Gail Allinsmith, community relations manager, Barnes & Noble West Chester, Streets of West Chester, 9455 Civic Centre Blvd., West Chester Twp.
Gail recommends “Uncommon Type,” by Tom Hanks — the famous actor’s first work of fiction, which features a typewriter as a character. “He has created a collection of intriguing stories that his fans are sure to enjoy,” Gail says. She also recommends, for children of all ages, “Hip, Hippo, Hooray for Fiona!” by Jan Sherbin, featuring Fiona, the hippo born last winter at the Cincinnati Zoo. A portion of proceeds from the sale of this book goes to the Cincinnati Zoo to support its work.
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Kevin Bonnett, owner, Bonnett’s Book Store, 502 E. Fifth St., Dayton
Kevin says, “One of my favorite books has a lot of personal appeal. ‘The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay,’ by Michael Chabon, a Pulitzer Prize novel published in 2000 about a pair of young men who enter the comic-books biz during the birth of superhero comics; aka the Golden Age (late 1930s). I recommend the book as I might recommend any Pulitzer winner, as a great piece of writing; but, my grandparents opened our shop in 1939, selling comics and pulp magazines, the same era as the setting for Kavalier & Clay! Superman No. 1 & Batman No. 1 both came out in the same year we opened, and we still carry some old Golden Age comics today. It’s a tale to which our shop and family history feels very connected.”
Melanie Ferguson, Barnes & Noble in Dayton, 2619 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Dayton
Melanie suggested “Birdmania,” by Bernd Brunner, saying, “Packed with intriguing facts and exquisite and rare artwork, this book showcases an eclectic and fascinating selection of bird devotees — including Aristotle, Charles Darwin and Helen MacDonald.” She also suggested “The World of Lore,” by Aaron Mahnke, which was inspired by the author’s podcast, Lore, in which he explores the trues stories behind myths and legends from around the world.
Sharon Kelly Roth, director, public lelations, Books & Co. at The Greene, Beavercreek
Sharon suggests three titles for book lovers this season:
• “Through Your Eyes: My Child’s Gift To Me,” by Ainsley Earhardt; Illustrations by Ji-Hyuk Kim — “This tender picture book with gorgeous illustrations aptly tells the story that it is a child who really shows us our beautiful world,” says Sharon.
• “Endurance: A Year In Space, A Lifetime of Discovery,” by Scott Kelly — Astronaut Scott Kelly’s memoir details his life leading up to and including the time he became an NASA astronaut and veteran of four space flights.
• “The Rooster Bar,” by John Grisham — the popular author’s newest book, says Sharon, “takes us into the lives of three law students who are in their last year attending a run-of-the mill for-profit law school, only to determine they will likely never be able to pay back (their debts). They have learned just enough from their time thus far in law school that they figure out a plan to ‘beat the system.’”
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Mary Vernau, owner, Jay and Mary’s Book Center, 1201-C Experiment Farm Road, Troy
Mary recommends “The Little Reindeer,” by Nicoli Killen, “a great Christmas tale to share with the family.” She adds, “The one book that really moved me (this year) was ‘The Wishtree’ by Katherine Applegate, a charming tale of hope. Excellent for readers ages 8-13.”
Good news and congratulations:
• The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop announced the inaugural winners of "A Hotel Room of One's Own: The Erma Bombeck/Anna Lefler Humorist-in-Residence Program," which drew applicants from 401 writers in 44 states, the District of Columbia and five other countries. The winners — Samantha Schoech of California and Karen Chee of New York — will attend the workshop April 5-7 and remain at the University of Dayton Marriott for another two weeks to work on their proposed books of humorous essays. Learn more about this new program and the winners at www.humorist-in-residence.com
Upcoming Literary Events
• Monday, Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m., Washington-Centerville Public Library, Centerville Library Lobby, 111 Spring Valley Road — This month's "2nd Monday Authors" program will feature Bob Welbaum, and his book "The Cactus Who Wanted to Be a Christmas Tree," and V.L. Marsell, "A Christmas Star Wish."
• Word's Worth Writing Center (www.wordsworthdayton.com), classes held at the Oakwood Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave. — Monday, Dec. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m., "First Chapters, First Impressions," and Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., "The Writer's 12-Step Program: Write Your Novel In A Year — Research Tips and Traps." Both are led by author and creative writing instructor Katrina Kittle. See the website to register.
• Sunday, Dec. 17, 2:30 p.m., Wright Memorial Public Library, 1776 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood — Writers' Café, a casual hang out for writers ages 18 and up and of all experience levels, meets the first Friday (7 p.m.) and third Sunday (at 2:30) of each month.
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