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For many residents in the San Ramon Valley, the summer marks a time for rest, relaxation and plenty of reading, and to help residents find their next literary obsession, Rakestraw Books in Danville will be visited by a series of authors throughout July.
Starting on Thursday, three authors will be visiting the popular bookstore to meet with attendees and discuss their variety of work.
“We are delighted to welcome three old author friends with new books back to the bookshop this month. Two of them — Obi Kaufmann and Amy Mason Doan — grew up here in town riding their bikes down to the bookstore when they needed a new book. Please help us welcome them back,” Michael Barnard, president and owner of Rakestraw Books, wrote in his July newsletter.
Danville native Amy Mason Doan will kick off the speaker series on Thursday evening, where she will discuss her new book, the aptly titled “Summer Hours.”
“Summer Hours,” follows Becc as she travels up the California coast to a wedding — with a man she hasn’t seen in a decade. Becc is intrigued as she remembers past events the pair shared in their youth, but her traveling companion seems less interested in reliving past memories.
“Set in the mid ’90s and 2008, Amy Mason Doan’s Summer Hours is a warmly told novel about the idealism of youth, the seductive power of nostalgia and what happens when you realize you haven’t become the person you’d always promised to be,” Rakestraw staff said of the novel.
Also a Danville native, best-selling author of the “California Field Atlas” Obi Kaufmann will return to his childhood home on July 19, to discuss and sign copies of his newest book “The State of Water.”
In “The State of Water,” Kaufmann explores the history and state of California’s water infrastructure and ecosystems through full-color maps, while advocating for the importance of environmental conservation and restoration.
“Interspersed throughout with trail paintings of animals that might yet survive under a caring and careful water ethic, Kaufmann shows how California can usher in a new era of responsible water conservation, and–perhaps most importantly — how we may do so together,” Rakestraw staff said.
Last but certainly not least, is the national best-selling author of “The School of Essential Ingredients,” Erica Bauermeister, who will be meeting with Danville residents on July 22 to discuss her newest book “The Scent Keeper.”
“The Scent Keeper” tells the story of Emmeline, who lives on a remote island with her father, who teaches her about the natural world through her senses. A curious girl, Emmeline eventually grows older and is vaulted into the real world where she is challenged to “unlock the clues of her identity.”
“Lyrical and immersive, The Scent Keeper explores the provocative beauty of scent, the way it can reveal hidden truths, lead us to the person we seek, and even help us find our way back home,” Rakestraw staff said of Bauermeister’s work.
Each speaking engagement will be held 7 p.m. at Rakestraw Books, 3 Railroad Ave., Danville. Depending on the turnout, space may be limited to residents are encouraged to make a reservation by calling the store at 837-7337.
