Though he's finishing a long national signing tour for his latest novel, "We Are Water," Wally Lamb is a writer renowned for his enjoyment of interaction with readers. The publisher could probably extend the tour several months and it would be fine with Lamb.

Still, it's the holidays and it's probably good for him to get home to friends and family as well as fans. Expect quite a crowd Wednesday, then, when Lamb reads from and signs copies of "We Are Water" in the Waterford Town Hall Auditorium. There will also be a question and answer session.

It's always a wonderful experience at a Lamb appearance - plus, this time, the author can then go home and sleep in his own bed.

- RICK KOSTER

Wally Lamb,

7 p.m. Wednesday, Waterford Town Hall Auditorium, 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford; suggested $10 donation supports the Waterford Public Library; (860) 444-5805, waterford-publiclibrary.org.