Monday Sept. 25

    My fiancee, who's a playwright, loves Shakespeare because she says "it's such a challenge for the actor to interpret and understand his language and  poetry. Once they get a handle on his verse and wrap themselves around it and execute it properly, there is no finer acting." Me, I'm often miffed or confused by it all. I bluffed my way through Shakespeare classes in high school and college. The both of us - and maybe you - should go see Ron Ronsenbaum, one of my favorite and funniest writers, talk about his book, "The Shakespeare Wars" at the Brookline Booksmith Monday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. Rosenbaum, a New York Observer columnist, argues that  if you don't enjoy the Bard it may not be your fault - it may be because of the production. Rosenbaum, who also wrote "Explaining Hitler,'' is determined (possibly) to be "a lunatic, a lover and a poet in fine frenzy" by theater ciritic John Simon and he writes we're better off for it. See for yourself. Free.

279 Harvard St., Brookline, 617-566-6660  brooklinebooksmith.com