There are some people who seem to know a bit about everything, whose interests and skills range far and wide. Today’s Author Spotlight looks at just such a person. This author, lecturer, and author has written books about all kinds of topics, from The Shawshank Redemption to Dracula! Mark Dawidziak is also a talented actor, who gives performances of Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe, and much more! Today, I’ve put together a list of some of his books that you can check out from your library.
And if you’re interested in more, join us on August 19th for a Zoom presentation with Mark, Moralists in Disguise, a fascinating talk on Mark Twain and the Twilight Zone!
Can you live your life by lessons from the classic TV show The Twilight Zone? Yes, you can! Everything I Need to Know I Learned in the Twilight Zone is a handy guide to living your life, chock full of lighthearted lessons and wisdom, such as It’s never too late to reinvent yourself (“The Last Flight”), follow your passion (“A Passage for Trumpet”), and never judge a book by its cover (“To Serve Man”). Dawidziak’s wit and wisdom make for an incredibly fun and thought-provoking read.
In honor of The Shawshank Redemption’s 25th anniversary, The Shawshank Redemption Revealed looks back on this iconic film, with tons of interesting facts and behind-the-scenes knowledge, including the making of the film, the differences between the original Stephen King story and the movie, and the enduring legacy that this film has left behind, not to mention interviews with actors (both prominent and more obscure) who had roles in the film. Perfect for true Shawshank fans.
Do you love Mark Twain? Do you love cats? Then this book is for you! Mark Twain for Cat Lovers is a delightful romp as Dawidziak talks about one of his favorite topics–Mark Twain. America (and certainly the internet) is cat-crazy. But, Mark Twain might have been one of the most cat-crazy American authors out there. They filled his home, his heart, and his work. In this delightful book, Dawidziak explores Twain’s love of cats through stories, quotes, and photographs. Learn a bit more about this lesser known aspect of the famous author’s life and career. Sure to appeal to fans of Twain and of cats, alike!
The Bedside, Bathtub, and Armchair Companion to Dracula, as the name suggests, is all about the world’s most famous vampire. Ever since its first publication in 1897, Dracula’s influence can be seen everywhere across popular culture. Not only is he the king of the vampires, but he is king of all monsters, and one of the most recognizable names in horror history. Learn about the original novel, its author, the psychological and sociological implications, and its myriad of adaptations on stage, and both the big and small screens, and of course, the original Dracula, Vlad the Impaler himself!
Mark Twain was truly a writer with something to say about everything. And Mark Twain’s Guide to Diet, Exercise, Beauty, Fashion, Investment, Romance, Health, and Happiness is a perfect compendium of his commentary on a variety of topics. Need advice on diet, exercise, smoking, drinking, fashion, or stress management? How about medicine, parenting, or old age? Dawidziak pulls together some of Twain’s best kernels of wisdom into one convenient volume, so the next time you find yourself wondering “What Would Mark Twain Do?” then the answer is only a page-turn away.
