We've got lots of great events scheduled for November and early December before we suspend author events for the holidays. A signed book makes a thoughtful gift, and in addition to the events listed below, we have quite a few autographed books in stock from past events.

If you can't make it to any of our events, but would like a signed copy, just give us a call at 896-6950 prior to the event and we'll get it signed and hold it until you can come in.

Carmichael's is pleased to host the kick-off event for the new book by Patrick Henry Hughes and Patrick John Hughes, the young man and his father who have inspired a nation with their courage, determination and faith. Patrick and his dad will give a talk based on their new book, I Am Potential: Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching Your Dreams, at the University of Louisville School of Music's Comstock Concert Hall on Wednesday, November 19th beginning at 7 PM.

The talk will be followed by a musical performance by Patrick and the national premiere of a touching video about Patrick and his family created by the Christian musicians Blood Kin entitled Why Us.

I Am Potential is the extraordinary story of a young man with uncanny musical talent who has turned what some would call disabilities into abilities and opportunities, and a father brimming with love and pride, thankful for the gift of this son.

In the book, Patrick shares the eight critical lessons he learned that are at the heart of his success and that embody the positive attitude and love of life that have made him an inspiration to all who have met him, including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and everyone who was involved in the Hughes' family's Extreme Home Makeover. This event is free and open to all.

Carmichael's is delighted to join Destinations Booksellers and A Reader's Corner to co-sponsor a screening of the documentary film Paperback Dreams. The film describes the struggles of two San Francisco independent bookstores, Cody's and Kepler's.

While this film focuses on two specific bookstores, it has implications well beyond these stores and the book industry, detailing the kind of challenges faced by independent businesses as they struggle to compete with chain stores and the internet.

The screening will be on Friday, November 14th at the Carnegie Center for Art and History, 201 East Spring Street in downtown New Albany. The film will begin at 8 PM, and will be followed by an open discussion.

Please join us on Sunday, November 16th at 4PM as we welcome Adam Day, Martha Greenwald, and Rebecca Morgan Frank for a reading from Best New Poets 2008, now available in paperback.

Best New Poets is an annual anthology of 50 poems from emerging writers. This year's guest editor is Mark Strand, who selected 50 poems from nominations made by literary magazines and writing programs, as well as an Open Internet Competition.

Carmichael's is delighted to host these three regional poets whose work is counted among the very best new voices.

Louisville's own "Pied Piper of History" Tom Owen will stop by on Tuesday, November 18th at 7PM to deliver his charming talk Life in the Old Neighborhood and announce the release of the companion video. The Life in the Old Neighborhood video is a welcome addition to Owen's walking tour videos of Louisville neighborhoods. Life in the Old Neighborhood takes viewers back in time to Louisville just after World War II, cultivating memories for those who were there and providing a detailed portrait for those who weren't.

Dr. Tom Owen is an archivist and historian at the University of Louisville. He also serves as the Metro Councilman for the 8th District.

On Thursday, November 20th at 7PM, Carmichael's welcomes Chef Kurt Michael Friese for a discussion of his new book of essays A Cook's Journey: Slow Food in the Heartland. Friese's look at Heartland cooking focuses on supporting local farmers and creating sustainable, delicious cuisine. In A Cook's Journey, he travels through thirteen states in the Midwest sharing recipes and exploring local incarnations of the Slow Food movement.

Friese is a restaurant owner of twelve years and the editor-in-chief and co-owner of the seasonal local food magazine Edible Iowa River Valley. Our own chapter Slow Food Bluegrass co-hosts this events and will be bringing locally-grown treats for sampling.

Please stop by Carmichael's on Frankfort on Saturday, December 6th as we celebrate Olde Tyme Christmas on the avenue. We'll be hosting Susan Reigler from 2 to 3 PM for samples and a book-signing for The Blue Ribbon Cookbook. Then at 4 PM, Kentucky's own Merry Prankster Ed McClanahan will be signing copies of his new book of autobiographical stories, many set in his hometown of Maysville, Kentucky,O The Clear Moment.

Louisville's Oldest Independent Bookstore