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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Books galore: Vestal and Smith at Auntie’s

Dan Webster

Most journalists are frustrated authors of one sort or another. Some of us deal with this frustration by sticking to what we do best: churning out regular copy. Others, though, do that and write actual books.

And in the case of Shawn Vestal, they turn out books that people actually like. And want to read.

Vestal, the Spokesman-Review columnist, will read from his book "Daredevils" at 7 tonight at Auntie's Bookstore. Vestal will share the reading spot with Portland writer Alexis Smith, author of the novel "Marrow Island."

As usual, the readings are free and open to the public. Vestal, though, has a big following, so it might be prudent to show up early.

Here are some reactions to the two books on display tonight:

Kirkus Reviews on "Marrow Island": "A stunning novel about sacrifice for the sake of survival in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters."

SFGate on "Daredevils": "This on-the-road novel takes twists and turns that are on no literary map you’ve ever seen. A 2014 PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize winner and on the short list for the Saroyan Prize, Vestal plays with points of view at a dizzying speed, so that at times the novel feels like a symphonic chorus."