Read It and Reap: Author Michael Tougias out with two new books
Mendon author Michael Tougias, a prolific writer of histories based on war and outstanding courage, has departed from his chosen genre with one of two new books, “No Will Set You Free.”
This nonfiction guide assists readers in learning to take back their time. In short, Tougias deals with setting boundaries and learning to say no. As a writer, he has no doubt experienced the problem of a life interfering with a life’s work.
A second new release, titled “In Harm’s Way,” is a return to form with the story of the USS Indianapolis, infamously torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during World War II. Written for young adults, the book details the explosion’s impact, killing some 300 sailors. Close to 900 sailors were left floating in the sea, fighting off sharks, hypothermia and hallucinations. When they were located, after four days, 317 of their number had died. Doug Stanton wrote the adult version of this book. The YA version is fifth in the True Rescue series published by MacMillan and Holt.
Tougias will perform a slide presentation on July 13 at 7 p.m. at the Grafton Public Library on his book "The Finest Hours: The True Story of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Most Daring Sea Rescue."
Some scary books for readers this summer
•Sulari Gentile’s “The Woman in the Library” is a mystery inside a mystery (trendy, isn’t it?).
Gentile sets her mystery in the Boston Public Library, were four men witness a woman’s scream … and perhaps her murder.
•Two others suitably scary on my “done” reading list lately include Chris Bojhalian’s “Sleepwalker,” a creepy family story of sorts that will have readers wondering just which family member did it? The other is Catherine Steadman’s “Something in the Water,” a psychological thriller that illustrates something everyone has wondered: If you found a LOT of money in a submerged boat, would you keep it? This couple does and they demonstrate yet another way that money does not bring happiness. It’s wonderful watching them squirm.
Meetings
•O’Connor’s Books, Brews & Banter Reading Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in O’Connor’s Restaurant, Worcester, to discuss “If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name” by Heather Lende. Hende writes for the newspaper in Haines, Alaska — a remote section of the state 90 miles north of Juneau.
The book presents life in an uber-remote town, examining its celebrations, sorrows and people, in writing that is colorful and colloquial. John Muir, writing in 1879, advised young adventurers not to come to Haines. “He warned that they’d have to either stay or know that every other place they’d see for the rest of their lives would be a disappointment,” writes Lende.
•NOW Women’s Issues Book Group will hold its 5 p.m., July 16 meeting at TidePoolBookShop, Chandler Street, Worcester. The book is “Her Hidden Genius: A Novel” by Marie Benedict.
Braccia, Holy Cross and Tony Soprano
TidePool BookShop in Worcester will host a virtual discussion and reading with author Nick Braccia. The session begins at 7 p.m. via Zoom, June 30.
Braccia is a Holy Cross graduate whose career has been in writing and producing. His book is a companion guide to "The Sopranos" TV series. “Off the Back of a Truck” is a witty and insightful guide to all-things Soprano. It offers fans a deep look at true crimes behind the families’ schemes, a look at influences and the music, food and fashion in the show. He doesn’t stint, either, in discussing what the ending coulda/shoulda been, Bada Bing and all that.
It’s even more fun that Braccia invited Holy Cross friends to contribute essays and whole chapters to the book, discussing many other elements of the show. To register, email tidepoolbookshop.com.
Read It and Reap is published twice monthly. Send club meetings and book comments to: ann.frantz@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Read It and Reap: Author Michael Tougias out with two new books
