Mafia-books author to discuss works

Mafia-books author to discuss works

Allan R. May, author of the new book “Crimetown U.S.A.,” which details the history of the Mafia in the Mahoning Valley from 1933 to 1963, will make several area appearances next month.

Sept. 10, 6 p.m.: Book signing and discussion about “Crimetown U.S.A.” at Warren Trumbull County Library, 4440 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren.

Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m.: Book signing and discussion about “Welcome to the Jungle Inn” at Youngstown Public Library, Poland Branch, 311 Main St., Poland.

Sept. 21, 1 to 4 p.m.: Book signing and discussion about “Crimetown U.S.A.” at Barnes & Noble, 381 Boardman- Poland Road, Boardman.

‘Today’ launches new book club

NEW YORK

NBC’s “Today” show is investing in readers.

The morning program announced last week that it is starting a new book club. Its first club pick is “The Bone Season,” the debut novel of 21-year-old Samantha Shannon. Published by Bloomsbury, it’s the first in a planned seven-part series set in a dystopian futuristic London.

The “Today” show had a book club about 10 years ago. It lasted about three years.

This time, the show has combined forces with Google+ Hangout to open up a discussion about the books among “Today” personalities, authors and fans.

New selections will be made every four to five weeks. The chosen reads will have stickers on their covers like Oprah’s Book Club, which was featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Adam Carolla writing book, ‘President Me’

NEW YORK

Adam Carolla has a dream.

The actor-comedian and host of “The Adam Carolla Show” has a deal with HarperCollins imprint It Books for “President Me,” a blueprint for the world he’d like to see.

It Books announced Wednesday that “President Me” will come out in June 2014.

Carolla’s previous books include the best-sellers “In Fifty Years We’ll All Be Chicks” and “Not Taco Bell Material.” He has been crowd-funding a movie about comedians called “Road Hard.” He plans to write, direct and star in it.

Staff/wire reports