In this serialized novel set on the Vineyard in real time, a native Islander (“Call me Becca”) returns home after many years to help her highly-respected but eccentric Uncle Abe keep his landscaping business, Pequot, afloat. Abe has a paranoid hatred of Richard Moby, the CEO of an off-Island wholesale nursery. He is convinced that Moby wants to destroy Abe personally, as well as all Island-based landscaping/nursery businesses. Abe is now obsessed with “taking down” Moby before Moby can damage Pequot or any other Island grower.

Bridge to Baseball

Walk-offs, Last Licks, and Final Outs: Baseball’s Grand (and-not-so-grand) Finales is the title of former Sports Illustrated baseball writer Jim Kaplan’s latest book — and an evening talk he’s giving Wednesday, August 6, at 7 p.m. at the West Tisbury Library.

Mr. Kaplan will chat about the connection between baseball and bridge, which he describes as being “joined at the hip.” The program will include a trivia quiz and the winner will receive a free book.

Bass Talks Side Effects

Pulitzer Prize nominee Alison Bass will discuss her book Side Effects: A Prosecutor, a Whistleblower and a Bestselling Antidepressant on Trial, today, August 5, at 5 p.m. at the West Tisbury Free Public Library.

Side Effects is based on a true story of a landmark case that exposed greed, corruption and negligence in the pharmaceutical industry.

Jamestown and Captain Bartholmew Gosnold, the Buried Truth, is the title of a free talk by archaeologist William Kelso on Thursday, August 7, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Chilmark Public Library.

Parenting Talk

Dayle Pomerantz, a parent skills coach and child development specialist will share her latest book, Secrets of Great Parents, and explore successful parent-child relationships, on Thursday, August 7, at 4:30 p.m. at the West Tisbury library. The talk is free with refreshments. For details, call 508-693-3366.