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Community
IRON RIVER — The 2024 Michigan Notable Author Tour is making a stop in Iron County; John Smolens, author of 2024 Library of Michigan Notable Book, A Cold Hard Prayer, will be at the West Iron District Library on Thursday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Smolens has published 12 works of fiction, 11 novels and a collection of short stories. His previous novel ‘Day of Days’ was a Library of Michigan Notable Book for 2022. His work has appeared in publications such as The Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. His novels have been published around the world.
“We are honored to have been selected for the Michigan Notable Author tour,” said Erika Sauter, Library Program Coordinator.
“There are several of John Smolens novels in our collection and we can’t wait to hear about his latest release!”
‘A Cold Hard Prayer’ is set in 1924 where an orphan train delivers a girl of mixed race and a boy with a disabled hand to rural Michigan. Here, a farmer’s murder forces them to flee; hunted by law enforcement, mutual trust and determination helps the teenage suspects navigate a stark American landscape shaped by prejudice, hypocrisy and fear.
Attendees can expect to hear a short presentation on Smolen’s new book followed by a meet and greet with the author. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase. Admission is free and is open to the community. A library card is not needed to attend, and registration is not required. Free refreshments will be offered following the program.
The Michigan Notable Books program is sponsored in part by the Library of Michigan Foundation, Michigan Center for the Book and Michigan Humanities.
For more information, contact the West Iron District Library at 906-265-2831 or stop by the circulation desk located at 116 W. Genesee Street.