Achilles' Epic Entertains Kids

Some of the earliest and still greatest adventure stories, full of passion, action and fantasy, come from early Greek and Roman history. These tales have entertained children for centuries — not to mention all the Hollywood blockbusters.

Children are invited to hear Madeline Miller discuss The Song of Achilles, an epic retelling of the Trojan War on Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m. Miller presents a thrilling and unique spin on the legend of Achilles: a tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart—a dazzling feat of the imagination that is sure to be one of the most unusual debuts of the season.

Here are a few other events going on nearby:

• You've probably noticed some of the changes at College of Marin if you've driven along College Avenue lately. Get the latest update on the progress of the modernization program during a forum Thursday, May 3, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Portable Village, PV-4, adjacent to the tennis courts at the Kentfield Campus. There will be a question and answer period following the presentation. The forum is free and open to the public.

• College of Marin instructor Jessica Ivry will lead a chamber music recital Friday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a second recital on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Both recitals are at Lefort Recital Hall on the Kentfield Campus.

• Do you remember the railroad that used to run through Kentfield? Or any of the landmarks that used to be part of the area? County librarian Laurie Thompson will speak about the origins of Kentfield from 7 to 8 p.m., May 3 at the Corte Madera Library. The event is free and open to the public.

• Ron Rash presents The Cove Thursday at 7 p.m. at Book Passage in Corte Madera. Deep in the rugged Appalachians of North Carolina lies the cove, a dark, forbidding place where spirits and fetches wander, and even the light fears to travel. Or so the townsfolk of Mars Hill believe—just as they know that Laurel Shelton, the lonely young woman who lives within its shadows, is a witch.