Based on true events, Ron Ruthfield's novel The Capital Underground (Raz Partner, $21.95) is a glimpse into the chilling life of Ari Hirsch, who at 69 years old remains incognito somewhere in America. Twenty years after his disappearance into the U.S. Federal Witness Protection Program, Aristotle Einshtein Hirsch is summoned -- coerced might be a better word -- by a Presidential Task Force to emerge. Ari's already complicated world is suddenly turned upside down when he is faced with a painful choice: participate in a monumental case involving national security, or risk his very own freedom. It includes a whirlwind investigation and international trial that might lead to the discovery of a potentially gigantic cache of riches in one of the world's most secret tax havens. Written about a former Internal Revenue Service Special Agent, attorney and CPA, the episodes in this novel stretch from the Florida Keys to the Black Hills of South Dakota; from the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia. 2pm

Join us for this sweet confection of a book launch, as we celebrate everyone’s favorite new friend – Tina Cocolina (Random House, $16.99). Author Pablo Cartaya shares the story of a sweet little cupcake of a girl with a sense of adventure and a flair for fashion. And she’s always on the hunt for her perfect topping. This mouthwatering picture book includes cupcake and frosting recipes from award-winning pastry chef and co-author Martin Howard. Can you guess what kind of tasty treats will have at this party? (Psst: It's cupcakes!) Fans of Fancy Nancy and Pinkalicious will adore Tina Cocolina. Kids, come in your costume, too, as we celebrate Halloween on the Mile with this special story time author event. 3:30pm

Breathtaking photographs capture the history and unique design of the English island great houses, detailing the hardwood furniture, terraced gardens, walled courtyards, and interiors. Perhaps the most admired and influential of tropical styles, the English island style transformed residences into private paradises. British West Indies Style is a lavish account of the interiors, architecture, and lifestyle of the English colonial great houses and historic town houses in the Caribbean—from Antigua, Jamaica, Nevis, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts, Mustique to the less-traveled islands of Bequia and Dominica. Close to fifty private homes are featured, with unique collections of antique, indigenous, and colonial furniture: a southern plantation style scaled and refreshingly adapted to the airy, sunny climate of the Windward and Leeward Islands. Presenting a world rarely seen by visitors—the homes of the islands’ affluent planters, both historical and contemporary—the English island styles are elegant yet practical and accessible, giving ideas for the use of local materials, painting and stenciling techniques, environment-enhancing design, and indoor/outdoor living—all of which are ubiquitous in contemporary interior design.

Michael Connors, an expert in West Indies antiques, is a contributor to numerous publications, including Art & Antiques, Antiques and Fine Art, and The Magazine Antiques. He has written many books, including Caribbean Houses: History, Style, and Architecture (Rizzoli, 2009).

Ingrid Betancourt tells the story of her captivity in the Colombian jungle, sharing powerful teachings of resilience, resistance, and faith in Even Silence Has an End (Penguin, $29.95). Born in Bogotá, raised in France, Ingrid Betancourt gave up a life of comfort and safety to return to Colombia to become a political leader in a country that was being slowly destroyed by terrorism, violence, fear, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. In 2002, while campaigning as a candidate in the Colombian presidential elections, she was abducted by the FARC. Nothing could have prepared her for what came next. She would spend the next six and a half years in the depths of the jungle as a prisoner of the FARC. This is her deeply personal and moving account of that time. Chained day and night for much of her captivity, she never stopped dreaming of escape and, in fact, succeeded in getting away several times, always to be recaptured. The facts of her story are astounding, but it is Betancourt's indomitable spirit that drives this very special account, bringing life, nuance, and profundity to the narrative. Freed in 2008 by the Colombian army, today Betancourt is determined to draw attention to the plight of hostages and victims of terrorism throughout the world and it is that passion that motivates Even Silence Has an End. The lessons she offers here – in courage, resilience, and humanity – are gifts to treasure. FREE tickets available at all Books & Books locations, while supplies last. This event is presented in collaboration with the Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College. Start time is 7:30pm.

Under 18 and overjoyed by books? Are you a teen in need of a good read? Looking for new friends who are just as book-irrific as you are? iRead Teen Book Club launches with this get-to-know-you party full of games and gabbing. Talk with other kids who love to read and pick the first book for the iRead Teen Book Club. Be an iRead pioneer with founder Lilli Leight. iRead will meet on the last Sunday of every month. See you there. For more info, email lilli737@gmail.com 3pm

Richard Kostelanetz is a prolific author, critic, editor, and artist. Since the 1960's he has written and edited close to one hundred books, including Imaged Words and Worded Images (1970), Breakthrough Fictioneers (1973), Text-Sound Texts (1980), Wordworks (1993), and the monumental Dictionary of the Avant-Gardes (2nd ed., 1999). His essays, poems, fictions, and experimental prose explore the limits of language. He has also worked with various other media, including audio recordings, holograms, photographs, video and film, prints, and high-tech installations. Tonight, in a conversation with collector/physician Marvin Sackner and critic/gallerist Carlos M. Luis, RK will initially defend his continuing commitment to Visual Poetry as Words, mostly Words visually enhanced, and praise booksellers who also exhibit literary art. He will recall his publishing in media other than printed pages – not only prints and drawings but book-art, audio, video, film, and holography. Ranging as they will, they will respond to one another and to questions from the audience. RK will gladly sign any books of his presented to him.

Forthcoming from Bucknell University Press, The Seduction of Modern Spain: The Female Body and the Francoist Body Politic examines how sexual politics, specifically those surrounding the modernization of a consumer economy, are key to understanding the transformation of Spain from isolated dictatorship to modern state. It focuses on issues concerning modernity and the commodification of the female body under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco in the 1950s and 1960s.“These two decades are critical to understanding this transformation because they coincide with the opening of markets, the freer movement of people in and out of the country through tourism and emigration, and the embracing of the ‘American way of life’ popularized in Hollywood movies,” said author Aurora G. Morcillo, associate professor of history and women’s studies at FIU.From a gender perspective this “in between moment,” in Homi Bhaba's terms, from autarchy to consumerism favored the transition from the virginal female model, prescribed by the regime, (what the author calls “True Catholic Womanhood”) to a seductive modern woman that the media sold to Spanish women. The originality of this study resides in Dr. Morcillo’s use of feminist theories of the body to study archival sources of the Francoist years.Morcillo received her PhD in 1995 from the University of New Mexico. Her first book, True Catholic Womanhood: Gender Ideology in Franco's Spain, was published in 2000 with a second edition in 2008.

Having taught art at Miami-Dade College since his arrival in Miami in the 1960s, Robert Thiele has impacted generations of artists and built up an impressive oeuvre. As part of the ARTalk series in collaboration with Miami Art Museum at Books & Books, Peter Boswell, Miami Art Museum assistant director for programs/senior curator, Tyler Emerson-Dorsch, Dorsch Gallery director, and Helen Kohen, former art critic for the Miami Herald and currently in charge of the Vasari Project, an archive of Miami art history, will discuss Thiele’s art and influence. 30 Robert Thiele ($29.95), published by Dorsch Gallery with essays by Peter Boswell and Helen Kohen, will be available for purchase.

During the Civil War, Confederates fought for much more than their political independence. They also fought to prove the distinctiveness of the Southern people and to underscore their desire for a separate national existence through the creation of a uniquely Southern literature and culture. In Confederate Minds (UNC Press, $43.95), Michael Bernath follows the activities of a group of Southern writers, thinkers, editors, publishers,educators, and ministers -- whom he labels Confederate cultural nationalists --in order to trace the rise and fall of a cultural movement dedicated to liberating the South from its longtime dependence on Northern books, periodicals, and teachers. 8pm

MIAMI BOOK FAIR PREVIEW: Join the Friends of the Book Fair for an exclusive preview of this year’s Miami Book Fair International from Mitchell Kaplan, co-founder of the Fair and owner of Books & Books. Mitchell will share the scoop on which authors are coming, which ones you simply won’t want to miss – and how to score tickets for the hot-ticket Evenings With during the Fair’s run Nov. 14-21 at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. And if you join the Friends of the Book Fair tonight, you’ll receive a free copy of this year’s Fair poster. Refreshments will be served. www.miamibookfair.org

With the collapse of its Cold War relationship with the Soviet Union in the 1990s, Cuba plummeted into an era of scarcity and uncertainty known as the Special Period and only tentatively started to emerge with the new century. On Location in Cuba (UNC, $24.15) views these pivotal decades through the lens of cinema. Ann Marie Stock conducted hundreds of interviews
in Cuba to examine individual artists' lives and creative output. She explores the impact of the Cold War's end, the economic crisis that ensued, and the decentralization of the state's political, economic, and cultural apparatus. Stock focuses on what she calls Street Filmmaking -- the production of emerging audiovisual artists who work outside the state film industry -- to examine the island's transformation and changing notions of Cuban identity. Presented in collaboration with the Miami Consortium on Latin American and Caribbean Studies. 7pm

In its forty-year existence, the 5th Street Gym housed the training grounds for three of the greatest fighters the sport has ever known - Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Sugar Ray Leonard - and became the locus for fourteen world champions and a magnet for a wide range of international celebrities including Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Jackie Gleason, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, and Sylvester Stallone. Tales from The 5th Street Gym (UF Press, $27.50) includes a wealth of never-before-seen photographs and is the first to chronicle the fascinating history of the 5th Street Gym from one of its insiders - Dr. Ferdie Pacheco - with crucial contributions from Tom Archdeacon, Angelo Dundee, Suzanne Dundee Bonner, Enrique Encinosa, Howard Kleinberg, Ramiro Ortiz, Edwin Pope, Bob Sheridan, and Budd Schulberg. Discover the secret history of one of boxing's most hallowed grounds, as Pacheco recalls the rise, heyday, and fall of the “sweet science” at Miami Beach. This is the inaugural event in Books & Books’ monthly Florida Authors Series in Bal Harbour Shops.  7:30pm

Louise Hauck is a "time traveling" clairvoyant, an intuitive spiritual counselor who views beyond the physical dimension where all time exists simultaneously. An internationally known speaker, Hauck presents critical information to help audiences make the leap from spiritual ideals to personal and practical applications of metaphysical teachings for the times ahead. With her books --  Beyond Boundaries, The Adventures of a Seer; Heart-Links and Fearless Future -- she challenges your limited perceptions of time and pierces the illusion—and your fears—about death. 8pm

More information to come...

The Emmet Cohen Trio performs Live in the Courtyard

In Richard Hine’s Russell Wiley is Out To Lunch (Amazon Encore, $14.95), Russell Wiley is in deep trouble. A media executive for the failing Daily Business Chronicle, his career is teetering on the brink of collapse, and his sexless marriage is fast approaching its expiration date. Making matters worse are his scheming boss, a hot-shot new consultant determined to see Russell ousted, and the beguiling colleague whose mere presence has a disconcerting effect on Russell's starved libido. Disaster seems imminent and that's before he makes a careless mistake that could cost the paper millions. Russell realizes he must take drastic action if he is going to salvage his career, his love life, and what little remains of his self-respect. Sardonic, edgy, and true to life, this gripping novel offers an insider's view into a newspaper's inner sanctum and the people who oil the wheels of this increasingly outdated machine. 8pm

It is with great sadness that we must share tragic news: George Hickenlooper has died. The director of the new motion picture CASINO JACK died of apparent natural causes at just 47 years old this past weekend.

The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival will present a special montage in his memory at the two screenings of the film on Sunday, Nov. 7.

We at Books & Books send our sincere condolences to his family.

George Hickenlooper had been set to discuss his movie and sign copies of his director's notes and forward for the book Casino Jack by Norman Snider at Books & Books Bal Harbour Shops on Saturday, Nov. 6. In honor of Hickenlooper's work and passion for this story, we are including a brief description of Casino Jack here:

Detailing one of the most fascinating characters in recent political history, CASINO JACK, traces the rise and fall of Jack Abramoff, lobbyist extraordinaire. Political honchos Tom Delay (House Majority Leader) and Bob Ney (Congressman for Ohio) hitched their star to Abramoff’s wagon only to see it crash and burn. Abramoff and his sidekick Michael Scanlon pedaled their front of Washington influence to multiple Indian tribes and their casino operations.

Of particular interest to South Florida audiences is the Abramoff/Scanlon takeover of Sun Cruz Casinos (in the film called SunSail ) and its founder Gus Boulis.

The film’s all-star cast includes Kevin Spacey as the ambitious Abramoff, Barry Pepper as the scandalous Scanlon,Jon Lovitz – perfect in the part of the sleazy mattress monarch Adam Kidan, Kelly Preston as Pam Abramoff – unaware of the scope of her husband’s dealings  as Scanlon’s wronged fiance…and a host of other wonderful performances of some intriguing individuals including Rachelle LefevreDaniel Kash as Gus Boulis and the departed Maury Chaikin playing mobster Big Tony.

Award winning director George Hickenlooper created the best work of his career with a finely orchestrated dance that is laced with humor and seasoned with shock. The film moves quickly and holds our attention rapt. The fact that it is all (or mostly) true and a great deal of it happened right here in our own backyard makes the film even more enthralling. Toss in a who’s who of John McCain, Bill Clinton, Ralph Reed, Karl Rove, George W. Bush…and you have a brilliant motion picture.

George Hickenlooper's new film, CASINO JACK will premiere during the 25th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on Sunday, November 7 at 5:15pm and 7:00pm at Cinema Paradiso in downtown Fort Lauderdale.  The festival runs through November 11. For details and tickets visit www.FLIFF.com or call 954-525-3456.

AUTOGRAPHING ONLY: Meet Ricky Martin – the Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning artist who has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide. In his new memoir Me (Celebra, $26.95; simultaneously released in Spanish as Yo), Martin opens up for the first time about his early childhood, his experiences in the renowned boy band Menudo, the challenges of increased fame that came with the Livin’ La Vida Loca phenomenon, his continued growth as a musician, and his unique personal connection with millions of fans around the world.  Signing Guidelines: This event is an autographing only and vouchers are required. Your voucher serves as your entry to the Ricky Martin autographing line and entitles you to receive (1) copy of the book in either English or Spanish. One voucher entitles you to one book. Limit 3 per person. You must also show your voucher in order to enter the signing line. We encourage you to collect your copy of the book at the autographing on November 6th. If you prefer not to wait, you may collect the book anytime after publication on November 2nd at a Books & Books store. Your voucher will then be stamped by our staff to indicate your book has been claimed. Please be sure to bring your stamped voucher with you to the autographing as you will have to show it to gain entrance to the event. Books & Books is NOT responsible for lost or stolen vouchers. Ricky will sign up to 3 books per person but will not be able to personalize. Pictures may be taken in passing, but not posed. He will not be able to sign anything other than books, so please leave your memorabilia at home.

Andrea Askowitz presents Off the Record -- True stories by and about
journalists.  Journalists have turned the cameras on themselves – starring
Jake Cline, Joanie Cox, Carlos Frias, Michael Koretzky, Tristram Korten, Mary Rae Smith. 8pm

PJ Library Story Time: Celebrate Global Jewish Learning Day with this PJ Library story and craft this month. The national PJ Library program supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewish-content books and music on a monthly basis to children. Presented in collaboration with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

PJ Library Story Time: Celebrate Global Jewish Learning Day with this PJ Library story and craft this month. The national PJ Library program supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewish-content books and music on a monthly basis to children. Presented in collaboration with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Miami Beach JCC and the Lehrman Community Day School. 12:30pm

From top CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O'Brien comes The Next Big Story (Celebra, $24.95) -- a highly personal look at her biggest reporting moments from Hurricane Katrina, the tsunami in Southeast Asia, the devastating Haiti earthquake to the historic elections and high profile interviews with everyday Americans. Drawing on her own unique background and consciousness as well as her experiences as a journalist at the front lines of the most provocative issues in today's society-and particularly from her work as host of the acclaimed series Black in America and Latino in America-O'Brien offers her candid, clear-eyed take on where we are as a country and where we're going. What emerges is both an inspiring message of hope and a glimpse into the heart and soul of one of America's most straight-talking reporters. 4pm

Many people see the Talmud as nothing more than a dry compendium of
legal opinions, but in fact the Talmud represents a rich repository of
literature encompassing all aspects of the world of the great Rabbinic
Sages. Rabbi Edwin Goldberg, author of Swords and Plowshares: Jewish
Views of War and Peace and Heads and Tales: Stories of the Sages to
Enlighten Our Minds, presents a window into this world in Love Tales
from the Talmud (URJ Books, $14.95). Featuring original texts, translations, commentary, and study questions, this accessible introduction to the study of Rabbinic literature explores classic Jewish wisdom on love and relationships.

Within Mitchell James Kaplan’s By Fire, By Water (Other Press, $15.95) lies a subtle, insightful examination of the crisis of faith at the heart of the Spanish Inquisition. Luis de Santángel, chancellor to the court and longtime friend of the lusty King Ferdinand, has had enough of the Spanish Inquisition. But he is from a family of conversos, and his Jewish heritage makes him an easy target. As Santángel witnesses the horrific persecution of his loved ones, he begins slowly to reconnect with the Jewish faith his family left behind. Feeding his curiosity about his past is his growing love for Judith Migdal, a clever and beautiful Jewish woman navigating the mounting tensions in Granada. While he struggles to decide what his reputation is worth and what he can sacrifice, one man – Christopher Columbus -- offers him a chance he thought he’d lost…the chance to hope for a better world. 6pm

Joan Hansen’s Bitter Tears (PublishAmericaInc., $24.95) is a novel about fatal obsession, greed and jealousy and what it can do to destroy a happy marriage and lead to far-reaching consequences.  Meet Elizabeth Connors, striking model, and her handsome husband, prominent cardiologist, Dr. Thomas Brooks, whose unbalanced daughter-in-law, Hillary. Hillary’s poisonous fatal attraction for Tom evolves into a terrifying situation that nearly destroys the marriage and even places Elizabeth’s life in jeopardy. 8pm

It’s time to face The Ugly Truth: It’s time to party! Join us for a party of pure purple power to the people with Books & Books’ Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 5 Release Party! There will be games and prizes and trivia for all you Wimpy Kid geniuses out there.You won’t want to be anywhere else for your first look at Wimpy Kid Book 5:  Greg Heffley has always been in a hurry to grow up. But is getting older really all it’s cracked up to be? Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older—all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side. Can Greg make it through on his own? Or will he have to face The Ugly Truth (Amulet, $13.95)? 6pm

Two years after having been shot, Lupe is back on the job in Carolina Garcia-Aguilera’s Bloody Twist (Miramar, $12.95), helping Tommy MacDonald, Miami’s premiere criminal defense attorney and sometime lover, with a case involving his new client, the mysterious Madeline Marie Meadows. In a race against time, Lupe finds herself conducting in effect, two investigations: the first, finding out who murdered three men; and the second, discovering who the ‘real’ Madeline Marie Meadows
really is. Along the way, Lupe has to deal with such diverse elements as
Napoleon and Josephine, Ms. Meadow’s killer Chihuahuas, as well as the Loredo twins, Ms. Meadows’ pimps, marketing geniuses who thought up the hook of labeling her as ‘Miami’s highest paid call girl who is a virgin.” 7pm

This year Chicago celebrates the centennial of the publication of the visionary Plan of Chicago. Daniel Burnham and his coauthor, Edward Bennett, reimagined the American city as a vibrant, interconnected whole. Their Plan is responsible for much of Chicago’s public character, including its open lakefront and expansive park system. In Plans of Chicago (Architects Research Foundation, $49.50), Robert Samuel Roche and Aric Lasher use the 1909 Plan as a precedent for reconnecting Chicago’s center to outlying suburbs.  And it includes 130 exquisite illustrations, including reproductions of Jules Guerin’s famous watercolors.. 8pm

We regret to inform you that Gaston Levy suffered a heart attack this past weekend and obviously will be unable to present his book, Beyond the Soul. We wish him a speedy and full recovery and look forward to rescheduling his event as soon as he is well again.

Gaston Levy narrates his childhood memories of Egypt; the warm family gatherings, the dishes cooked by his mother with their aromatic smells, and the sounds and sights of the Egyptian lifestyle at the time in Beyond the Soul (iUniverse, $25.95). Levy then takes us on his harrowing exodus from Egypt for Brazil. He shares his initial challenges in this unknown land and talks about his life in Rio de Janeiro, then in Canada. He finally ends his journey in Boston, where he is given a permanent transfer to his company's headquarters there. He discusses his move up the demanding management staircase, one step at a time, honing his leadership skills at every level. He finally arrives at the top of corporate America, where he deals face to face with his Board of Directors, the investment bankers, and Wall Street analysts. This boy from Alexandria invites us into his innermost thoughts and feelings, showing how he was able to develop a new concept of life, its meaning and its purpose thanks to Logosophy, the science of self-knowledge. 7:30pm

Caribbean Reading Club
Join us when we discuss Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie. The group is free to join and its meeting, held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm, are open to the public. New members are always welcome.
  

Authentic Ecolodges (Collins Design, $50) is a stunning look at some of the most forward-thinking ecolodges in the world's most exotic destinations. Featuring more than three hundred full-color photographs, detailed architectural sketches, and a rating system specially developed by ecolodge and ecotourism expert Hitesh Mehta, this book is the definitive word on what makes an ecolodge truly authentic. Hitesh Mehta is one of the world's leading authorities, practitioners, and researchers of ecolodges and ecotourism. An architect, landscape architect, and sustainable tourism planner, he is also the longest-serving board member of The International Ecotourism Society. 8pm

Eli Bravo is a Venezuelan-born journalist, columnist, writer and radio host. He currently hosts a radio program in Miami on “Radio Global” that is transmitted live in 8 cities in Venezuela, becoming a window to the world by reporting on important international and national news. He has published five books, including “Tan Insaciable como la muerte”, “Historia Canalla”, and “Radio Global, 39 entrevistas que nos hablan del mundo”. His new novel, Una ola tras otra (Planeta, $17.95) was on the 2009 Top 10 Best Sellers in Venezuela.  It tells the story of Andrés, who after living in Miami for some time and breaking up with his fiancé, decides to go back to his native Caracas. Full of passion for boats since he was a boy, he jumps onto a sailboat to cruise the Caribbean.
With very little experience and lots of books, music and memories, he heads south to discover the pleasures of the Antilles. But soon realizes his voyage is taking him to deeper waters. Alone in his sailboat, Andrés experiences an internal journey. Wave after wave he’s transformed until the sea peels off his skin and soul. His final destination, so clear on the compass when he set sails, will drift away due to love’s magnetic field. This is a novel to be read along with the elements, like a sailboat that’s making its way on a beautiful day. Sometimes a log, a private diary, a chronicle and a physiological insight, this is an honest invitation to feel the power of the sea with a heart wide open. 8pm

The Negroni Trio performs live Music in the Courtyard.

The unique style of Cuban ballet is galvanizing the world of dance in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Cuban Ballet (Gibbs Smith, $40) by Octavio Roca explores the history of Cuban ballet by focusing on the life and career of the indomitable Alicia Alonso. It also spotlights many of the young dancers who are changing the face of ballet with their superb technique, impeccable work ethic, and spectacular performances: Lorena Feijoo, Lorna Feijoo, Joan Boada, Taras Domitro, Jose Manuel Carreo, Rolando Sarabia, and Carlos Acosta to name but a few. While focusing on the artistry and spirit of Cuban dancers, both within and out of Cuba, Roca deftly explores the political realities artists face in Cuba and why so many need to leave their beloved home to reach their full potential, taking their grace, beauty, strength, and style with them. Cuba's loss has become the worlds gain. 8pm

Have you noticed the unique, fair-trade and sustainable gift items that have popped up at Books & Books in Coral Gables lately? Next weekend's POP-UP Market is an extension of this focus. Come see these one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself, your friends and relatives. Here are a few of the wonderful artisans that will be showing and discussing their work:

KIMBERLY STANDIFORD makes beautiful one of a kind blessing wands, yads and mezzuzahs. A perfect holiday gift for someone that has everything!

CAROLYN KERR makes hand-made jewelry using mixed media: copper, brass, silver, precious metal clay, polymer clay and semi-precious stones.

ELYSE LITTENBERG works in a variety of mediums, including acrylic and oil on paper, wood, ceramics, and glass, among others. Her newest focus is on the functional aspect of her artwork, as expressed through vases, boxes and lamps.

VICTORIA DINARDO-MONTIFIORE creates unique and custom hats for the woman who enjoys having fun with her style. She is also featuring hair accessories and jewelry created just for this show.

Jewelry made by LAURIE JULIA consists of unique hand-made pieces that incorporate semi-precious stones and fine silver. 

BRIDGET MONTIFIORE from Bridget's Gems will be showing new collections from Love Heals, Margo Morrison, Chan Luu, Alkemie, Danielle Welmond, Julez Bryant & Mashka. As well as beautiful handbags from Italy & Portugal!

The Alphabet Kids follows the fun adventures of a group of diverse children who learn about their multicultural backgrounds. Their stories help children to love who they are and realize that people who are different can be very good friends.

Suppose you had a wise, warm, funny best friend—who just happened to be a gynecologist. What’s Up Down There? Questions You'd Only Ask Your Gynecologist If She Was Your Best Friend (St. Martin’s Griffin, $14.99) is a hilarious, smart owner’s manual for every woman from practicing gynecologist. Lissa Rankin. How do male gynecologists have a sex life without feeling like they’re stuck at the office? Can the baby feel its mom having sex during pregnancy? As outrageously funny as it is empowering, this book reveals how to love yourself and your body—and will have you recommending it to every woman you know.7pm

Have you noticed the unique, fair-trade and sustainable gift items that have popped up at Books & Books in Coral Gables lately? Next weekend's POP-UP Market is an extension of this focus. Come see these one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself, your friends and relatives. Here are a few of the wonderful artisans that will be showing and discussing their work:

KIMBERLY STANDIFORD makes beautiful one of a kind blessing wands, yads and mezzuzahs. A perfect holiday gift for someone that has everything!

CAROLYN KERR makes hand-made jewelry using mixed media: copper, brass, silver, precious metal clay, polymer clay and semi-precious stones.

ELYSE LITTENBERG works in a variety of mediums, including acrylic and oil on paper, wood, ceramics, and glass, among others. Her newest focus is on the functional aspect of her artwork, as expressed through vases, boxes and lamps.

VICTORIA DINARDO-MONTIFIORE creates unique and custom hats for the woman who enjoys having fun with her style. She is also featuring hair accessories and jewelry created just for this show.

Jewelry made by LAURIE JULIA consists of unique hand-made pieces that incorporate semi-precious stones and fine silver.  

BRIDGET MONTIFIORE from Bridget's Gems will be showing new collections from Love Heals, Margo Morrison, Chan Luu, Alkemie, Danielle Welmond, Julez Bryant & Mashka. As well as beautiful handbags from Italy & Portugal!

From Kathy Reichs, the writer and forensic anthropolist behind Bones – the popular TV series and bestselling books – comes this YA thriller featuring Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan.  (Yes, Temperance from the Bones
novels and hit TV show). Tory is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage
"sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South
Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever. As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become

Miami Book Fair International

Miami Book Fair International

Miami Book Fair International

Miami Book Fair International

Many of us have the desire to make a difference. But when it comes down to it, how many really know what steps to take and how to fit philanthropy into our lives. The Generosity Plan (Atria, $15) shows readers the unexpected benefits and joys of generosity in our daily lives. This smart, practical guide to philanthropy illuminates the power of giving by helping readers to discover what inspires them, clarify what they can afford to give, and direct that generosity toward a better world. Author Kathy LeMay  gives easy and valuable tools to spur definite and rewarding action, demonstrating how our time, treasure, and talents can make a world of difference. By building and acting on a generosity plan, each one of us can create change simply by doing what we can, where we are, with what we have. 8pm

More information to come...

Note: This event is in Spanish. Mañana viviré (Planeta, $14.95), de Elizabeth Ligorría, es un relato conmovedor de anécdotas de vida y recomendaciones para la mujer contemporánea expuesta a las posibilidades de padecer cáncer de mama: sólo en Estados Unidos, más de 250 000 mujeres son diagnosticadas todos los años con este padecimiento. Elizabeth Ligorría nos traslada en este "librito", como ella le llama, una serie de vivencias que pretenden ser guía y auxilio para la mujer que de la noche a la mañana pueda encontrarse en una situación similar a la que esta maravillosa mujer vivió durante seis años y semis meses.Mañana viviré fue escrito por su autora no sólo con el propósito de llevar luz a donde exista oscuridad, sino más allá; Elizateth Ligorría decidió que la totalidad de los beneficios de las ventas de esta obra fueran para apoyar las investigaciones que se llevan a cabo en el Centro de Cáncer de Seno del Hospital Memorial en Hollywood, Florida.

Esta obra permite a sus lectores y lectoras conocer de primera mano las experiencias de una mujer, como millones, que tenía una vida normal y feliz antes de ser diagnosticada, y cómo su vida se transformó para librar con gran dignidad una batalla en donde se entremezclan las experiencias con las medicinas convencional, alternativa y oriental, más la fe. El legado que nos deja Elizabeth Ligorría con este libro es sin duda de gran valor para la mujer de hoy en día.

With the same dazzling imagination and love of language that have made Salman Rushdie one of the great storytellers of our time, Luka and the Fire of Life (Random House, $25) revisits the magic-infused, intricate world he first brought to life in the modern classic Haroun and the Sea of Stories. This breathtaking new novel centers on Luka, Haroun’s younger brother, who must save his father from certain doom. For Rashid Khalifa, the legendary storyteller of Kahani, has fallen into deep sleep from which no one can wake him. To keep his father from slipping away entirely, Luka must travel to the Magic World and steal the ever-burning Fire of Life. Thus begins a quest replete with unlikely creatures, strange alliances, and seemingly insurmountable challenges as Luka and an assortment of enchanted companions race through peril after peril, pass through the land of the Badly Behaved Gods, and reach the Fire itself, where Luka’s fate, and that of his father, will be decided. Filled with mischievous wordplay and delving into themes as
universal as the power of filial love and the meaning of mortality, Luka and the Fire of Life is a book of wonders for all ages. 7pm

Federico Britos and Jorge Sanchez preform live in the Courtyard.

The Emmet Cohen Trio performs in the Books & Books courtyard. 

More information to come...

Note: This event is in Spanish. El Príncipe y El Canalla (Xlibris, $19.99) de Sofia Kelly relata la vida de una joven que con fe y perseverancia recurre a su imaginación para cobrar fuerzas y enfrentar con valentía adversidades que la vida le presenta, librándola del mal. La joven se encuentra rodeada de mentes descentradas y enfermas que le entorpecen el camino a la felicidad. Muchos la dañan y maldicen su entorno, poniendo su vida en peligro en varias ocasiones, pero saliendo triunfante al final. Los hombres que conoce se le presentan como los candidatos ideales, demostrando después sus personalidades camaleónicas. Con una pizca de humor, para minimizar su desgracia en situaciones difíciles, la joven busca ayuda
en Dios y apoyo en ajenos para poder seguir su camino. 8pm

Jazzilla performs live in the Courtyard.

Seagull One: The Amazing True Story of Brothers to the Rescue (University Press of Florida, $24.95) is the never-before-told story about the humanitarian organization that saves 4,200 Cuban rafters from death in the Florida Straits. Seagull One's title refers to the main character, José Basulto, whose radio call sign and aircraft, a twin-engine Cessna, go by the same name. The seagull is a recurring theme, since the bird represents hope for those lost at sea, letting them know they are close to land.

Author Lily Prellezo interviews over one hundred people associated with Brothers to the Rescue to weave together the riveting true account of these everyday heroes. 8pm

Twelve North Florida springs and the Floridan Aquifer that feeds them form the nucleus of this book through the art and writing of artist Margaret Ross Tolbert. But the aesthetics and science of this book speak to all of the freshwater springs in Florida. AQUIFERious (Fidelity Press, $45) includes photographs, artistic cave maps, essays and scientific articles from ten contributors that recount a world of extreme cave diving, history, literature and science. There are detailed chronicles of the seldom-seen life forms inhabiting the depths of the springs, as well as accounts of increasing pollution that threatens both the quality and magnitude of the spring outflows. The poetic with the passion for the fragile springs and the creativity they
inspire is tempered with sobering stories of loss of flow and water quality. 7pm

Free enterprise and entrepreneurialism can be the driving force in creating a world that all people want to see – a world where poverty is less prevalent, where everyone can dream of doing something meaningful with their life, where all who want to work can find a job that offers decent wages and a sense of dignity, and where our
environment is safe for everyone. Through the author’s experience as a global entrepreneur, Neal Asbury has created his own set of solutions which derive from doing business around the world in a progressive new fashion, one that allows entrepreneurialism and the American spirit to reach out into the unknown to generate a new kind of transaction. A kind of transaction where there are many, many winners. Asbury calls this kind of business Conscientious Equity (Palgrave Macmillan, $26).  Conscientious because it is the right thing to do, and Equity because we all have ownership in doing the right thing. 6pm

In 1997 Priscilla Rattazzi and her family got a fluffy golden retriever, which they named Luna. Seven years later, they got a miniature dachshund they called Lola. As different in temperament as they were in body size, these two beloved dogs eventually became the quirkiest couple in Carnegie Hill, New York City.

Here, renowned photographer Rattazzi captures the distinct personalities of these two charming canines. In 150 black-and-white photographs, she has chronicled the playful spirit of their everyday activities - from romps in Central Park toriding the ocean waves in East Hampton - all while capturing how their changing lives eventually mirrored that of her ownfamily. Filled with personal essays and anecdotes - including a moving obituary for Luna - Luna & Lola is a touching tribute to the ways in which our dogs become inextricably entwined in our hearts and our souls.

Priscilla Rattazzi was born in Rome, Italy, and moved to the United States in 1974. She studied photography at Sarah Lawrence College and later worked as an assistant to the photographer Hiro. Through the late eighties, she was a fashion photographer; her work has appeared in such publications as Brides, New York, Redbook, Self, and the New York Times Magazine in the U.S. and Vogue Italia, Donna, and Amica in Italy. She is the author of four photography books: Georgica Pond, Children, Best Friends, and Una Famiglia. Over the past twenty years, there have been eight exhibitions of her work in New York, East Hampton, West Palm Beach, Knoxville, and Rome. Ms. Rattazzi lives with her family in New York and East Hampton.

“Wake up, Muffy. We’re back.”

From Lisa Birnbach, the author of The Official Preppy Handbook—and designer Chip Kidd—comes a whole new take on the prep world that Birnbach turned into an international best-selling phenomenon thirty years ago.

True Prep is a contemporary look at how the old guard of natural-fiber-loving, dog-worshipping, G&T-soaked preppies adapt to the new order of things. Birnbach considers the prep attitude towards money (ambivalent), schools (good investment), wardrobe (now your clothes fit), work (some careers will never be prep), decorating (ask mummy), scandal (including rehab and prison), and food and drink (with some classic recipes for both). She also looks at weekends (and what to do to get asked back), entertaining, sports (including sailing and shopping), weddings, etiquette, the Internet and electronic gadgetry, political correctness, reality TV, and . . . polar fleece. And last but not least: a do-it-yourself eulogy.

With more than 200 original illustrations and photographs, True Prep promises to be a whole new, old sensation.