Literature LIVE! presents Why Cowboys Sing in Texas

When:
Tuesday, June 11
7-8  p.m.
Where:
North Village Branch Library
2505 Steck Ave.
974-9960
Who: Adults who love Young Adult Books.
Book: The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima

This story is set in world where magic is a powerful presence. There is clan magic, tied to the earth and used for healing. There is wizard magic that must be controlled and channeled with talismans. There is also a complicated and dark history that binds these magics together. And, of course, a bunch of secret baddies that are working to break this whole peace agreement wide open. 

Enter our two heroes. We’ve got Han, a reformed thief trying to make an honest living to support his family. He’s street smart, tough, and has a way of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We’ve also got Raisa, the princess heir who is trying to be more than just another empty headed princess. She’s tougher than her small stature would indicate, independent, and willing to do what it takes to make her kingdom a better place for all its citizens.

There are secret identities, court intrigue, and several exciting adventures. And this is just the first in the series! We really enjoyed this title and think you will too. We hope you can join us for an evening of discussion.

The Demon King is available in both our print and downloadable collections.

Summer time in Austin, Texas cannot be defined by the temperature outside. If it were, then we wouldn't have a Fall or Spring. Instead, universities, teachers, parents, and especially students define it by the months-long reprieve from the daily obligations of school.  Retailers and restauranteurs mark Summer as when the tourists come to town. For festival goers it is the time between SXSW and ACL. For myself, I like to honor its arrival by joining the Summer Reading Program at my neighborhood branch of the library. Because I continue to work full time during that period of the calendar I can't necessarily devote more time to reading. Therefore, I have adopted my own personal challenge. Each year I have a goal to use the summer months to try a genre I don't normally read. Last year it was graphic novels and the year prior was nonfiction. In doing so, I discovered that I rather enjoy graphic novels and that they include so much more than superheroes. I also learned that I mentally focus much better on nonfiction material when I listen to it rather than read it, especially when it's read by an enthusiastic and passionate author or actor. So far my favorite of these is Michael Pollan, most notably known for Omnivore’s Dilemma, and who has a new one out soon I look forward to trying. I haven't decided yet on this year's genre, but it will undoubtedly be a mind opening experience. The pretty great thing about APL is that no matter which subject matter or material type I choose, I will have tons of titles from which to pick. The other awesome thing about summer reading in Austin is being part of the Summer Reading Program. It is a great way to inspire kids to join the youth summer reading program and encourage people all over town to read by showing off your progress. I have seen whole families come in to pick out items they planned to read together. Now that makes me excited about summer!