How does a poem create effects, convey meaning and speak to its readers? A free conference called “Word By Word, Line By Line” will explore that question on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Harry Jack Gray Center, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford.
Presenters include Trinity College professor and poet Ciaran Berry; Yale University professor Langdon Hammer; Yale professor Karin Roffman; poet Kate Rushin and University of St. Joseph professor Dennis Barone. Acclaimed literary critic Helen Vendler, of Harvard University, will give the keynote speech in Wilde Auditorium at 4 p.m.
Registration is required: frank@hartford.edu or grossberg@hartford.edu. Information: JforJames@aol.com or 860-508-2810.
Authors At Hickory Stick
A bestselling author of more than 100 books for pre-school to middle-grade readers will discuss her newest book at The Hickory Stick Bookshop, 2 Green Hill Road, Washington Depot, on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. Sarah Albee’s latest is “Poison: Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines,” an informative and often humorous account of poisons throughout human history.
On Saturday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m., debut author Jeanne Blasberg will sign copies of “Eden,” a novel about a woman who must face unexpected financial and family problems, which reveals a long-hidden secret. 860-868-0525 or hickorystickbookshop.com.
Authors At R.J. Julia
Authors of books for younger readers and adults will give free talks at R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison.
On Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m., Jake Burt will discuss his novel, “Greetings From Witness Protection!” It is the story of a streetwise girl sent by U.S. Marshals to join a family on the run from criminals, in order to throw the pursuers off the trail, but also risking her life and theirs.
On Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m., Soman Chainani will discuss his Potter-esque fantasy, “The School for Good and Evil #4: Quests for Glory,” the fourth in his best-selling series. Chainani is also a screenwriter and graduate of the MFA Film Directing Program at Columbia University.
On Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m., Cherise Wolas will talk about her novel, “The Resurrection of Joan Ashby,” about a very talented writer who desires a childless marriage and the betrayal that upends her life.
Registration is required: 203-245-3959 or rjjulia.com.
Bank Square Books
On Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 6:30 p.m., award-winning sportswriter Christopher Price, author of “Drive for Five: The Remarkable Run of the 2016 Patriots” will give a free talk at Bank Square Books, 53 W. Main St., Mystic. The book chronicles the 2016 season, which began with the Deflategate controversy and ended with a New England Patriots Superbowl championship. Price is an award-winning sportswriter and author of three other sports books.
On Thursday, Oct. 5, at 6:30 p.m., Bank Square’s Rhode Island bookstore, the Savoy Bookshop & Café, and Cottrell Brewing Co., 100 Mechanic St., Pawcatuck will present a Beer & Books event at the brewery, with free beer samples and an author talk. Books and growlers can be purchased. Author Joseph A. Williams, whose new book is “The Sunken Gold: A Story of World War I, Espionage, and the Greatest Treasure Salvage in History,” will speak.
On Friday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. at La Grua Center, 32 Water St., Stonington, the bookstore and the Center will host U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, whose new book is “The Least Among Us: Waging the Battle for the Vulnerable.” A $5 donation is suggested. The book condemns corporate indifference and government neglect and says social programs are worthy and essential. DeLauro, of New Haven, has been a Democratic congresswoman from Connecticut’s Third District since 1991.
Reservations and information for Bank Square Books events: 860-536-3795 or banksquarebks@msn.com.
DeMille At Mohegan Sun
Bestselling thriller author Nelson DeMille will speak at a Winning Authors event on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville.
DeMille will discuss his latest, “The Cuban Affair,” at 2 p.m. in The Cabaret Theatre and sign copies at 3 p.m. at The Shops at Mohegan Sun. The book features a U.S. Army veteran turned charter boat captain in Key West involved in a search for millions of American dollars hidden in Cuba.
DeMille is the author of 20 novels, six of which were #1 New York Times bestsellers, a decorated veteran and past president of the Mystery Writers of America. The International Thriller Writers named him 2015 ThrillerMaster of the Year. Reservations: 860-536-3795 or banksquarebks@msn.com.
Wood At Westminster
Novelist, memoirist and playwright Monica Wood will give a free reading at Westminster School, 995 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, on Friday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. in Armour Academic Center. Nicholas Wee, the winner of the school’s Brian Ford Writing Prize, will be the student reader. Wood has won numerous honors for her work, which includes novels, nonfiction magazine articles and a play. Her latest novel is the award-winning “The One-in-a-Million Boy. 860-408-3053.
Charter Oak Readings
On Sunday, Oct. 1, at 3 p.m., at Charter Oak Cultural Center, 21 Charter Oak Ave., Hartford, a free program of readings by poets David Giannini and Vivian Shipley will be followed by an open mike. charteroakreadings.blogspot.com, JforJames@aol.com or 860-508-2810.
Poetry Is ‘Here’
Poets who contributed to the journal “Here” and ECSU students will give a free reading Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m., in the college’s science building, 83 Windham St., Willimantic. Poets will include Charles Fort, Bessy Reyna, Pegi Deitz Shea, Joan Seliger Sidney and Steve Straight. DonaghyD@easternct.edu or 860-465-0208 or 860-465-0208.
Twain And Twichell
A Book/Mark talk on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Mark Twain House & Museum, 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford, co-sponsored with Asylum Hill Congregational Church, will present Steve Courtney, speaking about his book, “The Letters of Mark Twain and Joseph Hopkins Twichell,” which he co-edited with Harold Bush and Peter Messent. Tickets are $5.
Courtney, a journalist for 40 years, won the 2009 Connecticut Book Award for “Joseph Hopkins Twichell: The Life and Times of Mark Twain’s Closest Friend.” With Peter Messent, he also co-edited “The Civil War Letters of Joseph Hopkins Twichell: A Chaplain’s Story. Reservations: marktwainhouse.org or 860-247-0998.
Benn In Essex
Connecticut author and former librarian James R. Benn will give a free talk about the 12th novel in his bestselling Billy Boyle World War II Mystery series, “The DevouringIn it, the former Boston detective turned aide to Gen. Dwight D. investigates the murder of a Swiss banker and looting of gold from concentration camp victims by the Nazis.
Benn will speak Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at Essex Public Library, 33 West Ave, Essex. 860-767-1560.
Counseling Transgender Youth
On Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Yale Office of LGBTQ Resources, 135 Prospect St., New Haven, author Irwin Krieger, who works with transgender and non-binary teens, adults and families, will give a free talk about his new book, “Counseling Transgender and Non-Binary Youth: The Essential Guide.” 203-432-0309.
UConn Bookstore
On Saturday, Oct. 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., authors Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor will celebrate the publication of their first co-written novel, “Last Christmas in Paris” at Barnes & Noble at UConn, 1 Royce Circle, Storrs. The book is told in letters during World War I. The event is free and includes a talk and a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. 869-486-8525 or uconnbookstore.com.
