Events

Author and Columbia University professor Lee Lowenfish visits with his book, The Imperfect Diamond: A History of Baseball's Labor Wars. From the reserve clause of 1879 to the lockout and new basic agreement of 1990, baseball players have been engaged in one of the longest and most colorful labor struggles in our nation’s history. In The Imperfect Diamond, Lowenfish tells the stories of the players and their opponents -- the powerful team owners. He discusses the Players League Rebellion of 1890, the rise and fall of David Fultz and the Baseball Players Fraternity, the iron-fisted regime of Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the founding of the Baseball Players Association, the midseason strike of 1981, the 1994-95 strike that wiped out the World Series, and much more.

Cognitive behavioral therapist James P. Krehbiel, EdS, visits with his book Troubled Childhood, Triumphant Life: Healing from the Battle Scars of Youth. Instead of dealing with childhood trauma, Krehbiel argues, many adults try to erase it by seeking the approval of parents who were absent, abusive, or dysfunctional. They act out and risk repeating this destructive cycle with their own children. Drawing from his own clinical and personal experiences, Krehbiel provides tools for untangling the past through self-reflection, recognition, and grieving. More info: www.krehbielcounseling.com.

Top o’ the mornin’ to you! St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, so today Cynthia Giroux from Storybook Kitchen reads The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day by Natasha Wing and shows kids how to make their own leprechaun treats!

As a pastor working in a neighborhood with the highest concentration of murderous gang activity in Los Angeles, Gregory Boyle created an organization to provide jobs, training, and encouragement so that young people could work together and learn the mutual respect that comes from collaboration. Tattoos on the Heart is a breathtaking series of parables distilled from his twenty years in the barrio. Arranged by theme and filled with sparkling humor and glowing generosity, these essays offer a stirring look at how full our lives could be if we could find the joy in loving others and in being loved unconditionally. Inspired by faith but applicable to anyone trying to be good, these personal, unflinching stories are full of surprising revelations and observations of the community in which Boyle works and of the many lives he has helped save.

Tattoos on the Heart reminds us that no life is less valuable than another. Father Gregory Boyle has received California Peace Prize, the “Humanitarian of the Year” Award from Bon Appétit, the Caring Institute’s 2007 Most Caring People Award; and received the 2008 Civic Medal of Honor from the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.

Lettered tickets (free with book purchase) will be called alphabetically to fill seats and will also be used to form the booksigning line. Seating opens to the general public fifteen minutes before the event, so please arrive early, as space is limited.

CAN’T MAKE IT? If you’d like an autographed book from any of our author events, please call us at 480.730.0205 to pre-pay and we’ll have one or more copies signed and reserved for you.

Mystic Journeyz with Suzie Coggins. "Your Angels are Waiting." Cost: $20 for 15 minutes. Registration and pre-payment required at 480.730.0205. More info: MysticJourneyz.com and 480.626.1077.

As part of a series of regional conventions, Storycasting, the premier “fantasy casting” website, sponsors a free Storycasting meetup and signing. Eight Arizona authors and a crowd of storycasters will meet, discuss fantasy casting, sign books, and talk about related topics. Authors attending: Aprilynne Pike (Wings), Marsha Ward (Trail of Storms), Frank Fiore (Cyberkill), Dan Shaurette (Lilith's Love), Marcia Fine (Stressed in Scottsdale), and Shonnovan Mitchell (Emery). Snacks provided. The first 25 attendees will receive a free Storycasting T-shirt. FREE. RVSP: meetup.com/Storycasting- RegionalConventions.

“Getting Involved 101.” Volunteer opportunities with Hands-On Greater Phoenix. More info: 602.973.2212 x237.

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, local author Janet Ruth signs her historical romance novel, Brenin’s Crown: A Celtic Romance. Set in the fifth-century British Isles, the novel tells the story of a woman torn between her love for a man and her desire to protect her father’s kingdom. PLEASE NOTE: This is a signing-only event.

SIGN LANGUAGE FOR ADULTS      1:30-3PM

Cindy Ashcraft teaches Signed English to parents and other interested adults. Meets every second and fourth Sunday. COST: $5 per class. Registration and pre-payment required at 480.730.0205. More info: 480.472.6203.

“Getting Involved 101.” Volunteer opportunities with Hands-On Greater Phoenix. More info: 602.973.2212 x237.

Meg Mullins, author of the The Rug Merchant, an award-winning short story featured in The Best American Short Stories 2002, returns with the follow-up novel, Dear Strangers, “a bittersweet, poignant, and curious tale about how strangers can impact our lives, and how love and forgiveness have the power to renew” (Booklist). And Jamie Ford visits with his New York Times bestselling debut novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, set during the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Says Garth Stein, “Especially relevant in today's world, this is a beautifully written book that will make you think. And, more importantly, it will make you feel.”

Lettered tickets (free with book purchase) will be called alphabetically to fill seats and will also be used to form the booksigning line. Seating opens to the general public fifteen minutes before the event, so please arrive early, as space is limited.

CAN’T MAKE IT? If you’d like an autographed book from any of our author events, please call us at 480.730.0205 to pre-pay and we’ll have one or more copies signed and reserved for you.

A two-session series for readers, writers, and lovers of books. Writing coach and editor Pamela R. Goodfellow, PhD, explores the patterns of what makes a bestselling novel, tracing the history of the bestseller and discussing important perspectives on the books that have shaped publishing in America -- from Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans to Kingsolver’s The Bean Trees. Cost: $50 for the 2 sessions. Meets Tuesdays, March 16 and 30. Registration and pre-payment required at 480.730.0205. More info: pamela@goodfellowpublishing.com or 480-276-0957.

1998 Winter Olympics gold medalist Nikki Stone visits with her book When Turtles Fly: Secrets of Successful People Who Know When to Stick Their Necks Out. Two years before her big win in Nagano, Japan (in inverted aerial skiing), Stone suffered from a chronic spinal injury that prevented her from even standing. Still she went on to earn 35 World Cup medals, 14 World Cup titles, 4 national titles, and a world championship. Stone shares the techniques she used to overcome her hardship, helping readers realize and reach their own personal and professional goals. When Turtles Fly takes a few of Stone’s key secrets to success and shows how these simple rules can be found in the inspiring stories of 40 other talented individuals, including designer Tommy Hilfiger, Olympian Shaun White, Prince Albert of Monaco, Celebrity Chef Todd English, Olympian Lindsey Vonn, and more.

Lettered tickets (free with book purchase) will be called alphabetically to fill seats and will also be used to form the booksigning line. Seating opens to the general public fifteen minutes before the event, so please arrive early, as space is limited.

CAN’T MAKE IT? If you’d like an autographed book from any of our author events, please call us at 480.730.0205 to pre-pay and we’ll have one or more copies signed and reserved for you.

AND

present

Army Ants & Flying Frogs with Ecologist & Photographer Mark Moffett

Wednesday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Single event tickets begin at $26.00
For tickets: 480.644.6500 or use direct link below.

Click here for more information on March 17 event.

Click here for direct link to purchase tickets.

Mark Moffett
is a modern explorer with more than a little luck on his side. He has accidentally sat on the world’s deadliest snake, battled drug lords with dart guns, eaten scorpions and spiders, and ascended a tree to escape bull elephants. For him such risks are worth it, as part of his mission to find stories that make people fall in love with the unexpected: insects, frogs, and other of nature’s small wonders.

One of only a handful of people to earn a Ph.D. under the world’s most famous ecologist, E.O. Wilson, Moffett has produced over two dozen articles for National Geographic magazine. His third book, Adventures Among Ants, will be published in May 2010.

Changing Hands customers are invited to enter to win two VIP tickets to National Geographic Live! with Mark Moffett at Mesa Arts Center on March 17th! Winner will be notified on March 12th. Good luck!

CAN’T MAKE IT? If you’d like an autographed book from any of our author events, please call us at 480.730.0205 to pre-pay and we’ll have one or more copies signed and reserved for you.

Changing Hands will sell Moffett's, Adventures Among Ants, and Face to Face with Frogs and he will sign books following the presentation. 

KIDS EVENT: STORYTIME   10:15 - 10:45AM
Kids Storytime

Trained sexuality educators help parents become familiar with sexual development across the lifespan and examine their own values and attitudes related to their role as the primary sexuality educators of their children. Free workshop provided by the nonprofit Planned Parenthood Arizona. RSVP required: Yolanda at ychavez@ppaz.org or 602.263.4230.

Tempe author Cat Parenti-Hammad launches her new book Afghanistan: Blood and Honor, A Memoir from Brooklyn to Kabul. She also shares a slideshow documenting the culture of Afghanistan from 1968 to 1974. Parenti-Hammad lived in Afghanistan on-and-off for twenty years, as a businesswoman, wife, and women’s advocate. Today, her greatest desire is to minimize troop loss while assisting in the reconstruction of a free and democratic Afghanistan. Currently, she works with NATO to raise awareness about Afghan culture.

Author-illustrator Brooke Bessesen leads a hike and visual scavenger hunt for children eight years and up (with an adult companion) to introduce kids to a whole new world -- the great outdoors. Bessesen is a naturalist, certified veterinary technician, and wildlife rescue volunteer. Zachary Z. Packrat and His Amazing Collections is her second of three children's books published by Arizona Highways. COST: $35 for one child and one adult. $7 for each additional child or adult. Admission includes one copy of Zachary Z. Packrat and a supply of water. This simple hike will be on the Lost Dog Wash Trail Head in the McDowell Mountains, approximately 4 hours and 4 miles. Registration and pre-payment required at 480-730-0205.

Can you make animal sounds? Today, we explore the noises different animals make!

Dzanc Day is sponsored by Dzanc Press to generate income to allow the press to award the annual Dzanc Prize and to run Dzanc Writer-in-Residence Programs in schools across the country. Today we’ll discuss the craft of writing short stories and novels, the writing life, and the business of writing. Workshop facilitator Jennifer Spiegel, author of the forthcoming The Freak Chronicles, leads exercises, and Bhira Backhaus, author of Under the Lemon Trees, reads from her novel and discusses the publishing process. COST: $50. Registration and pre-payment at 480.730.0205. More info: www.dzancbooks.org.

Have a new book idea? Ready to do another printing of a present volume? Talk to our buyer and get expert advice about shelf appeal before it's too late to make changes. You can bring sample covers, an abstract, and questions regarding marketing or how to contact bookstores about carrying your work. COST: $25 for 15 minutes with either our Children's Buyer or our Adult buyer. More info: 480.730.0205.

Tarot reader James R. Betz offers advice on life, relationships, and career choices. COST: $20 for 15 minutes. Registration and pre-payment at 480.730.0205. More info: 602.840.2222.

A philosophical discussion group based on the book Socrates Café by Christopher Phillips. More info: Wendy at dish@cox.net.

Beginners: 3-4:15pm

Intermediate: 4:30-5:45pm

More info: martha@languagesynergy.com.

New Mexico State University professor Marsha Weisiger presents her book Dreaming of Sheep in Navajo Country, which tells the story of one of the most notorious events in Navajo history: the livestock reduction program of the 1930s. Hundreds of thousands of Navajo goats, sheep, and horses were killed in an attempt to eliminate overgrazing on the Navajo reservation, yet Weisiger argues that federal officials worsened matters, resulting in a collective memory of trauma, a rejection of range conservation policies, and a chronic wasteland.

Trisha Lucas, Education Director for Desert Sun Child Development Center, presents what she feels is the best answer to parents’ questions about discipline. Lucas has seen this method work both at her school and with her own children. Presented in coordination with MomsZone.org. More info: MomsZone.org.

Do your friendships, parenting skills, or love life need refreshing? Arizona substance abuse counselor Clint Stonebraker, author of Connected: The Art of Building Relationships, provides a path to creating lasting relationships based on a personal definition of success, not a script handed down by families or society. More info: clintstonebraker.com.

Pinna Joseph, chanter, sound artist and Yoga of the Voice™ instructor, presents an evening of creating sacred space by sounding your own voice. Tonight's workshop includes vocal meditation and call-and-response chants from the Buddhist, Hindu, Hebrew and Brazilian traditions. No previous singing experience necessary. COST: $20. Registration and pre-payment at 480.730.0205.

KIDS EVENT: STORYTIME 10:15 - 10:45AM
Kids Storytime

Stop misplacing your keys once and for all! In his new book, The Brain Training Revolution: A Proven Workout for Healthy Brain Aging, Paul E. Bendheim, MD, tackles age-associated memory loss with his unique three-part program for healthy brain life. From daily thinking games to a medically proven “brain healthy” diet, Bendheim gives readers everything they need to stay sharp, enhance memory and other cognitive functions, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Bendheim, an internationally recognized neurologist and leading authority on Alzheimer’s, is founder of the evidence-based brain-health firm BrainSavers LLC.

Capitalism: A Love Story. With a hand stamp you’ll receive at the screening, you’re entitled to post-show discounts from several merchants here in the Tempe Square shopping center: Baskin Robbins, Wildflower Bread Company, Mac’s Broiler & Tap, Hoodlums, and Changing Hands Bookstore.

The Arizona Science Center visits to lead some fun solar activities and read The Kids' Solar Energy Book by Tilly Spetgang.

Bret “Hitman” Hart signs his book The Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling. Hart competed as both a villain and a fan-favorite during his professional wrestling career and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. The Hitman is, almost literally, a blow-by-blow account of that legendary career, with detailed descriptions of the choreography of many of his most prominent matches in the former World Wrestling Foundation. PLEASE NOTE: This is a signing only.

Lettered tickets (free with book purchase) will be called alphabetically to form the booksigning line. Bret Hart will pose for photographs and sign memorabilia excluding dolls and wresting belts.

CAN’T MAKE IT? If you’d like an autographed book from any of our author events, please call us at 480.730.0205 to pre-pay and we’ll have one or more copies signed and reserved for you.

Mystic Journeyz with Suzie Coggins. “Your Angels are Waiting.” COST: $20 for 15 minutes. Registration and pre-payment required at 480.730.0205. MysticJourneyz.com, 480.626.1077.

CHRISTOPHER MOORE: BITE ME!      7PM

Christopher Moore is the New York Times best-selling author of eleven novels, including Lamb, A Dirty Job, and Fool. Tonight, he returns with Bite Me!, the sequel to Bloodsucking Fiends and You Suck. This time, Abigail Von Normal — mysterious teen queen of the San Francisco night scene and backup mistress of Tommy, the unintentional vampire — is back to lead you through the third book in the San Francisco Vampire trilogy. Learn what happens to Tommy, Jody, the Vampire Flood, Chet the Enormous Cat, The Smurfette, the Animals, and all of your other favorite characters!

SEATING begins one hour before the event. Lettered tickets (free with book purchase) will be called alphabetically to fill seats and will also be used to form the booksigning line. Each ticket is good for two seats. Seating opens to the general public fifteen minutes before the event, so please arrive early, as space is limited.

CAN’T MAKE IT? If you’d like an autographed book from any of our author events, please call us at 480.730.0205 to pre-pay and we’ll have one or more copies signed and reserved for you.

SIGN LANGUAGE FOR ADULTS      1:30-3PM

Cindy Ashcraft teaches Signed English to parents and other interested adults. Meets every second and fourth Sunday. COST: $5 per class. Registration and pre-payment required at 480.730.0205. More info: 480.472.6203.

Why does the magic of ancient Egypt continue to enthrall us? Did an advanced predynastic culture build the pyramids and Sphinx? What was the true purpose of the Great Pyramid? Is mainstream archeology on the brink of a major change? In this workshop, Jeri Castronova, PhD, author of the independently published supernatural thriller Code of the King: A Deadly Search for Ancient Wisdom, explores alternate views of history based on new discoveries and her own research and personal experiences. Writers will explore the mystical writing techniques employed by the author. COST: $20. Registration and pre-payment at 480.730.0205. More info: www.jericastronova.com.

Volunteer opportunities with Hands-On Greater Phoenix. More info: 602.973.2212 x237.

Frank Meeink, whom Edward Norton portrayed in the Academy Award-winning film American History X, visits with his book, Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead, a raw telling of his descent into America’s Nazi underground and his ultimate triumph over drugs and hatred. Frank’s violent childhood in South Philadelphia primed him to hate, while addiction made him easy prey for a small group of skinhead gang recruiters. By sixteen he had become one of the most notorious skinhead gang leaders on the East Coast, and by eighteen he was doing hard time. Teamed up with African-American players in a prison football league, Frank learned to question his hatred, and after being paroled he defected from the white supremacy movement and began speaking on behalf of the Anti-Defamation League. A story of fighting the demons of hatred and addiction, Frank's downfall and ultimate redemption has the power to open hearts and change lives.

Robert Schwartz, author of Your Soul's Plan: Discovering the Real Meaning of the Life You Planned Before You Were Born, discusses why our lives unfold as they do and how to direct them to a deeper place. Intuitives Staci Wells and Corbie Mitleid, two of the mediums featured in the book, will discuss karma and creating your best self now, lead the audience in guided meditations, and share with select members of the audience information from Spirit about their pre-birth plans and those past lives important to this incarnation.

Cost: $55.  Registration and pre-payment at 480.730.0205. More info: yoursoulsplan.com.

Rebecca Skloot visits with her acclaimed New York Times bestseller The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine. The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, they are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years. If you could pile all HeLa cells ever grown onto a scale, they’d weigh more than 50 million metric tons—as much as a hundred Empire State Buildings. HeLa cells were vital for developing the polio vaccine; uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the atom bomb's effects; helped lead to important advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping; and have been bought and sold by the billions. Yet Henrietta Lacks remains virtually unknown, buried in an unmarked grave.

Now Rebecca Skloot takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the "colored" ward of Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s to stark white laboratories with freezers full of HeLa cells; from Henrietta's small, dying hometown of Clover, Virginia to East Baltimore today, where her children and grandchildren live and struggle with the legacy of her cells. Henrietta's family did not learn of her "immortality" until more than twenty years after her death, when scientists investigating HeLa began using her husband and children in research without informed consent. And though the cells had launched a multimillion-dollar industry that sells human biological materials, her family never saw any of the profits. As Skloot shows, the story of the Lacks family is inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we are made of.