Grab a snack and a beverage, and maybe find a seat outside now that the weather is starting to feel refreshing. Then tune into one of these enlightening and entertaining talks given by award-winning authors and speakers of all stripes. Central Rappahannock Regional Library continues its online Library Speakers Consortium Author Talks with a vibrant lineup of fall speakers. You can register to attend each talk live and submit questions in advance for the author if desired. A new live chat feature has been added so you can interact with the author and other attendees. If you can’t make the live talks, you’ll be able to watch the recordings later on. Visit librarypoint.org/lsc-authors, opens a new window to see the full lineup and register for the talks of your choice at no charge.
Here are some of the speakers and their books for September, October, and November:
Thrivers by Dr. Michele Borba
Live talk: Thursday, September 8, 2:00
Best-selling author and renowned educational psychologist Borba identifies seven character traits that make the difference between those who struggle and those who succeed. These traits--confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism--can be taught to children of any age to pave their way to success in life.
Land, opens a new window by Simon Winchester
Live talk: Tuesday, September 20, 2:00
In his upcoming talk, New York Times best-selling author, journalist, and adventurer Winchester will cover many aspects of his work across myriad fields of history, technology, and geology, as well as his personal expeditions. A master storyteller, Winchester inspires awe in his readers by expertly weaving everyday life into historical examination. “Land” is his most recent work.
Not Nice, opens a new window by Dr. Aziz Gazipura
Live talk: Thursday, October 13, 4:00
Do you find it hard to be assertive and ask for what you want? Did you know millions of people struggle with being “too nice”? Being nice can make it hard to speak up, say “no,” or do something that might upset someone. This talk will teach you that the opposite of nice is not mean, but rather, real. You’ll learn how to say “no” when you want and need to, confidently ask for what you want, and eliminate feelings of guilt, anxiety, and worry about what others will think.
Where the Children Take Us, opens a new window by Zain E. Asher
Live talk: Tuesday, October 18, 7:00 p.m.
Popular CNN International anchor and memoirist Asher tells the story of her mother’s harrowing fight to raise four children as a widowed immigrant in South London. Drawing on tough-love parenting strategies, Obiajulu Ejiofor teaches her sons and daughters to overcome the daily pressures of poverty, crime, prejudice, and much more. With her relentless support, the children exceed all expectations, becoming a CNN anchor, an Oscar-nominated actor, a medical doctor, and a thriving entrepreneur.
The Diamond Eye, opens a new window by Kate Quinn
Live talk: Tuesday, October 25, 7:00 p.m.
New York Times best-selling author Quinn’s latest book offers an unforgettable World War II tale of a quiet bookworm who becomes history’s deadliest female sniper. Based on a true story. In 1937 Kiev (now known as Kyiv), bookish history student Mila Pavlichenko organizes her life around her library job and her young son, but Hitler's invasion of Ukraine and Russia sends her on a different path. Given a rifle and sent to join the fight, Mila must transform from studious young woman to deadly sniper--a lethal hunter of Nazis known as Lady Death. When news of her 300th kill makes her a national heroine, Mila finds herself torn from the bloody battlefields of the Eastern Front and sent to America on a goodwill tour.
Lessons in Chemistry, opens a new window by Bonnie Garmus
Live talk: Thursday, November 10, 2:00
Garmus’ New York Times best-selling debut is the hilarious and uplifting story of a female scientist whose career is constantly derailed by the idea that a woman's place is in the home, only to find herself starring as the host of America's most beloved TV cooking show. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in 1960s California, and her all-male team at the Hastings Research Institute is very unscientific regarding equality. Only her superstar colleague, Calvin Evans, treats Elizabeth (and her ideas) as equal, and true chemistry results. But three years later, Elizabeth is an unwed, single mother and unexpectedly the star of America's most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth's singular approach to cooking (“take one pint of H2O and add a pinch of sodium chloride”) and independent example are proving revolutionary. Because Elizabeth isn't just teaching women how to cook, she's teaching them how to change the status quo.
How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race: Practical Tools For Necessary Change In The Workplace And Beyond, opens a new window by Kwame Christian
Live talk: Tuesday, November 15, 12:00
Best-selling author and founder of the American Negotiation Institute Kwame Christian helps people gain the confidence to not only talk about race, but actually make a difference when they do. His motto is “The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations.” For a more equitable workplace--and world--we have to talk to each other about race. But many people avoid such conversations out of fear. Christian provides the skills everyone can use to foster productive discussion, the first step toward lasting social change.
Are you a writer? Preregistration is open for the annual Rappahannock Writers’ Conference, a free day of workshops and speakers to help you hone your craft. Visit librarypoint.org/writers-conference, opens a new window for details.
Tracy McPeck is the adult services coordinator at Central Rappahannock Regional Library. This column first appeared in the Free Lance-Star newspaper.
