When Markus Zusak’s novel “The Book Thief” was published in 2006, it found a strong readership, and has remained on the New York Times Best-Sellers list for the past decade. “The Book Thief” poignantly follows a girl who finds solace and comfort in books, which she shares with others in 1939 Germany. To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, special hardcover and paperback editions featuring 32 pages of bonus content, including excerpts from Zusak’s notebook, handwritten notes from the original manuscript and original sketches for the book’s illustrations will be released on March 8.
Zusak will help celebrate his book’s decade by making a rare South Florida appearance at 1 p.m. March 18 at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, 5850 S. Pine Island Road, Davie. Zusak’s appearance is part of the JCC’s Diane & Barry Wilen Jewish Book Festival. Tickets are $18 and include the 10th anniversary paperback edition. Tickets will be sold only in advance and not at the door. For information, visit jccbooks.com or by call 954-434-0499, ext. 336.
Celebrate Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss’ rhyming tales of The Whos, Horton, the Grinch and cats that live in hats never go out of style. The Fourth Annual SeussFest will celebrate the spirit of Seuss’ work from noon to 4 p.m. March 6 at the Alvin Sherman Library on the campus of Nova Southeastern University, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Davie. A petting zoo, theater, magic and music will be featured. For details visit or call 954-262-5477.
Writers LIVE! in Palm Beach
The Palm Beach Library system continues its annual Writers LIVE! program with an array of reader-favorite events. Events are free but reservations are required.
Ronald Balson, “Saving Sophie,” 2 p.m. March 8 at West Boynton Branch Library, 9451 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, 561-734-5556, and at 2 p.m. March 9 at the Glades Road Branch Library, 20701 95th Ave. South, Boca Raton, 561-482-4554.
Eloisa James, “My American Duchess,” at 6:30 p.m. March 22 at the Gardens Branch Library, 11303 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-626-6133.
Stephanie Evanovich, “The Total Package,” at 2 p.m. March 23 at the West Boca Branch Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, 561-470-1600.
Watts’ secret strength
J.C. Watts, former congressman and chairman of the House Republican Conference, offers inspiring words in his book “Dig Deep: 7 Truths to Finding the Strength Within.” Watts, the first black Republican ever elected to a leadership position in Congress, will discuss his book as part of the 2016 Broward College Speaker Series at 7:30 p.m. March 23 at the Amaturo Theatre at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased at BrowardCollegeSpeakerSeries.com. Watts also will discuss his book at 7 p.m. March 24 at Barnes & Noble, 2051 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954-561-3732.
Mandel book festival continues
The Mandel Jewish Community Center of Palm Beach continues its annual book festival this month. Bruce Ferber, a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominee, will discuss his novel “Cascade Falls” at 10 a.m. March 22 at the Boynton Mandel JCC, 8500 Jog Road, Boynton Beach. Ferber’s novel revolves around a writer whose career never took off. Ferber worked on a number of TV shows including “Bosom Buddies,” “Growing Pains,” “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” “Coach” and “Home Improvement,” where he served as executive producer and show runner. For more information or to register for the events, visit or contact Sharon Waltman at 561-712-5232.
A memoir of war
Mosab Hassan Yousef will discuss his memoir “Son of Hamas, A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices” at 6:15 p.m. March 30 at Temple Beth El, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. The event is sponsored by Next Generations, an organization of children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. VIP tickets are $100, which includes a reception with Yousef; preferred tickets are $50; and general tickets are $36. For more information, call Next Generations at 561-444-9135 or email .
Get on the train
It wasn’t tourists and sunshine that helped shape the state of Florida. It was the railroads that opened up this remote and isolated state, with Julia Tuttle persuading Henry M. Flagler to extend his railroad to Miami. Flagler built the 125-mile Overseas Railroad down to the Keys. Stephanie Murphy-Lupo looks at the careers and intrigue behind the railroads in “All Aboard! A History of Florida’s Railroads,” which she will discuss 2 to 4 p.m. March 6 at Murder on the Beach, 273 Pineapple Grove Way, Delray Beach, 561-279-7790.
Plantation Library author luncheon
Gene Cryer, former editor of the Sun Sentinel, will discuss his novel “Die Not in Anger” as the guest speaker during the annual author luncheon and fashion show sponsored by the Helen B. Hoffman Library in Plantation. The luncheon begins at 11 a.m. March 12 at the Jacaranda Country Club, 9200 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. Cost is $42 with proceeds benefiting the library’s programs. For reservations, contact Donna Ewert at 954-584-9864.
Blog much?
Kristen Stieffel, an associate editor of Havok magazine, discusses how blogging and content marketing can help an author gain readers during the Florida Romance Writers meeting beginning at 9 a.m. March 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 180 SW 18th Ave, Dania Beach. Cost is $25 for members; $35 for non-member. For reservations, e-mail Rossie Cortes at or visit frwriters.org.
CIA agent’s choice
Palm Beach Gardens resident Michael A. Richards has published his first novel “Choice of Enemies,” under the name of M.A. Richards. Richards will discuss this first in a series of espionage novels about a retired undercover CIA agent at 6:30 p.m. March 17 at C Street Café, 319 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 561-469-9959.
Deadline for the April Local Books News column is March 20. Email .
