THURSDAY,OCT.25,2001 ENTERTAINMENT THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 5B Area author tells beautiful Kansas tale Kansas City native Maxine Clair has followed her superb collection of short stories, Rattlebone, with October Suite, a novel equally compelling and beautifully written. Clair, a professor who visited the University of Kansas last spring, centers her story around the character October Brown, a young African-American teacher in the 1950s in Kansas City, Kan. Commentary Struggling to plot her own course in a world of side streets and dead ends, October must learn to navigate through the obstacles scattered across the map of her life. It's a journey she simultaneously anticipates and dreads. October's past is a bloody one. As a 4-year-old girl, she and her older sister, Vergie, discover their father's brutal stabbing of their mother, a horrendous action performed for apparently no reason. The sisters' best guess at a motive is pure, blind rage or jealousy. Mara Reichman Columnist javolaolvansan.com With one parent in the ground and one who most likely died in prison, October and Vergie grow up with their mother's sisters in Chillicothe, Ohio. October is determined to escape the nightmare of her past, and in doing so, hopes to shed the bitter memories associated with her birth name, Lillian. She chooses her new name, October, in honor of the month her mother died. She then ambitiously heads to Emporia State University, looking to separate herself from the events that took place in Chillicothe. Working diligently to establish herself as a respected third-grade teacher in the eyes of the community and the school board, October discovers making every one happy is not so easy. There are strict social rules to obey, and when she tires of jumping through hoops to satisfy others, October decides life is meant to be enjoyed. A nice man finds October and all is well until she learns he is married. He is unwilling to divorce his wife, even after she reveals she is pregnant with his child. Love, she realizes, is frequently not a "two-way street" leading to a happily-ever-after circumstance. More often it is two people driving in the same direction for a while before one veers off, leaving the other to travel a solitary road in the dark. Coming to that realization, October goes back to Chillicothe where she is cared for by her aunts and sister for the duration of her pregnancy. If Clair intends to portray the perseverance of a single woman in an era ripe with good, old-fashioned family images, she succeeds impecably. Shattered by one man, October is left temporarily overwhelmed, confused and emotionally scarred. Yet her struggles are far from over. There remain deeper, more passionate battles to be fought concerning 321 pages Random House. $23.95 October Suite by Maxine Clair the birth of her son. Maybe she dwells too long in a state of shock. Maybe she continues to be tormented by the memory of the lover who did not love her. Or maybe she simply feels ill-prepared for motherhood. Regardless of the reason, October feels only apathy after her son, David, is born. What should be the happiest moment in a mother's life passes by in an indifferent blur and without a second thought. October relinquishes David to the custody of Vergie and her husband, a mistake she spends the rest of her life striving to undo. As she ponders the consequences of her decision, October wonders if indeed "every life has something a person has to face, some dream they hold on to, calling it hope. And then when the time comes, there is nothing to do but face the mistake, pay the price, and go on." October Suite is powerful because of Clair's skillful depiction of family relationships and the bittersweet, lifelong attempts to reconcile differences while mastering the never-ending challenge of letting go in order to hold on to those we cherish. Clair successfully conveys October's thirst to be loved, both as a mother and as a woman. It is easy to understand October's yearning desire to know that she will be remembered long after she is gone. Clair, with her poetic prose, deftly weaves October's story with astute attention to time and place, sometimes with an offhand reference to the budding Civil Rights movement and many welcome nods to the uniqueness of Kansas City's succulent barbecue and notorious jazz scene. But what really gives October Suite its music is the beautiful harmony of its characters. Contact Reichman at 864-4810 Man lived as pauper, leaves behind princely sum ODDITIES Nearly everyone who knew Henry Klooster was surprised to learn after his death at age 98 that Klooster had amassed a small fortune. MUSKEGON, Mich. — A book keeper who lived in a modest home and wore old clothes and worn-out shoes left a large gift when he died. His surprising legacy includes bequests of $1 million to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and a total of $100,000 to two local churches, The Muskegon Chronicle reported Monday. "He was a millionaire, this guy, and he never spent a penny of it until he died." Flees said. Longtime friend Jim Fles said he "just about fell over" when he heard about Klooster's posthumous donations. Klooster, who never married, lived in the home he grew up in until he moved into a nursing home near the end of his life, friends and relatives said. Kansan Classified 105 Personals 110 Business Personals 115 On Campus 120 Announcements 125 Travel 130 Entertainment 140 Lost and Found 200s Employment 300s Merchandise 205 Help Wanted 225 Professional Services 235 Typing Services 305 For Sale 310 Computers 325 Home Furnishings 320 Sporting Goods 325 Stereo Equipment 330 Tickets 340 Auto Sales 345 Motorcycles for Sale 360 Miscellaneous 370 Wanted to Buy 400s Real Estate 405 Real Estate Classified Policy 410 Condos for Sale 415 Homes for Rent 420 Real Estate for Sale 430 Roommate Wanted 440 Sublease KANSAN CLASSIFIEDS: 864-4358 The Kansas will not knowingly accept any advertisement for housing or employment that discriminates against any person or group of persons based on race, sex, age, color, religion, sexual orientation, nationality 100s Announcements 120 - Announcements Sometimes you're not sure who can help... call us at 841-2345 All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fai HEADQUARTERS Counseling Center --or disability, Further, the Kansas will not knowingly accept advertising that is in violation of University of Kansas regulation or law. All arrests arbitrarily in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair 24 hours any day www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us 125 - Travel ***ACT_FAST! SAVE $$$, GET A COUPON...GO TO SPRINGBREAKDISCOUNTS.COM OR CALL 800-584-7502. Spring Break Vacations! Cunam, Jamaica; Balane, Hill & Florida. Book looks good! Bain, earn cash & Go Free! Now hiring Campus Rep. 1-800-234-7097 endessummertours.com Spring Break Reps needed to promote campus trips. Earn easy $ and travel free! No Cost 1-800-367-1252 or www.springbreakdirect.com Spring Break Party! Free Travel, Drinks, Food, and Parties with the Best DJs and catered in Cancun, Jamaica, Mazalan, and the Bahamas Go to StudentCity.com, call 1-800-293-1443 or e-mail: studentcity.com to find out more. Wanted! Spring Breakers! Sun Coast Vacations want to send you on Spring Break to Cancun, the Bahamas, Jamaica, or Mazatlan FOIL MAILS (suncoastvacations.com) 777-283-5600 sellu@suncoastvacations.com Silver bead bracelet with names: Grant, Teddy, Tiddy, Lilly and Ella. The 2014 onstan 30th on stadium grounds 140 - Lost & Found Keys found in Strong Hall. Call 864-4904 with a description. 200s Employment 205 - Help Wanted Busy pro. needs Girl/Guy Fri. to light licular & assemble a desk. One-time job for a few hrs. Set your own schedule $10/hr. 830-9098. Get paid for doing what your parents could never get you to do. Light weeding of a lawn. $10/hr 830-9098. HOT NEW CO. Work with ex-pro athletes. Sharp and motivated with high income, travel, FT/PT will train. (7835-155027 1099) Dancers/Bartenders start now-great money, great atmosphere apply within 8pm- 9pm. News TV is now hiring researchers. Writing experience, computer skills, and reliability are a must. Fax resume to 749-0999 or call 838-4800. Sp. od or speech therapy students to lead in-home programs for a 13 yr old child with autism. Hrs avail 5:40, 8:40, F-8, Sat; & 12:00. $n/r. Call 309 or Katby at 838-917-91. Academy of Bartending. Have fun and earn $15-30 an hour. Day evening or weekend classes avail. Job placement assistance. $199 with student discount. BARTEND or BARTEDING college.com. Spring Break 2002 Jamaica and Cancun. Join Student Travel Services, America a $1 student travel trip. Interpret at Kaaas and cash free trips. Interpret at Kansas and cash free trips. http://www.starval.com/1-800-648-4849 or www.starval.com WORK OUTDOORS Grobb & Ellis The Winbury Group is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant (approximately 10 hours a week) to join its Lawrence, Kansas team. Council should demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, and have a knowledge of Microsoft Office software. Please send resume w/ salary requirements to: Allison Moore, 805 New Hampshire, St. C, Lawrence, Kansas 60044 or email to amore@windburn.com. WORK OUTDOORS Part-time for local property manager 10/20 part-time for local property manager 10/20 $10.00/$10.00 with some upside. Call George Waters Mgm't, 841-5533 for details. EOE Office/Data Entry Assistant-Part-time, Kansas Union Business Office, M-F 4-hours a day, a day of flexibility in schedule but prefer 10am-2pm. $7.90/hr. Requires knowledge of computers, modelling software, equipment ability, professional work with accuracy and speed, maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively, file records, and type accurately. Prefer Access to KU Memorial Unions Human Resources Office, Level 3, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd. AA/EEO NOW HIRING Yoga instructors and Floor/Step Aerobic Instructors 205 - Help Wanted ATTENTION FUCDARTS FANS 785-841-6200 Ask for Karen 20 outgoing responsible people need to work at the KU sporting events. Must enjoy working with the public as ticket takers or parking attendants. Excellent opportunity. Apply NOW to reserve a position for KU home games. Call immediately! Manpower, 749-2800. EOE City of Lawrence Teach water aerobics & related classes providing high quality customer serv. Perform clerical tasks & other duties to support the Parks & Rec dept. Must have hv rel instructor expr w/ CPR & First Aid cert. $1.8. Apply by 10/30. 2800 W. buh street Across from Cadillac Ranch City Hall, Personnel 6 E a h. Phone: KS 604 2 personnel@ci.lawrence.ks.us www.Lawrence.city.jobs.us MIRACLE VIDEO IMAGE TAPES on clear- hole H12.9 and up. Call 814-5644 or stop by 180 124. 300s Merchandise 305 - For Sale 310- Computers itation or discrimination.* Our readers are hereby informed that all jobs and housing advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. new AMD 1.2 gHz, 258 MB, CDRW, 40 GIG HDX. 657 Call, John at 865-434- 1990 Mazda MX6 $1500, 5pcd, 4cyl, air surf. New clutch, baby and speakers. Great surf, sportery, red. Call Tori 542-1581 evenings. For Sale: 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass, mason, $2000, and 1997 Grand Jeep Cherokee Laredo, white, $12, 500, V, sixcore. Call 749-9522. 340 - Auto Sales 400s Real Estate 1 BR, NeKU, Available now, Lease no, Petuit, Tarquit, 8490 month, 766-463. 405 - Apartments for Rent Apartment for Rent One bedroom, close to campus 400/month. 138th Kentucky. Please call (718) 267-5689. Housing Act of 1968 which makes it illegal to advertise "any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, lim- Free DVD player or $10 gax/food cert. Eagle Ridge - Call 539.419-1102 $385/mo. Call 749.110-1102 Available ASAP: 3 bed/sbath Free internet and cable with HBO, most utilities paid $85/month/person with other contact Christina at 769-888 for more information. 105 - Apartments for Rent Llowar Townhomes-380 Clinton Parkway available in mid-December. 3 bedroom/2 bath. Includes washer and dryer, dishwasher, microwave, fire place, back patio and ceiling fans. No pets. $795/month. For more info call 841-7849. HIGHPOINTE APARTMENT HOMES 1ST MONTH FREE!! - 2 BRT/BA • Washer/Dryer • Microwave • Dishwasher • Swimming Pool • Fitness Center • KU Bus Route • Management First Management 841-8468 Chase Court Apartments 1st Month Free!! • 2BR/2 BA - Washer/Dryer - Dishwasher - Swimming Pool - Fitness Center First Management 843-8220 7th & Florida 3 BR with 2 baths & 4 BR with 2 baths 405 - Apartments for Rent Now taking reservations on FREE RENT For December 2001 if you sign a lease by November 15, 2001. Call 841-8468 Models Open Daily! For more information call 841-5255 Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Furnished Apt. Available * Gas heat & water * Fully equipped kitchens including microwaves * W/D in select Apts * Private balconies & patios * On-site laundry facility * Pool EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Now taking reservations on second semester leases! * 1, 2, 3 bedroom units with 1-2 baths - Lease period through July 2002 * Discounts on select units 4500 Overland Drive 843-4040 - Furnished apt. available REGENTS COURT - On KU bus route • On-site Manager • 24 hr. emergency Maintenance • Small Pets Welcome 19th & Mass. 749-0445 Large 4 BR, 2 full bath for rent with: - Washer & Dryer • Modern decor • Large fully applianced kitchen including microwave & DW • Gas heat & hot water • Central heat & air • Off street parking • On KU bus route • 24 hr, emergency - 24 hr. emergency maintenance For more information call 841-1212 Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Now Available CUNTON PARKWAY & KASOLD An exciting new gated community offering luxury amenities at an affordable price. 1 Bedroom - 777 sf - $625 2 Bedroom - 854 sf - $660 2 Bedroom - 1055 sf - $795 3 Bedroom - 1196 sf - $95 - Clubhouse * Pool * Weight Room * Basketball Court * Security Systems * Pet Acceptable AMENITIES INCLUDE 842-3280 Another First Management Property - Garages Available * Upgraded Appliances, IceMaker, Full Size Washer & Dryer 405 - Apartments for Rent SUDDENLY AVAILABLE SUDENLY AVAILABLE Unexpected vacancy in one of our new 3BR Triplex Units. Very close to KU, W-D, Micro, DW, new carpets. Our loss, your gain. Special Rent rate of $675. No Pges please. George Waters Mgm't Waters 841-5533 Enjoy the comfort of a small community. NOW LEASING! Orchards Corners NOW LEASING: Ask about our specials! We offer: • 2BR, 2 Bath w/Study • 4BR, 2 Bath • 4BR, 2 Bath w/Study • Furnished & unfurnished Apts. Available • Private balconies & patios • On-site laundry • Sparkling pool • On KU bus route • Friendly On-Site Manager • Dorms available • Small pets welcome Models Open Daily! (785) 749-4226 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY 415 - Homes For Rent 2 BR house on extra-large lot. $695/mo. Call 841-8468. Room for rent in established household. Full kitchen and house privileges. $300 + utilities. 865-5571 430 - Roommate Wanted Share 3 bdmr, 21/2 BA townhouse with two car Share $300.00 + 1/8 utilities 765-697 3br house needs three roommate $260/mo + until + non-smoker. Close to KU and University. 20% off all rooms. Great 1 bdmr apt. Available 2 semester. $385/mo includes utilities. Nice wood floors & bay window. 103 Miss. Call Brian @ 838-4093 440 - Sublease 2 bedroom/2 bath Aberdeen Apt. Wahner, 4659/75/mo. Don't have to pay deposit. 865-59- 3200/mo.