OK maybe DFW does not have as many independent bookstores as we did in earlier years, but the reading community is blessed to still have far more than most cities these days. For example, a recent visit to Houston offered slim pickings.
Below is information on upcoming appearances and book signings. Feel free to keep us in the loop by sending an email to editor@northdallasgazette.com if you know of any local book signings or events book lovers will enjoy.
Sunday night listen to storytellers making a difference
Have you thought about using your skills to make an impact here in Dallas or elsewhere in the country and/or the world!?
Do you like to travel, meet new people and experience new cultures, or learn something new about your own community? If so, then Beyond Your Backyard Story Night is an event featuring members of the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps talk about their experiences living in new communities and/or serving in their own communities in new and unique ways. Storytellers from Peace Corps, CitySquare and City Year will share a slew of stories from activities that did not go as planned, to making unlikely friends, to experiencing the excitement that comes with dedicating time in your life to working with others.
The event will take place on the back patio of the Wild Detectives on Sunday, August 7th from 7-9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and light snacks will be provided.
Bailey’s Remarkable Plan’ author will sign books Aug. 10 at Lake Dallas library
David R. Hardiman, author of “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan,” will sign books at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Lake Dallas Public Library in Lake Dallas. His Christian and inspirational autobiography shares how he endured a lifetime of illness and other challenges alone before Bailey – a shih tzu – became his best friend, service dog and hero.
Because Bailey must go everywhere with Hardiman to provide assistance, she will attend the signing event and offer her paw signature on the books.
“My story, our story, is full of struggle, prejudice and pain,” Hardiman said. “But it also includes healthy doses of perseverance, love and triumph.”
Hardiman of Arlington was born with a rare medical condition that eluded diagnosis for decades, and he developed post-traumatic stress disorder late in life. Bailey senses when Hardiman is about to have an attack, and she alerts him and helps him deal with the horror.
“Bailey works hard every day to help me function in the world, and she is a gift from God to me,” Hardiman said. “Not all service dogs are Labrador retrievers.”
“Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” (Brown Books Publishing Group) cautions against judging people whose disabilities aren’t obvious. Hardiman doesn’t look like he has disabilities, but the challenges he faces are real.
His book also provides some information about laws that protect people who rely on service dogs.
“Bailey and I have been told to leave malls and other public places because people mistake her for a pet,” Hardiman said. “They aren’t familiar with the laws that protect the use of service dogs.”
Librarian Tina Hager said a hardcover of “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” will be added to the library’s collection. “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” is family friendly and suitable for adults and children.
In addition to signing copies of “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan,” Hardiman will read “Move Over, Rover!” by Karen Beaumont to children attending the library’s Family Booktivities program that day. The program starts at 11:15 a.m., and it also includes songs and crafts.
The library is at 302 S. Shady Shores Road. For information about the library, go to http://www.lakedallas.com/387/Lake-Dallas-Public-Library.
Hardcovers of “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” are available via http://www.baileysremarkableplan.com. To receive autographed copies before or after the signing event in Lake Dallas, send emails to baileysremarkableplan@gmail.com.
Fort Worth Booksigning
Author Christopher Austin will be signing copies and reading excerpts from his new book The Way: A Hawaiian Story of Growth, Relationships & Volleyball on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum located at 3400 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Fort Worth.
The Way is a creative, non-fiction story that takes place on the islands of Hawaii. It intimately follows the lives of four young athletes and two highly mindful coaches from different parts of Hawaii, along with their families, who come together in a unique fashion to create unparalleled and lasting success within the youth volleyball community. This book takes several twists and turns which steer the group on a new course.
Witnessing these events unfold inspired Austin to chronicle their journey, “From the moment I saw them play, I knew their story needed to touch the world, for many more reasons than the sports angle. There are so many moments that fall close to the heart in this story. It will truly change and progress the way in which readers go about their daily lives. The dedication to a process, the belief in a system and the strength in relationship maintenance is undeniable.”
North Texas Book Festival announces April 15 as 2017 date
North Texas Book Festival announces its 2017 event is April 15 at Patterson-Appleton Center for the Visual Arts in Denton. A schedule will be announced soon, and more information is available at www.ntbf.org.
NTBF will open with Chuckwagon Breakfast that day, where grant recipients will be honored and the winners of the book awards will be announced.
Board members for the 2017 event include:
- Tina Hager of Carrollton, president
- Judy Lowe of Dallas, vice president
- Jan Sikes of McKinney, recording secretary
- Stephanie Patrick of Denton, corresponding secretary
- Katherine Boyer of Denton, treasurer
- Crystal Wood of Denton, parliamentarian
