An Unusual Book Launch

Saturday, March 12, 3:30 pm at the Orcas Library

— from Sharon Abreu —

This Saturday, March 12, at 3:30 pm in the Orcas Library’s community room, there will be a book launch the likes of which Orcas Island, and perhaps the world, have never seen. Two authors will be signing copies of their new books: local author Michael Hurwicz and his good friend, actor and improv teacher, Gary Schwartz, from North Bend, WA.

The Meltese Dodo

This Saturday’s event is the official launch of Michael Hurwicz’s book The Meltese Dodo, an adventurous romp through the history of climate change science. In a response to hearing a belief expressed that man-made global warming is a recently manufactured hoax to manipulate the public, Hurwicz began exploring the history of climate change science. This endeavor led him on a journey starting in the early 1800s. Hurwicz decided to share what he learned in his own unique way. Anyone who has read his book, The Orcas-American Dictionary & Phrase Book (a local souvenir favorite), will have some idea what that means. The Meltese Dodo tells the history of climate change science through a detective story very loosely based on The Maltese Falcon. To get all the facts about heat and the environment, our detective hero turns to “life forms I’ve known for millions of years: bacteria, yeasts, molds, guys like that.” He journeys through France, England, Scotland, Ireland, the U.S. and way beyond, seeking out a series of “reliable sources” from algae to the Sun, Mercury and Venus. The book also features some of Mr. Hurwicz’s illustrations.

The King of Average

Gary Schwartz is launching his debut novel, The King of Average: James isn’t the world’s greatest kid, but he’s not the worst, either: he’s average! When he decides to become the most average kid who ever lived, James is transported to another world where he meets Mayor Culpa, a well-dressed talking Scapegoat who recruits him to become the new King of Average. He’s joined on his quest by a professional Optimist and his grouchy companion, an equally professional Pessimist. Together, they set out on a journey of self-discovery that leads them all the way from the Sea of Doubt to Mount Impossible, the highest peak in the Unattainable Mountains. When James stumbles into a Shangri-la called Epiphany, he uncovers the secret of who he really is. Follow James on his hilarious, adventure-packed journey to find self-worth in this heartfelt novel, ideal for young adult readers and fun for adults, too.

Hurwicz and Schwartz have known each other since they both lived in Los Angeles in the 1970s. Excited about each other’s new books, they thought it would be a lot of fun, for them and everyone, if they did a book launch together, complete with performances by Schwartz, Hurwicz and his partner, Sharon Abreu. So, in addition to readings and signing books, all will be treated to some entertainment and light refreshments.

The event is family friendly, free and open to the public.