Things are not going well for Natalie Miller.
The 30-year-old political aide has spent all her time building her career, and she's in the position she wants to be.
Until she's diagnosed with breast cancer and the man she's been living with announces she's leaving.
Say hello to the heroine of Allison Winn Scotch's "The Department of Lost & Found."
In between her treatments, she's determined to track down her past relationships to discover just what went wrong. And she logs her progress in a journal her therapist has urged her to keep.
Lost & Found is alternately funny and heart-wrenching, but never sappy.

Read an excerpt of "The Department of Lost & Found" here.

Natalie is the kind of friend I'd like to have - sarcastic, somewhat self-absorbed, insecure - a lot like a lot of us. Her diagnosis forces her to examine a lot of things she'd rather have not to look at. As she notes:

I needed another hit, so after gagging on my pill and eventually swallowing it, I moved back to my computer screen and leaned over my elbows and stared. Stared for a good twenty minutes until my sight grew fuzzy and the muscles between my shoulder blades ached. I straightened up and ran my fingers through my hair. Clumps. For the first time, it wasn't strands, five here, twenty there. It was a massive, heart-sinking, spine-chilling clump. Whether or not I had evidence that Taylor was screwing hookers had no effect on my cancer or my impending baldness. Nothing it seemed, not even the fleeting rush of victory, would slow that down.

Her story got me to thinking: Can we ever force ourselves to take the kind of timeouts prompted by things like serious illness or accident or divorce, without the trauma? Or are we incapable of maintaining that kind of introspection?
What do you think?

- Tricia Ambrose 

@triciaambrose

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

The library story time program for children 24 months and younger runs Mondays from the week of Sept. 26 through Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Caregivers attend with children for all story times. Register: 440-943-4151.


Friends of the Euclid Library, 631 E. 222nd St., will have a book sale from Oct. 28 through Oct. 30. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 28 will be a special preview for members only. The general public can attend the sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29, and 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30. The last day will be bag day, when you can fill a bag for $2. Only Friends-issued bags will be allowed in all of the sale rooms; no outside bags will be permitted. Details: 216-261-5300.


Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.


Joe the Coupon Guy will present a class at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at Chagrin Falls Library, 100 E. Orange St. Register online.


Medical updates will be the focus of the Chardon Lupus Chat, slated for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St. RSVP to 440-717-0183 or info@lupuscleveland.org. The program is presented by the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.


Tom Jerpbak, owner of Ye Olde Oaken Bucket, will discuss antiques and collectibles at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Each attendee may bring one small item. Learn the best ways to buy and sell and what to avoid. Register for the free program: 440-943-4151.


Meet local author Barbara Hacha of Concord Township at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. She recently published "Line by Line", a historical work that takes place during the Great Depression, with a major part of the story set in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. The book will be available for purchase and signing. Register in advance at 440-259-3300 or online at perrypubliclibrary.org.


Friends of the Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St., will host its annual Cuddle Up for Winter Book Sale on Nov. 5 and 6 in the library’s Bostwick Room. A members-only preview will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. Nov. 5. Individuals may join the Friends or renew membership at the door. General sale hours will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 and 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 6, which also is bag day priced at $3 per bag. Details: 440-285-7601.

Coming up

Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. will present a free three-part series of computer classes offered through a Connect Ohio Grant. Classes will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the following days: Basic Computers, Nov. 7 and 19; Basic Internet, Nov. 14 and 26; and Using Email, Nov. 21 and Dec. 17. Register: 440-943-4151.


West Geauga Friends of the Library's fall book sale begins Nov. 9 with a members' preview from 4 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the open public sale from 6:30 to 8:30. Memberships will be available at the door. Hours for the sale - at Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township - are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12, which will be $3 bag day. A variety of of materials will be available, including fiction, nonfiction, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, games and more. Books range in price from 25 cents to $1. Special books, such as collector books, first editions and recent best sellers are priced individually. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 1 during regular hours, and collections resume after the sale Nov. 14. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the adult and children programs and purchases at the Geauga West Library. Details: 440-729-4250.


Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, will celebrate National Gaming Day 2011 by playing a live Pac-Man game from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Nov. 12 (before the library opens for library patrons). The game is for youths in third grade and older, who are invited to try their luck or skill at being the famous yellow character. Plan to wear comfortable shoes. Prizes will be awarded to the top Pac-Man players. Register: 440-428-2189 or www.madison-library.info.

Ongoing events

The Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library is seeking to fill a vacancy on its board of trustees. Potential candidates must be registered voters and residents of Willoughby Hills. Information and application forms are available at the circulation desk at each of the Willoughby-Eastlake libraries. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 14. For details, call 440-944-6900, ext. 113.


Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info


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

This month's LitSoup question:

What are you reading right now?

I posed this question to the newsroom, and these are the responses I received:

Brandon Baker:

FreeDarko Presents: The Undisputed Guide to Pro Basketball History

Jean Bonchak:

“Knufflebunny: A Cautionary Tale” and “Leonardo, the Terrible Monster” by Mo Willems are books I’ve been reading, re-reading and re-re-reading to my 3-year-old grandson, Robert.
A while ago while interviewing a children’s librarian at the Willoughby Library I asked for a popular children’s author who she immediately recommended Mo Willems.
Hesitant to leave the cars, trucks and general “things that go” genre preferred by Robert, I took a chance and brought the Willems’ books home.
WOW! Immediate impact and interest ensued.
In countless reading sessions with various books he has never responded as enthusiastically as he has with Leonardo and the Knufflebunny. Willem’s genius draws children in an inexplicable way, causing them to feel as if they are actually friends with the characters, creating a sense of empathy, concern and most of all, fun.
I’m hoping to expand our present reading menu to include several more of Willems’ books.
(Shhh! Don’t tell…but I’m having as much fun as Robert.)

Michael C. Butz:

"What the Dog Saw" by Malcolm Gladwell

Jeffrey L. Frischkorn:

Various deer-hunting magazines with the approach of the deer-hunting season.
And: Two magazines: “American History” and “Smithsonian”

Angela Gartner:

It’s not what I am reading, but what I am listening to at the moment. My sister and friend told me a number of times that I must read the Twilight series. I resisted because I didn’t want to be part of the masses. I didn’t want to be on Team Edward or Team Jacob. However, they swayed me to try the books while dining in Downtown Willoughby this summer. I had just finished an audio book that often travels with me during my workout routine, so I thought why not. I am now listening to the second book in the series “Eclipse.” The narrator Ilyana Kadushin has drawn me in the series written by Stephenie Meyer. Her voice is a good match for the main character Bella. I am also re-reading the print version of “On Writing” by Stephen King. I needed some inspiration this month and thought it would be perfect for a lunchtime read.
On a side note, I am still debating - Edward or Jacob.

Rachel Jackson:

Whatever comes across the Twitter feed … and Outside mag … can you say “popcorn brain”?

Mark Meszoros:

“The Gunslinger” (first book of “The Dark Tower” series) by Stephen King

Janet Podolak:

I'm reading the Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner’s Semester at America’s Holiest University by Kevin Roose

Mark Podolski:

Badasses: The Legend of Snake, Foo, Dr. Death and John Madden’s Oakland Raiders by Peter Richmond

Tracey Read:

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

Cheryl Sadler:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson
Superfreakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
... and a few other books that I keep picking up and setting down ... but these three are the ones that have most recently drawn me in.

---

This post is part of a LitSoup, a 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.

-- 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.

---

This week

The library story time program for children 24 months and younger runs Mondays from the week of Sept. 26 through Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Caregivers attend with children for all story times. Register: 440-943-4151.


Halloween Video Scavenger Hunt will be 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. The list of items you need to either take pictures or video of will be available at the Adult Reference Desk beginning Oct. 22. Do the hunt by yourself or with friends. Teams will have one week to film the items on their list. The library will show all the videos and pictures taken on Oct. 29 and award prizes then. Details: 440-428-2189, or come in to the library.


A presentation by author John B. Kachuba - Ghosthunting Ohio: On the Road Again - will be 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. No registration required. Details: 440-352-3383.


Meet Katie Spotz, a Mentor resident who set the world record for the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic, at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 in the James R. Garfield Room at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Register: 440-255-8811 or MentorPL.org. More details.


Friends of the Euclid Library, 631 E. 222nd St., will have a book sale from Oct. 28 through Oct. 30. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 28 will be a special preview for members only. The general public can attend the sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29, and 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30. The last day will be bag day, when you can fill a bag for $2. Only Friends-issued bags will be allowed in all of the sale rooms; no outside bags will be permitted. Details: 216-261-5300.


Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village will have preschool story time sessions at 11 a.m. Fridays, Oct. 28 through Dec. 9. (No session Nov. 25.) The cost is $6 for a six-week session. A special story time will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 12. Families are encouraged to bring a can of Purina dog food or cat food to donate to the shelter. Families can meet one of the Rescue Village's dog ambassadors, and there will be a special craft to take home. Details: Call the Humane Education Coordinator at 440-338-4819, ext. 20, or email education@geaugahumane.org. Rescue Village is at 15463 Chillicothe Road, Russell Township.


Sign up begins Oct. 24 for Halloween After Dark events at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. Boos and Ghouls will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29. Tween Zombie Halloween - for third- through eighth-graders - will be Oct. 29 and is not for the faint of heart. Details: 440-428-2189.


"Are You Experiencing Sibling Conflict While Caring For an Aging Parent?" will be at noon Oct. 29 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with the library for the program that offers strategies for overcoming sibling differences to help families provide the best care for elderly parents. Lunch will be provided. Register: 440-943-4151.

Coming up

Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Ongoing events

Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info


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

Last week I had the awesome experience of meeting the author of my favorite book.

Audrey Niffenegger and me

Audrey Niffenegger was speaking at the Cleveland Public Library as part of Octavofest. Niffenegger is a visual artist and an author, and among her books is my favorite novel, "The Time Traveler's Wife."

I was thrilled when I learned Niffenegger would be in town, and I'm so glad I went to hear her speak. She read to the audience a short story of hers that has not yet been published. It's sort of a continuation of "The Night Bookmobile" (which I haven't read but now am looking forward to). She shared some of the visual artwork she has created. She answered audience questions, then signed books. She was even kind enough to have her picture taken with me before she signed my books.

It was such a neat experience to be so close to someone you admire in such a creative sense. I'm so glad I went and am disappointed that the auditorium wasn't packed to hear such a great writer read her work. If you've never heard an author read his or her own stuff, I encourage you to do so when the opportunity presents itself.

There are a ton of great events going on this month with Octavofest, so check out the Octavofest calendar and make plans to go to some of them.


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

If you like hunky librarians and are in need of a 2012 calendar, you may want to direct your attention to Men of the Stacks. (Scratch that ... even if you're not in need of a 2012 calendar, but you like hunky librarians, you should direct your attention that way.)

From the Men of the Stacks website:

We know what people think: Dewey, glasses, shushing, books, hairbuns, Party Girl and card catalogs. Yes, we know what people think. We know that the American library profession is approximately 80% White and 72% female; and we know that tens of thousands of librarians are expected to reach age 65 in the next 5 years. We also know that this is not us.

The calendar isn't just a nice thing to look at. Proceeds from the calendar are being donated to the It Gets Better Project, a project started by syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage "to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better." More than 25,000 videos for the project have been viewed more than 40 million times.

So if you like calendars and books and men who like books and want to help out a good cause, you might want to consider ordering a Men of the Stacks calendar.


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

I've long been entertained by the Twitter account of Justin Halpern - @sh*tmydadsays - so I figured I would be equally entertained by his book of the same name. (Or, rather, his Twitter handle doesn't include an asterisk where his book title does.)

The book description from HarperCollins:

After being dumped by his longtime girlfriend, twenty-eight-year-old Justin Halpern found himself living at home with his seventy-three-year-old dad. Sam Halpern, who is "like Socrates, but angrier, and with worse hair," has never minced words, and when Justin moved back home, he began to record all the ridiculous things his dad said to him.

Halpern's book is essentially an expanded version of his Twitter account. He takes the ridiculous, ahem, stuff his father says and adds context and a story to it.

Some people thought Halpern's material was so good that they decided to turn it into a television show starring William Shatner. It was canceled after 18 episodes.

Why must everything be made into a TV show or a movie? Some things are best left just as they are. As is the case with Halpern's Twitter account.

Halpern's material is funny, but it's funny in 140-character snippets. The book was fine, but got a little redundant after a while. At just 158 pages, readers get a good sample of the funny stuff Halpern's dad says.

There was nothing really bad about the book, but its jokes are something I'd rather keep up with via Twitter. In fact, I kind wished Halpern had never gotten the book deal or the TV show so he would update his Twitter account more often. The book was good for one read, but it's not one I'll pick up again. That's probably the reason the show was canceled, too.


-- 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.

---

This week

The library story time program for children 24 months and younger runs Mondays from the week of Sept. 26 through Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Caregivers attend with children for all story times. Register: 440-943-4151.


Medicare Check Up will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. The program will review Medicare and provide information regarding open enrollment and the changes that beneficiaries are able to make during this time. It is appropriate for individuals currently receiving Medicare, as well as those approaching age 65. For more information, call 440-352-3383 and ask for the Adult Reference Department.


Resume Development will be at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. In a classroom setting, we cover resume content and selection of the best resume format. Learn how to highlight your accomplishments and get tips on deciding what to include and what to leave out. Register for the free program: 440-943-4151.


Friends of the Cleveland Public Library will have a fall used book sale from Oct. 18 through Oct. 21 at Cleveland Library, 525 E. Superior Ave.. Books, DVDs and CDs will be part of the sale. A members-only preview will be 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 18, and members should bring their cards for admittance. Those who are not Friends may join at the door. The sale will be open to the public noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 18, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19 and Oct. 20. On Oct. 21, a bag of books will be offered for $5 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Details: 216-623-2821.


Medicare Check Up will be at 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. The presentation is for those already enrolled in Medicare. Register: 440-428-2189.


Joe the Coupon Guy will give a class at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Kirtland Library, 9267 Chillicothe Road. Register: 440-256-7323.


Real Murders Book Discussion group meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. This month's book is "The Killer of Little Shepherds" by Douglass Starr. Register for the free program: 440-942-3200.


Have coffee with the director of Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, at 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at the library. Ask questions, make suggestions and tell us how the library is working for you. Details: 440-482-2189.


Prevent Blindness Ohio and Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., are hosting a special children's reading hour led by local celebrities at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Main Library Children's Theater. Following the presentations by guest readers, families can explore the Wild About Eyes interactive exhibit, which is designed to educate and enlighten about eye health and safety. The kiosk will be on display at the library from Oct. 20 through Nov. 22. Details, or call 440-255-8811, ext. 221.


Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21, 22 and 24, and 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 23 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. The Friends will also raffle baskets filled with books and gifts. Tickets for the raffle are 50 cents each and can be purchased during library hours beginning Oct. 14. Details: 440-943-4151.


The Upstage Players, under the direction of Carrie Walsh, will present "Murder on the Oriental Rug" at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Wickliffe Library, 1713 Lincoln Road. This is an audience participation murder mystery-comedy; the audience can help solve the mystery, enjoy refreshments and win prizes. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase at the library. Attendees must be 18 or older. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Details: 440-944-6010.


Tess Gerritsen, author of medical and crime thrillers, will discuss her latest Rizzoli & Isles book, "The Silent Girl", at 7:45 p.m. Oct. 22 at Notre Dame Education Center Auditorium, 13000 Auburn Road, Munson Township. The program is being put on by the Geauga County Library Foundation and the combined Friends of the Libraries. A reception with the author takes place at 7 p.m. at a cost for $25 per individual or couple. General admission tickets - at $5 - may be purchased at the door. Tickets to the author reception must be purchased by Oct. 17. Book will be available for purchase at Fireside Bookshop of Chagrin Falls. Gerritsen will be available to autograph books before and after her presentation. Tickets can be purchased at any Geauga County Library or by mail to the Geauga County Library Foundation, 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024. Details from the Geauga County Library Foundation.


Halloween Video Scavenger Hunt will be 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. The list of items you need to either take pictures or video of will be available at the Adult Reference Desk beginning Oct. 22. Do the hunt by yourself or with friends. Teams will have one week to film the items on their list. The library will show all the videos and pictures taken on Oct. 29 and award prizes then. Details: 440-428-2189, or come in to the library.

Coming up

A presentation by author John B. Kachuba - Ghosthunting Ohio: On the Road Again - will be 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. No registration required. Details: 440-352-3383.


Meet Katie Spotz, a Mentor resident who set the world record for the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic, at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 in the James R. Garfield Room at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Register: 440-255-8811 or MentorPL.org. More details.


Friends of the Euclid Library, 631 E. 222nd St., will have a book sale from Oct. 28 through Oct. 30. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 28 will be a special preview for members only. The general public can attend the sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29, and 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30. The last day will be bag day, when you can fill a bag for $2. Only Friends-issued bags will be allowed in all of the sale rooms; no outside bags will be permitted. Details: 216-261-5300.


Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village will have preschool story time sessions at 11 a.m. Fridays, Oct. 28 through Dec. 9. (No session Nov. 25.) The cost is $6 for a six-week session. A special story time will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 12. Families are encouraged to bring a can of Purina dog food or cat food to donate to the shelter. Families can meet one of the Rescue Village's dog ambassadors, and there will be a special craft to take home. Details: Call the Humane Education Coordinator at 440-338-4819, ext. 20, or email education@geaugahumane.org. Rescue Village is at 15463 Chillicothe Road, Russell Township.


Sign up begins Oct. 24 for Halloween After Dark events at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. Boos and Ghouls will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29. Tween Zombie Halloween - for third- through eighth-graders - will be Oct. 29 and is not for the faint of heart. Details: 440-428-2189.


"Are You Experiencing Sibling Conflict While Caring For an Aging Parent?" will be at noon Oct. 29 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with the library for the program that offers strategies for overcoming sibling differences to help families provide the best care for elderly parents. Lunch will be provided. Register: 440-943-4151.


Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Ongoing events

Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info


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

If you hate to be interrupted when you're engrossed in a book, you'll appreciate this video from Julian Smith:

- Tricia Ambrose

Follow me on Twitter @triciaambrose

The same initial set of circumstances can go in any number of intriguing ways in the hands of an author.
That point was driven home as I began reading Lisa Scottoline's "Save Me."

I was hooked from the get-go, that's a given.
At the start we are in a school cafeteria where mom Rose is facing a bullying situation. How much should she intervene on behalf of her daughter? What authority does she have? Why do no other adults step in? When a fire breaks out following an explosion, it soon becomes clear that bullying may not be the driving force of the story. Scottoline writes:

Rose's mind reeled. If she got Amanda and Emily out of the cafeteria to the playground, she wouldn't have time to go after Melly. If she went to save Melly, she'd have to leave Amanda and Emily, who were right in front of her. She couldn't do that, and she couldn't leave her own child to die.
It was the choice from hell, in hell.
Rose could save Melly, or she could save Amanda and Emily.
She had to choose.
Now.

Rose makes her choice and then finds herself increasingly embroiled in a legal battle and increasingly distant from her husband.

If this were a novel by Jodi Picoult, the story would probably have centered on that legal battle. The story of how a volunteering mom made an impossible split-second decision and the events that followed.

If this were a novel by Stewart O'Nan, the story would probably have focused on the relationship between Rose and her husband.

But in the hands of Lisa Scottoline, it is the basis for a fast-paced mystery novel. Rose begins spending time investigating the cause of the explosion, and as she delves deeper and deeper into the circumstances surrounding the incident, I found myself turning pages faster and faster

Click here for some questions for book clubs.

 Tricia Ambrose 

Follow me on Twitter @triciaambrose

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

The library story time program for children 24 months and younger runs Mondays from the week of Sept. 26 through Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Caregivers attend with children for all story times. Register: 440-943-4151.


Jump Start Your Job Search will be at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 11 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Attend the free session to learn about free workshops and job search assistance available to you through Lake1Stop. Receive a Job Search Planning Tool Kit to guide you through an effective job search. Register: 440-943-4151.


Medicare Check-Up will be 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Get an overview of Medicare options and the Annual Coordinated Election Period explained for those already enrolled in Medicare. The program is presented by Aleyea Barajas from the Lake County Council on Aging.


Author Michael Swiger will visitMentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 to discuss his book "To Kill A Saint." Copies of Swiger's book will be available for purchase and signing. Register: 440-255-8811, ext. 215. The program is sponsored by The Friends of the Mentor Public Library.


The local chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America will have a support group meeting for those with a hearing loss or know someone with a hearing loss from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. Refreshments will be provided and beverages served at the free meeting.


Children and tweens are invited to read aloud to a friendly, gentle dog from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 15 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Each dog is licensed and trained to be a good listener, and the dogs' handlers sit nearby to help ease the interaction. Participants may register for one 15-minute time slot. Additional programs will take place in November and in the spring. The program is free and open to anyone, but you participants must register in person a the library or by calling 440-259-3300.

Coming up

Medicare Check Up will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. The program will review Medicare and provide information regarding open enrollment and the changes that beneficiaries are able to make during this time. It is appropriate for individuals currently receiving Medicare, as well as those approaching age 65. For more information, call 440-352-3383 and ask for the Adult Reference Department.


Resume Development will be at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. In a classroom setting, we cover resume content and selection of the best resume format. Learn how to highlight your accomplishments and get tips on deciding what to include and what to leave out. Register for the free program: 440-943-4151.


Medicare Check Up will be at 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. The presentation is for those already enrolled in Medicare. Register: 440-428-2189.


Real Murders Book Discussion group meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. This month's book is "The Killer of Little Shepherds" by Douglass Starr. Register for the free program: 440-942-3200.


Have coffee with the director of Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, at 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at the library. Ask questions, make suggestions and tell us how the library is working for you. Details: 440-482-2189.


Prevent Blindness Ohio and Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., are hosting a special children's reading hour led by local celebrities at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Main Library Children's Theater. Following the presentations by guest readers, families can explore the Wild About Eyes interactive exhibit, which is designed to educate and enlighten about eye health and safety. The kiosk will be on display at the library from Oct. 20 through Nov. 22.
Details, or call 440-255-8811, ext. 221.


Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21, 22 and 24, and 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 23 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. The Friends will also raffle baskets filled with books and gifts. Tickets for the raffle are 50 cents each and can be purchased during library hours beginning Oct. 14. Details: 440-943-4151.


The Upstage Players, under the direction of Carrie Walsh, will present "Murder on the Oriental Rug" at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Wickliffe Library, 1713 Lincoln Road. This is an audience participation murder mystery-comedy; the audience can help solve the mystery, enjoy refreshments and win prizes. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase at the library. Attendees must be 18 or older. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Details: 440-944-6010.


Tess Gerritsen, author of medical and crime thrillers, will discuss her latest Rizzoli & Isles book, "The Silent Girl", at 7:45 p.m. Oct. 22 at Notre Dame Education Center Auditorium, 13000 Auburn Road, Munson Township. The program is being put on by the Geauga County Library Foundation and the combined Friends of the Libraries. A reception with the author takes place at 7 p.m. at a cost for $25 per individual or couple. General admission tickets - at $5 - may be purchased at the door. Tickets to the author reception must be purchased by Oct. 17. Book will be available for purchase at Fireside Bookshop of Chagrin Falls. Gerritsen will be available to autograph books before and after her presentation. Tickets can be purchased at any Geauga County Library or by mail to the Geauga County Library Foundation, 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024. Details from the Geauga County Library Foundation.


The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.


Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Ongoing events

Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. is introducing a new series of programs Sept. 12 called Monday University at the Library. The sessions will be the second Monday night of each month. Click here for further details.


Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info


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

I overlooked a major event going on this month in my weekly Odds and Book Ends post: Octavofest, a month-long event "celebrating the book and paper arts."

From the About page:

Octavofest was first held in 2009, when a program of eight types of events (e.g., exhibitions, demonstrations, art museum tours, and lectures) was held during the month of October and sponsored by Art Books Cleveland (ABC). ABC, formed a year earlier (March 2008), is the Cleveland-area organization devoted to advancing the appreciation of book and paper arts. Its members include book artists, binders, conservators, calligraphers, printers, and papermakers.
...
The 2011 Octavofest program promises an even livelier and more visible exploration of the book and paper arts. It has continued to draw new collaborators who, by combining their energies, can leverage their own venues, audiences, expertise, staff, and other resources to build the programming. New collaborators from beyond the immediate area, such as Oberlin College and the Ohioana Library Association, demonstrate the potential of Octavofest to promote the Cleveland area’s strengths, both in the book and paper arts and in the successful co-creation of community among institutions, organizations, artists, and entrepreneurs. ...

You can read more about Octavofest to get a better idea of its origin and its future, and take a look at its founding and participating members - which include Art Books Cleveland, Cleveland State University's Michael Schwartz Library, Cleveland Botanical Garden's Eleanor Squire Library, Cleveland Public Library, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Euclid Public Library, Cuyahoga County Public Library and many, many more Cleveland institutions.

Check out what's planned for the rest of Octavofest on the Calendar of Events. Several exhibits last throughout the entire month (and some beyond). There are also speakers, tours and hands-on activities. Registration is required for some, so be sure to check out the details of each event.

Happy Octavofest!


-- 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

The library story time program for children 24 months and younger runs Mondays from the week of Sept. 26 through Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Caregivers attend with children for all story times. Register: 440-943-4151.


A six-session course of education and support for parents of children and teens with a mental or emotional illness will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 3 at the Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. A 12-session course for education and support for family and friends of those diagnosed with a mental illness will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 1 at the Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, 13244 Ravenna Road, Chardon. To register for either course, email Linda Reed at LREED@mhageauga.org or call 440-285-3945. For details, visit www.nami.org/sites/namigeauga.


Learn ways to get to know your ancestors with shared interactive activities including living history museums, logging, train rides and overnights at a historic lodge during Heritage Travel at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd.. Destinations within easy travel distance of Cleveland will be highlighted. To register for this free program, call 440-942-7880.


Learn the differences between the ACT and the SAT and how best to prepare for each of them during a presentation from Huntington Learning Center, set for 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 8 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville.

Coming up

Jump Start Your Job Search will be at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 11 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Attend the free session to learn about free workshops and job search assistance available to you through Lake1Stop. Receive a Job Search Planning Tool Kit to guide you through an effective job search. Register: 440-943-4151.


Medicare Check-Up will be 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Get an overview of Medicare options and the Annual Coordinated Election Period explained for those already enrolled in Medicare. The program is presented by Aleyea Barajas from the Lake County Council on Aging.


Author Michael Swiger will visitMentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 to discuss his book "To Kill A Saint." Copies of Swiger's book will be available for purchase and signing. Register: 440-255-8811, ext. 215. The program is sponsored by The Friends of the Mentor Public Library.


The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.


Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 27, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Ongoing events

Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. is introducing a new series of programs Sept. 12 called Monday University at the Library. The sessions will be the second Monday night of each month. Click here for further details.


Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info


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