John Searles, author of the acclaimed Boy Still Missing and Strange but True (which Salon.com called the best novel of 2004), returns to the top of critics’ lists with Help for the Haunted, a dark and unexpected mystery about one young girl’s family secrets. Just a week and a day after the book debuts, Searles will appear as the guest of honor at the Lakewood Public Library Foundation’s fall fundraiser on Wednesday September 25 at 7:00 p.m. to share his own dark secrets—the writing kind—and enjoy the moody atmosphere and delicious fare of Vosh, Lakewood’s newest jazz, blues and Motown club.
Searles, a Deputy Editor at Cosmopolitan, oversees all book coverage for the magazine. His essays, articles and reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and other national magazines and newspapers. He appears regularly as a book critic on NBC's Today Show. He has also appeared on CBS's The Early Show, Live! with Regis & Kelly and CNN to discuss his favorite book selections. He lives in New York City.
Capturing the vivid eeriness of Stephen King’s works with the compelling quirkiness of John Irving’s beloved novels, Help for the Haunted is that rare story that brings to life a richly imagined and wholly original world. From the very first page, it takes readers on a captivating journey, told in the heartbreakingly resonant voice of a young heroine who is determined to discover the truth about her family and what went wrong one snowy winter night. Bestelling author of Water for Elephants ,Sara Gruen, raves “A quickly paced and boldly rendered ghost story, Searles’s dark novel about a young girl haunted by the murder of her parents had me up reading all night. And checking the doors. I found it impossible to put down.”
Admission for An Evening with John Searles is $40. $20 of the admission price is tax deductible. Admission can be purchased online at lakewoodpubliclibrary.org/foundation or in person (with cash or check) at both Main Library and the Madison Branch. Checks should be made payable to The Lakewood Public Library Foundation. Lakewood Public Library Main Branch is located 15425 Detroit Avenue and our Madison Branch is located at 13229 Madison Ave. Call the Library at (216) 226-8275 ext. 104 to arrange other options.
VOSH, the new music club in Lakewood that has made its home in the historic former Bonne Bell building, offers a sumptuous environment with live music and delectable food every night. With an eclectic mix of music to keep things fresh, VOSH offers jazz, blues, Motown and more. A special menu of appetizers, small plates, soups and salads by Georgetown’s executive chef Gregg Korney completes the delicious atmosphere. Located at 1414 Riverside Drive, Lakewood, OH, Doors for the event will open at 6:30 p.m.
The Lakewood Public Library Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization which operates for the exclusive benefit of the Lakewood Public Library. It seeks financial support from corporations, foundations, individuals and groups to enhance library collections, equipment, facilities and services. Seven trustees serve without compensation on the foundation board. The Internal Revenue Service recognizes the Lakewood Public Library Foundation as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations to the Lakewood Public Library Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by the law.