Speaking of Books

MAY 12

John M. Thompson, The Journals of Captain John Smith: A Jamestown Biography. Thompson compiled and edited the writings of the prolific Smith, one of Jamestown’s most famous founders. His talk will cover Smith’s key role in the beleaguered colony, his explorations — and, yes, his relationship with Pocahantas. 2 p.m. Olsson’s at Old Town, 106 S. Union St., Alexandria. (703) 684-0077.

Kevin Revolinski, The Yogurt Man Cometh: Tales of an American Teacher in Turkey. After a year teaching English in Turkey, Revolinksi was so inspired by the experience that he wrote a book. He covers all the ups and downs — new language, new cuisine, new culture — with humor and vivid detail. 5 p.m. Candida’s World of Books, 1541 14th St. NW. (202) 667-4811.

MAY 15

Lynne Olson, Troublesome Young Men: The Rebels Who Brought Churchill to Power and Helped Save England. In 1940, Winston Churchill and a cohort of like-minded Tories waged a fierce battle to force Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain to resign. This is one story of inside parliamentary wrangling that actually changed history, and Olson will explain just how these rebels pulled it off. 7 p.m. Olsson’s at Arlington/Courthouse, 2111 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. (703) 525-4227.

MAY 17

William Langewiesche, The Atomic Bazaar. This book, which grew out of a long essay in The Atlantic Monthly, provides fresh and alarming detail on how poor countries can acquire nuclear weapons more easily, and quickly, than ever before. Pakistan, Iran, and Russia’s “nuclear cities” are some of the most alarming cases that Langewiesche covers. 7 p.m. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 364-1919.

Compiled by Helen Fessenden.  Future book events may be sent to hfessenden@digital-stage.thehill.com.