BOOK SIGNINGS

Don Shields
Growing Up Doughnut
Friday, September 3, 5-7pm

Did you grow up in a small mid-western town? Like Hoopeston? Then “Growing Up Doughnut” is a book you should read. We welcome Don Shields and his book “Growing Up Doughnut” which is a story of simpler times in a small town when kids played long after the street lights came on and parents watched out for all the kids on the block. Somewhat autobiographical, the story is a work of creative nonfiction with characters that are real, to which everyone can relate. The story is funny, poignant, revealing, thought provoking, and, at times, heartbreaking.

About the Author: Don Shields was born and raised in Hoopeston, IL. The simplicity of life in the 1960s and 70s and the experience of growing up around people in his family’s restaurant influenced his optimistic outlook on life. Shields also took on a part time career as a radio DJ, endowing him with the ability to enumerate his picture of life to his audience. He now lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife of 35 years, Dorothy, and near his kids James and Debi and his grand-dog Akkadian.

Rick Zabel
Upon the Breasts of Heaven
Saturday, September 4, 1-3pm

Labor Day is coming up on September 6th and Rick Zabel has written “Upon the Breasts of Heaven” which illustrates to the reader the true meaning of “Labor Day”.

In “Upon the Breasts of Heaven,” Rick Zabel has crafted a unique mix of pathos and comedy set in a remote Kentucky coal company town that is doomed to be overrun soon by a mountain topping operation. The story unfolds against the background noise of the str…ippers and the silence of the psychological pressures. Yet the characters we meet, despite their circumstances, are resilient and at times brimming over with comedic bravado.

It dramatizes the transition from hands-on coal mining to strip mining after World War II, and how it displaced miners who refused to make the adjustment from the old ways of mining coal. It digs deeply into the shattered lives of the men and women who were threatened by this period of history, the conflicts between themselves as well as the strippers and even their own companies.

Upon the Breasts of Heaven is a good read for those who like a period piece of drama, or simply an entertaining story. Rick wrote the book because he believes it is important for people today to recall and appreciate the hard times our ancestors went through, and to illustrate the true meaning of “Labor Day.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rick Zabel is a Midwest novelist, raised in the farm and factory region of rural Illinois. A graduate of Southern Illinois University, he spent a number of years writing in southern California and Kentucky. Years ago, he walked from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., interacting with many faces and voices across the land. His works, a tongue-in-cheek blend of drama and humor, include “Book Tour,” “Save the Wild Ass,” and “Pluto’s Garden.” Rick lives in Champaign, Illinois.

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J. C Hallman
IN UTOPIA
Six Kinds of Eden and the Search for a Better Paradise
Saturday, August 28, 1-3 pm

A year or so ago someone recommended Edward Bellamy’s Looking Backward, a highly influential 1887 bestseller about utopian society that I found fascinating, so J. C Hallman’s new book interested me. Hallman grew up in Southern California on a street called Utopia Road and his master’s thesis was titled “Utopia Road,” so he obviously had some interest in the topic as well. His third book of nonfiction explores the history of utopian thought and literature in the context of visits to six modern utopias in various stages of realization. The book has received excellent reviews — check some out here: Daily Kos Book Reviews Book Blog …and here’s a Q&A with the author:  Bookthink Stop by Jane Addams to meet J.C. Hallman, pick up a copy of this fascinating book, and offer up your Utopian ideas.

Dan Guillory

Lincoln Poems

and

People and Places in the Land of Lincoln

Saturday, August 14, 1-3 pm

We are excited to host Dan Guillory and two of his works: “The Lincoln Poems” and “People & Places in The land of Lincoln”.

“The Lincoln Poems” is a selection of poetry written in the voice of Abraham Lincoln who was very fond of Poetry and Prose. Reviews state this work “is a must-read for both the Lincoln aficionado and the serious scholar” and a “loving tribute to the nation’s first and only poet President”

“People and Places in the Land of Lincoln” is a guide of sort to people and places that relate to the life and landscape of Abraham Lincoln. This is not just a guide to the Lincoln-related sites in central Illinois, it provides insights and observations in the wonderful prose from Dan Guillory. One review says “People and Places” is a “work that not only captures but also invites readers to experience intimately the quiddity of a man whose spirit stirs the marrow in our bone-centers”

From the Publisher’s Website:

Dan Guillory has been acknowledged for his many nonfiction works (one is included in a new PBS documentary on WWII). In addition to The Lincoln Poems and People and Places in the Land of Lincoln, Guillory has also authored Living With Lincoln: Life and Art in the Heartland; The Alligator Inventions (poems about his Cajun roots); When the Waters Recede (the Great Flood of 1993, illustrations by Leslie Guillory), Images of America: Decatur (photographic perspective); Wartime Decatur: 1832-1945; Macon County; and over 500 articles, poems and book reviews. The author has a Ph.D. in American Literature from Tulane University and is currently a Professor Emeritus at Millikin University. He was recently included on PBS’ documentary on WWII (WILL-Champaign) . See his recent review from the Library Journal on Mayhaven’s home page. Three of his poems will be included in an upcoming book by Jason Emerson, author of The Madness of Mary Lincoln (Southern IL University Press).

Brian H. Porter

Harvey’s Life - Now What?

Saturday, August 7, 1-3 pm

On Saturday August 7th we welcome Brian H. Porter and his book “Harvey’s Life – Now What?”. The author has been writing for others mo st of his adult life.  Out of work and running out of hope, he wrote these short stories: some humorous, some dark.  His wry observations of people and events are legend among family and friends, though it took a disastrous economy to push him along the literary road. We are excited to have Brian coming to the store to sign his work and talk about his essays.

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Helen Stewart Rademacher

Collage:  Poems and Essays

Saturday, July 24, 1-3 pm

Jane Addams is excited to host Helen Stewart Rademacher on July 24th where she will be doing a reading and signing her book “Collage: Poems and Essays”. Filled with wit, humor, and emotion this collection is great for putting a smile on your face. From what we have heard, meeting Helen is an experience in itself and we can’t wait. Please join us and meet this local author and hear her read her own poems. Helen Stewart Rademacher in her book “Collage” ushers in spring. Her wry wit (terse verse) and insightful musings bring many subjects into perspective.  A surprise in every line. (from www.mayhavenpublishing.com.)

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Katherine R. Inman

Rose Haven Farm

Saturday, July 17, 1-3 pm

Jane Addams is excited to host Katherine “Kit” Inman and her book “Rose Haven Farm”. This is a book filled with local interest. Please join Jane Addams on Saturday July 17th to learn about the Green family and to meet local author Kit Inman. The book is about Mary Cranston Green and her family. This was a talented family, a family that could adapt, a family that left their mark on those around them. Katherine R. Inman paints a picture that will not soon be forgotten, and never by those who read and can relate, or read and can appreciate. This is a remarkable legacy to the members of her family and to those who take heart from the lives of others, and who weep with them when they grieve. This is real life, shared for young and old alike. (Taken from the Mayhaven Publishing website.) See Anne Dill’s July 15 interview of Katherine R. Inman on the WCIA Channel 3 Morning Show

Andrea Jones

Hook & Jill

Saturday, July 10, 5-7 pm We had the opportunity to meet Andrea Jones earlier this year when she visited Champaign and signed some of her books for us. She has a very engaging personality so we’re sure her reading and book signing will be a memorable event!  Visit www.reginettapress.com/hookandjill for more information, and join us as we welcome Andrea Jones!

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Larry Kanfer Barns of Illinois

Saturday, June 19 — 12 to 2 pm Larry Kanfer’s latest collection portrays 116 evocative color photographs of barns in all stages of their existence. With engaging prose, Alaina Kanfer recounts the histories of many of the barns featured, revealing each barn’s unique character and tracing its distinctive imprint on the land and on people’s lives.  Join us as we welcome the Kanfers to see more of Larry’s incredible work and listen to the stories associated with these unique landmarks.

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Maureen Hughes The Countess and the Mob:

The untold story of Marajen Stevick Chinigo and Mafia lord Johnny Roselli

May 8, 2010 — 1 to 3pm

Join us as we welcome Maureen Hughes, former bodyguard to local newspaper magnate and philanthropist Marajen Stevick Chinigo, who invested three years of research into the fascinating life of the Countess in writing this book.

“The Countess and the Mob paints a compelling portrait of the kaleidoscopic shapes and colors that made up the extraordinary and unforgettable life of Countess Marajen Stevick Chinigo.” Visit Ms. Hughes’ website at http://countessmaureen.com for more information about this exciting new book.

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Children’s Book Authors’ Workshop

May 12, 2010 — 1 t o 3pm

Join local authors Alice McGinty, Sara Latta, and Beth Finke as they discuss their experiences writing books for children and answer question for aspiring writers. They’ll sign books, too. Teachers take note: No school that day!

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Marianne Malone The Sixty-Eight Rooms

March 27, 2010 — 1 to 3pm

Marianne Malone is a local author whose first book, The Sixty-Eight Rooms, was released February 23 by Random House Books to very positive advanced reviews.  This children’s book is set in the famous Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago.  Join us at the book shop to meet Marianne, listen as she reads from her book, and get a signed copy!  Visit www.mariannemalone.com for more information.

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Sandra Dixon PMHCNS-BC

The Invisible Girl:

Uncovering Repressed Memories of Childhood Sexual Abuse

March 20, 2010 — 1 to 3pm

BOOK SIGNING / FUNDRAISER

For Kiss a Pig (American Diabetes Association)

Saturday, March 6, 1-3pm

Dr. Allan File, medical director of the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Carle Foundation Hospital, is one of this year’s Kiss a Pig candidates in the annual fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association. If he raises the most money he gets to kiss a pig.) Dr. File’s father, Ben File, wrote a wonderful book about pig farming, rural living, and other life experiences entitled Ben There, Done That:  My Collection of 100 Life Experiences. The author has graciously agreed to donate books and appear for a book signing at our shop. All proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association through Dr. File’s contribution. There will also be other ways to make contributions if you choose not to buy a book. Please join us for this fun event and worthwhile cause!

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Raelein MB Haley Heat Lightning

March 13, 2010 — 1 to 3pm

This poetry anthology is Ms. Haley’s first book.  It is a very personal, emotive, and thought-provoking collection.  Meet Raelein and get a signed hardcover or paperback copy of Heat Lightning.