Silicon Valley Reads Comes to Los Gatos

Silicon Valley Reads launches its 2013 program focused on the theme “Invisible Wounds of War” tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Campbell Heritage Theater, 1 Campbell Ave.

The kickoff event features Brian Castner, author of The Long Walk, and Sue Diaz, author of Minefields of the Heart. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. No tickets or reservations are needed and admission is free.

It is the first of more than 120 public events offered throughout Santa Clara County over the next three months, including additional author talks, films, panel discussions, art exhibit, story times and special activities for children, teens and families. 

The books by Castner and Diaz are the centerpiece of Silicon Valley Reads' programs. Both authors will make multiple appearances at public libraries, schools and community locations to talk about their books and their experiences as a veteran of tours of duty in the Middle East and a mother with a son who was in combat in Iraq. 

“We looked at several themes and considered more than 60 books, but these two books stood out. Both are beautifully written and their different perspectives – one from the viewpoint of an individual who served in combat and one by a family member who waited at home – complement each other and tell a powerful story of the long lasting effects of war,” said Diane McNutt, coordinator of Silicon Valley Reads.

Programs scheduled for Los Gatos are:

Brenda Ehrmantraut will read her book Night Catch and talk about how the book was important to her family at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave. The first 20 families will receive a copy of Night Catch to take home, compliments of the Los Gatos Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Details: 408-354-6894

A Book Group will discuss The Long Walk and Minefields of the Heart at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave. Details: 408-354-6800

Celebrity Story Time features Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman who will read Night Catch at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave. Details: 408-354-6800

Mary Nethery, co-author of Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle will read and talk about writing the book at 4 p.m. Monday, March 11 at the Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave. A video interview of Major Brian Dennis and Nubs will be shown. Details: 408-354-6894

Tea and Talk about Minefields of the Heart features book clubs and individual readers who come together to meet Sue Diaz, author of Minefields of the Heart, and hear her interviewed by Dale Bryant, executive editor of Silicon Valley Community Newspapers 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14 at the History Club of Los Gatos, 123 Los Gatos Blvd. Q&A and a chance to discuss the book while enjoying light refreshments sponsored by Friends of the Los Gatos Library. Reservations required. To RSVP, call 408-399-5700 or 408-395-3651 or email Programs@FriendsofLGlibrary.org and leave your name, phone, email and number attending. Details: 408-399-5700