The public is invited to the following free events at Parkplace Books in Kirkland:
• 3 p.m. Sunday, July 22: Instore Knit Too Readers will discuss “Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter” by Tom Franklin. This month’s meeting will be held at a bookclub member’s home on Camano Island. Contact bookstore for details at (425) 828-6546.
• 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 24: Instore Reading Circle will discuss “State of Wonder” by Ann Patchett. Open to All.
• 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 25: Meet Pacific Northwest author, Peter Kahle as he discusses his new book, “Passage of the Kissing People,” a lyrical tale of memory surrounding the mystery of a missing good luck charm, a beloved heirloom silver brooch. Stolen by 7-year-old Michael Kohler, the brooch is lost when Michael flees the Sonoma Valley.
In 1953 the death of an inmate from the Sonoma State Home for the Feebleminded causes young Michael to call his father a liar. The phrase, “Are you scared to learn the goddamned truth?” echoes between them for 40 years, as a challenge to authority, a demand for justice, a plea for love, and an offer of reconciliation.
In 1996 Michael is challenged by an anonymous email. He must return to Sonoma to face his childhood love Gisella, and the family from whom he stole the silver brooch. To gain forgiveness for his dying father and himself, he must find the long-lost Kissing People.
The author has been a teacher, a stained glass artist, lacrosse referee, editor and currently works for the University of Washington.
• 7 p.m., Thursday, July 26: Meet Pacific Northwest author and charter boat skipper, Pendleton Wallace as he discusses his new book, “Blue Water & Me,” a high adventure true story of the author’s magical first summer fishing with his father, Blue Water Charlie at the age of 11.
Ramming a 30 thousand ton Japanese freighter, swimming with dolphins and exploring desert islands are only a few of the events that occur during this summer of awakening awareness as Penn begins to recognize that his undying belief that his father could handle any situation is slowly eroding away. Finally caught in an out of season hurricane, the father and son fight for their lives. “Blue Water & Me” is a story of father-son bonding that any parent and child should read.
Formerly a software engineer, the author has created a new life, writing and skippering in Puget Sound and the Sea of Cortez. Join Parkplace Books for a fascinating discussion.
Parkplace Books is located at 348 Parkplace Center, Kirkland.
