Thanks to a recommendation from Star Soto, youth librarian at the H.P. Wright Library in Ventura, I recently enjoyed "Megiddo's Shadow" by award-winning author Arthur Slade.

Vividly evocative of another time and place, "Megiddo's Shadow" (Random House; $16; for ages high school to adult) chronicles the adventures of Edward Bathe, a 16-year-old Canadian farm boy who lies about his age to enlist during World War I because he wants to avenge his older brother's death in France.

But instead of going to Europe, Edward ends up in an English calvary unit sent to Palestine to kill Turks.

Powerful and highly moving, "Megiddo's Shadow" follows the young man as he bonds with his fellow soldiers; shares his innermost fears with Buke, his beloved horse; and corresponds with Emily, a dedicated nurse with whom he falls in love. Along the way Edward learns that war is not the noble vindication he yearns for, but a gritty life-and-death struggle to survive against the scorching heat of the desert, unknown tactics of the enemy and complexities of the human heart.

AUTHOR APPEARANCES

Charlie Houston Noon Saturday. Will sign "Shotgun Rule." Mysteries to Die For, 2940 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 374-0084.

Randall Hicks 2 p.m. Saturday. Will sign "Baby Crimes." Mysteries to Die For, 2940 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 374-0084.

Megan McDonald and Lisa Yess 2 p.m. Saturday. The authors will discuss and sign their new books in the "American Girls" series, "Meet Julie" and "Good Luck Ivy." Reservations suggested. Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 446-2820.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Book Group 12:30 p.m. Monday. "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 446-2820.

Poetry Reading 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Featured poet Raindog. Artists' Union Gallery, 330 S. California St., Ventura. 320-3524.

Poetry Workshop 7 p.m. Wednesday. Barnes & Noble, 4820 Telephone Road, Ventura. 339-0990.

Train of Thought 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Coastal Roasting Cafe, 546 E. Main St., Ventura. 642-1146.

LITERARY NOTES

BookSurge Publishing has just released "Tales Around a Fire" by Port Hueneme writer A. Paul Dileski. The compilation of short stories, poems, photographs and sketches is available for $16 at www.amazon.com.

LIBRARY NEWS

Read to Pepper the Dog 3 p.m. Monday. Blanchard Library, 119 N. Eighth St., Santa Paula. 525-3615.

Book Club 11 a.m. Tuesday. "Infidel" by Ayaar Hirsi Ani. Camarillo Library, 4101 Las Posas Road. 388-5222.

Discussion Group 11 a.m. Wednesday. "Zorro" by Isabel Allende. Simi Valley Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road. 526-1735.

Stories and Crafts 1 p.m. Wednesday. Westlake Village Library, 31220 Oak Crest Drive. 818-865-9230.

Mystery Group 2 p.m. Thursday. Prueter Library, 510 Park Ave., Port Hueneme. 486-5460.

Knitting Club 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Ojai Library, 111 E. Ojai Ave. 646-1639.

Paws for Reading 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Wright Library, 57 Day Road, Ventura. 642-0337.

STORY TIMES

Monday 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 446-2820.

Tuesday 10:30 a.m. Adventures for Kids, 3457 Telegraph Road, Ventura. 650-9688.

11 a.m. Moorpark Library, 699 Moorpark Ave. 517-6370.

Wednesday 10:30 a.m. Blanchard Library, 119 N. Eighth St., Santa Paula. 525-3615.

Saturday 10:30 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 446-2820.

11 a.m. Simi Valley Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road. 526-1735.

3 p.m. Adventures for Kids, 3457 Telegraph Road, Ventura. 650-9688.

7 p.m. Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 497-8159.

— We'd like to announce your news about literary events in Ventura County. Send items at least three weeks in advance to Jo Ellen Heil at P.O. Box 7083, Ventura, CA 93006; samheil@hotmail.com; or fax to 482-6167.