'Authors on Stage’ visits Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia

Monday, 12 October 2009 05:52

Several authors will visit the New Canaan Library during October as part of the Authors on Stage series, which is co-sponsored by the library and Elm Street Books.

Each talk will take place in the Adrian Lamb Room, and books will be available for purchase and signing.

Douglas Rogers

Zimbabwean journalist and travel writer Douglas Rogers will talk about his memoir “The Last Resort: A Memoir of Zimbabwe” at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, October 11.

With the upheaval and chaos in Zimbabwe highlighted in the news for decades, Rogers brings readers into the culture from the time he was a young child up to the current crises of the Mugabe regime and political corruption.

Detailing his visits back to Zimbabwe, Rogers discusses how he discovered that his parents’ farm, which once grew maize, now nurtures a marijuana crop and that their once lucrative backpacker lodge is now a hot spot for prostitution, according to a press release.

Mark Weston

Mark Weston, author of “Prophets and Princes — Saudi Arabia From Muhammad to the Present,” will also discuss his book as part of the series at 7:30 p.m. Monday, October 12.

Weston’s newest novel explores issues including why the three families that control 40 percent of the world’s oil are longtime American allies and the rise and fall of Al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia.

His previous experience includes writing articles for The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times. His one-character play “Meet George Orwell” has been performed at Trinity College, Oxford and the John Kennedy Presidential Library Theatre.

John Grogan

John Grogan, author of the best-seller “The Longest Trip Home,” will talk about his memoir at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 13.

After his 2005 memoir “Marley & Me,” Grogan wrote this most recent memoir, which recalls his childhood experiences growing up in a “loving but religious family,” according to a release. In Grogan’s childhood household, rooms were filled with crucifixes and statues of the Virgin Mary; rosaries hung from the bedposts and bottles of holy water filled the medicine cabinet.

He divides the book into three parts: growing up in a religious family, dating a young reporter who turned into his wife and dealing with adulthood and coming to terms with his parents’ decling health.

Kaylie Jones

Kaylie Jones, author of “Lies My Mother Never Told Me,” will also take part in the series, discussing her book at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 14.

In her latest novel, Jones explores her battle with alcoholism, her efforts to honor her father, award-winning novelist James Jones, and her struggle to come to terms with an alcoholic mother.

While filled with celebrity anecdotes — including one involving Frank Sinatra and Lauren Bacall — the memoir is mainly a “universal story about breaking free from a toxic past to emerge a strong and healthy woman,” according to a press release.

Katie Malachuk

Katie Malachuk, author of “You’re Accepted,” will also discuss her book at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 15, as part of the series.

According to the United States Department of Education, 2009 was the most competitive class in history, with a record number of high school graduates and number of applications to colleges and universities throughout the country. Applying her experiences as a yoga teacher and as an admissions director, Malachuk offers advice for kids and parents involved in the college process in her newest book.

Library programs are free. Registration is recommended by calling 594-5040, e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visiting newcanaanlibrary.org.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites