Works Of Local Authors Make Personalized Gifts

So, you’re looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts. Well, why not a book?

And why not a book by a local author? Here are some suggestions:

“Salt Dancers” by Ursula Hegi. This new novel by the Eastern Washington University writing instructor involves a single mother returning home to Spokane to confront her past.

“The Business of Fancydancing” by Sherman Alexie. The newest book by this graduate of Reardan High School is a novel titled “Reservation Blues.” But I prefer this early collection of poems, whose energy and inventive story-forms barely mask the native rage of a compelling American voice.

“Catholic is Wonderful” by Mitch Finley. This Spokane writer is enjoying some success with his latest book, “Whispers of Love,” a true-life study of various encounters with dead friends and family. But his look at contemporary religion is a refreshing and unapologetic love letter to his childhood faith.

“How I Got This Way” by Pat McManus. Or you could buy any of the other of this Sandpoint native’s collections of humorous stories. (Or you could just catch actor Tim Behrens doing McManus’ stories live on stage in “McManus in Love.”)

“Frank Church, D.C. and Me” by Bill Hall. This is a chatty, well-written look at Hall’s experiences working on the Hill with the late Idaho senator.

“Hills, Hawgs and Ho Chi Minh” by Don Kardong. Spokane’s own Olympic marathoner takes a look back at his running career.

“The Lion of Far Side” by John Dalmas. Another look at the imaginative fiction of Spokane’s reigning sci-fi author.

“Jumping Skyward” by Stan Tate. A Moscow minister takes an imaginative look back at his youthful experiences as a smokejumper.

“Myst: The Book of Atrus” by Rand and Robyn Miller, with David Wingrove. You’ve played the computer game, now read the book.

“Rites of Passage” by Walt Crowley. This book by the Seattle writer is subtitled “A Memoir of the Sixties in Seattle.” It is put out by the University of Washington Press.

“Smokechaser” by Warren Yahr. This University of Idaho Press selection is the memoirs of the author’s years as a fire lookout in the Clearwater Forest.

Spokane has a vibrant and growing romance-novel community. At least three local writers have new books on the shelves: “The Door Ajar” by Joan Overfield is one; the others include “Freedom’s Song” by Patricia Williams and “Her Heart’s Delight” by Rene J. Garrod.

And then there are always the self- and small-press-published efforts. Don’t miss:

“Forbidden Angel” by Spokane author Carol Larson. This family saga is set in Nova Scotia.

“Sunshine and the Fat Lady” by Colville author Roger May. A collection of humorous tales set in a granola-type community on the northern California coast.

“Am I the Only One Who’s Crazy?” by Elizabeth MacDonald. This book is a fictionalized autobiography that details the author’s struggle to retain her sanity in an insane world.

“Lady God” by Lesa Luders. The Moscow author tells the coming-of-age story of a young woman.

This isn’t meant, of course, to be a complete list of all the books available by regional writers. There are simply too many to name here (although a few others can be found below in the reading-signing listings). If you’re curious to know more, simply ask your bookstore clerk to point them out.

The reader board

David Asleson and Sandra Crowell, co-authors of “Up the Swiftwater,” will sign copies of their book from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at Coeur d’Alene’s Book & Game Co., in Silver Lake Mall.

Henriette Anne Klauser, author of “Writing on Both Sides of Your Brain,” will read from her book at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Auntie’s Bookstore, Main and Washington.

Pat McManus, author of such humor books as “How I Got This Way” and “Real Ponies Don’t Go Oink,” will sign copies of his books from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Coeur d’Alene’s Book & Game Co.

Paul Quinnett, author of “Darwin’s Bass,” will read from his book at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Auntie’s Bookstore.

Elizabeth MacDonald, author of “Am I the Only One Who’s Crazy?” will sign copies of her book from noon to 3 p.m. Friday at Coeur d’Alene’s Book & Game Co.

Jerry Dolph, author of “Fire in the Hole,” will sign copies of his book from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Coeur d’Alene’s Book & Game Co.

, DataTimes