Bookmans is hosting lots of events throughout February at each of our stores. In honor of Love of Reading Month, we've got tons of literacy, reading and author events! This week, we've got lots of book signings with local authors. Check out what's happening at your nearest Bookmans:

Thursday, February 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., author Denny Stockdale will be signing books at the Speedway store. Known as the “Ambassador of Affinity” for his engaging warmth and friendliness, Stockdale shares the passion for purpose and meaning which inspired him to step away from his long career in information technology to pursue his life's calling. In the style of “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom, Stockdale's “Conversations from the Neighborhood Ice Cream Shop” will grab your from the first page and compel you to dust off your own dreams.

Also at the Speedway store, on Saturday, February 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., join us for a book signing with author and poet Marlene Tova Fineberg. Fineberg calls it like she sees it in her newest book, “Elephants, Alligators, Umbrellas.” This lengthy and diverse book includes poems candidly discussing famous people like Hilary Clinton, Martha Stewart and even Oprah. In a more personal style, she also bravely opens up to the reader about her own intensely personal and private heartache and disappointments.

At our Phoenix store on Saturday, February 13, from noon to 2:00 p.m., we welcome fantasy author Tim Boyer for a book signing of his latest work “The Quest: Mirror Gate Chronicles.” Meet and speak with the self-published fantasy/sci-fi novel. Boyer has been telling stories his whole life, but began writing at 17. He began seriously writing his “Mirror Gate Chronicles” in 200, when he began telling his friends at work about his dreams. They encouraged him, and along with his wife's prompting, Boyer has now completed two of his seven-novel series.

Charlene Ratcliff, author of “The Curse of Nefertiti” will be signing her book at the Mesa store from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 13. Ratcliff tells the story of Nefertiti, more than 3,000 years ago, when Egypt was in ruins, and the Nile ran red with the blood of the Egyptian people. Nefertiti's spirit walked the land and looked upon the utter devastation she had unwittingly allowed to transpire. In desperation, the Gods take pity on her, sending her into the future, so that she may return later to correct her mistakes. This is the story of Nefertiti, of the life she has lived here, in the future, as Kayla, unaware of her true identity until finally reunited with the man who is the living reincarnation of her murdered husband, Akhenaten. She is faced with a difficult choice – return to Egypt and save her country and its people, or stay here with the man who holds her heart? And if she returns to Egypt, will she remember her life as Kayla, so she may be returned to it before her life becomes forfeit in the past?

Finally, Mesa will also host Karen Chow, author of “The Prophecy Box” on Sunday, February 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Almost nine years ago, Karen was a sophomore at ASU when her good friend asked her if she was interested in writing. Her friend had received The Weekend Novelist (a book about writing a novel in one year) for her birthday and wanted a writing companion. Karen eagerly agreed and both of them began studying the exercises in the how-to book: character sketches, describing a setting, and developing a plot. Though Karen's first novel was not considered a success, it sparked a passion within her that she didn't know was there. She suddenly found herself writing during her spare time, even writing during her classes. When a church friend told her about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), she thought it was a cool concept, and took up the challenge for three consecutive years, and it was during November 2008 that she completed her latest work, “The Prophecy Box.”

Bookmans is proud to present all of these authors and more during Love of Reading Month. Check out your nearest Bookmans, or our online event calendar, for more reading- and author-related events at your local Bookmans this month!