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Culinary Historian Andrew F. Smith Discusses His New Books: "Starving the South: How the North Won the Civil War" and "Potato: A Global History"
Nationally-known culinary historian Andrew F. Smith will make a special appearance to discuss his two new books, "Starving the South: How the North Won the Civil War" and "Potato: A Global History." This event, which will include a book signing, is cosponsored by the Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor. Books will be on sale at the event.Andrew F. Smith has taught food history at the New School University in Manhattan since 1995. He is the author or editor of 19 books, including "The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America," and "The Encyclopedia of Junk Food and Fast Food" and has written more than 1000 articles, entries and papers on culinary topics. He is also the editor of the "Edible Series" published by Reaktion Books and has been regularly interviewed on radio and television, including National Public Radio, Discovery, the History Channel, and the Food Network.In "Starving the South: How the North Won the Civil War", he takes a fascinating gastronomical look at the war and its legacy. While the Civil War split the country in a way that affects race and politics to this day, it also affected the way we eat and drink. "Potato: A Global History" tells the captivating tale of an allegedly lowly vegetable that has changed - and continues to change - the world.
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Author Tom Nanzig Discusses How To Use Archival & Historical Material To Write And Publish A Book
Author Tom Nanzig gives an inside look at finding and researching publishable material in an archival setting and how to edit the material, find a publisher and produce the final polished product. Tom is the author of "The Civil War Memoirs Of A Virginia Cavalryman" This event is co-sponsored by the Washtenaw County Historical Society.
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Explore The Quirky, Incredible World Of Adult Fans Of LEGO With Jonathan Bender, Author Of "LEGO: A Love Story"
There are 62 LEGO bricks for every person in the world, and at age 30, Jonathan Bender realized that he didn't have a single one of them. While reconsidering his childhood dream of becoming a master model builder for The LEGO Group, he discovers the men and women who are skewing the averages with collections of hundreds of thousands of LEGO bricks. What is it about the ubiquitous, brightly colored toys that make them so hard for everyone to put down? Join as for a fun filled evening as Jonathan relates the LEGO adventures and discusses his new book "LEGO: A Love Story." The event will include a book signing and books will be on sale.In search of answers and adventure, Jonathan Bender set out to explore the quirky world of adult fans of LEGO (AFOLs) while becoming a builder himself. As he participated in challenges at fan conventions, searched for the largest private collection in the United States, and visited LEGO headquarters (where he was allowed into the top secret set vault), he found his LEGO journey twinned with a second creative endeavor--to have a child. His two worlds intertwined as he awaited the outcome: Will he win a build competition or bring a new fan of LEGO into the world? Like every really good love story, this one has surprises--and a happy ending. Ann Arbor also features prominently in the story, as Ann Arbor's own BRICK BASH was one of the first events Bender attended as he was getting back into LEGO. Bender's back for BRICK BASH 2011, which is Saturday, 3/19 at WCC!Whether you're an avid LEGO freak or a onetime fan who now shares LEGO bricks with your children, this book will appeal to the inner builder in you and reignite a love for all things LEGO.
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Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Author Event: Richard Glaubman Discusses His Book "Life Is So Good"
Richard Glaubman will make a special appearance in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area as part of Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2011. His book, 'Life Is So Good,' the true story of a man who learned to read at the age of 98, has been chosen as the focus of the 2011 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads program. Glaubman will discuss this book and his friendship with George Dawson, the remarkable 103 year old African-American man who is the co-author and subject of the book (Dawson died in 2001).A booksigning will follow and books will be on sale at this event, courtesy of Borders. This appearance is a key event for the 2011 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti reads program, which this year focuses on the subject 'What Makes Life Worth Living?'.
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Musings From The Tall Grass Prairie With Author/Illustrator David Small And Author/Gardener Sarah Stewart
Author/illustrator David Small and his wife, author/gardener Sarah Stewart, will share their thoughts on the importance of art and reading for young people and the impact of the picture book in children's literature. Mr. Small will also present illustrations from his latest children's book project. A booksigning will also occur at this event and books will also be on sale.David Small has illustrated more than 40 picture books. His books have been translated into several languages, made into animated films and musicals, and have won many top awards. 'Stitches,' David's 2009 graphic memoir about his problematic youth, was nominated for a National Book Award. A published poet and lifelong diarist, Sarah is the author of five acclaimed children's books -- 'The Money Tree,' 'The Library,' 'The Gardener,' 'The Journey,' and 'The Friend.' This event is held in conjunction with the October-November exhibit at the Library: Children's Books By Famous Folks from the Children's Literature Collection in the University of Michigan Special Collections Library.
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Author Brett Callwood Discusses His Book MC5: Sonically Speaking: A Tale Of Revolution And Rock 'N' Roll
Along with the Stooges, the Velvet Underground, and the New York Dolls, the MC5 are recognized as one of the bands that paved the way for punk rock. While the group did not reach the heights of national celebrity or financial success during their seven years together, their musical legacy has never been more celebrated -- with recently reissued recordings and documentary footage, as well as an unlikely reunion tour. In 'MC5: Sonically Speaking,' Detroit-based author Brett Callwood delves into the MC5's story from the band's beginnings in 1960s Detroit to its 1972 break-up, the post-MC5 fates of its members, and the eventual reunion that cemented its legacy. This event includes a book signing and books will be for sale at the event.
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Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Event: FAMILY Makes Life Worth Living: Joan M. Broggi Discusses Her Book "Bursting with Joy - Discovering Universal Truths Through Our Special Son"
The theme for Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Reads 2011 is 'What Makes Life Worth Living?'. Joan Broggi demonstrates how FAMILY makes life worth living. Her son, Alex, has epilepsy and has experienced numerous grand mal seizures throughout his 19 years. But his innate wisdom has taught his family, friends, and educators invaluable life lessons. The impact Alex has had on other people's lives has been remarkable. Joan realized the breadth of Alex's impact when she experienced the love and joy bestowed upon him at his high school graduation. This outpouring of affection led Joan to put pen to paper and write 'Bursting with Joy - Discovering Universal Truths Through Our Special Son.' A book signing will occur at this event and books will be on sale.
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Bestselling Young Adult Author Scott Westerfeld
New York Times bestselling author of science fiction young adult literature, Scott Westerfeld will celebrate the October release of his new book, 'Behemoth.' He will discuss this new book as well as his career in writing. A booksigning will occur at this event and books will also be on sale.Scott is the author of the New York Times Bestselling 'Uglies' series. His other novels include 'The Last Days' (an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and the sequel to 'Peeps'), 'So Yesterday' (another ALA Best Book for Young Adults) and the 'Midnighters' trilogy. 'Peeps' and 'Uglies' were also both named as Best Books for Young Adults 2006 by the American Library Association. Scott was born in the U.S. state of Texas and now lives in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and New York City. In 2001, Westerfeld married Australian author Justine Larbalestier.
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Famed Conductor Gustav Meier Presents 'A History Of Conducting'
Conducting an orchestra is a skill that has existed and has been refined through many centuries and in many cultures. Internationally-renowned conductor Gustav Meier takes us through time to explore the history of his art, and explains what it means to conduct an orchestra today. Gustav Meier is known internationally as a teacher of conductors. He has led orchestras around the globe while teaching at Yale University, the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan and the Tanglewood Music Center. He is currently Director of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra and is on the faculty of the Peabody Conservatory. Gustav will sign copies of his new book, 'The Score, The Orchestra, And The Conductor.' Copies of the book will be on sale at the event.
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Family Guy's Alex Borstein And Cherry Cheva
Alex Borstein, the star of MADtv (Ms. Swan) and the voice of Lois on the Fox TV show 'Family Guy,' returns to the Library to discuss her role on the popular TV series and her screenwriting career. Joining her is Cherry Cheva, a writer/producer on 'Family Guy' and the author of teen novels, 'She's So Money' and 'Duplikate.' They will offer an inside look at one of the most popular and creative shows on television.