San Diego Bookshelf

READERS & WRITERS CALENDAR SEPT. 16-30, 2018

 

 

By Sam Warren, past president of the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild (copyright 2018)

 

"Publication – is the auction of the mind of man.—Emily Dickinson

 

September 14, 2018 (San Diego) – Upcoming activities include the Southern California Writers Conference, author appearances,  plus classes for authors and reporters.

CLICK TO SCROLL DOWN FOR A LIST OF BOOK EVENTS.

LIBRARY GETS IN TOUCH WITH KIDS WITH AUTISM

 

 

A simple suggestion from a parent at the La Mesa Branch Library has initiated a new program for kids with autism.

“It’s one of the best things I’ve heard about in a while for kids on the spectrum,” said Matthew Wion, a dad with two kids on the spectrum who has been taking advantage of the new program.

LEDERER ON LANGUAGE: HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TELL IF YOU ARE A TRUE BOOK LOVER

 

By Richard Lederer

Editor’s note: Richard Lederer will be our special at East County Fest, East County Magazine’s 10-year anniversary celebration the evening of August 25th at Mission Trails. For tickets and details, click here.

August 22, 2018 (San Diego) -- A week from today, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., the Union-Tribune and KPBS, both of whom I've worked with, will launch our city's second annual Festival of Books. The setting will be the McMillin Event Center at Liberty Station in Point Loma. Along with a galaxy of local authors, I'll be signing my books in Authors' Alley. I'd love to meet you there.

HEALTHCARE DISTRICT HOSTS RECEPTION FOR JAMES NEWLAND, AUTHOR OF NEW BOOK ON GROSSMONT HOSPITAL’S HISTORY

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Author and historian James D. Newland with his book, Grossmont Hospital: A Legacy of Community Service

August 19, 2018 (La Mesa)—Author and historian James D. Newland’s latest book, Grossmont Hospital: A Legacy of Community Service, provides a fascinating look into the colorful history of East County as well as the hospital itself and the evolution of healthcare in our region.

Newland was honored Thursday at the Grossmont Healthcare District headquarters with a reception attended by the district’s board of directors and community VIPs. Following appetizers and brews served up by Burning Beard brewery, the district’s CEO Barry Jantz and board president Michael Emerson gave welcoming remarks. 

Newland signed copies of his book, noting that the biggest challenge in its creation was handling the controversy over the hospital merging with Sharp Healthcare, a move that kept East County’s major hospital financially viable at a time when rising costs drove some other healthcare facilities under.

READER’S AND WRITER’S CALENDAR: AUG. 19-SEPT. 2, 2018

 

Copyright 2018 by Sam Warren, past president of the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild.

"There's a word for a self-published writer who never gives up... rich." Joe Konrath

August 18, 2018 (San Diego) – Top events this week include the San Diego Book Festival and East County Fest, where many prominent local authors will be signing copies of their books.

CLICK TO SCROLL DOWN FOR A FULL LIST OF BOOK EVENTS

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

 

The Artist Portrait Project: A Photographic Memoir of Portrait Sessions with San Diego Artists, 2006 – 2016, by Jennifer G. Spencer (She Writes Press, Berkeley, CA, 2018, 117 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

“All photographs are memento mori. To take a photograph is to participate in another person’s (or thing’s) mortality, vulnerability, mutability. Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time’s relentless melt.”

  • Susan Sontag

August 17, 2018 (San Diego) - There is an old adage that says “A Picture is worth a Thousand Words!” Jennifer G. Spencer, a painter/photographer who creates images using alternative photographic processes and digital imagery, exemplifies that old adage in her groundbreaking memoir; The Artist Portrait Project: A Photographic Memoir of Portrait Sessions with San Diego Artists, 2006 – 2016.

BOOK LOVERS, REJOICE! MEET THESE AUTHORS AT EAST COUNTY FEST AUGUST 25TH AT MISSION TRAILS

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 17, 2018 (San Diego) – If you love books, you won’t want to miss our East County Fest 10-year anniversary party of the decade the evening of August 25 at Mission Trails! (Tickets and reservations, click here.)  In addition to headliner Richard Lederer, we have numerous other local authors signing and selling books, as well as donating copies for our raffle that you could win. 

The topics including local hiking guides, history in the headlines, local winemaking and Native American history, engaging novels and a children’s nature book.

Scroll down to read more about these fascinating authors and their works.

LANGUAGE AUTHOR AND HUMORIST RICHARD LEDERER TO SHARE WIT AND WISDOM AT EAST COUNTY FEST AUG. 25

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 17, 2018 (San Diego) – Language expert, author, columnist and radio personality Richard Lederer will be a special guest at our East County Fest 10-year anniversary party of the decade on Saturday night, August 25. (Tickets are going fast! Get tickets and learn more.)

In addition to speaking and signing copies of his latest books, Lederer has generously donated two special auction prizes – an entertaining and educational appearance by Lederer for your group, and a poker lesson by Lederer, whose skills enabled his two children to become world and national poker champions.

Lederer is the author of 50 books about language, history, and humor, including his best-selling Anguished English series and his current books, Amazing Words, Lederer on Language, and The Joy of Names. He is a founding co-host of “A Way With Words” on KPBS.

Dr. Lederer’s syndicated column, “Lederer on Language,” appears in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States, including the San Diego Union-Tribune. He has been named International Punster of the Year and Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel winner.

READERS AND WRITERS CALENDAR AUG. 12-26, 2018

 

By Sam Warren © 2018

 

"I can't stand to read what I write. I make my wife do that, then ask her to keep her opinions to herself." — Kurt Vonnegut

August 11, 2018 (San Diego) – This month’s book lovers’ events include the San Diego Festival of Books and East County Fest, both on August 25th, where you can meet many top local authors and celebrate local literary luminaries.  

Click to scroll down for a list of literary events for readers and writers.

SEEKING LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE IN AN ISLAMOPHOBIC SOCIETY

 

Writing and Madness in a Time of Terror: A Memoir, by Afarin Majidi (Barnes & Noble/Amazon, 2014, 325 pages).

 

Book Review by Dennis Moore

 

“A woman forced to flee Iran with her family … bravely explores three explosive issues—mental illness, racism, and misogyny—with bracing candor … Majidi provides an engrossing and timely look at the way women of color are doubly objectified, as exotic sexual quarry and as individuals worthy of contempt.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS

 

July 25, 2018 (San Diego) - The very first time that this writer interviewed Afarin Majidi, the author of this memoir, Writing and Madness in a Time of Terror, what resonated with me was her reliance on and speaking of the current and timely “#MeToo” movement, as if everything written in this memoir is symptomatic of what women are experiencing throughout the country.

HEALTHY FOOD FOR HEALTHY LIVING

 

Food for Life, by Laila Ali (St. Martin’s Press, New York, N.Y., 2017, 312 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

July 8, 2018 (San Diego) - Passionate health advocate, cook, television personality, and four-time undefeated boxing world champion Laila Ali’s first cookbook is an idea-rich guide for happy dinners (and breakfasts and lunches) at home.

JOIN THE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE AT A COUNTY LIBRARY

 

 

Summer is officially underway at the San Diego County Library. Residents of all ages are invited to take the Summer Reading Challenge. Participants are awarded prizes based on the number of activities they complete. The more they read, the better their chance at winning prizes.

THE ROSA PARKS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

 

17 Steps: A Federal Employee’s Guide for Tackling Workplace Discrimination, by Tanya Ward Jordan (Tanya Ward Jordan, M.S., 2018, 186 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

June 1, 2018 (San Diego) - Tanya Ward Jordan, M.S., President and Founder of The Coalition For Change, Inc., (C4C), has written an incisive and provocative book about the inner workings of the federal government; 17 Steps: A Federal Employee’s Guide for Tackling Workplace Discrimination, that is a must read.

SECRETS OF THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL REVEALED: JUNE 16 AT LIBRARY IN EL CAJON

 

Source: County Library branch in El Cajon

Photo by Miriam Raftery: Pacific Crest Trail in Campo

May 29, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Local hiking enthusiast Dana Law will share his adventures and tips for hiking the legendary Pacific Crest Trail at a special presentation on June 16th at 2:00 p.m. at the El Cajon Branch Library located at 201 E Douglas Avenue.

EAST COUNTY ARTISTS CELEBRATED IN NEW PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK

 

A local take on Humans of New York; book launch event July 19 at Warwick's La Jolla at 7:30 p.m.

By Jennifer Coburn

May 16, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - We’ve all seen how projects like the popular blog and book Humans of New York connects people through photography. Real people are seen through a new lens as they share their life experiences. Snapshots and text serve as a means to share universal truth through unique images.

San Diego artist and photographer Jennifer G. Spencer is adding a new photographic element to this conversation with the release of her new book THE ARTIST PORTRAIT PROJECT: A PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMOIR OF PORTRAIT SESSIONS WITH SAN DIEGO ARTISTS (She Writes Press, July 12, 2018). Eleven of the artists live right here in East County, including La Mesa residents: Dottie Korn-Davis, David Beck-Brown, Suda House, Chris Lee, Polly Jacobs Giacchina, Jess Dominguez, and Mary Lynn Dominguez; El Cajon residents Ellen Phillips, Ron Tatro, and Bill Mosley; and Spring Valley resident Kim Knox. 

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

 

Families as Partners: The Essential Link in Children’s Education, by Andrea M. Nelson-Royes (Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham, Maryland, 2018, 170 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

May 5, 2018 (San Diego) - Andrea M. Nelson-Royes, EdD, an educational researcher and writer, and author of Transforming Early Learners into Superb Readers: Promoting Literacy at School, at Home, and within the Community and Success in School and Career: Common Core Standards in Language Arts K-5, continues this trend in advocating for excellence in education, in her new book; Families as Partners: The Essential Link in Children’s Education.

LOCAL AUTHOR JOHNEGREEK WINS SILVER LITERARY TITAN AWARD FOR HIS AMAZON #1 BESTSELLING BOOK, “GRANDMA’S SECRET BLESSINGS, A MEMOIR WITH A TWIST”

 

 

East County News Service

May 11. 2018 (San Diego) – Long-time San Diego resident and promising TomBird.com author JohnEgreek also known as John Hodgkinson, has received the prestigious Silver Literary Titan Book Award for his creation,  Grandma’s Secret Blessings, A Memoir with a Twist..

The Silver Award is bestowed on books that expertly deliver complex characters, intricate worlds, and thought-provoking themes.

TOP SELLING AUTHOR, COLUMNIST AND RADIO HOST RICHARD LEDERER PRESENTS “FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT OUR PRESIDENTS” IN SANTEE MAY 16

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 10, 2018 (Santee) – Who was our youngest president?  Who was our oldest? Who was our tallest, shortest and fattest?  Find out on Wednesday, May 16th,, when San Diego Union-Tribune columnist Richard Lederer will offer a treasury of fascinating facts about the feats, families, foibles and firsts of our American presidents.  

The self-proclaimed “Wizard of Idiom, Attila the Pun and Conan the Grammarian” will be sharing his wit and wisdom on our nation’s presidents at the Santee City Hall, building 7, at 10671 Magnolia Avenue in Santee from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The even is sponsored by Santee Seniors 55 Plus and San Diego Oasis. It’s free and worth every penny!

Dr. Lederer has sold over a million books, also hosting “A Way With Words” on KPBS and authoring “the “Lederer on Language” column in the San Diego Union-Tribune. He will be signing copies of his books at the event.

AUTHORS MAKING HOUSE CALLS: SAN DIEGAN HOSTS LAUNCH EVENT JUNE 10 FOR NOVEL NETWORK, FIRST NATIONAL REGISTRY TO CONNECT BOOK CLUBS WITH VISITING AUTHORS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Spirng Valley novelist Kate Quinn, New York Times best-selling author of  The Alice Network, will be among the writers at event

May 8, 2018 (San Diego) -- With more bricks and mortar booksellers closing their doors, authors are getting creative about marketing their books.  Making “house calls” to book clubs is not just a way to sell more books, though. It’s a great way to connect with readers who want meaningful discussion with their favorite authors. 

HEAR OUR INTERVIEW WITH TERESA BURRELL, AUTHOR OF LEGAL THRILLERS, MYSTERIES AND CHILDREN'S BOOKS

 

Listen now! Click the audio link .

By Miriam Raftery

April 24, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- Teresa Burrell, local author of the award-winning Advocate Series, The Tuper Mystery Series, as well as three children’s books, sat down for an interview this week on the East County Magazine Radio Show on KNSJ.  Click the audio link above to listen now. 

Our Bookshelf host, Reina Menasche, spoke with Burrell about her passion for protecting children as well as her love of literary endeavors.  A teacher-turned-attorney, she has dedicated her life to helping children in the classroom and the courtroom. 

Many of her novels are inspired by actual legal cases. She is the author of The Advocate Series of legal thrillers which now contains nine novels. The Advocate’s Felony received the San Diego Best Mystery Award, and six of the books have received the International Readers’ Favorite Award.

Audio: 

Teresa Burrell interview

TURN A CHICKEN COOP INTO A CASTLE

 

Source:  Fresh Eggs Daily

March 31, 2018 (San Diego) -- Just because your chickens live in a coop doesn’t mean they – and more likely – you, can’t appreciate a few touch ups. Backyard chicken keeping expert Lisa Steele has been sprucing up her coop creating Pinterest-worthy DIY touches you’ll want to copy for your own feathered friends’ humble adobe.

From wallpaper to wooden signs, chandeliers to a fresh coat of chicken safe paint, Steele offers up creative, pin-able décor for the posh flock. These looks will be sure to bring a smile to your face every time you visit the coop. You can find all Steele’s great sprucing ideas on her blog at www.fresheggsdaily.com along with her advice for everything related to backyard chicken keeping.

Steele’s blog, website, TV show and books are the inspiration for flock masters everywhere. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for her upcoming book, 101 Chicken Keeping Hacks, due out in September.

LECTURE, BOOK SIGNING ON GROSSMONT HOSPITAL HISTORY BOOK AT MAXWELL HOUSE OF BOOKS IN LA MESA

 

 

East County News Service

March 27, 2018 (La Mesa) – Maxwell House of Books, an independent, used book retail book store in La Mesa, will host a book signing and lecture featuring La Mesa historian and author Jim Newland discussing his latest book on the history of Grossmont Hospital. The event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 29. Maxwell House of Books is located at 8285 La Mesa Blvd., in the heart of the historic La Mesa Downtown Village. According to Craig Maxwell, book store owner, proceeds from books sold that evening will be donated to the La Mesa Historical Socie ty.

READERS & WRITERS CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH 25-APRIL 8

 

Copyright 2018 by Sam Warren

Writing is a way of talking without being overheard. — Jules Renard

March 23, 2018 (San Diego) – From events at local libraries to appearances at bookstores by best-selling libraries, here are the literary happenings coming up across our region.

CLICK TO SCROLL DOWN FOR A LIST OF BOOK EVENTS

FIVE AUTHORS, TWELVE BOOKS: ALPINE LIBRARY MARCH 17

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 13, 2018 (Alpine) – From vegetable gardening to parenting, great movies to feminism, you’ll find plenty to learn from five authors who have collectively authored 12 books. All will be signing copies of their books at the Alpine branch of the County Library on Saturday, March 17 at 2 p.m. 

See flyer below for details:

LA MESA COUNCIL REPORT: CITIZENS SPEAK VOLUMES AFTER LIBRARY OMITTED FROM CIVIC CENTER MEMO; CRIME IN LA MESA AT HALF-CENTURY LOWS

 

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Councilmembers Colin Parent (left) and Bill Baber (right) release a Civic Center memo without the word “library” (credit: City of La Mesa)

March 6, 2018 (La Mesa) – In response to a city memo on the future of La Mesa’s civic center that omitted any mention of a long-promised new library, Friends of the Library members showed up at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, speaking volumes on the need for more library space.

READER’S EDITORIAL: LA MESA RECONSIDERS ITS CIVIC CENTER—AGAIN

 

 

Why is library omitted from the plan?

By Dr. Anthony McIvor

February 27, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Tonight the City Council agenda includes a returning item: engagement of an urban planning firm to update feasibility tests for the Civic Center site. Included are the introduction of market-rate housing, as well as office and/or governmental use, park and parking uses in combination with another civic building.

And once again we see a baffling omission.  Surrounding cities – from Alpine to IB – are proudly opening – and winning awards with – new town libraries. Just yesterday, San Diego Mayor Faulconer lauded libraries as “…hubs for inspiration, discovery and opportunity.” But in La Mesa, the long-delayed new library continues to get the crickets treatment at City Hall.

Why?

SPECIAL COUNSEL ROBERT MUELLER INDICTS 13 RUSSIANS

 

The Plot To Hack America: How Putin’s Cyberspies and WikiLeaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election, by Malcolm Nance (Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., New York, New York, 2016, 186 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

“I wouldn’t know anything about it. You know, there are so many hackers today and they work with such finesse, planting a trail where and when they need…. It’s difficult to trace, if even possible…. The important thing here is what the public was shown…. One shouldn’t draw the public attention from the core of the issue by replacing it with secondary details like who did it.” – VLADIMIR PUTIN

February 17, 2018 (San Diego) - Coming on the heels of my recent review of former Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Donna Brazil’s book Hacks, Malcolm Nance, international expert on counterterrorism intelligence, and MSNBC TV contributor, as well as New York Times Bestselling Author of Defeating Isis, has written a provocative and timely book on espionage and the state of affairs between the United States and Russia; The Plot to Hack America: How Putin’s Cyberspies and Wikileaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election.

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