READERS CALENDAR FOR WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8

September 2013 Articles

September 9 (Monday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick's will host debut local novelist Lacy Crawford, who will discuss and sign her book Early Decision. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed the author's most current book must be purchased from Warwick's.

Background: A delightful and salacious debut novel about the frightful world of high school, SATs, the college essay, and the Common Application-and how getting in is getting in the way of growing up.

Tiger mothers, eat your hearts out. Anne the "application whisperer" is the golden ticket to success. Working one-on-one with burned-out, helicopter-parented kids, she can make Harvard a reality. Her phone number is a national secret. Her students end up at the best of the best.

But sometimes acceptance comes at an enormous cost. In a world of cheating scandals, huge alumni donations, and lots of inside pull, some parents know no bounds when it comes to ensuring that their children get in. It's Anne's job to guide students to their own destinies, beginning with their essays. Early Decision follows five students-four privileged, one without a penny to her name-as they make their applications and wrestle with fate.

To write the perfect personal statement, they must tell the truth. And the stories they tell are of greed, excess, jealousy, deceit, money, ego, and pressure, as well as of endurance, tenacity, victory, and the hope of surviving their parents' wildest dreams so they can begin to live their own lives.

Early Decision captures the most ferocious season in a modern family's life. Parents only want the best for their children, and students are fighting for college seats that will give them a head start into work and adulthood. Is it possible to face the fall semester of senior year without losing your mind?

Told in part through the students' essays, unsparingly revealing the secrets of college advisors at the highest levels, Early Decision is an explosive insider's guide to college admissions in our day. It's also a sharp commentary on modern parenting. The truth is, the kids are all right. Their essays are fabulous. But the system is broken. With humor and hard-earned wisdom, Early Decision illuminates the madness of the college race.

September 10 (Tuesday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick's will host award-winning screenwriter Dianne Dixon, who will discuss and sign her new novel The Book of Someday. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed the author's most current book must be purchased from Warwick's.

Background: Mysteriously connected and soon to be forever changed, three women begin a story that will haunt you long after they are gone. Ever since she was a little girl in California, Livvi Gray has been tormented by a nightmare of an eerily beautiful stranger in a shimmering silver dress. Shortly before Livvi's thirtieth birthday she will come face to face with this stranger, an encounter that will not only alter Livvi's future, but also change much of what she thinks she knows about the past.

The Book of Someday tells Livvi's story in parallel with that of a brilliant Boston photographer named Micah and a young Long Island wife and mother named AnnaLee. Like Livvi, these two women are swiftly moving toward events that will prove to be the ultimate turning points in their lives, the places where devastating secrets will be exposed – secrets about the unexpected ways in which we choose to protect, and betray, the people we love.

September 11 (Wednesday, 4:00 pm) — Warwick's will host LEGO artist Sean Kenney, who will discuss and sign his book Cool Creations in 35 Pieces, and lead children on a LEGO building craft. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed Cool Creations in 35 Pieces must be purchased from Warwick's.

Background: Creativity knows no bounds! LEGO artist Sean Kenney reuses the same thirty-five LEGO bricks to create a variety of images in all categories: vehicles, spaceships, home accessories, animals, nature, robots, and many other subjects. This new LEGO offering is sure to spark imagination and encourage kids to think outside the box, which is the message that Sean strongly promotes about creativity, imagination, and building with LEGO.

About the Author: Sean Kenney is an artist who creates sculptures and models out of LEGO bricks at his studio in New York City. A LEGO-certified professional, Kenney has toured the world with his creations and produced six inspirational and instructional children's books, including Cool Robots and Cool Castles.

September 11 (Wednesday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick's will host Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Medicine at UCSD, Ajit Varki, who will discuss and sign his book Denial: Self-Deception, False Beliefs, and the Origins of the Human Mind. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed, Denial must be purchased from Warwick's.

Background: The history of science abounds with momentous theories that disrupted conventional wisdom and yet were eventually proven true. Ajit Varki and Danny Brower's "Mind-Over-Reality" theory is poised to be one such idea-a concept that runs counter to commonly held notions about human evolution, but which may hold the key to understanding why humans evolved as we did, leaving all other related species far behind. In Denial: Self-Deception, False Beliefs, and the Origins of the Human Mind Ajit Varki and Danny Brower offer us their revolutionary theory that alters our understanding of human evolution.

At a chance meeting in 2005, Danny Brower posed an unusual idea to Ajit Varki that that he believed could explain the origins of human uniqueness among the world's species in a revolutionary way. Haunted by this encounter, Varki tried years later to contact Brower, only to discover that he had died unexpectedly. Inspired by an unfinished manuscript Brower left behind, Denial represents a unique collaboration that integrates Varki's own knowledge on human origins to explain what sets us apart from other animal species: our ability to fully understand the minds of others. This single evolutionary leap, they argue, required crossing a psychological barrier: giving us the uniquely human ability to deny reality in the face of inarguable evidence-including the willful ignorance of our own inevitable deaths. However, our unique instinct for denial will also be our undoing, if we continue to disregard the consequences of unrealistic approaches to everything from personal health to financial risk-taking to climate change. Only in understanding this radical new idea can we hope to tackle the many vexing issues facing us today, and to imagine where our species might go from here.

Presented in homage to Brower's original thinking, Denial offers a powerful warning about the dangers inherent in our remarkable ability to ignore reality-a gift that will either lead to our downfall, or continue to be our greatest asset.

September 14 (Saturday, 11:00 am) — Acclaimed authors David Brin and Alan Russell will discuss It’s About Crime, It’s About Space at Carlsbad City Library in the library’s Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, located at 1775 Dove Lane. Mysterious Galaxy will provide books for sale and signing. For more information, visit www.carlsbadlibrary.org or call 760-602-2012.

David Brin is a scientist, best-selling author and tech-futurist. His novels include Earth, The Postman and Hugo Award winners Startide Rising and The Uplift War. Brin’s newest novel Existence explores the ultimate question: billions of planets are ripe for life. So where is Everybody? www.davidbrin.com.

Award-winning crime novelist Alan Russell’s books include Burning Man, Multiple Wounds, Shame and The Hotel Detective. He has received a Critics’ Choice Award, The Lefty (awarded to the best humorous mystery of the year), and two San Diego Book Awards. www.alanrussell.net.

September 15 (Sunday, 6:30 pm) — Warwick's will host the award-winning author of Schindler's List, Thomas Keneally, who will discuss and sign his new novel The Daughters of Mars. This event is free and open to the public, however Reserved Seating is available. Please contact the Warwick's Book Dept. at (858) 454-0347 for details. In order to be signed, the author's most current title must be purchased from Warwick's.

Background: From the acclaimed author of Schindler's List, the epic, unforgettable story of two sisters from Australia, both trained nurses, whose lives are transformed by the cataclysm of the first World War.

In 1915, two spirited Australian sisters join the war effort as nurses, escaping the confines of their father's farm and carrying a guilty secret with them. Used to tending the sick as they are, nothing could have prepared them for what they confront, first near Gallipoli, then on the Western Front.

Yet amid the carnage, Naomi and Sally Durance become the friends they never were at home and find themselves courageous in the face of extreme danger, as well as the hostility they encounter from some on their own side. There is great bravery, humor, and compassion, too, and the inspiring example of the remarkable women they serve alongside. In France, where Naomi nurses in a hospital set up by the eccentric Lady Tarlton while Sally works in a casualty clearing station, each meets an exceptional man: the kind of men for whom they might give up some of their precious independence-if only they all survive.

At once vast in scope and extraordinarily intimate, The Daughters of Mars brings World War I to vivid, concrete life from an unusual perspective. A searing and profoundly moving tale, it pays tribute to men and women of extraordinary moral resilience, even in the face of the incomprehensible horrors of modern war.

September 16 (Monday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick's will host local photographer and author Judith Fox, who will discuss and sign her book One Foot Forward. Warwick's will be donating a portion of the book sales proceeds to The Elizabeth Hospice. Judith Fox will be donating 100% of her royalties to National Hospice Foundation. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed, the author's most current title must be purchased from Warwick's.

Background: Very few people in this country are comfortable talking about end-of-life issues, death, and widowhood. When this most transformative of life events eventually happens, how does one continue on past the lingering questions, the new plans, the change in perspective?

One Foot Forward offers hope, solace, and the knowledge that you're not alone. The insightful and powerful stories of the 20 widowed women and men in this book are woven together with beautiful portraits to document bereavement, acceptance, and perseverance in the face of the life-altering death of a spouse.

Fox, herself widowed at the age of 50, interviewed people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures; people whose spouses died as a result of chronic illnesses and sudden deaths; people who were widowed in their 20s as well as those widowed in their 70s.

The journeys through bereavement in One Foot Forward are as singular as the subjects' relationships and lives, yet the grief and life-affirming determination to survive, and eventually thrive, are universal. Remarkably, most people do keep putting one foot forward, some to profound effect: many even construct new and often more meaningful lives. These are stories of resilience and triumph-of the human spirit finding a way to blossom after devastating loss.

September 17 (Tuesday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick's will host the New York Times bestselling author of Me Before You, Jojo Moyes, who will discuss and sign her new novel The Girl You Left Behind. This event is free and open to the public, however Reserved Seating is available. Please contact the Warwick's Book Dept. at (858) 454-0347 for details. In order to be signed, the author's most current title must be purchased from Warwick's.

Background: From the New York Times bestselling author of Me Before You, a spellbinding love story of two women separated by a century but united in their determination to fight for what they love most.

France, 1916: Artist Edouard Lefevre leaves his young wife, Sophie, to fight at the front. When their small town falls to the Germans in the midst of World War I, Edouard's portrait of Sophie draws the eye of the new Kommandant. As the officer's dangerous obsession deepens, Sophie will risk everything-her family, her reputation, and her life-to see her husband again.

Almost a century later, Sophie's portrait is given to Liv Halston by her young husband shortly before his sudden death. A chance encounter reveals the painting's true worth, and a battle begins for who its legitimate owner is-putting Liv's belief in what is right to the ultimate test.

Like Sarah Blake's The Postmistress and Tatiana de Rosnay's Sarah's Key, The Girl You Left Behind is a breathtaking story of love, loss, and sacrifice told with Moyes's signature ability to capture our hearts with every turn of the page.

September 18 (Wednesday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick's will host the New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford, who will discuss and sign Songs of Willow Frost. This event is free and open to the public, however Reserved Seating is available. Please contact the Warwick's Book Dept. for details at (858) 454-0347. In order to be signed, the author's most current title must be purchased from Warwick's.

Background: From Jamie Ford, the New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, comes a much-anticipated second novel. Set against the backdrop of Depression-era Seattle, Songs of Willow Frost is a powerful tale of two souls-a boy with dreams for his future and a woman escaping her haunted past-both seeking love, hope, and forgiveness.

Twelve-year-old William Eng, a Chinese American boy, has lived at Seattle's Sacred Heart Orphanage ever since his mother's listless body was carried away from their small apartment five years ago. On his birthday-or rather, the day the nuns designate as his birthday-William and the other orphans are taken to the historical Moore Theatre, where William glimpses an actress on the silver screen who goes by the name of Willow Frost. Struck by her features, William is convinced that the movie star is his mother, Liu Song.

Determined to find Willow and prove that his mother is still alive, William escapes from Sacred Heart with his friend Charlotte. The pair navigate the streets of Seattle, where they must not only survive but confront the mysteries of William's past and his connection to the exotic film star. The story of Willow Frost, however, is far more complicated than the Hollywood fantasy William sees onscreen.

Shifting between the Great Depression and the 1920s, Songs of Willow Frost takes readers on an emotional journey of discovery. Jamie Ford's sweeping novel will resonate with anyone who has ever longed for the comforts of family and a place to call home.

September 21 (Saturday, 11:00 am) — Adventures by the Book, in partnership with the Carlsbad Library, is pleased to present A Dog Days Adventure, with acclaimed author and writing instructor Jane Vandenburgh, together with renowned veterinarian and author Sharon Vanderlip DVM and several of her therapy collies in the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, 1175 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, CA. Event is free and open to the public and complements the Cannon Art Gallery exhibit Elliott Erwitt: Dog Dogs thru November 3, 2013.

About the Event: Join us for a morning adventure sure to make you appreciate the comfort of dogs. Whether you are an acclaimed author living the high profile life with visits to the White House, like Jane, or you make animals your life’s calling like Sharon, you will hear two first-hand stories of the comfort and therapy provided by our furry, four-footed friends. Included in the event will be fun treats prepared by Jane to get you into the doggie spirit!

About the Authors: Jane Vandenburgh is the acclaimed author of two novels, Failure to Zigzag and The Physics of Sunset, the nonfiction book, Architecture of the Novel: A Writer’s Handbook, and the memoirs, The Wrong Dog Dream and The Pocket History of Sex in the Twentieth Century. Sharon Vanderlip DVM has provided veterinary care to exotic and domestic mammals for more than 30 years. She has authored 20 books on animal care and several scientific publications. Dr. Vanderlip has received awards for her writing and dedication to animal health.

For more information regarding the event, or for media inquiries or review copies for Sharon Vanderlip, please contact Susan McBeth at (619) 300-2532 or at susan@adventuresbythebook.com.

Adventures by the Book offers worldwide opportunities for readers to connect with authors and their books on an intimate basis through unique, interesting, and adventurous travels and events.

September 21 (Saturday, 2:00 to 4:00 pm) — Barnes & Noble Encinitas will host award-winning author Larry Edwards, who will introduce and sign his book Dare I Call it Murder?: A Memoir of Violent Loss. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed, the author's most current book must be purchased from Barnes & Noble.

Background: In his book, Larry Edwards unmasks the emotional trauma of violent loss as he ferrets out new facts to get at the truth of how and why his parents were killed.“…chilling…palpable ….powerful …” —Kirkus Reviews. WINNER: San Diego Book Awards, 2012.

For more information regarding the event, please contact Barnes & Noble Encinitas | 1040 N El Camino Real | Encinitas, CA 92024 | 760-943-6400 | http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2785.

September 21 (Saturday, 11 am) — Barnes & Noble Oceanside is celebrating a love of reading with everyone’s favorite monkey- Curious George. Join us for a reading of the classic Curious George Book, fun activities, monkey-mask making, treats and more. Barnes & Noble, El Camino North Shopping Center, 2615 Vista Way, Oceanside.

For additional information, contact Lisa Kovach at (760) 529-0106 or Crm2153@bn.com.

September 22 (Sunday, 1:00 pm) — Join Barnes & Noble Oceanside for a discussion and signing with David Lewis, author of Advanced Studies of the Human Aura: How to Charge Your Energy Field with Light and Spiritual Radiance. During the signing, David will discuss how to create a more permanent connection with Spirit and live a life of greater joy, harmony and love. David is an author, spiritual teacher, composer, and cofounder of The Hearts Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people everywhere nurture their own spiritual potential. Barnes & Noble, El Camino North Shopping Center, 2615 Vista Way, Oceanside.

For additional information, contact Lisa Kovach at (760) 529-0106 or Crm2153@bn.com.

September 22 (Sunday, 12:00 to 2:00 pm) — Warwick's will host award-winning author Larry Edwards, who will introduce and sign his book Dare I Call it Murder?: A Memoir of Violent Loss. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed, the author's most current book must be purchased from Warwick's.

Background: In his book, Larry Edwards unmasks the emotional trauma of violent loss as he ferrets out new facts to get at the truth of how and why his parents were killed.“...chilling…palpable...powerful…” — Kirkus Reviews. WINNER: San Diego Book Awards, 2012.

WANT TO READ BOOK REVIEWS OF LOCAL AUTHORS? Go to: http://sdwriteway.org/readers_lounge/book_reviews/1a_reviews_book.htm

FOR ALL SAN DIEGO COUNTY LIBRARY EVENTS, Go to: http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/news-events/index.shtml

Sam Warren is the publisher and editor of www.SDWriteWay.org. Visit the site for additional news and calendar events for both Readers and Writers

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READERS CALENDAR FOR WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8

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