Spells are one of many ways in which the power of language manifests itself. To name things means to be in control of them, to define the world, to impregnate it with one’s politics and wishful thinking – through prayers at night, casting a love spell to secure someone’s feelings or insistin…

Rob Somers didn’t want to write this book, but the spirit that directs his life kept saying: “You have to do this.”

Golf began to cause Peter Melton a lot of frustration. That nagging thorn led to a book.

Patricia Little-Auguston opens the door to the West Room at Hacienda Carmel, where an author series has been taking place each month for the last three years. They have a fireplace glowing – when appropriate – cookies and a steady group of regulars. There are 25 people in attendance on average.

“It was the winter of 1932-33 that we had made plans to go to Monterey and celebrate Christmas at my grandmother’s house on Cypress Street. The plan was quite complicated.”