Local Publishers Help Tame Relationships

Two books released by local publishers could make some interesting summer reading, especially if you read them back-to-back.

Pathfinder Press of Ventura has published “Sexual Challenges: Navigating Your Course Through Troubled Waters to Loving Relationships” by Barbara Childers and Eugenie G. Wheeler.

And humor book publisher CCC Publications of Newbury Park announces that “How to Survive a Jewish Mother,” by lawyer/sports agent Steve Arnold, is available in most book stores.

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Somis author Teddy Colbert, a horticulturist who contributed garden articles to The Times for many years, will sign her new book, “The Living Wreath,” from 5 to 7:30 tonight at the Ventura County Museum of History and Art, 100 E. Main St. Colbert’s book is a first on how to grow wreaths of salad and cooking herbs.

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Gold Coast Fiction Writers invite all literary toilers to join them at 6 tonight for dinner and fellowship at Carrows Restaurant, 2401 E. Harbor Blvd. at Seaward Avenue, Ventura. The formal meeting begins at 7 p.m. Call 985-2959.

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T.L. Cabrera will read poetry at 8 tonight at Cafe Voltaire, 34 N. Palm St., Ventura. Call 641-1743.

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Happenings at Barnes & Noble, 4360 E. Main St., Ventura: The Mystery Readers Group will gather tonight at 7:30 to discuss “The Patient in Room 18” by Mignet Eberhart.

Renee Stewart, personal representative of Barry Sears, author of “The Zone,” will discuss the bestseller at 2 p.m. Saturday. And poet Julie Andazola will sign “Hoarse and Other Readings” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

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The dedicated members of Friends of the Library continue to support underfunded institutions by sponsoring used book sales. A large selection of paperback and hard cover books will be available at bargain prices from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Newbury Park Library, 2331 Borchard Road.

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Lee Gruenfeld, author of “All Fall Down” and “Irreparable Harm” will sign his legal thriller, “The Halls of Justice,” at 1 p.m. Saturday in Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

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The Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network (SPAWN) will meet at 7 p.m. Sunday in the Performance Studio, 34 N. Palm St., Ventura. Guest fee is $5. Call Mary Embree for details at 643-2403.

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A History/Biography Book group will gather at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Borders Books, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

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Bill Caulkins will read at 8 p.m. Tuesday at 2 West Coffee Co., Ventura. The monthly readings and workshops are hosted by the group Friday. Sign-up for open readings at 7:30 p.m. Call 643-6411.

Up The Coast

* The authors of books about money problems, emotional resilience and clairvoyance will be at Earthling Bookshop, 1137 State St.: Victor Boc discusses “How to Solve All Your Money Problems Forever” at 7 tonight. Jill Ciment reads from her memoir “Half a Life” at 8 p.m. Friday. Psychiatrist-clairvoyant Judith Orloff will sign “Second Sight” at 3 p.m. Saturday. And radio talk show therapist David Viscott will describe how to deal with unfinished business and sign copies of “Emotional Resilience” at 3 p.m. Sunday.

* San Ysidro Ranch will host author Judith Orloff at a Literary Club luncheon at noon Monday. The cost is $45. Reservations at 969-5046.

Frances Halpern is co-host with Jon O’Brien of “Beyond Words” at 10 a.m. Sundays on KCLU 88.3 FM, Ventura County’s National Public Radio station.