BOOKS DIGEST | Library looking for readers of classics

Library looking for readers of classics

LEETONIA

Become a classic ... reader, that is. One book discussion group wants to expand and commit to reading classics and is now looking for more members.

The first meeting will be in early June at Leetonia Community Public Library, 181 Walnut St. The book of choice is the “Tao Te Ching” attributed to Lao Tzu. This Chinese classic text has been translated many times and is readily available on the Internet, as well as in book form.

Other titles the group will include are ancient classics by Homer, Herodotus and Plutarch, as well as works by Racine, Blake, Balzac and Tolstoy.

Contact Lisa Rohrbaugh at the library, 330-427-6635, or email the library at www.leetonialibrary.org to join.

Bruce Springsteen, in his own words

CHICAGO

While many rock stars seem to suffer through interviews, Bruce Springsteen has welcomed them as an opportunity to speak openly and has given many over the decades.

In a new book, “Springsteen on Springsteen: Interviews, Speeches and Encounters” (Chicago Review Press), Jeff Burger assembles dozens of interviews with the Boss that capture specific moments in his career.

Beginning with his humble start in New Jersey in 1973, “Springsteen” reveals a more intimate side of the artist that many fans never knew existed. In nearly 50 interviews with well-known media figures — such as Ted Koppel, Brian Williams and Ed Norton — Springsteen shares his views on everything from his lonely start to his current life.

The result is a look at the artist in his own words that proves he is as articulate and provocative in interviews as he is in his music.

Burger, who edits the book, is a New Jersey resident and author of dozens of articles in major publications. To order the book, go to ipgbook.com or call 800-888-4741.

Youngstown native writes ‘Devil Dancer’

FREDERICK, MD.

“Devil Dancer,” the latest novel from Youngstown native William Heath, delves into the horse-farm world of the Kentucky Bluegrass region, by way of a detective trying to solve a murder — of a prize stallion.

Majoring in history, Heath attended Hiram College, where he lettered 11 times in four sports. He earned a master’s and a Ph.D. in American Studies at Case Western Reserve University. After a distinguished career as an educator, he retired in 2007 as a professor emeritus in the English department of Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md.

He teaches part-time at Hood College in Frederick, Md.

Heath’s prolific writings include award-winning and award-nominated novels, more than 100 published poems, more than 30 reviews and more than a dozen scholarly essays.

He and his wife, Roser Caminals-Heath, a professor of Spanish at Hood and the author of six novels, have lived in Frederick since 1981.

“Devil Dancer” will be available in paperback June 1 for $14.95 and is being published by Somondoco Press. Email him at heath@msmary.edu.

Akron native debuts mystery novel

OMAHA, NEB.

Lydia Cooper, a native of Akron, has written her debut novel, “My Second Death,” a psychological thriller, which is available in hardcover and paperback.

Her protagonist is caught up in a surreal murder case when she finds a mutilated corpse in an abandoned house.

Cooper, an assistant professor of American literature in Omaha, Neb., has taught at universities and community workshops.

She has been published in numerous academic publications and was recently published as part of Louisiana State University Press’ Southern Writers Series.

Her media contact is Beth Gissinger, who can be emailed at beth.gissinger@fwmedia.com.

Staff/wire reports