2008 Summer Books & Lectures Guide

The Summer of Naked Swim Parties

Set in Santa Barbara in the ’70s, this half-memoir, half-fictive account of a teenage girl’s coming of age is just hitting shelves. Jessica Blau drew on her memories of a youth spent in town to craft this charming tale. Thu., June 19, 7pm. Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St. Call 682-6787 or visit chaucers.booksense.com.

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Santa Barbara Writers Conference Kick-Off Party

In celebration of Santa Barbara’s 36th annual Writers Conference, Borders Books is hosting authors, agents, and the general public at a meet-and-greet that will start off the conference with a bang. The evening will feature a prize drawing for a full WordFest pass to the conference, which will allow the lucky winner to participate in the week’s events for free. The party itself is the perfect way to experience the conference without breaking the bank, as participants will be on hand to sign books and answer questions. Refreshments will also be served. Fri., June 20, 5:30pm. Borders Books & Music, 900 State St. Call 899-3668.

36th Santa Barbara Writers Conference

This world-famous annual event features writing workshops, opportunities for budding authors to meet and greet literary agents, and manuscript critiques for prose and poetry. At $825 a reservation, participation is pricey-but writers keep returning for the feedback and networking opportunities. There will also be a VIP reception for mystery author Sue Grafton. Sat., June 21-Thu., June 26. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 964-0367 or visit sbwriters.com.

All for a Few Perfect Waves

Author David Rensin will sign and discuss his book, a biography of surfer Miki “Da Cat” Dora, which is based on hundreds of personal interviews. Sun., June 22, 3pm. Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St. Call 682-6787 or visit chaucers.booksense.com.

The Brotherhood of Joseph

Santa Barbara resident Brooks Hansen will read from and sign copies of his new book, which tells the story of his journey through infertility and adoption. Sun., July 6, 3pm. Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St. Call 682-6787 or visit brookshansen.com.

Namkha Rinpoche

This associate of the 14th Dalai Lama will deliver a free public lecture, Forgiveness: The Key to Resiliency. Sun., July 6, 4-6pm. La Casa de Maria, 800 El Bosque Rd. Call 969-5031 or visit lacasademaria.org.

Collections of Nothing

UCSB professor of theater W. Davies King will sign copies of his new book Collections of Nothing, published by University of Chicago Press and based on his own obsession with collecting. Sun., July 27, 3pm. Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St. Call 682-6787.

Summer Poetry Workshop

Led by Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Perie Longo, this three-day event features writing workshops and an opportunity to have poetry read and critiqued. Also participating are Barry Spacks, former Santa Barbara poet laureate, and local playwright, poet, and creative writing teacher David Starkey. Sat., Aug. 2-Mon., Aug. 4. Westmont College, 955 La Paz Rd. Call 966-1423 or visit communityofvoices.blogspot.com.

Utopia Texas

Betty Byrd’s second novel follows the adventures and misadventures of a wealthy female oil speculator in the middle of the 20th century. Byrd has drawn on her own knowledge of oil drilling and Texas life, and the book promises to provide page-turning thrills. She will discuss and sign her book. Sun., Aug. 17, 1pm. Borders Books, 7000 Marketplace Dr., Goleta. Call 968-1370.

50/50

Dean Karnazes, author of 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! will sign and discuss his book. He’ll likely be happy for the chance to sit down for a few hours, so take the opportunity to drop by and ask him about his secrets-you may learn a thing or two. Tue., Aug. 19, 7pm. Borders Books & Music, 900 State St. Call 899-3668.