Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for the men on your list? The Calvert Library has the perfect event for you! On Wednesday, Dec. 9, authors of the ideal “man” books will be at the Calvert Library Prince Frederick at 7 p.m. to sell and sign their books. You’ll meet Jack D’Ambrosio, author of Apollos and Family Sins; Pete Hurrey, author of The Grease Monkey Gourmet; and Kevin Clark, author of The Smell of Baseball.
Pete Hurrey’s The Grease Monkey Gourmet is the ultimate guidebook for men—advice on cooking and pearls of wisdom about relationships—resulting in a rousing recipe of invaluable information. Hurrey’s “point system” is just one of the many gems that gives solid recommendations on how to communicate with your significant other.
If you’re looking for a more intense read, you might enjoy Jack D’Ambrosio’s Family Sins. The Damanos immigrated to the United States from Italy at the turn of the 20th century. The other family, the Brutons, migrated to Washington, D.C. from the Carolinas. Both families hoped that their children would take advantage of what America offered, but it was not to be. Their offspring turned to crime. The first generation of these two families were to meet, and what followed would decide the course of crime in Washington, D.C. D’Ambrosio’s second book, The Apollos is semi-autobiographical, detailing the author’s time as one of the co-leaders of this D.C. gang.
If you are more of a sports fan than a crime fan, you must check out Kevin Clark’s book, The Smell of Baseball. Kevin Clark has lived in Southern Maryland since 1979 when he was honorably discharged from the United States Navy. He attended St. Mary’s College where he played baseball for two years. He also played baseball in the Charles St.Mary’s baseball league, the Independent league and the Industrial league. He is the author of Children Growing Funny, a collection of poems and quotes and his newest release is The Smell of Baseball. It was Clark’s love for baseball that inspired this story, which is a story told through a son’s eyes. The son reflects back on his childhood and his father, while playing centerfield for the Baltimore Orioles. The book flashes back and forth, from present to past, while highlighting certain events that helped to mold him into a major league baseball player. The story plays out during a game being played at Fenway Park, against the Boston Red Sox, where the young baseball player re-lives a magical event that took place in this same park 10 years earlier before his father passed away. Clark thinks this is a story for both the avid and the casual baseball fan as it includes excitement, sentiment and family values.
There will be a short reading from each book so you can find out if it is what you are looking for. The readings will be followed by a reception, as well as time for questions, answers and autographs. For more information, call Robyn Truslow at (410) 535-0291 or (301) 855-1862.