LOCAL

LOCAL
Local author to speak
NILES -- Local author Richard S. Scarsella will discuss his book, "Memories and Melancholy: Reflections on the Mahoning Valley and Youngstown, Ohio," during a program Saturday in the Clayman Community Room, located on the second floor of the National McKinley Birthplace Home, 40 S. Main St. The event begins at 2 p.m. and is being sponsored by the McKinley Memorial Library. There is no charge to attend; however, reservations are requested. Call (330) 652-1704, Ext. 202. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
REGIONAL
Bookstore activities
PENINSULA -- The following activities are planned this Saturday at The Blue Heron Bookstore, 1593 Main St., on state Route 303 between Riverview and Akron-Peninsula roads:
Storytime and book signing with Sherry Ellis, author of "That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN!" Noon to 1 p.m. in the Heron's Nest. Children are invited -- but not required -- to wear pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal.
Junior Heron Book Club meeting. Also at noon in the Heron's Nest. Activities will focus on Don Freeman's "Corduroy," the story of a lovable shopworn bear.
New registrations also are being accepted for the 2006-07 season of The Blue Heron Book Club. Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month from September through June, with Dr. Barbara Youel. Registration is $45 for the year or $10 per discussion; space is limited.
To register or for more information all BHBC activities, visit www.blueheronbookstore.com or call (330) 657-2575.
NEW ON AUDIOTAPE
"Baby Proof" by Emily Giffin, read by Cynthia Nixon; Audio Renaissance (five hours, four discs, $24.95, abridged)
Mary Ellen Botter of Dallas Morning News writes: "Baby Proof" is evidence that chick lit can be more than ripping bodices and rippling muscles. This take on contemporary relationships asks whether a childless-by-choice marriage is selfish, then moves on to fallout for philandering spouses, infertility, problem parents and the challenge of seemingly irredeemable mistakes. The themes are thought-provoking, and they're presented in literate English without overblown drama. Lawyer-turned-author Emily Giffin gives us Claudia and Ben, a happy couple who agreed before marriage that there would be no kids. Their careers are zooming along when one reneges on the deal, with wrenching results. The one annoyance is intrusive product placement: Manolo and Easy Spirit here, Krispy Kreme and Diane von Furstenberg there. Cynthia Nixon, an Emmy winner for her role in "Sex and the City," effortlessly conveys complex emotions. Her character voices are easy to follow. Because the themes invite discussion, this is a "chick" book that both hens and roosters might enjoy together.
Combined dispatches