Events
The Sherlock Holmes Book Club will discuss The Red-Headed League, a short story from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Penguin, $14). All Sherlockians, old or new to the canon, are welcomed. And if you don't know the difference between the canon and a pastiche, don't worry, just an enjoyment of "the game" is all that's needed.
The As the Worm Turns Book Discussion Group will discuss Lights on a Ground of Darkness: An Evocation of a Place and Time by Ted Kooser (Bison Books, $10.95). Like the yellow, pink, and blue irises that had been transplanted from house to house over the years, the stories of poet Ted Kooser's family had been handed down until, as his mother lay ill and dying, he felt an urgency to write them down. With a poet's eye for detail, Kooser captures the beauty of the landscape and the vibrancy of his mother's Iowa family, the Mosers, in precise, evocative language. The center of the family's love is Kooser's uncle, Elvy, a victim of cerebral palsy. Kooser's grandparents, their kin, and the activities and pleasures of this extended family spin out and around the armature of Elvy's blessed life. Kooser has said that writing this book was the most important work he has ever undertaken because it was his attempt to keep these beloved people alive against the relentless erosion of time. Barry Combs will facilitate the discussion. Space is limited, so please call to reserve your place.
The World War II History Book Discussion Group will discuss Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-1945 by Max Hastings (Vintage, $18). In September 1944, the Allies believed that Hitler's army was beaten and expected the bloodshed to end by Christmas. Yet a series of mistakes and setbacks drastically altered this timetable and led to eight more months of brutal fighting. Hastings gives memorable accounts of the great battles and captures their human impact on soldiers and civilians. He tells the story of both the Eastern and Western Fronts, raising provocative questions and offering vivid portraits of the great leaders.
Tell a 5 to 7 minute family-friendly whopper and you just might win a great prize at the Liar's Contest, sponsored by Nebraska StoryArts. Acceptable "Lies" should be 5-7 minutes or less and must be "tall tales." Ribbons will be awarded for the top three liars in two age categories--kids 10-14; and adults (anyone 15 and older). Stories must be suitable for a family audience. No profanity or off-color content will be accepted. Liars from past contests must submit new stories. Please pre-register to participate by calling (402) 551-4532 and leaving a message with contact info, or registering at the Bookworm before the contest begins. Entry and admission are free. Winners receive large ribbons that are more beautiful than any ribbon ever given at the state fair and very prestigious titles. There will be most excellent and honest judges present to choose the best liars. For more information, visit www.nebraskastoryarts.org.
