Maureen Sherry's page-turning debut novel for middle-graders, Walls Within Walls (Katherine Tagen Books, $16.99), is filled with adventure, intrigue, and heart. After their father, a video-game inventor, strikes it rich, the Smithfork kids find they hate their new life. They move from their cozy Brooklyn neighborhood to a swanky apartment on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. They have no friends, a nanny who takes the place of their parents, and a school year looming ahead that promises to be miserable. And then, one day, Brid, CJ, and Patrick discover an astonishing secret about their apartment: The original owner, the deceased multimillionaire Mr. Post, long ago turned the apartment itself into a giant puzzle containing a mysterious book and hidden panels — a puzzle that, with some luck, courage, and brainpower, will lead to discovering the Post family fortune. Unraveling the mystery causes them to race through New York City — and to uncover some long-hidden secrets of the past. 4:30pm

Nick Santini would have made a good living as a medium if his manager wasn't a thief and he didn't operate in a world of endlesscorruption. With a TV show cancelled in murky circumstances, a crew member dead on his tour and the police and his past fast catching up with him, Santini is a man on the edge. The medium's job is to lie and lie well and
only Santini's talent can save him while his life steadily unravels. Neil Forsyth's Let Them Come Through is a darkly comic investigation of celebrity, illusion, and the lower strata of this world and the next.
 

Neil Forsyth was born in Scotland in 1978. After growing up in Dundee he worked in a number of jobs before a career in journalism that led to him discovering the Scottish fraudster Elliot Castro. Other People's Money tells the story of Castro's remarkable life. It was serialised in The Guardian newspaper, has been released so far in six countries and is being developed as a feature film. Forsyth has also written the critically acclaimed Bob Servant humour books and the novel Let Them Come Through.

"Not just a funny and perceptive insight into the world of the professional psychic, also hilariously on the ball in its depiction of the nether world of show-biz generally. I enjoyed it immensely" - Martin Kelner, The Guardian

Books & Books’ Florida Authors Series and the Village of Bal Harbour present a journey through Umbria and into delight: Lin Arison invites readers on a trip to Italy, in the company of Michael Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony orchestra. Part memoir, part travelogue, Feast for the Senses (Chronicle, $40) features the sights, foods, crafts, and festivals that give Umbria its unique character. And tonight you’ll get to enjoy the sounds of their journey with a musical interlude by fellows of the New World Symphony. The book also includes three DVDs: the celebrated MTT on Music; a short documentary on the musicians in Umbria; and a filmed conversation between Thomas and architect Frank Gehry, designer of the orchestra's new Miami campus, opening in 2011. 7:30pm

Wendell Potter is the insurance industry's worst nightmare. In June 2009, he made national headlines with his scorching testimony before the Senate panel on health care reform. This former senior VP of CIGNA explained how health insurers make promises they have no intention of keeping, how they flout regulations designed to protect consumers, and how they skew political debate with multibillion-dollar PR campaigns designed to spread disinformation. Potter walked away from a six-figure salary and two decades as insurance executive. The last straw: when he visited a rural health clinic and saw hundreds of people standing in line in the rain to receive treatment in stalls built for livestock. In Deadly Spin (Bloomsbury, $26), Potter takes readers behind the scenes to show how a huge chunk of our absurd healthcare spending actually bankrolls a propaganda campaign and lobbying effort focused on protecting one thing: profits. Deadly Spin tells us why—and how—we must fight back. 8pm

Gene Stone, a bestselling health-savvy journalist, has investigated virtually every regimen, diagnostic test, therapy, and fad. He has done the research firsthand and met the people, so now we, too, can know The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick, (Workman, $23.95). Secrets tells the stories of 25 people who each possess a different secret of excellent health, and it explains the science and shows how we can all use these insights to better our lives. Meet Bill Thompson, an entrepreneur in his early sixties who has the EKG of a 20-year-old and hasn't had a cold in over two decades. Bill's secret? Every morning he dunks his head in a basin of warm water and hydrogen peroxide, a powerful natural germ killer that has the added benefit of making Bill feel as invigorated as a teenager when he comes up for air. After you meet these fascinating, healthy people, learn the science --with experts' conflicting opinions on if and how it really works --, and the nuts and bolts-how to bring each secret into your own life. Come for your health! 7:30pm

With Steak with Friends (Andrews McMeel, $35), celebrated chef and noted cookbook author Rick Tramonto personally invites readers into his home to share a dazzling array of 150 steak and seafood recipes with all the trimmings. In this cookbook, Rick places special emphasis on choosing and preparing steaks, and provides beef and temperature charts, drink recipes, and even suggestions for what music to play while you cook. These sophisticated yet simple-to-prepare recipes show home cooks how to reproduce the flavors and great steakhouse food from Rick's steak and seafood restaurants in the Chicago area. Steak with Friends is for anyone who loves grilling or cooking at home with friends and family. 8pm

Book Club New Year’s Party with Kim Edwards: Celebrate 2011 and 12 months of good reading ahead with the author of book clubbers’ beloved The Memory Keeper’s Daughter – Kim Edwards. With revelations that prove as captivating as the deceptions at the heart of her bestselling phenomenon The Memory Keeper's Daughter, Edwards now gives us the story of a woman's homecoming, a family secret, and the old house that holds the key to the true legacy of a family in The Lake of Dreams (Viking, $26.95). At a crossroads in her life, Lucy Jarrett returns home from Japan, only to find herself haunted by her father's unresolved death a decade ago. Late one night, as she paces the hallways of her family's rambling lakeside house, she discovers a collection of objects that first appear to be useless curiosities, but soon reveal a deeper and more complex family past. As Lucy explores the traces of her lineage --from an heirloom tapestry and dusty political tracts to a web of allusions depicted in stained-glass windows throughout upstate New York -- the family story she has always known is shattered. With surprises at every turn, brimming with vibrant detail, The Lake of Dreams is an arresting saga – one you’ll certainly want to add to your club’s selections this year. And we’ll have book suggestions, guides and even some FREE advance copies of other titles to her you and your club pick the best reading for the coming year. This is your chance to mingle with the books to read and the people who read them. 6:30pm

Live Music in the Courtyard: Sirens & Sealions, 7-11pm

In the novel Chosen (Harper, $25.99), young caseworker Chloe Pinter becomes increasingly entangled in the lives of adoptive and birth parents, with devastating results: the Novas, well-off college sweethearts who suffered fertility problems but are now expecting their own baby; the McAdoos, a wealthy husband and desperate wife for whom adoption is a last chance; and Jason and Penny, an impoverished couple who have
nothing—except the baby everyone wants. When a child goes missing, dreams dissolve into nightmares, and everyone is forced to examine what he or she really wants and where it all went wrong. Told from alternating points of view, Chosen reveals the desperate nature of desire across social backgrounds and how far people will go to get the one thing they think will be the answer. Author Chandra Hoffman has been an orphanage relief worker in Romania, a horse trainer in the Caribbean, a short-order cook in a third world hospital, the director of a U.S. adoption program, and an event planner for Philadelphia's Main Line elite. 7pm

Coral Gables Gallery Night: Elyse Littenberg – Living Series: “My landscape paintings focus on abstract aerial views of the earth. These mixed media artworks combine oil, acrylic, water colors, markers,glues, etc. on canvas, paper, glass and other mediums. The landscapes are also depicted in collages which include pieces from my mono-prints, paintings and found objects. These pieces are reassembled to depict aerial landscapes on paper, canvas and various mediums.” 7-10pm

"My abstract paintings focus on the topography of the land aerially.  There is an emphasis on the flat and raised two-dimensional picture plane.  The abstract landscapes are created by paintings, mono-prints and collage. They are faceted with color and depth.  The mixed medium artworks are combined with paint, strips, squares and organic forms borrowed from old mono-prints and paintings and reassembled to form the aerial landscape on paper and canvas.  These artworks are conceptualized as imaginary environments that can resemble reality. Recent artworks consist primarily of oil on canvas," says Littenberg.  

Bestselling health-savvy journalist Gene Stone has investigated, firsthand, virtually every form of regimen, diagnostic test, therapy, and fad, for The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick," (Workman, $23.95). This fascinating and original book of science tells the stories of 25 people who each possess a different secret of excellent health -- and shows how we can all use these insights to change our lives for the better.
Meet Dr. Robert Fulford, whom Andrew Weil considered one of the world's greatest healers, and who, even into his nineties, continued to see patients and was healthier than most people half his age. His secret: a daily set of stretching exercises that he claims stimulate the body's life force, a force too easily blunted by illness, trauma, and even bad breathing habits. Meet Barbara Pritzkat, a now 83-year-old archaeologist with incredible stamina and health, who attributes her well-being to a morning tonic of brewer's yeast. The stories make it personal; then comes the science, the authority (with experts' conflicting opinions on if and how it really works), and the nuts and bolts-how to bring each secret into your own life. From probiotics to veganism to a daily dose of garlic, from yoga to cold showers, it's an invaluable list: 25 secrets to health, and how to make each work for you. 8pm

Junior Orange Bowl Creative Writing Awards presentation. 10am

With personal stories paired with authoritative science – including  experts' conflicting opinions on if and how it really works -- The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick (Workman, $23.95) tells the stories of 25 people who each possess a different secret of excellent health and shows how we can all use these insights to change our lives for the better. Meet Barbara Pritzkat, a now 83-year-old archaeologist with incredible stamina and health, who attributes her well-being to a morning tonic of brewer's yeast-a treasure trove of B vitamins that's also protein-rich and a good source of selenium, copper, iron, zinc, and other minerals. and the nuts and bolts-how to bring each secret into your own life. Meet Bill Thompson, an entrepreneur in his early sixties who has the EKG of a 20-year-old and hasn't had a cold in over two decades Bill's secret? Every morning he dunks his head in a basin of warm water and hydrogen peroxide. Bestselling health-savvy journalist Gene Stone has investigated, firsthand, virtually every form of regimen, diagnostic test, therapy, and fad. From probiotics to veganism to a daily dose of garlic, from yoga to cold showers, it's an invaluable list: 25 secrets to health, and how to make each work for you. 7pm

His love affair became international headline news. Now, South Florida’s own Father Albert Cutié shares his explosive story in his own words. In his deeply personal and controversial memoir, Dilemma (Celebra, $23.95), Father Cutié tells about the devastating struggle between upholding his sacred promises as a Roman Catholic priest and falling in love. Already conflicted with growing ideological differences with the Church, Cutié was forced to abruptly change his life the day that he was photographed on the beach, embracing the woman who is now his wife. Once a poster boy of the Church, loved and admired by millions, Cutié found that he was not happy and able to live as a celibate priest, especially having to defend the number of positions he was no longer in agreement with. For years he kept his relationship a secret, while he soul-searched and prayed for answers. The love that he deemed a blessing was bringing him closer to God, but further from the Church. Cutié tells about breaking that promise, reigniting the very heated debate over mandatory celibacy for Catholic priests, beginning a new way of life and discovering a new way of serving God. 7pm

It is within America's technical and financial power to help end world hunger in our lifetime, if we set our hearts and minds to the task. Contrary to what many people believe, the world has made measurable advancements against hunger and poverty over the last several decades. But too often the binding constraint on further progress is a simple lack of political will. As a result, one of the most powerful ways to affect change is often the most neglected--political activism. In the powerful and hopeful book, Exodus from Hunger : We Are Called to Change the Politics of Hunger (Westminister John Knox Press, $14.95), David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World and a leading anti-hunger activist, looks at the causes of hunger, presents case studies of countries that have made great strides against it, and puts a human face on the problem by sharing stories of people who are, quite simply, hungry every day. The problems can seem overwhelming but Beckmann lays out a clear and workable plan for effectively using political channels to make great progress. He not only challenges us to get involved, he shows us how. 4pm

As Professor of Medicine and Faculty Dean for Continuing Medical Education at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Sanjiy Chopra provides rigorously proven, evidence-based medical information to thousands of doctors from throughout the country and abroad. In DOCTOR CHOPRA SAYS: Medical Facts & Myths Everyone Should Know (Thomas Dunne, $26.99), he separates true medical news from media hype to reveal authoritative advice that everyone should know and follow.  Ranging from food and drink to drugs, vitamins and supplements to health risks, he counsels readers on virtually every major medical topic currently under debate. For example, he proposes that we drink a lot of coffee; take aspirin daily to prevent an host of serious diseases and always carry it so you're ready if “the big one” strikes; take vitamin D3 supplements daily but disregard virtually all other supplements; eat fish twice a week and not worry about mercury poisoning; vaccinate all children, which he argues is not a cause of autism; and regularly have a colonoscopy when you turn fifty. Also, he cautions women not to rely on self-breast examinations. 8pm

Fifty years and many changes have ensued since an international English language newspaper in Rome was founded by an enigmatic millionaire, and now, amid the stained carpeting and dingy office furniture, the staff’s personal dramas seem far more important than the daily headlines in The Imperfectionists (The Dial Press, $25). Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Rome, Tom Rachman’s wry, vibrant debut follows the topsy-turvy private lives of the reporters, editors, and executives of an international English language newspaper as they struggle to keep it—and themselves—afloat. Kathleen, the imperious editor in chief, is smarting from a betrayal in her open marriage; Arthur, the lazy obituary writer, is transformed by a personal tragedy; Abby, the embattled financial officer, discovers that her job cuts and her love life are intertwined in a most unexpected way. Out in the field, a veteran Paris freelancer goes to desperate lengths for his next byline, while the new Cairo stringer is mercilessly manipulated by an outrageous war correspondent with an outsize ego. And in the shadows is the isolated young publisher who pays more attention to his prized basset hound, Schopenhauer, than to the fate of his family’s quirky newspaper and the surprising truth about its founder’s intentions. Spirited, moving, and highly original, The Imperfectionists will establish Tom Rachman as one of our most perceptive, assured literary talents.  6pm

What is Jewish cooking in France? That is the question that has haunted Joan Nathan over the years and driven her to unearth the secrets of this hidden cuisine. Now she gives us the fruits of her quest in Quiches, Kugels and Couscous (Knopf, $39.95), a treasure trove of delectable kosher recipes and the often moving stories behind them, interlaced with the tumultuous two-thousand-year history of the Jewish presence in France. All across France she finds that Jewish cooking is more alive than ever. Traditional dishes are honored, yet many have acquired a French finesse and reflect regional differences. The influx of Jewish immigrants from North Africa following Algerian independence has brought exciting new flavors and techniques that have infiltrated contemporary French cooking, and the Sephardic influence is more pronounced throughout France today. Nathan translates these wonderful dishes – and so many more – for our home kitchens: try a Brioche for Rosh Hashanah; a baconless quiche Lorraine; Brisket with Ginger, Orange Peel, and Tomato; Southwestern Cassoulet with Duck and Lamb; Tongue with Capers and Cornichons; and Almondeguilles (Algerian meatballs); and a Hanukkah Apple Cake. 8pm

Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Rome, Tom Rachman’s wry, vibrant debut -- -- The Imperfectionists (The Dial Press, $25) -- follows the topsy-turvy private lives of the reporters, editors, and executives of an international English language newspaper as they struggle to keep it — and themselves — afloat. Kathleen, the imperious editor in chief, is smarting from a betrayal in her open marriage; Arthur, the lazy obituary writer, is transformed by a personal tragedy; Abby, the embattled financial officer, discovers that her job cuts and her love life are intertwined in a most unexpected way. Out in the field, a veteran Paris freelancer goes to desperate lengths for his next byline, while the new Cairo stringer is mercilessly manipulated. And in the shadows is the isolated young publisher who pays more attention to his prized basset hound, Schopenhauer, than to the fate of his family’s quirky newspaper. As the era of print news gives way to the Internet age and this imperfect crew stumbles toward an uncertain future, the paper’s rich history is revealed, including the surprising truth about its founder’s intentions. 8pm

 John Wilmerding, former Deputy Director of the National Gallery of Art and highly respected authority on American art, speaks about the exhibition Tom Wesselmann Draws. Free admission, however reservations are requested.  Call Holly Guiliano (954) 262-0241.

The curious story of the unlikely relationship between a champion boxer and a celebrated man of letters.  Gene Tunney, the world heavyweight-boxing champion from 1926 to 1928, seemed an unusual companion for George Bernard Shaw, but Shaw, a world-famous playwright, found the Irish-American athlete to be "among the very few for whom I have established a warm affection.” The Prizefighter and the Playwright (Firefly, $35) chronicles the legendary -- but rarely documented -- relationship that formed between this celebrated odd couple. From the beginning, it seemed a strange relationship, as Tunney was 40 years younger and the men could not have occupied more different worlds. Yet it is clear that these two famous men, comfortable on the world stage, longed for friendship when they were out of the celebrity spotlight. Full of surprises and revelations about Shaw and Tunney, this handsome book is also a fascinating look at their times. Author Jay R. Tunney is the son of the famous fighter, and his book is a beautifully woven and often surprising biography of the two men. 8pm

An informal “Conversation” with Chef Allen Susser of Chef Allen’s and the Museum’s new café along with radio/television host Linda Gassenheimer.  Linda Gassenheimer,  author of the best-selling Dinner in Minutes, will discuss her latest book, The Flavors of the Florida Keys (Atlantic Monthly). She has also written ten other cookbooks, produces and hosts a weekly segment, “Food News and Views,” on WLRN National Public Radio and makes many guest appearances on numerous radio and television programs throughout the United States and Canada. Free. Lobby/Café

Also live music form Jacob Jeffries Band 12-1pm and 2-3pm

In The Charming Quirks of Others (Pantheon, $24.95), the latest, felicitous addition to Alexander McCall Smith’s Isabel Dalhousie series, our inquisitive heroine comes to see that there are very few of us who are not flawed -- herself included. A couple who are old friends of Isabel’s ask for her help in a rather tricky situation: A successor is being sought for the headmaster position at their alma mater. The board has four final candidates but has received an anonymous letter alleging that one of them has a very serious skeleton in the closet. Could Isabel discreetly look into it? And so she does. What she discovers about all the candidates is surprising, but what she discovers in herself turns out to be equally revealing—and she finds that she has also unwittingly upset Jamie, the father of her young son. Isabel’s investigation will have her exploring issues of charity, forgiveness, and humility as she moves nearer and nearer to some of the most hidden precincts of the heart. 7pm

Live Music in the Courtyard: Federico Britos, 7-11pm

Lenelle Moise -- award-winning Haitian-American lesbian poet laureate, playwright, essayist, composer and nationally touring artist -- creates intimate, fiery, politicized, texts about the intersection of race, class, gender, sexuality, spirituality, culture and resistance for Tigertail’s Gay & Lesbian Teen Spoken Word Project.  8pm

Pablo Cartaya shares his yummy new picture book for little ones, Tina Cocolina, Queen of the Cupcake. Immediately following the storytelling, guests will enjoy coloring chef’s hats and receive a complimentary mini-cupcake provided by Sugarsweet Dreams Cake Company. Free. Bookstore/Café

  A story time for young readers, family tour, and sketching in the galleries celebrates Tom Wesselmann Draws featuring stories with a short family tour.  Free. Wesselmann Gallery.

This popular free play reading series, entering its 15th season in association with Books & Books, previews scripts culled from among the 1,200+ plays submitted annually by national and local playwrights as part of the National Ten-Minute Play Contest.  The readings feature a rotating company of South Florida’s finest actors, and are led by City Theatre’s artistic staff.  Audiences enjoy participating in the process of a play’s development by being among the first to hear and evaluate a new work.  Free.  Bookstore/café.

Autographing only. Book purchase required. You must buy Whoopi's books from Books & Books to enter the signing line. Hold on to your receipt, please! You'll be asked to show the receipt to enter the line.

Because of time constraints, NO PHOTOS will be allowed. In order to sign as many customers’ books as possible during the one-hour signing, Whoopi will not be able to personalize books. Signature only. No memorabilia.

We will accommodate as many people as possible during the one-hour signing, so please arrive early to secure a place in the signing line. Line opens at 3pm. The Signing will end promptly at 5:30pm.

No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer returns with The Inner Circle (Grand Central Publishing, $26.99) a pulse-pounding new novel of lies and deception at the highest levels of government. Beecher White, a young archivist, spends his days working with the most important documents of the U.S. government:  There are stories no one knows. Hidden stories. I love those stories. And since I work in the National Archives, I find those stories for a living. When Clementine Kaye, his first childhood crush, shows up at the Archives asking for his help tracking down her long-lost father, Beecher tries to impress her by showing her the secret vault where the President of the United States privately reviews classified documents. It is also where Beecher and Clementine accidentally happen upon a priceless artifact -- a 200-year-old dictionary that once belonged to George Washington – hidden inside a desk chair. Eager to discover why the President is hiding this important national treasure, the two soon find themselves entangled in a web of deception, conspiracy, and murder that will reveal the most well kept secret of the U.S. Presidency. 7pm

Live Music in the Gables courtyard!

PJ Library Story Time: Share stories, crafts and fun today. 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, Temple Beth Am and MiamiMunchkins.com. 10:30am

PJ Library Story Time: Share stories, crafts and fun today. 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

A lively, informal “Meet and Greet” with local authors featuring live music and food.  Authors in attendance include: Kristy Kiernan, James Grippando, Evelina Galang, Lynne Barrett, Michael Hettich, Fabiola Santiago, Steven Raichlen, Thomas Swick and Adrian Castro.  Free.  Bookstore/café

Inside Out Theatre Company will present its newest and original musical on bullying, “Nowhere to Hide.” The show, performed by youth for youth ages 8-12, runs approximately one hour and will include a post performance discussion with the audience.  Free.  Horvitz Auditorium. 

There’s something quite magical about reading a Magic Tree House book. Fast-paced adventure, history and magic. You want to gobble up these beloved and bestselling books, right along with all the facts and fun Jack and Annie discover. And now the magic is back -- and guess who’s bringing it to us? Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce! The authors of the Magic Tree House series and the companion Research Guides. But with the magic tree house comes troubling news in Mary Pope Osborne’s – Magic Tree House #45: Crazy day with Cobras (Random House, $12.99): Merlin’s beloved penguin, Penny, has been put under a spell! Jack and Annie must find four things to break the spell. The first is a rare and precious emerald. When the magic tree house whisks them back to India over four hundred years ago to search for the jewel, they discover an amazing and exotic world filled with great danger. Will Jack and Annie find what they’re looking for? Will they avoid the wrath of the all-powerful Great Mogul, survive a crazy ride on a wild elephant, escape an attack by king cobras—and make it back to the magic tree house? And you’ll have many more questions as you read along. Can snakes really be charmed? What do komodo dragons like to eat? How do you tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? Which reptile has the deadliest venom?  So, grab your copy of Research Guide #23: Snakes and Other Reptiles (Random House, $4.99) by Natalie Pope Boyce. Kids, parents, teachers – join us for this very special visit. Tickets required. FREE tickets available at our three South Florida Books & Books stores. You may bring a limited number of your paperback Magic Tree House books with you. 2pm

Few comics can say they have worked with the likes of George Burns, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Bobby Darin, but Pat Cooper can. From his career launch in 1963 on the Jackie Gleason Show, Pat Cooper has succeeded in show business for five decades, and his hilarious, and irreverent autobiography How Dare You Say How Dare Me (Square One Publishers, $24.95) tells the story. Jerry Seinfeld says "He's the comedian's comedian. I think," and Robert De Niro claims "He's a great actor-comedian-but I'm not sure which one." This autobiography as told to Rich Herschlag and Steve Garrin, with foreword by Jerry Lewis, is an honest, and comical account of the life of one of entertainment's giants. 2:30pm

Members of the Miami Poetry Collective, including Peter Borrebach, Parker Phillips, David Svenson, and Patsy Warman, will be reading poems that speak from the spaces between the arts, utilizing ekphrasis (poetry written after specific works of visual art) as a tool to recognize that the lyric process is one that both precludes and transcends the experience of art. Free. Bookstore/café.

Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar (Atria/Beyond Words, $22) speaks to anyone concerned with the sustainability of Mother Earth, the role of elders in our society, the seemingly unconsciousness of science and corporations, and the subtleties of unseen realities, resulting in spiritual growth, a deeper relationship with nature, and a better world for all. An avatar is a manifestation of the Supreme Being—usually in human form—that descends from the transcendental realm to Earth to heal the planet and restore peace and harmony by eliminating the harmful souls that prey on Mother Earth. In Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar, Vedic expert and teacher Jeffrey Armstrong explains the ancient Indian wisdoms embodied in the word “avatar,” and that behind the notion of avatar is a view that sees the sacredness of all life and the soul of all beings as eternal—meant for freedom and made of divine essence. 4pm

Award-winning playwright, television writer, and documentary filmmaker Adriana Trigiani returns with Brava, Valentine (Harper, $14.99), continuing the heartwarming and hilarious story of Valentine Roncalli, her family, her love life, and the Angelini Shoe Company. Following on the heels of the New York Times bestseller Very Valentine (hailed by People magazine as “Sex and the City meets Moonstruck”), Brava, Valentine is another tour-de-force from the beloved author of bestselling novels Lucia, Lucia, The Queen of the Big Time, and the Big Stone Gap series. 8pm

This collection of quirky and fun stories about the Hidden History of Everglades City (History Press, $19.99), draw from Maureen Sullivan-Hartung’s time as a reporter for the Everglades City Echo and chronicles lesser-known stories about the area. The book discusses the original pioneer families of Everglades City, and the time when this city was the governing center of Collier County. It goes on to chronicle colorful characters from the area, local landmarks, and the annual Seafood Festival that draws 20,000 people to the city every year. 6pm

Get into the flow with Floetry for another special night of words and wisdom, poetry and people. Join some of Cayman's most talented poets and performers who share their work during an Open Mic night of poetry and readings. Share your own work or come listen to others.
Floetry's mix of poetry and music provides a unique opportunity for Cayman's community of writers and readers to share their artistic and cultural experiences. It's the perfect place to express yourself – or to be yourself.
Floetry takes place on the third Wednesday of the month.

Deon Davis’ I'll Find a Way (Authorhouse, $14.65) is about the heart and soul of what love can do when confronted with life challenges. Our sexual orientation differs but our decision to love our children leaves no choices. My son Ricky suffered from self-inflicting pain, depression, suicidal thoughts, and the fear of acceptance of himself. With the love and support of his family and friends he found his way and accepted his life............ an intelligent, honorable, respected Gay young man. 7pm

In the wake of Bernie Madoff’s ruinous investment schemes, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League, Abraham H. Foxman takes a cultural and political look at the many variations throughout history of the assumptions made about Jews and Money (Palgrave Macmillan, $26). These include Jews as greedy global capitalists; Jews as wealthy secret communists; Jews as cheapskates; and Jews controlling the media with their money to unduly influence society. Foxman makes the case that these stereotypes have permeated cultures globally and argues that these beliefs are rooted in deep-seated and pervasive anti-Semitism. As with all forms of bigotry, society at large needs to respond to the persistence of stereotypes by educating the young, denouncing hate speech, and by encouraging Jews, like all groups, to express pride in their ethnic and religious heritage. 8pm

Live Music in the Courtyard: Russell Mofsky’s Gold Dust Lounge,  7-11pm

When Julian's parents make the heartbreaking decision to send him and his two brothers away from Cuba to Miami via the Pedro Pan operation, the boys are thrust into a new world where bullies run rampant and it's not always clear how best to protect themselves in 90 Miles to Havana (Roaring Brook, $17.99). Enrique Flores-Galbis, at age nine, was one of 14,000 children who left Cuba in 1961, without their parents, in a mass exodus called "Operation Pedro Pan." He and his two older brothers spent months in a refugee camp in southern Florida and this historical novel is inspired by that experience. 4pm

The inimitable Edwidge Danticat, one of the truly great contemporary writers, brings her talents as an editor to Haiti Noir (AkashicBooks, $15.95), a timely volume featuring stories set both before and after the devastating earthquake.  This original noir anthology features brand-new stories by Danticat and a host of diverse writers, including Rodney Saint-Eloi, Madison Smartt Bell, Gary Victor, Yanick Lahens, Louis-Philipe Dalembert, Kettly Mars, Evelyne Trouillot, Katia Ulysse, Ibi Aanu Zoboi, Nadine Pinede, and others.  While Haiti has a tragic history and continues to be one of the most destitute places on the planet, here, Danticat reveals that even while the subject matter remains dark, the caliber of Haitian writing is of the highest order. She’s joined this afternoon for a reading and discussion with contributing writers M.J. Fievre and Marie Ketsia Theodore-Pharel in this very special event presented in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in North Miami and Project Medishare. MOCA is currently hosting an exhibition of 75 photographs taken by Bruce Weber from 2003 to 2010 titled, Haiti/Little Haiti. In his unique way, Weber has captured images of a dynamic, diverse and evolving community, bringing the Haitian neighborhoods of Miami to a wider international audience. For more information, visit www.mocanomi.org The talk begins today at 4pm.

Carla Ulbrich (the Singing Patient) brings her book, How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This? to life with lively conversation, discussion, reading from the book, and performing humorous songs that chronicle the experiences she writes about. How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This? is a collection of short, inspiring, funny essays that help people thrive, celebrate life, and work through illness. Carla reveals how laughter has been pivotal to reclaiming her health after serious crises. She offers heartfelt and humorous advice for navigating the medical system and explains how she’s benefited from exploring better nutrition, exercise, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture. This singer-songwriter’s candid insights, wisecracking commentary, handy lists, and hilarious song lyrics provide smiles and gentle camaraderie to those who want to tackle health problems with courage, zest, and humor. 4pm

America in the Roaring Twenties. Vaudeville was king. Talking pictures were only a distant flicker. Speakeasies beckoned beyond dimly lit doorways; money flowed fast and free. But then, almost overnight, the Great Depression leveled everything. When the dust settled, Americans were primed for a star who could distract them from grim reality and excite them in new, unexpected ways. Enter Gypsy Rose Lee, a strutting, bawdy, erudite stripper who possessed a preternatural gift for delivering exactly what America needed. With her superb narrative skills and eye for compelling detail, Karen Abbott brings to vivid life an era of ambition, glamour, struggle, and survival. Using exclusive interviews and never-before-published material, she vividly delves into Gypsy’s world, including her intensely dramatic triangle relationship with her sister, actress June Havoc, and their formidable mother, Rose, a petite but ferocious woman who seduced men and women alike and literally killed to get her daughters on the stage. American Rose (Random House, $26) chronicles their story, as well as the story of the four scrappy and savvy showbiz brothers from New York City who would pave the way for Gypsy Rose Lee’s brand of burlesque. 6pm

Miami Arts Charter Student Reading at 6pm.

An unprecedented, intimate, and richly illustrated portrait of Frank Gehry, one of the world’s most influential architects. Drawing on the most candid, revealing, and entertaining conversations she has had with Gehry over the last twenty years, Barbara Isenberg provides new and fascinating insights into the man and his work.

Gehry’s subjects range from his childhood—when he first built cities with wooden blocks on the floor of his grandmother’s kitchen—to his relationships with clients and his definition of a “great” client. We learn about his architectural influences (including Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright) and what he has learned from Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Rauschenberg.

We explore the thinking behind his designs for the Guggenheim Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the redevelopment of Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn and Grand Avenue in Los Angeles, the Gehry Collection at Tiffany’s, and ongoing projects in Toronto, Paris, Abu Dhabi, and elsewhere. And we follow as Gehry illuminates the creative process by which his ideas first take shape—for example, through early drawings for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, when the building’s trademark undulating curves were mere scribbles on a page. Sketches, models, and computer images provided by Gehry himself allow us to see how so many of his landmark buildings have come to fruition, step by step.

Conversations with Frank Gehry is essential reading for everyone interested in the art and craft of architecture, and for everyone fascinated by the most iconic buildings of our time, as well as the man and the mind behind them.

THE SECRET SERVICE. An elite team of men who share a single mission: to protect the president of the United States. On November 22, 1963, these men failed—and a country would never be the same. Now, for the first time, a member of JFK’s Secret Service detail reveals the inside story of the assassination, the weeks and days that led to it and its heartrending aftermath. This extraordinary book is a moving, intimate portrait of dedication, courage, and loss.

Drawing on the memories of his fellow agents, Jerry Blaine captures the energetic, crowd-loving young president, who banned agents from his car and often plunged into raucous crowds with little warning. He describes the careful planning that went into JFK’s Texas swing, the worries and concerns that agents, working long hours with little food or rest, had during the trip. And he describes the intensely private first lady making her first-ever political appearance with her husband, just months after losing a newborn baby.

Here are vivid scenes that could come only from inside the Kennedy detail: JFK’s last words to his tearful son when he left Washington for the last time; how a sudden change of weather led to the choice of the open-air convertible limousine that day; Mrs. Kennedy standing blood-soaked outside a Dallas hospital room; the sudden interruption of six-year-old Caroline’s long-anticipated sleepover with a friend at home; the exhausted team of agents immediately reacting to the president’s death with a shift to LBJ and other key governmental figures; the agents’ dismay at Jackie’s decision to walk openly from the White House to St. Matthew’s Cathedral at the state funeral.

Most of all, this is a look into the lives of men who devoted their entire beings to protecting the presidential family: the stress of the secrecy they kept, the emotional bonds that developed, the terrible impact on agents’ psyches and families, and their astonishment at the country’s obsession with far-fetched conspiracy theories and finger-pointing. A book fifty years in coming, The Kennedy Detail is a portrait of incredible camaraderie and incredible heartbreak—a true, must-read story of heroism in its most complex and human form.

Reality TV personality Lauren "Lo" Bosworth has witnessed her fair share of bad dating and has experienced some herself. As a star on two reality shows, she is no stranger to drama and what comes along with it. In The Lo Down (Simon & Schuster, $10.99) she offers her advice gleaned from her and her famous friends' relationship experiences on dating and love. Featuring personal photos and anecdotes about her experiences on "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills", The Lo-Down is a further glimpse into the lives of the people that have enthralled so many. 7pm

By the time the City of Miami was born in 1896, Coconut Grove was already a well-defined community with a variety of interesting residents who liked what they found and were willing to fight to keep it that way. Images of America: Coconut Grove (Arcadia Pubishing, $21.99) tells their story from the native people who called it home to the Bahamians and sophisticated settlers who together shaped its special character. Despite hurricanes, booms, busts, and those who would change it, Coconut Grove remains uniquely itself. Award-winning historian Arva Moore Parks has a special affinity for Coconut Grove. She wrote her master's thesis on its history, and her first book, The Forgotten Frontier, highlighted the photographic work of Ralph Munroe, builder of "the Barnacle." Working to preserve his historic home launched her passion for historic preservation. Since then, she has authored, coauthored, or contributed to more than 30 books and documentaries on South Florida history and remains a tireless preservationist. Co-author Bo Bennett is a researcher, and certified paralegal. She wrote Images of America: Lexington, coauthored four other titles with Dr. Nan DeVincent-Hayes, and researched two additional works. Bo was a resident of Miami from 1965 until the early 1990s, and she will always call it home. 8pm

The visionary entrepreneur and author of the New York Times bestseller Do You! delivers a powerful guide to true abundance.

Russell Simmons knows firsthand that wealth is rooted in much more than the stock market. True wealth has more to do with what's in your heart than what's in your wallet. Using this knowledge, Simmons became one of America's shrewdest entrepreneurs, achieving a level of success that most investors only dream about. No matter how much material gain he accumulated, he never stopped lending a hand to those less fortunate. In Rich Inside and Out, Simmons uses his rare blend of spiritual savvy and street-smart wisdom to offer a new definition of wealth-and share timeless principles for developing an unshakable sense of self that can weather any financial storm. As Simmons says, "Happy can make you money, but money can't make you happy."

In straight-talking inspiring chapters, Simmons provides unforgettable true stories from his own road to riches, delving into the principles and practices that have kept him energized and focused. Whether we're in the boardroom or on a yoga mat, Simmons says, we have to be able to listen to our inner voices. Finding our unique potential, we can make the right moves, ruled not by money but by the joy of conscientious living and giving. With these philosophies and more, Simmons brings us a stimulus package of consciousness that will never run dry, backed by the power of the higher self.

Dubbed the CEO of Hip-Hop by BusinessWeek, Russell Simmons is the mastermind behind many wildly successful ventures, including Def Jam Records, Phat Farm, Def Comedy Jam, and the Hip-Hop Summit Action network, which promotes empowerment in young people. Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success, was a national bestseller. He lives in New York

For nearly thirty years Robert Alexander has been traveling to Russia, where he has attended Leningrad State University and worked for the U.S. Government.  Since 1990 he has been a partner in a St. Petersburg company that operates a warehouse and customs clearance center, dental clinic, and Barabu, a chain of espresso-wine bars with locations at The Hermitage and the Fortress of Peter and Paul. Book groups and historical fiction buffs have made Alexander's two previous novels word-of-mouth favorites and national bestsellers. Set against a backdrop of Imperial Russia's twilight, The Romanov Bride (Viking, $15) has the same enduring appeal. The Grand Duchess Elisavyeta's story begins like a fairy tale-a German princess renowned for her beauty and kind heart marries the Grand Duke Sergei of Russia and enters the Romanov's lavish court. Her husband, however, rules his wife as he does Moscow-with a cold, hard fist. And, after a peaceful demonstration becomes a bloodbath, the fires of the revolution link Elisavyeta's destiny to that of Pavel-a young Bolshevik-forever. 7pm

The Word Made Flesh: Literary Tattoos from Bookworms Worldwide is a guide to the emerging subculture of literary tattoos—a collection of more than 150 full-color photographs of human epidermis indelibly adorned with quotations and illustrations from Dickinson to Pynchon, from Shakespeare to Plath. With beloved lines of verse, literary portraits, and illustrations—and statements from the bearers on their tattoos' history and the personal significance of the chosen literary work—The Word Made Flesh is part collection of photographs and part literary anthology written on skin.

Eva Talmadge's fiction has appeared in The New York Tyrant, The Agriculture Reader, New Orleans Review, and Subtropics, among other publications. Her short story "The Cranes" was cited as Notable Nonrequired Reading in Best American Nonrequired Reading 2009 (Dave Eggers, ed.).

A journey to Florida's coast becomes an inescapable nightmare in the newest supernatural thriller from international bestseller Michael Koryta. Arlen Wagner has seen it in men before--a trace of smoke in their eyes that promises imminent death. He is never wrong. When Arlen awakens on a train one hot Florida night and sees death's telltale sign in the eyes of his fellow passengers, he tries to warn them. Only 19-year-old Paul Brickhill believes him, and the two abandon the train, hoping to escape certain death. They continue south, but soon are stranded at the Cypress House (Little, Brown and Company, $24.99)--an isolated Gulf Coast boarding house run by the beautiful Rebecca Cady--directly in the path of an approaching hurricane. The storm isn't the only approaching danger, though. A much deadlier force controls the county and everyone living in it, and Arlen wants out--fast. But Paul refuses to abandon Rebecca to face the threats alone, even though Arlen's eerie gift warns that if they stay too long they may never leave. From its chilling beginning to terrifying end, The Cypress House is a story of relentless suspense from "one of the best of the best" (Michael Connelly). 8pm

Live Music in the Courtyard: Tim Brent Trio, 7-11pm

During his basketball career at Wake Forest, Alan Williams the undersized shooting guard played only 59 minutes in 120 games. “Why was it worth it? What kept him coming back?” These were just a few of the questions a newspaper reporter asked Alan near the end of his career. Amidst laughter and tears, Williams redefines success and offers a unique view of what it means to be a teammate. This moving story Teammates Matter (New Heights Press, $15.95) shows how a seat on the end of the bench, a father’s battle with cancer, and the sudden death of a coach teach a walk-on to find fulfillment in unexpected places. Presented in collaboration with Palmer Trinity School. 8pm

Actors’ Playhouse – Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at 11am

Mark your calendars and join us as we start the New Year with a bang! In collaboration with Books & Books, the South Florida Writers Association presents its second annual Special Event Night showcasing two outstanding authors and members - David Pereda and Seth Bramson.  Entertainers for the evening will be Shamele Jenkins, a nationally renowned poet/spoken word artist; and Eduardo Perez, an opera tenor, who is also an author and medical doctor from Columbia. 7pm

More information to come...

Cast out of the city of Agora where they were left at the end of The Midnight Charter, Mark and Lily must now survive in a dense forest. The strange villages, terrifying nightmares, and powerful witches they find there are even more frightening than Agora with all its slums and secrets. In an adventure that expands with every turn of the page, David Whitley delivers a novel as thrilling and horrifying as his characters' darkest dreams in Children of the Lost (Roaring Brook, $16.99). 3pm

Ever since he led the Peace Meditations at the UN, the power of Sri Chinmoy’s initiatives have been praised by world leaders and influenced thousands of individuals. Here, his insightful words, elegant prose, and shrewd aphorisms form a wonderful tapestry of inspiration for people from all walks of life. Addressing such themes as joy, patience, humility, and love, Sri Chinmoy writes with a beautiful simplicity that soothes the heart and moves the spirit. In Jewels of Happiness (Watkins, $14.95) his easy-to-follow exercises are perfectly suited to our fast-paced lifestyles and provide a reassuring sense of the essential oneness that unites us all. 8pm

Join author Margaret Cardillo in a post-Story Time super-cute kids event with contests and a scarf-tying demo!! 

“Audrey Hepburn proves as irresistible a character in the pages of a children’s book as she is in those soigné roles of the silver screen.”
-Publishers Weekly 

Margaret Cardillo earned her MFA in creative writing as a James A. Michener Fellow at the University of Miami. A former children's book editor in New York City, she now lives in South Florida.

More information to come...