Cold War Novel Based on Real-Life Experience : Susan Eisenhower, Ike’s granddaughter, describes international intrigue in ‘Breaking Free: A Memoir of Love & Revolution.’

The unlikely scenario: Beautiful granddaughter of American president, reared in Cold War era when the Soviet Union was a constant threat, falls in love with and marries Russian space scientist, who is also a top arms-control adviser. An imaginary tale of love, international intrigue and adventure?

No, this isn’t fiction. Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of the late President and author of “Breaking Free: A Memoir of Love & Revolution,” is the real-life protagonist. President of the Eisenhower Group, head of the Center for Post-Soviet Studies and foreign affairs commentator, she will talk about the new Russia and sign her book at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Ventura Bookstore, 522 E. Main St.

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Ogden Nash had a little fun at the expense of poets when he wrote:

Poets aren’t very useful,

Because they aren’t consumeful or very produceful.

Well, in Ventura, they are most persistent and quite produceful.

Cecily Longo will present her poetry at 8 tonight, and open readings will follow at Cafe Voltaire, 34 N. Palm St.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, the annual Camarillo State Hospital Art Show will feature performances by poet Phil Taggert accompanied by musician Jim Connelly.

Poets are encouraged to sign in for open readings, which will follow Tim Pompey’s presentation at the monthly poetry event at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Barnes & Noble, 4360 East Main St., Ventura.

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Lia Matera will sign her latest mystery, “Designer Crimes,” at 2 p.m. Friday, and Judy Mercer will present her first novel, “Fast Forward,” at noon Saturday, Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

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Ojai teacher and first-time author Meredy Maynard will celebrate publication of her young adult novel, “Dreamcatcher,” at a reception at 6 p.m. Friday in the Ojai Table of Contents, 208 E. Ojai Ave.

And actress Charlotte Brownstein will read to children at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Ojai bookstore, which welcomes volunteers as storytellers.

Pathfinder Publishing of Ventura has published “Silent Warriors of World War II,” by Lance Q. Zedric. According to publisher Eugene Wheeler, this is the first book to tell the story of the Alamo Scouts, the 6th Army’s Special Reconnaissance Unit, which operated behind Japanese lines. The book includes a number of photographs and maps.