With four notable authors, including world-renowned “Clan of the Cave Bear” author Jean M. Auel and former University of Arizona President Peter Likins, the 16th Annual Brandeis National Committee, Tucson Chapter, Book & Author events promise to be a treat for readers.
The Evening Soirée with authors Auel, Likins, David Liss and Gayle Lynds will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. at the home of Ruthann Pozez. The evening will include dinner with the authors and a musical program.
On Thursday, March 1, the Brandeis Book & Author Day will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Skyline Country Club, 5200 E. St. Andrews Drive. The day will begin with books available for purchase and signing, and an artisans’ boutique (cash/check only). The program will begin with author talks at 10:15 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch and dessert bar at noon. Author talks will continue at 1 p.m. Rabbi Thomas Louchheim of Congregation Or Chadash will moderate the program.
Auel began writing her novels focusing on the prehistoric world of Ayla in the Earth’s Children Series 30 years ago. Her latest addition to the best-selling series, which has sold millions of copies worldwide, is “The Land of the Painted Caves.” Auel’s extensive research has earned her the respect of archaeologists and anthropologists.
Likins is the author of “A New American Family: A Love Story,” a memoir about adopting six children of different ages, racial and health backgrounds — children deemed unadoptable — during the 1960s. “A family like ours is bound together by stories, not by racial heritage,” says Likins.
In addition to his post at the UA, his distinguished academic career has included stints as professor, dean, provost and president at UCLA, Columbia and Lehigh universities.
Liss has written seven historical novels; his most recent is “The Twelfth Enchantment.” His first book, the best-selling “A Conspiracy of Paper,” which introduced an 18th century Jewish boxer turned detective, won the 2000 Edgar Award for best first novel. His novels have since been translated into more than two dozen languages.
Known as “The Queen of Thrillers,” Lynds started her writing career as an investigative reporter at the Arizona Republic. She was also an editor at a top-secret security think tank before she began writing about “shadowy figures.” Her books include “Masquerade” and “The Last Spymaster.” With Robert Ludlum, Lynds created the Covert-One series.
Proceeds from the soirée and luncheon will benefit Sustaining the Mind, a Brandeis National Committee fund that supports research in neuroscience and degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, ALS and Parkinson’s. Proceeds will also contribute to endowed scholarships for science students to attend Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass.
Tickets for the luncheon are $70, members; $80, nonmembers. Tickets for the soirée are $75, members; $85, nonmembers. RSVP by Feb. 22 to Janice Linn at 638-7471 or linnpincus@gmail.com.
