Book Notes: Hunt kicks off Auntie’s events

Now that the holiday lull is behind us, things are picking up on the book event front.

Auntie’s Bookstore in downtown has an interesting lineup of out-of-town and local talent booked for readings and signings.

First up is author James B. Hunt, who will read from his new book “Restless Fires: Young John Muir’s Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf in 1867-68.” Hunt, a professor emeritus of history at Whitworth University, examines Muir’s development as an environmentalist in his youth, and also places the epic walk within the context of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Hunt is the cofounder of the Krista Foundation for Global Citizenship, and he taught American, Latin American and World History during his long career at Whitworth.

Hunt’s book launch will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Next up is Robert Lopez, who will read from his novel “Kamby Bolongo Mean River.” Lopez teaches at The New School in New York City and has been published in journals such as The Mississippi Review and The Threepenny Review. He’ll be at Auntie’s at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18.

Coeur d’Alene author Phyllis Horne will sign copies of her self-published memoir, “The Carnival Girl” at 2 p.m. Jan. 19. The book details her life after she ran away from an abusive home at age 14 and joined the carnival.

On Jan. 24, the bookstore hosts Mike Medberry, who in 2000 suffered a stroke while hiking in the Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. He spent a full day alone until being rescued. His book “The Dark Side of the Moon: A Journey to Recovery” details his own recovery in parallel with efforts to protect Craters of the Moon. The event begins at 7 p.m.

On Jan. 27, Derek Sheffield, who teaches poetry and writing at Wenatchee Valley College, will read from his collection of poetry, “Through the Second Skin,” beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Auntie’s is located at 402 W. Main. For more information, call (509) 838-0206, or visit www.auntiesbooks.com.>