Book Notes: ‘Peculiar’ author Ransom Riggs books date at the Spokane Public Library
Ransom Riggs, author of the best-selling YA series “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” will be at the Spokane Public Library’s downtown branch on Oct. 12 to celebrate the release of the first book in a new trilogy involving “Miss Peregrine’s” characters.
“A Map of Days” comes out on Tuesday and centers on Jacob, Miss Peregrine, Emma and their other friends as they unravel the mystery of Jacob’s grandfather, Abe.
Ransom will talk about “A Map of Days,” answer audience questions, and sign books. The reading, co-sponsored by Auntie’s Bookstore, is a ticketed event. Tickets are available for customers who purchase a copy of “A Map of Days” from Auntie’s Bookstore in store, by phone, or online via https://bit.ly/2x7TAWR. One book purchase is good for two event tickets, and a portion of the sales will benefit the Spokane Public Library Foundation.
Steve Almond at Spark
Steve Almond, the New York Times best-selling author of “Candyfreak” and “Against Football,” is coming to Spokane to talk about his new book, “Bad Stories: What the Hell Just Happened to Our Country” as part of the Eastern Washington University Visiting Writers Series.
On his website, Almond describes “Bad Stories” as “an effort to make sense of our historical moment. The book argues that bad outcomes arise directly from the bad stories we tell ourselves.” Almond, who also co-hosts the “Dear Sugars” podcast with Cheryl Strayed, will speak at Spark Central in Kendall Yards on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, in Idaho
ABC News chief global affairs correspondent Martha Raddatz will be in Coeur d’Alene on Oct. 11 to deliver the annual North Idaho Distinguished Humanities Lecture for the Idaho Humanities Council. Raddatz’s book “The Long Road Home: A Story of War and Family” will be available for signing afterward. Her talk will be preceded by a reception and silent auction, with dinner at 7 p.m.
Speaking of ‘Idaho’
Emily Ruskovich’s debut novel, “Idaho,” has been selected as the “Everybody Reads” selection across the Palouse and the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.
Ruskovich, who was raised near Rathdrum and now teaches in the MFA program at Boise State University, will make a series of public appearances as part of the program. They include:
Nov. 5, noon, Lewiston City Library, and 7 p.m., Asotin County Library, Clarkston;
Nov. 6, 1 p.m., … And Books, Too!, Clarkston book-signing, and 7 p.m. Prairie River Library District, Nezperce;
Nov. 7, Noon, Dahmen Barn, Uniontown, and 7 p.m., Latah County Library at the 1912 Center, Moscow;
Nov. 8, noon, Whitman County Library, Colfax, RSVP for lunch at (509) 397-4366, and 7 p.m., Neill Public Library, Pullman.
Ruskovich’s book is a story of love, loss and redemption. As Ann and Wade attempt to build a life together, she must deal with the violent ghosts of his past as his memory of them fades.
For information, visit everbody-reads.org or call (509) 397-4366.
Read’s ‘Dresses From the Old Country’
Former Spokane poet laureate Laura Read will celebrate the release of her poetry collection, “Dresses From the Old Country,” with a gathering on Oct. 8 at the Bartlett. The night also will include music from Ruthie Henrickson, and poetry from fellow Spokane poets Ellen Welcker, Kat Smith and Maya Zeller.
Read served as poet laureate from 2015-17. She teaches English and creative writing at Spokane Falls Community College and is poetry editor for Crab Creek Review. Her previous collection is “Instructions for My Mother’s Funeral.”