Summer Arts Books and Lectures Preview

Summer is upon us, and that means bookstores are gearing up for Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final Harry Potter installment. Some of us have already preordered a copy. Of course, there is more to the literary life than the trials and tribulations of a nearly grown-up wizard. For example, this week, the annual Santa Barbara Writers Conference brings a bevy of writers to town for public talks and panel discussions.

Sinking the Rising Sun

William E. Davis’s compelling memoir about heroism in WWII includes a foreword by fellow veteran Jonathan Winters, who will join Davis for a signing and discussion. Thu., June 21, 7pm. Borders Books, 900 State St. Call 899-3668.

Ray Bradbury

Influential and legendary writer Ray Bradbury returns for his 35th appearance at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. Sat., June 23, 7:30pm. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 964-0367 or visit sbwritersconference.com.

Gail Tsukiyama

The bestselling author of novels including The Samurai’s Garden and Women of the Silk speaks. Sun., June 24, 7:30pm. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 964-0367 or visit sbwritersconference.com.

Carolyn See

There Will Never Be Another You is the new and acclaimed novel by writer and book critic Carolyn See, who gives a public talk as part of the S.B. Writers Conference. Mon., June 25, 7:30pm. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 964-0367 or visit sbwritersconference.com.

Celebrating New Books

Writers Kendall Conrad, Karin Finell, Nora Gallagher, and Lisa Pearl Rosenbaum discuss their recently published works. Tue., June 26, 4pm. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 964-0367 or visit sbwritersconference.com.

Gayle Lynds

Award-winning writer of espionage thrillers shares stories. Tue., June 26, 7:30pm. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 964-0367 or visit sbwritersconference.com.

Thaw

Santa Barbara resident and son of the founder of Dunn School, Bryan Dunn has written his first novel: an action-packed horror/sci-fi thriller replete with a rugged hero, a beautiful young female scientist, and an ancient evil embedded in an iceberg. Dunn will read from Thaw and sign copies of the book. Thu., June 28, 5-8pm. Derf’s Cafe, 2000 De la Vina St. Call 687-5437.

Gregory Maguire

The writer of the smash-hit Broadway play Wicked, Gregory Maguire presents a different take on the life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Thu., June 28, 7:30pm. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 964-0367 or visit sbwritersconference.com.

Carol Burnett

This multimedia, improvisational, audience-participation evening with the lauded comedian will be taped by PBS to be aired across the country as a segment in its American Masters series. Fri., June 29, 8pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

Beyond the Summit

Linda LeBlanc will read from her novel about a love affair unfolding against the backdrop of an Everest expedition. The event includes a slideshow of LeBlanc’s climbing experiences. Thu., July 5, 7pm. Borders Books, 900 State St. Call 899-3668.

Through the Eyes of a Survivor

Santa Barbara author Colette Waddell tells the story of Polish-born Nina Morecki, who survived the Holocaust. Morecki will be present for discussion and signings. Tue., July 10, 7pm. Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St. Call 682-6787 or visit chaucers.booksense.com.

Harry Potter Midnight Madness Release Party

A certain part of State Street may resemble the grounds of a mythical English castle as Harry Potter fans don Hogwarts garb and make a dash for Deathly Hallows. Fri., July 20, from 9:30pm. Borders Books, 900 State St. Call 899-3668. Also: Barnes & Noble, 829 State St. Call 962-8509.

The Stillness of Love and Exile

Rosa Martha Villarreal weaves the natural and supernatural in her novel, which follows the struggles and victories of a Mexican woman, Lilia. The bestselling author will sign copies of her book. Thu., July 26, 7pm. Borders Books, 900 State St. Call 899-3668.

Slip and Fall

Writer and producer Nick Santora contributed to The Sopranos and Law & Order, among other television shows. He will appear in Santa Barbara to sign copies of Slip and Fall, his first novel. Thu., Aug. 9, 7:30pm. Borders Books, 900 State St. Call 899-3668.

You Have No Rights: Stories of America in an Age of Repression

Author Matthew Rothschild has been the editor of The Progressive since 1993 and will sign and discuss his new, disturbing work, which documents our loss of freedom since 9/11. Wed., Aug. 15, 7pm. Borders Books, 900 State St. Call 899-3668.