Vampire High by Douglas Rees.

(NY: Delacorte Press, 2003. 226 pp. $6.95, ISBN 0—385-73117-5)

Ages 12 and up

“You mean the pilgrims were vampires?”

Cody Elliot’s life has just been turned upside down in more ways than one and nothing he thought he knew can compete with what he’s learning.

He was happy living in California, but because of his dad’s job, the family has been forced to move to Massachusetts.

Cody does not like Massachusetts.

Nor does Cody like his new school. Back in California he was pulling in decent grades but now he has managed to get an “F” in every subject, including homeroom.

He thought the kids at his even newer school were weird, now he’s discovering that they’re not weird – they are vampires. The vampires don’t like to be called that, they prefer “jenti.” The jenti don’t like Cody Elliot.

From parents who have students they fear are failing to students who have parents who fail to understand the trials of high school, this book about being different, being friends and what it means to be a human being is sure to earn and A+.

Paranormal fans will enjoy the original take on vampire culture, and those who have steadfastly refused to get sucked into to the vampire craze will find one book worth sinking their teeth into.

When you’ve finished reading “Vampire High” you will feel like you’ve feasted on wit, satire and plain good humor, but it may leave you longing for a second helping.

Geri Williams is a local book fancier.

 

 

LAKEPORT – Just in time for National Shelter Dog Month, "Darby's Story: The Life of an Adopted Dog" (published by AuthorHouse), the colorful new children's book by Martha Steward, shares the story of Darby, an adorable dog that only wants to find a loving home to take him in.

Based on the true story of an adopted dog who finally found his home, "Darby's Story" is a heartwarming family tale for readers and listeners alike.

For Christmas one year, a single mother and her 5-year-old son decide to visit a local pet store chain to see whether any rescued dogs would be the right choice for them to adopt. Upon arrival, they saw many dogs in need of a good home and lots of love, but they were looking for that one special dog that would be perfect for them. Upon seeing Darby, they knew he was the right one.

Steward writes: “The other dogs were nice and friendly, but there was a special connection between Darby, Drew, and myself. I was seeking a specific temperament – a combination of a certain kind of personality and behavior. For our household, a relaxed temperament was ideal. The looks of the dog or the special breed did not matter. After many licks, Darby just brushed up against me, as if he were giving me a hug. Drew, almost the same height as Darby, gave Darby a hug. In return, Darby gave a very wet lick up the side of Drew's face. Those watching laughed at the surprise on Drew's face and at the warm connection we seemed to share with the dog. We knew he was the dog to bring home.”

Once settled into his new home as a part of the family, Darby's family discovers his many likes and dislikes, including his love of Swiss cheese and frozen grapes and his dislike of leaving his family unprotected. Join Darby on his many adventures in "Darby's Story: The Life of an Adopted Dog," a wonderful story about the joys that an adopted dog can bring to any family.

Martha Steward lives in Lakeport with her adopted cats Bear, Mim, Goober, and Widdle One and her horse Picabo. She enjoys writing her children's book series, which follows her adopted pets. She has a passion and love for unwanted animals, and throughout her stories she encourages her readers to be aware these animals need love and a home.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.authorhouse.com .

COBB MOUNTAIN – Plan to do some holiday shopping at the Holiday in the Pines Galleria, presented by the Cobb Mountain Artists at the Haute Spot, located in Meadow Springs Village in Hardester’s Shopping Center in Cobb.

The Holiday in the Pines Galleria will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and from noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays from Nov. 7 through Nov. 15.

Both visiting and local artists and craftspeople will offer beautiful, original handmade fine art and gift items in an attractive gallery boutique setting.

The nonprofit benefits local elementary school art programs. Visit the Holiday in the Pines Galleria for the art of it!

For more information about this unique holiday shopping extravaganza, please contact Alana at 707-928-8565 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKEPORT – Faded At Four will host its own Halloween Eve Frightfest on Friday, Oct. 30.

The event will take place at TJ's Downtown Bar and Grill at 370 S. Main St. in Lakeport.

Halloween isn't just for kids, and there will be Halloween treats the night before the ghosts and goblins come knocking at your door.

Get out your costume, dress up and come rock with us at TJ's in Lakeport.

There will be a costume contest, drawings and great music.

The fun will start at 9:30 p.m. The event is limited to those aged 21 and over.

There will be a $5 cover charge.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The 100-year-old California Writers Club invites everyone to submit predictions on the future of print media, for inclusion in a time capsule to be opened in 2035 on the occasion of Mark Twain’s bicentennial.

What will we be reading in 2035? Will we still have conventional newspapers, magazines and books? Will we still have e-books, or will something have come along to replace them? What impact will state-of-the-art technology have on news reporting? On fiction and nonfiction? Short stories and poems? Reference works and other resources? Memoirs and love letters? What collateral effect will it have on the various aspects of daily life?

“It seems hard to believe, but that year will just about mark the mid-century point for the Internet,” said California Writers Club president Casey Wilson. “This isn’t a contest. We’re not holding our breath for deathless prose. We just want to collect people’s thoughts now and, in 2035, see how accurately they predicted what it would actually be like.”

The CWC will receive submissions through Aug. 25, 2010 (174th birthday of Bret Harte, one of California’s first great storytellers).

Anyone interested in participating should mail his or her essay to California Writers Club, P.O. Box 484, Ridgecrest, CA 93556, and include the author’s name, age, address, and permission to publish all or part of the essay when the capsule is opened.

California had only been a state for about 50 years when Jack London and some of his friends started their informal get-togethers. These gatherings became the California Writers Club, the oldest professional writing organization in the West. Today the CWC has more than 1200 members in 18 branches throughout the state.

The organization encourages everyone to check www.calwriters.org periodically for membership information and updates on branch and centennial activities.