Store to host blood drive in conjunction with event Who: Charlaine Harris is author of the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse series on which the HBO original series - True Blood - is based. A native of Mississippi, Harris has been writing mysteries for over twenty years. Her first book series was the lighthearted Aurora Teagarden books with Real Murders, which garnered an Agatha nomination. Harris' protagonist is a diminutive Georgia librarian whose life never turns out quite the way she planned. She then penned a much edgier Shakespeare series, set not in England, but in rural Arkansas. The heroine of the Shakespeare books is Lily Bard, a tough and taciturn woman whose life has been permanently reshaped by a terrible crime and its consequences. The Sookie Stackhouse series, which includes nine books, is about a telepathic barmaid in southern Louisiana. The first book in the series, "Dead Until Dark," won the Anthony for best paperback mystery of 2001. Each book about Sookie Stackhouse (and her dealings with vampires and werewolves and other creatures of the night) has gathered more readers to enjoy the books' unique blend of mystery, humor, romance, and the supernatural. The Sookie books are also being read in Japan, Spain, Greece and Great Britain. More information on all Harris' books can be found at http://www.charlaineharris.com/. Harris has also penned the Harper Connelly mysteries. Book four - "Grave Secret" - will be released in October of this year. What: Harris will engage fans in a Q&A after which she'll sign copies of "Dead and Gone," the latest book in the ultra-popular Sookie Stackhouse series. Throughout the event, fans can purchase Borders' version of the True Blood drink - a special beverage from the Seattle's Best Coffee cafe - as well as enjoy for free Borders' own special brand of "V" - non-alcoholic JELL-O shots. Seating at the event is limited. Beginning at 9 a.m. on the day of the event, wristbands will be given out to customers in the store on a first come, first served basis and will hold each person's place in the book signing line. Line wristbands will be color-coded and the line will be organized by colors. When: Monday, July 13 at 7 p.m. Where: Borders 1500 16th Street, Suite D Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 574-0800 Vampires Have Hearts, Too! In typical vamp style, fans can give back to the Chicagoland community by donating much needed blood at the event. The store has teamed with Lifesource to host a blood drive from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Media Contact: Media interested in covering this event should contact Kristen Sohacki at (708) 860-7650 or . (LOGO: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060208/BORDERSLOGO) /PRNewswire -- July 9/ http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060208/BORDERSLOGODATASOURCE: Borders

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