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April 29: Midwest Literary Walk in downtown Chelsea

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Patty Roberts for the information in this story.)

The Chelsea District Library recently announced the return of Midwest Literary Walk for its 9th year on Saturday, April 29 from 1-5 p.m. This event showcases nationally recognized authors and poets at venues throughout downtown Chelsea and is free and open to all.  

The 2017 lineup begins at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church (121 E. Middle St.) featuring a panel of two authors, both with stories regarding the immigrant experience. Peter Ho Davies novel The Fortunes, a New York Times Notable Book of 2016, is a story of four lives and explores the threads of what it means to be both Chinese and American. Meanwhile, Derek Palacio’s The Mortifications is the tale of a Cuban-American family challenged by culture and ideals. This multigenerational novel was a New York Times Best Book of 2016.

At 2:30 p.m., Dr. Heather Ann Thompson, professor at the University of Michigan, will present her book Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy at the Chelsea Depot (125 Jackson St.). Named a finalist for the National Book Award, it is the first definitive history of the Attica Uprising and the death of thirty-nine prisoners and hostage. A review in Publisher’s Weekly reports “…Thompson’s superb and thorough study serves as a powerful tale of the search for justice in the face of the abuses of institutional power.”

The final author session at 4 p.m. at Main Street Church (320 N. Main St.) features two talented poets. Kwame Alexander is the author of many books, including Crossover, winner of the 2015 Newbery Medal and the sequel Booked, longlisted for the National Book Award in 2016. These middle grade novels in verse feature characters with a love for sports who discover the power of words while dealing with life’s challenges.

Alexander will be interviewed by fellow poet Airea D. Matthews. Matthews first collection of poems, simulacra, is the winner of the 2016 Yale Series of Younger Poets. Critically acclaimed poet Carl Phillips selected Matthews as the winner of the competition and describes it as “rollicking, destabilizing, at once intellectually sly and piercing and finally poignant.” Both Alexander and Matthews will share selections from their work.

Books will be available for purchase from Literati Bookstore at each location and time will be reserved for book signings. Following the final reading participants are invited to the Chelsea Alehouse (420 N. Main St.) for a casual afterglow featuring the band The Hot Club of Ann Arbor bringing us swing and jazz from the 30s and 40s.

For more about the 2017 Midwest Literary Walk and for information on local businesses that will be offering discounts on the day of the event, visit www.midwestliterarywalk.org.

This event is sponsored by Friends of Chelsea District Library and in partnership with Literati Bookstore, Detroit Public TV, WDET, Astral Road Media, ChelseaMich.com, Chelsea Alehouse, and McKinley Properties.

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