Bestselling Author Chris Bohjalian Comes to Waukegan

Sept. 29, 2011 - PRLog -- Chris Bohjalian, author of 14 books including six New York Times bestsellers, will visit the Waukegan Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The author will talk about his background as a writer and discuss the inspiration for his novels, particularly his latest, “The Night Strangers,” releasing to bookstores Oct. 4. Copies of the book will be available at the library for purchase and signing, courtesy of Lake Forest Bookstore.

Bohjalian’s literary distinctions include winning the Anahid Literary Award in 2000 and the New England Book Award in 2002. Oprah Winfrey chose Bohjalian’s fifth book, “Midwives,” as an Oprah’s Book Club selection, launching the novel to number one on the New York Times bestseller list. Also named Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly, “Midwives” was one of three Bohjalian books adapted into movies. “Secrets of Eden,” starring John Stamos and Anna Gunn, will air Nov. 21 on Lifetime Television.

The author’s newest novel, “The Night Strangers,” tells a New England ghost story about Chip Linton, a pilot who attempts an ill-fated crash landing after both of his engines fail. Most of his passengers perish, leading Chip and his family to face paranormal visitations. In a review, Library Journal calls the book, “… both a compelling story of a family in trauma and a psychological thriller that is truly frightening.”

Bohjalian’s visit is part of the Waukegan Public Library’s new Writers Revealed series, created in partnership with Lake Forest Bookstore. Writers Revealed brings bestselling and promising new authors to Waukegan to meet with local readers, discuss their craft and autograph books. Each event is free, open to the public, and includes complimentary refreshments. Visit www.waukeganpl.org to register.

Next in the series, New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick and debut novelist Moira Young will visit the library Oct. 13, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., to discuss the art of writing young adult fiction. For more information about Writers Revealed or questions about featured authors, call Sara Teti at the library at (847) 623-2041, ext. 292.

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Since 1898, the Waukegan Public Library has provided the community with opportunities to learn, gather and be entertained. The main library is located in downtown Waukegan at 128 N. County Street, just north of the County Building; the Hinkston Park Branch is located at 800 N. Baldwin, in the Waukegan Park District Field House. The library houses one of the largest collections of materials in Lake County. For more information, call (847) 623-2041, or visit www.waukeganpl.org.