The briefs

Celebrate women's history at Harper

Harper College's celebration of Women Make History Month continues at 2 p.m. Tuesday with author Kathy Steffen reading from her debut book, "First There is a River." The free event takes place in Room A243 of Building A, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine.

The historical novel, inspired by Steffen's great-grandmother -- a cook on a West Virginia riverboat -- tells the story of a woman who runs away from her abusive husband, fleeing to her uncle's riverboat in 1900.

Steffen's second novel, "Jasper Mountain," is set to be released in November. At this reading, she'll tell the story behind writing both of the works. For more information, call (847) 925-6000 or visit harpercollege.edu.