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What'cha Reading Book Club with author guest, Erin Casey
<p>Join us on October 23 for a very special What'cha Reading Book Club. Author Erin Casey will be on hand to share what she's been reading and to talk about the final book in her Purple Door District series.</p><p>What'cha Reading Book Club just encourages you to read and then come share what you've read recently. It doesn't matter what you like to read or how much you read, just that you read and like talking to other people about books.</p> 2022-09-12 15:00:00 -0500
10/23/221:00 p.m.Craft'dCedar Rapids -
Villisca Axe Murder of 1912 Presentation
<p>Are you a fan of True-Crime? Do you love Iowa history? Then save the date for our visit by Edgar Epperly, the author of Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912. He will be giving a presentation about the unsolved mystery and selling his new book at the event. If you want to learn more about Edgar Epperly and the book please visit<a data-id="l-3764029488" href="https://villiscabook.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> his website</a>. </p>
10/20/227:00 p.m.Ely Public LibraryEly -
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An Evening with Clara McKenna
<p>Join us for a conversation with author Clara McKenna at Craft'd in downtown Cedar Rapids. Clara is the author of the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series set in Edwardian England. Book 4 in the series releases in October.</p><p>About the Author<br>Clara McKenna is the author of the acclaimed Stella and Lyndy Mystery Series as well as other historical mysteries written under a different name. She is a member of Historical Novel Society and Sisters in Crime, as well as a founding member of Sleuths in Time, a cooperative group of historical mystery writers who encourage and promote each other's work. McKenna has spent most of her working life in academia and is an avid traveler, a vintage teacup collector, a poet, and a self-professed anglophile. She lives with her family in a Victorian farmhouse near Ames, Iowa, and can be found online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FClaraMckenna.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2YrCOEIBHiakuXyJU1oVdimSmmVotjrPui4DfpSjIvCkUj39VlQBxvXUg&h=AT2zb6F1sjL9N6maXLUxWX5a688PH3-LL4xSW0qpgpZKZrO_GbZ9HCJOke85WTsgwXV89gTZ_tzjI8RYcoVDCUhsQUKDnPsSJEeYzb3xSuhG-emLBbAhR_TkkzzHUpe2AWkWZA&__tn__=q&c[0]=AT2gnhDJcu9mGPZKDHZaE_nF_ODXwWl5ruewSLQYaKTmIlhkm6STyl04UPkJGq1dsV0pZR7AGhYFhK39uhNUUXFBiAZXehxjN7kuKbr0PAXJ8U8gsYf8Hq5pfSR-6gssPUeJinUZAD4NqKr0dcQf9bEp" rel="nofollow noopener" tabindex="0" target="_blank">ClaraMckenna.com.</a></p><p>About the Book<br>Against all expectations in Edwardian England, newly married American heiress Stella Kendrick and British aristocrat Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst are bucking traditions—and investigating murder—on their honeymoon in the latest installment of the Stella & Lyndy Mysteries from acclaimed author Clara McKenna.</p><p>Leaving behind tragedies surrounding their wedding at Morrington Hall, travel-worn Stella and Lyndy arrive at the grand Majestic Hotel in York to more misfortune—their stately honeymoon suite has been given away to Horace Wingrove, owner of England’s largest confectionery. Stella refuses to let an innocent booking mistake spoil the mood, but her optimism vanishes when Horace suffocates in the room where she and Lyndy should have stayed . . .</p><p>Unlike authorities on the scene, Stella can’t believe the business magnate’s death can be explained away as an accident. Troubling signs are everywhere—strange murmurs in the hallway, tight-lipped hotel staff, and a stolen secret recipe for Wingrave’s famous chocolate. Then there are Horace’s murky intentions for visiting the historic cathedral city, and those who were closely watching his every move . . .</p><p>As Stella and Lyndy tour Yorkshire and mingle with royals as husband and wife, they face a sinister mystery that puts their vows to the test. Can the couple work together to discover the truth about their romantic destination and the strange happenings haunting their trip before they’re treated to another terrifying surprise?</p> 2022-09-13 19:30:00 -0500
10/26/226:30 p.m.Craft'dCedar Rapids -
An Evening with Leanna Renee Hieber and Andrea Janes
<p>Register at <a href="http://swampfoxbookstore.com/ghosts?fbclid=IwAR3gMyl_j2BRmQma6VkFVmCC_eB1kQQudIp54VfxCFyZ0jKLy5-h2oJFmJo" rel="nofollow noopener" tabindex="0" target="_blank">swampfoxbookstore.com/ghosts</a></p><p>Are you a fan of Halloween and ghost stories? Join us for this live conversation with Leanna Renee Hieber and Andrea Janes, authors of A Haunted History of Invisible Women.</p><p>About the Book<br>From the notorious Lizzie Borden to the innumerable, haunted rooms of Sarah Winchester's mysterious mansion, this offbeat, insightful, first-ever book of its kind explores the history behind America’s female ghosts, the stereotypes, myths, and paranormal tales that swirl around them, what their stories reveal about us—and why they haunt us…</p><p>Sorrowful widows, vengeful jezebels, innocent maidens, wronged lovers, former slaves, even the occasional axe-murderess—America’s female ghosts differ widely in background, class, and circumstance. Yet one thing unites them: their ability to instill fascination and fear, long after their deaths. Here are the full stories behind some of the best-known among them, as well as the lesser-known—though no less powerful.</p><p>Tales whispered in darkness often divulge more about the teller than the subject. America’s most famous female ghosts, from from ‘Mrs. Spencer’ who haunted Joan Rivers’ New York apartment to Bridget Bishop, the first person executed during the Salem witchcraft trials, mirror each era’s fears and prejudices. Yet through urban legends and campfire stories, even ghosts like the nameless hard-working women lost in the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire —achieve a measure of power and agency in death, in ways unavailable to them as living women.</p><p>Riveting for skeptics and believers alike, with humor, curiosity, and expertise, A Haunted History of Invisible Women offers a unique lens on the significant role these ghostly legends play both within the spook-seeking corners of our minds and in the consciousness of a nation.</p><p>"A Haunted History of Invisible Women looks beyond the legends of maligned female ghosts and gives us their real histories. It is both a meditation on the misogyny of a ghost-hunting culture that capitalizes on false narratives of sex and death, and a fascinating look at the flesh-and-blood women behind the ghost stories. This book is a long-overdue search for historic truth, yet it recognizes that “When it comes to ghosts, truth is as elusive as the spirits themselves.” —Chris Woodyard, Author of The Victorian Book of the Dead.</p> 2022-09-12 20:00:00 -0500
10/17/227:00 p.m.Swamp Fox BookstoreMarion -
An Evening with Dr. Victor Ray
<p>Next Page Books will host Dr. Victor Ray, University of Iowa associate professor and author of On Critical Race Theory: Why it Matters and Why You Should Care, at 7pm Wednesday, October 12 at CSPS Hall. This event is free and open to the public.</p><p>On Critical Race Theory explains the centrality of race in American history and politics, and how the often-mischaracterized intellectual movement became a political necessity.</p><p>Dr. Ray draws upon the radical thinking of giants such as Ida B. Wells, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to clearly trace the foundations of critical race theory in the Black intellectual traditions of emancipation and the civil rights movement. From these foundations, Ray explores the many facets of our society that critical race theory interrogates, from deeply embedded structural racism to the historical connection between whiteness and property, ownership, and more.</p><p>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</p><p>After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in urban studies at Vassar, Ray earned his PhD from Duke University in 2014. His work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including American Sociological Review and The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. He is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and his research has been funded by the Ford Foundation. His social and critical commentary has appeared in outlets such as The Washington Post, Newsweek, Harvard Business Review, and Boston Review.</p><p>In 2021, Ray was named to the F. Wendell Miller Associate Professorship at the University of Iowa. He serves on the faculty of the Department of Sociology and Criminology and the African American Studies Program.</p> 2022-09-12 20:30:00 -0500
10/12/227:00 p.m.Next Page BooksCedar Rapids -
Haunted Prague
<p>Prague is the most mysterious of places, one of Europe’s most hauntingly beautiful—and just plain haunted—destinations. Nowhere is this truer than in its fabled Jewish Quarter. Join Michele Patrick, author of <em>Haunted Prague: Stories of Spirits, Sorcerers, and the Supernatural,</em> for a journey through magical Prague, with a special focus on the history, mysteries—and legends—of the Jewish Quarter and its people since the 10<sup>th</sup> century. She’ll also discuss the most important attractions in the Quarter, why Prague is the most haunted of places, and the importance of legends to the Czech and Slovak peoples. She’ll finish by offering a Halloween appropriate reading from the stories of the Jewish Quarter found in <em>Haunted Prague.</em> A book signing of <em>Haunted Prague</em> will follow event.</p> 2022-08-29 20:30:00 -0500
10/19/227:00 p.m.National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryCedar Rapids -
ICON 47: The Prime Universe (Saturday)
<p>ICON, Iowa's longest-running science fiction convention, welcomes you to ICON 47! This year our theme is The Prime Universe: Celebrating How Alternate Universes Intersect with Our Own, and we have something to offer to longtime fans and intrepid new explorers alike. We'll be in Cedar Rapids October 14-16, 2022.</p><p>This year we're pleased to host the famed <strong>Nicholas Meyer</strong> (<em>Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan</em><em>, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; Time After Time; </em>"The Day After"; <em>The Seven Per-Cent Solution</em>) as our Author Guest of Honor, the award-winning <strong>Mitch Bentley</strong> as our Artist Guest of Honor, the excellent <strong>Steve</strong> and <strong>Jenny Todd</strong> as our Fan Guests of Honor, and <strong>Jim C. Hines</strong> (<em>Libriomancer</em> series, <em>Janitors of the Post-Apocalypse</em> series) will be joining us once again as our Toastmaster! Our featured charity this year is <strong>Freedom to Read</strong>, and the magical musical duo <strong>Cheshire Moon</strong> will be playing Friday night after a stunning performance at this year's Worldcon!</p><p>ICON offers something for everyone: panels on science fact and science fiction alike, chats about your favorite books, movies, shows, and the craft of sci-fi, a Masquerade for cosplayers, an Author/Artist Meet & Greet to talk with your favorite creators and get signatures, an extensive Dealer Hall and gorgeous Art Show, and the Mindbridge Foundation's Game Library will be on hand all weekend!</p><p><strong><em>Time is running out! </em></strong>Boldly go... to <a href="http://www.iowa-icon.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.iowa-icon.com</a> to take advantage of preregistration and room-block discounts <strong>before 9/22!</strong> </p><p>We'll see you there!</p> 2022-09-13 23:59:00 -0500
10/15/229:00 a.m.Marriott Hotel & Convention CenterCedar Rapids -
ICON 47: The Prime Universe (Friday)
<p>ICON, Iowa's longest-running science fiction convention, welcomes you to ICON 47! This year our theme is The Prime Universe: Celebrating How Alternate Universes Intersect with Our Own, and we have something to offer to longtime fans and intrepid new explorers alike. We'll be in Cedar Rapids October 14-16, 2022.</p><p>This year we're pleased to host the famed <strong>Nicholas Meyer</strong> (<em>Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan</em><em>, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; Time After Time; </em>"The Day After"; <em>The Seven Per-Cent Solution</em>) as our Author Guest of Honor, the award-winning <strong>Mitch Bentley</strong> as our Artist Guest of Honor, the excellent <strong>Steve</strong> and <strong>Jenny Todd</strong> as our Fan Guests of Honor, and <strong>Jim C. Hines</strong> (<em>Libriomancer</em> series, <em>Janitors of the Post-Apocalypse</em> series) will be joining us once again as our Toastmaster! Our featured charity this year is <strong>Freedom to Read</strong>, and the magical musical duo <strong>Cheshire Moon</strong> will be playing Friday night after a stunning performance at this year's Worldcon!</p><p>ICON offers something for everyone: panels on science fact and science fiction alike, chats about your favorite books, movies, shows, and the craft of sci-fi, a Masquerade for cosplayers, an Author/Artist Meet & Greet to talk with your favorite creators and get signatures, an extensive Dealer Hall and gorgeous Art Show, and the Mindbridge Foundation's Game Library will be on hand all weekend!</p><p><strong><em>Time is running out! </em></strong>Boldly go... to <a href="http://www.iowa-icon.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.iowa-icon.com</a> to take advantage of preregistration and room-block discounts <strong>before 9/22!</strong> </p><p>We'll see you there!</p> 2022-09-13 23:59:00 -0500
10/14/225:00 p.m.Marriott Hotel & Convention CenterCedar Rapids -
ICON 47: The Prime Universe (Sunday)
<p>ICON, Iowa's longest-running science fiction convention, welcomes you to ICON 47! This year our theme is The Prime Universe: Celebrating How Alternate Universes Intersect with Our Own, and we have something to offer to longtime fans and intrepid new explorers alike. We'll be in Cedar Rapids October 14-16, 2022.</p><p>This year we're pleased to host the famed <strong>Nicholas Meyer</strong> (<em>Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan</em><em>, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; Time After Time; </em>"The Day After"; <em>The Seven Per-Cent Solution</em>) as our Author Guest of Honor, the award-winning <strong>Mitch Bentley</strong> as our Artist Guest of Honor, the excellent <strong>Steve</strong> and <strong>Jenny Todd</strong> as our Fan Guests of Honor, and <strong>Jim C. Hines</strong> (<em>Libriomancer</em> series, <em>Janitors of the Post-Apocalypse</em> series) will be joining us once again as our Toastmaster! Our featured charity this year is <strong>Freedom to Read</strong>, and the magical musical duo <strong>Cheshire Moon</strong> will be playing Friday night after a stunning performance at this year's Worldcon!</p><p>ICON offers something for everyone: panels on science fact and science fiction alike, chats about your favorite books, movies, shows, and the craft of sci-fi, a Masquerade for cosplayers, an Author/Artist Meet & Greet to talk with your favorite creators and get signatures, an extensive Dealer Hall and gorgeous Art Show, and the Mindbridge Foundation's Game Library will be on hand all weekend!</p><p><strong><em>Time is running out! </em></strong>Boldly go... to <a href="http://www.iowa-icon.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.iowa-icon.com</a> to take advantage of preregistration and room-block discounts <strong>before 9/22!</strong> </p><p>We'll see you there!</p> 2022-09-13 16:00:00 -0500
10/16/229:00 a.m.Marriott Hotel & Convention CenterCedar Rapids -
Local Libraries LIT: An Evening with Ann Patchett
<p>Local Libraries LIT (Listen, Initiate, Talk), a collaboration between Johnson County libraries, will welcome author Ann Patchett on <strong>Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. for a free online reading and conversation</strong>.</p><p>This is the sixth virtual author event in the series offered by public libraries in Johnson County, as well as the University of Iowa Libraries and Kirkwood Community College Library - Iowa City Campus with support from The Tuesday Agency.</p><p>Local Libraries LIT strives to grow a community which shines with diversity, equity, and inclusion. This special speaker series is offered at no charge to participants. Donations are welcomed to help sustain and grow Local Libraries LIT. <br><br>This program is open to people of all abilities. If you need an accommodation in order to enjoy the program, please contact Amy at the North Liberty Library: <a href="mailto:agolly@northlibertyiowa.org">agolly@northlibertyiowa.org</a> or call (319)626-5781.</p><p><strong>Register here to attend this free online program: <a href="http://bit.ly/3wHgtPQ">http://bit.ly/3wHgtPQ</a><br>***Guests must register in advance.***</strong><br>_______<br>Ann Patchett is a celebrated author, devoted reader, and a champion of literary culture. She has written thirteen books and has been the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including England’s Orange Prize, the PEN/Faulkner Award, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.</p><p>Ann published her first story in <em>The Paris Review</em> while still a student at Sarah Lawrence College. Her novel <em>Bel Canto</em>, was awarded the Orange Prize and the PEN/Faulkner Award. In 2016, Ann released her seventh novel, <em>Commonwealth.</em> It was selected as a <em>New York Times </em>Best Book of the Year, a <em>TIME Magazine</em> Top 10 Selection, and was a NBCC Award Finalist. In 2019, she published her first children’s book, <em>Lambslide</em>, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, as well as a novel, <em>The Dutch House</em>, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and has sold more than 1 million copies. Ann’s latest, <em>These Precious Days: Essays</em>, is a deeply personal collection that reflects on home, family, friendships, and writing.</p>
10/27/226:30 p.m.North Liberty Community LibraryNorth Liberty