Survivor of Lightning Strike to Tell of Ordeal

Santa Barbara author Gretel Ehrlich, whose brilliantly written “A Match to the Heart” re-creates for us the searing, painful experience the human body endures when struck by lightning, will read from her book at 7 p.m. Friday at Ventura Bookstore, 522 E. Main St. During an interview with Ehrlich on my radio program, she described how she was knocked unconscious for two hours and the subsequent agonizing physical disabilities she had to overcome.

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The legendary actor and author Kirk Douglas, who appeared in 81 films between 1946 and 1994, will sign his new novel, “Last Tango in Brooklyn,” at noon Sunday in the Ventura Bookstore. Due to tight scheduling, Douglas can not sign materials like posters, photos, lobby cards, etc.

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Buenaventura Friends of the Library will host the 26th annual used-book sale at 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday at the Buenaventura Mall at Mills and Main. Local media personality and author Ross Olney will conduct the rare book auction at noon Saturday. Proceeds go directly to Ventura County libraries. Everyone is encouraged to join the Friends. Call 644-7800 for information.

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A new children’s book room has been added to the Ojai Table of Contents, 208 E. Ojai Ave., featuring a multimedia demonstration area and regular storytelling hours. Actress Whitney Kershaw will read at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Bookstore owner Mitnee Duque has recruited a list of volunteer readers from grandparents to actors and authors. She welcomes more storytellers. Call 646-0265 for details.

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Experienced adoption researcher Alberta Sorenson will speak on the subject of adoption to the Conejo Valley Genealogical Society at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Conejo Adult School, 1025 Old Farm Road, Thousand Oaks. A beginners class on courthouse records starts at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to anyone interested in genealogy. Call 497-8293.