Speaker: Gregg Hurwitz
Photograph by Jennifer Katz
Local writers speak at luncheon
One author is from Saratoga
By Shari Kaplan
A former Saratogan and three other Bay Area authors on Feb. 23 will speak about their latest works at the 10th annual Book and Author Luncheon hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of Brandeis University's National Women's Committee.
The luncheon, which will take place at the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club, features Gregg A. Hurwitz, Louise Fiszer, Suzanne Pari and Bernice Scharlack. Hurwitz is a former Saratogan who now lives in Los Angeles. The event is co-chaired by Saratogans Cindy Silverglat and Denise Levy. Its proceeds support the BUNWC Library Chair Fund, which benefits the Brandeis University Library system.
Hurwitz, a graduate of Harvard and Oxford universities, published his first novel, The Tower, in April 1999. The psychological thriller tells of an Alcatraz-like vertical prison in the San Francisco Bay that prides itself on being escape proof--until remorseless killer Allander Atlasia breaks out. Tracking Atlasia on his Bay Area murder spree are volatile ex-FBI agent Jade Marlow and his headstrong young assistant, Jennifer Travers.
Fiszer, a Palo Alto-based food writer and cooking instructor, has written or co-written many culinary books, including Jewish Holiday Feasts, A Good Day for Soup and A Good Day for Salad. She has also written food-related columns and articles for the San Jose Mercury News, the San Francisco Jewish Bulletin, Food and Wine Magazine and Bon Appetit. She is also the director of Louise's Pantry, a cooking school.
Pari, who holds degrees in psychology and journalism, set her debut novel, The Fortune Catcher, in modern-day Iran. It weaves a story of love, fanaticism and survival. Pari, like her book's heroine, is married to an Iranian.
Scharlack, a journalist, columnist and freelancer, chose Bay Area philanthropist Ben Swig as the subject of her latest biography, Dealing from the Heart. Her other books, House of Harmony and Big Alma, also focus on the lives of prominent local public figures.
The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. After lunch, authors will sign books and talk with the public. Admission is $55 per person, and reservations are required. Attendees can choose a meat or vegetarian meal. For reservations or more information, call 408.741.4931.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
