Library Helps Bring Authors and Readers Together
October 5, 2012 —
Author Warren St. John released his 2009 book, “Outcasts United: A Refugee Team, an American Town,” to rave reviews, and thousands of incoming Missouri State University students are reading and discussing it as part of MSU’s Common Reader program.
You might have been swept up in this great story, too. MSU has encouraged the whole community to read the book, as well, and it’s also being discussed at three Library branch book groups this fall.
Now you can hear and meet the best-selling author on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 9 and10, at MSU and the Library Center. He will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts as part of MSU’s Public Affairs Convocation series. He will also have a Q&A and book signing after the talk.
You can also meet St. John the next day when he has a book signing from 10-11 a.m. in the Library Center concourse.
St. John describes “Outcasts United” as a story of a refugee soccer team, a remarkable woman coach and a small southern town turned upside down by the process of refugee resettlement. It’s a story about resilience, the power of one person to make a difference and the daunting challenge of creating community in a place where people seem to have little in common.
The author is a feature writer for “The New York Times” and best-selling author of “Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: A Road Trip into the Heart of Fan Mania."
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A second author event this week features a writer closer to home – Jeffrey Tenney, of Clever – and dramatic readings form his book “They Gathered As Unto Strife.” The event is at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, in the Library Center auditorium.
Tenney’s book tells the story of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek from the viewpoints of those involved. Members of the Queen City Collective will bring those voices to life through dramatic readings from his book. Tenney will introduce the production and discuss his work afterward. He will also sell and sign copies of his book.
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The countdown has begun: Two more weeks until the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale Oct. 23-28 – and a sneak preview Oct. 22 for Friends Preview Night – at Remington’s.