Debut signing of local author’s book Saturday at the library

Local resident and recently published author Shelley Gillespie will launch her book, “Hiking for the Couch Potato,” Saturday at the Maricopa Public Library, 41600 W Smith-Enke Rd.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the event will begin at 10 a.m. with a short, humorous presentation by Gillespie, followed by book signings and refreshments.

Books will be available for purchase at $14.95, and a portion of the sales proceeds will be donated to the Friends group.

For those who miss this opportunity, a second book signing will be held on Dec. 5 from 1-3 p.m. at Penascos Mexican Restaurant.

Gillespie credits her husband, Roger, for getting her on the ‘path’ to hiking. Admittedly not an athletic person, she has written a book for those who are exercise-challenged and perhaps faint of heart at the prospect of taking those first steps on the trail to fun and fitness.

As Gillespie says on the book’s web site, “Let’s face it. Moving is an exertion; sitting is much easier.”

The book provides motivational tips for couch potatoes on how to get off the couch and on the trail, discusses hikes that Gillespie has actually taken and would endorse for novices. Potato recipes for couch and non-couch potato eaters are an additional benefit included in the book, the first in what Gillespie plans as a series of couch potato guides.

The Friends of the Maricopa Public Library will also be hosting an open house at the library on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
 
Members and guests are invited to stop in to meet the Friends and learn who they are and what they do to support the Maricopa Public Library. 
 
Photo by Joyce Hollis