Author Michael Tougias re-edits “There’s a porcupine in my addiction”
Michael Tougias, best known for several books on the adventures and misadventures of sailing, has also published a lighter story for younger readers. “There’s a Porcupine in My Addiction” is the second in a planned trilogy – the first being “The Waters Between Us”.
Based in his cabin in the Vermont countryside, “Porcupine” is the whimsical side of the transformation from a fledgling, self-proclaimed “naive flatlander” writer, to a seasoned outdoor writer. It’s honest and real, filled with lots of laughable moments.
The book was published a few years ago by another publisher and is now published by Lyons Press.
In bookstores
• Tidepool Bookstore Hosts Shelley Rodman and Ellen S. More for a discussion of More’s new book, “The Transformation of American Sex Education.” The author will discuss the book, a comprehensive history of the battle over sex education in classrooms across the country, with Rodman. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 26, in the bookstore at 372 Chandler St., Worcester.
Tidepool also presents a session with Erica Kidder, for a discussion on his book, “Black Mixed With: Finding Authenticity Through Adversity,” a memoir that explores the strength of authenticity through adversity in the context of racial discrimination, colorism, and the stigma of marginalized experiences. This event starts at 6 p.m. on April 29.
On Sunday, May 8, Sharon Yang joins Tidepool visitors at 4 p.m. for a discussion of his most recent book, “Always play the dark horse,” third in the Jessica Minton series. “Dark secrets on a college campus, horrific memories of a world war, and a mysterious man on a dark horse implicate Jessica and James in espionage and murder.”
•Novelist Anne Leary and her actor husband Denis Leary, will appear June 17 at the Hartford, Conn., Mark Twain House and Museum. The couple will discuss Ann’s most recent, “The Foundling.” The book, set in 1927, tells the story of a young woman who works as a secretary in a remote institution for mentally handicapped women. There, she meets a girl from her childhood, who begs her to help her escape. The session, $35 for the public with a copy of the book included, should sell out quickly, museum operators say. Tickets are available on the Mark Twain House website.
Leary’s previous novel, “The Good House,” is being made into a movie starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver. In total, she has written a memoir and four novels, and lives in Connecticut.
• Friends of the Joshua Hyde Public Library in Sturbridge feature the author Susan Ware at a free event on April 27. Ware’s “Why They Walked” covers the history of the women’s suffrage movement, with 19 biographical portraits. His speech follows a 6:30 p.m. reception, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Table 3, Wight Barn, 420 Main St.
Meetings
• Members of O’Connor’s Books & Banter Book Club will be talking about “Behold the Dreamers” at their May 4 meeting, in person at O’Connor’s Restaurant. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. The book examines the pitfalls of living the American dream for a young Cameroonian couple who move to New York as the Great Recession covers the country and hurts its economy.
• The Gardner Library Reading Group resumes in-person meetings at 4:30 p.m. on April 27 at the library. The book is “The Stationary Shop” by Marjan Kamali.
• Rachel’s Book Club meets at 12.30pm April 25 and 6.30pm April 26, Dexter Room, Thayer Memorial Library, Lancaster. The focus is on National Poetry Month and members are encouraged to bring a poem or two to share with the group. Prepare to discuss your selection of poems. Email Rachel Rosengard, Assistant Director/Adult Services Librarian, at rrosengard@lancasterma.net or call the librarian to register. The library can obtain copies of poetry books for members.
• The American History Books Discussion at the Worcester Public Library meets at 7:00 p.m. on May 3 to discuss “Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy” by Nathaniel Philbrick. WPL’s Great American Read Book Club meets at 7 p.m. on April 26 to discuss “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya. The True Crime Book Club meets at 7 p.m. May 11 to talk about a female serial killer, “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
•On May 12 at 6:30 p.m., the Greatest Book Club Ever meets to discuss the books that have been made into movies. Next up is “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Stop by the library to buy a book or audiobook.
Send book recommendations and club picks to ann.frantz@gmail.com. Read It and Reap is published twice a month.
