This Week's Events--Lisa McMann at the Shorewood Library, Karen Thompson Walker, Ted Kerasote at the Wisconsin Humane Society, and the Florentine Opera.

Monday, February 11, 6:30 pm, at the Shorewood Public Library, 3920 N. Murray Avenue, 53211:
Lisa McMann, author of Infinity Ring Book 3: The Trap Door.

From the folks that brought you the internationally bestselling, multi-platform series The 39 Clues, comes an alternate-history, time travel adventure adventure for young readers. It will combine books with an interactive map feature and a fully-immersive online game experience. The first installment penned by James Dashner, New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner, each installment in the Infinity Ring series is written by a different notable children’s author.

Dak Smyth and Sera Froste, with their key to time-travel, are part of a secret society whose mission is to keep history on the right track in order to avert a disastrous fate for all of mankind. From a 1492 mutiny on Columbus’ ship to a Viking invasion of Paris, they attempt to stop an evil organization, known as SQ, from taking over history. Now, the year is 1850, and the nation is divided over the issue of slavery. In these dark days, the Underground Railroad provides a light of hope, helping runaway slaves escape to freedom. But the SQ has taken control of the Underground Railroad from within. Dak and Sera are left wondering who to trust . . . while Riq risks everything to save the life of a young boy.

Tuesday, February 12, 7 pm, at Boswell:
Karen Thompson Walker, author of The Age of Miracles.

Named one of the best books of 2012 by People, O: The Oprah Magazine, Financial Times, Kansas City Star, BookPage, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and recipient of immense praise from NPR, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire and The New York Times.

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday in a California suburb, Julia and her family awake to discover, along with the rest of the world, that the rotation of the earth has suddenly begun to slow. The days and nights grow longer and longer, gravity is affected, the environment is thrown into disarray. Yet as she struggles to navigate an ever-shifting landscape, Julia is also coping with the normal disasters of everyday life--the fissures in her parents' marriage, the loss of old friends, the hopeful anguish of first love, the bizarre behavior of her grandfather who, convinced of a government conspiracy, spends his days obsessively cataloging his possessions. As Julia adjusts to the new normal, the slowing inexorably continues.

Karen Thompson Walker was born and raised in San Diego and is a graduate of UCLA and the Columbia MFA program. A former editor at Simon and Schuster, she wrote her New York Times-bestselling debut novel in the mornings before work--sometimes while riding the subway. Walker currently lives in Iowa with her husband.

Here's the Shepherd Express book preview for this event.

Tuesday, February 12, 7 pm, at the Wisconsin Humane Society, 4500 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Ted Kerasote, author of Pukka's Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs.

This event is free, but registration is recommended and a $5 donation is encouraged. Visit here  to sign up for a seat at this event.

“Pukka's Promise is without question the most intelligent, most comprehensive book ever written about extending the lifetimes of dogs. Not only that, but it's riveting. After years of flawless research plus a life of valuable experience, Kerasote has produced a masterpiece that everyone should read. From pet owners to professionals such as breeders, shelter-workers, and veterinarians, those who think they already know about dogs are in for a real surprise." —Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Hidden Lives of Dogs.

Note that this event is almost fully registered.

Wednesday, February 13, 7 pm, at Boswell:
Florentine Opera Insights' preview of "Albert Herring" with Corliss Phillabaum and the Florentine Opera Studio.

Enjoy a glimpse into the Florentine Opera Company’s upcoming production of Benjamin Britten’s 20th century comedic British masterpiece, Albert Herring. Opera Insights feature behind-the-scenes trivia, a look at the synopsis and the opera's place within the repertoire, and live performances by Studio Artists.

Endlessly witty, poignant, and beautifully layered, Albert Herring highlights the misadventures of a lonely shop-boy in a small English village that is teeming with colorful and wickedly amusing characters.

Albert Herring opens at Vogel Hall on March 8 and runs through March 17. Buy your tickets here.