This neat video combines a few of my favorite things: books, organizing, and stop-motion animation:



-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Highland Heights resident Bruno Botti's novel "Beyond the Tether" was released in paperback nationwide last week by Tate Publishing and Enterprises. The story focuses on fourth-dimensional powers and magical bonding that unite Alpha George Staves and his husky, Tasha, in adventures that leave readers questioning what is fact or fiction, according to a news release from Tate. The book is available at bookstores or online at TatePublishing.com/Bookstore, barnesandnoble.com or Amazon.com.

Botti is a first-generation Italian-American who credits his family's creative legacy with encouraging his literary pursuits. "Beyond the Tether" is Botti's first novel after a career that spanned professional baseball and aerospace, according to Tate.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Sunday's Comment section of The News-Herald included commentary related to the pending closure of Borders stores, including the Mentor location. Click here to read what Perry resident and Ohio University journalism student Tanya Parker has to say. Click here for thoughts from N-H Managing Editor Laura Kessel.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends features activities and events in the area related to libraries, books and authors. Submit your events at www.News-Herald.com/Calendar, and check back to The Book Club every week for upcoming events and activities at your local library.

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This week

Zin, Zin, Zin a Violin! will be 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Children are invited to learn more about music with the Fine Arts Association and meet instrument families through stories, instrument demonstrations and more. The class is limited to 20 children. Registration is required at 440-942-3362.


What is the Western Reserve? will be 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. The illustrated program will take a look at a unique part of Ohio and the nation, as well as the people, politics, war and determination that created it. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Mentor Public Library will host the Twentysomething Readers Book Club at Panera in Mentor at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Join twenty-something readers to discuss books of interest along with librarian Steve Haas. This month’s selection is "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. For details, call 440-255-8811.


During the month of March, Madison Public Library holds an annual Business Fair. Local businesses may hang a poster and include business cards, coupons, pens, etc. on the poster. March 28 will be "Business Day 2011," and business owners may set up a small display and talk with patrons about their business. For more information, please contact the library at 440-428-2189.


An information session and public hearing on the Fairport Harbor Dredging Project will be at 6 p.m. March 1 at the Fairport Harbor Library, 335 Vine St., during an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency public meeting on maintenance dredging of the Fairport Harbor federal navigation channel and its potential impact on Lake Erie water quality. Ohio EPA is holding the meeting to accept comments concerning an application by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge up to 650,000 cubic yards of material from the harbor between July 1 and Sept. 15. The dredged material would be disposed in both open lake and nearshore areas of Lake Erie. Details: 614-644-2001 or http://bit.ly/f0FZF1.


Dynamic Dinosaurs will be at 7 p.m. March 2 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. The event will feature prehistoric stories, activities and crafts. Registration required: 440-943-4151.


Getting Started with Medicare will be at 10 a.m. March 3 at the Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. If you are approaching age 65, or just going on Medicare for the first time, this is your opportunity to gain a basic understanding of how Medicare works. Speaker Laura Mutsko designed the class to make Medicare easy to understand. Registration is required at 440-943-4151. Another session will be offered at 7 p.m. March 31.


Demo classes from Ovation Movement will be at 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. March 3 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Ovation offers a variety of dance and movement classes for all ages. The 10 a.m. session will be for children 18 months to 3 years old, and the 10:45 a.m. session will be for children 3 to 5 years old. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Computer Basics I will be at 6:30 p.m. March 3 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. This program is designed for the person with no computer experience. Participants will learn about hardware and software, and practice using the keyboard and mouse. Limited to 10 participants. Registration required at 440-946-4151.


Read Across America with Dr. Seuss will be at 7 p.m. March 3 at Eastlake Library, 37606 Lake Shore Blvd. The library is teaming up with the Eastlake Women's Club for the event. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


As part of the John Birch Society's Spring Series, "The Federal Reserve" by G. Edward Griffin will be shown at 7 p.m. March 3 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The movie will address inflation and the Federal Reserve. A discussion after the movie will be led by Fred Deming. Details: Jean Smith at 440-352-2405.


The Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St., during the following dates and times:

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 4
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 5
• 1 to 5 p.m. March 6
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 7

The Friends will raffle baskets filled with books and gifts. Tickets for the raffle are 50 cents each and can be purchased during library hours beginning March 4. Details: 440-943-4151 or http://www.welibrary.info.


Dr. Seuss, Mother Goose & Everything in Between will be 11 a.m. March 5 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Children will be introduced to the art of theater and performance poetry as they learn and perform dramatic, silly, comic and tongue-twister poems with instructors from the Fine Arts Association. The event is for children ages 4 to 6 and their caregivers. Space is limited, and registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Students in first through sixth grades who love the Eastlake Library are invited to the Student Friends Meeting from 1 to 2:30 p.m. March 5 at the library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. The group meets monthly during the school year to make crafts, enjoy snacks, play games and help with library programs. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


The Anime/Manga Club will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. March 5 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Attendees will watch, discuss and comment on anime and manga, and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Reading to the Dogs at Perry Library, 3753 Main St., is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. March 5 and April 2. School-age children can read aloud to a friendly, gentle dog who is licensed and trained to be a good listener. The dogs' handlers sit nearby to help ease the interaction. Participants can register for one 15-minute time slot each session; drop-ins are welcome if time slots are available. Each child will receive a souvenir photo and free book to take home. To register, call 440-259-3300.


Puppets with Pizazz will be 2 to 3 p.m. March 5 at Beachwood Library, 25501 Shake Blvd. Families are invited to see Nancy Sander's puppet version of "Rumplestiltskin." Registration is required at 216-831-6868 or http://cuyahogalibrary.org.


Barks for Books will be 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 5 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Children in first through third grade become more confident readers by spending 30 minutes each week reading to trained therapy dogs. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


Author and Sheffield Lake resident Yvonne Miles will be available to sign copies of her Christian fiction novel "Out from the depths of pain: Love doesn't have to hurt" at 3 p.m. March 5 at Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Coming up

Literature Out Loud will be at 4 p.m. March 7 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided as favorite American authors come alive through dramatic readings by a professional actor. Stories featured will include the American frontier, patriotic poems and excerpts from American novels and short stories of adventure, comedy, romance and history. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Mentor Library's Monday Night Book Discussion takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the first Monday of each month from October through June, with the next meeting being March 7 at the library, 8215 Mentor Ave. For this month's selection, contact librarian Barb Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210. The library provides books, and refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.


Nintendo DS Game Night will be 7 to 8 p.m. March 7 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Bring your Nintendo DS and any linkable games to the library for the opportunity to play with other kids. Attendees must have a DS, but games are not required. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Jump Start Your Job Search will be 9:45 to 11 a.m. March 8 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Learn about the free workshops and job search assistance available through Lake1Stop. This 90-minute session is a prerequisite for attending the workshops, to find out about available training funds, or for receiving one-on-one job search assistance. To register, contact Debra Laurin at 440-350-2493 or 440-918-2493.


Great Estates of Wickliffe will be at 6:30 p.m. March 8 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Noted historian and storyteller Dan Ruminski will tell the tale of the Great Estates owned by such families as the Corrigans, Coulbys, McKinneys and Rockefellers; what they build and enjoyed; and the tragedies that caused it all to collapse. The program is co-sponsored by the Eastlake Historical Society and the Willoughby Historical Society. Space is limited, so registration is required at 440-942-7780.


The annual spring book sale sponsored by the West Geagua Friends of the Library will take place during the following hours:

• 4 to 6:30 p.m. March 9 (members' preview)
• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 9 (public sale begins)
• 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 10
• 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 11
• 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 12 ($3 bag day)

Donations of gently used or new children’s and adult books, collectibles, comics, CDs, DVDs, books on tape or CD, puzzles, board games, sheet music and prints can be dropped off at the Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, during regular hours until March 1. A tax receipt is available at the circulation desk. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the on-going adult and children’s programs at the Geauga West Library. Details: 440-729-4250.


A LEAF program on scholarships and funding options for students who will be attending college in the fall will be at 6 p.m. March 9 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Registration is required at 440-942-3362.


E-mail Basics will be at 10 a.m. March 10 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd., and 10 a.m. March 19 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. The program will teach how to write and send e-mail. Space is limited, so registration is required: 440-942-7780 for the Eastlake program and 440-943-4151 for the Willowick program.


A program on the anti-inflammatory diet will be at 7 p.m. March 10 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Find out what the anti-inflammatory diet is and what foods help in controlling inflammation. Attendees will get tips on changing diets and avoiding foods that make them ill. Registration is required at 440-943-4151.


The Friends of the Geneva Library will have a used book sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 11 and 12 in the meeting room at the Geneva Library, 860 Sherman St. A selection of hardcover books, paperback books, DVDs, VHS tapes, magazines and more will be available. Hardcover book pricing starts at 30 cents; paperback at 20 cents. Geneva Library book bags will be sold for $2. All money raised through the sale will benefit the library. Details: 440-466-4521.


Recipe for Art will be 1 to 3 p.m. March 12 in the James Garfield Room at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., The workshop for artists and would-be artists will teach the basics of drawing and painting with artist James McNamara, a painter trained at the Cleveland Institute of Art and Cleveland State University who teaches art classes at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Portraits, landscapes, still life and free form will be presented in the class. Artists are encouraged to bring their own materials, such as pencils, paper, sketchbooks, watercolors, ink, pastels, tempera, paint, mat board, etc. Registration is open to the first 20 applicants. Details: Barbara Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210.


Reel Talk-Book and Movie Discussion Group meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Morley Library's meeting Room B, with the next meeting taking place March 14. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. The library is located at 184 Phelps St. in Painesville. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.


A spaghetti dinner for Madison Library will be 5 to 8 p.m. March 14 at Wagon Wheel Restaurant, 1388 N. Hubbard Road, Madison Township. Tickets are $8 and available at the library or the door. The fundraiser is sponsored by the Friends of the Madison Public Library.


Novel Conversations Book Discussion will be at 7 p.m. March 15 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. The book discussed will be "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford. Details: 440-942-7780.


Happy Bookers Book Discussion will be at 7 p.m. March 15 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. The book discussed will be "Abraham" by Bruce Feiler. Details: 440-943-4151.

Ongoing events

If you are 60 years old or older and a middle- or low-income taxpayer, you can get free tax assistance with an AARP tax aide volunteers. Call the Mentor Library at 440-255-8811, ext. 215, to make your appointment. Volunteers will be at the Main Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through April 12. Bring your completed tax forms from last year and valid I.D. to your appointment. AARP help is by appointment only.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

The inspiration for this month's LitSoup comes from WritingForward.com's poetry writing exercises for groups and partners. One of the exercises is called "Clip and Swap":

Take an existing poem and jumble the words up so that they make no sense. Each writer in the group will take the jumbled words and use them to compose a brand new poem. Then, compare the poems among the members of the writing group.

This was a more difficult challenge than I anticipated. I was disappointed at the little response I had gotten — until I sat down to write my own poem and realized why.

In honor of Black History Month, I selected pieces by African-American poets, and I selected to rewrite one by E. Ethelbert Miller. (Learn more about poems and the African-American experience at PoetryFoundation.org).

Original poem:

The Things in Black Men's Closests by E. Ethelbert Miller

on the top shelf
of the closet
in the hat my father
wears on special occasions
it rests next to the large jar
he saves pennies in

his head is always bare
when i see him walking
in the street

i once sat in his bedroom
watching him search
between sweaters and suits
looking for something missing
a tie perhaps

then he stopped
and slowly walked to the closet
took the hat from the shelf

i sat on the bed
studying his back
waiting for him to turn
and tell me who died

My interpretation (not nearly as good as the original):
pennies and heaven

my father saves pennies
he finds while walking on the street
i went with him when he walked
always watching his search
slowly studying him until he rests
between his searching he stopped and sat
to tell me stories from way back
then he took me looking with him

the large jar of copper sat next to me
on the floor in the closet in the bedroom
waiting to turn in to something he wears
like suits and sweaters or something for the special occasions
or perhaps a hat for on top of his head when it is bare
i see the shelf in the closet
with a hat and a tie
and the shelf over the bed
with memories of those who died
whom i am missing

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

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This post is part of a LitSoup, a new regular monthly feature on The Book Club compiled of contributions from the newsroom. Send an e-mail or tweet with your suggestions for future LitSoup topics.

I like to be swept away by a novel.
I read for a whole lot of reasons.
I read to learn. I read to expand my understanding of the human experience. And I read to escape.
Nothing beats cracking open a book and immediately losing yourself in the characters and their circumstances. I compare it to that feeling in the theater when the lights go down and you are immersed.

Swept away I was by Douglas Kennedy's "The Pursuit of Happiness."
We open at a mother's funeral, where an unfamiliar woman puts Kate on edge. Her curiosity is dulled by her dealings with her somewhat estranged brother, her ex-husband and her young son.
We soon learn that this mysterious stranger claims to be the love of Kate's late father's life.
And their story unfolds.
What price does that pursuit of happiness carry? Who is hurt in our own pursuits? Our own betrayals?
These are the questions Kennedy raises; even as you're drawn to Sara and Jack, they are not entirely sympathetic characters.
When folks "do the right thing" in this tale, as in life, there is still collateral damage.
Recalls Kate of her mom:
"But I was too wrapped up in my own griefs; my own sense of having been betrayed by men, by circumstances, by life. Unlike my mother - who stayed silent for four decades about the betrayal that fractured her life and sent it on a difficult trajectory. No doubt, she also wanted to scream: me, me, me, me, me. But she never would have dreamed of articulating such a self-centered complaint."
That was just one of several paragraphs I paused to re-read in this novel. Not only doesn the sentiment give me pause, but the language itself is a marvel. (Just the right number of me's, don't you think?)
Another author added to my list of must-reads.

Check out a reading guide for the book here.

Who's on the edge of their seat with me awaiting the March 1 release of Jodi Picoult's latest "Sing You Home"? One of my new favorite authors Caroline Leavitt had the chance to interview Picoult about the book. Read it here.
-Tricia Ambrose

The Forum Network is one of the dozens of podcasts I download from iTunes each week. Each episode features an author reading or discussing his or her work, and often taking questions from the audience. A recent episode on Mira Bartok caught my ear, as the author was describing University Circle in a reading from her memoir "The Memory Place".

I have not read the book, but here is the Forum Network's description:

"People have abandoned their loved ones for much less than you've been through," Mira Bartok is told at her mother's memorial service. It is a poignant observation about the relationship between Mira, her sister, and their mentally ill mother. Before she was struck with schizophrenia at the age of nineteen, beautiful piano protege Norma Herr had been the most vibrant personality in the room. She loved her daughters and did her best to raise them well, but as her mental state deteriorated, Norma spoke less about Chopin and more about Nazis and her fear that her daughters would be kidnapped, murdered, or raped.
When the girls left for college, the harassment escalated--Norma called them obsessively, appeared at their apartments or jobs, threatened to kill herself if they did not return home. After a traumatic encounter, Mira and her sister were left with no choice but to change their names and sever all contact with Norma in order to stay safe. But while Mira pursued her career as an artist--exploring the ancient romance of Florence, the eerie mysticism of northern Norway, and the raw desert of Israel--the haunting memories of her mother were never far away.
Then one day, Mira's life changed forever after a debilitating car accident. As she struggled to recover from a traumatic brain injury, she was confronted with a need to recontextualize her life--she had to relearn how to paint, read, and interact with the outside world. In her search for a way back to her lost self, Mira reached out to the homeless shelter where she believed her mother was living and discovered that Norma was dying.
Mira and her sister traveled to Cleveland, where they shared an extraordinary reconciliation with their mother that none of them had thought possible. At the hospital, Mira discovered a set of keys that opened a storage unit Norma had been keeping for seventeen years. Filled with family photos, childhood toys, and ephemera from Norma's life, the storage unit brought back a flood of previous memories that Mira had thought were lost to her forever.

Isn't that fascinating? I might have given her book a chance just because I'm interested in anything Cleveland, but her story sounds so incredible that I need to read this. It almost seems like something you would find in the fiction section -- a sad story with an ending that makes you smile.

Bartok mentions during the recording that she'll be in Cleveland "next month." I was hoping she meant March, but after checking her events page, I see that I listed to the podcast too late to get to hear her speak in person.

Listen to Bartok read on the Forum Network on iTunes, where you can also scroll through recent episodes and subscribe to the podcast.

If you'd rather watch than listen to Bartok's Forum Network appearance, head over to the page on her appearance, or click the play button below:



Brief interview with Bartok from Simon & Schuster:



-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Willoughby businesses are participating in the Spread the Word Book Drive. Through April 14, new or gently used books can be donated at Pure Color Bar, Willoughby Public Library, Bella Me Bella You and My Song Boutique. The books to give to children at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital.

According to the Downtown Today website:

Each time a child visits Rainbow Babies, they are given a book in the waiting room which they are able to keep.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends features activities and events in the area related to libraries, books and authors. Submit your events at www.News-Herald.com/Calendar, and check back to The Book Club every week for upcoming events and activities at your local library.

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This week

Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. will host the Book Club for Men at 7 p.m. Feb. 21, in the Frances Cleveland room. Join other male readers to discuss books of interest along with Librarian Steve Haas. This month’s selection is "Kingdom of Ohio" by Matthew Flaming. For details, call 440-255-8811.


"Black History's Great Contributions to the World" will be 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 22 at Beachwood Public Library, 25501 Shaker Blvd. Students in second through sixth grades are invited to the program, where history will come alive through storytelling, innovative games, the singing of spirituals, and call and response chants. Find out what would happen if "Black History" did not exist. Students will use their imaginations to creatively place the puzzle pieces of history back together again. Registration is required at 216-831-6868 or www.cuyahogalibrary.org.


The Lake County YMCA is hosting a free workshop with author and senior care consultant Mike Campbell from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Central YMCA branch in Painesville. The purpose of the workshop is to help families open the conversation about senior care options. Campbell will give tips on how to have sometimes difficult conversations with parents. He will provide insight on how to become the best care advocate for your loved one, which includes becoming familiar with various senior housing and care options available in the market. In addition, workshop participants will receive a free copy of Campbell’s new book, “When Mom and Dad Need Help.” For more information on the author, visit www.iffenwen.com.


The Geauga chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will host a support group for people diagnosed with serious mental illness and their families at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Middlefield Public Library, 16167 E. High St., Middlefield. After a brief introduction the group will divide into focus groups — peers diagnosed with mental illness; and family and friends of those diagnosed. Registration is not necessary, and the program is free. Details: 440-285-3945.


Perry Library, 3753 Main St., welcomes the 26th President Theodore Roosevelt at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. The family program is a first-person living history portrayal with teacher Robert K. Hodder. All are welcome for the free program, but registration is strongly suggested at 440-259-3300 or perrypubliclibrary.org.


The National Parks Service will present a program on the traditions of Victorian weddings at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., will host the Book and Brush Club at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 to explore the fine arts through reading and discussion art historical novels with librarian Barbara Hauer in the James R. Garfield room. This month’s selection is "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" by Susan Vreeland. For details, call 440-255-8811.


Tom Jerpbak, owner of Ye Olde Oaken Bucket in Painesville, will present Coins, Gold and Sterling Silver at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Jerpbak will discuss what you need to know about the various ratings and current market value before you sell your jewelry and other items. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


Sweets for the Sweet with Brandt's Candies will be 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Learn about the history of chocolate making from representatives of Brandt's Candies. Samples will be provided. Registration is required at 440-943-4151.


Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., will host the Profilers in Crime Time at 7 p.m. Feb. 24. The book group investigates crime-related genres such as thriller, suspense, true crime, noir, detective and mystery. This month's selection is "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie. The discussion will be in the James R. Garfield room. Details: 440-255-8811.


Teens are invited to the Cosplay Runway at Morely Library, 184 Phelps St. Dress up as your favorite Manga character and walk the runway at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Morley Library Meeting Room. Register to participate and submit a brief description of your Cosplay character and costume by Feb. 20. Your description will be read as you walk the runway. To register, call 440-352-3383.


Barks for Books will be 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Children in first through third grades will spend 30 minutes reading to trained therapy talks. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


The Friends of the Burton Public Library Chess Tournaments will be every Saturday in February at the library. This annual event has been drawing chess players from all over the area. Prior tournament competition is not necessary. Players need to bring a standard chess set, a sack lunch and beverage. Tournaments
for different age groups are scheduled as follows:

• Adults: 10 a.m. Feb. 26

All tournaments will be Swiss-type, providing each player at least four games regardless of his or her win-loss record. Medals will be awarded to the top places in each category. Prior registration is required for all tournaments. To register, call the Burton Public Library at 440-834-4466. For further information about the tournaments, call Jim Wohlken at 440-834-4283. Visit the library online at www.burton.lib.oh.us.

Coming up

Zin, Zin, Zin a Violin! will be 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Children are invited to learn more about music with the Fine Arts Association and meet instrument families through stories, instrument demonstrations and more. The class is limited to 20 children. Registration is required at 440-942-3362.


What is the Western Reserve? will be 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. The illustrated program will take a look at a unique part of Ohio and the nation, as well as the people, politics, war and determination that created it. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Mentor Public Library will host the Twentysomething Readers Book Club at Panera in Mentor at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Join twenty-something readers to discuss books of interest along with librarian Steve Haas. This month’s selection is "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. For details, call 440-255-8811.


During the month of March, Madison Public Library holds an annual Business Fair. Local businesses may hang a poster and include business cards, coupons, pens, etc. on the poster. March 28 will be "Business Day 2011," and business owners may set up a small display and talk with patrons about their business. For more information, please contact the library at 428-2189.


Dynamic Dinosaurs will be at 7 p.m. March 2 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. The event will feature prehistoric stories, activities and crafts. Registration required: 440-943-4151.


Getting Started with Medicare will be at 10 a.m. March 3 at the Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. If you are approaching age 65, or just going on Medicare for the first time, this is your opportunity to gain a basic understanding of how Medicare works. Speaker Laura Mutsko designed the class to make Medicare easy to understand. Registration is required at 440-943-4151. Another session will be offered at 7 p.m. March 31.


Demo classes from Ovation Movement will be at 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. March 3 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Ovation offers a variety of dance and movement classes for all ages. The 10 a.m. session will be for children 18 months to 3 years old, and the 10:45 a.m. session will be for children 3 to 5 years old. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Computer Basics I will be at 6:30 p.m. March 3 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. This program is designed for the person with no computer experience. Participants will learn about hardware and software, and practice using the keyboard and mouse. Limited to 10 participants. Registration required at 440-946-4151.


Read Across America with Dr. Seuss will be at 7 p.m. March 3 at Eastlake Library, 37606 Lake Shore Blvd. The library is teaming up with the Eastlake Women's Club for the event. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


Dr. Seuss, Mother Goose & Everything in Between will be 11 a.m. March 5 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Children will be introduced to the art of theater and performance poetry as they learn and perform dramatic, silly, comic and tongue-twister poems with instructors from the Fine Arts Association. The event is for children ages 4 to 6 and their caregivers. Space is limited, and registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Students in first through sixth grades who love the Eastlake Library are invited to the Student Friends Meeting from 1 to 2:30 p.m. March 5 at the library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. The group meets monthly during the school year to make crafts, enjoy snacks, play games and help with library programs. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


The Anime/Manga Club will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. March 5 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Attendees will watch, discuss and comment on anime and manga, and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Puppets with Pizazz will be 2 to 3 p.m. March 5 at Beachwood Library, 25501 Shake Blvd. Families are invited to see Nancy Sander's puppet version of "Rumplestiltskin." Registration is required at 216-831-6868 or cuyahogalibrary.org.


Barks for Books will be 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 5 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Children in first through third grade become more confident readers by spending 30 minutes each week reading to trained therapy dogs. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


Literature Out Loud will be at 4 p.m. March 7 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided as favorite American authors come alive through dramatic readings by a professional actor. Stories featured will include the American frontier, patriotic poems and excerpts from American novels and short stories of adventure, comedy, romance and history. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Mentor Library's Monday Night Book Discussion takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the first Monday of each month from October through June, with the next meeting being March 7 at the library, 8215 Mentor Ave. For this month's selection, contact librarian Barb Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210. The library provides books, and refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.


Nintendo DS Game Night will be 7 to 8 p.m. March 7 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Bring your Nintendo DS and any linkable games to the library for the opportunity to play with other kids. Attendees must have a DS, but games are not required. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.

Ongoing events

If you are 60 years old or older and a middle- or low-income taxpayer, you can get free tax assistance with an AARP tax aide volunteers. Call the Mentor Library at 440-255-8811, ext. 215, to make your appointment. Volunteers will be at the Main Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through April 12. Bring your completed tax forms from last year and valid I.D. to your appointment. AARP help is by appointment only.


Free tax preparation service is available for Geauga County residents with annual household incomes less than $60,000. Appointments may be made by calling 211 or 888-386-3194. Returns can be filed electronically so individuals may receive their whole refund quickly and securely. There is no need for a refund loan or to pay filing fees. Individuals who worked in 2010 and earned less than about $38,000 may be eligible for the Earned Income Credit, based on marital status, income and number of children in the household. Sites for tax preparation help are Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, the Department of Job and Family Services, Middlefield Public Library, St. Mary’s in Chardon and Thompson United Methodist Church. The service is offered by the Geauga Financial Stability Partnership: Geauga County Commissioners and United Way Services of Geauga County.


The annual spring book sale sponsored by the West Geagua Friends of the Library begins March 9 and ends March 12. Donations of gently used or new children’s and adult books, collectibles, comics, CDs, DVDs, books on tape or CD, puzzles, board games, sheet music and prints can be dropped off at the Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, during regular hours until March 1. A tax receipt is available at the circulation desk. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the on-going adult and children’s programs at the Geauga West Library. Details: 440-729-4250.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Do you have a story to tell about Cleveland?

If so, Kent State University's Clevleand Urban Design Collaborative wants to hear from you.

They're looking for historians, story tellers, creative writers, artisits and urban designers to share stories about Cleveland. It can be fact or fiction, funny or sad, or anything else you want it to be. They're looking anything from memories of lesser-known aspects of Cleveland history to fictional tales from a Cleveland neighborhood set in a convincing alternate reality. The best stories will be published in Cleveland Stories: True until proven otherwise, the annual journal of the design collaborative.

They will be hosting a StorySlam on February 24 at the Cleveland Insitute of Art Coventry Center in Cleveland Heights. Those who wish to tell their story can toss their name in the hat. Ten people will be selected to speak. No notes, papers, cheat sheets or other cues are allowed as the StorySlam focuses on telling stories, not reading them. Participants will have five minutes to tell their stories.

If you don't want to share a story at the StorySlam, you can always come to listen to other tales of the fine city we like to call home.

Click here to learn more or to submit your Cleveland story.

--Danielle Capriato
DCapriato@News-Herald.com

Looking for something different to do this Wednesday evening?

Consider heading to Barnes & Noble, 28801 Chagrin Blvd. in Woodmere to meet Paula McLain for an author talk and signing.

McLain is the author of "The Paris Wife." (And she's a hometown girl!) This new work of historical fiction tells of the love affair between Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley.

I plan to read it this weekend, and I'm sorry a prior commitment means I won't be able to head out to B&N tomorrow.

Here McLain discusses her inspiration:



- Tricia Ambrose

I don't think I could be as brave as Alison Wright.

And that's before she's critically injured in a bus accident in Laos.

Count me among those inspired by her journey in "Learning to Breathe: One Woman's Journey of Spirit and Survival."

Doctors agree it's a miracle Wright survived the accident on a winding mountain road in Laos. Yet her life up to that point had hardly been tame.

A photojournalist, Wright had spent the better part of her adult life in remote villages documenting their cultures and chronicling the plight of children.
Her sense of adventure and willingness to go where few would dare are inspiring in and of themselves.

Add on the will to live that keeps her going after the accident, and now I'm officially wowed.

"The world seemed vibrant and electrified, and I believed the continuation of my life to be one giant postscript. The taste of death became a touchstone, reminding me of what seemed truly important - family, friends, and a desire to give something back to the world through my work."

To have that kind of attitude and positivity after months of surgeries and grueling rehab, with no guarantees that at the end of your hard work you'd have your life back. I don't know that I could keep that up.

Listen to Wright recount the accident that changed her life:



Check out a preview here.

- Tricia Ambrose

Odds and Book Ends features activities and events in the area related to libraries, books and authors. Submit your events at www.News-Herald.com/Calendar, and check back to The Book Club every week for upcoming events and activities at your local library.

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This week

Join Cathi Weber, local author of "Haunted Willoughby, Ohio" at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square, to hear the stories that inspired her to investigate the spooky heritage and true stories that are a part of Willoughby's history. Limited to 60 participants. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Reel Talk-Book and Movie Discussion Group meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Meeting Room B at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., with the next meeting taking place Feb. 14. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. The library is located at 184 Phelps St. in Painesville. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.


Friends of the Kirtland Library will have its annual meeting from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Feb. 14 at Kirtland Public Library, 9267 Chilicothe Road. The following slate of officers will be presented by the nominating committee: Kent Packer, president; Ginny Liddy, vice president; Jane Carle, recording secretary; Gail Cap, corresponding secretary; Greg Amyot, treasurer. A brief meeting will be followed by a Valentine's Day celebration with a theme of chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. Refreshments will include a variety of chocolate treats, and one lucky person will go home with a Valentine gift basket. Details: 440-256-READ.


A "Take Charge Tuesday -- Healthy Heart Screening: Cholesterol, Glucose and Blood Pressure" free screening program will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. The screening will be provided by health professionals from Euclid Hospital's Healthy Heart Program. Discuss results with a registered nurse. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Find a desired cookbook and let your unused cookbooks become treasures for others at the Cookbook Swap and Tasting at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Bring up to three cookbooks from your collection plus a dish to share. Registration is required at 440-942-3362.


Happy Bookers Book Discussion will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. The book "Beloved" by Toni Morrison will be discussed.


A Fancy Nancy Party will be 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Come dressed in finery for fabulous festivities. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


The Burton Public Library will present “Act It Out,” a five-week acting workshop for ages 6 through 10. The workshop will meet from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. on Feb. 15 and 22 and March 1 and 8, concluding with a performance of “Python’s Party” at 4 p.m. March 15. The acting workshop will be taught by Chardon resident Amy Bennett, who has an academic and professional background in children’s arts.
“Act It Out” is free of charge and has limited enrollment. Registration is a commitment to attend all five sessions. To register, call the Burton Public Library at 440-834-4466.


CSI: Painesville will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St. Forensic chemist Kim Krall, from the Lake County Crime Lab, will give an overview of the science of catching criminals. Attendees will look at DNA, fingerprinting, firearms and race analysis. The program is intended for grades 10 and older, and adults.


"History of the Bernse Anabaptists" will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. Join John Gingerich to learn about his recently completed English translation of Ernst Müller's "Geschichte der Bernischen Täufer," an important entry in Amish-Mennonite-Anabaptist history. Uncover the history of the Anabaptists of Canton Bern, Switzerland as well as learn about the translation process. To register, call the library at 440-632-1961.


DS Nights for Teens will be 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 16 at Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square. Teens in grades six through 12 can bring a Nintendo DS and any linkable games to the library to play with other teens. Attendees must have a DS but games are not required. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Facebook for Beginners program will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Learn how to create and use a Facebook page. Internet, mouse and keyboard skills are recommended. An email address is required to sign up for Facebook. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


A Mother/Daughter Beading Craft is scheduled for 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 17 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Girls in kindergarten through sixth grade and their mothers will make a craft. Registration is required at 440-943-4151.


Native Plant Society of Northeast Ohio will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights. The evening will be an exploration of book sources and resources for bibliophiles and native plant enthusiasts. Cleveland Botanical Garden Librarian Gary Esmonde will guide the group across the terrain of introductory Ohio flora books to collectors' items in the very special collections of the Eleanor Squire Library. Cleveland Museum of Natural History Librarian Wendy Wasman will share some botanical treasures from the museum's rare books collection. No registration required; suggested donation of $3.


Mentor Public Library will host The Authentic Story of the Underground Railroad in Lake County at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Main Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Kathie Purmal, director of the Lake County Historical Society, will present the story of Lake County’s Underground Railroad. The informative presentation will be in the James R. Garfield Room. Register at 440-255-8811.


Word Basics will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 19 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Learn to create documents in Microsoft Word. Experience with the mouse and keyboard is recommended. Registration is required at 440-943-4151.


The Friends of the Burton Public Library Chess Tournaments will be every Saturday in February at the library. This annual event has been drawing chess players from all over the area. Prior tournament competition is not necessary. Players need to bring a standard chess set, a sack lunch and beverage. Tournaments
for different age groups are scheduled as follows:

• Ninth through 12th grade: 10 a.m. Feb. 19 (expected to finish by 5 p.m.)
• Adults: 10 a.m. Feb. 26

All tournaments will be Swiss-type, providing each player at least four games regardless of his or her win-loss record. Medals will be awarded to the top places in each category. Prior registration is required for all tournaments. To register, call the Burton Public Library at 440-834-4466. For further information about the tournaments, call Jim Wohlken at 440-834-4283. Visit the library online at www.burton.lib.oh.us.


Joe the Coupon Guy will be at Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St., teaching a class at 2 p.m. Feb. 20. He will cover a multitude of ways to save on a variety of topics, and not just about couponing. Details: 440-285-7601.

Coming up

Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. will host the Book Club for Men at 7 p.m. Feb. 21, in the Frances Cleveland room. Join other male readers to discuss books of interest along with Librarian Steve Haas. This month’s selection is "Kingdom of Ohio" by Matthew Flaming. For details, call 440-255-8811.


"Black History's Great Contributions to the World" will be 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 22 at Beachwood Public Library, 25501 Shaker Blvd. Students in second through sixth grades are invited to the program, where history will come alive through storytelling, innovative games, the singing of spirituals, and call and response chants. Find out what would happen if "Black History" did not exist. Students will use their imaginations to creatively place the puzzle pieces of history back together again. Registration is required at 216-831-6868 or www.cuyahogalibrary.org.


The Lake County YMCA is hosting a free workshop with author and senior care consultant Mike Campbell from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Central YMCA branch in Painesville. The purpose of the workshop is to help families open the conversation about senior care options. Campbell will give tips on how to have sometimes difficult conversations with parents. He will provide insight on how to become the best care advocate for your loved one, which includes becoming familiar with various senior housing and care options available in the market. In addition, workshop participants will receive a free copy of Campbell’s new book, “When Mom and Dad Need Help.” For more information on the author, visit www.iffenwen.com.


The Geauga chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will host a support group for people diagnosed with serious mental illness and their families at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Middlefield Public Library, 16167 E. High St., Middlefield. After a brief introduction the group will divide into focus groups — peers diagnosed with mental illness; and family and friends of those diagnosed. Registration is not necessary, and the program is free. Details: 440-285-3945.


Perry Library, 3753 Main St., welcomes the 26th President Theodore Roosevelt at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. The family program is a first-person living history portrayal with teacher Robert K. Hodder. All are welcome for the free program, but registration is strongly suggested at 440-259-3300 or perrypubliclibrary.org.


The National Parks Service will present a program on the traditions of Victorian weddings at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., will host the Book and Brush Club at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 to explore the fine arts through reading and discussion art historical novels with librarian Barbara Hauer in the James R. Garfield room. This month’s selection is "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" by Susan Vreeland. For details, call 440-255-8811.


Tom Jerpbak, owner of Ye Olde Oaken Bucket in Painesville, will present Coins, Gold and Sterling Silver at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Jerpbak will discuss what you need to know about the various ratings and current market value before you sell your jewelry and other items. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


Sweets for the Sweet with Brandt's Candies will be 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Learn about the history of chocolate making from representatives of Brandt's Candies. Samples will be provided. Registration is required at 440-943-4151.


Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., will host the Profilers in Crime Time at 7 p.m. Feb. 24. The book group investigates crime-related genres such as thriller, suspense, true crime, noir, detective and mystery. This month's selection is "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie. The discussion will be in the James R. Garfield room. Details: 440-255-8811.


Teens are invited to the Cosplay Runway at Morely Library, 184 Phelps St. Dress up as your favorite Manga character and walk the runway at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Morley Library Meeting Room. Register to participate and submit a brief description of your Cosplay character and costume by Feb. 20. Your description will be read as you walk the runway. To register, call 440-352-3383.


Barks for Books will be 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Children in first through third grades will spend 30 minutes reading to trained therapy talks. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


Zin, Zin, Zin a Violin! will be 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Children are invited to learn more about music with the Fine Arts Association and meet instrument families through stories, instrument demonstrations and more. The class is limited to 20 children. Registration is required at 440-942-3362.


What is the Western Reserve? will be 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. The illustrated program will take a look at a unique part of Ohio and the nation, as well as the people, politics, war and determination that created it. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Mentor Public Library will host the Twentysomething Readers Book Club at Panera in Mentor at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Join twenty-something readers to discuss books of interest along with librarian Steve Haas. This month’s selection is "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. For details, call 440-255-8811.


During the month of March, Madison Public Library holds an annual Business Fair. Local businesses may hang a poster and include business cards, coupons, pens, etc. on the poster. March 28 will be "Business Day 2011," and business owners may set up a small display and talk with patrons about their business. For more information, please contact the library at 428-2189.

Ongoing events

The art exhibit "His, Hers, and the Truth: Paintings of Human Realism" by Judy Takacs is on display at Notre Dame College’s Clara Fritzche Library through Feb. 18. The free exhibit is open to the public during library hours, which are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Notre Dame College is at 4545 College Road, South Euclid. For details, call 216-373-5267 or e-mail kzoller@ndc.edu.


If you are 60 years old or older and a middle- or low-income taxpayer, you can get free tax assistance with an AARP tax aide volunteers. Call the Mentor Library at 440-255-8811, ext. 215, to make your appointment. Volunteers will be at the Main Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through April 12. Bring your completed tax forms from last year and valid I.D. to your appointment. AARP help is by appointment only.


Free tax preparation service is available for Geauga County residents with annual household incomes less than $60,000. Appointments may be made by calling 211 or 888-386-3194. Returns can be filed electronically so individuals may receive their whole refund quickly and securely. There is no need for a refund loan or to pay filing fees. Individuals who worked in 2010 and earned less than about $38,000 may be eligible for the Earned Income Credit, based on marital status, income and number of children in the household. Sites for tax preparation help are Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, the Department of Job and Family Services, Middlefield Public Library, St. Mary’s in Chardon and Thompson United Methodist Church. The service is offered by the Geauga Financial Stability Partnership: Geauga County Commissioners and United Way Services of Geauga County.


The annual spring book sale sponsored by the West Geagua Friends of the Library begins March 9 and ends March 12. Donations of gently used or new children’s and adult books, collectibles, comics, CDs, DVDs, books on tape or CD, puzzles, board games, sheet music and prints can be dropped off at the Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, during regular hours until March 1. A tax receipt is available at the circulation desk. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the on-going adult and children’s programs at the Geauga West Library. Details: 440-729-4250.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

I'll admit when I picked up "The Kids Are All Right" I was not expecting the book that I read.
The title caught my eye as I'd spent that day at work shooting a video promo for our Academy Awards contest and I had movies on my mind.
I thought, 'hey, that's one of the films nominated for Best Picture, I'll read that before I see the movie.'
Well this is not that, as they say.
In sharing my initial thoughts about the book with our AME Features Mark Meszoros, who has seen all the nominated films, it became clear that this book and that movie do not deal with the same subject.
"Kids" was written by four siblings in the aftermath of family tragedy.
Liz Welch, Diana Welch, Dan Welch and Amanda Welch may have experienced the same basic events, but their experiences were far from the same.
When their father is killed in a car accident, the family is plunged into turmoil. Each sibling feels his death differently. Still reeling from that, their mom, soap star Ann Williams, learns she has cancer. The next few years are a blur of treatments and changes for all the kids. After her death, it only gets worse.
Diana is just 8, and Amanda, 19. Circumstances are such the each child is sent off separately. Their struggles to remain connected as a family are the backbone of the book.
I am a big believer in birth order. No two children grow up in the same family. Even raised in the same house by the same people and going to the same schools, it is not the same experience.
When the second child is born, the entire family dynamic is shifted. So too for the third and fourth. Don't even get me started on the youngest ...and we haven't even mentioned gender!
I don't think two children ever have the same parents either. How could two people be the same at 30 as at 25?
And clearly siblings recall events differently.
In the Welches' case, the night their mother died, Liz writes, "I'd gone to sleep alone the night before - I think I was the only person in the house other than Mom and the night nurse." Amanda recalls, "Liza wasn't alone the night Mom died. I slept next to her, in the same bed even."
But that's just the details. What they all have amazing recall for is the same sense of joyfulness their father had, the horror of watching their mother waste away and the bond they kept them close even as life threatened to separate them for good.
I was moved by their honesty and felt compelled to touch base with my own siblings.
Perhaps there's a reason I picked this book from the shelf, after all.


Click here for book club discussion questions.

- Tricia Ambrose

Sometimes I lie to myself -- like Friday night when I pledged I was not going to stay up all night reading. After all, I still had 200 pages left in "Her Fearful Symmetry", and there was no way I'd be able to get through it before falling asleep.

But stay up all night and read I did. At 4 a.m., I finished Page 401, wondering what the heck I would write about it, and what Tricia thought of it.

Tricia said you need to suspend your disbelief to read Niffenegger's work, which I agree with entirely. That's one of the things I loved about "The Time Travelers Wife" and "Symmetry": letting go of my conventional thoughts to get swept up in the realistic but slightly magical world of Niffenegger's imagination.

"Symmetry, set in London, is a story about ghosts and twins, living and dying. The ghosts are among the living, and the twins are learning to live with and without each other. The first 200 pages of the book were a lot of preparation for what would happen in the last 200, which were rather page-turning. (I found the same to be true of "The Time Travelers Wife," which I also stayed up until the wee hours finishing.)

I liked the story, and I liked that throughout the book I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen next. Niffenegger managed to create a suspenseful book by writing an impossible story. Tricia had imagined the story of twins Julia and Valentina taking a different turn, and I almost wish Niffenegger had taken that route in the book. But, that might have been more predictable, and maybe less enjoyable.

I finished "Symmetry" not exactly sure which of the characters I liked. I had trouble weighing all the good and bad each of them had done throughout the story, to figure out what I really thought of them in the end. I was happy for Julia and Valentina, but puzzled at the direction their relationship had taken. I felt sad for Elspeth and Edie, their aunt and mother, because their stories were tragic and unfixable.

The page before the story begins includes lyrics to a Beatles song. I once hear Niffenegger say in an interview on NPR that the song perfectly fit the story, but she wouldn't divulge further information without giving away the story. After finishing the book, I couldn't agree with her more:

She said "I know what it's like to be dead.
I know what it is to be sad"
And she's making me feel like I've never been born.
I said "Who put all those things in your head?
Things that make me feel that I'm mad
And you're making me feel like I've never been born."
She said "you don't understand what I said"
I said "No, no, no, you're wrong"
When I was a boy everything was right
Everything was right
I said "Even though you know what you know
I know that I'm ready to leave
'Cause you're making me feel like I've never been born."
She said "you don't understand what I said"
I said "No, no, no, you're wrong"
When I was a boy everything was right
Everything was right
I said "Even though you know what you know
I know that I'm ready to leave
'Cause you're making me feel like I've never been born."
She said , she said "I know what it's like to be dead"
("I know what it's like to be dead")
I know what it is to be sad...

Click the play button below to watch Niffenegger talk about writing "Her Fearful Symmetry" (including an explanation for the title):


Listen to Niffenegger read the second chapter of "Her Fearful Symmetry" here.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Susan Fales-Hill's "One Flight Up" leapt off the shelves at me.

Its title is so close to that of my not-likely-to-be-successful novel "One Flight Down," I just had to read it.

What a pleasant diversion.

It's a bit like "Sex and the City," if that series had featured a more racially diverse cast. In addition to gabbing about sex and men and sex and children and sex and work, the women of "One Flight Up" are faced with issues of race.

That's just one layer of this romp, though.

No new ground is broken here, no deep insights into the inner workings of the human mind, no passages begging for a re-read.

But that's OK. It was fabulous to spend a few hours escaping reality with these women.

I was surprised to find an online reading group guide. This just didn't strike me as the kind of book that would prompt a lot of discussion.

Question No. 8 did intrigue me: Sage points out that women "trash their own dreams to make everyone else thrive." Do you think Sage is right? Why or why not?

So I guess there is much to discuss here after all.

-Tricia Ambrose

Pittsburgh and Milwaukee have more riding on tonight's game than just the pride of their hometown teams.

From The Associated Press:

MILWAUKEE — The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Milwaukee Public Library are now getting in on the Super Bowl bets.
If the Green Bay Packers win on Sunday, the Carnegie staff will send an assortment of Pennsylvania cheeses and pierogies and Sarris chocolates along with a promise that the life-size cut-out of Andrew Carnegie or the state of library benefactor Julius Bernd will wear a Packers jersey.
If the Pittsburgh Steelers win, the Milwaukee library staff will send an assortment of Wisconsin cheeses, chocolates from Kehr’s Candies and a promise that the Benjamin Franklin statue at Central Library will wear a Steelers jersey.
The libraries are required to share a photo as proof the wager is satisfied.

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Odds and Book Ends features activities and events in the area related to libraries, books and authors. Submit your events at www.News-Herald.com/Calendar, and check back to The Book Club every week for upcoming events and activities at your local library.

---

This week

Literature Out Loud will be at 4 p.m. Feb. 7 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Great American stories will be read aloud through dramatic readings by a professional actor. Stories from the American frontier, patriotic poems and excerpts from American novels and short stories of adventure, comedy, romance and history will be featured. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


The East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Ross C. DeJohn Community Center, 6306 Marsol Road, Mayfield Heights. Diana Crisman Smith will present a program on how to add color to your family history by providing sources you may not have thought about using. Guests are welcome to attend for a $3 visitor fee that may be applied to membership. For more information, contact Stacie at 216-379-0749 (evenings or weekends) or Mac at mksauer4@roadrunner.com. Smith is a genealogical writer, speaker, editor and teacher. She is treasurer of both the International Society of Family History Writers and the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and lay librarian at the Family History Center in Westlake as well as an online instructor through Family Tree University and has a column in the Association of Professional Genealogists’ Quarterly.


Nintendo DS Game Night will be 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Bring a Nintendo DS and any linkable games to the library for the opportunity to play with other children. Participants must have a DS, but games are not required. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Jump Start Your Job Search will be 9:45 to 11 a.m. Feb. 8 at Eastlake Public Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd., Learn about free workshops and job search assistance available through Lake1Stop. The 90-minute session is a pre-requisite for attending the workshops, to find out about available training funds, or for receiving one-on-one job search assistance. To register for the program, call Debra Laurin at 440-350-2493 or 440-918-2493.


Crossroads will hold a Family Valentine’s Story Time 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 at its Early Childhood Services Center, 1083 Mentor Ave., Painesville. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the family-friendly event, which will feature books, crafts and a seasonal snack. The event is geared for children up to age 8. The event is free, but registration is required at 440-358-7370. The Crossroads Early Childhood Services Center provides a broad range of behavioral health services to children from birth to age 5.


"Download Books Free With Your Library Card" will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Chardon Library on Chardon Square. Patrons who have received or purchased an e-reader will learn how to download free e-books from the Overdrive’s Ohio e-book project, accessible from the Geauga County Public Library’s website. If patrons bring their own laptops and e-readers, they can get hands-on assistance in downloading their own e-books. For additional information, contact Lou Jerkich, assistant manager of Chardon Library, at 440-285-7601.


Job Searching Online will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 10 at Eastlake Public Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


Meet author Chris Bohjalian at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Beachwood Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library, 25501 Shake Blvd. (at the corner of Richmond and Shaker). Bohjalian is the author of 13 books, many of which are New York Times bestsellers and/or Publishers Weekly best books. His book "Midwives" was an Oprah Book Discussion Selection. Registration is required: 216-831-6868.


Crafy Kids will be 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 12 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Children in grades one through six will make crafts. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Teen Anime Afternoons will be 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 12 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Youths in grades six through 12 can join others to watch anime movies and draw. Snack will be provided, and registration is required at 440-943-4151.


Valentine Chocolate Candy Making will be 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 12 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Youths ages 11 through 18 can make chocolate suckers to take home to their valentines. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


Friends of Morley Library will host a book sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 12 in the lower level of Morley Library in Painesville.


Computer Basics I, designed for a person with no computer experience, will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 12 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Learn about hardware and software. Time will be provided for hands-on practice with the keyboard and mouse. The program is limited to 10 participants, and registration is required at 440-943-4151.


The Friends of the Burton Public Library Chess Tournaments will be every Saturday in February at the library. This annual event has been drawing chess players from all over the area. Prior tournament competition is not necessary. Players need to bring a standard chess set, a sack lunch and beverage. Tournaments
for different age groups are scheduled as follows:

• Sixth through eighth grade: 10 a.m. Feb. 12
• Ninth through 12th grade: 10 a.m. Feb. 19 (expected to finish by 5 p.m.)
• Adults: 10 a.m. Feb. 26

All tournaments will be Swiss-type, providing each player at least four games regardless of his or her win-loss record. Medals will be awarded to the top places in each category. Prior registration is required for all tournaments. To register, call the Burton Public Library at 440-834-4466. For further information about the tournaments, call Jim Wohlken at 440-834-4283. Visit the library online at www.burton.lib.oh.us.


The Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Office of College, Counseling and Support Services is sponsoring a college application process program for NDCL juniors and their parents. The event will be 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 13 in the NDCL Library. Information will be presented, and questions answered, by an expert panel on college admission, including representatives from Case Western Reserve University, The College of Wooster and Bowling Green State University. Registration in advance is not required. Contact NDCL at 440-286-6226 if there are any questions. Those interested also can visit NDCL anytime at www.ndcl.org.

Coming up

Join Cathi Weber, local author of "Haunted Willoughby, Ohio" at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square, to hear the stories that inspired her to investigate the spooky heritage and true stories that are a part of Willoughby's history. Limited to 60 participants. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Reel Talk-Book and Movie Discussion Group meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Morley Library's meeting Room B, with the next meeting taking place Feb. 14. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. The library is located at 184 Phelps St. in Painesville. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.


Friends of the Kirtland Library will have its annual meeting from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Feb. 14 at Kirtland Public Library, 9267 Chilicothe Road. The following slate of officers will be presented by the nominating committee: Kent Packer, president; Ginny Liddy, vice president; Jane Carle, recording secretary; Gail Cap, corresponding secretary; Greg Amyot, treasurer. A brief meeting will be followed by a Valentine's Day celebration with a theme of chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. Refreshments will include a variety of chocolate treats, and one lucky person will go home with a Valentine gift basket. Details: 440-256-READ.


A "Take Charge Tuesday -- Healthy Heart Screening: Cholesterol, Glucose and Blood Pressure" free screening program will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. The screening will be provided by health professionals from Euclid Hospital's Healthy Heart Program. Discuss results with a registered nurse. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Find a desired cookbook and let your unused cookbooks become treasures for others at the Cookbook Swap and Tasting at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Bring up to three cookbooks from your collection plus a dish to share. Registration is required at 440-942-3362.


Happy Bookers Book Discussion will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. The book "Beloved" by Toni Morrison will be discussed.


A Fancy Nancy Party will be 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Come dressed in finery for fabulous festivities. Registration is required at 440-942-7780.


The Burton Public Library will present "Act It Out," a five-week acting workshop for ages 6 through 10. The workshop will meet from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. on Feb. 15 and 22 and March 1 and 8, concluding with a performance of "Python's Party: at 4 p.m. March 15. The acting workshop will be taught by Chardon resident Amy Bennett, who has an academic and professional background in children’s arts.
"Act It Out" is free of charge and has limited enrollment. Registration is a commitment to attend all five sessions. To register, call the Burton Public Library at 440-834-4466.


CSI: Painesville will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Morley Library. Forensic chemist Kim Krall, from the Lake County Crime Lab, will give an overview of the science of catching criminals. Attendees will look at DNA, fingerprinting, firearms and race analysis. The program is intended for grades 10 and older, and adults.


DS Nights for Teens will be 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 16 at Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square. Teens in grades six through 12 can bring a Nintendo DS and any linkable games to the library to play with other teens. Attendees must have a DS but games are not required. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


Facebook for Beginners program will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Learn how to create and use a Facebook page. Internet, mouse and keyboard skills are recommended. An email address is required to sign up for Facebook. Registration is required at 440-942-3200.


A Mother/Daughter Beading Craft is scheduled for 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 17 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Girls in kindergarten through sixth grade and their mothers will make a craft. Registration is required at 440-943-4151.


Native Plant Society of Northeast Ohio will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights. The evening will be an exploration of book sources and resources for bibliophiles and native plant enthusiasts. Cleveland Botanical Garden Librarian Gary Esmonde will guide the group across the terrain of introductory Ohio flora books to collectors' items in the very special collections of the Eleanor Squire Library. Cleveland Museum of Natural History Librarian Wendy Wasman will share some botanical treasures from the museum's rare books collection. No registration required; suggested donation of $3.


Word Basics will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 19 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Learn to create documents in Microsoft Word. Experience with the mouse and keyboard is recommended. Registration is required at 440-943-4151.

Ongoing events

The art exhibit "His, Hers, and the Truth: Paintings of Human Realism" by Judy Takacs is on display at Notre Dame College’s Clara Fritzche Library through Feb. 18. The free exhibit is open to the public during library hours, which are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Notre Dame College is at 4545 College Road, South Euclid. For details, call 216-373-5267 or e-mail kzoller@ndc.edu.


If you are 60 years old or older and a middle- or low-income taxpayer, you can get free tax assistance with an AARP tax aide volunteers. Call the Mentor Library at 440-255-8811, ext. 215, to make your appointment. Volunteers will be at the Main Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through April 12. Bring your completed tax forms from last year and valid I.D. to your appointment. AARP help is by appointment only.


-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com
@nhcheryl

All those trailers for "Sanctum" have piqued my interest in cave diving.

What serendipity to find "Diving into Darkness: A True Story of Death and Survival" by Phillip Finch calling to me from the library shelves.

Diving into Darkness recounts the efforts of cave divers Don Shirley and David Shaw to (willingly!) plunge about 900 feet into the water to bring up the body of a diver who had died a decade earlier. One of them does not survive the attempt.

 I have a newfound appreciation for the science behind deep diving. The people who do this sort of thing for fun aren't just deciding to strap on a tank and hit the water. There are all sorts of calculations of gases and time under water and decompression stops to be determined. This is not for the casual hobbyist or the faint of heart.

Finch does a great job of chronicling the events leading up to that final dive and presents an almost textbook like accounting of why a deep water diver needs more than oxygen.

And while I was interested in the mechanics of diving, it was not enough for me.

I never felt a connection with these men. When so much can go so wrong so quickly, why would anyone dive to such depths? Is it just the ability to go where no one has gone before? Is it to test one's own limits? Why diving instead of another extreme sport?

"Beyond 150 metres, beyond 200, humans enter a nether zone where the usual rules no longer apply; a place where compromises with physics and chemistry and human physiology are no longer possible, where even the act of drawing a breath helps to create the conditions for tragedy."

I still don't have the answers to my questions. But I do have tremendous respect for divers.

See if you agree:
Read an excerpt here

- Tricia Ambrose

Gale, "a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses," is holding a contest to locate librarian superheroes, and the company wants to hear your nominations for a librarian who has been super for you and other patrons.

Are you or someone you know a librarian superhero? Gale wants to hear about it! Four librarians will be selected from your submissions and turned into cartoon superheros! Winners will be featured on a metal lunch box and unveiled at ALA in New Orleans!

How cool would it be to appear on a lunch box?!?!

You have until Feb. 28 to nominate your superhero librarian. Like the Facebook Page to nominate your librarian superhero. Be sure to let them know the who, where and why. Full rules are posted here.


-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com