‘Age of Sinatra’ author to give talk, reading at Raven

David Ohle, Lawrence author and lecturer in Kansas University’s English department, will read from and talk about his new book, “The Age of Sinatra,” at 7 p.m. Friday at the Raven Bookstore, 6 E. Seventh St.

“The Age of Sinatra” is the sequel to Ohle’s 1972 sci-fi cult classic “Motorman,” published by Knopf. Part political allegory, part science-fiction dystopia, the novel catches up with the luckless protagonist Moldenke, after the most recent “Forgetting.” Moldenke finds himself in possession only of his name and the bare facts of his former life while he cruises on the Titanic through an alternate reality.

Ohle co-wrote “Cows Are Freaky When They Look at You” and compiled and edited “Cursed from Birth: The Short Unhappy Life of William S. Burroughs Jr.”

KU football book featured at pre-game signing

Sportswriter Mark Stallard will visit with KU fans and sign his new book from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday during a pregame tailgating event in the Hawk’s Nest at the Kansas Union.

Stallard’s just-published title, “Tales from the Jayhawks Gridiron” (Sports Publishing, LLC), is a collection of stories capturing the tradition of KU football from 1890 to the present day.

Stallard has written eight other books, including “Tales from the Jayhawks Hardwood.” He worked as a sportswriter for the Wichita Eagle and is a member of the Football Writers Association of America. He lives in Overland Park.

Inspirational writer makes Borders appearances

Giselle M. Massi, author of “We Are Here for a Purpose: How to Find Yours,” will be at Borders stores in the Kansas City area this week.

The former Denver Post writer will appear at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Borders at 119th Street and Interstate Highway 35 in Olathe. She’ll be at Borders at 8628 N. Boardwalk Ave., in Kansas City, Mo., at 1 p.m. Friday.

When Massi’s father was near death, she took care of him. “We Are Here for a Purpose” is the story of their relationship, which Massi says continues even after his death. Massi conducts “Spiritual Life Support” sessions with her father’s insight, giving individuals assignments to help them live fulfilling lives.