Print edition: 
Wichita book lovers have plenty of events to choose from this week.
On Wednesday, Jonathan Evison will stop in Wichita for a reading and signing as part of the tour marking the release of his novel "West of Here" in paperback. His book contains two intertwining narratives: one set in the late 19th century and one set in the early 21st, both in the fictional town of Port Bonita, Wash. The free event is at 7 p.m. at Watermark Books, 4701 E. Douglas.
Thursday night Rachel Simon will be here for a reading and signing for her novel, “The Story of Beautiful Girl.” The novel follows, over several decades, the story of doomed lovers Lynnie and Homan, who escape from the institution where they live, the baby they give up as Lynnie is caught and returned, and Martha, the widow whose help that night changes all their lives. The event, which is free, is at 7 p.m. at Watermark.
And on Friday, children’s book author Lois Ruby will sign copies of “Steal Away Home,” a story set in Kansas that concerns a mysterious diary, the Underground Railroad, and an untimely death. The event starts at 6 p.m. at Watermark, and is free.
All weekend, “Travelin’ Man” Gary McKechnie, author of National Geographic’s “USA 101,” will be a featured speaker at the Kansas Sports, Boat & Travel Show at the Kansas Pavilions. He’ll speak at noon each day, Thursday through Sunday. Tickets for the show are $9.50 for adults, free for kids 12 and under.
• • •
Kelly Enright, author of last year’s biography “Osa and Martin: For the Love of Adventure,” has devoted a chapter to the Chanute explorers in her new book, “The Maximum of Wilderness” (University of Virginia Press, 154 pages, $29.95), a more scholarly book that looks at changing perceptions of wild landscapes and the development of the environmental movement.
• • •
Washburn University professor Thomas Fox Averill’s 2001 novel “Secrets of the Tsil Cafe” has been reissued by the University of New Mexico Press (226 pages, $19.95). The book combines a coming-of-age story with the art of cooking, including a variety of recipes both simple and exotic.
Eagle staff
