I found Yappy Hour at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort by following the barking of a few of the dozens of dogs that were enjoying the beautiful outdoor patio. I don’t mean to make it sound like it was cacophony, they were actually quite well behaved considering they were at a cocktail party.

Not being a dog person, I fortified myself with a glass of wine and went to talk with the guest of honor, my friend, Edie Jarolim, author of “Am I Boring My Dog”, and blogger of Will My Dog Hate Me? She was merrily scribbling away signing books. At the appointed hour we were directed indoors for the reading.  I passed the corner for “dogs and their owners” with chairs on plastic sheeting over the dance floor.

Jennifer Duffy, representing Loews, told us that the resort is a pet friendly hotel – in addition to dogs you may bring your cat, iguana or bunny rabbit.   Edie then entertained the very appreciative audience, both human and canine, by reading from her charming, funny and very helpful book.  Both novice dog owners (like Edie) and veteran dog people will learn something from this comprehensive guide to being the best dog caretaker you can be. Frankie the doggie muse was on stage looking very snappy in his black tie.

If you missed it, don’t worry, she’ll be reading at Clues Unlimited, A Mystery Bookstore, 3146 E. Ft. Lowell Rd, on Saturday, October 17 at 2:30 p.m. at a benefit for Arizona Greyhound Rescue .  Also reading will be Marlene Bachmann, author of a new mystery set in Tucson dealing with nefarious doings at the local greyhound track. Twenty per cent of the book sales for the event will go to AGR. Greyhounds welcome.

Saving Money And Having Fun

Odyssey Storytelling was recently featured on the website Tucson On The Cheap , and it made me think about what a value Spoken Word events are.  From a free book reading and signing to a $7 two-hour storytelling show, you can get a lot of entertainment and not break the bank.

If you don’t’ believe me, compare these prices to some other typical amusements.  Steve Earle will be at the Rialto Theater and it will cost you $27 or $33.  An Arizona Diamondbacks single ticket ranges from Clubhouse Box for $240 to outfield reserve (whatever that is ) for $5 .  Tickets to see Bette Midler in Vegas will set you back $117 to $272.  See what I mean?

Here are some free book reading events coming up.

J.A. Jance signs and discusses her new mystery book, Fire and Ice,  from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, August 6, at Mostly Books, 6208 E. Speedway Blvd.

Rev. Run, hip-hop icon, father of six and an ordained minister and his wife Justine Simmons sign their book Take Back Your Family at the Eastside Barnes and Noble, 5130 E. Broadway, on August 7 at 6 p.m.

Kyrsten Sinema, a Democratic Representative in the Arizona State Legislature, reads from her new book Unite and Conquer: How to Build Coalitions That Win and Last on Friday, August 28, 2009 7:00 p.m. at Antigone Books , 411 North 4th Ave.

Author Kate Mathis signs copies of her new book Living Lies from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, August 29. at the eclectic 17^th Street Market , 840 E. 17th St.

It’s a little slow this time of year but things really pick up in the fall.  Two other Tucson independent bookstores that have occasional readings are Clues Unlimited, 3146 E. Fort Lowell Road; and The Book Stop, 214 North 4th Avenue

For the kids, don’t forget story time at various Tucson Pima Library and Bookman locations.