(Chelsea Update would like to thank Shannon Powers for the information in this story.)
Chelsea District Library (CDL) is thrilled to announce the 2019 Midwest Literary Walk lineup featuring authors Min Jin Lee, Luis J. Rodriguez, and Anissa Gray.
For the past 10 years, this unique literary event has showcased more than 60 award-winning authors and poets at historic venues throughout downtown Chelsea.
This year’s event is no exception as it features a New York Times best-selling author, a former Los Angeles Poet Laureate, and an Emmy award winning journalist turned debut novelist. The eleventh annual Walk takes place 1-5 p.m., Saturday, April 27. It includes author talks, book signings, and is free and open to the public.
At 1 p.m. New York Times best-selling author Min Jin Lee opens the Walk at Main Street Church, 320 N. Main St. Lee’s book Pachinko was a National Book Award Finalist, New York Times 10 Best Books of 2017, and was recently picked up as a TV series by Apple. A gripping, multi-generational novel, Pachinko tells the story of a Korean family living in Japan during the Japanese occupation of Korea. They struggle through war and prejudice, all the while experiencing life’s joys, friendships, and heartbreaks.
Luis J. Rodriguez continues the Walk at 2:30 p.m. at the historic Chelsea Depot, 125 Jackson St. Rodriguez is an award-winning poet, memoirist, and activist, and his national bestselling memoir, Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A. was a New York Times notable book and recipient of the Carl Sandburg Literary Award. This memoir is an honest look at gang life and a cautionary tale against its consequences. Rodriguez’s participation in this year’s Midwest Literary Walk is made possible through the generous support of the Chelsea Community Foundation.
The final author session begins at 4 p.m. at Chelsea First Congregational Church, 121 E. Middle St., and will feature debut novelist Anissa Gray. Gray, a Michigan native, is an Emmy and duPont-Columbia award-winning journalist for CNN Worldwide. Her debut novel, The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls was released in February. This engrossing novel centers around a Michigan-based family of three sisters, the eldest of which is mysteriously arrested. Secrets and lies test familial loyalty and love.
Books will be available for purchase at each location courtesy of Literati Bookstore and time will be reserved for book signings following each author session.
On the day of the event, Midwest Literary Walk participants may also take advantage of a plethora of business discounts from local restaurants and shops before and after the walk. For more information about this year’s Midwest Literary Walk and local business discounts offered on the day of the event, visit www.midwestliterarywalk.org.
This year’s event is sponsored by the Friends of Chelsea District Library and the Chelsea Community Foundation, and in partnership with Literati Bookstore, Detroit Public TV, WDET, Astral Road Media, ChelseaMich.com, and Serendipity Books.
