Tuesday, October 20, 2026 - 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
with Jan Cress Dondi
Books & Bites continues this fall with a special afternoon featuring author Jan Cress Dondi and the remarkable true story behind her book, The Navigator’s Letter.
Fort Lauderdale resident Jan Cress Dondi was born in Hillsboro, Illinois, where the inspiration for The Navigator’s Letter first took root. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she graduated from the University of Georgia and later lived for six years in Anchorage, Alaska, where she pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Alaska. She went on to build a career as a litigation paralegal, where 30 years of research and legal writing provided a natural foundation for telling this true story.
Jan set out to uncover the missions that had affected her family most deeply during World War II—particularly the Allied campaign against the oilfields of Ploesti, Romania. Her journey led to the discovery of hundreds of wartime letters written by her uncle, John B., and her father, Bob, as well as a POW diary, corroborated by thousands of records from the U.S. and German national archives. Her research also took her to Romania, Germany, and England, bringing her closer to the remarkable story of two young airmen and their courage, sacrifice, and determination during one of the war’s most perilous campaigns.
When:
Tuesday, October 20
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where:
Belmont Village Senior Living
1031 Seminole Dr.
Fort Lauderdale
About Books & Bites:
Attendees partake in light bites while enjoying a presentation by a local author followed by lively Q&A, book sales, and signings. This event is normally held in Fort Lauderdale three times a year: in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. The event is free to attend for Library Foundation members at the $50 level; all others are welcome to attend at a cost of $25on a space-available basis.
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Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor:
Recent Events
On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Books & Bites featured two authors: Christie Caliendo, author of Lesser Haven and Timothy Schmand, author of The Danbury Chronicles.
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Author Caren S. Neile spoke at Books & Bites about her latest book, Featuring Florida.
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, author Diana Abu-Jaber spoke about her novel Fencing with the King.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Zoo Miami's Ron Magill spoke about his book,The Pride of a Lion:What the Animal Kingdom Can Teach Us About Survival, Fear and Family
On October 29, 2024, Alyssa Maxwell, author of the Gilded Newport Mysteries, spoke at Books 'n' Bites, the new iteration of the Book with Brunch series, about her latest novel, Murder at Vinland.
On January 18, 2024, Book with Brunch featured Diane Bergner, local author of the novel Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club.
On November 16, 2023, Book with Brunch featured New York Times bestselling mystery author, Charles Todd, who spoke about his latest novel, The Cliff's Edge.
On May 4, 2023, Book with Brunch featured author and lifelong swimmer, Carla Albano, who spoke about her book, Soul of a Swimmer.
Books & Bites is hosted by our Presenting Sponsor, Belmont Village Senior Living in Fort Lauderdale.
Carla Albano
May 4, 2023
Carla Albano
May 4, 2023
