Austin Authors Beat the Heat at BookPeople

Tired of “reality” reruns and box-office bombs? BookPeople offers an eclectic selection of alternatives.

Thursday, June 22: Austin memoirist Spike Gillespie reads from her latest, Pissed Off: On Women and Anger. Publisher’s Weekly describes Pissed Off as an engaging and honest account that “transcends self-pity . . . as Gillespie progresses to talking about the nature of forgiveness and her increasingly calmer approach to life.” 7:00 p.m. (details)

Friday, June 23: Amy Simmons of Amy’s Ice Cream joins Donna Fenn, author of Alpha Dogs: How Your Small Business Can Become a Leader of the Pack. Fenn’s book examines eight small businesses, including Amy’s, that have thrived in the face of stiff competition from big corporations and offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Come for the business tips and stay for ice cream, cookies, and a raffle for a bike from Zane's Cycles. 7:00 p.m. (details)

Saturday, June 24: Sue Mingus reads from Tonight at Noon, the story of her marriage to legendary jazz bassist, band leader, and composer Charles Mingus. Publisher’s Weekly describes Tonight at Noon as “a powerful and moving book, unsparing in its portrayal of the devastation caused by Lou Gehrig's disease and charged with insight into the personality of a jazz great.” 7:00 p.m. (details)

Monday, June 26: Austin author and motivational speaker Tuck Kamin reads from All My Fathers, a series of stories about a young boy’s quest to make the perfect father. 7:00 p.m. (details)

Tuesday, June 27: Paul Schneider reads from Brutal Journey: The Epic Story of the First Crossing of North America. Think your family vacations are bad? Of the 400 men who started the journey in Florida, only four made it to Mexico. Eight years later. 7:00 p.m. (details)

Wednesday, June 28: Texas Monthly’s BookClub features Austin author Sarah Bird and her most recent novel, The Flamenco Academy. Kirkus Reviews writes of Bird’s novel: “Funny and beautifully structured to create anticipation and suspense, with lush moments of romance and a surprisingly sturdy backbone.” 7:00 p.m. (details)