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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Book Notes: Sedaris set for Auntie’s appearance

The David Sedaris reading-and-signing zoo comes to Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave., on Thursday, 7 p.m.

He’ll be reading from his latest book, “Squirrel Meets Chipmunk,” now available in paperback. If past readings are any indication, Sedaris will probably try out some new material as well.

This is a ticketed event. Tickets are still available, but not a lot. Here’s how to nab one:

Purchase a Sedaris book or audiobook at Auntie’s, and you will receive one reserved-seat ticket. If you have a group that wants to sit together, you’ll have to purchase your tickets together.

Once the reserved seats sell out (and they will), Auntie’s will start issuing a large number of standing-room-only tickets.

The people with tickets to the reading will, naturally, get priority in the book signing line. But you can still meet Sedaris and get your book autographed, even if you don’t have a ticket. At 10 p.m., the autograph line will open for those without tickets.

For more details, call Auntie’s at (509) 838-0206.

Ray, Spatz fellowships

Two Spokane writers, Shann Ray Ferch and Gregory Spatz, have each received a sought-after writing prize: The National Endowment of the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship.

Each will receive $25,000.

Ferch (who writes under the pen name Shann Ray) is a Gonzaga University professor of leadership and forgiveness studies. His short-story collection “American Masculine” (Graywolf Press) has been widely praised by reviewers and authors, including Dave Eggers.

Spatz is a professor of creative writing at Eastern Washington University and author of a short-story collection and several novels, including his most recent, “Fiddler’s Dream” (Southern Methodist University Press) – a fitting title, since he is also a fiddler in the band John Reischman and the Jaybirds.

About 40 fellowships were awarded nationwide.

Maybe I shouldn’t read too much into this fact, but I’ll pass it along anyway:

Total NEA Creative Writing Fellowships to Spokane writers: Two.

Total to Seattle and Portland writers: Zero.

Sendak-related lecture

Rita Berman Frischer, a Seattle writer and expert on children’s literature, will deliver a lecture titled “Over There – And Over Here: An Overview of Holocaust and Immigration in Sendak and Other Jewish Children’s Literature” in two locations.

The first will be at Eastern Washington University’s JFK Library Auditorium on the Cheney campus, from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

The second will be at Temple Beth Shalom, 1322 E. 30th Ave., from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

Both talks are free and open to the public.

Frischer’s talk is in conjunction with the traveling exhibit showing at the JFK Library, “In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak.” It continues through Dec. 15.

An etiquette lesson

Spokane authors Lorene Keen and Monica Brandner have self-published their first children’s book, “Sarah Elizabeth Plans a Tea Party” (Etiquette Princess Publishing).

It’s a whimsical book about manners, which is fitting since Brandner is a Spokane etiquette coach and image consultant. Keen is Brandner’s mother.

The fun and colorful illustrations are by Zac Jones, an artist and Web designer for Whitworth University.

It’s all about saying “please” and “thank you” and – when necessary – “I’m sorry.”

The book is available at area bookstores.