The Fourth Hand by John Irving (Random House; $25.95). Mr. Irving is back on shelves this week with his 10th novel. Patrick Wallingford, a handsome television anchor, has a hand bit off by a lion while covering a circus. Patrick is scheduled for a transplant, but the widow of the donor has a few conditions. First, she wants to meet Patrick before the operation. Then, she wants visitation rights after the hand is transplanted (well, this is John Irving).

        Antioch Writers' Workshop kicks off Saturday and continues through July 14 on the Yellow Springs, Ohio, campus. It's for serious writers but there are plenty of public events. William Least Heat-Moon will discuss “The 10 Questions People Ask Me About Writing,” 7 p.m. Saturday at Kelly Hall. Jennifer Crusie, Clint McCown and Tim Waggoner will read from their work 7 p.m. Sunday at Center Stage Theatre, 136 Dayton St., Yellow Springs. Both events are free. And there's lots more. Log on to www.antiochwritersworkshop.com for the full schedule or call (877) 914-3349.

        A Kiss To Remember by Teresa Medeiros (Bantam; $21.95). The popular romance writer turns the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty on its head in her newest novel. This time, it's girl finds sleeping guy in Regency-era England. Sounds like a perfect pool-side read. Signings: 7 p.m. Monday , Books & Co., 350 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, (937) 298-6540; and 7 p.m. next Tuesday, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Edwards and Madison roads, Norwood, 396-8960.

        Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara (Ballantine Books: $26.95). The best-selling novelist switches from the Civil War to the American Revolution and smartly times the release (the first of a two-volume saga) to the Fourth of July. The book starts with the Boston Massacre in March 1770 and ends with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. It is told from the perspective of an array of historic figures. Publishers Weekly's forecast: “Expect patriotic sales.”

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