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Title Wave: Have you done your reading?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 | No comments posted.
Readers throughout Coos County have been flipping page after page of Diana Abu-Jaber’s first mystery novel, “Origin.” Abu-Jaber and her novel are the focus of this spring’s Title Wave book program, hosted by Coos County public libraries.
The program that began earlier this winter will culminate in a visit and 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. Many of the Miami resident’s 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.
Copies of the book still 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. Should the book not be available at your local library, you can purchase a copy 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.
Abu-Jaber 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.”
The program that began earlier this winter will culminate in a visit and 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. Many of the Miami resident’s 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.
Copies of the book still 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. Should the book not be available at your local library, you can purchase a copy 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.
Abu-Jaber 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.”
Related Title Wave Events
• Wednesday: Jim Pex, a nationally recognized forensic scientist based in North Bend, will talk about forensic science and crime scene investigations at 7 p.m., at the North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Ave.
Pex has received awards from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and twice received the Public Service Award from the Oregon Washington Lawman’s Association. He’s also received commendations from the Oregon State Police for outstanding service, and has appeared on Dateline, Court TV, Good Morning America, and the Discovery Channel. He also has given expert testimony in court.
Pex was an instructor at Southwestern Oregon Community College and with Oregon’s police academy. He’s also taught classes in crime scene reconstruction and bloodstain pattern analysis in other states.
• Saturday, April 26:
“Forensics A to Z” is the topic of a free talk by retired police commander Martha Burkett, who also is a former Southwestern Oregon Community College Justice Services instructor.
The free lecture will focus on forensic science and crime scene investigations. She will talk at 11 a.m. at the Coos Bay Public Library, Myrtlewood Room, 525 W. Anderson Ave.
The presentation also will include a discussion with Kris Karcher, Coos County’s chief deputy medical examiner and forensic nurse.
Join the author discussion
• Saturday, May 3, Coos Bay:
Diana Abu-Jaber will give a 45-minute talk starting at 2 p.m. at the Coos Bay Public Library, 525 W. Anderson Ave. It will be followed by an audience question-and-answer session and book signing.
• Saturday, May 3, Bandon:
Abu-Jaber also will give a repeat program at 7 p.m. at the Bandon Public Library, 11th St. S.W., in Bandon’s City Park
On the Net
http://www.cooslibraries.org/screens/tw_2008.html
http://www.dianaabujaber.com/.
• Wednesday: Jim Pex, a nationally recognized forensic scientist based in North Bend, will talk about forensic science and crime scene investigations at 7 p.m., at the North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Ave.
Pex has received awards from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and twice received the Public Service Award from the Oregon Washington Lawman’s Association. He’s also received commendations from the Oregon State Police for outstanding service, and has appeared on Dateline, Court TV, Good Morning America, and the Discovery Channel. He also has given expert testimony in court.
Pex was an instructor at Southwestern Oregon Community College and with Oregon’s police academy. He’s also taught classes in crime scene reconstruction and bloodstain pattern analysis in other states.
• Saturday, April 26:
“Forensics A to Z” is the topic of a free talk by retired police commander Martha Burkett, who also is a former Southwestern Oregon Community College Justice Services instructor.
The free lecture will focus on forensic science and crime scene investigations. She will talk at 11 a.m. at the Coos Bay Public Library, Myrtlewood Room, 525 W. Anderson Ave.
The presentation also will include a discussion with Kris Karcher, Coos County’s chief deputy medical examiner and forensic nurse.
Join the author discussion
• Saturday, May 3, Coos Bay:
Diana Abu-Jaber will give a 45-minute talk starting at 2 p.m. at the Coos Bay Public Library, 525 W. Anderson Ave. It will be followed by an audience question-and-answer session and book signing.
• Saturday, May 3, Bandon:
Abu-Jaber also will give a repeat program at 7 p.m. at the Bandon Public Library, 11th St. S.W., in Bandon’s City Park
On the Net
http://www.cooslibraries.org/screens/tw_2008.html
http://www.dianaabujaber.com/.
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