"Violence, Veils & Bloodlines" author here Jan. 10

Portsmouth resident and former 35-year foreign correspondent Lou Salome's memoir, "Violence, Veils and Bloodlines: Reporting from the War Zones" (McFarland & Co., 2010), is a sweeping tour of the world's most contentious corners, reported from such war-torn locations as Belfast. Kabul, Bosnia and Somalia.

Salome's book is also interspersed with amusing and wrenching anecdotes and is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the world we live in today. Mr. Salome will speak about his experiences and his travels on Monday evening, January 10, 2011, at 7pm at the library.

In his book, the role of nationalism and deeply-rooted tribalism are explored. Loyalities may be forged with outsiders, but only as they benefit the tribe, which begins with family and widens to include religion and ethnicity. "Tribes usually resist shedding their views of history," says Salome, and use ancient grudges to fuel new wars. He has a unique perspective on his own familial roots and invites readers to follow the evolution of his own thinking as he dodges bullets, shares meals, parries bureaucracies, and talks to everyone, from rubble-dwelling survivors in Lebanon to the beaten, but unbowed, Bernadette Devlin in northern Ireland.

Louis Salome's astute observations about tribal loyalities and rivalries are essential to understanding the challenges faced by America and The West in today's world. This program is free and all are welcome. For further information, call us at 516-6050.