By Karen Vance
Enquirer contributor

As a little boy growing up in Price Hill, Steve Kissing thought he was possessed by Satan.

Now, as an adult, he knows he was suffering from a seizure disorder that was causing hallucinations. But the story of his childhood and the connection he gained to his faith is something he hopes can help others.

Kissing, a Catholic, describes his book, Running with the Devil: A Memoir of a Boy Possessed as a book about "the Prince of Darkness versus the Prince of Dorkiness," but there's a greater understanding to be had.

"In a sense I think we're all beautiful dorks in God's eyes, just doing our best to fumble forward," he said. "I want people to enjoy (the book), but beyond that, I'm hoping it finds itself in the right set of hands, a set of hands where it might shed some light on a life."

He shares a humorous tale that as a boy, he believed the devil was waging a war within his soul, and he fought back by working hard as a student and an active youth in his church. He even tried to give himself an exorcism with candles, a Bible and Wonderbread.

He credits the church with giving him imagination, which became a powerful tool in connecting with God. Then about four years ago, he was inspired to write his story, deepening his faith.

"Writing this story gave me an even greater appreciation for the role that the Catholic Church played in my life as a child and its influences, all of them positive," he said.

Kissing will read from and sign copies of his book at 1 p.m. April 12 at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, 2692 Madison Road.

Book signing

Victoria King, author of A Life Changed by Love, will host a book signing and lecture Friday at God's Provisions, 7462 Montgomery Road, Silverton.

'His Final Week'

The Fairfield Church of Christ, 745 Symmes Road, is hosting "His Final Week," an interactive presentation of the last week of Jesus' life, including the Last Supper, prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, the trial in Pontius Pilate's court, the crucifixion and the resurrection at the tomb.

The presentation, which has 300 costumed actors, also includes a marketplace recreation with crafts for children to complete while they wait for the tour.

The event is free and open to the public. The 90-minute tours run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 867-1833.

To submit religion news, send e-mail to kvance@fuse.net or fax to 755-4150.