* June 25, 6 p.m.
Non-Fiction Book Club is discussing The Collected Schizophrenias – Essays by Esme Weijun Wang.
An intimate, moving book written with the immediacy and directness of one who still struggles with the effects of mental and chronic illness, “The Collected Schizophrenias” cut right to the core.
Schizophrenia is not a single unifying diagnosis, and Esme Weijun Wang writes not just to her fellow members of the “collected schizophrenias” but to those who wish to understand it as well. Opening with the journey toward her diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, Wang discusses the medical community’s own disagreement about labels and procedures for diagnosing those with mental illness, and then follows an arc that examines the manifestations of schizophrenia in her life.
An essay collection of undeniable power, The Collected Schizophrenias dispels misconceptions and provides insight into a condition long misunderstood.
Preschool story time
* June 26, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for summer vacation, where volunteers will be reading stories to keiki ages 3 to 6 years old, doing crafts, and even having a small snack.
Mahalo to the AAUW volunteers for co-hosting this event with Kona Stories. Since 1881 the American Association of University Women has been the nation’s leading voice promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change.
On the day of story time please check your child in at the book store about 10 minutes early and then join the fun in the courtyard under the tents.
$5 participation fee to cover crafts and snack. RSVP to 324-0350 or KS@konastories.com
July 2, 6 p.m.
The July 2 author reading and Q&A session features Peter F. Lester, Patricia Biegner, Phil Gibson and Sally Hammond.
Peter F. Lester is a retired atmospheric scientist/university professor. He has published many scientific papers and two textbooks. His more recent fiction writing includes several short stories and a young adult novel. “A Football Story” examines the journey of Mike Wolf from the gridiron at Western Kansas University, where he was a student and an outstanding football player, to the college lectern at that university, where he reinvents himself as a talented assistant professor.
Patricia Biegner was born in Illinois, moving to Hawaii when she was 5 years old. Patricia found her passion for lei making in her late teens, after many afternoons with family and friends. Patricia won her first Lei contest at Wailoa Center in Hilo. Putting together her book “Lei Making Instructions and Techniques” has been a dream come true.
Phil Gibson served in the U.S. Air Force and discovered the thrill of travel. He became an entrepreneur in the restaurant and events industry, developing multiple highly acclaimed restaurants. Sally Hammond, is a former computer techie, manager at an international hotel, event planner and university teacher, the typical varied career of a military spouse. Together they wrote “Frangipani and Leaky Boats, Bring Your Life to the Table,” which reinvigorates the art of home entertaining.
This event starts at 6 p.m. with an informal meet and greet merging into a more formal book presentation from each author and concluding around 8 p.m. after a Q&A session.
Info: Brenda or Joy at 324-0350 or www.konastories.com.