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This weekend, on Saturday, 28th July 2012, the Book N Gauge, Lagos’ leading literary and book culture event will take place. This fourteenth edition of the monthly event is titled “For the Love of Books” and will be featuring Emmanuel Iduma, author of “Farad”, and Myne Whitman, author of “Heart to Mend” and editor of Naija Stories. These two emerging voices will share with the audience their loves of books and their undying passion for promoting literary arts. The event will also host two singers, Christine and Babatunde, who will be serenading the audience with splendid music. The Book N Guage is more than just book readings and good music. It is a platform for book lovers to meet, interact and network. There are also a lot of freebies, one of which is that if you invite five friends, and ensure they come for the event, you win a free book. READING Emmanuel Iduma; author of the novel “Farad”. Emmanuel Iduma is the co-founder of Iroko Publishing, a creative enterprise that consistently uses the online imprint Saraba Magazine to understand human issues through the lenses of literature and to unearth new voices. His debut novel Farad has been described as an unusual, compelling and enthralling novel fit for the heights of an established novelist. Myne Whitman Born in Enugu, Nigeria, Whitman is an acclaimed frontline romance novelist and blogger. She is the author of two novels, “A Heart to Mend”, a story of self-discovery and unconditional love and “A Love Rekindled”, a tale about first love, ethnic conflict and broken promises. She is the editor of Naija Stories, a critique website for Nigerian literature. Whitman blogs at www.mynewhiman.com, where she has garnered a huge following. She will be presenting from a recent anthology of new stories. PERFORMERS Christine Christine’s signature pop blues style was first singled out for attention when she won the MTN sponsored talent contest held in University of Jos, Plateau State-Nigeria in 2005. But it wasn’t until 2007, when she won the Nokia First Chance music reality TV show that her incredible talent was first showcased on a national scale. Her sound is a profound combination of alternative soul, R and B, with a twist of mild pop delivered with powerful emotional vocals, wedded to lush melodies that go straight to the heart. She has worked with and performed alongside Omawumi, Jodie, Naeto C, Ikechukwu, Bez, Tosin Martins, MI, Vector, Skales, Kahli Abdu, Ghana’s C-Real and Jtown, King David, Society of Performing Artistes of Nigeria (SPAN) and others too numerous to mention. Her debut album, “Life Under Construction”, was released in 2010. Babatunde Ogunseinde Babatunde is a creative artiste with a bias for music and poetry. The folk and soul music act has performed on different stages; at Motherland, the Alliance Francais Ibadan, Artmosphere, a book culture, music and arts event in Ibadan and during the Free Medical Mission of The Bridge Network, Ibadan. Babatunde understands his craft and wields it, making the audience encounter an unforgettable nostalgia. His songs are also borne out of deep thoughts and common experience. He was recognised by the IB Poetry Awards (a UK based organisation) as one of the leading lights who is using his art positively in Nigeria. Babatunde has performed alongside late performance poet, Ify Omalicha, Ayodele Olofintuade, Femi Fairchild, Niran Okewole, Tade Ipadeola, Beautiful Nubia amongst others. AUCTION SESSION There will be an auction session where you can get some of the latest books that you can only find online, and also hot CDs that are yet to be on the streets. There will also be a surprise “X” auction item. Date: Saturday July 28, 2012 Time: Strictly 2 pm – 5 pm Venue: Debonair Bookstore, 294, Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos. Remember to bring five friends and win a free book! Gifts are available for early birds too.