Author John Smolens to visit Bayliss Library

NEWS RELEASE

BAYLISS PUBLIC LIBRARY

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SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - Bayliss Public Library is delighted to be hosting Marquette author John Smolens on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

He is on tour for his latest historical novel, Wolf’s Mouth, set mostly in the U.P. during World War II.

John Smolens has published ten works of fiction, including most recently: The Schoolmaster’s Daughter, Quarantine, and The Anarchist.

His work has also appeared in numerous publications.

He studied at Boston College, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of Iowa, and he taught at Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, and is professor emeritus, Northern Michigan University.

In 2010, he was the recipient of the Michigan Author of the Year Award from the Michigan Library Association.

Author Bonnie Jo Campbell has remarked that: “In Wolf’s Mouth, John Smolens delivers a thrilling story of good versus evil: part Upper Peninsula woods adventure, part rags-to-riches tale, part love story. It’s beautifully and thoughtfully written, and is bound to become part of Michigan’s folk history.”

Poet Keith Taylor calls it “an amazing accomplishment! John Smolens grabs his readers immediately with the little known tale of World War II as it was played out in the American northwoods. But then he takes us on a ride through history and its lingering effects as he finds them in his place, his Michigan, until we end up back in the forest before a tentative redemption. Francesco Verdi/Frank Green is one of the strongest, most vivid characters you'll find in a novel during this or any other year.”

Wolf’s Mouth will be available for purchase and signing. The Friends of Bayliss Library will provide refreshments.

Bayliss Public Library, an affiliate of Superior District Library, is located at 541 Library Drive in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

For more information, check www.baylisslibrary.org or find us on Facebook.