecsey. For fiction, he recommends Stephen King’s surprising time-travel/parallel universe novel “11/22/63” and Amor Towles’ brilliant debut about the Jazz age jet set, “Rules of Civility.”

Jim has also spent the year reading everything written by Canadian suspense author Louise Penny, including this year’s Edgar Award-winner for best mystery, “A Trick of the Light.” Another great mystery recommendation comes from our Friends Coordinator, Debbie Podgorski: #1 New York Times suspense writer Harlan Coben’s new thriller about sports agent Myron Bolitar: “Live Wire.”

Our Communications Manager, Jennifer McBride, has impeccable taste and recommends “The Marriage Plot,” Pulitzer Prize-winner and “Middlesex” author Jeffrey Eugenides’ big novel of academic romance. She also loved former Wall Street Journal reporter Philip Connor’s “Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilderness Lookout,” a memoir of his days and nights atop one of the last fire watch towers in New Mexico.

Finally no one knows more about new books than our Collections Development Specialist, Jennifer Alexander (it may actually be Jennifer’s job to read all day). Of all the books Jennifer has read this year, her favorites are “Maine” by J. Courtney Sullivan, a book she describes as a gossipy page-turner with great writing; and the clear and heartbreaking short fiction collection by Edna O’Brien, “Saints and Sinners.”

KIDS’ RECOMMENDATIONS:

From our youth department, kids’ book guru Desiree Schumann recommends Mo Willems’ new picture book, “Hooray for Amanda and her Alligator,” a funny tale about a unique friendship; the “The Outcasts: Brotherband Chronicles #1,” the first installment in a new seafaring adventure series by Australian creator of the “Ranger’s Apprentice” series, John Flanagan; and “The Chronicles of    Harris Burdock,” a compilation of stories inspired by the enigmatic drawings of illustrator Chris Van Allsburg and written by many of the best writers for young people. 

Assistant Manager of Youth Services Sarah Wood is an expert on teen literature. Her favorite for the year is “Divergent,” Veronica Roth’s dystopian sci-fi thriller about love and loyalty.  She also recommends National Book Award-finalist Sara Zarr’s “How to Save a Life,” a touching novel about grief and the meaning of family; and “The Future of Us” by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler, an inventive story set in 1996 about teens who discover the Facebook pages of their future selves.

So, what do you think? Part of the joy of reading is sharing your thoughts with other book lovers. Please feel free to comment on our favorite books and add to our lists in the comment section.

Happy holidays and happy reading!

UPDATE: Events have been added with Andrea Cremer, Lynn Whitfield, Robert Crais, Kadir Nelson, Joshua Foer, and Susan Vreeland. Check back often! New events added weekly.

JANUARY

Tuesday, January 17, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

Andrea Cremer, “Bloodrose: A Nightshade Novel”

Teen Event Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series

Teen sensation Andrea Cremer presents the final installment of her internationally bestselling Nightshade trilogy. As the alpha female of a pack of shape-shifting wolves, Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting—including protecting her true love and choosing between a life with humans or with the wolves.

Wednesday, January 18, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

Thrity Umrigar, “The World We Found”

Acclaimed Indian American novelist Thrity Umrigar presents a breathtaking new novel–a skillfully wrought, emotionally resonant story of four women and the indelible friendship they share. Umrigar is the author of the bestsellers “The Space Between Us” and “The Weight of Heaven.”

Friday, January 20, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

John M. Barry, “Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul: Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty”

Presented by the ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series

Acclaimed historian John M. Barry presents a revelatory look at how Puritan theologian Roger Williams shaped the nature of religion, political power, and individual rights in America. John M. Barry is also the author of the New York Times bestsellers “Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed America” and “The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History.”

Wednesday, January 25, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

Stewart O’Nan, “The Odds”

Stewart O’Nan’s thirteenth novel is another wildly original, bittersweet gem. A tender yet honest exploration of faith, forgiveness and last chances, “The Odds” is the story of a middle-age couple going all in for love at a Niagara Falls casino. O’Nan will also discuss his latest paperback release “Emily, Alone.” 

Friday, January 27, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Main Reading Room

Lynn Whitfield

Kick-off event for the 2012 Black History Month Celebration

Actress Lynn Whitfield, best known for her roles in “The Josephine Baker Story” and “The Women of Brewster Place,” has accomplished great success as the star of stage, television, and the silver screen. She will soon be seen in the upcoming film, “Mama, I Want to Sing,” joining music legend Patti La Belle in a remake of the off-Broadway play about the life of R&B singer Doris Troy.

Tuesday, January 31, 7:00 pm

Robert Crais, “Taken”

Bestselling suspense author Robert Crais returns to the library to discuss his newest Elvis Cole and Joe Pike mystery. When a wealthy industrialist’s son is kidnapped, she hires Cole to go undercover and find him. But when Cole disappears as well, it’s up to Pike to retrace Cole’s steps through the hard and murderous world of human traffickers…before it is too late.

FEBRUARY
 
Thursday, February 9, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

Amy Chua,”Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother”

At once provocative and laugh-out-loud funny, “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” was a New York Times bestseller and set off a global debate. Achingly honest and profoundly challenging, Chua’s daring, conversation-changing memoir discusses her journey in strict parenting–and the remarkable, sometimes heartbreaking results her choices inspired.

Monday, February 27, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

J.A. Jance, “Left for Dead”

New York Times bestselling suspense author J.A. Jance discusses and signs her latest thriller,” Left for Dead.” When violence from the drug wars between the Mexican cartels crosses the border into Arizona, severly injuring an old friend, former TV reporter-turned crime blogger Ali Reynolds steps in to investigate. 

MARCH

 
Monday, March 5, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

Julie Winch, “The Clamorgans: One Family’s History of Race in America”

Presented by the St. Louis County Library Special Collections Department and the Black History Month Celebration

Historian Julie Winch uses the history of the Clamorgans of St. Louis to chronicle how one family navigated race in America from the 1780s through the 1950s. Jacques Clamorgan was an 18th-century French adventurer who fathered children with several of his slaves then left those children his name, fortune, and their freedom. His heirs fought through several generations to claim their legacy and combat an increasingly racist society. 
 
Monday, March 12, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

Lisa Lutz, “The Trail of the Spellmans”

Lisa Lutz presents the long-awaited fifth installment in the bestselling, Edgar-nominated series about an eccentric family of private investigators. For the first time in Spellman history, Isabel Spellman might be the most normal member of her family. As always, the Spellman clan has yet to settle into any kind of status quo.  As an outrageous assortment of cases and the Spellman’s typical domestic disturbances threaten to shatter both the business and the family, it’s once again up to Izzy to pull the family back from the brink.

Tuesday, March 13, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

Joshua Foer, “Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything”

This quirky and engaging memoir recounts Joshua Foer’s yearlong quest to improve his memory under the tutelage of top “mental athletes.” He draws on cutting-edge research and venerable tricks of the mentalist’s trade to transform our understanding of human memory and remind us that, in every way that matters, we are the sum of our memories.

Thursday, March 15, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorum

T.C. Boyle, “When the Killing’s Done”

From one of our most acclaimed novelists, “When the Killing’s Done” is an action-packed adventure about endangered animals and those who protect them. As a confrontation between conservationists and local business people escalates in drama and violence, “When the Killing’s Done” relates a richly humane tale about the dominion we attempt to exert, for better or worse, over the natural world.

Thursday, March 16, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

Kadir Nelson, “Heart and Soul: The Story of America and Afrian-Americans”

Children’s Event presented by the 2012 Black History Month Celebration

Kadir Nelson, an accomplished, award-winning artist, has created a moving introduction to the history of America and African Americans, from colonial days through the civil rights movement. Written in the voice of “Everywoman,” an unnamed narrator whose forebears came to this country on slave ships and who lived to cast her vote for the first African American president, “Heart and Soul” touches on the great transformative events of that history.

Wednesday, March 21, 7:00 pm – Library Headquarters, Auditorium

Susan Vreeland, “Clara and Mr. Tiffany”

Bestselling author Susan Vreeland again breathes life into a work of art in this extraordinary novel, which brings a woman once lost in the shadows into vivid color. Behind the scenes in Louis Comfort Tiffany’s studio is the freethinking Clara Driscoll, designer of nearly all of the iconic leaded-glass lamps for which he is long remembered. Clara struggles with her desire for artistic recognition and must eventually decide what makes her happiest—the professional world of her hands or the personal world of her heart.

Reed Farrel Coleman will be a familiar face to anyone who has attended the Library’s popular annual Suspense Night. A great friend of the Library Foundation and programming staff, Reed emcees the program each year and helps bring in authors from across the country. The delightfully wicked Megan Abbott has twice appeared at Suspense Night and has become one of our favorite guests.

“The End of Everything” is a chilling story about an abducted pre-teen told from the perspective of her best friend who sets out to bring her back and learns more about her friend and growing up than she is prepared for. Coleman’s “Hurt Machine” is the seventh book in his hard-boiled series featuring Brooklyn detective Moe Prager and opens just after Moe learns he has cancer. For further reading, check out Reed’s “Tower” co-written with Irish noir master Ken Bruen and Megan’s Edgar Award-winning classic femme fatale story “Queenpin.”

Suspense Night is an annual event featuring 4 -5 suspense writers from across the country who each read from recent work and discuss the mystery craft. Always one of our most popular, entertaining, and surprisingly funny events of the year, Suspense Night continues to draw some of the best writers in the business and fans from all over. We are currently looking at authors for the next Suspense Night–coming April 2012.

Suspense Night 2011 - All-Star Edition. Featuring (front row) S.J. Rozan, Lisa Lutz, Katie Estill, Megan Abbott, (back row) Peter Spiegelman, Daniel Woodrell, Christa Faust, Reed Farrel Coleman, and Steve Hamilton

Mr. Evans has helped ring in the holiday spirit for the past four years–visitng each November to discuss his upcoming holiday novel. His latest, “Lost December,” is a modern retelling of the prodigal son parable and follows the story of the heir to an office supply franchise who parties his way through his entire inheritance and must take a job at one of his own copy centers. Will he find love and redemption? Richard Paul Evans always provides an uplifiting look at family and the true meaning of the holidays.

For readers new to Mr. Evans’ work, he is the author of “The Christmas Box,” “The Walk,” “The Sunflower,” “The Gift,” and more. He also has a hit new young adult novel, “Michael Vey and the Prisoner of Cell 25.” But Mr. Evans never set out to be a bestselling author. His debut novel “The Christmas Box,” was written as a simple expression of love for his two daughters. He self-published twenty copies, which were spread around and eventually created such a demand that a major publishing company scooped it up. It has now sold 8 million copies worldwide. Mr. Evans is also a remarkable humanitarian. In 1997, he founded the Christmas Box House International which provides shelter and resources to abused children in the US and Peru.  

He has a great website with lots of information about his books, philanthropic projects, and more – www.richardpaulevans.com.

We hope to see you Thursday night! Mr. Evans events are always moving, inspiring, and fun. And get here early; the events typically draw crowds of 200+.

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)

Thursday, June 23, 7pm

Edward Achorn, “Fifty-nine in ’84”

In 1884, pitcher Charles “Old Hoss” Radbourn won fifty-nine games and all three games of baseball’s first World Series. “Fifty-nine in ’84” is a portrait  of a legendary player and a little known era of the national pastime. Edward Achorn, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, is the deputy editorial pages editor of The Providence Journal. Books for signing will be available from Pudd’nHead Books at the event

Monday, June 27, 7pm

Ally Carter, “Uncommon Criminals”

In “Uncommon Criminals,” Kat (“Heist Society”) is asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald and return it to its rightful owners. Of course, this heist won’t be easy—the emerald is held at a secure auction house and perhaps more troubling, it may be cursed.

Arrive early for pre-event activities starting at 6:00 p.m. Books for signing will be available for purchase from Pudd’nHead Books.

Thursday, July 14, 7pm

Jan Burke,”Disturbance”

Author of the bestselling Irene Kelly thrillers, Jan Burke presents a bone-chilling sequel to the Edgar Award-winning smash hit “Bones.”

Books for signing will be available for purchase from Barnes & Noble.

Thursday, July 28, 7pm

Maggie Stiefvater, “Forever”

“Forever,” is the conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy. In Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Books for signing must be purchased from Pudd’nHead Books at the event.