“The Shattered Curling Stone,” by David Florig Submitted photo

Maine author David Florig will talk about his new book, “The Shattered Curling Stone,” from 4-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the Androscoggin Community Room at the Auburn Public Library. There will be readings from both the award-winning “The Stones of Ailsa Craig” and “The Shattered Curling Stone,” a Q&A, and book signings.

David Florig Submitted photo

“The Shattered Curling Stone” is a work of historical fiction, centered around young Ailsa Maclaren, who takes up curling at a time when women were neither encouraged, nor often permitted, to play the game. Set in late-1800s Scotland, it tells Ailsa’s story as she journeys from novice, to the Scottish Women’s Championship, and the World Championship. “The Shattered Curling Stone” is steeped in the history of women’s curling, both real and fictional. Along the way, Ailsa meets the very handsome and charming Lucas Plotcok, and therein lies the tale.

Florig lives in Ocean Park and is a member of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. He is a member and past-president of the Pine Tree Curling Club in Portland, as well as a member of the Belfast Curling Club in Maine. His debut novel, “The Stones of Ailsa Craig,” was named Best Historical Fiction for 2023 by Indies Today, was a 2023 Finalist for the American Writing Awards, and was nominated for a Maine Literary Award and the Eric Hoffer Award. It has been called a “crowning achievement” by The Feathered Quill.

Most recently, Florig organized and led a group of ninety Maine authors as Maine Authors for Lewiston. Between Nov. 25 and Dec. 16, 2023, the group held ten book sales/signings in public libraries around the state to raise money to support victims and families of the tragic events in Lewiston on Oct. 25. The group raised more than $6,000 at the events.

For years, Florig practiced law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Following his legal career, he served as the executive director of two nonprofits: Court Appointed Special Advocates of Burlington County (New Jersey) and the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children. WePAC recruited and trained volunteers to open shuttered elementary school libraries in Philadelphia, and for his work on behalf of Philadelphia’s children, he was honored.

This program is open to all ages. No registration is required. For more information about this and other programs at the Auburn Public Library, visit auburnpubliclibrary.org or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4.