Lunchtime Book Talks Every Tuesday
Liven up your lunchtime with a book talk hosted by the Friends of Albany Public Library. The group hosts regular lunchtime book and author events every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. in the large auditorium of the Washington Ave. Branch at 161 Washington Ave. The programs feature reviews of popular books by local speakers, as well as author talks and other special topics. The talks are free and open to the public, and include light refreshments. For more information, call 427-4300.
Here’s the Friends of Albany Public Library book talk schedule for August:
Book Review | The Brothers Vonnegut: Science and Fiction in the House of Magic by Ginger Gail Strand
Aug. 2 (Tues) | 12:15 pm | Washington Ave. Branch
“Strand has unearthed a little-known, complex story about science and politics that touches on big questions about ethics and progress,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Justin Minder, a professor at University at Albany’s Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, reviews the book.
Author Talk | Darryl McGrath on Flight Paths: A Field Journal of Hope, Heartbreak, and Miracles with New York’s Bird People
Aug. 9 (Tues) | 12:15 pm | Washington Ave. Branch
McGrath, an Albany author and journalist, discusses this book about how a small group of New York biologists brought the peregrine falcon and bald eagle back from the brink of extinction. The Adirondack Council wrote of her work, “McGrath weaves together science, politics, personal struggle, and the emotional gravity of permanent loss into poignant tales of survival.”
Book Review | The Death of Caesar: The Story of History’s Most Famous Assassination by Barry Strauss
Aug. 16 (Tues) | 12:15 pm | Washington Ave. Branch
Hans-Friedrich Mueller, Union College professor of ancient and modern languages, reviews the book that The Boston Globe said “teases apart this paramilitary operation of 60 or more conspirators and, in reporting the facts, revokes much of Shakespeare’s poetic license in ‘Julius Caesar.’”
Book Review | Climate Shock: The Economic Consequences of a Hotter Plant by Gernot Wagner & Martin L. Weitzman
Aug. 23 (Tues) | 12:15 pm | Washington Ave. Branch
Nature said the authors “deliver a high-voltage shock in their analysis of the costs of climate change” in this book reviewed by Mark Lowery, of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Author Talk | Steve Lobel on Failing My Way to Success: Life Lessons of an Entrepreneur
Aug. 30 (Tues) | 12:15 pm | Washington Ave. Branch
Lobel discusses his business failures and successes in his career as an entrepreneur, “angel investor,” and philanthropist. Many know him as the former owner of gourmet food market Cowan & Lobel, and he now serves as vice president of an independent insurance agency.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.