LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The notable Michigan books tour is about to make its first stop in the Upper Peninsula.
Every year, the Library of Michigan releases a list of 20 curated works published the previous year that are about, or take place in michigan or are written by michigan authors. From April to June, those authors visit libraries around the state to talk about their work and experience as writers.
The State Libraries Community Engagement Librarian, Adam Oster, said the tour allows areas that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to host visiting authors to hold events that let communities engage with Michigan writers.
“We just love this opportunity to be able to showcase the great literature and stories from our state,” Oster said. “Michigan always has a wonderful selection of books that just speak to you know what it is to be a Michigander.”
This year, Three authors will be making stops around the U.P. John Smolens is the author of A Cold, Hard Prayer. A work of historical fiction that follows two teenagers living on a farm in 1924 Michigan. Abra Berens is also a chef and former farmer. She was added to the list this year for Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit, a cookbook that show cases both sweet and savory recipes using fruit. Susie Finkbeiner will be making the last stop in Iron Mountain. Her novel, The All-American is about a 16-year-old girl growing up in 1950’s Detroit.
John Smolens – May 9, 2024 at 5:30PM
West Iron District Library
116 W Genesee St, Iron River, MI 49935
John Smolens – May 14, 2024 at 6:00PM
Bayliss Public Library, a Superior District Library
541 Library Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Abra Berens – June 5, 2024 at 5:00PM
Escanaba Public Library
400 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
Abra Berens – June 6, 2024 at 7:00PM
Peter White Public Library
217 N Front St, Marquette, MI 49855
Susie Finkbeiner – June 18, 2024 at 7:00PM (Central Time)
Dickinson County Library
401 Iron Mountain St, Iron Mountain, MI 49801
The full list of tour dates is available at www.Michigan.gov/NotableBooks.