Book shop lives up to promise

(CNS): With Alan Alda visiting this Wednesday and Candace Bushnell due next month,  Books and Books is living up to its promise of attracting some exciting writers to Cayman. But it is also finding time to host local authors too. Dick and Felix Francis will be reading from Silks, on 5 October and local botanist Fred Burton will be offering an insider’s guide to the unique plants of Cayman on 1 October,  with his book Threatened Plants of the Cayman Islands: The Red List.

Readers wanting to meet Alan Alda this week on Wednesday, 24 September will need tickets available with the purchase of any of his books. (If you purchased an Alda book before 13 September, you can bring the receipt to redeem a ticket.)

Candace Bushnell’s’ appearance on Saturday 4 October will also be a ticketed affair available with the purchase of One Fifth Avenue, Bushnell’s latest novel about life in Manhattan.  The address alludes to a one-of-a-kind address — the sort of building you have to earn your way into—and it defines the lives of the women within. From the hedge fund king’s wife to the aging gossip columnist to the free-spirited actress, each person’s game plan for a rich life comes together under the soaring roof of this landmark building.

Burton is best known for his work with the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, but he has also worked to conserve the island’s unique flora and fauna for over 20 years. In 2007 he was awarded the MBE for his ongoing efforts in the conservation of endangered species. His latest book is a full-colour guide to allthe wild plants unique to the Cayman Island and the natural communities in which they live. Written in everyday language – but with all the detailed technical content on an enclosed CD – The Red List provides a conservation assessment of all 415 plants species and varieties native to the Cayman Islands. At the event, the Native Tree Nursery will also offer labelled native plants for sale.

Dick Francis is a long time resident of Grand Cayman who wrote his first book, in 1962. Working with his son Felix, his latest novel Silks sees barrister Geoffrey Mason an amateur jockey in a classic thriller. The father and son duo will be appearing at the books and books store Camana Bay on Saturday, 25 October.