Books & Authors

A Founding Mother: A Novel Of Abigail Adams with Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Maryland authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie will talk about their new book, A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams. Copies of the books will be available to purchase through Curious Iguana.

Bucket List Book Club at Frederick Health Village

As you can tell by the title, this is not your usual book club! Each month on a Sunday afternoon, experts from Frederick Health Hospice will explore issues surrounding death AND life through a variety of books and other media. And no, you don’t have to read the titles to attend. Just come with an open mind and an interest in learning about how we live and how death affects us all. The discussion this month will involve themes related to Theo of Golden by Levi Allen. This program is in partnership with Frederick Health Hospice, FCPL, and Curious Iguana.

Bucket List Book Club at Frederick Health Village

As you can tell by the title, this is not your usual book club! Each month on a Sunday afternoon, experts from Frederick Health Hospice will explore issues surrounding death AND life through a variety of books and other media. And no, you don’t have to read the titles to attend. Just come with an open mind and an interest in learning about how we live and how death affects us all. The discussion this month will involve themes related to The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho and Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks. This program is in partnership with Frederick Health Hospice, FCPL, and Curious Iguana.

Curious Iguana presents: David O. Stewart

In light of America’s 250th birthday this year, Curious Iguana is eager to welcome historian and author David O. Stewart on Tuesday, June 16 from 6:00-7:00 pm. David will discuss his latest book, The Democracy We Must Keep with Holly Smith, editor-in-chief of the Washington Independent Review of Books. Following their discussion, David will answer questions and sign books. Copies of The Democracy We Must Keep will be available for purchase at the event. This event is free and open to the public, hosted in partnership with the Frederick County Public Library. For accessibility requests, email info@curiousiguana.com at least two (2) weeks prior to the event. About the book: "A great scholar of the American past, David O. Stewart has brilliantly mined what has come before to guide us in our own, all-too-urgent American present. An important and timely volume." ~ Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The American Struggle What did America's founders say about democracy—and can we remain true to their vision for America? Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled. In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry's thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution. Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape. These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy. That power must be limited. That leaders must answer to the people. That individual rights must be protected by law. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Democracy We Must Keep urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them. About the author: A trial and appellate lawyer for many years, David O. Stewart now writes history and historical novels. His five narrative histories have won seven awards from literary organizations, and his five historical novels include best-sellers. In 2023, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Washington Independent Review of Books, of which he is the founding president. About the moderator: Holly Smith is editor-in-chief of the Washington Independent Review of Books, as well as a college lecturer, longtime freelance writer, and proud “Jeopardy!” bronze medalist. Prior to joining the Independent, she was managing editor of Maryland Life magazine. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, CNBC.com , Salon, and elsewhere. She also co-authored the travel guide Seafood Lover’s Chesapeake Bay, which is ironic since she doesn’t eat fish. Find her on Bluesky at @‌HSmithWrites.

Curious Iguana presents: Irene W. Leigh

PROGRAM IS BEING RESCHEDULED DUE TO AUTHOR'S AVAILABILITY We are delighted to celebrate local author Irene W. Leigh and her new memoir, Hiding the Holocaust. Join us at C. Burr Artz Library on Saturday, May 23 from 2:00-3:00 pm to hear Irene discuss her astounding story of learning about her Jewish parents’ experiences escaping Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Irene will be in conversation with Sofia Seitchik. Following their talk, Irene will answer questions and sign books. Copies of Hiding the Holocaust will be available for purchase at the event. Please note: An ASL interpreter will be on hand to provide services as needed. This event is free and open to the public, presented in partnership with the Curious Iguana. For additional accessibility requests, email info@curiousiguana.com at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.