Author Diana Abu-Jaber will make two stops in Coos County in May to speak about writing and her books. She'll also talk with readers who are participating in Title Wave. Abu-Jaber's talks are set for 2 p.m. at the Coos Bay Public Library and 7 p.m. at the Bandon Public Library, on Saturday, May 3. - Contributed Photo

There’s a Title Wave coming to Coos County.

Instead of a water-logged kind, the Coos County public libraries’ reading program Title Wave offers something to do on rainy days. The featured book is Diana Abu-Jaber’s first mystery novel, “Origin.”

 The program encourages area residents to read the book and then participate in a discussion with the author. Abu-Jaber will be in Coos Bay and Bandon on Saturday, May 3, as part of the Coos County Reads program. In addition to speaking about her life and works, Abu-Jaber will talk with attendees and sign books.

Born in Syracuse, N.Y., to an American mother and a Jordanian father, Abu-Jaber lived in Jordan for two years as a child, and New York, Oregon and Florida since then. She currently lives in Miami. Many of her books deal with issues she has experienced as an Arab-American.

“Origin” is a mystery novel about fingerprint-examiner Lena Dawson in Syracuse. Lena’s mundane life takes a turn when she is caught up in a murder investigation. Babies thought to have died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may have been murdered, and Lena must help solve this case while dealing with her own childhood mysteries.

Abu-Jaber may not be coming until May, but it’s not too early to start reading the book. Copies are available at all Coos County libraries. In addition to traditional paper books, the Coastline libraries also have the book available in audiobook format, compact disc but not cassettes. Be prepared to be patient at the libraries. Although there are more than 20 hard copies and nine compact disc copies of the book in the system, many of them are checked out. Those who prefer not to wait can purchase the book at a discount at Books by the Bay, 1875 Sherman Ave. in North Bend; and at Colette’s, suites H and I at 3229 Broadway Ave., in North Bend. The book will be available in softcover in May. One area book club is joining into the action as well, the Best Ever Book Club in the Bay Area.

Abu-Jaber is not just an author. She is a National Public Radio commentator and teaches each fall at Portland State University, where she is a writer-in-residence and associate professor in the English Department. Though “Origin” is her only mystery novel so far, other books by Abu-Jaber include “Arabian Jazz,” the romance novel “Crescent” and “The Language of Baklava.” “The Language of Baklava” tells her story of growing up, and the others also incorporate the experiences of Arab-Americans.

Her awards include a 1994 Oregon Book Award for her first novel, “Arabian Jazz.”

Title Wave was first introduced two years ago, with author Craig Lesley. Coos Bay and North Bend library directors Carol Ventgen and Gary Sharp said that they look forward to having more Title Waves in the future. The main obstacle is funding, as the libraries must pay the authors, as well as traveling expenses. Abu-Jaber also will be speaking in McMinville during the same time, so Coos County was able to save on transportation costs. Title Wave is sponsored by the Friends of the Library groups of Coos County, the Coos County Library Service District, Books By The Bay and Wegferd Publications.

For more information about Title Wave 2008, those interested can call the library directors or visit http://www.cooslibraries.org/screens/tw_2008.html.

For more information about Abu-Jaber, those interested can visit the Web site at http://www.dianaabujaber.com/.