One of my favorite authors is coming to Eau Claire in a couple of weeks as part of the Chippewa Valley Book Festival!  Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novelist, and author of Printz Award-winning  American Born Chinese, a funny, thought-provoking, important and totally engaging book that includes elements of magical realism and mythology.  I’ve heard from reliable sources (other librarians!) that he is a terrific presenter, too.  And he’s coming to Eau Claire, people!  There is nothing quite so inspiring as seeing a brilliant author, and chances to do so are few and far between.  Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 19, 1:00 pm at the Dakota Room at the UWEC Davies Center.

If you are thinking of driving over/up/down–let me know!  Maybe we can all get together for lunch beforehand!  There are other terrific authors presenting at libraries and other venues around the Chippewa Valley all week–take a peek at the whole schedule and be amazed.

P.S.  I just finished reading Gene Luen Yang’s latest book, Boxers this weekend.  It’s a disturbing, fascinating, harrowing, and completely engaging look at the Boxer Rebellion in China, told from the point of view of a young man who ends up as a leader of the rebellion after he sees his village (and his own father) destroyed by European immigrants and Christian missionaries.  I’m looking forward to reading the companion graphic novel, Saints, told from the perspective of a young Chinese girl during the same time period who has suffered neglect and abuse, and finds her calling as a nun. Both books are on the long list for the National Book Award this year.