Local author to sign books

GREENCASTLE -- Just in time for the holidays, author Vera M. Kierstead-Farber is slashing prices on her trilogy of books about a 10-year-old pioneer heading west during the time of Lewis and Clark's expedition to the west.

The three books from her trilogy, "Jamie's Journey, an Early American Adventure," "Jamie Comes of Age" and "America is my Country" will be available at a book signing at Asbury Towers Nov. 13 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Kierstead-Farber was born in Bainbridge and graduated from Greencastle High School. She received a bachelor's degree in music education from DePauw University and her master's degree from Villanova University. She also earned certifications from the Famous Artist School and the Institute of Children's Literature.

She retired from a career as a music teacher in the Radnor, Pa. schools and now resides in Putnam County, where she continues to enjoy music, oil painting, gardening, and working as a volunteer with her local Methodist Church.

She is active with the Council on Aging, R.S.V.P., and AARP. She is married to Dr. Robert Farber, vice president emeritus of DePauw University.

The first book in her trilogy published in 1999 revolves around Jamie just after the loss of his mother. He heads west with family friends to find his father who is with the Lewis and Clark expedition.

During his two-year journey from Front Royal, Va., to Marietta, Ohio, and then on to St. Louis, Jamie meets both friendly and hostile Native Americans. He nearly drowns while crossing the Potomac River, and he barely escapes being stolen and sold into servitude by two unscrupulous women.

A naturally gifted artist and musician, he learns to carve magnificent wooden animals and to play the violin. He helps to raise a log cabin and he meets the lovely Mary Beth. With the help of his beloved Grandma Nelson, a member of the Allen family, he carves an award-winning top.

While Jamie cherishes his victories and overcomes his discouraging trials, he never loses the hope of finding his father.

Farber's second book, "Jamie Comes of Age," published in 2005, tells of Jamie and his father, who as a part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, transport botanical and other specimens to Washington, D.C. Adventure abounds; the pair even dines with Thomas Jefferson. The book is a high-spirited and fast-moving saga that will appeal to history- and adventure-loving young adults."

The third and final book of the trilogy is "America Is My Country." Set in 1811, Kierstead-Farber tells the tale of Jamie's westward journey from Washington, D.C., accompanied by his longtime friend Alex and another boy.

"The author meticulously recreates this crucial period in American history through the eyes of her intrepid, ambitious, and high-spirited adventurer," notes the publisher, Vantage Press.

The books will be available in the lobby at Asbury Towers on Nov. 13. They are also for sale on amazon.com, barginbasement.com and at other book selling locations. For information about the books or Farber call 653-4465.