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Author, Author
Local Events Satisfy Book Lovers Lust for Literature
By Patricia Herbello Espinosa
When I heard the Italian writer Umberto Eco was coming to town to discuss his latest book, the emotional rush almost made me faint. I had to go see him! But first I bought the book,
The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana , and read it. I wanted to be able to understand the discussion, and I wanted him to sign the book.
I imagined him tall and serious, as a university professor and famous author should be. The man turned out to be a great character; short and chubby, lively and funny; really enjoyable to hear talking about his book in his colorful English with an Italian accent. He cleared all the doubts I had about the book, starting by what inspired it, and at the end, he signed my book and gave me a smile I'll treasure forever. The event was coordinated by Miami Dade College and it took place at the Wolfson Campus. It happened last summer, but I'm still recreating and enjoying the experience.
Reading is one of my two favorite activities; the other one is meeting the writer of a book I have enjoyed. Luckily for me, and whoever else enjoys these experiences, there are many opportunities to meet authors in Miami, all for free.
During the past Miami Book Fair International, many authors from all over the world visited town to participate in the famous event. It was at the book fair two years ago that I had the pleasure to see and listen to another one of my favorite authors, Peruvian Mario Vargas Llosa. During the week of the event, authors not only give conferences in the fair grounds, but they also visit our local bookstores to discuss and sign their books.
Borders, Books and Books, and Barnes and Noble have this type of event frequently. To find a list of upcoming events and authors visiting their stores, log onto their websites and look for a store near you.
Angela Saiza, Community Relations Manager at the Coral Gables branch of Barnes and Noble, is very committed to promote reading among children and young adults.
“We encourage parents to bring their children to our storytelling events where they can meet authors of children's books and enjoy tales, told by charismatic writers and teachers, and get acquainted with the wonderful world of books,” says Saiza. “It is heartbreaking to see how children are pulled away from reading by other enticing activities—TV and video games, especially—that would never compare to the life and the knowledge that reading gives us.”
Saiza wants people to know that authors visit Barnes and Noble year round, and that the information is available in their monthly in-store calendar as well as on their website.
“And all these events are for free,” says Saiza.
The Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College regularly organizes these encounters between writers and readers. At its website, www.centerlitarts.com, there are plenty of activities that literature lovers can enjoy. The center not only brings authors to meet their readers and sign books, but also offers writing courses imparted by writers of all genres.
The various Books and Books locations have literary activities and visiting authors almost every day. For example, on December 11 Gloria Estefan signed her first children's book, The Magically Mysterious Adventures of Noelle the Bulldog , at the Books and Books in Coral Gables. For the fans of the five-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, I am sure it was a great experience to meet her and have her sign her book for the children.
In January Books and Books will present an array of authors from all over the country, including our own Dave Barry and Father Albert Cutie. It is just a matter of checking their calendar and being ready to meet the people that—as the great Umberto Eco said in the presentation I had the pleasure to attend—help us live many times.
“People who don't read live only one life, their own,” said Eco. “But people who read have the chance to live many lives.”
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.booksandbooks.com
www.bordersstores.com
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